The Big Bang TheoryThe Friendship Algorithm
Original Air Date: 19 Jan 2009
Theresa – TwoCents Staff Writer
theresa@thetwocentscorp.com
Kripke is back! And he's even more obnoxious than last week. Unfortunately, he also controls the lab's new Open Science Grid computer, so Sheldon has to try to make friends with him to get some time on it.
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[photo: CBS.com]
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Kripke is back! And he's even more obnoxious than last week. Unfortunately, he also controls the lab's new Open Science Grid computer, so Sheldon has to try to make friends with him to get some time on it.
ReplyDeleteSheldon tries the direct approach first, but is shot down. He next does what any scientist would do: empirical research. He makes a 211-item questionnaire to figure out why his current friends like him, but can't get them to take it seriously. Just like when he learned how to swim from the Internet without ever going in the water. Continuing with the research mindset, Sheldon visits the bookstore to find writing on how to make friends, and ends up getting along very well with a young girl. Very young. The scene between Sheldon and little Rebecca is brilliant, second only to the flowchart later on. And I love how they brought up Sheldon's attachment to trains again!
Using the book “Stu the Cockatoo Is New at the Zoo” as his theoretical inspiration, Sheldon devises a flowchart based on the alleged friendship-making algorithm he's discovered. He believes that he has failed because he hasn't offered any concrete ideas for friendly activities, so he calls Kripke again and makes his way through the flowchart with each negative response. Unfortunately, he gets trapped in an unforeseen infinite loop when he can't find a common interest, so Howard must save him by inserting an escape path. This leads to Sheldon agreeing to go rock climbing.
Even though he passes out halfway up the wall, Sheldon believes that his friendship with Kripke is shaping up, so he decides that he needs to kick another friend out to make room. The pink slip goes to Raj, who changed his answer to “Sheldon's favorite amino acid” on the survey from lysine to glutamine – how offensive. However, when he finds out that Kripke actually has no say in the OSG schedule, Sheldon kicks him back out for Raj, because Raj likes monkeys.
Not a very eventful episode, but classic Sheldon all the same. And still no sign of Stephanie! Can we at least get an explanation for that? Let me know what you thought of this episode by leaving your Two Cents in the comments!
Best Lines:
Penny: How did you guys become friends?
Leonard: There was a flyer on the bulletin board at the University. 'Roommate wanted. Whistlers need not apply.'
Penny: And you moved in anyway?
Leonard: I assumed he was joking. You'd be surprised how many particle physicists have a whimsical side.
Penny: Well, what about Howard and Raj? I mean, how did you become friends with them?
Leonard: I don't know. How do carbon atoms form a benzene ring? Proximity and valence electrons.
Penny: Sure, when you put it that way.
Penny: Sheldon, honey, did you ever consider making friends by being, I don't know, pleasant?
Sheldon: That's certainly a thought-provoking hypothesis. May I suggest it as the topic for your essay?
Sheldon: (to the rock wall assistant who hooks him up) So is this your entire job? Your parents must be so proud.
Kripke: I'm Barry.
Penny: Penny.
Kripke: Ooh, that's not a very hot name. I'm gonna call you Roxanne. Ooh, pot stickers!
Howard: Suddenly I'm looking pretty good, huh?