The Big Bang Theory: The Complete Second Season begins with the aftermath of Penny (Kaley Cuoco) and Leonard's (Johnny Galecki) big date. Although Leonard thinks the date went well, his friends, Wolowitz (Simon Helburg) and Koothrappali (Kunal Nayyar) -- who spied on the couple via webcam -- convince Leonard the date was a disaster despite their lack of dating experience. Meanwhile, Penny confides in Sheldon (Jim Parsons) she never finished community college, inadvertently causing her to have her own doubts based on Sheldon's reaction. The two call it off, adding yet another layer of awkwardness to their neighborly relationship.
The social dynamic between Leonard and Penny makes up a good deal of the second season's back story, but isn't a primary focus. Leonard begins dating a new girl, Dr. Stephanie Barnett (Sara Rue), who quickly becomes the quartet's "McCoy" and moves in with Leonard and Sheldon. Meanwhile, Penny attempts to date comic book shop owner, Stuart (Kevin Sussan), only to have Leonard do everything he can to sabotage the relationship.
Similar to the first season, episodes grow out of the crew's geek lifestyle and Penny's reactions. While most of the first season revolved around Leonard and Penny's interaction, Season Two fleshes out the dynamic between Penny and Sheldon, who are complete opposites personality-wise. In one episode, Sheldon gets Penny hooked on the MMO Age of Conan, while in another Sheldon has to help Penny win the guy's loyalty back when a new girl, Alicia (Valerie Azlynn), moves into the apartment upstairs. The relationship has more of an impact on Sheldon than Penny. He's still the show's most socially awkward character, but as the season progresses, he begins to pick up on sarcasm and other social "norms."
Season Two earned Jim Parsons an Emmy nomination, and it is not hard to see why. Even when he isn't the focus of the episode's main plotline, Sheldon manages to steal the show. He becomes even more obsessive this season, leading him to develop a "Friendship Algorithm" while trying to gain access to an open slot on the campus mainframe and a trip to the Renaissance Fair dressed as Spock. His best moment is in the Christmas episode, when Penny gives Sheldon a napkin with Leonard Nimoy's autograph. His reaction is one of my favorite parts of the entire season, probably of the entire series.
Season Two ships with three extras features, which is rather unique for a TV show. If you've ever wondered where the writers get the gang's "tech talk" from, "Physicist to the Stars" delves into UCLA Physicist David Saltzberg's consulting relationship with the show. "Testing the Infinite Hilarity Hypothesis in Relation to the Big Bang Theory" looks at the show's characters. Finally, there's a gag reel.
Whether you were a nerd back then or a one right now, The Big Bang Theory: The Complete Second Season is enjoyable and highly recommended.
