The Big Bang Theory 'The Hook-Up Reverberation' Review: Must Raj Choose Between Friends and Love?

Last week's episode of The Big Bang Theory was infuriating because it relied too much on insulting its own characters and their culture to get a cheap laugh. This week, the show actually presented some realistic and relatable problems in "The Hook-Up Reverberation" to much greater effect.

The main plot was one to which many fans could relate. How do you react if you find out that your current significant other either dated or slept with one of his close friends? Would you be able to handle it, or would the very sight of this person drive you crazy?

That's what happened this week between Penny and Raj's new girlfriend, Emily (guest star Laura Spencer). Raj revealed to Emily that he and Penny once hooked up after a few too many drinks, which unsettled Emily. She tried to let it go, but when saw how beautiful Penny is, it made her act coldly toward her.

The takeaway here is that this could be an ongoing problem that affects Raj down the road. He tried to play peacemaker between the two (and of course came off like a combination of an idiot and a selfish jerk because he's Raj), but it didn't quite work, as the two women remarked to themselves that they hated the other.

This partly felt like the two women were unnecessarily catty because this is something they should be able to get past, but it's also possible they genuinely just don't like each other's personalities, which happens in these types of social interactions. You meet a new group of people, but there's the one person in the group with whom you just can't click. If this continues, it could be a big problem for Raj, as he might have to choose between his friend and his girlfriend.

The other plot of the episode featured the guys debating whether or not to invest in Stuart's comic book store, which burned down in the Season 7 finale. They were of course eager to sink their money into the business, but they realized they'd have to clear it with their significant others first. And they each reacted in very different ways.

Penny was actually taken aback that Leonard would even ask. This is worrisome because it continues to show that Penny lacks the basic understanding of how relationships are supposed to work. Her subsequent revelation that she has mountains of credit card debt made the whole situation even worse. Sometimes these writers can't help but portray their own characters in the worst light possible.

A quick, more optimistic side note here: Penny seems to be really good at her new job! When she was practicing on Emily, she seemed convincing, Intelligent and charming. Hopefully this bears fruit in the future.

Amy questioned if Sheldon had any reservations whatsoever about a man in his 30s spending a significant chunk of money on a comic book store. When he said no, she just relented and told him to go for it.

Bernadette shut down Howard like LeBron James swatting a layup at the basket. Howard told what seemed to be a heartfelt story about his father, but Bernadette immediately called him out for making up a fake story in a humorous moment.

But none of it mattered anyway, as it turns out Howard's mother had already given Stuart the money he needed to rebuild his store. The interaction between Howard, Stuart and Mrs. Wolowitz continues to be both creepy and hilarious depending on the episode, but this one veered toward funny.

The Big Bang Theory got back on track this week by presenting more realistic issues that could have long-term effects. More of this and less of last week would serve the show well.