# Big Bang Theory, November 21, 2013 -- "The Thanksgiving Decoupling" **URL:** \ **Category:** Cafe Society\ **Created:** [November 21, 2013, 4:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/big-bang-theory-november-21-2013-the-thanksgiving-decoupling/674441 "2013-11-21T16:51:23Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 3
**Author:** ![Exapno\_Mapcase](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/exapno_mapcase/32/1051_2.png) [@Exapno\_Mapcase](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Exapno_Mapcase)\ **Post date:** [November 22, 2013, 6:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/big-bang-theory-november-21-2013-the-thanksgiving-decoupling/674441/41 "2013-11-22T18:30:30Z")
That’s exactly why this episode was so awful underneath a few good jokes and moments. Penny has been set up for years as the one with street smarts and the one plugged into all non-nerd popular culture. There is no possible reality in which she doesn’t know that Vegas weddings are real. Not only did everybody else on the show know that instantly but it’s been a plot on dozens of other tv shows and movies. Usually the humor comes from character, and all the good bits on this show came from that. Penny was simply reversed for the sake of the gag. She wasn’t being the amiable goof, and she treated Leonard horribly for no other reason than he was legitimately upset that the woman he has repeatedly proposed to shook off a real marriage as if it shouldn’t mean anything. Why shouldn’t Leonard feel insecure when Penny all but tells him to his face to she isn’t really committed to him the way he is to her? There was also a revealing character moment at the end when her annoyance at Zack’s perfect idiocy could have been handled as a learning experience about the way she acts around the others. Nope, just another gag. Not that the rest of the characters were handled much better. Sheldon may be clueless but he would never allow anyone else to make that slavery comparison. Nor did it resolve into anything more than a timefiller. Frank’s bonding with him because he knows football was acceptable sitcom fodder but his stomping on Howard should remind us that all the guys have daddy issues. Howard’s left, Sheldon’s died, Leonard’s was apparently emasculated to invisibility, and Raj’s bullies him. (Penny’s wanted a son and Amy’s is still waiting to appear.) More and more lately they’re playing this for meanness. Sarcasm and snark is one thing; meanness doesn’t work. I wish they’d stop. ---
**Author:** ![BobLibDem](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/boblibdem/32/3149_2.png) [@BobLibDem](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BobLibDem)\ **Post date:** [November 22, 2013, 6:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/big-bang-theory-november-21-2013-the-thanksgiving-decoupling/674441/42 "2013-11-22T18:48:07Z")
I think the boys could have done some research on cows and know they don’t sleep standing up. Penny should have known that too. Mrs. W should have had dinner well in the oven by the time anyone arrived. Howard’s line about her first stomach was a goodie, though in most of the show he was a whiny little priss. So his father in law doesn’t care for him. BFD. Great bit with Bernie and the marshmallows, though I’d rather watch her slowly eat a banana. Sheldon- why aren’t you an offensive coordinator? With his photographic memory and rapid pattern recognition, he would be a natural. Drunk Sheldon is always a hoot. Amy’s reaction to the pat on the butt was one of her best moments. One of the best episodes of an otherwise dismal season and disappointing sweeps month. ---
**Author:** ![gytalf2000](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/ac91a4/32.png) [@gytalf2000](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/gytalf2000)\ **Post date:** [November 22, 2013, 7:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/big-bang-theory-november-21-2013-the-thanksgiving-decoupling/674441/43 "2013-11-22T19:15:19Z")
I always enjoy seeing Sheldon in an inebriated state. Watching him talk football with Bernadette’s dad was hilarious! I got a bit annoyed by both Penny’s and Leonard’s reactions to the “not-so-fake” wedding, but overall that was funny, as well. ---
**Author:** ![kaylasdad99](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kaylasdad99/32/3398_2.png) [@kaylasdad99](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kaylasdad99)\ **Post date:** [November 22, 2013, 7:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/big-bang-theory-november-21-2013-the-thanksgiving-decoupling/674441/44 "2013-11-22T19:15:22Z")
> [@Ranger\_Jeff](#): > > Oh, if Howard’s Mom keeps a Kosher kitchen, there probably won’t be any Crisco. 😕 AFAIK, Crisco has always been a vegetable shortening. Have I been laboring under a misapprehension for 50+ years? ---
**Author:** ![kaylasdad99](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kaylasdad99/32/3398_2.png) [@kaylasdad99](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kaylasdad99)\ **Post date:** [November 22, 2013, 7:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/big-bang-theory-november-21-2013-the-thanksgiving-decoupling/674441/45 "2013-11-22T19:19:11Z")
> [@panache45](#): > > I loved Bernadette’s father bonding with football-fan Sheldon (who knew?). And of course Amy’s expression after the swat. But I honestly can’t think of anything else memorable. I dunno. If Zack could be relied on to understand what “surreal” means, I’d accuse him of deliberately making Penny’s life surreal. _How do you know [we didn’t have any kids]?_ Come on. ---
