The 'Big Bang Theory' recap: 'The Helium Insufficiency'

In this week’s Big Bang Theory, Leonard and Sheldon set out to prove their hypothesis before a team of Swedish scientists who read their paper beat them to it. In order to successfully do this, they need to obtain liquid helium. Kripke won’t share his, but lucky for them, Howard knows a guy.

They arrange a meeting with the suspicious man to obtain the helium. He shows up in a white van and he won’t give them the helium until they hand over the money. The guys are not comfortable with handing over the money without having the helium. The man states that there is a stalemate. Sheldon corrects him, explaining that it is more like an impasse. This then leads into a long discussion about a Mexican standoff. Leonard decides to step in and explain to the man why they need it badly. Leonard hands him the money and in return, they get the liquid helium.

When they get back and decide to conduct their experiment, they start to feel paranoid. Sheldon sees a partially ripped sticker on the helium tank that says “Property of U…” He jumps to the conclusion that it is the property of the U.S. government.

They decide to bring back the helium. The man agrees to take it, but refuses to return their money. In addition to that, he charges them a restocking fee. They agree because they want to be done with it.

Back at the lab, Kripke finally offers them his helium, but for a price. He says that if they use it, they need to include his name in their paper since technically, he helped. The guys think about it, but then decide to buy the helium back from the man.

In the sub-plot, the rest of the gang learns that Stuart is using a dating app. He already met two girls, although it didn’t go too well. They decide to get the app for Amy. Howard, Raj, Penny, and Bernadette take turns scrolling through, giving men either a “thumbs up” or a “thumbs down.”

They decide to take it to the next level by getting the app on the TV screen. This quickly turns into a drinking game. They agree to drink every time there is a shirtless man or a man posing with his pet. They have to chug if both happens. The first picture that comes up is a long-haired, bearded man in leopard underwear holding a cat. They all start chugging. Amy thinks that they are being mean, but this doesn’t stop them.

While going through the men, a text message to Amy pops up on the screen. They learn that she went on a date with a man named Dave. She reveals that she has gone on dates with three men. She said she didn’t want to tell them because she was scared they would pressure her. She isn’t comfortable or used to the dating scene. They are all happy for Amy and glad she is putting herself out there.