3. His Decision To Break Up With Amy (And His Subsequent Cat Addiction)
Episode : The Zazzy Substitution Sheldon and Amy's relationship (or boy-slash-friend-slash-girl-slash-friend status as it was formerly known) was threatened in series four when Amy informed Sheldon that, compared to neurobiology, theoretical physics is 'cute'. In perhaps the most deadpan break-up in TV history, the two concur that they have reached an impasse and promptly terminate their relationship. At first, Sheldon appears blasé about the split, and his friends, who find Amy obnoxious and condescending, are relieved; but the cracks start to show shortly after he acquires his first cat. Within days, apparently in attempt to console himself, he has twenty-five of them. Concerned, Leonard calls the one person Sheldon won't talk back to: his mother. Mrs Cooper employs some good old-fashioned reverse psychology to lead Sheldon to realise he's wrong. She invites Amy over and sneakily informs the two that she believes they are not suited. Offended by her statement, Sheldon suggests to Amy they resume their relationship. Amy agrees, mostly because she finds Mrs Cooper's pretend-disapproval of her 'oddly titillating'... And then they go play with his cats. Who could ask for a happier ending? Three seasons later, the relationship with its own contract is still going strong. It's a shame that Sheldon didn't get to keep the cats, though.