**Author:** ![kaylasdad99](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kaylasdad99/32/3398_2.png) [@kaylasdad99](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kaylasdad99)\ **Post date:** [November 22, 2013, 7:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/big-bang-theory-november-21-2013-the-thanksgiving-decoupling/674441/46 "2013-11-22T19:25:47Z")
> [@epbrown01](#): > > And Howard: this is the second time we’ve seen him whining to Bernie or his mom to stick up for him (he did it with NASA as well) when he’s not immediately liked; someone needs to call him out for this cry-baby behavior. How’s Mike supposed to respect a guy hiding behind a 90-lb pixie’s skirts? :rolleyes: Not only that; I think Mike was seriously unimpressed with the way Howard talks to and about his mother. I hope (and in fact predict) that he’ll be discussing that with Howard before the end of the season, or at least before their relationship can become any closer. One of the things a dad is supposed to do for his son (even more important than teach him how to murder a fish, or an earthworm) is teach him how to treat a woman with respect, particularly the women in his life. I’d kind of like to see Mike do that for Howard. Be a hell of a lot more meaningful than sharing a beer. ---
**Author:** ![kaylasdad99](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kaylasdad99/32/3398_2.png) [@kaylasdad99](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kaylasdad99)\ **Post date:** [November 22, 2013, 7:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/big-bang-theory-november-21-2013-the-thanksgiving-decoupling/674441/47 "2013-11-22T19:34:55Z")
> [@Folly](#): > > He drank during Howard’s bachelor party in order to follow the social custom, but I don’t remember what he was drinking. Scotch, IIRC. ---
**Author:** ![epbrown01](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/7ba0ec/32.png) [@epbrown01](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/epbrown01)\ **Post date:** [November 22, 2013, 7:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/big-bang-theory-november-21-2013-the-thanksgiving-decoupling/674441/48 "2013-11-22T19:57:36Z")
> [@Biggirl](#): > > Wha huh? I thought Leonard took finding out his girlfriend, who reacts to his asking to marry her as if he’s offering her a serving of plague dog soup, is married to someone else very well. From what I saw, Penny was upset at finding out, but wasn’t allowed to process her feelings because Leonard made it all about him. (“_I’m_ the victim here!”) She got drunk and married someone else in Vegas 3 years ago (before _he_ ever proposed) and it’s about him? Seriously? The author of _Needy Baby, Greedy Baby_ had a point. They established in the car on the way over that there were grounds for an anullment, which Penny clearly indicated she would get next week. There was no urgency to the situation - Leonard demanding immediate action due to his insecurity and while he protested her calling Zack, he was not going to shut up until the papers were signed even though nothing would still be resolved before Monday, when they were filed. ---
**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:** [November 22, 2013, 8:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/big-bang-theory-november-21-2013-the-thanksgiving-decoupling/674441/49 "2013-11-22T20:07:19Z")
“The plot, like my gravy, thickens. . .” “That’s why I sit” – “Yeah, that’s why.” “I kick it when he’s not looking” “Sorry, I really want to hear how sad you are. . .” I can’t believe anyone didn’t get a few good laughs out of this one. There are definite signs that we are moving toward a Sheldon/Amy consummation. The whole having a beer together thing is a huge rite of passage for Southern boys. ---
**Author:** ![Kimballkid](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/b5a626/32.png) [@Kimballkid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kimballkid)\ **Post date:** [November 22, 2013, 8:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/big-bang-theory-november-21-2013-the-thanksgiving-decoupling/674441/50 "2013-11-22T20:12:20Z")
> [@Folly](#): > > He drank during Howard’s bachelor party in order to follow the social custom, but I don’t remember what he was drinking. > [@kaylasdad99](#): > > Scotch, IIRC. And he knew he was drinking it and seemed to handle it OK. ---
**Author:** ![Drunky\_Smurf](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/drunky_smurf/32/449_2.png) [@Drunky\_Smurf](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Drunky_Smurf)\ **Post date:** [November 22, 2013, 10:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/big-bang-theory-november-21-2013-the-thanksgiving-decoupling/674441/51 "2013-11-22T22:02:26Z")
> [@BobLibDem](#): > > Sheldon- why aren’t you an offensive coordinator? With his photographic memory and rapid pattern recognition, he would be a natural. Sheldon would never do that. That would deprive humanity of his genius and the secrets of the universe he will unlock. Besides you can’t get a Nobel Prize coaching football. ---
