The show aimed at the nerd demographic is back for a third season. That’s right, the core four of The Big Bang Theory (Sheldon, Leonard, Raj, and Howard) are back from the North Pole. The group returns to their apartment complex fully bearded after their three month expedition, and it’s obvious that Sheldon has been wearing everyone down since day one. But little do they know, their problems with Shelton are only going to expand.
It was revealed at the end of Season 2 that Penny was holding in her true feelings for Leonard, but those were uncovered in the first three minutes. At first sight of Leonard, Penny lunges for him and drags him into the apartment. I’ve never been a fan of the Leonard/Penny relationship idea, but good for him. Unfortunately for Leonard, his passionate session with Penny would be quickly interrupted: Howard and Raj bring news that Sheldon ran away.
Most episodes of The Big Bang Theory have a unique title that you won’t understand until you watch. “The Electric Can Opener Fluctuation” is no exception to this rule. Sheldon is about to write up his findings from the Arctic trip, until Raj and Howard reveal that his data might have been manipulated using an electric can opener, hence the title. Having already told the entire university that he had made a scientific breakthrough, he runs back home to Texas humiliated.
Laurie Metcalf makes her welcome return to the show, playing Sheldon’s mother, Mary, and I’m happy to say that she is as funny as ever. Leonard, Raj, and Howard begrudgingly track Sheldon down to bring him back to the apartment. As soon as they walk through the door, Mary’s southernisms begin. It’s clear that she’s uncomfortable with that particular group, as she teases all of them. Howard’s attempt to act southern around her is hysterical. Sadly, this segment almost detracts from the rest of the episode, but that’s not to say it was all bad.
In the end, it was a pretty good episode, but not up to premiere episode standards. It’s able to generate quite a few laughs, but the Leonard and Penny situation is extremely awkward and forced. At least the episode ends with a hint that Leonard and Penny as a couple, might not go down. My score for “The Electric Can Opener Fluctuation” is a 3.5 out of 5.
Jordan is a high school student and aspiring journalist. He loves playing/watching and writing about video games, television, and movies. 
