(Season 2, Episode 9 – “The White Asparagus Triangulation”)
In last week’s review I mentioned I wasn’t too keen on the new character introduced as Leonard’s latest love interest. I went on to say I hoped she wouldn’t be a recurring character. I shouldn’t say these things. I just jinx it all to heck, don’t I? She’s b-a-a-a-c-k! Yep, the love interest so-not-a-doctor type woman in the role of Stephanie. That said, I actually enjoyed what they did with the character tonight. Or, to be more accurate, I enjoyed what Sheldon did with the character. Read on.
Y’see, as much as I don’t like the Stephanie character, Sheldon thinks she’s the first tolerable love interest Leonard has ever had. He approves of her and wants the relationship to live long and prosper. Poor Sheldon. I should have known that his taste in women, even when it’s for another man, would have some sort of human element lacking.
In typical Sheldon misfit toy manner, his efforts to make the relationship between Leonard and Stephanie grow involve his own heavy presence. After all, Leonard is inept with women. Um … like Sheldon would know what to do? He first enlisted Penny’s assistance. Nope, she can’t be bribed with banana or zucchini bread only to be used.
He tried to salvage one of their dates by settling in and bringing up conversational topics. Now, that’s always welcome on a date. He showed up at the movies telling Leonard he left a confusing invitation. That was no invitation, of course. Leonard just left him a message that they were going to a movie. What movie? Where? If he wanted Sheldon to know, he would have really invited him.
Cute bits:
In the end, I’m not sure if Stephanie will never return because Leonard was such a wuss and Sheldon was such a buttinsky. I hope she goes away. I forgive her returning once. But I don’t know if I have it in me to forgive her again.
but the ending was her changing her status to “in a relationship.” That implies that she will be around for a while yet. And remember, her reaction to Sheldon tended to be “that’s sweet,” not “what a creep.” She may be right for Leonard simply because she CAN tolerate Sheldon. Does anyone know how many episodes the actress has been signed for?
I’m a little worried about myself. I completely understood Sheldon’s need to finish his 3rd knock when he returned to Penny’s door. I was already doing it in my head. I may need help.
I agree, Jackie, that Stephanie didn’t fit the profile. When she first appeared, I thought ‘being a doctor’ was just a line she made up. Are the writers telling us something about how they feel about medical doctors as opposed to PHD doctors? I also thought they might be using her to make Penny admit she likes Leonard. Nothing says hot guy like another girl liking him. It is one of my favorite shows, so whatever they do with it will be okay with me. Good review, Jackie.