After reading your fantastic live blog from yesterday’s “Bad-Ass Boys of the CW” TCA panel I have to ask, how exactly does one get your job? — Rachel
The TV Addict: Simple. Step #1: Build a time machine. Step #2: Program said aforementioned time machine so that you may devote your formative years transfixed by the original BEVERLY HILLS 90210. Step #3: Spend what some might characterize as an “unhealthy” amount of time watching television. Got that? And since you brought up what was hands down the highlight of our week spent at the Television Critics Association Press Tour in Pasadena California, we thought we’d expand upon one of the most heartwarming moments from yesterday’s panel. Cue SUPERNATURAL star Jared Padalecki’s thoughts on impending fatherhood, “I’m very excited. I hope it doesn’t bleed over into my work because I have a boyish excitement about it. I’m almost worried about how excited I am. I feel like I should be nervous because I’m bringing a life that I’m going to be half responsible for sometime in March. But I’m just so kind of chomping at the bits to get my hands in there and raise a child that I ?? right now I’m just like an excited little boy.”

BONES scoop please. — Felicia
The TV Addict: Cutting to the chase (Trust me, that will be hilarious in a moment), the ninth episode of the season entitled “The Don’t in the Do” will revolve around a gruesome death in a hair salon.

This RAISING HOPE fan would like to know if you have any scoop on when Jimmy and Sabrina might… well, you know? — Brenda
The TV Addict: According to creator/executive producer Greg Garcia Jimmy and Sabrina shippers should stay tuned. “We’re going to go at that a little head on in the upcoming months and we’ll see what happens out of that,” teased Garcia. “There will be some movement I can promise you that.” Sticking with RAISING HOPE for a moment, Garcia also promised the season finale, while not exactly game-changing in nature, will send shockwaves throughout the Chance household. “There’s going to be some revelations about Hope’s serial killer mom that is going to have ramifications for everyone.”

The only downside to SHAMELESS’ fantastic second season premiere was the fact that Justin Chatwin’s Steve was completely missing in action. Any idea when he might be showing up? — Lisa
The TV Addict: Yes. And while we’re not about to spoil the circumstances surrounding Steve’s return, we will fill you in on a little something that will ensure the inevitable is worth the wait. Which is to say, the next time you Steve, you will see a whole lot of him! Same goes with upcoming guest star Taylor Kinney by the way. VAMPIRE DIARIES fans are most definitely not going to want to miss that!

As much as I loved — and I mean LOVED — last Wednesday’s episode of THE MIDDLE that saw Sue Heck finally score her first — with apologies to Brad — real boyfriend, I’m slightly concerned that coupledom will change her. Care to alleviate my fears? — Maddie
The TV Addict: Rest assured, Sue’s “like” of Wrestler Matt will not change the character we’ve come to know and love. Cast in point, THE MIDDLE’s sixteenth episode of the season that will see Sue successfully cajole mom Frankie into waiting in line with her for tickets to a Justin Bieber concert.

The only thing more unbelievable than the people who live in SUBURGATORY is the fact that the adorably awesome Tessa (Jane Levy) has yet to hook up with anyone! Any idea when she’s going to get a boyfriend? — Jessica
The TV Addict: With the first season of SUBURGATORY very much focused on establishing the community of crazies, Jane Levy — whom we recently had the pleasure of catching up with during a recent visit to the set of Chatswin High — told us that in terms of Tessa’s relationship prospects, “Nothing is going to stick. There’s going to be boys, but not a boyfriend, I’ll tell you that much.”

Is there any hope for some Raj romance during the upcoming second half of BIG BANG THEORY’s fifth season? — Bill
The TV Addict: Ask SIRI. Literally ask it! Because an upcoming episode of the smash CBS sitcom will have Raj taking his obsession with Apple products to what even this self-professed iPhone fanboy might call a wee bit too far!

