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The Big Bang Theory

The Dumpling Paradox

Season 1, Episode 7, Aired 11/5/07

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Episode Summary

With Wolowitz AWOL with one of her friends, Penny's recruited to fill in for him on the guys' Halo team.

8.3

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Cast & Crew

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Johnny Galecki

Leonard Hofstadter
Jim Parsons

Sheldon Cooper
Kaley Cuoco

Penny

Fan Episode Reviews (9)

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107

9.5

"Superb"

By Canogaparkcindy, Nov 04, 2010 Report Abuse

Just as superb as the last episode, and this continues to be one of the most promising shows of the season. I really can see this show going on for a long time. We have intriguing characters, funny one liners, and interesting plot lines. Sheldon has not disappointed me ever since the series started, and things were no different here.

He is easily the star of the show, and he's the one who always ends up making me laugh by the end of the episode. From him explaining the "dumpling" paradox to him wanting to watch Doctor Who, he was hilarious here! A great cold opening too, Penny playing Halo was entertaining. Wolowitz having sex with Penny's friend was hysterical and it was hilarious that he used all of Penny's things. The end was just as funny with the girls who went dancing offer the guys sex while playing Halo. "I thought I heard something..." Absolutely hilarious installment of TBBT.moreless

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Nerds.

9.5

"Superb"

By Sarah_LOST, Oct 12, 2010 Report Abuse

Penny's promiscuous 'friend' Christy (Brooke D'Orsay) from Nebraska is in town, and ends up being seduced by Wolowitz. The pair take over her apartment causing her to sleep on Leonard and Sheldon's couch for the night. With Wolowitz gone, Penny takes his place on their Halo team, causing Sheldon much distress as she is naturally good at it. Christy moves in with Wolowitz (and his mother) taking up all his time. Sheldon is distraught over the odd number in the group believing they can no longer function. He's even more distraught when he relents and lets Penny join in on Halo night, but she declines the offer to go dancing with her friend instead. Believing that they are falling apart as a group, the guys go to speak to Wolowitz. When they arrive they hear Christy and Wolowitz's mother arguing loudly, causing Christy to leave. Wolowitz, once again single, says 'So, Halo night?' and the group is restored. I love the start of the episode - hilarious. I love it when they are plaing Halo. I love the way Hoawrd always says something weird to Penny. I love the way Sheldon doesn't want Penny to plat, but she does and I really love the fact that she kicks Sheldon's butt. Sheldon is my faovurite he is such a nerd. the way he is eith every single detail, I love the relationshp between Sheldon and Penny. I love it when Sheldon wakes up with his breakfast and he wants to sit in his normal seat but can't due to Penny. I also love the whole storyline with Howard, and the ending is awesome.moreless

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Brilliant start to the episode and it continues to be awesome!

9.0

"Superb"

By Pucktweety, Dec 26, 2009 Report Abuse

The start of this episode made me laugh sooo much! The scene with the phone and Sheldon is just adorable! Totally adorable!

Penny avoiding her friend and then Howard going to chat her up hahahha!

I want Sheldon's t-shirt! Penny playing HALO amused me greatly and her being good was just amazing! The fact she is female and is good is great for all female gamers :P!

"Look it's raining you!"

Howard and Christie - I just kinda puked at the imagine even though I haven't seen this episode in ages!

The guy who plays Sheldon is a legend and everytime I watch an episode I keep having to remind myself Sheldon is not real. Yes. I am in love with that geek.moreless

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Best episode so far

9.7

"Superb"

By exterminator25, Apr 18, 2008 Report Abuse

The guys are playing Halo and Penny comes in their apartment cos a slutty friend of hers is staying at her house. Wolowitz leaves the house to go do it with her. Penny then joins in with Halo, much to Sheldons annoyance (which is pretty hilarious). Wolowitz doesn't hang out with the gang anymore, but stays doing it with that gold digger as long as Wolowitz keeps buying her stuff. The Halo bit at the beginning was so hilarious. I seriously cannot stop watching that clip. I absolutely love this show. This episode made me fall in love with this show.moreless

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A great episode from one of the most promising new sitcoms in years!

9.5

"Superb"

By count-chocula, Mar 30, 2008 Report Abuse

"The Big Bang Theory" is becoming one of the most promising new sitcoms in years, gaining large ratings admist CBS' Monday night comedy block. And this episode is no expection to the rule!

This episode contains some brilliant one lines and Sheldon is on top form as always: his Saturday morning routine (Doctor Who on BBC America!) was brilliantly hilarious. As usual Leonard is the "cool" member of the group... well, just. Howard is the "womaniser" and he manages to get the girl in this episode!

The boy's HALO night is also very funny especially the tag scene at the end of the episode.

This is the best show that CBS has on its Monday night block (quite an achievement considering it has only been on for 7 episodes), with each installment getting better. If the show stays at this consistent quality it will be around for a long time yet!moreless

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Trivia, Notes, Quotes and Allusions

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Trivia
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- Raj is supposed to be unable to speak whenever a female is nearby, but he's shown responding to Leonard right before Penny, who's in the room, offers to be on his Halo team. Edit
- Sheldon criticizes Penny's decision to sleep with her head facing the door, however in "The Hamburger Postulate" he sleeps facing the same direction. Edit
- As of the first airing of this episode, BBC America did not show Doctor Who at 6:15 in the morning on Saturdays when Sheldon claims to watch the show. Edit
Notes
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- This episode's end titles has Chuck Lorre's Vanity Card #193. Edit
- The German episode title is "Das Vorspeisen-Dilemma", meaning "The Appetizer Dilemma". The French title is "Le Paradoxe du ravioli chinois", the Italian title is "Il paradosso del raviolo a vapore", and the Spanish and Mexican title is "La paradoja del Wan-Tun", all exact translations. Edit
- International Airdates: Turkey: October 28, 2008 on CNBC-e;Czech Republic: May 19, 2009 on Prima COOL; Germany: August 22, 2009 on ProSieben; Slovakia: August 25, 2011 on Markiza Edit
Quotes
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- (after long deliberation in the restaurant without result) Koothrappali: Can we please make a decision? Not only there are children starving in India, there's an Indian starving right here! Edit
- Sheldon: I don't know how, but she is cheating! Nobody can be that attractive and this skilled at a videogame. Edit
- Leonard: You know, Penny, we make such a good team, maybe we could enter a couple of Halo tournaments sometime. Penny: Or we could just have a life. Edit
Allusions
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- Christy refers to Howard as her "Little Engine That Could", playing off the title character from The Little Engine That Could. Edit
- Responding to a knock at the door, Sheldon queries, "Oh, what fresh hell is this?" a phrase author and poet Dorothy Parker would reportedly answer her phone with. Edit