The Comic-Con Conundrum

"The Comic-Con Conundrum" is the seventeenth episode of the tenth season of the sitcom The Big Bang Theory. The episode aired February 23, 2017.

Summary
With Koothrappali cut off from his father's fortune, he appoints Sheldon to help him get out of debt, and even takes a part-time job working for Stuart. Also, Penny considers joining Leonard at Comic-Con. Bernadette finally gets Howard to do some work around the house.

Extended Plot
To be entered.

Credits

 * Guest starring:
 * Kevin Sussman as Stuart
 * Pamela Aldon as Halley (Voice Only)
 * Teleplay: Steven Molaro, Steve Holland & Maria Ferrari
 * Story: Eric Kaplan, Saladin K. Patterson & Tara Hernandez

Critics

 * Caroline Preece at Den of Geek! - What’s that? An episode of The Big Bang Theory that doesn’t leave me frustrated and underwhelmed? Yes it’s true, I liked this episode. For the first time in a very long time, The Comic-Con Conundrum carries on a storyline from the previous week. Even more shockingly, it concerns Raj...I like this a lot, mainly because it hits that sweet spot between hinting at genuine trouble between Leonard and Penny and just being a storyline that fits a sitcom married couple that this season has been seemingly going for all along. It’s not nasty or unpleasant at any point, and gets the whole group involved at various points. It’s not a massive gag machine, but works well as an A-plot nonetheless. The episode benefits hugely from bringing everyone in on the same plot, something I don’t know why the show doesn’t do more often. Comic-Con is, also, an ever-reliable catalyst. Raj can’t afford to go, Bernadette wants to trade help around the house for a weekend without her husband, and Penny needs Amy’s advice on how to subtly manipulate Leonard into disinviting her.

Trivia

 * Following the previous episode, Raj cut himself off from his father's finances. Because of that, he can't afford go to Comic-Con anymore. Unless, he splits the Comic-Con money with the guys.
 * Amy is reluctant to go, because like the rest of the girls, they're not into superheroes and Sci-Fi stuff like the guys are into.
 * Penny is looking forward to go to Comic-Con this time, suggesting that she is once again learning to take interest in Leonard's interests. It's revealed that she's doing it to make him happy and to put some effort into their marriage like he does for her.
 * Raj wears his Aquaman costume.
 * Sheldon treats Leonard a lot more poorly than usual in this episode.
 * Howard is now doing work around the house, thanks to Bernadette.
 * Raj starts working for Stuart at the Comic Store.
 * Raj sponsors a penguin at an L.A. Zoo.
 * There are strong implications of Sheldon being a sociopath.
 * Sheldon states that he still has 4 months until Comic-Con, and since Comic-Con always takes place in July, that means this episode takes place sometime in March 2017.

Quotes
Amy (to Sheldon): I'm not going to Comic-Con with you!

Sheldon: Well, maybe what's in my pants will change your mind.