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The Big Bang Theory
S3.E19
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IMDbPro

The Wheaton Recurrence

  • Episode aired Apr 12, 2010
  • TV-PG
  • 21m
IMDb RATING
7.8/10
4.3K
YOUR RATING
Jim Parsons in The Big Bang Theory (2007)
ComedyRomance

Sheldon takes on Wil Wheaton in a game of bowling. Leonard and Penny's relationship comes to a crossroad.Sheldon takes on Wil Wheaton in a game of bowling. Leonard and Penny's relationship comes to a crossroad.Sheldon takes on Wil Wheaton in a game of bowling. Leonard and Penny's relationship comes to a crossroad.

  • Director
    • Mark Cendrowski
  • Writers
    • Bill Prady
    • David Goetsch
    • Jim Reynolds
  • Stars
    • Johnny Galecki
    • Jim Parsons
    • Kaley Cuoco
  • See production info at IMDbPro
  • IMDb RATING
    7.8/10
    4.3K
    YOUR RATING
    • Director
      • Mark Cendrowski
    • Writers
      • Bill Prady
      • David Goetsch
      • Jim Reynolds
    • Stars
      • Johnny Galecki
      • Jim Parsons
      • Kaley Cuoco
    • 5User reviews
    • 2Critic reviews
  • See production info at IMDbPro
  • See production info at IMDbPro
  • Photos12

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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
    Wil Wheaton
    Wil Wheaton
    • Wil Wheaton
    Kevin Sussman
    Kevin Sussman
    • Stuart Bloom
    Ian Scott Rudolph
    Ian Scott Rudolph
    • Captain Sweatpants
    • (uncredited)
    Owen Thayer
    Owen Thayer
    • Lonely Larry
    • (uncredited)
    • Director
      • Mark Cendrowski
    • Writers
      • Bill Prady
      • David Goetsch
      • Jim Reynolds
    • All cast & crew
    • Production, box office & more at IMDbPro

    User reviews5

    7.84.3K
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    Featured reviews

    4cacarosella

    Leonard is the worst

    Leonard sometimes makes this show unwatchable. He manages to be whiny, nagging, and submissive all at the same time, which is no small feat. His passive aggressive treatment of Penny throughout the series is played for laughs, but it's actually quite creepy and mentally abusive. He's not the nice nerdy guy he's portrayed to be. He views Penny as a coveted object more than a person-a pretty shiny thing he wants to possess even though they have absolutely nothing in common. Leonard is incredibly shallow. As I watch this series, I have to conclude that the writers don't put any thought into the messages they are sending through their characters.
    6Hitchcoc

    Leonard and the Whine

    Sometimes Leonard can be such a big baby. He tells Penny he loves her right out of the blue and she doesn't respond immediately. So he goes on one of his insecurity binges, messing things up for everyone. I understand the idea of a plain man getting lucky enough to get close to this very attractive girl and no to think he deserves it. But when it happens, play it out. I probably enjoyed this episode less than any so far.

    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
      When Sheldon tries to "be the ball", he performs a Vulcan mindmeld on it from Star Trek (1966), one of his favorite series.
    • Goofs
      During the final match, Wil Wheaton bowls the ball left-handed, meaning the ball should curve from left to right as it rolls down the lane. However, when the camera angle changes to show the ball, it is curving from the right side of the lane to the left. Therefore a right-handed bowler had to have bowled that ball.

      Not necessarily. Some bowl right-handed, and the ball curves to the right.
    • Quotes

      Sheldon Cooper: You did this, didn't you?

      Wil Wheaton: You think I would really break up a couple just to win a bowling match?

      Sheldon Cooper: No, I suppose not.

      Wil Wheaton: Good. Keep thinking that.

      Sheldon Cooper: [under his breath] Wheaton!

    • Crazy credits
      CHUCK LORRE PRODUCTIONS, #284 2010 Census 1) How many people were living or staying in this house, apartment or mobile home on April 1, 2010? Well, after a difficult divorce and several failed attempts at a meaningful relationship, I guess the answer is one. One lonely, middle-aged guy. But I shouldn't get too down on myself. I mean, at least I'm trying. At least my intentions are good. Well, mostly good. I am guilty of what I call self-righteous self-centeredness. You know, that workaholic syndrome which requires everyone to adapt to my "very pressing needs," rather than being available to theirs. In fact, that actually might be the core of my problem. That, or my compulsive desire to make women happy, which, no surprise, stems from a deep fear that unless I'm perfect, they'll leave me. Oh, and they sure let you know when you're not perfect. They don't mince words when you fail to live up to their expectations. You hear about it. Or worse, you don't hear about it and then have to deal with their subliminal rage that you're not healing their deep-seated daddy wound. But that's beside the point. Bottom line, one person lives here. There, you happy U.S. Department of Commerce Economics and Statistics Administration/U.S. Census Bureau?! Anything else you want to know? 2) Were there any additional people staying here that you did not include in question one? I already told you, I'm alone! What is with you people?! Why do you keep taunting me?! Haven't I suffered enough?!
    • Connections
      Featured in MsMojo: Top 10 Most Heartbreaking TV Rejections (2022)
    • 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
      • April 12, 2010 (United States)
    • Country of origin
      • United States
    • Language
      • English
    • Production companies
      • Chuck Lorre Productions
      • Warner Bros. Television
    • See more company credits at IMDbPro

    Tech specs

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

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