"The White Asparagus Triangulation" is an episode of The Big Bang Theory that first aired on November 24, 2008. Directed by Mark Cendrowski. Teleplay by Stephen Engel and Richard Rosenstock based on a story by David Goetsch and Steven Molaro.
Leonard is still dating Dr. Stephanie Barrett (Sara Rue), the only woman Leonard has dated whom Sheldon approves of. But Sheldon frets that Leonard will mess up the relationship, and takes it upon himself to ensure the continued viability of the relationship.
Sheldon stages a demonstration of Leonard's physical strength that backfires horribly, forcing Leonard to go to the hospital. Sheldon also inserts himself into a movie date, and complains about Leonard's "vague invitation" that failed to list what movie Leonard and Stephanie were going to go see and at which theater.
Tired of Sheldon's intrusions into his relationship with Stephanie, Leonard confronts Sheldon, who then tries to relieve Leonard of command, whatever the hell that means. Leonard understandably finds this ridiculous and inapplicable.
Sheldon is not done butting in, though: he logs into Leonard's social media and changes Leonard's relationship status to being in a committed long-term relationship with Stephanie. When Leonard finds out, he's angry, and worries that Sheldon's meddling will actually end the relationship. But to his surprise, Stephanie changes her relationship status to match Leonard's.
Tropes
- Afraid of Blood: Leonard sees his own bloodied hand and throws up in the sink... where Sheldon was defrosting a steak.
- Impossible Pickle Jar: Sheldon asks Leonard to open a pre-loosened jar of white asparagus to show Stephanie how strong Leonard is. Not only can he not open the jar, but in trying, he breaks the jar and cuts his hand.
- The McCoy: Sheldon feels that Stephanie is this, thus completing their group's "landing party".Leonard: What landing party?
Sheldon: You're Kirk, I'm Spock, Wolowitz is Scotty, Koothrappali is the guy who always gets killed… And now we've got our McCoy! - The Password Is Always "Swordfish": Sheldon is able to hack Leonard's Facebook account because he uses the same password for everything: Kal-El.
- Shipper on Deck: Sheldon is eager for Leonard and Stephanie to be a couple because she's the only one of his girlfriends that he's found tolerable (and that includes Penny!).
- Totally Radical: Sheldon tries out some slang to seem more casual. It freaks Penny out.
