Sheldon and Amy are thrilled when their super asymmetry theory is proven by two physicists, until they try to kick Amy off the Nobel nomination; Bernadette has a big success at work.

When competitors Pemberton and Campbell charm America on a publicity tour, Sheldon and Amy try to bring Nobel laureates Kip Thorne, George Smoot and Frances Arnold to their side. Also, Halley's fear of the dark leads to opportunity and conflict for Howard, Bernadette and Stuart.

Kripke has proof that Dr. Pemberton plagiarized his thesis in college, and Sheldon and Amy aren't sure if they should turn him in or not; Wolowitz learns that Bernadette wasn't the only waitress at the Cheesecake Factory who had a crush on him.