The gang explored new territory in The Big Bang Theory season 8, episode 6. Check out our recap and share your thoughts on “The Expedition Approximation”!
Heigh-ho
Sheldon has started to work in Dark Matter, and Raj suggests the two apply to do a study in a mine. The idea strikes the rest of the group as hilarious, which makes Raj reconsider.
Later, Raj pitches the difficulties of the mine thing. Sheldon is only turned off by having to pee in a bucket, at which point he nixes the idea. But since the opportunity is so great, Raj and Sheldon agree to do a trial run in a mine-like environment.
Or with accidental porn.
Cash back
Penny has gotten a new car from the pharmaceutical company, and sold the one Leonard bought for her. She gives him the money from the sale. “Now we’re even,” she says. Leonard is clearly upset, but mollified somewhat when she gives them a puffy-painted picture frame of the two of them in the car.
But Leonard doesn’t want her to give him the cash, even though Penny is making more money now. She insists he keep it, but he continues trying to sneak the cash back to her.
Later, Leonard suggests they open a joint account, though he supports Penny’s personal and financial growth. Penny says she’s trying to be sensitive of the fact that now she and Leonard are more financially equal. Leonard bristles at the suggestion that he is insecure at Penny’s success.
Off to work we go
Amy leads Raj and Sheldon to steam tunnels below the University, which will serve as their simulated mine. The two descend into the hot, dark tunnels.
Raj sets up the equipment as Sheldon sings a grim mining song, and Raj explains the intricacies of Hannah Montana to his partner.
If I were a rich man
Penny and Leonard talk to Howard and Bernadette about how they handle money. Bernadette makes a lot more than Howard, which they admit can be a source of tension… as can vintage Star Trek figurines.
Howard and Bernadette break into a fight over money, a chore-chart, and allowances. Bernadette admits that Howard has issues with her income. Penny is concerned that she might eventually out-earn Howard, making him resent her. Leonard promises that’s exactly what his mother did to his father, and it won’t bother him.
The two vow not to be like their friends.
Rats!
Down in the tunnels, Sheldon copes with intense claustrophobia – and also admits that he is struggling with the study of Dark Matter. He is apprehensive over rebuilding his carer from the ground-up.
Raj comforts Sheldon with the thought of the Voyager space probe, continuing its travels even though it had already explored many planets. The thought works for a moment, until Sheldon sees rats behind Raj and rockets to the surface.
Amy notes that the “expedition” lasted for 11 minutes as Sheldon races away, insisting they leave Raj behind.
Problem solving
Penny and Leonard prepare to have sex on top of the money – it’s not Penny’s first time trying such a thing. Meanwhile, Howard and Bernadette have make-up sex, and agree not to try to be equals in their relationship.
Good luck.
Finally, Raj storms into Sheldon’s apartment as Sheldon makes Amy transcribe his log. He is furious at being abandoned to the rats, but Sheldon is unmoved.