# The Big Bang Theory, Season 12, Episode 22 (May 9, 2019) -- "The Maternal Conclusion" **URL:** \ **Category:** Cafe Society\ **Created:** [May 9, 2019, 3:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-big-bang-theory-season-12-episode-22-may-9-2019-the-maternal-conclusion/833727 "2019-05-09T15:38:55Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![gytalf2000](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/ac91a4/32.png) [@gytalf2000](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/gytalf2000)\ **Post date:** [May 9, 2019, 3:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-big-bang-theory-season-12-episode-22-may-9-2019-the-maternal-conclusion/833727/1 "2019-05-09T15:38:55Z")
I am starting this thread in anticipation of tonight’s episode. ---
**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:** [May 10, 2019, 12:35am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-big-bang-theory-season-12-episode-22-may-9-2019-the-maternal-conclusion/833727/2 "2019-05-10T00:35:35Z")
Even though I hoped 2 out of the 3 people chose the opposite of what they did, I LOVED this episode. I think Raj would have been happier with a wife and family than with his terrible friends who treat him like shit. And I wished that Leonard would have cut that toxicity right out of his life-- I still cannot be mad at the choices these guys made. I also laughed and laughed. One more to go. ---
**Author:** ![Tinker\_Grey](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/tinker_grey/32/8136_2.png) [@Tinker\_Grey](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tinker_Grey)\ **Post date:** [May 10, 2019, 1:57am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-big-bang-theory-season-12-episode-22-may-9-2019-the-maternal-conclusion/833727/3 "2019-05-10T01:57:00Z")
I didn’t like the regression to Sheldon’s impossible cluelessness. ---
**Author:** ![Roderick\_Femm](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/roderick_femm/32/14875_2.png) [@Roderick\_Femm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Roderick_Femm)\ **Post date:** [May 10, 2019, 6:01am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-big-bang-theory-season-12-episode-22-may-9-2019-the-maternal-conclusion/833727/4 "2019-05-10T06:01:53Z")
Well, I didn’t laugh (and I gotta say the laugh track has gotten really intrusive and annoying in the past few seasons) but I’m glad I watched. Leonard did just exactly the right thing regarding his mother – congratulations to the writers. On the other hand, I swear if Raj finds a woman next week I am going to throw something pointy at the TV. (I thought that concierge person was out of his life completely, having missed some number of episodes, so all that was just out of the blue for me.) Is there really only one episode left? There doesn’t seem to be much room for any sort of cathartic/closure sort of final episode. Nobel prize? Someone’s pregnant? Stuart dies and Raj gets his girlfriend? I hope I don’t forget to watch. ---
**Author:** ![GuanoLad](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/guanolad/32/42_2.png) [@GuanoLad](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GuanoLad)\ **Post date:** [May 10, 2019, 9:06am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-big-bang-theory-season-12-episode-22-may-9-2019-the-maternal-conclusion/833727/5 "2019-05-10T09:06:17Z")
It’s a double-episode finale, I think. ---
**Author:** ![notfrommensa](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/f14d63/32.png) [@notfrommensa](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/notfrommensa)\ **Post date:** [May 10, 2019, 12:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-big-bang-theory-season-12-episode-22-may-9-2019-the-maternal-conclusion/833727/6 "2019-05-10T12:25:12Z")
My DVR has a 1 hour double episode at 8 pm ET, and retrospective special at 9:30 (30 minutes). Young Sheldon season finale is at 9 pm ---
**Author:** ![gytalf2000](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/ac91a4/32.png) [@gytalf2000](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/gytalf2000)\ **Post date:** [May 10, 2019, 1:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-big-bang-theory-season-12-episode-22-may-9-2019-the-maternal-conclusion/833727/7 "2019-05-10T13:01:22Z")
Great fun! I enjoyed watching Leonard stand up to his mother. I’m glad that Howard went after Raj at the airport; that was both touching and funny. Overall, a good episode. ---
