# The Big Bang Theory, Season 9, Episode 16 (February 18, 2016) -- "The Positive Negative Reaction " **URL:** \ **Category:** Cafe Society\ **Created:** [February 18, 2016, 6:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-big-bang-theory-season-9-episode-16-february-18-2016-the-positive-negative-reaction/746473 "2016-02-18T18:45:59Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 18\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![gytalf2000](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/ac91a4/32.png) [@gytalf2000](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/gytalf2000)\ **Post date:** [February 18, 2016, 6:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-big-bang-theory-season-9-episode-16-february-18-2016-the-positive-negative-reaction/746473/1 "2016-02-18T18:45:59Z")
I am starting this thread in anticipation of tonight’s episode. ---
**Author:** ![ElvisL1ves](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/5daacb/32.png) [@ElvisL1ves](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ElvisL1ves)\ **Post date:** [February 18, 2016, 11:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-big-bang-theory-season-9-episode-16-february-18-2016-the-positive-negative-reaction/746473/2 "2016-02-18T23:38:18Z")
Shamy have coitused. Now Bernadette’s pregnant. Shark. ---
**Author:** ![Fair\_Rarity](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/fair_rarity/32/153_2.png) [@Fair\_Rarity](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fair_Rarity)\ **Post date:** [February 19, 2016, 1:40am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-big-bang-theory-season-9-episode-16-february-18-2016-the-positive-negative-reaction/746473/3 "2016-02-19T01:40:44Z")
I haven’t hated it as much as a lot of people have, but I’m not loving it. I didn’t hate this episode, but it was fairly boring. I’d rather have boring than unwatchably bad, but it’s time to for it to go peacefully… and since it’s not, I think it’s going to turn unwatchable quickly. ---
**Author:** ![WOOKINPANUB](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/wookinpanub/32/132_2.png) [@WOOKINPANUB](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/WOOKINPANUB)\ **Post date:** [February 19, 2016, 2:02am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-big-bang-theory-season-9-episode-16-february-18-2016-the-positive-negative-reaction/746473/4 "2016-02-19T02:02:02Z")
I was not looking forward to another pregnancy storyline; to me that is usually a deal breaker in a sitcom, but I don’t mind how they’ve handles it so far. It’s a sitcom, producer people; keep it funny. So I’m not writing it off yet. I didn’t mind the bit of drama / introspection they showed as I thought it was balanced with enough humor to keep it from being a drag. Thought karaoke was mildly humorous though Howard singing _Having My Baby_ was utterly predictable. I was kind of expecting / hoping that the last scene would be of Bernadette busting out a torch song or something but the ending they did use was ok too. ---
**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:** [February 19, 2016, 3:05am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-big-bang-theory-season-9-episode-16-february-18-2016-the-positive-negative-reaction/746473/5 "2016-02-19T03:05:36Z")
The good sign is that they did two very special episodes without making either embarrassing turnoffs. That’s the only good sign from this season, but we’re not talking shark jumping time. ---
**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:** [February 19, 2016, 3:41am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-big-bang-theory-season-9-episode-16-february-18-2016-the-positive-negative-reaction/746473/6 "2016-02-19T03:41:54Z")
Padding out an episode with five minutes of bad karaoke is not good writing. ---
**Author:** ![Kent\_Clark](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kent_clark/32/105_2.png) [@Kent\_Clark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kent_Clark)\ **Post date:** [February 19, 2016, 3:43am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-big-bang-theory-season-9-episode-16-february-18-2016-the-positive-negative-reaction/746473/7 "2016-02-19T03:43:21Z")
The discussion about Bernadette’s pregnancy reminds me of the reaction of some people [when Amy was first introduced.](http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=564487&highlight=Bang+Theory) > [@](#): > > Seems like a bad idea to me > [@](#): > > My prediction: The two seem to really hit is off at first, but Sheldon ends up rejecting her > [@](#): > > The only interesting thing to me about this relationship is Sheldon’s reaction when it’s over. I thought I’d like a Sheldonesque love interest for Sheldon, but I don’t. > [@](#): > > I would like to see Gilbert [Leslie Winkle] back next season and even could take Bialik back for a few episodes. > [@](#): > > I don’t see either of them having sex except strickly for reproduction and a pro forma marriage consumation (much like Leonard’s parents). > [@](#): > > I didn’t mind the stunt casting for the part, and her dialogue was brilliant, but unfortunately the acting was way off. > [@](#): > > Here’s to hoping this won’t evolve into any kind of longer relationship – Sheldon’s appeal is his exceptionality, his total out-there-ness. He doesn’t work if he’s matched. > [@](#): > > Oh, I agree! I cannot possibly imagine that the writers actually intend to have Sheldon in a long-term romantic relationship – that would not be a good idea at all! > [@](#): > > I like the idea of him and Bialik for a few episodes but I hope it doesn’t focus too much on him All those were from the same thread, May 2010.:dubious: ---
