The Big Bang Theory season 1 episode 9 Recap and FAQ

Episode Summary

Sheldon and Leonard, along with their friends, create the "X Tens" project, enabling them to control devices globally via the internet. When invited to present their supersolids research, Sheldon rejects it, leading to a rift with Leonard who wants to share their work. Preparing for the conference, Leonard gets a wardrobe makeover from Penny. At the conference, Sheldon interrupts Leonard's presentation, causing a public argument about credit and insecurities. Their squabble escalates, ending up viral on YouTube, while Howard humorously posts a photo mocking Sheldon on Facebook.

Full Episode S01E09 Recap

### The X Tens Project - **Scene at the Apartment**: The group, including Sheldon, Leonard, Howard, and Raj, gather around a laptop. - Sheldon explains their project involving sending a signal through various global locations to control devices remotely. - They successfully use the system to adjust the stereo volume and control a lamp. ### Remote Control Experiment - **In the Living Room**: - Howard enables public access to their system. - The group demonstrates controlling various items, including remote-control cars and lights, from distant locations worldwide. - Sheldon and Leonard debate about the future, imagining brains in jars or android bodies. ### The Conference Invitation - **Sheldon and Leonard's Disagreement**: - Sheldon discards an invitation to present their paper on supersolids, leading to a disagreement with Leonard. - Leonard insists on presenting their findings, but Sheldon refuses, claiming sole credit for the idea. ### Preparing for the Conference - **Leonard's Wardrobe Makeover**: - Penny helps Leonard choose an outfit for the conference, discarding his outdated clothes. - Their conversation reveals Leonard's ongoing conflict with Sheldon about the conference. ### The Staircase Conversation - **Penny and Sheldon's Interaction**: - Penny tries to mediate between Sheldon and Leonard, but Sheldon remains stubborn. - Sheldon realizes his discomfort may stem from his fight with Leonard. ### The Conference Showdown - **At the Conference**: - Leonard presents their research but is interrupted by Sheldon, who criticizes his omission of an anecdote about the project's origin. - A public argument ensues, revealing their insecurities and ego issues. ### Post-Conference Fallout - **Returning Home**: - Sheldon and Leonard continue to argue, failing to reconcile. - A video of their conference argument goes viral on YouTube, embarrassing both of them. - The episode concludes with Howard teasingly posting a photo of Sheldon asleep on his shoulder, captioned as being with his girlfriend.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the X Tens project about?

The X Tens project involves sending a signal through the internet to remotely control various devices around the world.

Where does the signal in the X Tens project travel?

The signal travels from their local ISP to San Francisco, bounces off a satellite to Lisbon, Portugal, goes through transatlantic cables to Halifax, Nova Scotia, and then back to their ISP.

What devices do they control in the X Tens project?

They control a stereo, a lamp, remote-control cars, and lights.

Why does Sheldon throw out the conference invitation?

Sheldon discards the invitation because he doesn't want to present their paper in front of others who might not recognize his genius.

What is the topic of the paper Sheldon and Leonard are invited to present?

The paper is about the properties of supersolids.

Why does Leonard want to go to the conference?

Leonard wants to present their findings, unlike Sheldon who refuses to share credit.

How does Penny assist Leonard for the conference?

Penny helps Leonard by choosing an appropriate outfit and discarding his outdated clothes.

What does Sheldon's interaction with Penny reveal about his feelings?

Sheldon's conversation with Penny reveals that he might be experiencing emotional turmoil due to his conflict with Leonard.

What happens during Leonard's presentation at the conference?

Sheldon interrupts Leonard's presentation, criticizing him for omitting a key anecdote and leading to a public argument.

What are the main points of contention between Sheldon and Leonard at the conference?

The contention revolves around credit for the idea, Sheldon's arrogance, and Leonard's need for validation.

What is the outcome of Sheldon and Leonard's argument at the conference?

Their argument becomes heated and personal, with both expressing their insecurities and ego issues.

How does the internet react to Sheldon and Leonard's conference argument?

A video of their argument is uploaded to YouTube and goes viral.

What humorous post does Howard make on Facebook?

Howard posts a picture of Sheldon sleeping on his shoulder with the caption: "Me and my girlfriend."

How do Sheldon and Leonard return home from the conference?

They return home still arguing and failing to reconcile.

What is the significance of the anecdote Sheldon wanted to include in the presentation?

The anecdote about children on a merry-go-round inspired Sheldon's thoughts on the moment of inertia in gases at temperatures approaching absolute zero, which he considers crucial to their research.

The Big Bang Theory season 1 episode 9

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