The Big Bang Theory – The Hot Tub Contamination

By: Jennifer Vintzileos

When we last saw the group, Sheldon (Jim Parsons) and Amy (Mayim Bialik) were dabbling in their cohabitation experiment. Penny (Kaley Cuoco) and Leonard (Johnny Galecki) were enjoying domestic bliss alone for the first time in, well, ever. Bernadette (Melissa Rauch) and Howard (Simon Helberg) were preparing to be parents while Raj (Kunal Nayyar) tags along for the ride. Who knows what’s to come this week? Let’s find out!

As the experiment continues, Amy and Sheldon have now reached a road-block unlike any other. Well, at least for Sheldon. Amy wants there to be more compromise in their relationship rather than her always giving in. Namely, sharing a toothbrush holder. When they bring Penny and Leonard into the argument about compromise, Leonard assures Sheldon that Penny didn’t compromise, but rather she settled. In an effort to keep the calm between Amy and Sheldon, both Penny and Leonard decide to separate them for a while and talk it out with them on an individual basis.

Meanwhile, Howard and Raj are at the comic book store being rung up by Stuart (Kevin Sussman). Howard is preparing to take Bernadette away to Palm Springs on their last trip as a twosome before the baby arrives. Later on that day, Bernadette has been hit with a bout of morning sickness, prompting Howard to propose the idea that maybe instead of going somewhere they have a staycation instead. Bernadette is at first apprehensive, but agrees that this would be the best idea. Unfortunately, that night both Bernadette and Howard hear noises in their home. Assuming it’s a burglar, they come to find that Stuart still has a key to the house and has taken it upon himself to indulge in the couple’s hot tub while they are away.

To separate Amy and Sheldon, Penny agreed to take Sheldon for a drive and allow Sheldon time to vent. He finds that living with Amy is challenging, as he cannot handle some of her quirks. This leads to Penny sharing her own issues with Leonard’s habits. Sheldon then admits that since him and Amy have had coitus, he feels like a sexual being awakened and might be ready to branch out. During this time, Leonard decides to share with Amy how he has found Sheldon akin to a difficult pet, but how Amy has made Sheldon change a few of his habits. Leonard believes that in time, Amy can also get Sheldon to compromise on the toothbrush holder.

Back at the Wolowitz house, it is not just Stuart who has decided to indulge in the hot tub, but Raj as well. When Raj gets in, Stuart had managed to hide by ducking under the water until the need became too great to breathe and he makes his presence known. Both men decide to drink some wine and relax in the hot tub, unaware of Bernadette and Howard watching them from the window. Stuart admits that he is unable to pay his electricity bill and wanted to be in a place where he could enjoy the lights while Raj admits that he is single and wouldn’t mind having Stuart come stay with him if need be. As the men decide to get out, it is Stuart’s lack of bathing suit that causes Howard to finally speak up and alert them to his and Bernadette’s presence.

Penny decides to take Sheldon to an ice cream shop in an effort to allow to explore his sexual prowess with women, but he does not seem interested. Sheldon then shares a story that he had never told anyone before. When he was 13 years old and home from Spring Break from college, he walked in on his father with another woman. Because of this incident, he always made sure to knock on a door three times: once to alert and then two more so the people had time to be decent before opening.

When Penny and Sheldon return to the apartment, Sheldon apologizes to Amy for his behavior and is willing to compromise. To make it official, Sheldon asks Amy if he would like to share a toothbrush holder with him. Amy agrees and in the bathroom,they make the moment official, with Penny & Leonard as witnesses. While Leonard doesn’t understand why he needs to be there, Penny gets emotional at the sentiment of the moment.

How will Bernadette’s pregnancy progress? Will Sheldon and Amy continue to live together in harmony? Join me next week as The Big Bang Theory moves to their new time slot on Thursdays!