'The Big Bang Theory' Season 11 Episode 13 Recap: As Usual, Penny Has the Most Common Sense

We're now halfway through the season 11 of The Big Bang Theory and one thing has become clear: Thank God for Penny. Seriously. Even in episodes in which nothing really happens—like tonight's, for example—she's the best part. It's why I still stand by my theory earlier this season that The Big Bang Theory will end with the reveal that Penny is a world-renowned psychologist and the past 200-plus episodes were all a dream.

If you watched tonight's episode, it all makes sense, right? Sheldon found Penny to be a surprising source of scientific inspiration during a lull in his career, to the shock of pretty much everyone but Penny. (And FYI, she came to the rescue of the men once again. Just saying.) No offense to Young Sheldon, but I'd love to see a spin-off of Young Penny next.

In fact, I had plenty of thoughts during tonight's episode, which is why I decided it was time to make a list. Here, five things that struck me during "The Solo Oscillation."

1. Even though Raj and Howard are friends again, I'm thrilled the writers decided Raj should still wear his hair naturally curly. If you remember, Raj revealed that he straightened his hair all these years because Howard did, and he wanted to fit in when he came to the United States. By not going back to the hair straightener, Raj continues to establish his self-worth and own who he is.

2. I care more about young Sheldon than I do about adult Sheldon. Season 11 Sheldon is more of an annoying child than Iain Armitage's young Sheldon will ever be. In tonight's episode, adult Sheldon admits that he berated Leonard to conceal the fact that he's not working on anything at the moment. And as anyone who has watched every episode of this season knows, it's like the 100th time Sheldon has insulted, crossed, or acted immaturely toward someone he loves. Enough. (Unless you're Amy, who doesn't seem to mind.)

3. Are we ever going to revisit a potential romance between Sheldon's mom and Leonard's dad? Every time I see Laurie Metcalf on screen as Mary, I wonder if we'll ever revisit that potential romance between Mary and Alfred during Penny and Leonard's wedding. After all, it's not like Judd Hirsch isn't still in the CBS family...he stars on the network's Superior Donuts. So where's the cameo?

4. This show makes me hungrier than any food commercial on TV. Case in point: I've been battling a sore throat and don't have much of an appetite, but the minute Penny and Sheldon started eating pizza together tonight, I'm ready to order Domino's, Pizza Hut, and every local chain within a five mile radius. Same with Chinese food every time the group breaks out the chopsticks and plastic plates.

5. Amy needs to have a long, hard look at her relationship. Nothing new here, but the Amy from previous seasons would totally not stand for Sheldon's antics now that they're engaged. When she asks Leonard if marriage feels different and he replies not really, she acts relieved since "Sheldon and I are in a really great place right now, and I don't want anything to mess that up." I'm sorry, but "a really great place?" Leonard reminds her that the reason she's not with Sheldon right now is because he kicked her out of the apartment to be alone. As I was saying...