The Big Bang Theory, Season 7, Episode 7, Recap: Proton Displacement

When Professor Proton asks Leonard for help with a research paper, Sheldon retaliates by befriending Proton’s rival, Bill Nye. Raj enjoys spending time with the girls, but Howard takes over his special time.

Sheldon and Dr. Proton

While Sheldon, Amy and Leonard are shopping, they run into “Dr. Proton” (i.e. Dr. Arthur Jeffries), who decades ago starred as a scientist on a TV show for kids. Sheldon displays a lack of social skills, even attempting to guess what prescription medication Dr. Jeffries is picking up. Later that day, Dr. Jeffries sends an email to Leonard asking for an opinion on his paper. Sheldon is hurt that Dr. Jeffries contacted Leonard instead of him. Amy tries to explain that Sheldon can sometimes be annoying. To remedy his previous rudeness, Sheldon shows up at Dr. Jeffries’ house (at seven in the morning!) to apologize – and “offer” to take a look at the paper. Dr. Jeffries admits that Sheldon is annoying and shuts the door on him.

While Dr. Jeffries and Leonard are working in the lab, Sheldon comes by and brings Bill Nye the Science Guy. Sheldon wants to make Dr. Jeffries jealous. He takes Bill Nye out for smoothies, but Bill Nye ditches him (and takes out a restraining order). Leonard shares why he and Sheldon are friends and says that Sheldon can’t help the way he is. Dr. Jeffries begins to understand. He reaches out to Sheldon and decides he can deal with the “annoying”.

Howard and Raj

Howard often teases Raj about his (lack of) manliness. Raj enjoys hanging out with Bernadette, Penny and Amy on girls’ night, where he can express himself without being teased. He plans a jewelry night using beads and glue. Then Howard comes and offers to let the girls use his soldering supplies to make better jewelry. Raj feels like Howard is intruding on his special time. The next night, Howard comes again and brings more equipment that he says can create diamonds out of a lock of hair. Once again Raj feels overshadowed. Raj admits how he feels to Howard, and Howard apologizes.