"The Table Polarization" is an episode of The Big Bang Theory that first aired on February 27, 2014. Directed by Gay Linvill. Teleplay by Chuck Lorre, Jim Reynolds and Steve Holland, based on a story by Steven Molaro, Maria Ferrari and Tara Hernandez.
Penny has to sit on the floor for once, so she convinces Leonard to buy a dining table for the apartment. Of course the Roommate Agreement has a provision for that, Sheldon points out, but Penny convinces Leonard to stick to his guns. The discussion leads to Sheldon reaching the conclusion that he must break up with Amy.
Also, Howard is asked to return to the space station, and he says yes. It's as if he's completely forgotten how miserable he was the first time.
Tropes
- Call-Back: Arguments against Howard going back into space include a lot of reminiscing about what happened the last time he went to space.
- Character Development: Discussed. Penny points out how much Sheldon has changed since he first met Amy. Sheldon is not too pleased.Sheldon: Amy has made me a more affectionate, open-minded person. And that stops now.
- Continuity Nod: Penny points out how Sheldon finally kissed Amy in the previous episode.
- Shout-Out: Sheldon compares his opposition to Penny getting a dining table to Arthur Dent standing in front of the bulldozers in The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy.Leonard: If you recall, the Vogon Fleet blew up Earth anyway.
Sheldon: It's a made-up story, Leonard. I don't even know why you're talking about it.
