The Herb Garden Germination Season 4, Episode 20 -  Aired April 7, 2011

The Herb Garden Germination

After a rumor spreads that Bernadette is planning to break up with Howard, Sheldon and Amy spread their own rumors as a social experiment.

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Guest Stars: Brian George as Dr. Koothrappali, Alice Amter as Mrs. Koothrappli, Aarti Mann as Priya, Brian Greene as Himself

Writers: Chuck Lorre (Story), Eric Kaplan (Story), Eddie Gorodetsky (Story), Bill Prady (Teleplay), Steven Molaro (Teleplay), Steve Holland (Teleplay)

Director: Mark Cendrowski

Viewers: 11.4 million Households Rating: 6.9/12 Adults 18-49 Rating: 3.7/12

Available on iTunes

Episode Lists

  • Howard & Bernadette: Key Episodes Howard & Bernadette: Key Episodes

    The key moments from Howard and Bernadette's relationship including their first date, Howard's proposal, their wedding, and the births of their two children.

Episode Notes

  • The title references one of the lies that Sheldon and Amy "germinated" as part of their experiment in meme theory, that Amy was starting an herb garden.

Episode Quotes

Raj: Shut your ass!

Sheldon: If you don't mind, I'd like to stop listening to you and start talking.

Sheldon: I must say, Amy, pretending to have intercourse with you has given me a great deal of satisfaction.

Raj: It's amazing what liquor does to guilt.

Sheldon: Doctor Greene, question?
Dr. Greene: Yes?
Sheldon: You've dedicated your life's work to educate the general populous about complex scientific ideas.
Dr. Greene: Yes, in part.
Sheldon: Have you ever considered trying to do something useful? Perhaps reading to the elderly?
Dr. Greene: Excuse me?
Sheldon: Yeah, but not your books. Something they might enjoy. I kid of course, big fan.

News Stories

Title Date Posted
Episode 4.20 Ratings April 8, 2011

The ratings for the April 7th episode of The Big Bang Theory are out.  Full story

CBS Announces Episode 4.20 March 14, 2011

CBS has revealed the details for the April 7th episode of The Big Bang Theory.  Full story

Recap

While Sheldon and Amy attend a book tour by Brian Greene, Amy tells Sheldon of a piece of gossip she got from Penny: Bernadette is thinking of breaking up with Howard. Although Sheldon is initially disappointed that Amy is indulging in idle gossip, she convinces him that gossip is an aid to social bonding.

As Sheldon and Leonard play Wii Sports: Archery in their living room, Sheldon raises the topic of his discussion with Amy, passing the gossip on to Leonard. Leonard mentions the gossip to Priya, who reveals that Raj has a crush on Bernadette. When Leonard runs into Penny and tries to tell her the gossip, Penny is angry as she was the original source of the gossip and had told Amy not to tell anyone. Leonard informs Penny about Raj's crush on Bernadette, making Penny promise to keep it a secret. Meanwhile, Priya hints to Raj that Bernadette might soon be available.

In the university cafeteria, Howard reveals to the guys that he's about to propose to Bernadette. When Howard goes to discuss the engagement ring, the other guys are concerned that Howard might be setting himself up for heartbreak. Later, Sheldon and Amy are having tea in the apartment, discussing the news of Howard's proposal. Fascinated by how the news of Bernadette's rumored breakup spread within the group, Sheldon and Amy agree to test meme theory within their social circle. To begin their experiment, Amy tells Peny that she and Sheldon had sex and that she was thinking of starting an herb garden.

When Leonard brings home dinner, he tries to prompt Sheldon into talking about his supposed intimate encounter with Amy. After ascertaining Leonard was talking about their rumored sexual exploits and not a herb garden, Sheldon tells Amy via video chat that the rumor has started to spread. Later, Amy is surprised how quickly their news spread with the whole group finding out in less than twenty-four hours. While the gang eat dinner in the apartment, Howard proposes to Bernadette. Unexpectedly to everyone else, Bernadette accepts Howard's proposal.

Amy and Sheldon's experiment continues with the gossip that Amy is pregnant with Sheldon's child and she's thinking of getting orthotics.