This blog was originally published on elkharttruth.com on Aug. 11, 2015.
I’m a fan of comedies, so after picking the best episodes of “How I Met Your Mother” and “Friends,” it’s time to pick the top 10 episodes of “The Big Bang Theory.”
Of course, the CBS show still has many episodes to go, so this list could change, but here are my current picks (spoilers ahead if you haven’t seen every episode):
10. “The Proton Resurgence,” season 6
Bob Newhart won an Emmy for his guest-starring role as Sheldon’s beloved childhood idol Professor Proton in this episode.
It’s one of the few times that Sheldon (Jim Parsons) shows genuine affection for another human being. But that doesn’t mean conversation isn’t sometimes awkward.
9. “The Spaghetti Catalyst,” season 3
Sheldon going behind Leonard’s back? Uh-oh.
When Sheldon and Penny (Kaley Cuoco-Sweeting) have dinner together, Sheldon feels a lot of guilt but doesn’t know how to handle the friendship after Penny and Leonard (Johnny Galecki) break up.
And at one point he gets chased by a dog.
8. “The Maternal Capacitance,” season 2
What could go wrong when Leonard’s mother, Beverly (Christine Baranski), comes to visit? Quite a lot.
Penny and Leonard end up drinking in excess, leading to a revelation that angers Penny.
Sheldon and Beverly, who are quite similar in personality, grow closer and bond … over the game “Rock Band.”
7. “The Countdown Reflection,” season 5
Bernadette (Melissa Rauch) and Howard (Simon Helberg) rush to get married when his space trip gets moved.
Exemplifying the nerdiness of the show, the gang hatches a plan to have the wedding on the roof so it can be seen by a satellite. And they all officiate the ceremony, with a little Klingon thrown in by Sheldon.
It’s also the one time we “see” Howard’s mom (voiced by the late Carol Ann Susi) … her figure is seen as the camera zooms out over the wedding near the episode’s end.
6. “The Romance Resonance,” season 7
Howard sings to Bernadette for the anniversary of their first date. And it’s the nerdiest, cutest song you’ll hear.
5. “The Pants Alternative,” season 3
Sheldon doesn’t know social norms, which causes a massive problem when he has to give a speech to receive an award.
He doesn’t want to give the speech, but he does want the award, so his friends try to coach him. Which would’ve worked, maybe, until he drinks too much and gets slightly out of control.
4. “The Locomotive Manipulation,” season 7
After many years together, Sheldon and Amy (Mayim Bialik) kiss! And Sheldon doesn’t mind … he might even like it.
3. “The Prom Equivalency,” season 8
Since most of the characters were bullied and/or went stag to prom, they decide to have a do-over.
Leonard and Penny talk about their past. Howard can’t deal with comic book store owner/friend Stuart’s (Kevin Sussman) relationship with Howard’s mother, which ends in a fight in a limo.
Most importantly, Sheldon tells Amy he loves her. (I’m a huge Shamy fan.)
2. “The Bath Item Gift Hypothesis,” season 2
I chose this episode in my great Christmas episodes list.
But the holiday theme doesn’t matter; it’s a humorous, heart-warming episode with one of many awww-inducing moments from Sheldon and Penny.
1. “The Adhesive Duck Deficiency,” season 3
Leave it to Leonard, Howard and Raj (Kunal Nayyar) to get accidentally stoned. They may be scientists, but their street smarts are lacking.
At least the results are hilarious to watch.
Elsewhere, Penny needs Sheldon’s help, which doesn’t go well. If only she had put adhesive ducks in her bathtub …
This is also an episode that features “Soft Kitty, Warm Kitty,” the song Sheldon needs to hear when he’s sick.
“The Big Bang Theory” returns Sept. 21 for its ninth season, which can’t come soon enough after last season’s cliffhanger finale.
What are your favorite “Big Bang Theory” episodes?
