The Big Bang Theory: "The Recombination Hypothesis" Review

Note: Full spoilers for the episode follow.

I've noticed this interesting pattern with The Big Bang Theory. For every two or three "weaker" episodes, there's a really good one. The last two episodes, while fairly funny, have fit into this "weaker" category, whereas this week -- which marked the 100th episode of the series -- knocked it out of the park.

In "The Recombination Hypothesis," Leonard asks Penny out on a whim, and finds himself sinking into familiar territory. Once again, Leonard succumbs to the dangers of over-analyzing his relationship and ends up in hot water with Penny. But as the episode comes to a close we learn that the entire episode was just a fantasy, an example of how Leonard over-analyzes everything. This includes the subplot involving Sheldon playing a rather euphemistically lewd board game with Raj and Wolowitz, likely symbolic of Leonard's own internal sexual frustration.

Honestly, at first I found myself irritated with the episode. It's yet another attempt to tease the anxiety of the Penny/Leonard relationship, a prime example of sitcom "will they/won't they" repetitiveness. But the final twist does something rather extraordinary with that convention, suggesting that Leonard has grown as a character. He's overcome an obstacle that's long stood in his way with every relationship he's encountered on the show. As someone who tends to over-analyze past romantic relationships before I figured out to "just go with it" – I can empathize with and appreciate Leonard's revelation. After all, it worked for me.

As such "The Recombination Hypothesis" possibly (hopefully) represents a turning point for the Leonard/Penny relationship. While the series will likely play out as many before it, with Leonard and Penny getting together, falling in love, getting married, and so on – it's nice to see the show tackle the evolution in a fresh manner, especially considering how stale the show has been these past couple of years.

- CBS

The subplots of this episode weren't particularly earth-shaking, but funny nonetheless. Sheldon's fundamental lack of understanding of what euphemisms are always makes me laugh. The guy really needs to watch a few episodes of Beavis and Butt-head and he'd be set. The relationship dynamic between the girls was once again played with low-key effectiveness. They don't need to dominate the show as they have, but I like seeing them interact with each other for a few minutes each episode, if only to watch Amy Farrah Fowler girl-crush on Penny.

You might not have dug tonight's episode as much as I did, and that's cool. I understand the frustration BBT fans have over the new dynamics that have consumed the narrative of the show. But I commend this episode for at least trying something a little refreshing with the characters. I always encourage and appreciate episodes that promote character growth over repetitiveness.

On a side note: Sheldon's right. I would most certainly send that full-size poster of Zachary Quinto back. I liked J. J. Abrams' Star Trek, but when it comes to memorabilia it's Spock Prime or nothing!

R.L. Shaffer is a writer for IGN TV and IGN Blu-ray. You can follow him on Twitter @rlshafferIGN.

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