Is DEXTER really coming to an end at the end of its eight season? — Michael
The TV Addict: Despite Showtime President David Nevins’ hesitancy to officially proclaim DEXTER dead at the end of its eight season during his recent Executive Session at the Television Critics Association Press Tour, he did address the future following last season’s shocking revelation. “I’ve been pushing to shake up the formula a bit and I think there’s going to be fundamentally different dynamic now that Deb has been given a huge reveal. It’s time to shake up what Dexter goes through, so he’s not such a lone wolf.” explained Nevins. “I think there’s a very clear trajectory now where they’re going over the course of the next two seasons that I think is going to help to write with that endgame in mind. This is the likely end point, but I’m allowing for the possibility that the plan could change.”

Please… please… puhlease tell me George and Lemon aren’t going to go ahead with their ill-fated nuptials on HART OF DIXIE. — Stacey
The TV Addict: While our source on the set has yet to spill as to whether or not George and Lemon will make it down the aisle by the end of the season, we can assure you that debauchery has a date. Specifically HART OF DIXIE’s 18th episode of the season appropriately titled “Bachelorettes…” that will revolve around George and Lemons’ respective bachelor and bachelorette parties. Parties that may-or-may-not involve some fairly awkward conversations between the likes of Lemon and Zoe and George and Lavon.

Any idea as to how Becki Newton’s upcoming guest spot on HOW I MET YOUR MOTHER is working out? —Amy
The TV Addict: It’s not… but only because Newton has yet to show up to work yet! “We haven’t actually worked with her yet, but we loved her stuff on UGLY BETTY and we can’t wait to put her in scenes with Neil [Patrick Harris] and watch their energies bounce off each other,” teased co-creator/executive producer Carter Bays following the HOW I MET YOUR MOTHER TCA panel. “We have her for 5 or 6 episodes, it’s a big arc and a big story. She’s an important player in these character’s lives.”

Did you invitation to THE BIG BANG THEORY’s 100th episode party get, err… lost in the mail? Well, never fear, theTVaddict.com is here. Specifically here with a fantastic look inside the Thursday December 15th celebration at the California Science Center that featured your favorite stars rocking out to the Barenaked Ladies. More first look photos of which have been posted after the jump.

(Photo Credit: © 2011 Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. All Rights Reserved.)

Most Abused Character: THE WALKING DEAD’s Daryl was thrown from a horse, fell onto an arrow and down a cliff (twice), survived a zombie attack and was shot in the head… by one of his pals. Suddenly, your sucky Monday isn’t looking so bad, huh?

Thanks For the Warning: Mr. Julie Chen — aka CBS prez Les Moonves said that TWO AND A HALF MEN could run for “many, many” years.

The “Enough Is Enough” Award Goes To… : THE RIKKI LAKE SHOW, set to debut this fall. Because what the country needs is yet another chat-fest.

Show Most Deserving Of A Rescue Effort: NBC’s COMMUNITY is the thinking man’s sitcom and the dumb dude’s chance to feel smart.

Silliest Theory: Fox News suggested that GLEE is suffering because of a focus on stories over music. The reality? GLEE is suffering a ratings decline because the stories stink.

Funniest Cold Open: Despite genuinely heartwarming and hilarious episodes of RAISING HOPE, MODERN FAMILY and HAPPY ENDINGS this week, THE OFFICE’s cold-open that showcased the extent to which Pam and Jim would use their “Baby on Board” to their advantage was the only thing that prompted an honest-to-goodness laugh-out-loud moment from us (Think water bottle, duct tape and any excuse to get out of a meeting!)

Most Unnecessary Return: DEXTER already spends enough time talking to his dead dad. Did we really need his dead brother putting in appearances, too?

Best On Screen Meltdown: Little Sydney Braverman made up for her season long disappearing act on this week’s PARENTHOOD a classic meltdown that — if we do say so ourselves — was a little too reminiscent of a certain TV Addict’s childhood.

Most Unexpected Twist: With its penchant for twists we didn’t see coming, Sunday’s HOMELAND didn’t just manage to cement its status as our favorite freshman drama of the season, but the thinking man’s version of 24.

