The Closure Alternative Season 6, Episode 21 -  Aired April 25, 2013

The Closure Alternative

When one of Sheldon's favorite TV shows is canceled, Amy helps him work through his compulsive need for closure. Meanwhile, Raj finds his girlfriend's blog, and Penny searches for something she's passionate about.

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Guest Stars: Kate Micucci as Lucy

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

Director: Mark Cendrowski

Viewers: 15.05 million Households Rating: 8.9/15 Adults 18-49 Rating: 4.5/15

Available on iTunes

Episode Notes

  • The title refers to Amy trying to help Sheldon get over his need for closure following the cancelation of one of his favorite TV shows.

Episode Quotes

Sheldon: Well, that stinks. No wonder you got cancelled. Bye.

Amy: Missed one. Now your wish can't come true.
Sheldon: Lucky for you because I wished you were dead.

Howard: People change names on blogs to protect their privacy. Roger is Raj.
Raj: Oh, I always thought if I had a white name it would be Gavin.

Sheldon: You don't know what it's like to feel completely frustrated. To have a desire build up within you and be denied any opportunity for release.
Amy: Yeah, sounds like a drag.

Leonard: If they didn't want to be yelled at by crazy nerds they shouldn't have started the Syfy channel.

News Stories

Title Date Posted
Episode 6.21 Ratings April 26, 2013

Last night's episode of The Big Bang Theory finished first in its time slot and ranked as the night's most-watched and highest-rated program. Following a two week absence of new episodes and with TV viewership falling in the Spring, the show's ratings were noticeably down from the previous episode.  Full story

CBS Announces Episode 6.21 April 8, 2013

CBS has issued the press release for the next episode of The Big Bang Theory, which will air Thursday, April 25. Kate Micucci returns as Lucy, Raj's love interest, in the episode.   Full story

Recap

As Sheldon clears through his DVR, Leonard informs him that the TV series Alphas has been canceled and there won't be a conclusion to the season finale's cliffhanger. Sheldon is angered by the SyFy network's decision and decides to call them to complain. Meanwhile, after Howard sets up a video camera for Raj so he can watch over Cinnamon while he's at work, Raj reveals that he found Lucy's blog. Raj is shocked to learn she has been dating an Indian astrophysicist named Roger, though Howard points out she probably just changed Raj's name for privacy reasons.

Leonard goes over to Penny's to implore her to watch Buffy the Vampire Slayer. He thinks the series' mix of action, jokes, romance and hot vampires would make the perfect show for them to watch together. Elsewhere, after Sheldon calls the SyFy network, Amy offers to help Sheldon with his problem with closure. When Howard stops by Raj's office to pick him up for lunch, Raj asks Howard if he thinks of him as feminine, as Lucy mentioned on her blog that he was a little feminine. Howard tells Raj he should use the information on her blog to his advantage to be the person Lucy wants.

After watching an episode of Buffy, Leonard is excited to hear how much Penny loved the show. Penny describes it as cute, disappointing Leonard who expected an enthusiastic response. Elsewhere, Amy has devised a series of experiments for Sheldon to overcome his compulsive need for closure. Amy and Sheldon play a game of Tic-Tac-Toe which she cuts short, frustrating Sheldon. After watching Buffy again, Penny seeks Bernadette's advice to figure out why Leonard likes the show so much. Penny wonders why she doesn't feel the same enthusiasm for things that Leonard does. Bernadette suggests Penny find something she can be passionate about.

Before a date with Lucy in his apartment, Raj videochats with Howard for some date night advice. Raj wants to know whether he should wear a hockey jersey or a football jersey to appear more manly for Lucy. Back at the apartment, Amy works Sheldon through a series of frustrating exercises to rob him of his desire for closure. Sheldon sings the National Anthem before being cut off. Sheldon creates an impressive pattern of dominoes, only to be told to pack them back up. Sheldon winds up a jack-in-the-box which Amy grabs before the end of the tune. Finally, Sheldon blows out candles on the cake, except for one which Amy shielded, meaning his wish can't come true.

Lucy wonders why Raj is acting so weird on their date. Raj explains that he found her blog and read what she said about him being feminine. Lucy tells him she never said that was a bad thing and that she likes how sweet and thoughtful he is. Elsewhere, Penny tells Leonard how she's realized she does have things in her life she's passionate about, namely him and her friends. Elsewhere, Sheldon thanks Amy for a transformitive evening. When Amy leaves, however, Sheldon goes back to complete all her exercises. As Sheldon writhes on the floor in pleasure after finishing the tasks, Penny comes over to say that she loves having him in her life. Later, Sheldon phones the Alphas creator to ask how he planned to conclude the cliffhanger.