"The Proton Displacement" is an episode of The Big Bang Theory that first aired on November 7, 2013. Directed by Mark Cendrowski. Teleplay by Steven Molaro, Eric Kaplan and Jim Reynolds, based on a story by Chuck Lorre, Maria Ferrari, and Anthony Del Broccolo.
At the pharmacy, Amy, Leonard and Sheldon run into Arthur Jeffries (Bob Newhart), famous as Professor Proton on TV when Sheldon was growing up.
Leonard, Penny and Sheldon met Arthur in the previous season episode "The Proton Resurgence". Now Arthur is surprised that Sheldon has a girlfriend and disappointed that Leonard's girlfriend is not presently in the store.
Despite not being taken seriously as a scientist, Arthur continues to do scientific research. In fact, he has written a paper about vacuum nanotubes and e-mails Leonard asking for help on the paper. When Sheldon learns of this, he's disappointed that Arthur sought out Leonard instead of Sheldon. Sheldon seeks out Bill Nye (As Himself) in an attempt to make Arthur jealous.
Meanwhile, Raj hangs out with Amy, Bernadette and Penny in Penny's apartment, where they make jewelry. Though Penny's having a bit of a tough time with it. More problematic for Raj is that Howard shows up and hogs the women's attention by bringing them tools to make better jewelry. Howard also cracks the same old, tired jokes about Raj's deficient masculinity.
Arthur recurs later in this season in "The Proton Transmogrification".
Tropes
- Broken Bird: When Arthur asks Leonard why he puts up with Sheldon, Leonard answers that Sheldon is "a little broken and he needs me. I guess I need him too."
- Operation: Jealousy: After Arthur goes to Leonard for help instead of him, Sheldon gets Bill Nye to hang out with him to make Arthur jealous.
- Sitcom Archnemesis: Bill Nye to Professor Proton, who feels he stole his act.Bill Nye: Wow, Arthur Jeffries. It's an honor to meet you. My show would have never happened without yours.
Arthur Jeffries: That's what I told my lawyers.