**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:** [February 19, 2016, 4:48am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-big-bang-theory-season-9-episode-16-february-18-2016-the-positive-negative-reaction/746473/8 "2016-02-19T04:48:45Z")
> [@GuanoLad](#): > > Padding out an episode with five minutes of bad karaoke is not good writing. I’ll say the karaoke was the best bit. Leonard passionately singing, “Push it. Push it real GOOD!” with the look on his face and with that look on Bernies face was perfect and it made me LOL. Howard freaking out and seriously doubting himself even though he was the one pushing for kids is perfect Howard. Drunk Sheldon is always fun. I like that they had Howard come up with the helium gyroscope GPS thing. If they make it a thing and they invent it and get a patent and make good money off of it, it could finally make Sheldon respect Howard and pull Howard out of the pathetic husband who gets an allowance from his wife who makes way more money than he does and finally put the character into a respectable position as an adult and put him and Bernie on an even playing field relationship wise. Which I would like. ---
**Author:** ![gytalf2000](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/ac91a4/32.png) [@gytalf2000](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/gytalf2000)\ **Post date:** [February 19, 2016, 1:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-big-bang-theory-season-9-episode-16-february-18-2016-the-positive-negative-reaction/746473/9 "2016-02-19T13:45:16Z")
> [@GuanoLad](#): > > Padding out an episode with five minutes of bad karaoke is not good writing. Yeah, the karaoke scenes just weren’t very funny. ---
**Author:** ![WOOKINPANUB](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/wookinpanub/32/132_2.png) [@WOOKINPANUB](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/WOOKINPANUB)\ **Post date:** [February 19, 2016, 2:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-big-bang-theory-season-9-episode-16-february-18-2016-the-positive-negative-reaction/746473/10 "2016-02-19T14:08:27Z")
> [@kunilou](#): > > The discussion about Bernadette’s pregnancy reminds me of the reaction of some people [when Amy was first introduced.](http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=564487&highlight=Bang+Theory) > Once you introduce a baby into the mix, it’s not like you can reverse it; we’re kind of stuck with it has a big impact on the rest of the character’s interactions. Unless they pull a Chuck Cunningham and disappear the baby into the upstairs bedroom:p > > All those were from the same thread, May 2010.:dubious: Wait, are you pointing out how opinions about Amy’s character differed among people or that some people were wrong about her addition to the show? Valid observation either way but I would say that is quite a bit different from this story arc. Amy is a great character, owing in a large part to Mayim Bialik’s performance; she’s a great addition regardless of her relationship with Sheldon. Once they introduce a baby it kind of changes the dynamic of all the characters’ interactions with one another and it’s not as if it can be reversed. Unless they disappear it into the upstairs bedroom a la Chuck Cuningham 😛 ---
**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:** [February 19, 2016, 2:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-big-bang-theory-season-9-episode-16-february-18-2016-the-positive-negative-reaction/746473/11 "2016-02-19T14:21:45Z")
Unless you want the characters to remain static (like The Simpsons), people are going to have children, just as earlier in the show they began to pair off. ---
**Author:** ![MrAtoz](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/45deac/32.png) [@MrAtoz](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MrAtoz)\ **Post date:** [February 19, 2016, 2:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-big-bang-theory-season-9-episode-16-february-18-2016-the-positive-negative-reaction/746473/12 "2016-02-19T14:26:36Z")
I agree with the sentiment that this was not a really bad episode, but it was rather dull, and that the karaoke went on too long and wasn’t very funny. I liked Howard’s line (spoiled in all the commercials) about how he doesn’t even eat his own vegetables. My wife gave me a look on that one–I don’t eat my vegetables, either! :o I also enjoyed Amy’s delight at being able to participate in a conversation about sex. ---
