5 Moments of Goodness from The Big Bang Theory “The Proton Resurgence” 

This week’s The Big Bang Theory was a love note to comic genius Bob Newhart. Newhart guest starred as Professor Proton, a washed up scientist who used to host a kid’s science program.  Here are the top five moments of goodness from this episode.

Cinnamon steals the show.  Raj’s little dog is becoming quite the scene stealer.  Raj brings her over to Howard’s and Bernadette’s house for them to doggy-sit.  She arrives in style in her pink pet stroller, and Raj explains to Howard her dietary preferences.  Howard leans over to the stroller and coos, “I’ve got a psychotic mommy, too.”  Most pet people could appreciate Raj’s indignant reaction when he initially asked Howard to watch Cinnamon and Howard suggested he put her in a kennel:  “Why don’t you put your mother in a home?”

Sheldon gets a new dad.  Sheldon is over the moon when he learns he can hire Professor Proton to come to his house.  I love that even though Leonard wasn’t quite as exuberant as Sheldon, he was still right there with him in nerd bliss.  It was sweet when Sheldon explained to the Professor how much the afternoon tv show had impacted his childhood and subsequent life path. This is the type of thing that would make any teacher feel like what they’re doing is worthwhile.

Solving the world’s energy crisis one potato at a time.  Professor Proton learns that it isn’t just children who appreciate his science tricks.  Penny is dazzled by the possibility of powering a clock by connecting it to a potato.  She can’t believe a potato can conduct electricity.  “Wouldn’t that solve the world’s energy crisis?” she asks.  The look on the Professor’s face is fan-tas-tic when he deadpans, “No.”

Bob Newhart wows.  Bob Newhart may be 83 years old, but he showed that he is still sharp and able to give an outstanding comedic performance.  His timing is impeccable and his dry manner is exactly what is needed to counter Sheldon’s over the top adoration.  It was a perfect moment when he looked over at Penny and asked, “I’m awake, right?”  It looks like we may see more of Professor Proton in future episodes.  He is a great foil to the guys, so let’s keep our fingers crossed.

Howard said what?  Howard got some great lines this episode.  The best moment is when he and Bernadette are out looking for Cinnamon.  Bernadette shouts out the window in her best Raj impersonation.  Howard tells her to remember that voice later because it’s a turn on.  The look on her face is hilarious when she asks if he’s telling her Raj’s voice is a turn on for him.  I also liked his reassurance to Bernadette later that she’d be a good mother.  He tells her not to worry about mistakes, because there are always lots with the first child.  But, “Kids are like pancakes, the first one’s always a throw away.”

On a side note, I’d like to make a plea to The Big Bang Theory hair stylists: stop making Kaley Cuoco’s hair look bad.  She was at the Paley Fest in March and her hair looked great.  So, I don’t think she has naturally bad hair.  But all season her hair has looked like a bird flew onto her head, scratched around and flew off.   Seriously, go back and look at older episodes and compare her hair.  I don’t know what is going on, but they need to fix it.

The Big Bang Theory airs Thursdays at 8/7c on CBS.