The Big Bang Theory

Show generally

Factual error: Every time we see Leonard's laser lab the door is open and he is able, if the story requires it, to fire the laser. As evidenced by the several safety notices visible and the scripted requirements for characters to put on safety goggles it should not be possible to activate the laser while the lab door is open - it would be interlocked, meaning the laser wouldn't function unless the door is closed.

LordKelvin

The Beta Test Initiation - S5-E14

Character mistake: Sheldon says (during Fun With Flags) "But like the flag over Fort Sumter, I'm still here." The Sumter flag was lowered when the fort surrendered to the Confederates. The flag over Fort McHenry was never taken down despite the British bombardment and inspired Francis Scott Key to write the National Anthem about it. Whouldn't a vexologist know that?

Upvote valid corrections to help move entries into the corrections section.

Suggested correction: Sheldon is referring to the actual Fort Sumter flag, which still exists and is on display at the Fort Sumter museum.

LorgSkyegon

Sheldon is not referring the actual flag (especially since if the actual flag is in a museum it's not still over Fort Sumter). Sheldon is referencing the line from The Star-Spangled Banner "our flag was still there." Key wrote The Star-Spangled Banner after seeing the flag over Fort McHenry was still there. The writers simply made a mistake and Sheldon the character would know which flag inspired the line. Incidentally, the actual Fort McHenry flag also still exists.

Bishop73

The Herb Garden Germination - S4-E20

Other mistake: When Sheldon and Leonard are playing Archery on Wii Sports Resort, Sheldon presses the Z button on the nunchuck controller to fire the arrow, which is incorrect. When Leonard plays, he holds the Z button as he prepares to fire, then releases the Z button to fire, which is the correct controls. (00:03:00)

brassmaster

The Tangerine Factor - S1-E17

Continuity mistake: When Penny is squirting chocolate syrup in the ice cream container, she drizzles some on the lip of the carton, causing it to run down the outside. The camera switches to Leonard and then back to Penny, at which point, the chocolate is gone. (00:04:50)

Boobra

The Gothowitz Deviation - S3-E3

Character mistake: Sheldon refers to using the spray bottle as negative reinforcement when it is in fact positive punishment. Reinforcement involves encouraging a behaviour by either adding or removing a stimulus whereas punishment involves discouraging a behaviour by adding or removing a stimulus. Sheldon would know the difference.

kristenlouise3

The Extract Obliteration - S6-E6

Stephen Hawking: Do you like brain teasers?
Sheldon Cooper: Oh, I love brain teasers.
Stephen Hawking: What do Sheldon Cooper and a black hole have in common? They both suck. Neener, neener.

More quotes from The Big Bang Theory
More trivia for The Big Bang Theory

Show generally

Question: How come Raj has no problem speaking to his mother, but, when around other women, such as Penny, he immediately stops talking? Also, why does he have to whisper in someone's ear if he wants to ask Penny something?

Answer: Because Raj's selective mutism seems to be caused by women that Raj sees (on some sort of conscious or subconscious level) as a potential sexual partner. An attribute that wouldn't apply to either his sister or mother.

More questions & answers from The Big Bang Theory

Join the mailing list

Separate from membership, this is to get updates about mistakes in recent releases. Addresses are not passed on to any third party, and are used solely for direct communication from this site. You can unsubscribe at any time.

Check out the mistake & trivia books, on Kindle and in paperback.