**Author:** ![velvetjones](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/v/5f9b8f/32.png) [@velvetjones](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/velvetjones)\ **Post date:** [November 22, 2013, 10:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/big-bang-theory-november-21-2013-the-thanksgiving-decoupling/674441/52 "2013-11-22T22:24:06Z")
The Leonard and Penny stuff was just annoying. Ditto Howard and his whining. It had moments (already mentioned) but over all it was just mediocre. ---
**Author:** ![TBG](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/c89c15/32.png) [@TBG](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TBG)\ **Post date:** [November 22, 2013, 11:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/big-bang-theory-november-21-2013-the-thanksgiving-decoupling/674441/53 "2013-11-22T23:39:55Z")
> [@Tapiotar](#): > > That’s funny, I started wondering why Leonard puts up with stupid, alcoholic Penny. I can think of a couple of reasons. ---
**Author:** ![Biggirl](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/biggirl/32/3294_2.png) [@Biggirl](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Biggirl)\ **Post date:** [November 22, 2013, 11:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/big-bang-theory-november-21-2013-the-thanksgiving-decoupling/674441/54 "2013-11-22T23:40:19Z")
Even though I too found at least Penny annoying, it was worth it for those few moments of pure Zackatude. ---
**Author:** ![rocking\_chair](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/rocking_chair/32/2918_2.png) [@rocking\_chair](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/rocking_chair)\ **Post date:** [November 23, 2013, 12:05am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/big-bang-theory-november-21-2013-the-thanksgiving-decoupling/674441/55 "2013-11-23T00:05:36Z")
> [@TruCelt](#): > > “The plot, like my gravy, thickens. . .” > > “That’s why I sit” – “Yeah, that’s why.” > > “I kick it when he’s not looking” > > “Sorry, I really want to hear how sad you are. . .” > > I can’t believe anyone didn’t get a few good laughs out of this one. > > There are definite signs that we are moving toward a Sheldon/Amy consummation. The whole having a beer together thing is a huge rite of passage for Southern boys. the gravy quote was my fav. raj’s face was perfect, the gleam in his eyes. perhaps amy could end up with zak. i notice she really watches sheldon more closely after the “monkey incident” in her lab. ---
**Author:** ![Ranger\_Jeff](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ranger_jeff/32/2065_2.png) [@Ranger\_Jeff](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ranger_Jeff)\ **Post date:** [November 23, 2013, 12:14am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/big-bang-theory-november-21-2013-the-thanksgiving-decoupling/674441/56 "2013-11-23T00:14:18Z")
I’m not proud. I enjoyed it. ---
**Author:** ![silenus](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/silenus/32/166_2.png) [@silenus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/silenus)\ **Post date:** [November 23, 2013, 12:48am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/big-bang-theory-november-21-2013-the-thanksgiving-decoupling/674441/57 "2013-11-23T00:48:55Z")
> [@TBG](#): > > I can think of a couple of reasons. His “breast friends.” ---
**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:** [November 23, 2013, 2:13am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/big-bang-theory-november-21-2013-the-thanksgiving-decoupling/674441/58 "2013-11-23T02:13:12Z")
> [@silenus](#): > > His “breast friends.” Well, just the one, really. ---
**Author:** ![Ranger\_Jeff](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ranger_jeff/32/2065_2.png) [@Ranger\_Jeff](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ranger_Jeff)\ **Post date:** [November 23, 2013, 3:43am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/big-bang-theory-november-21-2013-the-thanksgiving-decoupling/674441/59 "2013-11-23T03:43:22Z")
> [@silenus](#): > > His “breast friends.” > [@TruCelt](#): > > Well, just the one, really. In my experience, breasts usually travel in pairs. ---
**Author:** ![jayjay](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jayjay/32/6765_2.png) [@jayjay](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jayjay)\ **Post date:** [November 23, 2013, 3:59am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/big-bang-theory-november-21-2013-the-thanksgiving-decoupling/674441/60 "2013-11-23T03:59:07Z")
There was some character retrogression…Bernie’s dad and Howard had made their peace with each other in the episode where they were supposed to go fishing together but went to Vegas(?) instead. And now it’s like we’re right back to before that. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/big-bang-theory-november-21-2013-the-thanksgiving-decoupling/674441.md?page=2) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/big-bang-theory-november-21-2013-the-thanksgiving-decoupling/674441.md?page=4)