# 3/30 Big Bang Theory: The Dead Hooker Juxtaposition **URL:** \ **Category:** Cafe Society\ **Created:** [March 30, 2009, 11:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/3-30-big-bang-theory-the-dead-hooker-juxtaposition/491372 "2009-03-30T23:19:41Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![Meeko](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/e495f1/32.png) [@Meeko](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Meeko)\ **Post date:** [March 31, 2009, 3:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/3-30-big-bang-theory-the-dead-hooker-juxtaposition/491372/21 "2009-03-31T15:01:24Z")
> [@carlb](#): > > An aside: is there a term for the process by which a moderately funny line or scenario becomes funnier through excessive repetition? It is called a “Running Gag”. > **[Running gag](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Running_gag)** > > A running gag, or running joke, is a literary device that takes the form of an amusing joke or a comical reference and appears repeatedly throughout a work of literature or other form of storytelling. Though they are related, catchphrases are not considered to be running gags. > Running gags can begin with an instance of unintentional humor or a one-time joke that provokes a strong response, and is repeated in variations as the joke grows familiar and audiences anticipate reappearances of the gag.... Running gags can begin with an instance of unintentional humor that is repeated in variations as the joke grows familiar and audiences anticipate reappearances of the gag. The humor in a running gag may derive entirely from how often it is repeated, the (in)appropriateness of the situation in which the gag occurs, or setting up the audience to expect an occurrence of the joke and then substituting something else (bait and switch). Running gags are found mostly in sitcoms, but also appear in other places, such as video games, films, books, and comic strips. ---
**Author:** ![Sitnam](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/6a8cbe/32.png) [@Sitnam](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sitnam)\ **Post date:** [March 31, 2009, 3:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/3-30-big-bang-theory-the-dead-hooker-juxtaposition/491372/22 "2009-03-31T15:03:49Z")
> [@Meeko](#): > > \*\*I think, just maybe, Sheldon and Penny might get a date going on. \*\* This is exactly what I thought. Sheldon would never date anyone even kind of like him, he’d be too upset over slight differences of opinion on astrophysicists and such. Sheldon and Penny are from different worlds, and two characters totally different but eventually falling in love is a time honored sitcom strategy. ---
**Author:** ![Meeko](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/e495f1/32.png) [@Meeko](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Meeko)\ **Post date:** [March 31, 2009, 3:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/3-30-big-bang-theory-the-dead-hooker-juxtaposition/491372/23 "2009-03-31T15:10:20Z")
> [@Sitnam](#): > > This is exactly what I thought. Sheldon would never date anyone even kind of like him, he’d be too upset over slight differences of opinion on astrophysicists and such. Sheldon and Penny are from different worlds, and two characters totally different but eventually falling in love is a time honored sitcom strategy. I mean, You had the entire “Sea Shanty” bit the episode before with the penny blossoms. If you ask me, spending time like that, doing something similar to that… it is a hop skip and a jump. Especially, if the “Hooker” is going to stay for a few episodes. Moderate, thoughtful movement of what a character will and will not do, is acceptable. Moving the “properties” a character has around incredibly fast, durring a season break no less is not. Do you hear that, Heroes? You are DEAD to me!" But then again, the other female Dr. Dr. has left the show, right? (The one that put up with Sheldon’s hypochrondia) ---
**Author:** ![ShibbOleth](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/848f3c/32.png) [@ShibbOleth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ShibbOleth)\ **Post date:** [March 31, 2009, 3:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/3-30-big-bang-theory-the-dead-hooker-juxtaposition/491372/24 "2009-03-31T15:12:18Z")
> [@Meeko](#): > > **Also** , I think it was the Atlanta GA Feed of the show, but our audio cut out twice as we were watching it: > > After “A fancy restaurant, like Olive Garden”: > > 1. Why did howard stay with his mom? Audio Did Sheldon make a comment about his back support? > > At the end of the show: > 2. What was the gist of the bit right before the end? We heard perhaps the last two lines before the card. 1. Howard was arguing with his mom that he was all grown and he should be able to go. Mom said, essentially, fine, you’re over 30, you shouldn’t be here. Howard says Fine, I’ll just stay then. Joke is that his mom is fine with him leaving, he’s not, but pins it on his mom. Yes, Sheldon commented that since they wouldn’t be moving Howard’s stuff he wouldn’t be needing the back support. 2. They’re talking about how new girl is dating a producer from CSI. Then the stereo kicks in with a lot of bass. Sheldon makes a comment about how Leonard must have set it on DTS. Leonard says it’s not his fault since she said he was cute (or something). Then we here some boxsprings squeaking. Sheldon says “Oh great, now she’s jumping on the bed”. Penny just looks at Leonard and mouths “Oh my god!” in reference to how totally clueless Sheldon is about things mundane. A few missing items, but that’s the gist. ---
