"The Russian Rocket Reaction" is an episode of The Big Bang Theory that first aired on October 13, 2011. Directed by Mark Cendrowski. Teleplay by Chuck Lorre, Eric Kaplan and Maria Ferrari, based on a story by Bill Prady, Steven Molaro and Jim Reynolds.
Wil Wheaton invites the guys to a party at his house and Leonard decides to go, angering Sheldon. Howard gets the opportunity of a lifetime but his decision doesn't sit well with Bernadette.
Tropes
- As Himself: Wil Wheaton again, joined by Brent Spiner. Wheaton played boy genius Wesley Crusher on Star Trek: The Next Generation, and Spiner played the android Lt. Commander Data.
- Bait-and-Switch: Raj makes it sound like he’s been taking to the actress who played the Borg Queen (it’s not clear if he meant Alice Krige or Susanne Thompson)… before revealing that he was actually taking to her stylist.
- Easily Forgiven: Sheldon gladly becomes friends with Wil, his mortal enemy, after he gives him a mint condition Wesley Crusher action figure still in the box. Then Sheldon just as quickly turns on Brent Spiner after the android actor takes the Crusher action figure out of the box.
- Enemies List: Sheldon's list of mortal enemies is discussed (he has sixty other enemies besides Wil Wheaton). By the end of this episode, Wil Wheaton is off the list, and Brent Spiner is in. Also, Penny used to be in it once.
- Petty Childhood Grudge: Sheldon’s enmity with Will Wheaton stems from when the latter was unavailable to sign his Wesley Crusher action figure. When Wheaton signs it readily at the party, Sheldon is willing to bury the hatchet.