**Author:** ![Dewey\_Finn](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dewey_finn/32/4222_2.png) [@Dewey\_Finn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dewey_Finn)\ **Post date:** [May 10, 2019, 3:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-big-bang-theory-season-12-episode-22-may-9-2019-the-maternal-conclusion/833727/8 "2019-05-10T15:04:08Z")
Leonard took a good approach with his mother. If I were in his shoes (or Penny’s shoes), I’d have dropped her off at a hotel and forgotten about her. (Or just left her bags on the street and let her find her own way to a hotel.) You’d think a woman as smart as she is and being an expert in psychology would understand what Leonard wants from her. ---
**Author:** ![TriPolar](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/tripolar/32/3008_2.png) [@TriPolar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TriPolar)\ **Post date:** [May 10, 2019, 3:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-big-bang-theory-season-12-episode-22-may-9-2019-the-maternal-conclusion/833727/9 "2019-05-10T15:14:30Z")
> [@Dewey\_Finn](#): > > Leonard took a good approach with his mother. If I were in his shoes (or Penny’s shoes), I’d have dropped her off at a hotel and forgotten about her. (Or just left her bags on the street and let her find her own way to a hotel.) You’d think a woman as smart as she is and being an expert in psychology would understand what Leonard wants from her. She does understand, she faked it for him in the show, she just doesn’t care, her son is a lab rat to her. ---
**Author:** ![ivylass](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/9de053/32.png) [@ivylass](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ivylass)\ **Post date:** [May 10, 2019, 3:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-big-bang-theory-season-12-episode-22-may-9-2019-the-maternal-conclusion/833727/10 "2019-05-10T15:40:35Z")
As much as I love Christine Baranski, Beverly is a right bitch. There was a lost opportunity to meet Leonard’s siblings to see how they’re doing. No wonder her husband dumped her. Raj admitted he’s not happy in California, so why not fly to London? He and Anu seem to get along okay. Not getting a movie reference shouldn’t be a dealbreaker. Ivylad doesn’t get my love of all things Trek but he is going with me to see the DS9 documentary on Monday. Raj is going to continue to let his friends hold him back. There seemed to be a point where he recognized his friendship with Howard is toxic but he seems to have slipped back (I cringed when Howard said “Indian giver.” Yikes, writers.) Mitch was creepy but funny. “Don’t look at me, look at her.” So, Stuart is settled. I have a fear this show is going to end with a whimper, not a bang. ---
**Author:** ![TriPolar](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/tripolar/32/3008_2.png) [@TriPolar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TriPolar)\ **Post date:** [May 10, 2019, 4:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-big-bang-theory-season-12-episode-22-may-9-2019-the-maternal-conclusion/833727/11 "2019-05-10T16:10:18Z")
> [@ivylass](#): > > I have a fear this show is going to end with a whimper, not a bang. It’s been whimpering for a long time now. I do hope the finale is at least a half decent episode and not a gimmick. ---
**Author:** ![panache45](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/panache45/32/64_2.png) [@panache45](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/panache45)\ **Post date:** [May 10, 2019, 5:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-big-bang-theory-season-12-episode-22-may-9-2019-the-maternal-conclusion/833727/12 "2019-05-10T17:08:40Z")
Good for Leonard, and for Penny for standing up to Beverley. Good for Howard, for finally learning what it means to be a friend. Good for Stuart, for recognizing love. And good for Anu, for moving to London, so we don’t have to look at her any more. ---
**Author:** ![Oakminster](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/o/77aa72/32.png) [@Oakminster](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Oakminster)\ **Post date:** [May 10, 2019, 5:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-big-bang-theory-season-12-episode-22-may-9-2019-the-maternal-conclusion/833727/13 "2019-05-10T17:11:41Z")
Meh. The thing with Leonard and his mother was sappy and predictable crap. I was hoping she’d find a way to take a header down the elevator shaft–possibly while Sheldon binge watches “L.A. Law”… ---
