The Big Bang Theory Review: The Long Distance Dissonance (Season 10 Episode 24)
While the The Big Bang Theory Season 10 Episode 24, “The Long Distance Dissonance,” for the most part is kind of “meh,” the ending of the episode delivers by bringing to the surface a number of questions regarding the future of the show.
As the title of the episode suggests, “The Long Distance Dissonance” is all about the long distance relationship between Amy and Sheldon, and the lack of harmony and/or agreement that enters into the equation once they are not in close proximity.
So, what is the cause of this kind of dissonance?
Fingers point to Dr. Ramona Nowitzki. For those who have been with The Big Bang Theory for years, Ramona is no stranger. In Season 2, Ramona was introduced as an eager graduate student with an interest on Sheldon.
Judging by “The Long Distance Dissonance,” that interest is very much still there.
It seems like Sheldon honestly misses Amy, and does not seem to understand how his actions with Ramona might look to others. While having lunch and going swimming with someone is definitely something you can do with a friend, the fact that Ramona is so obviously aiming for a romantic connection complicates the situation.
Leonard: He just made her laugh. Something’s wrong.
While Sheldon might not be able to see it, Ramona’s not so subtle touches and other signs of attraction are not left unseen by Raj, Leonard, Howard, Penny, and Bernadette who have all promised Amy to keep an eye on Sheldon while she is gone.
I guess in many ways, “The Long Distance Dissonance” both shows how much Sheldon has changed while also proving that there are perhaps some things what won’t, and probably shouldn’t change.
Sheldon has grown to be more open, as proved by the ease with which he interacts with Ramona (no Purell after she touches him), but despite this openness, he is still sometimes unable to see what others see when it comes to relationships and especially romantic interactions.
Amy is quite naturally nervous about the appearance of Ramona.
I have loved to see Amy’s confidence grow from the moment she was first introduced on the show, and I think the writers did a good job in making Amy’s reaction seem natural. She clearly loves Sheldon, and while their relationship has not been easy, it has finally reached a state that seems to work for them both.
When she left California, she probably didn’t imagine that in such a short amount of time there would be a new woman in Sheldon’s life.
The way Leonard, Howard, Raj, Penny, and Bernadette react to the situation is obviously supposed to ignite the principal moments of laughter on “The Long Distance Dissonance.” Unfortunately, their scenes and jokes fall kind of flat. Once again, Jim Parsons is really the star of this show.
Also, I must mention that Mayim Bialik does an amazing job, considering that for most of the episode she is only seen via a computer screen.
While a chat with Penny might not make Sheldon completely realize Ramona’s intentions, a spontaneous kiss by Ramona at his office does.
Sheldon: Amy’s already taken me out of my package and played with me.
The way Sheldon reacts is actually kind of romantic, right? He looks freaked out, walks out of his office, goes to the airport, takes a plane to New Jersey and goes to Amy’s place.
And what waits for Amy behind the door is kind of a shocker!
Sheldon, on his knees, asking her to marry him.
I guess the proposal is something that doesn’t come as a complete surprise since we have seen Sheldon with the ring before. Nevertheless, I must admit that at that moment, I was slightly shocked.
The ending, with Amy’s surprised but also kind of shocked expression, is definitely something I will be thinking about during the summer months while The Big Bang Theory is on a summer break.
What will happen next? What will Amy say?
Also, I wonder whether Sheldon will tell Amy about the kiss. Is he proposing to her because he now feels like he wants to marry her, or is he acting our of guilt? Will Ramona continue to pursue Sheldon, or was her appearance used only as a sort of ignition for Sheldon to make a move?
So many questions, so many months without The Big Bang Theory.
What did you think of this episode of The Big Bang Theory? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below!
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The Big Bang Theory will return to CBS for Season 11 this fall.
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Milka Väinämö
Milka is a Master of Arts with degrees in Film, Theatre, and Media Studies. She is obsessed with American sitcoms, ice hockey, pizza, coffee, and all things true crime. Her favorite shows include Parks and Recreation, The Office, Community, Arrested Development, Seinfeld, and The Gilmore Girls.