A disappointment for Penny has big ramifications for her relationship with Leonard on The Big Bang Theory season 7, episode 12, “The Hesitation Ramification.”
The Big Bang Theory season 7, episode 12 begins when Penny interrupts dinner/phone time with the news that she has been cast in a bit part in NCIS to flirt with Mark Harmon. Leonard is anxious about said flirting.
At the Cheesecake Factory, Sheldon finds himself bewildered by a joke about Howard’s mother, and proceeds to demonstrate his sense of humor… or lack thereof. Later, Leonard tells Sheldon that he doesn’t think he’s funny. Sheldon decides to create a unified theory of comedy to make people laugh every time.
Raj brings Stuart as his date to watch Penny’s episode of NCIS, having been completely intimidated by an attractive girl. Howard suggests he practice; Bernadette suggests (rightly) that Raj just shut up.
While watching the episode, Penny is devastated to realize that her scene was cut. She leaves the apartment nearly in tears. Leonard tries to comfort her, and Penny poses a question: “Do you think I have what it takes to make it as an actress?”
Leonard immediately says yes, but when Penny asks if he thinks she will win awards and be in television and movies, Leonard hesitates and answers, “No.” Penny is furious; Leonard qualifies that she is talented and beautiful, but the odds are not in her favor. Penny storms out, upset, and Leonard is left to wish he’d let Sheldon comfort her.
Later, Sheldon is surprised that humor involves surprise. Amy doesn’t think he can codify humor, but laughs when Sheldon drops his drawers in front of her. When asked to rate words in terms of humor, she threatens to break up with Sheldon.
Penny is moping in her apartment when Leonard comes over to apologize. He tells her he believes in her, and wants her to audition for the new Star Wars movie along with everyone else in the world. Penny is not impressed.
Meanwhile, Raj and Stuart go to the mall and try to pick out un-hot people to talk to. They have no luck, and receive little sympathy. They stay there all day, until Raj starts talking to a mall security guard as the mall closes. Stuart is impressed.
Later, a tipsy Penny apologizes and confronts Leonard with her disappointment. She says she has nothing to show for her years in L.A. “You have me,” Leonard says. “You’re right, I do have you,” she says… and promptly gets down on one knee and proposes to him.
But Leonard hesitates. Penny is drunk and upset, and he is uncertain. Penny takes this as rejection and storms out of the apartment, while Sheldon tries to present his scientifically-perfect joke. Later that night, Leonard tells Sheldon that Penny proposed. Sheldon asks if their relationship is over, and Leonard is scared to ask Penny that question. “I’m sorry,” Sheldon says; he does not say anything inappropriate, but does pin a “Kick Me” sign on Leonard when he taps his back sympathetically.
In the tag, Howard auditions for the new Star Wars movie, until he is interrupted by Bernadette, who is otherwise occupied.