Classiest Exit: After thirty plus years spent brightening up the morning of people from all walks of life, Regis Philbin bid adieu to the genre he practically invented. And while many might have been taken aback by the slightly stoic nature of his farewell, like his entertainment icons Dean Martin and Frank Sinatra, he did it his way.

Most Bizarre Twist: After popping back onto the pop culture radar a few weeks ago by being repeatedly referenced on HAPPY ENDINGS, Brett Butler (of GRACE UNDER FIRE fame) told ENTERTAINMENT TONIGHT that she’s now psychic. And, of course, pimping a reality show about her newfound abilities. I predict an epic failure in Ms. Butler’s future.

Best Reason To Keep Up With The News: NPR’s hysterical news quiz WAIT WAIT, DON’T TELL ME will get a special televised airing on BBC-AMERICA on December 23.

Best Merchandising: CBS is selling “Soft Kitty” t-shirts inspired by Sheldon’s favorite lullaby on THE BIG BANG THEORY.

Best Merchandising [Runner-Up]: Somebody is going to need to tell us where we can get a hold of some of that PARKS AND RECREATION retro merchandise, and STAT!

Sign That Twitter May Have Jumped the Shark:  Simon Cowell joined the social media site.

Most Shocking Break-Up: Move over Demi and Ashton. After an impromptu night of passion, HOW I MET YOUR MOTHER’s Barney agrees to break up with Nora only to see Robin stay together with Kevin. Talk about the complete and utter opposite of Legen… wait for it… dary!

Let’s Give A Big Texas Welcome To… : James Wolk, star of the killed-before-it’s-time primetime sudser LONE STAR, who’ll be playing boyfriend to HAPPY ENDINGS’ Max.

Absolutely loved Kristin Bauer’s guest appearance as Maleficent on Sunday’s ONCE UPON A TIME. That being said, any word on what other iconic Disney character fans might expect to see? — Amy
The TV Addict: Forget words, we’ve got lyrics! And if you can place where the following ones come from you’ll have a pretty good idea as to what iconic fairytale character may-or-may-not be soon popping up on ONCE UPON A TIME next: “Little town, it’s a quiet village…” Oh, and on the off chance you were able to crack our not-so-challenging code, feel free to head to the comments below and share your casting suggestions. At the top of our list would be MODERN FAMILY’s Sarah Hyland!

Is Mos Def’s Brother Sam really dead on DEXTER? — Dave
The TV Addict: Much like Brother Sam, on the subject of his fate, we’re a man of few words. Except to say that what does-or-doesn’t-happen to Brother Sam has some seriously spooky implications for poor Dexter. In fact, one might even go as far to say that last Sunday’s shooting sets into motion a horrific story that will haunt America’s favorite serial killer for episodes to come. Need we say more? We hope not, because if you have failed to pick up on our not-so-subtle nod to AMERICAN HORROR STORY yet, it’s possible you’ve been watching a little too much television.

Any idea as to the sex of Booth and Brennan’s baby on BONES? — Michelle
The TV Addict: Ummm… yes. But since we sure as heck aren’t going to be the ones to risk the wrath of Hart “Crazy Canuck” Hanson by spoiling the surprise, we’ll simply say that the manner in which the sex is revealed in the show’s second episode back will come as just as a surprise to Booth.

As someone who is still grieving over the loss of Vincent Nigel-Murray I was wondering if you could prepare me for the newest Squintern on the block? — Becca
The TV Addict: Fans of BONES’ revolving door of Squinterns will be happy to know that the Jeffersonian’s winning streak of winning Squinterns continues with the arrival of Mr. Abernathy. Who, not only does a bang up job of injecting his own unique voice to the show (literally!), but brings with him a touch of Kitsch, Taylor Kitsch that is.

