The Big Bang Theory season 3 episode 15 Recap and FAQ

Episode Summary

Leonard plans a Valentine's Day trip to Switzerland with Penny to visit the CERN supercollider, causing jealousy and dismay in Sheldon, who believes he should be the one to go due to a clause in their roommate agreement. Sheldon's various attempts to secure his place on the trip, including guilt-tripping Penny, strain his friendship with Leonard. Ultimately, Penny falls ill, and Sheldon is invited to join Leonard, leading to an awkward but resolved situation for the group.

Full Episode S03E15 Recap

### Leonard's Phone Call and Group Conversation - **Leonard** on the phone with his girlfriend, expressing affection. - **Howard** teases Leonard about his display of affection. - **Sheldon** introduces the concept of a positional good, explaining its value based on exclusivity. - **Raj** feels lonely and expresses envy of Leonard's relationship. ### Valentine's Day Plans - **Howard** shares his Valentine's Day plan, a special at P.F. Chang's. - **Raj** suggests a brutal murder as a more fitting celebration for Saint Valentine. - **Sheldon** expresses his typical Valentine's Day ritual, which involves eating a rotisserie chicken alone. ### Leonard's Surprise for Penny - **Leonard** announces he's been invited to Switzerland to see the CERN supercollider and can bring a guest. - **Sheldon** assumes he will be Leonard's guest but is surprised when Leonard chooses Penny. ### Sheldon's Reaction and Roommate Agreement - **Sheldon** is upset about not being chosen to go to Switzerland. - He cites the roommate agreement, which states that if one is invited to the Large Hadron Collider, the other should be invited too. - **Leonard** remains firm in his decision to take Penny. ### Leonard's Surprise for Penny and Sheldon's Attempts to Convince Leonard - **Leonard** prepares a Swiss-themed surprise for Penny to reveal their trip. - **Sheldon** tries various tactics to convince Leonard to take him to Switzerland, including a PowerPoint presentation. - **Penny** decides to let Sheldon go in her place after seeing his passion for the collider. ### Sheldon's Attempts to Guilt Penny and Leonard's Final Decision - **Sheldon** guilts Penny into letting him go instead of her. - **Leonard** finds out and is upset with Sheldon for going behind his back. - **Leonard** decides he would rather go alone than take Sheldon. ### The Fallout of Leonard's Decision - **Sheldon** and **Leonard**'s friendship becomes strained. - **Penny** falls ill, making her unable to go to Switzerland. - **Leonard** offers the trip to Sheldon, who eagerly accepts. ### Conclusion - **Sheldon** and **Leonard** prepare for their trip to Switzerland. - **Penny** is left sick at home, realizing that Sheldon's illness is from her.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a positional good?

A positional good is valued by its possessor mainly because it is not possessed by others.

Who coined the term "positional good" and when?

Fred Hirsch coined the term in 1976.

What are Howard's Valentine's Day plans?

Howard plans to have a $39.95 lover's special at P.F. Chang's.

Why does Raj suggest witnessing a brutal murder for Valentine's Day?

He notes that Saint Valentine was stoned and beheaded, making a brutal murder seem fitting.

What is Sheldon's typical Valentine's Day ritual?

Sheldon usually spends Valentine's Day eating a rotisserie chicken alone.

Who is Leonard planning to take to Switzerland?

Leonard plans to take Penny to Switzerland.

What event is Leonard invited to in Switzerland?

Leonard is invited to see the CERN supercollider.

Why does Sheldon think he should go to Switzerland with Leonard?

According to their roommate agreement, if one is invited to the Large Hadron Collider, he should invite the other.

How does Sheldon try to convince Leonard to take him to Switzerland?

Sheldon uses various tactics including a PowerPoint presentation.

What is Penny's initial reaction to Leonard's Switzerland trip?

Penny is excited and grateful for the opportunity.

Does Sheldon successfully guilt Penny into letting him go to Switzerland?

Yes, Penny decides to let Sheldon go in her place.

How does Leonard react to Sheldon's attempt to go to Switzerland?

Leonard is upset and decides he would rather go alone than take Sheldon.

What happens to Penny that changes the Switzerland trip plans?

Penny falls ill, making her unable to go.

Who ends up going to Switzerland with Leonard?

Sheldon goes with Leonard to Switzerland.

What causes Sheldon to get sick?

Sheldon gets sick after touching Penny, who is already ill.

The Big Bang Theory season 3 episode 15

The Large Hadron Collision