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By this point in the series the show has become tired with weaker storylines and more plot holes. Sheldon, while insufferable since day one has become even more irritating, if that were even possible. His rudeness and sanctimony continue to work the nerves of even the most patient. His behavior, while most often attributed to autism, is also indicative of sociopathy, and the two are certainly not mutually exclusive, and in this episode overshadowed the parasitic Stuart. Amy and Bernadette, who both entered when the series was reaching its peak and were quirky and funny, have both become tiresome and overplayed. Leonard continues to show himself as the only character with a stable moral compass, but his continued childish obsession with Penny has certainly run its course. A little retooling and this could have mercifully been the end of the series.

Once again, Sheldon gets off with a slap on the wrist for his outrageous and narcissistic behavior. The writers had a real chance for an extended storyline, showing Sheldon just exactly how much support and encouragement he received from nearly every character throughout the series. In the "It's a Wonderful Life " fashion, he could have been shown how inextricably and undeniably linked the characters were to his success, and how diametrically opposed his life without them would have been. As the only character with a stable moral compass, Leonard played probably the biggest role and shouldered the greatest amount of pain and suffering secondary to Sheldon's sociopathic behavior, and therefore had the biggest impact on his life. A complete loss of friends, however temporary, would have made for several touching episodes, and shown Sheldon in unmistakable terms the way his sanctimonious and self-righteous actions caused others pain and inconvenience. It did, however, end the series, that for some inexplicable reason lasted 6-7 seasons after it "jumped the shark ".

This is quite possibly the most irritating "comedy" in recent memory. While originally a vehicle for Johnny Galecki, who by the way is the only character that one could truly have sympathy for, this series was quickly dominated by a self righteous sanctimonious narcissist ( a la Hawkeye Pierce) and a supporting cast of the most insufferable characters ever. Sheldon, while supposedly "special" and unaware of his childish domineering ways, is ultimately revealed as a calculating sociopath who manipulates those around him with mathematical precision. Howard begins the series pushing the criminal boundaries of a creepy sex offender,(although Raj later assumes this role) but morphs into Caspar Milquetoast. His childlike dependence on his mother is enhanced by Bernadette, who maliciously takes advantage of every opportunity to emasculate her husband while bullying everyone else around her to shape circumstances that best benefit her. Bernadette's transition from a somewhat lovable airhead into an evil broom-riding witch (season 5) was one of many "Jump-the-Shark " moments. Penny is a similar character whose obvious alcoholism could have been a solid storyline, turning her into a character that could have easily received sympathy. Amy, who began as a female version of Sheldon, became an obsequious tag-along that without Sheldon could have become an antagonist with an almost lesbian attraction to Penny. Stuart, who like many started as a likable character became parasitic and despicable. Leonard was the only character who didn't take advantage of those around him, and because of his upbringing truly deserved sympathy.