(Season 2, Episode 16 – “The Cushion Saturation”)
Oh, look! It’s Sheldon in his paintball gear! Why, this could be the start of an entirely new Village People character for modern age! Yes, yes, I know. He’s more asexual than homosexual. But the outfit works, doesn’t it? But this isn’t about Sheldon being a new disco sensation. It’s about his spot. And his spot was violated.
I know exactly how Sheldon felt when Penny ruined his favorite spot on the couch with the paintball. Mind you, a paintball would never leave a huge stain like that, but that’s beside the point. I’ll employ my suspension of disbelief to deal with that issue. I just know how he feels.
I’ve been told that I’m anal about my office at work. I don’t leave things all over my desk. I do push the chair in. When I come into the office and find rubber bands and paper clips all over, my chair awry in the middle of the office … I react only a bit more sanely than did Sheldon tonight.
Tonight’s episode showed the strength of Jim Parsons as an actor and of Sheldon as a written character. Watching him squirm for a spot, squat over the missing cushion when it was sent out for cleaning … well, it was priceless. While Sheldon’s line usually get my attention, tonight it was his body language often without a word spoken. Although exaggerated, his actions really strike a chord with me. I’m so glad I don’t have a roommate. It’s bad enough that I can sabotage my own favorite spots without outside help! Maybe it’s OCD. Maybe I just want to be Sheldon when I grow up. Eek.
Speaking of eek, I should expose the other storyline tonight —
Well, thanks for the nightmares CBS!
Clacked by Jackie Schnoop 
on Mar 03, 2009 @ 12:00 EST5EDT
I agree with your assessment of Sheldon and Jim Parsons. Parsons is amazing. But as a fan of all the characters on this show, I feel a little slighted by your lack of commentary of the Leslie/Howard storyline. As talented as Jim Parsons is, if CBS were to just rename this show, “Sheldon” and showcase him and only him for 20 minutes every week, it wouldn’t work. I will argue that Sheldon’s play off the other characters, and their play off him is a huge part of what makes this show so wonderful.
But the writing and rest of the cast is great as well. Come on, show some appreciation and give the rest of the people involved with this show a little credit.
Couldn’t agree more.
Sheldon is the “Kramer” of this show. He’s amazing, very funny, but you couldn’t give him his own show. We need the other characters to have someone to actually connect with.
I never imagined Leslie and Howard, but somehow it worked. She’s really kind of a (more successful) female version of Howard, and seeing him treated like he treats women (or wishes he could) was great.
Plus, they mentioned Stargate in last night’s episode!
:)