REVIEW - The Big Bang Theory - S07E05 - ‘The Workplace Proximity’

This week on The Big Bang Theory relationships are tested after a change in proximity.

Amy is offered a temporary position at Caltech, but is concerned that this may affect her relationship with Sheldon. She brings this up with him, but he does not understand why she is worried so raises no objections. Howard then explains to Sheldon that having Amy working at Caltech means they will be seeing one another a lot more, and that they may get sick of one another, claiming he would get sick of Bernadette if she were to work with him.

Sheldon, being the tactful person he is, tells Amy he no longer wants her to work near him. Amy has already accepted the job, so Sheldon suggests they not spend any time together at Caltech so they don’t get sick of one another. Bernadette questions why Sheldon would think they would get sick of one another, and he tells her what Howard said.

Here, the story diverges. Bernadette has words with Howard and kicks him out of their apartment for the night, so Howard stays with Raj. Meanwhile Amy is offended by what Sheldon has said to her, but again Sheldon does not understand. Leonard and Penny attempt to make Sheldon comprehend what he has done wrong, but he seems to think it is Amy who is in the wrong. Can Sheldon make amends with Amy? And can Howard make amends with Bernadette?

It was nice to see a story involving relationship drama that was not about Leonard and Penny, and it was good to see Howard and Raj hanging together once again. I miss seeing Howard and Raj together (though some of the jokes about the precise nature of their relationship are wearing thin), not that I don’t enjoy seeing Raj with Stuart, I’m just a sucker for the classics. Despite the somewhat predictable storyline there were plenty of witty one-liners to keep the audience amused (the award for best line goes to Amy when she is referring to Sheldon’s love of repetition - I won’t spoil it, you’ll just have to watch it for yourself and see). Overall, this was a pretty good episode, and I am looking forward to seeing what they serve up to us next week.

Review by Heather Bale.