'The Big Bang Theory' Recap: 'The Anxiety Optimization'

On tonight’s Big Bang Theory Sheldon plans to make a scientific breakthrough.

Sheldon believes that a pleasant work environment is hindering his ability to make a discovery, so he turns to Amy for help. Amy tries to irritate Sheldon to increase his anxiety, which he is monitoring by wearing a special cap. Amy rubs a balloon near Sheldon’s ear, which he hates. He pops it, prompting an argument. This brings his anxiety level up.

Sheldon tells the guys that he wants them to challenge him every time he makes an assertion in order to irritate him. They argue with him that they don’t think it will help. This angers Sheldon, who then realizes that they are doing just what he asked.

In the middle of the night, Sheldon uses a combination of Godzilla, the Joker and Darth Vadar as “anxiety music.” He wanted to include Taylor Swift, but he realizes that he loves her. This noise wakes up Leonard who doesn’t understand why he can’t use headphones.

At date night, Sheldon insists on wearing the anxiety cap because he thinks it is helping. Amy thinks it is ridiculous and it smells. She also doesn’t like that he won’t put away his computer or notebook. Amy tells him that he doesn’t need to drive himself crazy to be productive. Sheldon refuses to stop, so Amy throws him out.

On the way home, Sheldon hallucinates. Penny and Leonard force him to go to bed, but Sheldon protests. Penny starts to sing “Soft Kitty,” which puts him right to sleep.

In tonight’s sub plot, Howard proposes a game to Leonard. He recites a quote from Raj, and Leonard will have to guess if Raj was saying it to his girlfriend Emily, or his dog, Cinnamon. Some of the phrases are “Check it out! I got us matching sweaters!” and “The bed is so lonely when you’re not in it.” Raj, who is also sitting at the table, is not amused. The guys continue to play the game throughout the day. Raj thinks it is weird that Howard remembers the things he had said.

Later, they get Penny and Bernadette in on the game. Raj walks in to hear them playing and gets frustrated.

At the university, Emily confronts the guys, saying that she thinks that Raj is sweet and sexy. She gives him a kiss, which causes her to get a piece of dog hair stuck in her mouth, hinting that Raj had been kissing Cinnamon.