**Author:** ![Sampiro](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/2acd7d/32.png) [@Sampiro](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sampiro)\ **Post date:** [March 31, 2009, 3:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/3-30-big-bang-theory-the-dead-hooker-juxtaposition/491372/25 "2009-03-31T15:16:51Z")
I didn’t think it was one of the better episodes, but an okay BIG BANG is better than a good episode of most shows. I liked the “Girlfight!” when Wollowitz grabbed Leonard. “What are you holding me for?” “Because I know you’d try and stop them!” I also love any scene with Wollowitz’s heard-but-not-seen mom. (Her best line of all time: “Are you having sex with some girl in there?” ‘Yes mom’. “Is she Jewish?” Yes mom. “Have a good time. Use protection!”) Is there anybody else who thinks Jim “Sheldon” Parsons is strangely adorable? (I’m so irked he hasn’t won any major awards yet.) ---
**Author:** ![Annie-Xmas](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/ecc23a/32.png) [@Annie-Xmas](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Annie-Xmas)\ **Post date:** [March 31, 2009, 3:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/3-30-big-bang-theory-the-dead-hooker-juxtaposition/491372/26 "2009-03-31T15:26:46Z")
Jim Parsons is one of the best physical comedians to hit TV in a long while. Matt Roash of TV Guide magazine is a huge fan of his work, stating “there is comedy gold in The Big Bang Theory, thanks to Jim Paron’s portrayal of Dr. Sheldon Cooper,” and siting the “Nobel Prize Chemistry” he has with both Penny & Leonard. ---
**Author:** ![chrisk](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/6de8d8/32.png) [@chrisk](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/chrisk)\ **Post date:** [March 31, 2009, 3:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/3-30-big-bang-theory-the-dead-hooker-juxtaposition/491372/27 "2009-03-31T15:46:58Z")
I also appreciate that they’re finding new ways for Penny and Sheldon to play off each other instead of harping on the things that they’ve tried before. I loved it when Sheldon was just staying at home, doing his usual thing, (Discovery channel!) when the other guys had all gone upstairs to hang around new-girl. He doesn’t really care about Penny’s troubles, but by tolerating her, he essentially consents to serve as her confidante. ---
**Author:** ![Caricci](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/85f322/32.png) [@Caricci](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Caricci)\ **Post date:** [March 31, 2009, 3:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/3-30-big-bang-theory-the-dead-hooker-juxtaposition/491372/28 "2009-03-31T15:52:23Z")
> [@Meeko](#): > > **Also** , I think it was the Atlanta GA Feed of the show, but our audio cut out twice as we were watching it: > > After “A fancy restaurant, like Olive Garden”: > > 1. Why did howard stay with his mom? Audio Did Sheldon make a comment about his back support? > > At the end of the show: > 2. What was the gist of the bit right before the end? We heard perhaps the last two lines before the card. Here too! I’m so happy to know I’m not crazy. ---
**Author:** ![Meeko](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/e495f1/32.png) [@Meeko](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Meeko)\ **Post date:** [March 31, 2009, 3:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/3-30-big-bang-theory-the-dead-hooker-juxtaposition/491372/29 "2009-03-31T15:53:22Z")
That was another throwback. I like how Sheldon is STILL trying to work on Sarcasm. Even now. I loved the exchange about sarcasm from an earlier episode “The Big Bran Hypothesis”. One of the best shows ever. ---
**Author:** ![Meeko](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/e495f1/32.png) [@Meeko](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Meeko)\ **Post date:** [March 31, 2009, 3:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/3-30-big-bang-theory-the-dead-hooker-juxtaposition/491372/30 "2009-03-31T15:54:25Z")
> [@Caricci](#): > > Here too! I’m so happy to know I’m not crazy. Do you have DirecTV ? ---
**Author:** ![well\_he\_s\_back](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/3ab097/32.png) [@well\_he\_s\_back](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/well_he_s_back)\ **Post date:** [March 31, 2009, 3:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/3-30-big-bang-theory-the-dead-hooker-juxtaposition/491372/31 "2009-03-31T15:54:40Z")
oh I love this show. Have to disagree with you guys about Penny and Sheldon getting together. I recall the scene of Penny & Leonard having tequila shots together and they wound up in bed. I still think they make a cute romantic couple, but I like seeing Penny & Sheldon becoming friends. ---
**Author:** ![Meeko](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/e495f1/32.png) [@Meeko](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Meeko)\ **Post date:** [March 31, 2009, 3:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/3-30-big-bang-theory-the-dead-hooker-juxtaposition/491372/32 "2009-03-31T15:59:37Z")
> [@Sampiro](#): > > I also love any scene with Wollowitz’s heard-but-not-seen mom. Her best lines seem to be sleepers: “We are going to a **FANCY** restaurant, like Olive Garden” “What are you boys doing in there? If you boys can’t keep quiet, Howard won’t have any more sleep overs!” [From the episode where Sheldon leaves the Apartment in a huff.] ---
