‘The Big Bang Theory’ season 9, episode 16 review: Bernadette’s pregnancy news and karaoke

Last week, we had a chance to learn that Bernadette was pregnant on “The Big Bang Theory.” So what did we find out next? Think along the lines of how some of the other characters reacted to it.

At first, Howard was understandably afraid, and chose to do almost everything that he could to panic. Eventually, he thought up a new way to make a little bit more money, and this is going to help to get his family in a better place. He managed to accomplish that in theory, but he’s gotta go make it happen.

Once he and Bernadette got over some of the fears, the rest of the half-hour felt like a long, funny celebration … or at least when it involved Sheldon getting drunk, Penny supporting Bernadette but not enough to stop drinking out of solidarity, and also getting a chance to see some karaoke. Yes, the “singing around Bernadette” thing was really awkward and took a little too long to become funny, but that’s probably more a matter of personal taste and it feels somewhat out of character for her to want that much attention on her in a public place. Much of this was ultimately straightforward, and played a little nostalgic. Therefore, it’s hard to discuss in a critical way other than saying that it was mostly fun.

The episode closed with a question that is on the minds of many: Will Leonard and Penny join them? The answer seems to be eventually … but not anytime soon. They’ve still got a little bit of growing up to do themselves. Grade: B+.

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