The Big Bang Theory recap: 'The Novelization Correlation' 

Johnny Galecki, Jim Parsons, Kaley Cuoco, Scott Halberstadt, Simon Helberg, Kunal Nayyar, Frank Pacheco

The day Sheldon has been dreading is here. His arch nemesis, Wil Wheaton, debuts as the new and improved Professor Proton. But instead of ruing the day Wil was born by posting snarky comments, Sheldon is amazed that he actually enjoys the televised experiments.

Who knew you could make your own hovercraft using household items? Go ahead and put that old Turbo Tax CD to good use! Sheldon is elated and giggling like a school kid. The only reason for this behavior has to be that he fell and hit his head and is currently suffering from a concussion.

Hold up. I spoke too soon. All bets are off when Professor Proton’s doorbell rings and astronaut Howard Wolowitz is on the other side. WHEATON!

Amy tries to calm Sheldon down with some cold hard facts: Howard didn’t start an online petition to get Wil Wheaton fired. Conceding, Sheldon calmly approaches Howard and promises he won’t be an annoying baby about it, even though he’s super jealous.

Howard explains that if Sheldon wants to be on the show, he’ll have to ask for Wil’s forgiveness. Road trip! Howard knocks on Wil’s door, apologizes, and presents a repentant Dr. Cooper. Sheldon admits that the show is entertaining and gently reminds Wil that it has always been his dream to be on Professor Proton’s show.

Wil accepts Sheldon’s apology and suggests that Amy come on the show to support female scientists. Although he didn’t shout it, you could see in Sheldon’s eyes that he was mentally screaming.

Sheldon calms down and relays the offer to Amy, who is uninterested in being on television. Sheldon is confused. Hasn’t she always supported women in science? He emphasizes his plea with an enthusiastic, “You go girl.” Amy confesses that she doesn’t want to get in the middle of Sheldon’s admiration for the show.

This is when Sheldon figures out that Amy doesn’t do a lot of things because she thinks it might upset him. Newsflash: It’s not just Amy. Howard and Raj tell him that everyone walks on eggshells around him because they just don’t want to hear him complain.

Sheldon promises to change. He even swears he will wear a backwards baseball hat sporting the Gryffindor logo to show his commitment. But the true test is when he encourages Amy to be a guest of Professor Proton. Our Sheldon is maturing. And he’s kind enough to go to the roof to scream out his frustrations. That’s growth, people.

Across the hall, Leonard is well into writing his murder mystery book about Logan Dean, the detective physicist who solves crime using science. Howard suggests Leonard show Bernadette an early manuscript and she is thrilled with his progress. The one wrinkle: Will his wife be irritated that the main female lead is based on Penny?

The screen dissolves into a murder scene. Howard, Raj, and Stuart are all suspects. Logan Dean gets his detective on with a spunky blonde belittling him. Leonard jerks from the fantasy. He did base the mean girl on his wife!

Leonard is nervous to show Penny the manuscript, but he’s relieved when she assumes the cruel blonde is Bernadette. Leonard keeps his mouth shut. However, since Penny and Bernadette are best friends, the truth comes out. Penny is mad. And a little snarky. Not to mention mean.

Leonard calls his mother and after a few minutes of condescension, he suddenly realizes that the character is based on his own mother. And since there were romantic undertones, Leonard ditches the idea of writing a book and goes back to doing what he does best — wearing hoodies.

WIL: I suppose you’ve come here to tell me that you’ve moved me to your super-secret enemies list?

SHELDON: I don’t have a super-secret enemies list. I’m not a Bond villain. I’m just a regular guy with a regular enemy list.

BERNADETTE: I don’t know how people who aren’t on bed rest keep up with the Kardashians.

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