The Big Bang Theory Season Two Review
The American show The Big Bang Theory is about two genius scientists, Leonard and Sheldon, who live together. When a beautiful new neighbor, Penny, moves in she is enfolded into their lives along with their two other friends, both of whom are genius scientists as well. Each episode is 18-33 minutes without commercials. The show that first aired in 2007 and is expected to run through to at least 2017.
The second season focuses on the relationships between the main characters, specifically with the addition of Penny, and how they become ever more intertwined in each others' lives. Though Leonard is still attracted to Penny, he starts to date other women while Penny does the same. We also see both Raj and Howard gain some success in their lives, Raj with his career and Howard with a casual relationship.
My Top 11 Favorite Moments of Season Two
- S2.E1: Drugged sheldon "revealing" he's Batman
- S2.E4: Penny's gaming addiction
- S2.E4: Sheldon's creepy smile when forced to be supportive of Raj's award.
- S2.E7: Sheldon "Woman, you are messing with forces beyond your kin." Penny "Yeah, well your Ken can kiss my Barbie."
- S2.E8: The introduction of Rock, Paper, Scissors, Lizard, Spock
- S2.E10: Sheldon speaking to Penny by computer due to his "Sheldon-ectomy".
- S2.E11: Sheldon's reaction to Penny's gift of Leonard Nimoy's signature, and Penny and Leonard's gifts to each other.
- S2.E13: Sheldon passing out while rock climbing.
- S2.E15: Raj and Howard's couple fight after Leonard's mother embarrasses them about their friendship.
- S2.E16: Sheldon's distress at having his couch cushion away being cleaned.
- S2.E21: Sheldon's breakdown after being locked out of his apartment.
Major Story Arcs
Leonard and Penny's relationship: After one date, Penny puts on the breaks and it creates some wonderfully awkward situations for them both through the rest of the season. Their friendship deepens despite this and they both continue to see other people.
Sheldon and Penny's relationship: Last season we saw Sheldon reluctantly accept that Penny would be hovering around his main group of friends. This season, we see that Penny has accepted him as a friend of her own - a sentiment he ends up returning. As a fixed member of his group, he starts to deal with Penny differently, both accepting her presence and treating her the same as the other members though that usually means with derision.
Major Character Evolution
Leonard, played by Johnny Galecki. After a failed date with Penny, he decides to both build his friendship with her hoping it will pay off one day while also starting to date more. He ends up in several relationships including Leslie Winkle and Doctor Stephanie.
Sheldon, played by Jim Parsons. In this season, Sheldon is challenged more not only by Penny but also his friends. They demand that he start to at least try to take care of himself more often. He also starts to accept Penny as a permanent member of their group.
Penny, played by Kaley Cuoco, is still working at The Cheesecake Factory while waiting for acting jobs to come in. After a date with Leonard that makes her feel uncomfortable, she continues her normal dating habits. However, she is starting to realize that she tends to date jerks and idiots.
Howard, played by Simon Helberg, got a taste of what his creepyness can do this season when Penny confronts him and his behavior, ending up with a broken nose.
Raj, played by Kunal Nayyar, had a taste of success this season being recognized by People Magazine's 30 Under 30. The success went to his head.
Fun Facts
- Michael Trucco, who played Dave Underhill in episode 11, also starred on the updated show Battlestar Galactica. Several of the characters on the show are fans of the show.
- George Smoot, an American astrophysicist, cosmologist, and Nobel laureate, makes a cameo in episode 17.
- Also in episode 17, Summer Glau appears as herself on the train. She is a popular figure in sci-fi due to her appearing in things such as Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles and the TV Show Firefly as well as its film companion Serenity.
Where to Watch
New episodes of The Big Bang Theory show airs on CBS. Unfortunately, episodes are not on Netflix streaming, Amazon Prime, or Hulu yet, but you can buy The Big Bang Theory: Season 2 on Amazon.
You can read the reviews for other Big Bang Theory Seasons by clicking below.