The Big Bang Theory

It's pretty clear what the creators do when their creativity takes a nosedive – which seems to happen a lot. Sheldon gets a boost from stimulants (booze, caffeine, you name it), and they bring back a character who was a hit before (Arthur, Bert, etc.). They then slap together some hasty plot around these fixes, and voila, you get episodes like this one. / Lesson learned: Find your own way to popularity. (19/08/2022)

Episode four felt like it was ripped from a totally different show and slapped onto this one. The stuff I usually dig about the series was practically MIA, replaced by this focus on the gender of an unborn child and relationship drama. / Lesson learned: Experiment, but be cautious. (19/08/2022)

What I liked about this episode was how the couples switched and shared experiences. The talk between Penny and Sheldon was surprisingly entertaining, earning it a second star from me, but the rest of the events left me unimpressed and pretty much indifferent. / Lesson learned: Do some introspection. (19/08/2022)

I was gearing up for another downer this time around, but surprise, surprise – Penny's autograph session turned out to be surprisingly fun, and Mrs. Petrescu saved the day and made up for Sheldon and Amy with her flashes of genius. / Lesson learned: Keep your most valuable gems hidden. (19/08/2022)

I was shocked at first but I found myself actually enjoying the seventh episode. I guess it was the right mix of relationship stuff and geekiness in a bearable balance. (19/08/2022)

Episode eight kicked off strong, but then the creators smoothly shifted into their typical go-to move in recent seasons – relationship drama. In normal circumstances, one star would be enough for this episode, but the birth of a new brain and the charming seducer Sheldon made me give two. / Lesson learned: Be persistent. (20/08/2022)

I've said it before, and here we go again. The creators went back to their old ways, covering up their lack of creativity with the recycled appearance of some fan-favorite characters. Not that Bert isn't a cool character, but the way they throw him in the mix just screams incompetence. / Lesson learned: Sure, paper beats rock, but honestly, I'd rather take a paper ball to the face in real life. (20/08/2022)

The pranks used to be a blast, but it felt like a weak rerun this time. And don't even get me started on the same thing over and over again at Wolowitz's house. What's funny about a situation I've seen a gazillion times with just minor tweaks, that wasn't even that funny the first time? The joke is getting worn out. / Lesson learned: Fight for your colors. (20/08/2022)

Man, this episode didn't do it for me at all, but I thought, "Hey, it's just twenty minutes – let's tough it out." The moment they dragged me to the maternity ward, I started questioning my decision. If Sheldon hadn't dropped some of his classic lines, I don't think I could've justified even that one measly star to myself. / Lesson learned: This is what happens when you aren't careful. (20/08/2022)

Holiday episodes in sitcoms are usually a season's highlight, but this one breaks that tradition. This Christmas turned out to be pretty pathetic. I was into it at the start, but things took a nosedive during the stay in Texas, and the rest felt like torture. One star out of sheer mercy. / Lesson learned: Check the star rating before booking your vacation spot. (21/08/2022)

I'm all in for episodes that steer clear of relationship drama, which, unfortunately, wasn't the case here. The only thing left from the original show is Sheldon's contract and Howard's Mission: Impossible. But here's the paradox – it's Mission: Impossible for the creators to come up with an episode I'd enjoy. / Lesson learned: Pack a stamp and sleeve protectors for every journey. (21/08/2022)

The show's got some decent ideas cropping up every episode, but here's the deal – the creators allocate a mere five minutes to the good idea only to drown it in fifteen minutes of relationship drama and mind-numbing chatter. What really grinds my gears is recycling characters we've seen before. Come on, give us something fresh. I haven't seen Bert and Arthur's ghost for ages. / Lesson learned: Sometimes, ignorance is bliss. (21/08/2022)

Having one cool idea just doesn't cut it when the bulk of each episode is filled with dull and annoying stuff that outweighs the good. It consistently wrecks the overall vibe for me. / Lesson learned: Don't get carried away with excessive enthusiasm. (21/08/2022)

The pre-credits scene featuring Euler's disk was excellent, but that was it. The creators played a sly trick, and the rest of the episode was just relationship drama and one spoiled overgrown brat. / Lesson learned: If someone paying your bills? Hold onto them. (22/08/2022)

I'd pretty much given up on getting any laughs from the tenth season, but lo and behold, the creators pulled a rabbit out of the hat. This episode wasn't a masterpiece, but I'm genuinely thankful for any decent moments. Comic-Con is always great, even when it's just being talked about, and Sheldon as a personal accountant was gold. / Lesson learned: Take a moment now and then to reassess your priorities. (22/08/2022)

It's sad but the only link between the recent writing and the show's original vibe is Sheldon. And even his character seems to be getting a makeover. / Lesson learned: Before giving up your patron, think it through. (22/08/2022)

Breaking up the episode into different storylines wasn't a terrible move. The problem was that none of them were written entertainingly, so the entire episode ended up being dull. Not even Sheldon, armed with a whiteboard and markers, could save it this time. The writing for his scenes, much like the rest, was weak. / Lesson learned: Don't be the third wheel and go somewhere else. Like the library, for example... (22/08/2022)

The twentieth episode kept up the low quality we've come to expect. I'm starting to wonder if the creators ran out of creative juice or just got bored with the show's original theme. It seems like they opted for relationship drama halfway through while still holding onto the original characters. As usual, Sheldon was the saving grace. / Lesson learned: Getting food from a feeding tube sucks, I speak from experience. (23/08/2022)

I like how eco-friendly this episode was; they sure did a lot of recycling. Bert made a comeback, and flags were unfurled yet again. At least Howard chipped in from his side track, to which he was sent by the creators. I bet Sheldon would appreciate the last sentence. / Lesson learned: Everything is just a matter of money. (23/08/2022)

The episode started off strong with a killer pre-credits scene that threw me back to the golden days of the series, but that was that. No surprises, just the same old analysis of current, past, and future relationships. Oh, and of course, we can't forget that recurring character who pops up now and then for no particular reason. / Lesson learned: Don't let anything limit you. (23/08/2022)