The Big Bang Theory Review: "The Benefactor Factor"

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"The Benefactor Factor" was wall-to-wall one-liners, and that isn't necessarily a bad thing.

While the plot was about as stale and traditional as they come, it was rather humorous seeing Sheldon trying to pimp out Leonard in order to get funding for the latest scientific gizmos. The overnight bag complete with baby oil, prophylactics and Viagra's more virile older brother actually made me chuckle, as did Sheldon's oddly proud reaction to Leonard actually having done the deed.

The Benefactor Factor Scene

I've only recently discovered the brilliance that is Arrested Development, so it was a nice surprise to see Jessica Walter as the rich and raunchy benefactor trying to grab a romp with Leonard in exchange for funding. 

She was a less caustic version of Mrs. Bluth, but still reveled in making other people uncomfortable and I enjoyed Raj's reactions to her at the fundraiser. Her diss at Howard's lack of a Ph.D. would have made Sheldon proud.

Penny wasn't particularly on the forefront, but her responses to Sheldon's barbs were dead on, especially his "complimentary" observation that her expertise would serve Leonard well in his particular predicament. And as much as I believe her interactions with Sheldon are the lifeblood of this series, I'm beginning to enjoy Sheldon's cyber chats with Amy, as well.  While he and Penny function hilariously as oil and water, something about the like-mindedness of both he and Amy seems to also work.

Overall, I thought it was a decent episode.  What did you think?  Let us know in the comments below, and be sure to check out some quotes:

Sheldon: She stiffed you?
Penny: I believe that's what he did to her. | permalink
Sheldon: It is to viagra as viagra is to a green M&M. | permalink
Sheldon: Given how much time you spend engaging in pointless self-abuse, you might consider just this once using your genitalia to actually accomplish something. | permalink
Sheldon: You seem to have forgotten the reason we live together is that we're best friends. And I've got your back, Jack. | permalink
Sheldon: An entire dinner to talk about your research? Where you goin, the drive thru at Jack In The Box | permalink
Amy: Until you manage to upload your intelligence into a self-sustaining, orbiting satellite equipped with high-speed internet and a cloaking device, you will be dependent on the human race. | permalink

The Benefactor Factor Review

Editor Rating: 3.5 / 5.0
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User Rating:

Rating: 4.5 / 5.0 (36 Votes)

Jeffrey Kirkpatrick is a TV Fanatic Staff Writer. Follow him on Twitter.

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The Big Bang Theory Season 4 Episode 15 Quotes

It's not a touch phobia, it's a germ phobia. If you'd like to put on a pair of latex gloves I'll let you check me for a hernia.

Sheldon

You take this one. I spent an hour last night on 'Why can't vampires shave when they can't see themselves in the mirror?'

Howard