Raj and Howard argue over the pronunciation of GIF (for the record, I'm Team Jif). Sheldon is bitter because he's not invited to a seminar with Richard Feynman, and hey, I'd be pissed at that too. His friends try to comfort him. They're not very good at it. Opening credits.

Raj brings Howard and Bernadette some Girl Scout Cookies. Howard reports that his lawyer found the long-lost Mr. Wolowitz, who signed over the house without Howard ever having to meet him. However, Raj thinks that this is a wasted opportunity, which gets Howard wondering.

Penny appears on Wil Wheaton's podcast, which is devoted to Serial Apist II. She is bowled over that so many people would listen to a show about "nerd stuff". Sheldon suffers through a date with Amy, desperate to be at the symposium instead. Amy tells him that being moody on date night is against their contract. Unbelievably, Sheldon has a (pretty weak) loophole around it.

Bernadette has some radical ideas for fixing up Howard's house, which Raj is happy to expand upon. Howard is territorial about any changes. Just then, someone knocks on the door. It's a young man who wants to know why a lawyer has been contacting his dad. That's right - Howard has a paternal half-brother. Played by Matt Bennett. Will wonders never cease.

Penny and Wil conduct an incredibly cynical podcast. They answer some questions from creepily devoted fans, and HOLY SHIT KEVIN SMITH CALLS IN. He and Wil enjoy a sarcastic, bantering friendship. Smith is extremely taken with Penny, and wants her to read for Clerks 3. Leonard objects, because it's not like anyone's ever quit a solid job for a creative career, ever.

Amy and Sheldon discuss exclusion. Apparently, back in the day even head lice avoided her. Sheldon recalls his siblings ganging up on him. They would build a fort and keep him out. Amy suggests that instead of moping over the symposium, they build the fort he never got to join.

Raj is convinced that Howard's brother is a fraud. He claims he's not looking for anything, and in fact seems to be a pretty nice guy, so Raj gives up pretty quickly. Josh, the brother, is super impressed to hear that his brother is an astronaut. Still, something seems strange.

The podcast continues, now focused on the argument between Penny and Leonard. Wil adds helpful comments here and there. I don't get why they're so down on Kevin Smith - getting a role in that movie would be an enormous boost to any actor's career. He claims he's protecting her from heartbreak, she calls this out as condescending bullshit. It turns out that Penny currently earns double what Leonard does, which he does not approve of. Wil continues to let the podcast run, an evil grin on his face.

Amy and Sheldon have an excellent time in their fort, staring in childlike wonder. I have to admit it's the best fort that wasn't built at Greendale. It even has Christmas lights!

Everyone has warmed up to Josh, who is incredibly awkward in the best Wolowitz tradition (though better dressed). They part as friends. Penny and Leonard continue to argue. We learn that Penny is more financially responsible than you can imagine. Penny demands that he get used to change. Wil is eating it up, along with a huge number of listeners. Finally, Penny manages to turn around the conversation to make Leonard agree to the audition. Wil concludes that Leonard was "played... like a violin".

While in the fort, Amy's phone goes off, letting her know that date night is over. As she prepares to leave, Sheldon tells her that they're having too much fun to end the date, so he's willing to suspend the parameters of the contract. They decide to extend it into a (G-rated) sleepover. To be spent in the fort, naturally. Amy reveals that she's had pajamas and toothbrushes hidden around the apartment for years, just in case.

Leonard comes home to a fort and is really confused, especially since they used his sheets. They invite a reluctant Leonard in - but he's still not allowed in Sheldon's spot. End credits.

I really liked this one. In many ways, it shows how far the characters have come. Sheldon goofing with his girlfriend? Howard the astronaut, proudly showing off his good life to his long-lost brother? Penny gaining some traction in the film world? It's quite something. There were some good jokes, but mostly, there was time to let the characters shine. Even the tired old Penny-and-Leonard argument got a nice twist with the podcast. I'm looking forward to seeing more of Josh Wolowitz. So this week worked out very well. Let's hope we can keep going and bring this season to a memorable close.

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