CBS's The Big Bang Theory is an odd little show. The Fall 2007 pilot was so atrocious that I couldn't wait for it to be over, but since then, I've gradually seen friends give in to it, to the point where it has many followers in common with How I Met Your Mother. There are two good comedic performances at its center from Johnny Galecki and Jim Parsons as roomates and nerds Leonard and Sheldon — I am not a fan of Kaley Cuoco, who plays their obligatory hot neighbor, but two out of three really isn't bad for a show that airs on the same night as Two And A Half Men.

Tonight, Big Bang welcomes Dr. George Smoot, the actual originator of the actual Big Bang theory, who is playing himself after (the story goes) becoming a fan of the show and asking to be on. Of course, tonight's episode also features an appearance by Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles star Summer Glau, and she — not the Nobel laureate — is the one who's been on the commercials all week.

Still: Nicely played, nerds. Nicely played.