Plot
The boys, in an effort to get more exercise, take fencing lessons from Kripke. Meanwhile, Stuart asks the girls for help attracting female customers to the comic book store.
Tropes
- Audible Sharpness : Displayed when Sheldon swishes the sword. The word "swash" (as in "swashbuckler") comes from the sound the sword makes.
- Chaos While They're Not Looking: While Barry takes a phone call, the guys stop practicing advancing and retreating and engage in some Flynning, then go back to their practice when Barry hangs up.
- Imagine the Audience Naked : A very creepy version is referenced by Stuart.
- Implausible Fencing Powers : Averted, since it's their first day in fencing and their technique shows it. However, Sheldon challenges Barry to a duel...in three years.
- Kindness Ball: For the entire fencing lesson, Barry drops his usual jerkass tendencies and is a very respectful, competent instructor. After the lesson, he picks them back up and sends Amy a nude pic.
- Not Distracted by the Sexy: Amy doesn't show much reaction to Barry's nude pic, and casually shows it to Penny and Bernadette.
- Older Than They Look : One of the women Sheldon hits on in the bar is played by Patrika Darbo, who is 67 but looks like she's in her early 40s.
- Shout-Out : To The Princess Bride and Puss in Boots.Howard: Hello. My name is Iñigo Montoya. You killed my Father. Prepare to die.
Raj: Hello. My name is Iñigo Montoya. You killed my Father. Prepare to die.
Howard: Aren't you supposed to be Puss in Boots?
Raj: Hello. My name is Puss in Boots. You killed my Father. Prepare to die. - That Came Out Wrong : Since a fencing strike is called a "touch," several instances.Leonard, prepare for vigorous touching!
- Touché : One of the reasons Sheldon wants to fence is this trope. He explains that fencing is the only literal use of touche, until Leonard points out tag on a French schoolyard would serve the same purpose. Touche.
