Penny Blossom

[Nutz]

That was quite a disgusting manipulation technique his mother taught him, wasn't it?

It kind of reminds me of Amy cooking Sheldon's favorite meal and playing his favorite music to have him shift his love for other people and things to a love for her. That was yet another manipulation technique. It's also amazing how Amy picks and chooses which of Sheldon's issues need to go and which ones need to stay. Apparently, Sheldon's 'need for closure' has to go but his 'need for repetition' can stay since Amy is planning to put it into good use someday. (Sorry, I don't know why, but I find that particular statement by Amy - along with her statement about her 5-year plan - extremely disturbing and sickening).

And Leonard is doing the same manipulations with Penny: he steals her mail so he can talk to her; as you pointed out he does nothing to help her with her drinking problem but at the same time he criticizes her for it; he uses his childhood issues and her insecurities to get pity sex from her; and who knows, he may have indeed found out about her father's cologne to have her have more sex with him.

Leonard and Amy, they are similar in many ways.

Oh they are identical in their motivation, they are just at different stages of their plan.

The episode where Amy cooks for Sheldon has some funny scenes and I did quite enjoy it but the intention is manipulation and this is something I have a problem with, in regards to shamy.

In comparison, Penny knows that Sheldon is a whackadoodle. It annoys and amuses her but there's a complete acceptance of this as an unchanging fact and this is what he really needs. She's also a stronger woman emotionally than Amy and can stand toe to toe with him and still make us laugh. Also Penny, is no angel, she needs a guy she can't push around and Sheldon is the only one on the show who fits that bill.

That was the old Penny, the new Penny is a spineless drunk who cuts down Sheldon more than she sides with him. Apparently after a touching Shenny scene the correct thing for the writers to do is make it crystal clear to EVERYONE that Penny & Sheldon aren't a couple, will never be a couple, and only stand each other because if their deep love of Leonard. (Again, vomit icon needed)