The Big Bang Theory season 12 episode 10 Recap and FAQ

Episode Summary

Sheldon and Amy grapple with the disproval of their super-asymmetry theory, leading Sheldon to question his entire belief system. Howard rediscovers his passion for magic and contemplates joining the Magic Castle. After a partially lost childhood pep talk on VCR, Sheldon, inspired by a speech from his late father, revitalizes his and Amy's theory, considering observer-relative symmetry and asymmetry. Meanwhile, Howard, initially coached by Bernadette for his magic audition, chooses to embrace his own style, confidently performing at the Magic Castle.

Full Episode S12E10 Recap

### The VCR Illumination - **Sheldon and Amy's Disappointment**: The episode begins with the group discussing how to avoid topics that could upset Sheldon and Amy, as their super-asymmetry theory was disproven by a Russian paper. #### Reevaluating Beliefs - **Sheldon's Struggle**: Sheldon starts questioning all his beliefs, including his dislike for asparagus and jazz, reflecting his deep disappointment over the disproval of his theory. #### The Great Howdini - **Howard's Magic Ambitions**: Howard rediscovers his old magic practice tape, leading to a discussion about his past ambition to join the Magic Castle. Despite initial reluctance, he considers auditioning again. #### Pep Talk VCR Tape - **Sheldon's Childhood Pep Talk**: Amy finds a VCR tape of a childhood pep talk Sheldon recorded for himself. However, they discover it's partially taped over by Sheldon's father's football game. #### Grieving the Theory - **Beverly's Advice**: Leonard and Penny seek advice from Beverly, who suggests Sheldon might be grieving over the loss of his theory. They decide to conduct a 'funeral' for the theory to help Sheldon cope. #### A Viking Funeral - **Saying Goodbye**: In a whimsical and touching scene, Sheldon and Amy give their theory a Viking funeral in a bathtub, symbolizing their acceptance of its failure. #### Howard's Decision - **Howard's Magic Act**: Howard, with Bernadette's pageant-style coaching, prepares for his magic audition but realizes he wants to do it his own way, without over-the-top elements. #### Finding Inspiration - **Sheldon's Revelation**: Watching his father's encouraging speech in the taped-over VCR, Sheldon finds inspiration. He sees parallels between his father's resilience and his own situation, motivating him to revisit his theory. #### New Beginnings - **Revisiting the Theory**: Sheldon and Amy, inspired by the idea of observer-relative symmetry and asymmetry, decide to work on their theory again, seeing it in a new light. ### Howard's Audition - **Magic Castle Audition**: The episode closes with Howard confidently performing a magic trick during his audition at the Magic Castle.

Frequently Asked Questions

What theory of Sheldon and Amy's was disproven?

Their super-asymmetry theory.

How does the group try to avoid upsetting Sheldon and Amy?

By avoiding topics related to their theory, science, and other sensitive subjects.

What does Sheldon start reevaluating after his theory is disproven?

All his beliefs, including his dislike for asparagus and jazz.

What does Howard rediscover from his past?

His old magic practice tape and his ambition to join the Magic Castle.

What is on the VCR tape that Amy finds?

A childhood pep talk by Sheldon, partially taped over by his father's football game.

Who provides advice to Leonard and Penny about Sheldon's state?

Beverly, Leonard's mother.

How do Sheldon and Amy cope with the loss of their theory?

They conduct a Viking funeral for their theory in a bathtub.

What realization does Sheldon have after watching his father's speech?

He sees parallels between his father's resilience and his own situation.

What new perspective do Sheldon and Amy consider for their theory?

Observer-relative symmetry and asymmetry.

How does Howard's approach to his magic audition change?

He decides to do it his own way, without over-the-top elements and Bernadette's pageant-style coaching.

The Big Bang Theory season 12 episode 10

The VCR Illumination