The Big Bang Theory season 8 had plenty of ups and downs. Catch up on the highlights before season 9 starts next week!

Penny got a new job

At Bernadette’s suggestion, Penny left the world of acting behind and began working as a pharmaceutical sales woman. The job switch offered some real benefits for Penny – a substantial salary, a chance to use her social skills, and even a few intellectual opportunities. While it wasn’t easy for Penny to let go of her dream of acting, she came to realize that the petty world of auditions and rejections wasn’t really doing it for her anymore.

Leonard and Sheldon made a major scientific discovery

Sheldon’s condescending professional relationship with Leonard changed after Leonard had a “Eureka!” moment about superfluid vacuums or something. Sheldon worked out the formula, and the roomies published a well-received paper on the subject.

But tension developed between the partners when Sheldon took credit for the idea in Scientific American, though Leonard’s later mention cleared up hurt feelings. He and Sheldon eventually received an award for their work (and even impressed a trollish Stephen Hawking!) so it seems like new doors may be opening for the brainy pair.

Raj had ups and downs

Raj had a relatively uneventful season on The Big Bang Theory season 8, though he had his own share of drama. On the science side, a probe of his was successfully activated in space, and he later worked on a proposal for NASA (…which was swiftly co-opted by Sheldon.)

In India, Raj’s parents finally ended their marriage, while Raj grew closer with both his dog Cinnamon and his girlfriend Emily. But though the two (Raj and Emily, that is) dated exclusively through most of the season, Raj eventually came to feel that his dermatologist girlfriend was just too weird for him. In typical Raj fashion though, he was unable to go through with the breakup and told Emily he loved her instead.

Howard had family issues

By far the most emotional story of The Big Bang Theory season 8 was the passing of Mrs. Wolowitz, in response to the sad passing of actress Carol Ann Susi. After a half a season of Howard’s increasing paranoia over Stuart’s closeness to Mrs. Wolowitz, Ma’s death put most of those issues to rest – just as Stuart reopened the comic book store with her generous investment.

But the surprises weren’t over after Mrs. Wolowitz’s passing. Howard and Bernadette started a new chapter in their lives by moving into her house – and one day, his half-brother Josh showed up! The meeting with his long-estranged Dad’s son was awkward, but Howard and Josh bonded over NASA adventures and all was well.

Leonard and Penny grappled with their relationship

Penny’s new life also posed a few challenges for Leonard. Used to being the financially stable member of their relationship, he was hurt when Penny sold the car he gave her and tried to return the money, and also struggled with the flirty relationships Penny was building with doctors.

…and made a major decision

Eventually, sick of being battered by questions about their wedding, Leonard and Penny decided to elope to Las Vegas! But the move turned out to be something of a gamble, when Leonard confessed that he had kissed a fellow scientist on the North Sea. Unhappily, Penny insisted that they go on with the wedding.

Sheldon and Amy took a step forward!

“Shamy” seemed like they were on solid ground for most of The Big Bang Theory season 8. The couple bested Leonard and Penny in a compatibility quiz, and Sheldon had a big moment when he calmly confessed his love to Amy. (Amy hyperventilated.)

… and then a few steps back

But throughout the season, Amy continually had to pull Sheldon forward in the relationship, and it became clear that the biochemist was feeling neglected. When Sheldon ignored their fifth anniversary, Amy had had enough, and told Sheldon that she wanted to take a break.

…what Amy didn’t know was that Sheldon had been planning to propose. These two are starting to gain on Leonard and Penny in the “Worst Timing Ever” contest.

The Big Bang Theory season 9 premiere, “The Matrimonial Momentum,” airs on Monday, Sept. 21 at 8:00 p.m. on CBS.