The Big Bang Theory (TV Series) The Mommy Observation (2014) User Reviews

True Growth for the Characters Sets Big Bang on a Pedastal

[OneView · 7/10 · 16 March 2014]

Sitcoms live in a world of their own making accompanied by clear rules as to what limits characters may operate within. Change and growth for characters can happen but is often the death knell for a show (witness all those occasions when sitcom characters realise they love one another and enter a stable relationship – such comedies rarely last another season.) The Big Bang Theory has succeeded rather well in bucking this trend, allowing its characters measured amounts of development and change as they respond to circumstances in their lives. The Mummy Observation shows this gradual progression well. Its secondary plot concerns Sheldon's visit to his mother, a Bible obsessed individual who has constricted his development for much of his life. Sheldon inadvertently witnesses his mother engaged in sex with a man to whom she is not married – a direct refutation of all her beliefs. Sheldon is quick to identify himself as a grown man who does not have to live under his mother's thumb. There is a setback to his self-belief but this is promptly overcome. Laurie Metcalf as the mother gives an effective performance with little moments of body language conveying what the dialogue cannot. The primary plot encompasses a murder mystery game for the remaining cast and feels like filler only. It is however blessed with a few good lines and Melissa Rauch as Bernadette remains the most focused of the regular character players. Apposite references to how the script for The Terminator was unofficially derived from an episode of The Outer Limits adds a certain verisimilitude to the assumed geek knowledge of the main characters. The final payoff scene demonstrates an amusing truth about the importance some people put on anniversaries and the lesser value others assign to such occasions.

Sweet moments between Sheldon and Howard

[lillemorthomsen-30837 · 10/10 · 1 December 2023]

A trip of healing and understanding (though whatever is "wrong" with Sheldon mentally, makes it so that he cannot see how annoying he still is).

It's nice to see how - if only for an episode - that Howard is there for Sheldon, showing an almost fatherly kindness towards the awkward Sheldon.

Not only for their trip to NASA but also when Sheldon surprises his mother and catches her in the act, Howard is there for Sheldon, supporting him, helping him through whatever hard feelings this must be for him (again, because Sheldon is Sheldon - not just because he caught his mother having sex with a stranger, to which would be traumatic for anyone)

Not One of My Favorites

[Hitchcoc · 5/10 · 1 November 2021]

There were things about this episode that I found wanting. First of all, the whole thing with Sheldon and his mother. He observes her having sex with some guy from her prayer group. There are times when Sheldon is practically non-human. The other thing is that endless solve a mystery thing that Raj cooks up. It's another effort to get people angry with each other. I did like Stuart's role in it, especially the final scene.

So dumb, obnoxious and pathetic.

[eldreddsouza · 2/10 · 9 February 2021]

Silly to the core plot horribly executed. Who comes up with such silly plots?