The Big Bang Theory – The Dependence Transcendence

By: Jennifer Vintzileos

After Sheldon (Jim Parsons) haughtily informed Colonel Williams (Dean Norris) that he, Howard (Simon Helberg) and Leonard (Johnny Galecki) could complete the gyroscope project in two months, the pressure has been on for them to stick to Sheldon’s promise. Fast forward to two months into the project and we are about to learn how our favorite scientists (and engineer) are fairing.

With Howard, Leonard and Sheldon in their new classified digs, the men are hard at work trying to determine how to shrink down the gyroscope. But before they can do that, Sheldon must complete the mathematical formula in order for Howard and Leonard to continue their work. Unfortunately, as Sheldon is used to routine and order, he finds it difficult to burn the midnight oil. In his frustration, he fights Howard and Leonard on their insistence of reaching the deadline.

The next morning, as Leonard and Sheldon are in their apartment ready to head off to work, Amy (Mayim Bialik) and Penny (Kaley Cuoco) surprise them with breakfast to start their day, since they have not seen much of their men recently. During breakfast, Amy mentions a party that day she is attending that Sheldon is grateful he found a way out of. In his place, Penny offers to go with her instead, despite that it will be with Amy’s intellectual colleagues. After all, she won’t understand what they talk about anyway.

Meanwhile at the Wolowitz residence, Bernadette (Melissa Rauch), Howard and Raj (Kunal Nayyar) are finishing up breakfast that Raj prepared that morning. When Howard leaves, Raj tries to suggest baby-related projects to Bernadette to get her into the mood of motherhood. Bernadette rebuffs any attempts to do so until she agrees that they need to clean out the baby’s future room. During the cleaning, Bernadette spots an old dollhouse that she used to play with as a kid, but remembers that when it came to the children aspect of playing house she had the kids “shipped away” in a shoebox. This thought makes her question her own reservations about whether or not she feels ready for motherhood.

Sheldon, after overworking himself and not adhering to his schedule, has now fallen asleep in front of the vending machines at the University, his YooHoo in hand. He has a dream where he is visited by The Flash (Brandon Jones), advising him to drink an energy drink to stay awake and have super powers like him. At first reluctant and intending to stick with his YooHoo, Sheldon gives in and takes the energy drink from The Flash, who then runs away. Sheldon returns to the lab, jittery and awake, but ready to work.

Amy and Penny make it to Bert’s (Brian Posehn) party, one of Amy’s coworkers. While Penny believes that maybe they arrived early as they are the only ones there, Amy informs her that they are an hour late. The party is not a total bust, as Bert explains to Penny that Amy is considered a “cool” individual at the university with Sheldon cool by association. Although they leave not much later, Penny is intrigued and happy by this revelation that her friends have popular status within their own field. This includes Leonard, who is considered cool for snagging a “hot chick” like Penny.

With doubts still lingering about impending motherhood, Bernadette and Raj go for a drive where he gets the great idea to call his father (Brian George), who is a gynecologist in New Delhi. Raj’s father listens to Bernadette who says she is not excited about all the baby things that most mothers are and is sure that she should not be a parent. Raj’s father then assures her that it is perfectly fine, as she will love her child and that is all that matters. His words assure Bernadette and she calms down.

As Sheldon comes down from his caffeine withdrawal, he believes he has developed an addiction to energy drinks as he craves another one. Howard and Leonard both work to convince him that this is not the case and that he needs to get back to work so that they can meet the deadline. But Sheldon has a sobering moment, admitting to Howard and Leonard that he is struggling with the calculations and is sorry that he has placed them in this 2-month deadline that they cannot meet.  After his admittance, Sheldon passes out on Leonard’s chest.

The guys later head over to speak with Colonel Williams about the project where Leonard admits that they will not be able to deliver on time. The Colonel asks how long they will need and the guys tell him it could take two years. Mulling it over, Colonel Williams grants them the two years and the guys leave his office, trying to figure out some fun plans for later.

Join me next week as Sheldon and Amy take the next big step: moving in together!