The Big Bang Theory returns to E4 tonight at 8.30pm. To celebrate its return for series eight, here are eight things we’d really like to see in the new series (or any time really, since we’ve got at least another three years).
Please be aware this article contains some spoilers for series eight of The Big Bang Theory.
1) Sheldon wins Nobel prize, but has to share it with Leonard
How hilarious would it be to see Sheldon achieve his dream of winning a nobel prize, only to realise he has to share it with the inferior Leonard? It could happen. It’s been noted in earlier series that the two have worked on papers together in the past. The writers would have to invent some major breakthrough in the field of physics that hasn’t really happened, but since maybe 0.5% of the audience understand physics at this level, they can probably get away with it.
2) Penny gets a new job
Let’s face it, Penny’s acting career isn’t happening. The writers apparently have something else in mind though, with the new series opener seeing her ditch acting for the time being and interviewing to work in pharmaceutical sales at Bernadette’s company. I probably don’t need to tell anyone that a job that involves being a good-looking people person is right up Penny’s street, so let’s see her thrive for once.
3) Howard gets a PHD
At this point, I’m pretty sure the only way to prevent the constant jibes at Howard’s lack of a PHD would be to actually get one. Is it already on the cards? When Sheldon is forced to begin teaching classes this series, Howard offers to take it. But can anyone really stick out a class with Sheldon as a teacher?
4) Comic Con episode
Okay, I know I’ve been banging on about this for seven years already, but I would really love to see an episode actually set at comic con. We sort of got that cop out in series six when the boys got robbed whilst traveling to comic con, but that’s not the same thing. Howard can spend all of Bernadette’s money of memorabilia, Sheldon can get a few more restraining orders and let’s have the guys heckle a panel over a promising new show that’s turned out to be terrible.
5) Penny’s family
It would be really cool to learn Penny’s last name, just saying. I know we met her dad once, but what about her mum and her meth-cooking brother and the rest of the fam. Now that Penny and Leonard are engaged, hopefully they’ll all pop by for the wedding, or even better, the wedding can be held in Nebraska where Sheldon can gravely offend someone. Maybe we can even get Penny a proper famous mum, like Lisa Kudrow.
6) Antagonists
We miss the days of Leslie Winkle took every opportunity to irritate Sheldon and when Wil Wheaton was Sheldon’s mortal enemy! Unfortunately, Sara Gilbert can’t return because she’s busy having too much success on The Talk, but I’d love a meeting between Leslie, the woman who isn’t taking Sheldon’s crap, and Amy, the woman who reveres him. I’m not sure Bernadette would be too keen on Howard’s former flame Leslie either. Cat fight!
7) Raj to get some counseling
I know counseling isn’t easy to make jokes about, but The Big Bang Theory didn’t even bother to try to deal with Raj’s selective mutism, which was eventually miraculously solved after Lucy dumped him. I’d still like The Big Bang Theory to touch upon this again, but after series six, it looks like it’s not happening. But hey, Modern Family did it, and they have five Emmys for Best Comedy. Also, bring Lucy back, I miss her – she was quirky and cute. I’m not really feeling it with Emily or Yvette the vet.
8) More Shamy!
I’m unsure of what I actually want with Sheldon and Amy, but I’m certain I want more. After Sheldon’s shock realisation that kissing Amy might not be that bad in series seven, what’s next for the socially challenged couple? I can’t see them exchanging too many bodily fluids just yet, but more of the banter that keeps them entertaining and less of the Sheldon belittling Amy would be a good start.
The Big Bang Theory returns to E4 tonight at 8.30pm.
What would you like to see in the new series? Let us know in the comments below!