**Author:** ![control-z](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/eada6e/32.png) [@control-z](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/control-z)\ **Post date:** [March 31, 2009, 4:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/3-30-big-bang-theory-the-dead-hooker-juxtaposition/491372/33 "2009-03-31T16:21:50Z")
There were a couple weird audio problems in last night’s episode. First, when the guys were at Howard’s door, all I could hear after they heard his mother yelling was generic outdoor nature sounds, it’s like I was only getting one channel of 5.1 sound or something, even though I have things set to plain old Stereo. Then at the end of the episode where they were talking in the apartment, there was no sound at all for 30 seconds or so, I missed all the ending dialog. Other than that, very good episode though! ---
**Author:** ![tim-n-va](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/tim-n-va/32/3001_2.png) [@tim-n-va](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/tim-n-va)\ **Post date:** [March 31, 2009, 5:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/3-30-big-bang-theory-the-dead-hooker-juxtaposition/491372/34 "2009-03-31T17:10:45Z")
> [@control-z](#): > > There were a couple weird audio problems in last night’s episode. First, when the guys were at Howard’s door, all I could hear after they heard his mother yelling was generic outdoor nature sounds, it’s like I was only getting one channel of 5.1 sound or something, even though I have things set to plain old Stereo. > > Then at the end of the episode where they were talking in the apartment, there was no sound at all for 30 seconds or so, I missed all the ending dialog. > > Other than that, very good episode though! Do you have it set on DTS? ---
**Author:** ![control-z](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/eada6e/32.png) [@control-z](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/control-z)\ **Post date:** [March 31, 2009, 5:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/3-30-big-bang-theory-the-dead-hooker-juxtaposition/491372/35 "2009-03-31T17:14:23Z")
> [@tim-n-va](#): > > Do you have it set on DTS? I really don’t even know what that is. I was watching on TivoHD with ATSC antenna as the source. I assume it was just a problem with my local CBS station, but IIRC I’ve heard others complain of audio problems on this show. ---
**Author:** ![Sampiro](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/2acd7d/32.png) [@Sampiro](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sampiro)\ **Post date:** [March 31, 2009, 5:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/3-30-big-bang-theory-the-dead-hooker-juxtaposition/491372/36 "2009-03-31T17:18:06Z")
> [@tim-n-va](#): > > Do you have it set on DTS? Ironic question considering the guys asking the same question while setting up the “Dead Hooker’s” stereo. “Well she called me cutie!” I wonder if they’re ever going to fix the elevator. ---
**Author:** ![TruCelt](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/trucelt/32/523_2.png) [@TruCelt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TruCelt)\ **Post date:** [March 31, 2009, 5:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/3-30-big-bang-theory-the-dead-hooker-juxtaposition/491372/37 "2009-03-31T17:49:03Z")
I always turn on the closed captioning for this show. Audio problems are a constant. The best moment for me was the looks after Sheldon’s “jumping on the bed” comment. Especially Leonard - it was a perfect mix of “OMG” and “Yep, that’s our Sheldon”. ---
**Author:** ![tim-n-va](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/tim-n-va/32/3001_2.png) [@tim-n-va](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/tim-n-va)\ **Post date:** [March 31, 2009, 5:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/3-30-big-bang-theory-the-dead-hooker-juxtaposition/491372/38 "2009-03-31T17:50:27Z")
Missed the edit window but my post above should have had: 😃 ---
**Author:** ![control-z](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/eada6e/32.png) [@control-z](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/control-z)\ **Post date:** [March 31, 2009, 5:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/3-30-big-bang-theory-the-dead-hooker-juxtaposition/491372/39 "2009-03-31T17:57:56Z")
I actually tried closed captioning, but when I hit the CC button on my TV remote it says something like “Not available in this mode.” It seems like the CC gets lost somewhere in the antenna-\>Tivo-\>HDMI Port-\>TV chain. Edit: Actually I guess the CC needs to be done on the Tivo, I need to figure out how to enable it. ---
**Author:** ![The\_Superhero](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/73ab20/32.png) [@The\_Superhero](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/The_Superhero)\ **Post date:** [March 31, 2009, 5:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/3-30-big-bang-theory-the-dead-hooker-juxtaposition/491372/40 "2009-03-31T17:59:17Z")
> [@Brandus](#): > > I was very disappointed, It sounded like the actor had never seen Return of the Jedi ☹ Don’t you think that that was kind of the point? That Sheldon has been “working on” his Admiral Ackbar impression, and it’s terrible? [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/3-30-big-bang-theory-the-dead-hooker-juxtaposition/491372.md?page=1) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/3-30-big-bang-theory-the-dead-hooker-juxtaposition/491372.md?page=3)