"The Egg Salad Equivalency" is an episode of The Big Bang Theory that first aired on January 3, 2013. Directed by Mark Cendrowski. Teleplay by Steven Molaro, Bill Prady and Steve Holland, based on a story by Chuck Lorre, Eric Kaplan and Jim Reynolds.
Alex (Margo Harshman) asks Leonard out to dinner, causing him to develop a cocky attitude that irritates Sheldon.
Sheldon attempts to direct Alex's attention back to her work; however, his condescension and insensitivity cause her to file a sexual harassment claim against him. Sheldon is summoned to the office of Janine Davis (Regina King) at Human Resources.
Meanwhile, the idea of Alex liking Leonard causes Penny to become insecure about her relationship with him.
Tropes
- All Periods Are PMS: This attitude gets Sheldon in trouble with Alex and then Ms. Davis when he says all women are slaves to their menstrual cycles.
- Digging Yourself Deeper: Sheldon gets accused of sexual harassment by Alex because he told her not to give in to her "female urges" (i.e. flirting with Leonard) and devote all her time to her work. As well as calling her an egg salad sandwich because she's "full of eggs and only appealing for a short time." And showing her pictures from a book on veneral diseases in an attempt to Scare 'Em Straight. When he's sent to Janine Davis from Human Resources, his attempts to explain himself just end up insulting her as well.
- Geeky Turn-On: For Leonard, Penny wearing glasses.Leonard: I really don't think that's going to change... Oh, my God, you look smart and hot!
Penny: I know, right? Watch this. [pulls down glasses] Molecules.
Leonard: Okay, come with me.
Penny: Where are we going?
Leonard: My bedroom, so I can take off everything but those glasses. And maybe the boots. - Multi Boobage: Sheldon mentions that Howard was building a sex robot with six breasts.
- Smart People Wear Glasses: Penny plans to exploit this by wearing a pair of Purely Aesthetic Glasses. They at least end up working for Leonard.
