The episode opens as Leonard (Johnny Galecki) looks around at his group of friends in the comic book store and realizes that he is the only one who doesn't currently have a woman in his life.  Even the desperate Howard (Simon Helberg) has a girlfriend which not only frustrates Leonard but also makes him a bit sad.  Meanwhile Sheldon (Jim Parsons) is enjoying his cyber relationship with Amy Farrah Fowler (Mayim Bialik) because they both agree that they are not in an official relationship.  When Amy asks Sheldon to meet her mother, Sheldon has no idea what is happening with his perfect situation.

Confused about Amy's request Sheldon chases after Leonard looking for clarification about the state of their relationship.  Enjoying the potential change in Sheldon's perfect relationship, Leonard is happy to suggest that Amy is looking for more.  This sends Sheldon into a panic as he tries to avoid all contact with Amy, even going as far as dressing up in a disguise to exit his apartment building.

Leonard finally reaches his breaking point and requests the help of his friend Howard to ask his girlfriend Bernadette (Melissa Rauch) to set him up on a blind date.  After Howard and Bernadette work out the details the three arrive at a nice restaurant waiting for Leonard's date to arrive. In walks an attractive woman who has clearly just stepped out of her most recent workout with her exercise clothes still gleaming with sweat.  As we get to know her better we realize that she is completely inappropriate and shares nothing in common with Leonard.  When the two ladies escape to the bathroom Leonard tells Howard that this relationship could never work.  His tune changes a bit when Leonard's date returns and asks Leonard if he would like to attend a wedding the following week with the potential that he will get some action.  After a brief pause Leonard realizes that one more date might not be so bad if he could get a little companionship.

Meanwhile Amy Farrah Fowler confronts Sheldon and clarifies that his meeting her mother is just a ruse and not an advancement in their relationship.  Relieved, Sheldon returns to his happy place and agrees to participate in the ruse.  Amy and Sheldon set up a video chat with Amy's mom which is quite funny as they talk about how they are going to have intercourse after they are done chatting.  

The Big Bang Theory: The Desperation Emanation is the fifth episode of the fourth season of the show.  Due to a recent horse riding accident Penny (Kaley Cuoco) was unable to perform in this episode.  This is definitely an episode worth seeing as there are many great situational comedy moments.