As a staunch supporter of Zoe and George I was hoping you might have some positive news for me on the HART OF DIXIE front? — Abby
The TV Addict: Well, the first thing you need to know about Zoe and George is that we’re totally on Team Wade! That said, according to sources, George and Lemon’s road to the alter will hit yet another speed-bump in an upcoming episode when George gets a peek into his future courtesy of rival lawyer’s strained marriage. Suffice it to say, marrying Bluebell royalty may not be all that it’s cracked up to be.

Any word on the fate of Tom now that FALLING SKIES has begun shooting its second season? — Frank
The TV Addict: Since the show probably isn’t going to go ahead and kill the star of the series, it probably won’t come as much of a surprise that the aliens don’t have their way with Noah Wyle’s Tom Mason. That said, what sure might come as a surprise is newcomer Avery Churchill. A female aviator akin to Amelia Earhart who brings the ragtag Second Massachusetts an incredible story, and more importantly, hope the future in the war against the Skitters.

Any scoop on THE BIG BANG THEORY’s fantastic four? — Frank
The TV Addict: If you promise not to shoot the messenger, we do have some somewhat worrisome scoop with regards to the relationship of one of your favorite gang members. Which is to say, expect someone to change their Facebook status to “It’s Complicated” thanks to an upcoming episode that will have a certain someone going on a date with the luckiest comic book shop owner in the world. Seriously, on what planet does Stuart continue to be such a catch?

Is there any hope at all for Leslie and Ben on PARKS AND RECREATION? There lack of love connection is the only thing I’m not loving about this phenomenal season. — Ricky
The TV Addict: Leslie and Ben shippers will be pleased to discover that not even a highly-charged race for office will keep the star-crossed lovers apart. That’s the good news. The bad news is that an upcoming episode will see the fate of Ben’s job hanging in the balance when he comes to the defense of Leslie in what is probably not the most politically correct manner.

Love the NEW GIRL, hate the new guy. Will the show ever give Winston something funny to do? — Brandon
The TV Addict: If former Latvian basketball star turned “Manny” (That’s Male Nanny in case you were wondering) makes you chuckle, well, than yes, Winston will indeed be given something funny to do. Stay tuned…

Please tell me this somewhat lacklustre season of DEXTER gets better? — Richie
The TV Addict: If by better you mean more bloody, you’ll certainly enjoy the unexpected shooting of one of this season’s special guest stars that occurs sometime during the next two episodes. And if you don’t, well, there’s always the final scene one week from this Sunday that — as much as we hate to employ such an overused term of “game changer” — really will turn Dexter’s world completely and 100% upside-down.

Any chance Penny might get a little love this season? As much as I enjoy THE BIG BANG THEORY, I’ve always found it somewhat illogical that the best Kaley Cuoco’s character can do is Leonard? — Dylan
The TV Addict: As someone who has also spent the better part of THE BIG BANG THEORY’s four seasons scratching our head over Penny’s lack of love life, you’ll be happy to know that an upcoming episode of the hit CBS series will finally see Penny meet someone out of her immediate nerdiverse. Cue Kenny, an aspiring screenwriter whom she meets in a coffee shop while helping Leonard get over his break up with… oops, we may have said too much!

Ever since you posted your fantastic recount of your time on the set of THE GOOD WIFE it’s been driving me crazy, what was Alicia and Jackie fighting about this time? — Sam
The TV Addict: Since we wouldn’t dare risk angering our good friends at CBS publicity by divulging the specifics of Alicia and Jackie’s latest head-to-head, we’ll simply say that the point of contention revolves around the Florrick offspring and the current controversy surrounding the status of their respective relationships.

Will long suffering Booth and Brennan shippers be pleased with BONES upcoming seventh season premiere? — Jennifer
The TV Addict: Not only will the upcoming seventh season premiere of BONES have long suffering Booth and Brennan fans jumping up-and-down on their couch Tom Cruise-style circa Oprah 2005, the opening scene will have fans just about forgiving Hart Hanson and Co. for last season’s Hannah debacle. No word of a lie, it is that good.

