The Big Bang Theory

Always learn from the greats, they say. Even the mighty Big Bang isn’t averse to a spot of homage, and there are two striking examples in this instalment of the know-it-all comedy. In his capacity as an astronaut, Howard is asked to throw the first pitch at an LA Angels baseball game, so he asks Bernadette and Raj to help him practise. It’s a plotline reminiscent of Niles from Frasier’s sporting incompetence in general, and his famous basketball throw in particular.

Meanwhile, Sheldon and Amy’s double date with Leonard and fiancée Penny brings out the boys’ competitive instincts, but also reveals Leonard’s incompatibility with Penny. It’s a rollercoaster relationship very like the Ross-and-Rachel vacillation in Friends. And every bit as likely to keep us on tenterhooks.