The Weekend Vortex Season 5, Episode 19 -  Aired March 8, 2012

The Weekend Vortex

When the guys decide to spend the weekend playing video games, Sheldon backs out of his plans with Amy to attend her aunt's birthday party.

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Guest Stars: Carol Ann Susi as Mrs. Wolowitz, Kevin Sussman as Stuart

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

Director: Mark Cendrowski

Viewers: 15.04 million Households Rating: 9.3/15 Adults 18-49 Rating: 5.1/14

Available on iTunes

Episode Notes

  • Kaley Cuoco's name was absent from the credits for this episode, despite the fact she appeared in the episode as normal.
  • The title references Sheldon and the guys' decision to spend the weekend playing games, and the effect it has on his plans with Amy.

> Relationship Agreement

When Sheldon tries to get out of going to Amy's aunt's 93rd birthday party, Amy reminds Sheldon that she followed all the protocols set forth by him in the relationship agreement. Amy made a written record request 72 hours in advance. She checked the tire pressure on the car. She even contacted the Center for Disease Control to find out what shots they recommend for travel to Orange County (none).

> Sheldon's Knock

Sheldon uses his knock once on Penny's apartment door as he goes to give her a gift (Gummy Bears) to try get him out of spending the day at Amy's aunts birthday party as he promised.

Episode Quotes

Raj: But excuse me, I have something to say. None of you may realize it, but I was very much looking forward to this weekend. It was gonna be like the old days -- the four of us hanging out, playing video games, before you guys all got girlfriends. Do you have any idea what it's like to be the only one without a girlfriend? Even if I get one someday, I'll still be the guy who got a girl after Sheldon Cooper!

Leonard: We'll miss you Sheldon.
Sheldon: Yeah, well, who wants to spend the whole weekend, running around a bunch of pretend planets, battling made up monsters? That's for babies.
Howard: Yeah, but it's got lightsabers.
Sheldon: Please, Amy! It's got lightsabers!

Howard: Look, if you don't want to go to the party, just don't go. You're a grown man. Act like one. Tell Amy you want to spend the weekend having a sleepover and playing video games with your friends!

Leonard: I'd make fun of Sheldon for having girl problems, if I wasn't shocked that Sheldon has girl problems.

Amy: Gentlemen, as much as I'm sure Sheldon would enjoy playing intergalactic make-believe, he and I have other plans. We are attending my Aunt Flora's 93rd birthday party. Sheldon: Just tell her I can't come. Amy: She'll be disappointed if we don't show up. Sheldon: She's 93. She won't be disappointed for very long.

News Stories

Title Date Posted
Episode 5.19 Ratings March 9, 2012

The March 8, 2012 episode of The Big Bang Theory beat American Idol in the key demographics and is likely to rank as the night's #1 program among adults 18-49, 25-54 and 18-34.  Full story

CBS Announces Episode 5.19 February 28, 2012

CBS has announced the next episode of The Big Bang Theory, 5.19 The Weekend Vortex, which will air March 8th. Kevin Sussman reprises his role as Stuart in the episode.  Full story

Recap

Raj suggests the guys spend the weekend playing the new Star Wars game, so they decide to make a marathon of it. Sheldon is excited about the 48-hour gaming session, until Amy reminds him that he's made plans to attend her aunt's ninety-third birthday party. Amy points out she followed all the protocols set out in the relationship agreement and insists Sheldon is coming with her. Later, Sheldon visits the comic book store to try find a gift for Amy's aunt. Howard tells Sheldon to stand up to Amy if he wants to spend the weekend playing video games.

In Penny's apartment, Leonard asks permission to spend the weekend with the guys. Penny tells Leonard he doesn't have to check with her. Sheldon arrives, asking Penny to manipulate Amy in getting him out of his commitment to attend Amy's aunt's party. On the day of the party, Sheldon gets into Amy's car as they get ready to set off for the party. Sheldon has brought his laptop and a headset so can he play with the guys while attending the party. Amy is unimpressed with Sheldon and tells him if the game is really more important to him than honoring his commitment, he should go play the game with his friends. Sheldon misses Amy's point and thanks her for letting him go play video games.

In the apartment, the guys get ready for their gaming session. Howard arrives with a surprise - Bernadette. Raj is angry that Howard brought his wife along to their guys' weekend. Later, Amy visits Penny's apartment after attending her aunt's party alone. Penny gives Amy some relationship advice and suggests she make a scene. Back in the apartment, Amy bursts in to confront Sheldon about his behavior. Amy's threat about leaving Sheldon for a miniature horse breeder quickly falls apart, flattening her big scene. Amy redeems one of Sheldon's Cooper Coupons and the pair head off to spend some time together at the Science Center.

Angry at the weekend not going to plan, Raj makes a big scene about how he wanted one weekend where it was like the old days, before they all got girlfriends. Raj is upset to be the only one without a girlfriend, especially in a group that includes Sheldon Cooper. The girls leave the guys to their weekend of video gaming. Later, Mrs. Wolowitz is heard shouting from outside the apartment, having been worried sick about where Howard is.