The Stag Convergence

"The Stag Convergence" is the 22nd episode of the fifth season of the American sitcom *The Big Bang Theory*. It first aired on CBS on April 26, 2012. The plot centers on Howard Wolowitz's bachelor party, which the main characters attend. During the party, an intoxicated Rajesh Koothrappali discloses embarrassing details about Howard's past sexual encounters. This revelation causes problems for Howard and his fiancée, Bernadette Rostenkowski.

The episode's story and concept were developed by series co-creator Bill Prady, along with writers Steve Holland and Eric Kaplan. The teleplay was written by co-creator Chuck Lorre, with writers Steven Molaro and Jim Reynolds. Peter Chakos directed the episode. When it aired, "The Stag Convergence" attracted 12.65 million viewers in the United States and earned a 4.1 Nielsen rating in the 18–49 demographic. Critical reception was mixed, with some reviewers noting that the episode contained fewer jokes than other installments of the series.

The plot begins with Sheldon, Leonard, Howard, and Raj discussing the bachelor party. Howard insists that strippers are not allowed. Raj proposes a wine-tasting train trip through Napa Valley, which Sheldon supports, but the idea is rejected. Meanwhile, Amy films Bernadette and Penny as they make wedding party gifts. Amy starts to ask about consummation, but Penny redirects her to a more normal question, such as what Bernadette's married name will be.

The bachelor party itself is a disappointment. Sheldon’s jokes fall flat, and Barry Kripke complains about the lack of strippers. A drunk Raj gives a speech, starting by saying he was lonely when he first moved to America until he met Howard. He then recounts embarrassing stories about Howard’s sexual history, including how Howard lost his virginity to his second cousin, had a threesome with Raj and a Sailor Moon cosplayer at Comic-Con, and slept with a prostitute.

Later, Bernadette arrives to drive Howard and Raj home. She reveals that Wil Wheaton, playing himself, posted a video of Raj’s speech on YouTube. Howard had previously claimed he had told Bernadette about every woman he had been with, but he had not. Back at her apartment, Bernadette questions whether she can marry him. She is also upset with Penny, who originally set them up. Howard goes to Bernadette’s apartment and asks Penny to deliver his heartfelt apology to Bernadett