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CBS’ The Big Bang Theory continued to build its ratings momentum in season seven, but beyond the numbers, the comedy about a group of lovable nerds and the ladies who love them also featured a handful of major (and amusing) milestones in the show’s geeky history.
The series, which hails from executive producers Chuck Lorre, Bill Prady and Steve Molaro, collected seven Emmy nominations this year — including for best comedy, an award the series has yet to take home.
Ahead of Monday’s Primetime Emmys — where Big Bang Theory will go head to head with Silicon Valley, Louie, Modern Family, Orange Is the New Black and Veep — here’s a look at the seven of the funniest moments from season seven.
New pairings
One of the best things about Big Bang Theory‘s seventh season was the show’s ability to pair characters who haven’t traditionally had many scenes together. One of the best was when Howard (Simon Helberg) and Amy (Mayim Bialik) — as well as Bernadette (Melissa Rauch) and Leonard (Johnny Galecki) — are paired together during Raj’s (Kunal Nayyar) scavenger hunt. The scene resulted in the duo finding that while they don’t have a lot in common — they do share a love for Neil Diamond.
Howard’s song for Bernadette — aka “If I Didn’t Have You (Bernadette’s Song)”
To celebrate one of Howard and Bernadette’s (many) relationship milestones, producers enlisted Garfunkel & Oates writing duo Kate Micucci and Riki Lindhome — who have both guest-starred on the series — to pen “If I Didn’t Have You” with the entire cast there to sing backup behind the former mama’s boy. The lyrics are perfectly on point — Joss Whedon! Steve Jobs, Doctor Who! — but it’s the combination of geek cred and sentiment that made this such a memorable moment not only in season seven but for the entire series.
James Earl Jones is really funny
After the gang is locked out of attending San Diego Comic-Con, Sheldon hunts down James Earl Jones with the hope that he’ll be a panelist at his event, but the Star Wars alum has other plans. Together, they go on a wild day of fun that includes Lion King karaoke, amusement park rides, a sauna, strip club trip and Ding Dong Ditch with Carrie Fisher.
RIP, Professor Proton
After Bob Newhart’s alter-ego Professor Proton passes away, the character reappears to Sheldon in a dream in an episode dedicated to Star Wars Day. Not only did producers team with Lucasfilm for the episode, but Emmy-winner Newhart received a Star Wars education and dressed up as Obi-Wan Kenobi as the series re-created Dagobah. The Force is strong with Newhart.
Sheldon and Amy finally kiss.
Amy plans a romantic Valentine’s Day date for Sheldon (Jim Parsons), complete with a ride on a train for her rail-loving boyfriend. When he pays more attention to a fellow train enthusiast, the duo wind up in a heated exchange that ultimately ends with Sheldon finally planting one on Amy. While the smooch was brought on by a fight, it ended in a very honest moment for the couple that was more than earned and ranks as one of Sheldon’s biggest milestones to date.
Penny and Leonard’s last marriage proposal
Following multiple marriage proposals over the course of the show, the on-again, off-again couple finally found themselves on the same page — at the same time. When Penny (Kaley Cuoco) finds herself out of a job on Serial Ape-Ist 2, she realizes it’s time to start making smart decisions — and proposes to Leonard in a very matter-of-fact fashion. It’s a rather anti-climatic moment for the beloved couple that Leonard quickly — and amusingly — makes right when he reveals that he’s been carrying an engagement ring around in his wallet for “a couple years.” It’s another of the show’s major milestones that is a perfect blend of on point for the characters, funny and sweet. All the awwwwws.
Raj’s what-if
What would Raj (Kunal Nayyar) and Leonard be like if they had been roommates? Fat! The Christmas episode reimagines the longtime friends as roommates having tons of fun — with food. The result was a sequence with both Nayyar and Galecki in fat suits — with Stuart (Kevin Sussman) along for good measure. Because anyone in a fat suit (looking at you, Joey and Monica!) is always fun.
What was your favorite Big Bang Theory season seven moment? Sound off in the comments below.
Email: Lesley.Goldberg@THR.com
Twitter: @Snoodit
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