Sheldon opens up about his hoarding problem.
Warning: Full spoilers for the episode below.
Nine seasons in, the real challenge for The Big Bang Theory is finding new ways to push its characters forward and actually grow their relationships. It hasn't always succeeded lately, with the stagnant nature of Leonard and Penny's relationship being one of the more notable problem areas. But this episode didn't suffer from that problem. "The Solder Excursion Diversion" managed to enrich the Sheldon/Amy relationship quite a bit while also making room to celebrate both the Leonard/Penny and Howard/Bernadette marriages. Everyone came out ahead this week except for Raj.
The main conflict this week was a long time coming. After so many years of using the same bulky, archaic Alienware laptop, Sheldon's computer finally bit the dust. The opening banter between Sheldon and Amy was simplistic but amusing, with Amy unable to communicate the fact that Sheldon needed a new laptop because the laptop was too busy breaking down. And when the laptop finally gasped its last, dying breath, of course Sheldon had an elaborate funeral ritual prepared.
Sheldon losing his computer was an obvious source of drama for this episode. Sheldon is a guy who craves familiarity and orderliness, and that laptop was his constant companion for many years on this show. But rather than simply rehash the events of "The Indecision Amalgamation," where Sheldon spent the entire episode agonizing over whether to buy an Xbox One or a Playstation 4, this episode skipped right past the indecision phase. Maybe seeing Sheldon hem and haw over potential new computers would have been entertaining, but more likely it would have made for a tedious story about the ultimate in First World Problems. "The Solder Excursion Diversion" instead used Sheldon's computer dilemma as a way of exploring the root of Sheldon's attachment problems and strengthening his bond with Amy.
As it turns out, Sheldon can now add "compulsive hoarding" to his laundry list of psychological problems and personality quirks. It makes sense. He's a guy who has trouble relating to or connecting with the people around him. These old possessions, be they a broken computer or a golf ball that was once thrown at his head, serve as reminders of who he is and where he came from. We saw Sheldon in a much more vulnerable and self-reflective state this week. He knows his hoarding is strange and that it serves as proof he's not the confident, self-assured person he likes to present himself as. For once, Sheldon was the first to admit that he had a problem and wasn't entirely sure how to fix it. Though, unlike the disgusting homes seen on Hoarders, at least his hoard was arranged neatly and kept far away from his apartment.
How rich is Amy to just randomly gift Sheldon a $1000+ computer?
Sidebar - how exactly did Sheldon amass such a huge stash of junk when he can't drive and despises public transportation? It's a minor plot hole, but this episode kind of drew attention to it through the fact that Sheldon had to force Amy to drive him to the storage facility. Does he hire movers every time he needs to make a deposit?
This conflict worked not just because it showcased a more vulnerable Sheldon, but because it was Amy he chose to open up to. That, more than the fact that Amy and Sheldon have started having sex, is a testament to how far their relationship has come in the last couple years. Sheldon can open up to Amy in ways he can't even for Leonard. And for her part, Amy is willing to take Sheldon as he is, with no snarky comments or efforts to force him to change. This episode wound up serving as a very sweet examination/celebration of their relationship.
That storyline was backed up by an unremarkable but perfectly enjoyable subplot featuring Leonard and Howard teaming up with their wives for a little science project. In classic sitcom husband fashion, the two guys left their wives behind to work on the equipment while they snuck out to go watch an early screening of Suicide Squad. Which, in turn, forced them to lie about what they were up to. I could see this storyline becoming obnoxious if it were the main focus of the episode. Leonard and Howard lying to their respective wives about something as meaningless as a movie screening speaks poorly of both characters. But rather than drag out that conflict, this episode quickly wrapped with the two realizing their mistake and preemptively apologizing. It worked out for almost everyone involved. The boys saw Suicide Squad (though perhaps not the version that will ultimately appear in theaters) and Penny got to enjoy playing the part of a scientist for an afternoon.
Raj was the only character one who didn't come out ahead in this story. Raj has become a very frustrating character to watch on this show. He's the one with the most dramatic potential, given the chaotic state of his love life and his perpetual loneliness. But for whatever reason, the writers never seem to want to exploit Raj to his full potential. He had a couple funny lines this week ("When I come out of the closet I'm going to nail those guys from behind!"), but for the most part he was just the obnoxious and unnecessary fifth wheel. Raj deserves better than this.
The Verdict
Who would have thought a broken computer would be the catalyst for one of the stronger Sheldon/Amy storylines in recent memory? The main conflict in this episode strengthened their relationship while also showcasing Sheldon in a rare moment of vulnerability and depressed self-awareness. The Howard/Leonard subplot was also entertaining, mostly because the writers quit while they were ahead and avoided trying to mine too much drama out of the characters' little deception. Only Raj's obnoxious behavior served as a stain on an otherwise solid episode.
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