**Author:** ![Gus\_Gusterson](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/85f322/32.png) [@Gus\_Gusterson](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gus_Gusterson)\ **Post date:** [May 10, 2019, 5:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-big-bang-theory-season-12-episode-22-may-9-2019-the-maternal-conclusion/833727/14 "2019-05-10T17:57:07Z")
> [@Oakminster](#): > > Meh. The thing with Leonard and his mother was sappy and predictable crap. It was, and it took a while for the audience to catch on that it was supposed to be a serious scene. It was completely out of character for the show, too, which made it even worse. ---
**Author:** ![cmkeller](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/cmkeller/32/118_2.png) [@cmkeller](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/cmkeller)\ **Post date:** [May 10, 2019, 6:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-big-bang-theory-season-12-episode-22-may-9-2019-the-maternal-conclusion/833727/15 "2019-05-10T18:31:54Z")
Do you think this episode was specifically planned around an immediately-before-Mother’s Day airing, or just coincidentally how it worked out with the scheduling of the season and the character arcs? ---
**Author:** ![Wheelz](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/wheelz/32/5718_2.png) [@Wheelz](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Wheelz)\ **Post date:** [May 10, 2019, 6:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-big-bang-theory-season-12-episode-22-may-9-2019-the-maternal-conclusion/833727/16 "2019-05-10T18:55:36Z")
> [@panache45](#): > > Good for Howard, for finally learning what it means to be a friend. I don’t agree with this. Howard was simply being selfish because he didn’t want his playmate to move away. A true friend would have let him make his own life decisions even if he didn’t agree with them. And how does Howard know Raj won’t be happy starting a family in London? While the rom-com cliche airport scene was cute, it made me feel bad for Raj. I kind of wished he’d have convinced Howard that he’s doing what he wants and left anyway. ---
**Author:** ![Roderick\_Femm](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/roderick_femm/32/14875_2.png) [@Roderick\_Femm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Roderick_Femm)\ **Post date:** [May 10, 2019, 10:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-big-bang-theory-season-12-episode-22-may-9-2019-the-maternal-conclusion/833727/17 "2019-05-10T22:40:20Z")
> [@Gus\_Gusterson](#): > > It was, and it took a while for the audience to catch on that it was supposed to be a serious scene. It was completely out of character for the show, too, which made it even worse. I still don’t believe Beverly has changed in any meaningful way, but we won’t have the pleasure of finding out. There really is no funny resolution possible for that relationship, so I vote for this one where maybe Leonard will come out of it feeling OK about himself. ---
**Author:** ![Lare](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/53a042/32.png) [@Lare](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lare)\ **Post date:** [May 10, 2019, 11:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-big-bang-theory-season-12-episode-22-may-9-2019-the-maternal-conclusion/833727/18 "2019-05-10T23:55:33Z")
So has Raj quit his job at the university? If he was about to board a plane to the UK it would seem so. And no notice? Must be nice not to want a good reference. ---
**Author:** ![Andy\_L](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/c67d28/32.png) [@Andy\_L](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Andy_L)\ **Post date:** [May 11, 2019, 2:10am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-big-bang-theory-season-12-episode-22-may-9-2019-the-maternal-conclusion/833727/19 "2019-05-11T02:10:25Z")
> [@Lare](#): > > So has Raj quit his job at the university? If he was about to board a plane to the UK it would seem so. And no notice? Must be nice not to want a good reference. He flew to London to propose - if she had accepted, he still would have had time to go back to California to quit his job and pack his belongings, but he was unsure that she would accept, so I’m reasonably confident that he didn’t burn any bridges. ---
**Author:** ![Andy\_L](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/c67d28/32.png) [@Andy\_L](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Andy_L)\ **Post date:** [May 11, 2019, 2:19am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-big-bang-theory-season-12-episode-22-may-9-2019-the-maternal-conclusion/833727/20 "2019-05-11T02:19:03Z")
P.S. Good work finding someone that Stuart would find creepy for the roommate (I recognized the actor from his previous creepy roles on “Raising Hope” and “Malcolm in the Middle”) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-big-bang-theory-season-12-episode-22-may-9-2019-the-maternal-conclusion/833727.md?page=2)