The Big Bang Theory recap: 'The Reclusive Potential'

When I realized we were going to experience Sheldon and Amy’s bachelor/bachelorette parties, I had very high expectations. I understand our bride and groom are on the eccentric side, but I didn’t expect science and quilting. At least Bernadette and Penny righted their wrong. The guys? Not so much.

A fictional scientist named Dr. Wolcott has cut off all contact with the world, excluding one Sheldon Cooper. He sends Sheldon a coded letter (which Sheldon LOVES) providing directions to his cabin on the side of a mountain. Amy insists Leonard accompany Sheldon so Dr. Weirdo doesn’t murder him. The decision is made for all the guys to go since three body guards are better than one. Also, instant bachelor party.

Sheldon assures Amy that he will not to do anything wild, other than advance string theory. Amy, however, can’t promise that things won’t get a little rowdy. Penny is planning the party, after all. What Amy didn’t anticipate was a fun night of tea drinking and quilting. Does Amy like to quilt? Yes. Is this what she imaged her bachelorette party to be? Negative.

While Amy isn’t giggling over crude sex toys, Sheldon finally meets his career soulmate. The nervous scientist is unsure about Sheldon’s friends, but Sheldon promises that they have the same intellect and are worthy of being in his presence. #fingerscrossed

Dr. Wolcott gives them a tour of his single room cabin. Papers, and books, and chalkboards, oh my! There’s the thinking chair, the grudge chair, the gun, and the bag for all the cell phones. You can’t be too sure. Big Brother is always listening.

Sheldon picks the doctor’s brain and rejoices when Wolcott hands over his latest journal. Only Sheldon can’t understand the math. Dr. Wolcott explains that it’s written backwards. Oh yeah, numbers are letters and letters are numbers. I believe I saw Sheldon swoon.

Meanwhile, Amy pedals away at her sewing machine. After Bernadette and Penny daintily clink their teacups, Amy explodes. She wants a crazy bachelorette party and she wants it NOW. Body shots for everyone! Here’s to a night full of bad decisions.

The girls belly up to the bar and order a round of drinks. Twelve minutes later, Amy is passed out cold. Bless her light weight heart.

Cut to Amy sprawled out on the couch with an unfinished quilt haphazardly flung across her body. When she wakes up, she laments that she is the lamest bachelorette ever. Penny calms her friend down, gushing over Amy river dancing extravaganza on the bar. In front of the shirtless firemen. As she flashed the room. Is there photographic evidence of this momentary insanity?

Heaven’s no. It never happened. Twelve minutes worth of shots and Amy’s done. But she does have a great, albeit untrue story to tell her kids one day.

Back at the cabin, Sheldon begins to wonder if he should isolate himself away from distractions. Wolcott has a long-distance marriage. Should he consider that as well?

The guys quickly intervene. What does Sheldon have that Wolcott doesn’t? Friends. And an actual breathing fiance. No offense, but the good doctor’s wife could be as imaginary as Amy’s wild and crazy night.

They all head back home and Sheldon finds Amy nursing a severe hangover. Sheldon brags about his fresh interpretation of string theory. Amy one ups him by letting it slip that her night involved hunky firemen.

Who had the better party? The guy who did math? Or the girl who took a nap?

Theoretical Laughter
Sheldon: Drop me at the bottom of the mountain. I want him to think I’m cool.

Raj: This tomato is amazing. I can eat it like an apple.
Wolcott: I fertilize them with my own manure.
Leonard: You have a bit of a grin. You want to know what kind?

Wolcott: I’m a married man myself.
Leonard: Is she here?
Howard: Alive?
Raj: And can people other than you see her?