The preview and still photos for The Big Bang Theory season 7, episode 17 prove there is no equation for relationships.

Relationships are once again the topic of the week in The Big Bang Theory season 7, episode 17, but this time it’s the (hopefully) platonic and (presumably) long-distance taking center stage. This week’s episode, titled “The Friendship Turbulence,” will focus on Howard’s attempts to sooth his cantankerous relationship with Sheldon.

But results, as they say, may vary. The official synopsis for “The Friendship Turbulence” reveals that Sheldon and Howard travel to Houston together after a recent spat.

After the insults fly, Bernadette tries to broker the peace between Wolowitz and Sheldon. Meanwhile, Penny is offered an embarrassing movie role and Raj asks Amy to write to a woman on his behalf.

The preview for The Big Bang Theory season 7, episode 17 focuses on the unnerving scenario of Sheldon and Howard thrown together in a tight metal tube over Texan airspace.

While it remains to be seen whether or not those desperate straights may foster an improved friendship, it seems certain that innovative uses of airsickness bags will be developed over the course of the upcoming episode.

Meanwhile, the still photos for “The Friendship Turbulence” give us a glimpse at Raj and Amy’s storyline for the episode. It appears that the ever-professional Amy will be playing the role of Cyrano de Bergerac in Raj’s latest romantic theatrics. At least she gets to wear a lab coat.

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The stills also provide a quick glimpse at Penny and Leonard’s adventures this week. In keeping with a recent trend, the show’s central couple look like they will be keeping it low-key on The Big Bang Theory season 7, episode 17. But whatever Penny’s “embarrassing movie role” turns out to be, it looks like Leonard will have an objection or two to raise before Penny seals the deal.

The Big Bang Theory season 7, episode 17, “The Friendship Turbulence,” will air on Thursday, March 6 at 8:00 p.m. on CBS.

What are your hypotheses for this week’s episode of ‘The Big Bang Theory’?