Since you have a history of being ridiculously plugged into the DEGRASSI scene I was hoping you had a little news about what fans can expect when the show returns? — Jamie
The TV Addict: Since we had a feeling this kind of question might find its way into our inbox during the show’s hiatus, we made sure to ask executive producer Stefan Brogren something to that effect during our recent visit to the set of CTV’s upcoming new series HIGHLAND GARDENS. That’s the good news. The bad news, well, he wasn’t exactly forthcoming with regards to what trials and tribulations will be in store for your favorite Canadian students when the show returns, except to say, “Someone’s going to cheat with someone that you would not expect!”

Absolutely loving HART OF DIXIE. Not loving how unwelcoming the town of BlueBell Alabama is when it comes to the delightful Rachel Bilson’s Zoe Hart. Any chance the Alabama freeze will come to an end anytime soon? — Allie
The TV Addict: Based on some recent intel that came across our desk, we have a feeling the townspeople of Bluebell Alabama will very soon be having a change of hart (See what we did there?) with regards to Zoe. Particularly thanks to an upcoming episode in which Zoe’s hereto unforeseen Aunt provides the good doctor with the key to ingratiating herself in the community. A key that even prim and proper Lemon Breeland won’t be able to argue with.

Because waiting sucks, I’m hoping you can help pass the time between seasons with some TRUE BLOOD scoop? — Brenda
The TV Addict: As luck would have it, we recently had the pleasure of chatting one-on-one with Kristin Bauer (Pam) in anticipation of her deliciously evil guest spot on this Sunday’s episode of ONCE UPON A TIME (Check back tomorrow for the interview). So just what did Bauer have to say about the upcoming fifth season premiere script she just recently had the chance to devour? “Well, I’ll tell you, reading episode 501 I think literally my mouth was hanging open. Like the fans, I too have been waiting to find out where all those cliffhangers are going to launch us and I can tell you, the show gets launched in a whole other interesting direction. The seeds that are planted in 501 are just so interesting I can’t wait to get in there and start shooting those scenes.”

Any PARENTHOOD scoop? — Jessica
The TV Addict: Yes. This just in, it’s official: Most of you stink for continuing to miss out on what has pretty much become our favorite family drama of the season. Oh, and to answer your question, a relationship fans all thought was just about over will come roaring back to life in an upcoming episode thanks to one big ol’ bottle of wine.

Is there any chance we’re getting close to discovering the identity of the titular mother on HOW I MET YOUR MOTHER? — Amy
The TV Addict: In an effort to distract you from the fact that we have absolutely no pertinent information with regards to co-creators Carter Bays and Craig Thomas’ timeline for the big mother reveal, please enjoy these just released behind-the-scenes photo from Monday’s upcoming Halloween episode featuring special guest star Katie Holmes as the “Slutty Pumpkin!”

Say what you will about THE BIG BANG THEORY, but creators Bill Prady and Chuck Lorre sure as heck know their audience. How else to explain the upcoming October 13th episode entitled “The Russian Rocket Reaction” that doesn’t just feature the return of Sheldon’s nemesis Wil Wheaton, but his STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION co-star Brent Spiner as well. More first look photos of which can be found after the jump.

Question: What’s the only thing more surprising than the fact that Penny may have found the perfect girl (Katie LeClerc) for Raj? Answer: Sheldon’s new look! No really. You have to see it to believe it. Which is precisely why we’ve posted an entire slew of photos from THE BIG BANG THEORY’s upcoming October 6th episode entitled “The Wiggly Finger Catalyst”. More of which can be found after the jump.

