RECAP: The Big Bang Theory 9×01 – “The Matrimonial Momentum”

Warning: This post contains for spoilers for The Big Bang Theory 9×01. Do not read if you do not wish to be spoiled.

Leonard and Penny FINALLY got hitched and Sheldon FINALLY got ditched in the very underwhelming and ultimately unfunny premiere episode of the The Big Bang Theory’s ninth season.

Firstly, the good. Leonard and Penny actually went to Vegas and got married. They even streamed their wedding live to their friends, in a refreshing take on a sitcom wedding. Leonard uttered some completely adorable sciencey vows and Penny quoted Toy Story. For about ten minutes, it’s cute.

Meanwhile, the Amy and Sheldon situation is completely miserable. We get a rehash of the season eight finale, because apparently Sheldon and Amy aren’t totally broken up, until Amy decides they are. Sheldon makes some typically sexist comments about women to hide his hurt and Amy’s just plain miserable. All this happens while the rest of the gang are watching the Lenny wedding, to which Sheldon isn’t initially invited, which seems a bit mean. All in all, not very sitcom, not very nice.

Back to the wedded bliss, and it turns out Penny has been completely thrown by Leonard’s confession he kissed another woman on his ship expedition a couple of seasons ago. Unable to stop thinking about it, the two have a massive argument and return home to their separate apartments and mope.

That’s it really. I laughed once, when Bernadette asks Howard to get rid of Sheldon standing at their window and Howard simply closes the curtains. It feels unlikely we could have gotten any laughs whatsoever out of Leonard, Penny, Sheldon and Amy this episode.

The Big Bang Theory has not been at its best for a long time, but this was the first time it felt like it had completely run out of steam. The laughs, which used to be easy and many, are strained and lost in a boring relationship drama that nobody asked for. If humour is to come, the only characters capable of delivering it are probably Howard, Raj and Bernadette. And I’m not keen on Raj’s girlfriend Emily either.

At this point, it’s very difficult to see the show going past the already ordered two more seasons. Frankly, I’d rather it was ended sooner. Watching a much-loved show decline is painful.