A new clip has been released from next week’s episode of The Big Bang Theory, giving us a glimpse of Sheldon in the throes of a rattled reaction. Minor spoilers ahead.

Though the next new episode of The Big Bang Theory is not scheduled to air until next Thursday, CBS has a sent out a little clip from “The Cooper/Kripke Inversion” to tide us over. Check out the clip right here:

Forced to work with Barry Kripke! Poor Sheldon. (And a little bit poor Kripke too, it must be said.) We can’t help but wonder what bureaucratic force has forced the two rivals into collaboration, and if Kripke feels the same way; perhaps he sees this as an opportunity to best Sheldon at long last? (We’re also wondering if the Roommate Agreement contains a clause teaching Leonard how to tend bar for a consternated Cooper. Oh, what are we saying? Of course it does.)

For a few more glimpses at “The Cooper/Kripke Inversion,” be sure to check out these stills from the episode. (Especially if you happen to be a Shamy fan.)

CBS’ official summary for the episode says:

Sheldon is forced to work with Barry Kripke and faces a crisis of confidence. Meanwhile, Howard and Raj spend $1,000 on action figures of themselves.

“The Cooper/Kripke Inversion” will air on Thursday, Jan. 31 at 8 p.m. The episode following will be titled “The Spoiler Alert Segmentation.”