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Fansided

3 unsung episodes from The Big Bang Theory

By Mark Kristl

Photo credit: The Big Bang Theory/CBS by Erik Voake; Acquired via CBS Press Express
Photo credit: The Big Bang Theory/CBS by Erik Voake; Acquired via CBS Press Express /
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"The Scavenger Vortex" – When the entire gang competes in a scavenger hunt designed by Raj, it brings out the best – and worst – in everyone, on THE BIG BANG THEORY, Thursday, Oct. 3 (8:00 – 8:31 PM, ET/PT) on the CBS Television Network. Pictured left to right: Johnny Galecki, Melissa Rauch, Kaley Cuoco, Jim Parsons, Simon Helberg and Mayim Bialik Photo: Cliff Lipson/CBS © 2013 CBS Broadcasting, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
“The Scavenger Vortex” – When the entire gang competes in a scavenger hunt designed by Raj, it brings out the best – and worst – in everyone, on THE BIG BANG THEORY, Thursday, Oct. 3 (8:00 – 8:31 PM, ET/PT) on the CBS Television Network. Pictured left to right: Johnny Galecki, Melissa Rauch, Kaley Cuoco, Jim Parsons, Simon Helberg and Mayim Bialik Photo: Cliff Lipson/CBS © 2013 CBS Broadcasting, Inc. All Rights Reserved. /

Season 7, Episode 3 “The Scavenger Vortex”

“The Scavenger Vortex” aired on October 3, 2013. This arguably is the funniest The Big Bang Theory episode. The episode title referred to Raj’s scavenger hunt which the gang participated in.

After the group blew off an invitation by Raj (Kunal Nayyar) to attend one of his gatherings, they all agreed to participate in his scavenger hunt. They split into teams of two, with the pairings decided by choosing out of a hat.

The pairs were Penny (Kaley Cuoco) and Sheldon (Jim Parsons), Bernadette (Melissa Rauch) and Leonard (Johnny Galecki), and Amy (Mayim Bialik) and Howard (Simon Helberg). The Big Bang Theory hit a home run here because the couples were split, so the character interactions were entertaining to watch.

Penny was highly competitive yet Sheldon stayed true to his methods, which at times annoyed Penny. Like their relationship, they worked well together. Combined, they kept up with Leonard and Bernadette.

Leonard was concerned about beating Penny whereas Bernadette wanted to win. While she normally is a friendly person, she is a competitive strong woman. So Bernadette pushed Leonard throughout the scavenger hunt. Leonard, in turn, was surprised that the pleasant woman he knew was seemingly like a caged animal, ready to defeat the opposition.

LOS ANGELES, CA - JANUARY 06: (L-R) Actors Melissa Rauch, Johnny Galecki, Kaley Cuoco, Simon Helberg, Jim Parsons, Mayim Bialik and Kunal Nayyar, winners of Favorite Network TV Comedy and Favorite TV Show for "The Big Bang Theory", pose in the press room during the People's Choice Awards 2016 at Microsoft Theater on January 6, 2016 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Jason Merritt/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA – JANUARY 06: (L-R) Actors Melissa Rauch, Johnny Galecki, Kaley Cuoco, Simon Helberg, Jim Parsons, Mayim Bialik and Kunal Nayyar, winners of Favorite Network TV Comedy and Favorite TV Show for “The Big Bang Theory”, pose in the press room during the People’s Choice Awards 2016 at Microsoft Theater on January 6, 2016 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Jason Merritt/Getty Images) /

The final clue led Penny, Sheldon, Leonard, and Bernadette to Sheldon’s spot. Bernadette, Leonard, and Penny fought for the for the presumed winning golden coin. However, Raj surprised them with an ending twist. They all had golden coins in their pockets. Penny kicked Raj out of the apartment. While Raj wanted the scavenger hunt to be enjoyable, those three players were displeased with its outcome.

The Big Bang Theory made an excellent choice pairing Amy and Howard together. Until “The Scavenger Vortex,” they never spent time together. Amy noted that Penny told her to never be alone with Howard. To find common ground, Howard offered her the opportunity to play music from his iPod. Ultimately, Amy discovered they both loved Neil Diamond.

As the others fought for the win, Amy and Howard sung Neil Diamond songs. Eventually, they went to the Cheesecake Factory to sing karaoke of Neil Diamond songs. In “The Scavenger Vortex,” Amy and Howard improved their friendship. They respected each more after this experience and they later worked together on a project. Amy and Howard shined in this episode.

“The Scavenger Vortex” highlighted rarely seen parts of the characters. It also brought us laughter courtesy of Amy and Howard. “The Scavenger Vortex” was a unique The Big Bang Theory episode.

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