The problem with having Eliza Dushku on The Big Bang Theory is that the writers may overindulge and make the episode all about her, ignoring the other characters and making them unimportant. Luckily, though, her role is exactly the right amount, integral by not overwhelming.
Dushku plays an FBI agent looking into Howard's background for a potential new position, and she goes around interviewing his friends. As all Howard's friends are immensely awkward, it makes for a bunch of hilarious scenes. Raj has to eat rum cake to answer questions, Leonard, with his new found confidence, fails miserably to seduce her, and Sheldon accidentally lets out information about the Mars rover which Howard crashed. Unfortunately, the agent picks up on it and Howard doesn't get on the team.
The rest of the episode really humanizes Sheldon in a way we haven't seen before. After a lame apology, Sheldon actually gives Howard something, his prized couch seat, the center of his universe. Of course it proves unbearable later, but it's the thought that counts.
Also, Penny is back! Even though she's only in two scenes and her involvement is minimal, she's there for Sheldon trying to order a drink.
"The Apology Insufficiency" doesn't prey on the sexual insecurities of Leonard and Howard, and doesn't make Sheldon go to the extremes of behavior, but stays mostly even-keeled with a genuine, heartfelt apology from Sheldon.
Score: 9.0/10
Thursday, November 4, 2010
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