"The Griffin Equivalency" is an episode of The Big Bang Theory that first aired on October 13, 2008. Directed by Mark Cendrowski. Teleplay by Stephen Engel and Tim Doyle based on a story by the show's creators.
People magazine names Rajesh Koothrappali one of the year's "30 Under 30 To Watch" for his discovery of the planetary object 2008 NQ₁₇. Predictably, Sheldon questions the validity of the accolade.
But it all quickly goes to Raj's head. Department Chair Gablehauser (Mark Harelik) gives Raj a bigger office and an assistant. By the time that Raj asks his friends to go to the reception in his honor, they're so fed up with him they just walk out on him.
Penny reluctantly agrees to go with Raj to the reception, and chastises Howard, Leonard and Sheldon for not supporting Raj. However, Penny comes to regret her decision, when an already drunk Raj comes to pick her up in a limousine.
After the reception, Raj takes Penny back to his apartment, and has her talk to his parents, Dr. (Brian George) and Mrs. Koothrappali (Alice Amter), over videoconferencing. Raj's mother disapproves of Penny for not being Indian. Penny has no interest in Raj but asserts she'd be a great daughter-in-law.
The next day, Raj, sober in every sense of the word, goes to apologize to Penny with a written apology, but Penny insists he speak to her. Through great effort, Raj squeaks out the word "sorry" at high pitch. Penny forgives him and hugs him.
Tropes
- Acquired Situational Narcissism: Not only does he appear in the magazine, Raj gets a new office and assistant, and goes to a Hollywood party. The guys are not pleased.
- The Cameo: Charlie Sheen, who one-ups Raj about being in People magazine: "Yeah, call me when you're on the cover."
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Harsher/Hilarious In Hindsight: Depending on your proclivity, Howard saying of Juno 's transgender star Elliot Page that he'd "so do her" can go either way. Given his Ho Yay with Raj, it's perhaps leaning a touch more on the latter.... - Logging On To The Fourth Wall: Howard offers to connect Leonard with a lonely Croatian woman through anythingforagreencard.com. As of 2022, the website redirects to a Warner Bros. landing page. Presumaby that has always been the case.
- Shout-Out:
- To Iron Man. Sheldon proposes inviting a new friend to take Raj's place. The others suggest that he should have lots of money, love technology and have access to beautiful women. Leonard concludes that Tony Stark is the only one who fits that description.
- To The Simpsons. Howard compares Raj to the controversial Apu character. Leonard condemns the comparison as racist, Howard defends it with that Apu is a beloved character on the animated show.
- Took a Level in Jerkass: Raj becomes unbearable as his instant celebrity goes to his head.
- The Unsmile: Sheldon's attempt at smiling makes him look like The Joker.Leonard: We're here to see Koothrappali, not kill Batman.
