"The Date Night Variable" is an episode of The Big Bang Theory that first aired on September 27, 2012. Directed by Mark Cendrowski. Teleplay by Steven Molaro, Jim Reynolds and Maria Ferrari, based on a story by Chuck Lorre, Eric Kaplan and Steve Holland.
Couples Leonard and Penny and Sheldon and Amy both have dates that are interrupted by a lonely Raj. Meanwhile in space, Howard is forced to deal with the conflicts of his mom and Bernadette wanting him to live with them once he returns.
Tropes:
- As You Know: Subverted. Sheldon explains the Anthropic principle to Leonard — over protests — and refuses to believe that he already knew what it was.
- Description Cut: Sheldon talks about how Howard's life will never be the same now that he's at the International Space Station. Cut to the ISS, where the first thing we hear is...Mrs. Wolowitz: [over the phone] HOWARD! CAN YOU HEAR ME?
Howard: I can hear you without the phone! - Mantis Mating Meal: Discussed when a drunk Amy compares Sheldon to a sexy praying mantis.Amy: You know what's wonderful about the praying mantis, they devour their mate.
Sheldon: Your point being?
Amy: [undoes the top button of her blouse] Dessert is served.
Sheldon: I just had cobbler. - Previously on…: We're reminded of certain events in a few prior episodes from Seasons 3, 4 and 5.
- Shout-Out: Sheldon bases a beautiful speech to Amy on a quote from the first Spider-Man movie.
