03-05-2014, 02:43 AM
I know what you mean, Space. I wish I could believe affection is what drives Leonard to stick around with Sheldon, but I'm afraid there is not much evidence in canon to support this IMO. Based on how Leonard generally has dealt with Sheldon, the only interpretation that seems logical to me is that Leonard gets some sort of satisfaction from having someone like Sheldon be dependent on him, especially now that we know Sheldon has a lot in common with Leonard's mother, the person Leonard has a lot of unresolved issues with. I think hanging around with Sheldon makes Leonard feel more powerful, more mature, more "normal". It makes him feel better about himself, as you pointed out.
Well said. I agree.
(03-05-2014, 01:14 AM)wellplayedpenny Wrote: I think for me the problem is that Leonard functions best as a reactionary character so in a way it's odd to have someone so passive be the lead. Hence the reason why when Sheldon came along and got into his stride, particularly in the second season, it was natural that he assume command. Now they're trying to give Leonard assertiveness but it comes about as whiny. Why? Because he isn't an assertive character by nature.
Well said. I agree.