The Convention Conundrum
Sheldon meets James Earl Jones; they prank Carrie Fisher by hiding behind a bush.
"The Convention Conundrum" is the 14th episode of *The Big Bang Theory*’s seventh season, and the 149th episode overall. It aired on CBS on January 30, 2014, and was filmed just nine days earlier. The episode includes cameos from James Earl Jones and Carrie Fisher, both known for their roles in the *Star Wars* films.
In the plot, Leonard, Sheldon, Raj, and Howard fail to get Comic-Con tickets after they sell out online, dashing their plans to attend dressed as different versions of the Hulk. Sheldon decides to host his own convention, Sheldon-Con, and tries to recruit celebrities, but most decline. Meanwhile, the others attempt to buy scalped tickets but panic when the seller arrives. Sheldon encounters James Earl Jones at a sushi restaurant, and Jones—unlike other celebrities Sheldon has met—enjoys his company. They spend the night together, doing activities like visiting an ice-cream parlor, a carnival, a strip club, karaoke, pranking Carrie Fisher by knocking on her door and running away, and ending at a sauna. Jones later invites Sheldon and his friends to Comic-Con as his guests. Elsewhere, Penny, Amy, and Bernadette try afternoon tea but end up at a bar instead, discussing the challenges of feeling like adults.
Production details: The guest stars were announced on January 12, 2014, and the plot outline was revealed the next day. Harrison Ford turned down a guest role. The episode was filmed on January 21, 2014. Jim Parsons called working with James Earl Jones “pretty insane.” This episode was the first to credit Kaley Cuoco as Kaley Cuoco-Sweeting, following her marriage on December 31, 2013.
In terms of reception, the episode was watched by 19.05 million U.S. households on its initial broadcast, with a total of 24.75 million viewers including DVR. It received a Nielsen rating of 11.3/14 overall and 5.2/15 for the 18–49 demographic, making it the most-watched show that night. In Canada, it drew 4.38 million viewers; in Australia, 994,000; and in the UK, 1.84 million on E4 (2.31 million including E4 +1). Reviews were mostly positive, with critics praising the cameo appearances. IGN’s Jesse Schedeen gave it an 8 out of 10, and Oliver Sava of *The A.V. Club* awarded it a B.
- overall_episode
- 148
Quick Facts
- Series
- The Big Bang Theory
- Season
- 7
- Episode
- 14
- Guests
- James Earl Jones as himself / Carrie Fisher as herself
- Teleplay
- Steven Molaro / Dave Goetsch / Steve Holland
- Story
- Eric Kaplan / Jim Reynolds / Adam Faberman
- Director
- Mark Cendrowski
- Airdate
- 2014-01-30
- Production
- 4X5315
- Length
- 21 minutes
- Prev
- The Occupation Recalibration
- Next
- The Locomotive Manipulation
Facts from the source article.
Lore & Background
In the episode, Sheldon, Leonard, Raj, and Howard fail to get Comic-Con tickets and Sheldon decides to host his own convention, Sheldon-Con. He contacts numerous celebrities but most decline. Sheldon then discovers James Earl Jones at a sushi restaurant and spends the night with him doing various activities, including pranking Carrie Fisher by knocking on her door, hiding behind a bush, and then revealing themselves. Jones later invites the group to Comic-Con as his guests. Meanwhile, Penny, Amy, and Bernadette attempt to feel more adult by going to a tea parlor but end up at a lobby bar instead.
Reader's Guide
The episode received high ratings and mainly positive reviews, with many critics complimenting the cameo appearances by James Earl Jones and Carrie Fisher. It was watched by 19.05 million households in the U.S. on its first broadcast and by 24.75 million viewers including DVR. The episode was the most watched that night. Reviews praised Jones's performance, with Jesse Schedeen of IGN rating it 8 out of 10 and calling it a raised bar for celebrity guest stars. However, some critics, like Robin Pierson of The TV Critic, rated it 40 out of 100, describing it as "classic bad Big Bang Theory." The episode is notable for being the first to credit Kaley Cuoco as Kaley Cuoco-Sweeting after her marriage.
Did You Know?
- The episode was filmed on January 22, 2014, eight days before airing.
- Harrison Ford was offered a guest appearance but turned it down.
- James Earl Jones's character confirms he was functionally mute for eight years and was a pre-med in college.
- The episode was the most watched episode on the night of its first broadcast.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who makes cameo appearances in The Convention Conundrum?
James Earl Jones and Carrie Fisher both appear in the episode, bringing their Star Wars fame into the story. Sheldon meets Jones, and the two of them playfully ambush Fisher by crouching behind a bush as a prank.
What is the main plot of The Convention Conundrum?
Leonard, Sheldon, Raj, and Howard are unable to purchase sold-out Comic-Con tickets, which ruins their plan to show up as various Hulk versions. In response, Sheldon takes it upon himself to organize a personal convention he calls Sheldon-Con and attempts to lure in celebrity guests.
When did The Convention Conundrum air and where does it fall in the series?
The episode premiered on CBS on January 30, 2014, after being filmed just nine days before its broadcast. It is the fourteenth installment of Season 7 and the 148th episode of the series overall.
What is Sheldon-Con in The Convention Conundrum?
Sheldon-Con is a makeshift convention that Sheldon throws together after the group misses out on official Comic-Con tickets. He tries to recruit well-known figures to attend, though most turn him down.
Why is The Convention Conundrum notable to Star Wars fans?
The episode features both James Earl Jones and Carrie Fisher in guest roles, giving viewers a chance to see the iconic Darth Vader and Princess Leia actors in a comedic context. Sheldon and Jones team up to sneak up on Fisher and startle her from behind a bush.
More in The Big Bang Theory episodes 1-24
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