Hmm … somehow The Big Bang Theory skipped Christmas entirely and it’s already New Year’s Eve. This could mean one of three things. First, since I haven’t checked, it’s possible the show is in repeats the next few weeks. Second, perhaps special programming is preempting the next few episodes. The third thought that comes to mind, Howard has convinced everyone that being Jewish is the way to go. Anyway, let’s get on with the show.
So, tonight we didn’t have Amy Farrah Fowler, nor Bernadette; but a romantic interest (so to speak) of one of the crew is back in the picture — Zack. To be honest, I’d rather see him than Barry Kripke, but it was sort of sad. You see, as we found out later, Penny was only back with him because she wanted to make sure she had a date for New Year’s Eve. I once did that for a junior prom date. It’s really not cool. At least I was a teenager and we didn’t end up kissing in front of my ex-boyfriend!
Zack, as usual, isn’t the sharpest crayon in the box. However, his denseness tends to give the character some truly classic lines. Of course, it gives the others rather biting lines towards him, most of which fly right over his head. Zach, despite his lack of smarts, isn’t a bad guy. He’s not mean and, compared to some of Penny’s past interests, he’s not creepy.
That makes me happy that Penny spoke up about the boys making cruel jokes at Zach’s expense. She was right — they claim to have been bullied all their lives, yet they’re turning around and doing it to him! You go, Penny!
It figures that the boys spend New Year’s Eve at a costume party in the comic book shop. It just figures. And, looking at Zach, he is a perfect Superman. Now if Penny would only cooperate and wear the Wonder Woman black wig … and Raj would quit whining about how Aquaman sucks. Aquaman does NOT suck! If he did, the oceans would be empty! Think about it!
After Penny confessed to Leonard that she was back with Zack just for the date, it was onto the party. Raj was sort of right — the Aquaman costume definitely sucked! Who’s ever seen Aquaman only riding around on a cartoon-like seahorse? For once, the group won the best group costume of the night. It’s all because Zack pointed out “there’s no ‘I’ in Justice League!”
While I’d like to see Zack now and then on the show, it was quite sad to see him kiss Penny at the stroke of midnight while Leonard looked on with sad puppy dog eyes. I don’t know how they’d work it. But Zack does have possibilities with the boys even though he’s a mimbo. He has that boyish quality which makes him think everything is so cool. And, they could probably continue to quietly tease him.
Things I will remember about this episode:
Clacked by Jackie Schnoop 
on Dec 16, 2010 @ 22:14 EST5EDT
I desperately want to see their Muppet Babies costumes.
“Who’s ever seen Aquaman only riding around on a cartoon-like seahorse?”
Ahem. There are even pink ones in Google Images.
I thought the Aquaman costume was adorable. Certainly better than Leonard not even bothering to use contact lenses or green sport goggles.
Always love when Zack comes around. He plays off of all the regulars, and even Stuart, very well. Heck, I kind of want him to be the only one able to cluelessly best Evil Wil Wheaton. And Bernadette is so quirky she elicits a laugh even when she doesn’t actually appear in the episode.
Question: Sheldon said that the Wonder Woman costume included her bracelets. I have always called them bracers, because they are clearly armor in appearance and usage. Have I been wrong all this time?
Thought the Leonard/Penny uncertain reluctance was charming rather than nauseating in this case.
Finally getting caught up on TBBT. And, after the episode with Penny’s dad and now this one … I miss Penny and Leonard together! I always liked them together and hoped the split was temporary. I really hope they get back together soon. They are great together.
I know, I may well be the only one that liked them together, but … I admit it – I do!