"A Patch, a Modem, and a Zantac" is the sixth episode of the first season of the American sitcom Young Sheldon. The episode aired on November 30, 2017.
Summary[]
When a NASA representative visits Sheldon's school and dismisses his science, Sheldon is set on a mission to prove him wrong.[1]
Plot[]
Dr. Ronald Hodges, a NASA engineer, appears as a guest speaker in Sheldon's science class and does not take his idea about VTVL technology seriously, making Sheldon go to great lengths to prove him wrong. He tries to do the calculations himself, but he needs a computer to do so. When he realizes the family cannot afford one, he becomes frustrated, which causes him a stress ulcer. Sheldon takes the opportunity to use his doctor's computer and internet access to complete his calculations and send his results to NASA. When no reply comes, Sheldon gets depressed, prompting George to impulsively drive the family to the Johnson Space Center and demand that Hodges listen to Sheldon's idea. Hodges admits that it is theoretically valid, but that NASA lacks the technical capability to implement it at that time. Sheldon concludes that he is ahead of his time. On the way home, he thanks his father for standing up for him. A flashforward shows the successful SpaceX CRS-8 mission, followed by SpaceX founder Elon Musk looking over Sheldon's old notebook then hiding it in a desk drawer.
Credits[]
- Guest starring:
- Ryan Phuong as Tam Nguyen
- Brian Stepanek as Mr. Givens
- Jason Kravits as Dr. Ronald Hodges
- Dave Florek as Dr. Eberland
- Karly Rothenberg as Mrs. Veazey
- Elon Musk as himself
- Teleplay: Anthony Gioe & Nick Mandernach
- Story: Chuck Lorre & Steven Molaro
Notes[]
- Title Reference:
- Ronald Hodges gives Sheldon a NASA patch.
- A modem was the item used for Sheldon's usage to connect to the internet.
- The doctor prescripted Zantac to Sheldon after he had an ulcer.
- This episode was watched by 12.11 million people with a rating of 2.1 (adults 18–49).
- Young Sheldon was ranked #1 for the week ending 30 November 2017.
Trivia[]
Sheldon gets carsick on US 59 just over 4 miles north of Livingston, Texas. How far they are from Medford at this point is still yet to be revealed.
- Sheldon's notebook is dated November 9, 1989.
- Medford, Texas is located somewhere along U.S. Route 59. After Sheldon throws up in the Cooper family station wagon, they pass a sign along the road indicating that they're four miles from Livingston, Texas, and 78 miles from Houston.
Quotes[]
- Tam: You know, sometimes you sound like a super villain.
- Sheldon: [excitedly high-pitched] Silence!
- Tam: That'll be more effective after your voice changes.
- Sheldon: [Tam steps away. Sheldon sighs]
- [deep voice]
- Sheldon: Silence!
- Adult Sheldon: I'm not proud of it, but as a child, I was prone... to the occasional meltdown.
- Sheldon: Cheese and crackers!
- Adult Sheldon: I'm sorry you had to hear that.
- Missy: I can't die. I've only kissed one boy.
- Mary: What?
- Missy: Don't worry, it was years ago.
- Missy: I'm bored.
- Meemaw: Hey! Someday, someone will write a book about Sheldon. Don't you want a chapter in there about how loving and supportive you were?
- Georgie: What's the point? I ain't never gonna read it.
- Sheldon: Dad, can we afford a computer?
- George Sr.: You do my taxes. What do you think?
- Sheldon: [pause] Nevermind.
