‘The Big Bang Theory’ season 9, episode 9 review: Leonard the carrot, Elon Musk, and Amy’s heartbreak

Thursday night’s new episode of “The Big Bang Theory” had a lot of funny stuff. You had mixed into this story a game performance by Johnny Galecki dancing around in skimpy lingerie, a cameo from Elon Musk that sent Howard into a tizzy at a soup kitchen, an even the return of Laura Spencer, who has potential even though the show still has not given her that much to do.

So why are we feeling down about this episode? It has mostly to do with the treatment of the Amy character as someone willing to put up with irresponsible, obnoxious behavior for the sake of being around brilliance. We know that this is a sitcom, and we are meant to suspend belief to a certain extent. Yet, Sheldon is someone who has taken advantage of her time, her feelings, and even publicly shamed her during an episode of “Fun with Flags.” It’s almost heartbreaking to see someone almost beg to have someone back who really has not shown that remorse for some of what he’s done. Sure, he has that engagement ring, but what has he really learned?

The only thing that he has figured out so far is something that is selfish once again in his own right: He doesn’t want to do anything that is going to hurt him, and therefore he told her doesn’t want to be in a relationship again out of fear of another breakup. We really hope that he shows at least some sort of regret for some of what he’s done, and treats her in a way more befitting of a real girlfriend than someone who occasionally impresses her with his intelligence.

Yes, Howard with Elon Musk was funny, as was Leonard desperate for forgiveness over reading Penny’s diary. But even for a sitcom, “The Big Bang Theory” needs to be grounded in something. All tonight did was make us sorry for Amy. Grade: C.

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