The Big Bang Theory season 5 episode 23 Recap and FAQ

Episode Summary

Howard's space mission is initially canceled due to a failed pressurization test, causing mixed feelings of relief and disappointment. Leonard and Penny experiment with a voice-altering gas, considering taking their relationship faster. Sheldon tries to accelerate his emotional attachment to Amy through various experiments. An accidental proposal by Leonard to Penny during intimacy creates tension. Howard's mission is rescheduled, conflicting with his wedding, leading to discussions on postponing it. Sheldon and Leonard share their relationship woes, finding no solutions.

Full Episode S05E23 Recap

### Howard Receives a Call from NASA - **Scene**: Howard's Home - **Characters**: Howard Wolowitz, Dave Roeger (on phone) - **Key Events**: - Howard is informed by Dave Roeger from NASA about a problem with his upcoming space mission. - The Soyuz capsule failed the pressurization test, leading to the mission being scrubbed. - Howard initially expresses disappointment, as it was his dream since childhood. - Upon ending the call, Howard celebrates not having to die in space. ### Tuxedo Fitting and Howard's Mission Update - **Scene**: Tuxedo Rental Store - **Characters**: Howard, Leonard - **Key Events**: - Howard and Leonard discuss the tight fit of a rental tuxedo. - Howard reveals his space mission has been canceled, expressing a mix of relief and disappointment. - Leonard questions the safety of the Russian-designed rocket, leading to a humorous exchange. - Howard insists he wasn't worried about the mission, highlighting his bravery. ### Gas Experiment and Relationship Progress - **Scene**: Leonard's Lab - **Characters**: Leonard, Penny - **Key Events**: - Leonard shows Penny a gas that alters the pitch of their voices. - The couple experiments with the gas, leading to humorous voice changes. - Leonard and Penny discuss moving their relationship forward, but agree not to let it get weird. ### Sheldon's Experiment on Amy - **Scene**: Sheldon's Apartment - **Characters**: Sheldon, Amy - **Key Events**: - Sheldon attempts to accelerate his emotional attachment to Amy through a series of experiments. - He triggers involuntary memories using video game music and serves Amy's childhood favorite dinner. - Despite his skepticism, Sheldon finds himself responding to Amy's efforts. ### Leonard's Awkward Proposal - **Scene**: Leonard's Bedroom - **Characters**: Leonard, Penny - **Key Events**: - Leonard accidentally proposes to Penny during an intimate moment, causing awkwardness. - They attempt to laugh off the incident, but the tension remains unresolved. ### Howard's New Mission Schedule - **Scene**: Howard's Home - **Characters**: Howard, Bernadette - **Key Events**: - Howard receives a call from NASA rescheduling his mission to an earlier date, conflicting with his wedding. - Bernadette insists they postpone the wedding, but Howard tries to avoid the space mission by talking to her father. - Howard's conversation with Bernadette's father leads to an unexpected encouragement to go to space. ### Sheldon and Leonard Discuss Relationships - **Scene**: Sheldon's Apartment - **Characters**: Sheldon, Leonard - **Key Events**: - Sheldon and Leonard share their relationship troubles and give each other no solutions, highlighting the complexity of their situations. ### Conclusion - **Characters**: Leonard, Penny - **Key Events**: - Leonard and Penny's relationship remains strained following the accidental proposal. - Sheldon continues his uncomfortable "playing doctor" experiment with Amy.

Frequently Asked Questions

What problem did Howard's space mission encounter?

The Soyuz capsule failed the pressurization test, leading to the mission being scrubbed.

Why is Howard relieved about the mission cancellation?

He is relieved because he feared dying in space.

What safety concerns does Leonard raise about Howard's space mission?

Leonard questions the safety of the Russian-designed rocket and the Soyuz capsule's landing method.

What experiment does Leonard show Penny?

Leonard shows Penny a gas that alters the pitch of their voices.

What is Sheldon's experiment with Amy about?

Sheldon attempts to accelerate his emotional attachment to Amy through various triggers and activities.

How does Sheldon respond to Amy's efforts in his experiment?

Despite his initial skepticism, Sheldon finds himself involuntarily responding to Amy's efforts.

What awkward situation occurs between Leonard and Penny?

Leonard accidentally proposes to Penny during an intimate moment, creating awkwardness.

How do Leonard and Penny attempt to resolve the tension from the proposal?

They try to laugh off the incident, but the tension remains unresolved.

What conflict arises with Howard's new space mission schedule?

The new schedule conflicts with Howard and Bernadette's wedding date.

How does Bernadette react to the rescheduled space mission?

Bernadette insists on postponing the wedding so Howard can go to space.

What does Howard's conversation with Bernadette's father lead to?

Howard's conversation unexpectedly leads to encouragement to go to space.

What type of relationship troubles do Sheldon and Leonard discuss?

They discuss their individual struggles in their relationships with Amy and Penny, respectively.

How does the episode conclude in terms of Leonard and Penny's relationship?

Their relationship remains strained following Leonard's accidental proposal.

The Big Bang Theory season 5 episode 23

The Launch Acceleration