The Big Bang Theory (TV Series) The Wheaton Recurrence (2010) User Reviews

"The Wheaton Recurrence" is another very funny episode of "The Big Bang Theory"

[tavm · 8/10 · 29 March 2011]

In this ep of "The Big Bang Theory" from last season: After Leonard and Penny had another satisfying lovemaking, especially after the latter quoted Yoda from The Empire Strikes Back, Leonard says "I love you" to her. She replies, "Thank you." Uh oh! That suddenly makes everything awkward for them. So Leonard loses interest in his conversations with Sheldon, Howard, and Raj about what the cooler mode of transportation is (Batmobile vs. giant ants). Despite that, Sheldon still wants Penny to be on his bowling team against Stuart from the comics shop and his friend. Actually, Stuart's friend can't make it so his partner is...Wil Wheaton! You know, the guy who tricked Sheldon to forfeit his hand in a card game by...oh, watch that previous episode if you want to know. Anyway, Leonard and Penny seem okay socially at the game until Penny mentions she loves chili cheese fries which leads to an argument where Leonard implies about her not reciprocating her love to him. I'll stop there and just say that while it's not as hilarious as the previous episode Wheaton appeared in, "The Wheaton Recurrence" still has plenty of highlights. And I just love the way Sheldon says "Wheaton!" with his Kirk-like reaction! So on that note, this edition of "The Big Bang Theory" is highly recommended.

The Wheaton Recurrence (#3.19)

[ComedyFan2010 · 8/10 · 25 July 2019]

This episode had some fun competition of Sheldon vs Wil Wheaton, this time in bowling. i love how he warned Penny that his Meemaw is still alive so she doesn't fall for him. Penny and Leonard's story had funny moments but I was mainly feeling sad for them. How can she not tell him that she loves him

Leonard and the Whine

[Hitchcoc · 6/10 · 7 October 2021]

Sometimes Leonard can be such a big baby. He tells Penny he loves her right out of the blue and she doesn't respond immediately. So he goes on one of his insecurity binges, messing things up for everyone. I understand the idea of a plain man getting lucky enough to get close to this very attractive girl and no to think he deserves it. But when it happens, play it out. I probably enjoyed this episode less than any so far.

Leonard is the worst

[cacarosella · 4/10 · 9 September 2022]

Leonard sometimes makes this show unwatchable. He manages to be whiny, nagging, and submissive all at the same time, which is no small feat. His passive aggressive treatment of Penny throughout the series is played for laughs, but it's actually quite creepy and mentally abusive. He's not the nice nerdy guy he's portrayed to be. He views Penny as a coveted object more than a person-a pretty shiny thing he wants to possess even though they have absolutely nothing in common. Leonard is incredibly shallow. As I watch this series, I have to conclude that the writers don't put any thought into the messages they are sending through their characters.

The Wheaton Recurrence

[studioAT · 5/10 · 29 August 2022]

Sheldon takes on Wil Wheaton in a game of bowling. Leonard and Penny's relationship comes to a crossroad.

This is at least a better episode than the last, but to do another 'Wil Wheaton' episode so soon after the last feels again like they are struggling for ideas as this 3rd series goes on.

Happy couples in sitcom aren't funny. Look at how long they kept Ross and Rachel apart in 'Friends', or how unfunny Niles and Daphne became once they got together in 'Frasier'.

The powers that be here obviously realised that, and that's why it feels almost inevitable that Penny and Leonard are edged towards splitting here.

A better episode overall.