The Big Bang Theory – Recap & Review – The Bozeman Reaction

photo: cbs

The Big Bang Theory
The Bozeman Reaction

Original Air Date: Jan 18, 2010

Theresa – Staff Writer
Theresa@thetwocentscorp.com

While Sheldon is out lamenting the revamped menu and pondering the implications of “shrimp with mobster sauce” with the gang at the Chinese restaurant, the boys’ apartment is robbed. Thank god, they DID leave the comic books.

Sheldon gives the police an exhaustive list of the video games and consoles the thieves took, as well as leads on which scientific advancements based on his work might lead them to their culprit, but his efforts are in vain. When it becomes apparent to him that no CSI team is cracking the case and the criminals will remain at large, Sheldon’s anxiety increases to the point where he can’t sleep. He becomes a nuisance to Leonard and Penny, making them stay up to keep him company. Fun fact: Sheldon wins for most precise/creative Pictionary player ever, for his illustration of “Higgs-Boson particle”.

Howard and Raj install an elaborate security system, complete with fingerprint and voice identification and an electrified net. Sheldon is still afraid when he hears a noise, and crawls out onto the ledge to tap on Leonard’s window. The noise turns out to just be Leonard and Penny in a pre-coital state, but Sheldon ventures out to check the rest of the apartment anyway and gets caught in the electrified net.

Having seen the “underbelly of Pasadena”, Sheldon – who has apparently decided he is Watchmen’s Rorschach as he writes in his journal – wants to find a new city to live in. After ruling out cities that don’t have model train shops, he settles on Bozeman, Montana. Howard tries to talk him out of it, Penny says she’ll miss him, and Sheldon plays them a goodbye video that bids adieu to “three of his closest friends and one treasured acquaintance”.  And then, Sheldon does in fact leave for Bozeman. Where he promptly has his luggage stolen. And goes back to Pasadena.

While predictable, I still laughed when Sheldon confirmed Penny was from Nebraska and then crossed off the entire state as a possibility. It’s all in the delivery! But I can’t get over how mean Leonard was being during the whole episode! Is it me, or did Leonard used to be able to manage Sheldon with a better humor? I’d say he’s getting worried that Penny will be scared away, but Penny seems to like Sheldon more than the guys do these days. I miss the group geekiness!

But speaking of, odd to see Howard try to talk Sheldon into staying. Of course, what does he get for it but finding out in the end that he is the friend Sheldon thinks of as an “acquaintance”. Personally, I think that should have remained unanswered – maybe have Sheldon’s remark be something that could have applied to two people and leave us all wondering. Still, enjoyable as always to see how far and yet how very not far Sheldon has come.

Let me know what you thought – comments past the quotes!

Best Lines (in addition to these, please see the entire opening scene!)
Leonard (to police officer, about Sheldon): Would I be completely out of line to ask you to shoot him?
Police Officer: I’d be happy to put him under a 72-hour psychiatric hold?
Sheldon: I’m not crazy. My mother had me tested.

Sheldon (after Penny gets trapped in the security net): Wonderful security system if we’re attacked by a school of tuna.
Howard: Don’t worry, the net’s gonna be electrified. Picture her on the floor, spasming uncontrollably.
Sheldon: … Better.

Sheldon: I am the master of my own bladder.

Sheldon: As you know, I’m not comfortable with prolonged goodbyes and maudlin displays of emotion, so I’ve prepared a short video.
Sheldon’s video: Greetings. As you know, I’m not comfortable with prolonged goodbyes and maudlin displays of emotion, so I’ve prepared this short video. The four of you are three of my closest friends, and one treasured acquaintance. Though I cannot state categorically that my life will be diminished by not having you in it, I am comfortable if you choose to believe that. Since you intend to remain in this lawless metropolitan area, statistics suggest that you will succumb to tragic and gruesome ends before we meet again. Live long and prosper.