"The Countdown Reflection" is the The Big Bang Theory Season 5 finale. It first aired on May 10, 2012. Directed by Mark Cendrowski. Teleplay by Chuck Lorre, Steven Molaro and Jim Reynolds, based on a story by Bill Prady, Eric Kaplan and Steve Holland.
With Howard's launch date moved up, he and Bernadette decide to get married before he leaves. However, a quick trip to City Hall fails, so their friends decide to become ministers via online certificate.
Tropes
- Altar the Speed: Since Howard is scheduled to go up earlier than planned, he and Bernadette try to get married quickly by going to City Hall. Unfortunately, they don't get a chance before the Justice of the Peace's office closes.
- Astronomic Zoom: At the end of the ceremony, the camera zooms back to a view from the Google satellite.
- Freeze-Frame Bonus: You can briefly see Mrs. Wolowitz as the camera zooms back in the end.
- It's All About Me: Amy objects to Howard and Bernadette having a ceremony at City Hall because she wouldn't get to dress up as maid of honor. They concede to let her wear her tiara down at City Hall.
- My New Gift Is Lame: Zigzagged. Sheldon is fine with the gift Howard gives to him, Leonard and Raj (the Fantastic Four annual wherein Reed and Sue marry), but notes that since it’s more valuable than the wedding gift he got, he is now indebted.
- Nerds Speak Klingon: Sheldon wants to do the ceremony in Klingon. Bernadette won't let him. After delivering the mocking sermon in English, he says that the Klingon would’ve made them cry.
- Right on Queue: This is the reason Howard and Bernadette don't get married at City Hall; there's such a long line of couples doing the same thing that they don't reach the Justice of the Peace before the office closes.
- Whole Episode Flashback: The episode begins with Howard getting ready for liftoff, while recalling events that happened before it.
