WARNING: The following article contains spoilers for the latest episode of The Big Bang Theory, "The Plagiarism Schism," which aired Thursday on CBS.
As The Big Bang Theory heads toward its finale, Sheldon Cooper and Amy Farrah Fowler are in a cold war of sorts. The pair is on track to win a Nobel prize for their Super Asymmetry theory, but two other scientists, Dr. Pemberton and Dr. Campbell accidentally proved the theory, and they are also vying for the esteemed prize.
While Campbell and Pemberton are less-than-stellar scientists, their ability to charm has made them the favorites to get the Nobel over Sheldon and Amy. However, following Amy's outburst a few weeks ago, she and Sheldon have resolved to fight for what should rightfully be theirs, in a polite, distinguished manner.
Which, of course, means they're losing the fight.
However, in the series' latest episode, "The Plagiarism Schism," an unexpected ally joins the couple's fight for the Nobel prize: Barry Kripke, Sheldon's longtime nemesis.
Barry Kripke first appeared in the Season 2 episode "The Killer Robot Instability," and he soon became a recurring guest star. He has since appeared in every season of The Big Bang Theory, where he works as a foil to Sheldon Cooper -- someone who always knocks Sheldon down a peg or two. He is described as Sheldon's nemesis, and the two have often taken jabs at one another, either in the form of pranks or sabotage. The two characters may loathe each other but, over time, they became the definition of frenemies.
Their rivalry takes an unexpected turn in "The Plagiarism Schism." While Sheldon, Amy, Pemberton and Campbell share a not-so-friendly lunch to try and mend fences after Amy's outbursts, Barry Kripke shows up. here, we learn that Kripke actually knows Pemberton, and that he's not exactly fond of the doctor. In fact, he reveals that he has it on very good authority that Pemberton plagiarized his dissertation. If such information would get out, Pemberton's career would be ruined, and he would effectively be out of the running for a Nobel.
Barry has all of the information needed to take Pemberton down, and he's willing to give it to Sheldon and Amy, no matter how much he may despise his rival. However, the couple opt to continue the fight honorably, and not by sullying their hands -- or another person's entire career, for that matter.
Instead of using the information to take the two doctors down, Amy and Sheldon give the documents back to Pemberton, as a sign of good faith. However, Dr. Campbell doesn't take the news lightly. He understands the danger in being associated with someone who plagiarized his dissertation, and the ensuing argument escalates rather quickly, going from professional jabs to personal revelations and finally, fisticuffs.
As the episode comes to an end, Pemberton and Campbell are both disgraced and officially -- and finally -- out of the Nobel prize race. Sheldon and Amy may have been honorable enough not to take their enemies down, but it was still Barry Kripke's unexpected alliance that led to the downfall of Pemberton and Campbell.
Now, Sheldon and Amy are truly on track for a Nobel prize. Of course, there will be other nominees, but we sure hope they get it. As the season nears its end, most of The Big Bang Theory's lead characters have gotten their happy endings, and for brilliant scientists such as Sheldon and Amy, it doesn't get any happier than a Nobel.
The Big Bang Theory airs Thursdays at 8 pm ET/PT on CBS, and will conclude with an hour-long series finale on May 16. The series stars Jim Parsons, Johnny Galecki, Kaley Cuoco, Mayim Bialik, Kunal Nayyar, Simon Helberg and Melissa Rauch.