**Author:** ![Kent\_Clark](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kent_clark/32/105_2.png) [@Kent\_Clark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kent_Clark)\ **Post date:** [February 19, 2016, 4:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-big-bang-theory-season-9-episode-16-february-18-2016-the-positive-negative-reaction/746473/13 "2016-02-19T16:52:21Z")
> [@WOOKINPANUB](#): > > Wait, are you pointing out how opinions about Amy’s character differed among people or that some people were wrong about her addition to the show? Valid observation either way but I would say that is quite a bit different from this story arc. Amy is a great character, owing in a large part to Mayim Bialik’s performance; she’s a great addition regardless of her relationship with Sheldon. Once they introduce a baby it kind of changes the dynamic of all the characters’ interactions with one another and it’s not as if it can be reversed. Unless they disappear it into the upstairs bedroom a la Chuck Cuningham 😛 I’m pointing out that a lot of people were upset about introducing a character that they felt would upset the balance of the show. As a matter of fact, some of the reaction came very close to[He-Man Woman Hater’s Club](http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=He+Man+Woman+Haters+Club) territory. You’re right about a baby changing the dynamic of the characters’ interactions. BUT THAT DOESN’T MAKE IT A BAD THING, even in the world of sitcoms. _How I Met Your Mother_ managed to integrate the birth of Marvin with the long-term development of Lily and Marshall. There’s no reason TBBT can’t do the same. ---
**Author:** ![WOOKINPANUB](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/wookinpanub/32/132_2.png) [@WOOKINPANUB](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/WOOKINPANUB)\ **Post date:** [February 19, 2016, 5:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-big-bang-theory-season-9-episode-16-february-18-2016-the-positive-negative-reaction/746473/14 "2016-02-19T17:04:12Z")
> [@kunilou](#): > > I’m pointing out that a lot of people were upset about introducing a character that they felt would upset the balance of the show. As a matter of fact, some of the reaction came very close to[He-Man Woman Hater’s Club](http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=He+Man+Woman+Haters+Club) territory. > > You’re right about a baby changing the dynamic of the characters’ interactions. BUT THAT DOESN’T MAKE IT A BAD THING, even in the world of sitcoms. _How I Met Your Mother_ managed to integrate the birth of Marvin with the long-term development of Lily and Marshall. There’s no reason TBBT can’t do the same. Well, I personally hated what HIMYM became once Lily fell pregnant so don’t go by me 🙂 True, it doesn’t have to be a bad thing; only time will tell. ---
**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:** [February 19, 2016, 5:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-big-bang-theory-season-9-episode-16-february-18-2016-the-positive-negative-reaction/746473/15 "2016-02-19T17:06:03Z")
I thought Amy was adorable with her “Yay, me too!” bit. Push It made me lol. Drunk Sheldon is always fun and panicked Howard was a hoot. “Look at this nose! What if he looks like me? Dear God, what if _she_ looks like me?!” I enjoyed this episode more than I expected to. ---
**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:** [February 19, 2016, 11:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-big-bang-theory-season-9-episode-16-february-18-2016-the-positive-negative-reaction/746473/16 "2016-02-19T23:51:50Z")
> [@Drunky\_Smurf](#): > > If they make it a thing and they invent it and get a patent and make good money off of it, it could finally make Sheldon respect Howard . . . A commercial application of a physics discovery would not redeem Howard in Sheldon’s eyes. He only has respect for theoretical physics. And I would be more interested in Amy becoming pregnant. ---
**Author:** ![teela\_brown](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/d9b06d/32.png) [@teela\_brown](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/teela_brown)\ **Post date:** [February 20, 2016, 12:00am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-big-bang-theory-season-9-episode-16-february-18-2016-the-positive-negative-reaction/746473/17 "2016-02-20T00:00:00Z")
The seated couple at the karaoke lounge, to whom Sheldon said “how’re you doin?” as he stumbled to the “bathroom”, were Ben Bernanke and his wife. ---
**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:** [February 20, 2016, 1:59am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-big-bang-theory-season-9-episode-16-february-18-2016-the-positive-negative-reaction/746473/18 "2016-02-20T01:59:45Z")
> [@teela\_brown](#): > > The seated couple at the karaoke lounge, to whom Sheldon said “how’re you doin?” as he stumbled to the “bathroom”, were Ben Bernanke and his wife. Neat!