THE BIG BANG THEORY airs Thursdays at 8PM on CBS (CTV in Canada) and stars Johnny Galecki, Jim Parsons, Kaley Cuoco, Simon Helberg and Kunal Nayyar. Catch up on past episodes you may have missed for free online at clicktowatch.tv

As somewhat of a socially-awkward nerdy-type myself, I would love to know about the future of Penny and Raj on THE BIG BANG THEORY. Statistically speaking, what would you say their chances of working out are? — Kevin
The TV Addict: Okay, here’s the thing. The first thing you should know about the TV Addict, is that if we had even the slightest smidgen of talent in the department of mathematics, we would not be sitting at our desk this morning writing about television. Secondly, Raj and Penny’s future romantic prospects during the upcoming fifth season of THE BIG BANG THEORY is what we would call a classic good news/bad news situation. On the bad news front: All evidence is pointing to Penny and Raj not living happily ever after. But, before you bury your head in World of Warcraft for the three days, we’ve got — you guessed it — some good news for you. The friendship forged courtesy of their unexpected night of passion during May’s season finale looks to be leading towards Penny introducing Raj to his ideal match. Which is to say, fans should brace themselves for the arrival a beautiful love interest for Raj who, in a twist befitting the brilliance of the BIG BANG THEORY, won’t require the not-so-talkative Raj to strike up a verbal conversation because…. drumroll please… she’s deaf!

We’ve heard an awful lot about how the unexpected pregnancy will affect Brennan on the upcoming seventh season of BONES, but not so much about Booth. Care to rectify that situation? — Rachel
The TV Addict: While it probably won’t come as much of a surprise that Booth’s horrible history with his own alcoholic and abusive father will be front of mind now that he’s in the midst of having a baby with Brennan, what sure might come as somewhat of one is that Producers are in the process of casting Booth’s father and a 7-year old version of Booth for a very emotional flashback in episode 4 which sources have characterized as “the perfect father and son moment.”

I’m slightly concerned about Fiona’s lack of date for DEGRASSI’s upcoming prom. Any clues as to who she might be going with? — Allie
While we cannot confirm or deny that Fiona and Charlie will be getting back together by the time DEGRASSI’s prom rolls around, we can share with you an exclusive photo (pictured below) we snapped from Fiona’s ultra-trendy loft during our recent visit to the set of Canada’s most popular export. Read into that what you will!

Any chance you could clarify as to just how many episodes Joshua Jackson’s Peter Bishop will be M.I.A. for during this much-anticipated fourth season of FRINGE? — Maddy
The TV Addict: The chance of us clarifying virtually anything to do with the increasingly complex and wonderful world that is FRINGE is about as likely as us tuning into any show involving a Kardashian. That said, your question just so happens to be one that we’ve been curious about as well, which is why, during the Fox Party at the recent Television Critics Association Press Tour in Los Angeles we posed it to Peter Bishop himself. “We are not a star driven show, we are a character one,” said Josh Jackson when asked if he’s expecting to be in more or less episodes of FRINGE this season in comparison to last. “I know for a fact that they want be to be apart of FRINGE, but I also know that they want to tell the story in the best possible way. And that’s why I think it’s so ballsy to take one of the three leads of a series and show what it’s like when he’s not there. May’s cliffhanger was so big that if they half-assed it in the beginning of the season, I think our audience — who has been so good — would kind of smell the suck and be disappointed that we gave them this big thing and we didn’t actually go for it. We’re going for it and I think that’s super cool”

Any idea what DESPERATE HOUSEWIVES has up its sleeve for what has now become its eighth and final season? — Jennifer
The TV Addict: Even folks who weren’t the best math students in the world know that when it comes to spoilers, what we already knew + new information = wild speculation! So join us now as we use this time-tested formula to piece together a new mystery that’s unfolding on DESPERATE HOUSEWIVES! What we already knew: is that when we last left the wives of Wisteria Lane they had made a pact to take the death of Gaby’s abusive stepfather Alejandro to their graves. New information: According to sources, the Fairview town council is planning to rezone a nearby forest for development. Wild speculation: Something tells us that the body that was last seen in Carlos and Gabby Solis’ living room might be resurfacing soon. Agree, disagree, post away.

