The Big Bang Theory 'The Septum Deviation' Review: Sheldon and Leonard's Hospital Misadventures

Before we launch into the latest review of The Big Bang Theory, we want to extend condolences to the family and friends of Carol Ann Susi. Fans of the show might have known her as the voice of Howard's mother, often heard but never seen. Susi was 62 and finally succumbed after a battle with cancer. May she rest in peace.

Now, onto the latest episode of The Big Bang Theory, "The Septum Deviation." Last week was a milestone episode for Sheldon, who admitted that he loved Amy. It was a huge step forward for the character, but the fear remained that the show would revert to old habits and present the same old Sheldon this week.

But this was another strong episode for him, as we watched him truly worry about his best friend, who was preparing to receive surgery to fix a deviated septum. Sheldon will always be a selfish person, and he even admitted that part of the reason he was worried about Leonard in this episode was because his snoring actually helps Sheldon sleep and he does not want to lose that. But the sweet Texas boy poked his way through Sheldon's exterior in this half hour. He really did worry for his friend's safety, even if his worries were appropriately ridiculous.

The episode spent so much time on Sheldon's fears that I actually started to believe that something was going to happen to Leonard. Nothing fatal, obviously, but maybe a bad reaction to the anesthesia or a minor complication that would give Sheldon the ammunition to say "I told you so." But the show went an equally interesting route and decided to have Sheldon smash his face into a door in a panic, which resulted in him getting nasal surgery of his own. The subsequent conversation between Sheldon and Leonard was great, as each muttered their words through protective nose guards.

The subplot of the episode involved Raj, Howard and Bernadette. Poor Raj found out his parents had split up, but he handled it relatively well. He could easily have spiraled out of control, but he worked through it like an adult. The news also prompted Howard and Bernie to work on their marriage a bit, which of course led to them passive aggressively listing all the things they didn't like about each other. Each week makes me wonder how these two are still together, but your mileage may vary on that subject.

The Big Bang Theory impressively continued to focus on Sheldon's emotions this week, a welcome sight for those of us who enjoy the exploration of his character. Hopefully the show stays on this trajectory.

Notes:

-       Howard and Raj went to couples' therapy together. We knew they were close, but this is really pushing it.

-       I don't often side with Sheldon, but I'm all for his quest to eat French toast sticks in the car. Fight the power, buddy.

-       Amy fit 56 fava beans in her mouth. I don't know if that's disgusting, impressive or both.

-       We love you, Bernadette. But those muffin jokes weren't working. Get some new material.

-       The thought of Howard combing his hair for an hour while Bernie has to pee is hilarious. The thought of her peeing in the kitchen sink? Not so much.

-       Would anyone want to attend that Jedi class Howard found?

What did you think of "The Septum Deviation"? Did you enjoy the exploration of Sheldon's loyalty to his friend, or did you think this was a swing and a miss for The Big Bang Theory? Let us know your thoughts and opinions in the comments section.