The Excelsior Acquisition Season 3, Episode 16 -  Aired March 1, 2010

The Excelsior Acquisition

Sheldon and the guys are excited to learn comic book legend Stan Lee will be signing autographs at the comic book store. However, Sheldon's happiness fades when he finds out he received a traffic ticket the night he drove Penny to the hospital. To make matters worse, his day in traffic court is the same day as the comic-book signing.

Rate this episode

Guest Stars: Stan Lee as Himself, Kevin Sussman as Stuart, Steve Paymer as Judge Taylor, Marcus Folmar as Guard

Writers: Chuck Lorre (Story), Lee Aronsohn (Story), Steven Molaro (Story), Bill Prady (Teleplay), Steve Holland (Teleplay), Maria Ferrari (Teleplay)

Director: Mark Cendrowski

Viewers: 15.61 million Households Rating: 9.7/14 Adults 18-49 Rating: 5.9/14

Available on iTunes

Episode Notes

  • The title refers to Stan Lee's trademark autograph phrase "Excelsior!" and the fact that all the guys wanted to acquire it - and did, though in different ways.
  • This episode calls back to the time Sheldon drove Penny to the emergency room in the episode "The Adhesive Duck Deficiency". 

> Sheldon's Spot

In the prison cell, Sheldon chooses the same spot on the bench as he does on the couch in the apartment.

> Sheldon's Knock

When Sheldon goes to Penny's apartment to prepare her as a witness in his case at traffic court, Sheldon starts his knock but Penny interrupts before the final round of knocking. After Penny performs the knock and says Penny, Sheldon says "That's just wrong."

Episode Quotes

Sheldon: Good Morning your honor, Dr. Sheldon Cooper appearing in pro se - that is to say representing himself.
Judge: I know what it means, I went to law school.
Sheldon: Yet you wound up in traffic court.

Sheldon: *After just being jailed, at the biggest guy in the cell who's sitting on a bench* That's my spot.

Sheldon: That's the toilet?
Policeman: Well, it ain't a wishin' well!
Sheldon: Please tell the judge I'm ready to apologize.

Sheldon: I would point out that I am at the top of my profession, while you preside over the kiddie table of yours.

Sheldon: *Knock Knock Knock* Penny. *Knock Knock Knock* Penny.
Penny: *Opening her door* ... Penny.
Sheldon: That's just wrong.

News Stories

Title Date Posted
Episode 3.16 Ratings March 2, 2010

The Big Bang Theory continues to build on Two and a Half Men in adult demographics.  Full story

Recap

At the comic book store, Stuart tells the guys that comic book legend Stan Lee will be doing a signing on March 4th. Back at the apartment, the guys try to decide which comic book they will be getting Stan Lee to sign. Penny has no idea who he is. When Howard searches for a band-aid in Sheldon's desk drawer, he discovers a summons for a traffic violation on November 16th, 2009, committed by Sheldon. Sheldon intends to fight the ticket in court, but is crushed to learn that the court date falls on the same day as Stan Lee's signings. The others guy make clear they will be attending the signing and not accompanying Sheldon to court.

In preparation for their day in court, Sheldon has written a speech for Penny to give in the witness stand which he wants her to rehearse. At traffic court, Sheldon makes his defense but does not sway the judge, who tells him to just pay the ticket. When Sheldon objects and insults the judge, he is thrown in jail until he apologizes. When Sheldon is placed in al cell with three other men, he points out that one of them is sitting in his spot.

In line at the comic book store, Raj says he will ask Stan Lee why he gives his characters alliterative names. Howard advises him not to bother Stan Lee with that question. Penny calls Leonard to tell him that Sheldon is in jail, though Leonard isn't particularly surprised or interested. Back in the jail cell, Sheldon needs to go to the bathroom. When the guard points to a toilet in the cell, Sheldon decides he's ready to apologize.

Back at the apartment, Leonard and Howard admire their Stan Lee autographs, while Raj is less enthusiastic about his. When Penny and Sheldon return, Sheldon blames Penny for his problems that day. Feeling guilty about Sheldon missing Stan Lee's signing, Penny goes to the comic book store and asks Stuart if he could give her Stan Lee's phone number or address.

At Stan Lee's house, Penny explains to him how she's the reason Sheldon missed his signing. Stan Lee is unimpressed by their visit and sarcastically invites them inside, which Sheldon doesn't recognize as sarcasm. When Sheldon enters Stan Lee's house, he calls the phone. Sheldon returns to the apartment with an "autographed restraining order".