- Leonard's mother makes a visit to his dismay and Sheldon's delight.
- It's approaching Christmas, and Leonard's mother is coming for a visit, something Leonard fails to tell Penny. Sheldon surmises it's because Beverly Hofstadter will not approve of Penny as a suitable mate for her son. Leonard has not even yet told Beverly that Penny is his girlfriend. Conversely, when Beverly arrives, Leonard finds out that Sheldon knows more about what's going on in her life than he does. When Leonard does find out news about the senior Hofstadter household, he becomes emotionally distraught as what he deems important news to him was previously withheld. But more importantly, Leonard sees this action as a further demonstration of the poor relationship he has with his family. Meanwhile, Penny believes she has a way for Beverly to be a bit more emotionally expressive.—Huggo
- Penny and Leonard are decorating Leonard's Christmas tree. After being asked to contribute, Sheldon gives them a bust of Sir Issac Newton to hang on the tree partially since he was born on Christmas Day and Jesus was not (Jesus was born in the summer and his birthday was later moved to 25th December to coincide with an existing pagan holiday)
A visit from Leonard's mother, Dr. Beverly Hofstadter (Christine Baranski), delights Sheldon and horrifies Leonard. Penny is upset because Leonard didn't mention his mother's visit to her, but that is nothing compared to when Leonard learns that Sheldon knows more about his own mother than Leonard does: Leonard learns about his parents' pending divorce, his mother's carpal tunnel surgery, and his dog Mitzy's death all after Sheldon has known directly from Beverly (as they have been in regular touch). Penny is upset that Leonard hasn't told his mother that he is dating her. Sheldon interjects that it might be since all of Beverly's kids are over achievers and maybe Leonard is afraid that Beverly would not be proud of his choice of Penny as a mate.
Beverly questions Howard and Raj about their "ersatz homosexual relationship" (alluding to her last visit in "The Maternal Capacitance") and Howard tries to tell Leonard's mother that he has a girlfriend, but she doesn't seem to believe him (Bernadette was away to meet her grandmother). He asks Leonard to tell his mother, but Leonard responds, "I have no idea what you're talking about", but Leonard tells her Howard has a girlfriend after Howard makes him since Leonard knows and Howard scoffed at Leonard not knowing what's Howard's talking about.
Penny offers to drive Beverly to her hotel and they talk talking. Penny and Beverly go out drinking at the Cheesecake Factory bar and get terribly drunk. Penny tells her about her relationship with Leonard and Beverly tells her about her interest in the busboy (She wanted to know about Leonard's penis, but when Penny balks, Beverly accepts to hear her opinion on the busboy's penis).
When they get back to the apartment, a drunk Beverly scolds Leonard for not telling her that he is in a relationship with Penny (whom she calls her home-girl). Leonard then confronts her about not telling him about her surgery, her divorce and his dog's death and he wants a closer mother and son relationship, so Beverly hugs him. After Leonard is gone, Beverly kisses Sheldon on the mouth much to Penny's horror. Afterwards, she says that she would rather have the busboy. Sheldon is bemused and doesn't know what just happened.
The next day, Penny and Beverly are hung-over and Leonard and Sheldon are taking Beverly to the airport. Beverly thanks Sheldon, even though Leonard is the one driving. When Leonard complains, She scolds Leonard for his constant need for approval Beverly asks Leonard to take care of Penny and hopes Sheldon will forgive her for her actions the previous night; however, they all decide to keep it a secret from Leonard.
Title reference: Leonard's mother visiting him again.
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