Although The Big Bang Theory was incredibly popular with audiences, the series was often underrepresented in major critical discussions, especially when it came to awards recognition. Jim Parsons’ portrayal of Sheldon Cooper earned him four Emmy wins, but the series as a whole was not seen as a critical darling in the way shows like 30 Rock or Arrested Development were. The Big Bang Theory’s use of traditional multi-cam sitcom tropes and laugh tracks often leads to the show being unfairly dismissed.
The Big Bang Theory excelled in character development over time, particularly with arcs like Sheldon’s emotional evolution and Howard’s growth from a wannabe player to a devoted husband and father. Over 12 seasons of The Big Bang Theory, the show slowly introduced new female characters who became fan-favorites, a difficult feat for any sitcom. These are 3 episodes that showcase The Big Bang Theory cast chemistry, sure to make you fall in love with Sheldon and his friends.
1. The Bath Item Gift Hypothesis (season 2, episode 11)
Sheldon’s Reaction To Penny’s Gift Helps Us Understand HimWhen Penny gets Sheldon a gift for Christmas, he calls gift-giving “an obligation,” stressing over how to reciprocate with an appropriate gift. This helps me understand how Sheldon thinks, in a way, he’s right about how delicate it can be to pick out the right present. However, when Penny gives him a napkin signed and used by Leonard Nimoy, the actor famous for portraying Mr. Spock, Sheldon showers her with dozens of gift baskets. It’s still not enough to convey his gratitude, so he gives Penny a hug, a rare instance of him initiating physical contact.
Penny and Sheldon are one of the most unlikely but heartwarming friendships in The Big Bang Theory, and this episode is an early example of how Penny gets him even when she doesn’t necessarily understand him. The episode also opens with a classic Big Bang Theory theoretical discussion: how does Superman clean Kryptonian sweat off his super suit?
2. The Adhesive Duck Deficiency (season 3, episode 8)
Sheldon And Penny’s Friendship Is Highlighted
In one of Sheldon’s best episodes of The Big Bang Theory, Penny dislocates her shoulder in the shower, and Sheldon is the only one she can turn to for help. They are both out of their comfort zones, but have to rely on each other. They are two of the least similar characters in The Big Bang Theory: Sheldon is flummoxed she doesn’t have an assigned underwear rotation, and Penny is in pain but still waits for Sheldon to find an appropriately cute outfit for her.
Watching Penny and Sheldon sing “Soft Kitty” as a round with Penny in a sling and hopped up on pain medications is such a sweet moment that is unique to their friendship.
At the emergency room, Penny asks Sheldon to take a break from being himself to be more “comforting,” and he does his best for Penny’s sake. Watching Penny and Sheldon sing “Soft Kitty” as a round with Penny in a sling and hopped up on pain medications is such a sweet moment that is unique to their friendship.
3. The Einstein Approximation (season 3, episode 14)
Sheldon’s Quirks Shine In A New Work Setting
Sheldon is stuck, unable to find the briskness he needs in his research, and he keeps trying increasingly unhinged tactics to trick his brain into seeing a solution. This episode showcases Parsons’ incredible physical comedy when Leonard is trying to capture Sheldon in a children’s ball pit. In the end, Sheldon takes the most menial job he can find, so, like Einstein, the right parts of his brain are free to wander while he works – and surprisingly, he does have his breakthrough after dropping a stack of dishes at The Cheesecake Factory.
This episode is also an early example of how Howard is also in an ersatz relationship with Raj. We don’t see Howard’s double date with Bernadette, but we do see him roller disco skating with Raj in the episode’s hysterical button.
