'The Big Bang Theory': Mayim Bialik and a robot lend a helping hand

What did you think of the Season 4 premiere of "The Big Bang Theory"? We think Sheldon (Emmy-winner Jim Parsons) going on a date might be the funniest thing we've seen in awhile, but we also enjoyed the "robotic manipulation" B-plot.

First off, who didn't see the robot-masturbation plot coming a mile off? We mean ... it's Wolowitz (Simon Helberg). Of course he's going to try that. That did not keep it from being hysterically funny, especially when Will Smith's "Fresh Prince" mom Vernee Watson-Johnson returned as Althea the nurse to solve Wolowitz's problem.

But the main storyline was by far the best. Sheldon and Amy Fowler (guest-star Mayim Bialik) are in talks to procreate (via petry dish, naturally), so Penny makes them go out on an exceptionally awkward date. We can't wait for Bialik to return to the show. She's slated to be in at least one more episode. We hope it's more.

And 31, Penny? Try not to ... you know ... on the way out to the parking lot. ("Clerks" anyone?)

Well done on a triumphant return, "Big Bang Theory." Not that we had any doubt.

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Photo credit: CBS