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The Big Bang Theory
S1.E7
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The Dumpling Paradox

  • Episode aired Nov 5, 2007
  • TV-PG
  • 21m
IMDb RATING
8.0/10
5.5K
YOUR RATING
Kaley Cuoco, Johnny Galecki, and Jim Parsons in The Big Bang Theory (2007)
ComedyRomance

When Howard hooks up with Penny's old friend, his absence in the gang causes problems for the rest of the guys.When Howard hooks up with Penny's old friend, his absence in the gang causes problems for the rest of the guys.When Howard hooks up with Penny's old friend, his absence in the gang causes problems for the rest of the guys.

  • Director
    • Mark Cendrowski
  • Writers
    • Chuck Lorre
    • Bill Prady
    • Lee Aronsohn
  • Stars
    • Johnny Galecki
    • Jim Parsons
    • Kaley Cuoco
  • See production info at IMDbPro
  • IMDb RATING
    8.0/10
    5.5K
    YOUR RATING
    • Director
      • Mark Cendrowski
    • Writers
      • Chuck Lorre
      • Bill Prady
      • Lee Aronsohn
    • Stars
      • Johnny Galecki
      • Jim Parsons
      • Kaley Cuoco
    • 6User reviews
  • See production info at IMDbPro
  • See production info at IMDbPro
  • Photos88

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    Top cast9

    Edit
    Johnny Galecki
    Johnny Galecki
    • Leonard Hofstadter
    Jim Parsons
    Jim Parsons
    • Sheldon Cooper
    Kaley Cuoco
    Kaley Cuoco
    • Penny
    Simon Helberg
    Simon Helberg
    • Howard Wolowitz
    Kunal Nayyar
    Kunal Nayyar
    • Raj Koothrappali
    Brooke D'Orsay
    Brooke D'Orsay
    • Christy Vanderbilt
    James Hong
    James Hong
    • Chen
    Carol Ann Susi
    Carol Ann Susi
    • Debbie Wolowitz
    • (voice)
    Kimberly Brooks
    Kimberly Brooks
    • Automated Cell Phone Voice
    • (voice)
    • (as Kimberly D. Brooks)
    • Director
      • Mark Cendrowski
    • Writers
      • Chuck Lorre
      • Bill Prady
      • Lee Aronsohn
    • All cast & crew
    • Production, box office & more at IMDbPro

    User reviews6

    8.05.4K
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    Featured reviews

    8mr_olimpia09

    The Big Bang Theory - The Dumpling Paradox: Character-Driven Comedy Continues

    This episode focuses on the characters' interactions and the humorous situations arising from their scientific and quirky approach to everyday life. The plot highlights friendships and character traits, creating comedic moments.

    Pros: strong character-driven humor, witty dialogues, light and enjoyable atmosphere.

    Cons: the plot remains light and predictable, typical for early-season sitcom episodes.

    Verdict: An entertaining and funny episode that maintains the series' momentum and enhances character appeal.

    My rating: 8/10.
    8lu-68795

    The Dumpling Paradox

    I'm really liking this show, i just started it and is truly good. This was a funny episode. When Penny's friend Christy comes to the town, she is picked up by Howard, and his affair takes up all of his time, leaving no space for his normal activities with the gang. It was specially funny for me the routine of Sheldon at 6:15 PM, and how Penny joins them to play Halo and she's very good in it.

    Good episode, the show it's getting better and better after each chapter!
    7studioAT

    The Dumpling Paradox

    This was a very good episode of the show, with Penny really spending time in the guys 'world' for the first time.

    It was also a good opportunity for the writers to flesh out the character of Howard a little more.

    Good overall.

    Related interests

    Will Ferrell in Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy (2004)
    Comedy
    Ingrid Bergman and Humphrey Bogart in Casablanca (1942)
    Romance

    Storyline

    Edit

    Did you know

    Edit
    • Trivia
      As Chen (the waiter at the Chinese restaurant) leaves Sheldon (Jim Parsons), Leonard (Johnny Galecki) and Raj (Kunal Nayyar)'s table, he mutters "Young idiot" under his breath in Cantonese.
    • Goofs
      When Penny's friend Christy from Nebraska and Howard are in Penny's apartment and the guys need a 4th for Halo 3, Leonard suggests they play one on one and Sheldon has an issue with it. Leonard states the only way it's possible to play teams is to cut Raj in half. Raj responds with "oh sure cut the foreigner in half" when Penny is present in the room. Raj can not talk to women or while they are around him, but he did in this instance. However, Raj did not realize Penny was in the room, so his anxiety issue would not have prevented him from talking. It's not until the next episode season 1 episode 8 where Raj realizes he can talk to penny while drinking.
    • Quotes

      Leonard: The only way we can play teams is if we cut Raj in half.

      Raj Koothrappali: Oh, sure. Cut the foreigner in half. There's a billion more where he came from.

    • Crazy credits
      CHUCK LORRE PRODUCTIONS, #193 Show of hands, during the climactic, face-scrunching moment of the sex act, how many of you out there sometimes find yourself thinking, "Gee, I must look pretty silly right about now"? C'mon, be honest... Okay, I understand. This is a little too intimate for a public conversation. How about if we do it this way: If you're alone right now, just nod. If you're reading this with your sexual partner, simply look at them, smile sheepishly, then, when they smile back, suddenly twist your face into your freakiest orgasm position. If they laugh, know you're in good company. Give them a hug, hit the play button on your DVR and watch Two and a Half Men. If they don't laugh, hit the play button on your DVR, watch Two and a Half Men, then go out and find a new partner.
    • Connections
      Featured in Flirting with Danger (2012)
    • Soundtracks
      History of Everything
      (uncredited)

      Written by Barenaked Ladies

      Performed by Barenaked Ladies

      [Series theme song played during the opening titles]

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    Details

    Edit
    • Release date
      • November 5, 2007 (United States)
    • Country of origin
      • United States
    • Languages
      • English
      • Spanish
      • Cantonese
      • French
    • Filming locations
      • Stage 25, Warner Brothers Burbank Studios - 4000 Warner Boulevard, Burbank, California, USA(uncredited)
    • Production companies
      • Chuck Lorre Productions
      • Warner Bros. Television
    • See more company credits at IMDbPro

    Tech specs

    Edit
    • Runtime
      • 21m
    • Color
      • Color
    • Sound mix
      • Stereo
    • Aspect ratio
      • 16:9

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