“The Big Bang Theory” has had a good seven season run, earning itself a dedicated and steadfast fan base. The escapades of the intelligent, awkward, yet endearing friends Leonard, Sheldon, Raj and Howard have, on basic principle, not changed much. They still get Chinese takeout nearly every episode, have some sort of conflict (usually between Raj and Howard, or Sheldon and Leonard, or Sheldon against the other three), and Penny somehow helps them resolve the issue. However, if that was all there were to the show, it would not have lasted seven seasons. The gang matured, albeit some more slowly than others. More characters were introduced, namely Howard’s now-wife Bernadette and Sheldon’s “girlfriend” Amy. Based on the first four episodes of season seven, the show will continue its strong streak.

Season six left off with Leonard leaving on a research study at sea for Stephen Hawking, Penny and Sheldon missing him and Howard comforting Raj after his breakup with story-arc character Lucy. Season seven picks up soon after where the previous one left off, with Leonard at sea, returning in the second episode. Episode three could be seen as a “filler,” or unnecessary, episode, except for the fact that it explores some characters interacting as a duo that do not usually interact, when Raj creates a scavenger hunt for the group.

Sheldon and Penny are paired up, which is a duo not unheard of, but still funny, with Sheldon sighing and rolling his eyes throughout the ordeal and Penny looking ready to strangle him. Amy and Howard make up another team, which leads to some funny scenes with the two bonding over their love of Neil Diamond by belting out the words to each other. A less-fortunate pair is Leonard and Bernadette, due to Bernadette’s drill-sergeant style yelling and cajoling, unexpected due to her size, although in past seasons she has shown an aggressive, even confrontational, side.

The latest episode focused more on the relationships of Penny and Leonard, and Amy and Sheldon. Leonard was playing the sympathy card, trying to maneuver favors and dates more to his liking. Of course, Penny finds out and predictably tries to lure him into a false sense of security, then brings his mother into the conversation. Meanwhile, Sheldon tries to get even with Amy after she ruins one of his favorite movies. This was where a lot of problems developed.

Amy and Sheldon seemed to make a decent amount of progress towards the end of the previous season. Sheldon was learning to be more intimate with Amy, and he “[hasn’t] ruled out” a more intimate physical relationship. Now, he seems to have regressed to his condescending, oblivious self. Sheldon will not change overnight, but he needs to change some more to add something different to the show. These are the only characters who seem to have not developed as much. The other characters definitely have.

Howard is no longer the nerdy, Jewish guy who lives with his mom and is obsessed with women. Now, he is (relatively) stablely married to Bernadette and they have their own house. Amy has come out of her shell as well, becoming more of an integral part of the group. Penny is still the sassy waitress and aspiring actress, but she is in a healthier relationship with Leonard and becoming more committed to the relationship. Raj has probably changed the most. He can now talk to Penny without the “help” of alcohol and even had a girlfriend. Unfortunately, they broke up, but he is learning more about himself and the opposite gender.

The seventh season of the Big Bang Theory should be a success, seeing more development from these characters and seeing what happens next. Amy and Sheldon, hopefully, will explore their relationship a bit more, or at least Amy should stand up for herself. Also, Raj should keep up his confidence and meet more women. This