Please tell me we’ve seen the last of Jennifer Morrison’s Zoey on HOW I MET YOUR MOTHER? — Bill
The TV Addict: As much as we’d like to tell you that we’ve seen the last of the latest Mother Maguffin on HOW I MET YOUR MOTHER… we can’t. Why? Because her portrayer, Jennifer Morrison wouldn’t close the door on it. “Honestly, to tell you the truth I don’t have a contract there, but I wouldn’t say that it’s for sure,” admitted Morrison during the recent Television Critics Press Tour. “The way that show goes back and forth with all the flashbacks, I feel like they always kind of leave the door open for those kind of things and I loved being there and have a great relationship with everyone over there.”

With the season premiere still weeks away, I’d greatly appreciate some VAMPIRE DIARIES scoop for me to sink my teeth into. — Amy
The TV Addict: Lucky for you, with the season premiere of THE VAMPIRE DIARIES just around the corner, you’re not the only one who can’t contain their excitement over the show’s return. Cue… the Network just released this very-revealing episode description of “The Birthday,” On the morning of Elena’s (Nina Dobrev) 18th birthday, Caroline (Candice Accola) is busy planning a party, but Elena is focused on searching for any clues that might help her discover where Stefan (Paul Wesley) is. Damon (Ian Somerhalder) is also searching for Stefan, while trying to protect Elena and keep her from doing anything that would draw Klaus’ (Joseph Morgan) attention. Meanwhile, Klaus and Stefan are busy trailing a werewolf named Ray Sutton (guest star David Gallagher, “Super 8”). Now working at the Mystic Grill along with Matt (Zach Roerig), Jeremy (Steven R. McQueen) is struggling to understand why he keeps seeing the ghosts of Vicki (guest star Kayla Ewell) and Anna (guest star Malese Jow) since he was brought back to life by Bonnie’s (Kat Graham) magic. Meanwhile, Alaric (Matt Davis) does his best to watch over Elena and Jeremy, while dealing with his grief over Jenna’s death. Finally, Caroline and Tyler (Michael Trevino) face a new and unexpected challenge.

Suffice it to say, if there is any truth at all to the old adage (or is it board game marketing slogan?) promising that the family that plays together stays together, fans will be thrilled to discover that in spite of Penny and Raj’s shocking hookup at the culmination of last May’s BIG BANG THEORY season finale, the gang is as tight as ever. Or at least that’s the theory we’re sticking with based on these just-released photos from the show’s fifth season premiere entitled “The Skank Reflex Analysis” that sees Sheldon taking command of the gang’s paintball team while they deal with the aftermath of Penny and Raj’s night together. More of which can be found after the jump.

New episodes of THE BIG BANG THEORY return to CBS on Thursday September 22 at 8PM (CTV in Canada). Catch up on past episodes you may have missed for free online at clicktowatch.tv

Think you were floored by May’s shocking BIG BANG THEORY season finale that saw Penny do the walk of shame following a night of alcohol-fueled passion with Raj? Well, imagine for a moment how actor Johnny Galecki felt, who as Leonard Hofstadter has spent the better part of four seasons pining both after and over the delightful Penny.

“I took that personally when I read that,” explained Galecki who was on hand in Toronto over the weekend for the MuchMusic Video Awards. “Kaley [Cuoco] and I actually shared a call and was like ‘What’s Happening’?”

What’s happening indeed. And while fans will have to wait until THE BIG BANG THEORY’s September return to find out whether or not Raj and Penny’s one night stand will ever amount to anything more than just that, Galecki was only to happy to share his theory as to what will happen next.

“I can’t imagine that their relationship will go very far,” Galecki said, “What’s more, I think that it might be one of the steps that bring Penny and Leonard closer together. After-all, they didn’t break up because anyone messed up. They broke up because of Penny’s own incapabilities in love and discomfort with what she was feeling.”

And while the question of course remains as to whether or not Leonard — who according to TVLine will kick off the fifth season experimenting with a long distance relationship with Priya (Aarti Mann) — be open to as Galecki put it, “the possibility of having his heart shattered again [by Penny]” of this he was sure, “I can’t imagine he’ll be speaking to Raj when we come back for a fifth season.”

(Reporting By Melissa Girimonte)