Penny has some big news for the gang in a new sneak peek from The Big Bang Theory season 7, episode 12.

A new sneak peek has been released for The Big Bang Theory season 7, episode 12, giving fans a glimpse at Penny’s plot line in the first episode of 2014. The episode, titled “The Hesitation Ramification,” will focus on Penny and Leonard’s relationship in the aftermath of a loaded question answered with insufficient speed.

The clip from The Big Bang Theory season 7, episode 12 shows Penny announcing an exciting development in her acting career (remember Penny’s acting career?) to Leonard and the gang.

In the sneak peek, Penny tells the gang that she has landed a small role on NCIS – the title of which proves too complicated for her to remember. The role will call for her to flirt with actor Mark Harmon, which appears to raise Leonard’s sensitive Flag of Jealousy.

The official synopsis for “The Hesitation Ramification” indicates that Leonard doesn’t have much to worry about on that score, but it seems that problems may arise for the couple anyway.

When Penny’s big acting break on NCIS is a bust, Leonard struggles to help her, which results in Penny asking Leonard a bold relationship question. Meanwhile, Sheldon tries to learn how to be funny and Raj tries to work on his “game” before talking to girls.

Though we can only speculate as to what question Penny might ask Leonard (and what the hinted-at ramifications may be) the preview for The Big Bang Theory season 7, episode 12 gives a more solid hint at what Sheldon will be up to this week. The short version is that Sheldon is trying to scientifically codify humor.

And then we see his underwear.

The Big Bang Theory season 7, episode 12 “The Hesitation Ramification,” will air on Thursday, Jan. 2 at 8:00 p.m. on CBS.