Episode 15 – The Benefactor Factor (415)
University President Seibert (Joshua Malina) invites the guys to a Saturday night fundraiser to raise money for the university’s various departments. Everyone opts to go except Sheldon, who thinks fundraisers are degrading. Despite Seibert’s insistence that he attend, Sheldon refuses to go, opting instead to do laundry like he does every Saturday night. At the party, Dr. Seibert introduces Leonard, Howard, and Raj to Mrs. Latham (Jessica Walter), a leading donor to the university. Mrs. Latham turns out to be quite the wisecracker, and takes pleasure in grilling the nervous guys. Back at Sheldon’s apartment, Amy tries to convince Sheldon to go to the fundraiser, explaining that all scientists must fundraise. She finally succeeds when she tells Sheldon that if his friends are unconvincing and without him at the fundraiser, the money may go to other departments such as geology or liberal arts, which is less important. Sheldon ends up going to the fundraiser, but his refusal to shake hands because of his mysophobia results in him insulting potential donors. Although none of the guys feel like they did anything right at the fundraiser, Mrs. Latham invites Leonard to dinner to talk more about his research. However, in exchange for donating money to his department, she wants to have sex with Leonard, which Leonard is not comfortable in going through with. Sheldon compels him to do it for the money, but Leonard refuses. The next night, Mrs. Latham tells Leonard that regardless of whether or not they have sex, she will make a donation to the department. She then starts flirting with him, and Leonard eventually gives in. The next morning, Penny catches him as he arrives home after his “walk of shame” and teases him slightly. Later, at work, he is applauded by Sheldon and everyone at the university, as he “took one for the team”.
Title reference: Mrs. Latham, a woman Leonard has sex with so that she will donate money to the university.
Directed by Mark Cendrowski.
Written by Story: Bill Prady, Lee Aronsohn & Dave Goetsch / Teleplay: Chuck Lorre, Eric Kaplan & Steve Holland.
Originally aired on February 10, 2011.
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