"The Cooper-Nowitzki Theorem" is an episode of The Big Bang Theory that first aired on November 3, 2008. Directed by Mark Cendrowski. Teleplay by Tim Doyle and Richard Rosenstock based on a story by Stephen Engel and Daley Haggar.
Ramona Nowitzki (Riki Lindhome) is a graduate student who highly admires Sheldon's work in physics. She begins to control his life and his routine, prohibiting him from taking joy in his leisure activities and forcing him to devote all his time to research. Sheldon's friends become concerned.
Tropes
- Abhorrent Admirer: While Ramona Nowitzki isn't what most people would consider ugly, her fanatical obsession of Sheldon's work makes him want to get rid of her.
- Book and Switch: In an attempt to read a Batman comic book without Ramona noticing, Sheldon hides it behind a physics book, but she immediately catches him.
- Expospeak Gag: Howard tries to use this trope to impress Ramona, but she sees through it:Howard: Howard Wolowitz, department of engineering, co-designer of the International Space Station's liquid waste disposal system.
Ramona: Ew. - Brick Joke: While discussing the bizarre scenario of Sheldon reproducing, Howard notes how he believes Sheldon will just reproduce another Sheldon after eating enough Thai food. Right before the credits, we see this exact scenario happening. Fortunately, it turns out to be a bad dream Leonard was having.
- Get Out!: Sheldon says this to Ramona after she asks to share credit with him on his research.
- Here We Go Again!: At the end of the episode, Sheldon accepts yet another obsessed female fan of his to deliver food to his place. He does not notice the repeat.
- Laser-Guided Karma: After Ramona spent weeks controlling Sheldon's life, making him focus exclusively on his research and not letting him do any of his usual fun activities, she is refused by him when she asks him to share credit with her on his research and told to Get Out! by him. This is played with slightly as it is more implied that he simply refused to share credit with her due to his own narcissism rather than her own actions, but it can also be implied that this was simply the last straw for him.
- Tranquil Fury: Sheldon doesn't raise his voice when he tells Ramona to get out, but his Death Glare towards her and punctuation of each word makes it clear he is pissed off.
- Yoko Oh No: Ramona's efforts to keep Sheldon focused on his research work drives a wedge between him and his friends in partaking in their routine geeky activities such as paintball, comic books, video games and Battlestar Galactica marathons. The montage in which Ramona keeps Sheldon in line is accompanied by the song "Be My Yoko Ono" by Barenaked Ladies.
