The Flaming Spittoon Acquisition
Sheldon asks Amy to be his girlfriend.
"The Flaming Spittoon Acquisition" is the tenth episode of the fifth season of the television series The Big Bang Theory. It first aired on CBS on November 17, 2011, and is the ninety-seventh episode overall. The episode is notable for the development of the relationship between Sheldon Cooper and Amy Farrah Fowler.
- series
- The Big Bang Theory
- season
- 5
- episode_number
- 10
- overall_episode
- 97
- air_date
- November 17, 2011
- network
- CBS
- viewership_households
- 15.05
Quick Facts
- Series
- The Big Bang Theory
- Season
- 5
- Episode
- 10
- Director
- Mark Cendrowski
- Teleplay
- Bill Prady / Jim Reynolds / Steve Holland
- Story
- Chuck Lorre / Steven Molaro / Dave Goetsch
- Airdate
- 2011-11-17
- Guests
- Kevin Sussman as Stuart / Josh Brener as Dale
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Facts from the source article.
Lore & Background
In the episode, Stuart, the owner of the comic book store, becomes attracted to Amy and asks Leonard to check if Sheldon is fine with him asking her out. Sheldon initially dismisses the idea, but his actions—such as friending Stuart on Facebook to spy on him and asking Penny on a date to make Amy jealous—reveal his true feelings. After talking to Penny, Sheldon interrupts Amy and Stuart during a movie and asks Amy to be his girlfriend, using a convoluted double negative that she asks him to rephrase. She accepts, and Sheldon later waits in her apartment with a "Relationship Agreement."
Meanwhile, the male characters debate and eventually purchase a new expansion pack for the game Mystic Warlords of Ka'a called "Wild West and Witches." Leonard attempts to return it but ends up buying a deluxe limited edition collector's tin, despite his frustration with himself.
Reader's Guide
The episode is significant for marking a turning point in Sheldon and Amy's relationship, moving from a purely platonic arrangement to a romantic one. The reception was mixed: Carla Day of TVFanatic.com praised the development, noting that the new relationship would lead to funny situations, and highlighted Sheldon's surprising use of Facebook to spy on Stuart. Oliver Sava of The A.V. Club gave the episode a C, praising scenes with the female characters but criticizing that Amy 'deserves better' than Sheldon. The episode was watched by 15.05 million households on its first broadcast.
Did You Know?
- The episode was watched by 15.05 million households on its first broadcast.
- Sheldon asks Amy to be his girlfriend using a multiple negative, which she asks him to rephrase.
- Sheldon friends Stuart on Facebook to spy on his date with Amy.
- The episode features a new expansion pack for Mystic Warlords of Ka'a called 'Wild West and Witches.'
Frequently Asked Questions
What season and episode is 'The Flaming Spittoon Acquisition'?
It is the tenth episode of the fifth season of The Big Bang Theory, making it the 97th episode of the entire series. It originally aired on CBS on November 17, 2011.
What major relationship milestone happens in 'The Flaming Spittoon Acquisition'?
Sheldon Cooper asks Amy Farrah Fowler to be his girlfriend, moving their connection from casual dating to a committed partnership. This is the central storyline of the episode.
Why is 'The Flaming Spittoon Acquisition' considered a key episode for fans?
It marks the point where Sheldon and Amy's relationship officially becomes a formal romantic commitment, a milestone fans often cite as the turning point in their long-running storyline. The episode is frequently referenced when discussing how their dynamic shifted.
When and where did 'The Flaming Spittoon Acquisition' first air?
The episode premiered on CBS on November 17, 2011, as part of the fifth season of The Big Bang Theory.
Which two characters are the focus of 'The Flaming Spittoon Acquisition'?
The episode centers on Sheldon Cooper and Amy Farrah Fowler and the development of their romantic relationship. Sheldon's decision to ask Amy to be his girlfriend drives the main plot.
More in The Big Bang Theory episodes 1-24
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