The Big Bang Theory

The Bath Item Gift Hypothesis

Season 2, Episode 11, Aired 12/15/08

Episode Summary

Sheldon irks the gangs with his obession with proper Christmas gift protocol. Lenoard's crushed when Penny dates a colleague of his.

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Cast & Crew

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Johnny Galecki

Leonard Hofstadter
Jim Parsons

Sheldon Cooper
Kaley Cuoco

Penny

Fan Episode Reviews (21)

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One of the best ever episodes of Big Bang. The 'Bath Item' has it all. Leonard gets closer to Penny and Sheldon gets his best ever Christmas pressie.

10

"Perfect"

By machloop, May 25, 2011 Report Abuse

This will probably prove to be the most popular episode of all time of this series, it has it all, I was in tears at the end - tears of joy mixed with tears of compassion all washed down with tears of laughter as they all swap presents. And at least one unforgettable line with - 'you put no thought into that whatsoever'.
Brilliant writing and performance come together in the second half of this show in fantastic style and although this is best seen with a good background knowledge of the characters it stands alone too as a fantastic comedy show in it's own right.

I noticed that this review has received many negative votes so I decided to edit it. Then I notice that all reviews for this episode have been knobbled so someone is fooling around with the site. And this is still the best episode so far!!!!!!!!!moreless

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4 13
The last 3 minutes make the entire episode worth watching.

10

"Perfect"

By icevader, Feb 11, 2011 Report Abuse

Without doubt this was the sweetest episode of The Big Bang Theory ever. While Leonard once more faces his feelings for Penny as she starts dating his handsome colleague, Sheldon frets over reciprocating Penny's Christmas present.

But there's no way Sheldon - or the viewer - will see coming what the episode ends with. Penny's incredibly thoughtful present, and Sheldon's priceless (and totally unexpected) reaction, had me simultaneously in fits of laughter and tears of happiness - and I'm normally very emotionally distanced from the shows I watch.

This episode is one of those rare modern reminders of the endearing power of a sitcom - how the simplest of actions can bring joy to even the greatest Scrooge. I'm willing to overlook the episode's major plothole (did the writers completely forget Leonard's currently in a relationship?) and once more appreciate the comic and emotional genius of The Big Bang Theory.moreless

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24 7
Sheldon has trouble deciding what to buy Penny.

8.0

"Great"

By thefanof, Feb 11, 2011 Report Abuse

The Leonard, Penny and David storyline was not exactly my cup of tea, but I did like the recurring gag of "my leg is killing me, thanks for asking." Leonard is best when put in awkward situations, not driving the comedy himself and that's why he was actually tolerable here.

Of course it was Sheldon who stole the show yet again. From his awkward conversation with the employee at the Bath and Bodyworks-esque store to buying a truckload of gifts and then exchanging whichever was closest in value we just got some great material here from the superior of the two roommates.

This was not The Big Bang Theory's best offering this season, but it was fun for a Christmas special because it did not deviate too far from the show's premise, yet it still had a unique one-time only feel to it.moreless

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2 9
The true meaning of the holidays...

9.5

"Superb"

By anngel421, Feb 11, 2011 Report Abuse

This show has had its ups and downs but its always managed to keep me interested with a very catchy theme song, quirky characters and moments that just keep me in stitches pass the audience laugh track. The greats of this episode range from a great guest appearance by Michael trucco, refrences to charlie brown and an often ignored truth about gift giving. our society has become so cynical that people have forgotten that the true joy is just giving. But it really does come down to the last 3 minutes of this episode which are priceless. Even my sister who didn't get the reference (i know but then again not everyone is a trekkie like the guys on the show) almost welled up in geeky tears.moreless

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4 6
Christmas episode.

8.0

"Great"

By sequoa84, Feb 11, 2011 Report Abuse

With holiday season up in the horizon, most TV shows try their best to integrate a good storyline with the spirit of Christmas. We had 30 Rock do a decent job, and Big Bang Theory has put up one awesome episode.

Leonard meets a scientist more brainier than him and he is hot too. We see Penny going out with him only to realize he is married and a pervert as well. Not wholly funny though, this sequence did enable a good storyline for the rest of the cast. Leonard does a good job whining about his leg injury. The show runner Sheldon does it again. With the Christmas gift storyline, he just blows your mind off. Overall, a worthwhile 30 minutes.moreless

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Trivia, Notes, Quotes and Allusions

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Trivia
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Notes
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- This episode's end titles has Chuck Lorre's Vanity Card #233. Edit
- The German episode title is "Die Geschenk-Hypothese", meaning "The Gift Hypothesis". The French title is "L'Hypothèse des cadeaux de Noël", meaning "The Christmas Gifts Hypothesis". The Italian title is "L'ipotesi dei sali da bagno", meaning "The Bath Salts Hypothesis". The Spanish title is "La hipótesis del regalo de artículo de baño", an exact translation. The Mexican title is "La hipotesis del obsequio de baño", meaning The Bath Gift Hypothesis". Edit
- International airdates: Latin America: February 24, 2009 on Warner Channel; Australia: July 27, 2009 on Channel 9; Turkey: November 16, 2009 on CNBC-e; Finland: December 21, 2009 on Sub; Czech Republic: November 9, 2010 on Prima COOL; Slovakia: September 28, 2011 on Markiza Edit
Quotes
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- Penny: Hey, Sheldon, are you and Leonard putting up a Christmas tree?
  Sheldon: No, because we don't celebrate the ancient pagan festival of Saturnalia.
  Howard: Gather round, kids, it's time for Sheldon's beloved Christmas special.
  Sheldon: In the pre-Christian era, as the winter solstice approached and the plants died, pagans brought evergreen boughs into their homes in an act of sympathetic magic intended to guard the life essence of the plant until spring. This custom was later appropriated by northern Europeans and eventually becomes the so-called Christmas tree.
  Howard: And that, Charlie Brown, is what boredom is all about.
  Edit
- Sheldon: I don't see anything in here a woman would want.
  Howard: You're kidding. You've got lotions and bath oils... soaps; that's the estrogen hat-trick.
  Sheldon: What it is is a cacophonous assault of eucalyptus, bayberry, cinnamon, and vanilla. It's as if my head were trapped in the pajamas of a sultan.
  Edit
- Sheldon: You got me a present?
  Penny: Uh-huh.
  Sheldon: Why would you do such a thing?
  Penny: I don't know. 'Cause it's Christmas.
  Sheldon: Oh, Penny! I know you think you're being generous but the foundation of gift-giving is reciprocity. You haven't given me a gift; you've given me an obligation. Edit
Allusions
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