The Big Bang Theory is one of those shows this season which I’ve felt like it’s taken some time to get back in it’s groove. I haven’t felt the story line has been up to par nor have I thought the jokes to be on and nor have I really seen some spectacular acting. but this week’s episode was a throwback story line and it brought back some much needed humor to the show.

There’s a running story in which Sheldon has Wil Wheaton as his mortal enemy. We learn in this episode, however, that it isn’t hard to get on that list (the list currently has 61 members).

The episode starts with Sheldon and Leonard debating whether or not they should start a sword collection by buying a replica sword from HBO’s A Game of Thrones series. I’m not positive as to whose sword this is, but I do know it’s one of the Stark swords due to the direwolf pommel. It’s not important. Wil Wheaton walks in as they purchase the sword and he invites them to a party at his house. Leonard thanks Wil and Sheldon takes it as a ploy to shame Wil. Leonard is just considering attending the party.

Sheldon then develops a relationship with Leonard he compares to Shroedinger’s cat. Until Leonard decides for certain if he’ll attend Wil’s party, Sheldon is both friends with Leonard and not friends with Leonard. It’s an interesting concept I’m considering using with my own friends to get my way.

Meanwhile, Howard announces that he has a chance to become an astronaut to escort his team’s design up to the International Space Station. He’s excited like any man would be excited as are his friends. Bernadette, on the other hand, isn’t happy. She’s worried about Howard and wishes he would have included her in the decision making process, considering they’ll be married. Howard does the best he can to make amends but Bernadette ends up telling him he can’t go. Again Howard gets her to come around but after Bernadette agrees to let him go, she sets off to tell Howard’s mother about his plans. She forbids him from going.

Leonard chooses to risk his friendship with Sheldon and goes to Wil Wheaton’s party. But before he leaves he passes on the word that Brent Spiner will be at the party, one of Sheldon’s favorite actors. Sheldon eventually shows up at the party, for a chance to see Spiner. While he searches for Spiner, Wil Wheaton makes amends with Sheldon by presenting him with an autographed action figure of himself which the lack of originally drove Sheldon to make Wil his mortal enemy back when he was nine years old. It’s hardly the end of the story, but I don’t want to spoil everything.

Bernadette has a talk with Penny and Amy and she decides she overreacted. She makes up with Howard. The only obstacle that still lies in his way is his overbearing mother. I doubt this is the end of the story.

As I mentioned before, I feel like this episode has what the rest of the season has been lacking. There’s the comedy and the running story to drive the plot. Everything else this season has just been kind of dull in comparison. I hope next week’s episode picks up right where this one left off and continues with the laughs.

Now is as good of time as any to catch up on Big Bang Theory if you’ve been putting it off until things started going again.