['The Big Bang Theory' - 'The Apology Insufficiency']

It's a wonder that any of the maladjusted 'Big Bang Theory' gang would ever be considered to work on a project requiring security clearance. So, it probably comes as no surprise that, during this week's episode, they act inappropriately while being interviewed by the FBI and ruin Wolowitz's chance to work on a classified laser-equipped surveillance satellite.

All in all, we found 'Big Bang's' most recent offering funny, surprising and wisely focused on the core group with minimal distractions from minor characters. Yes, Eliza Dushku guest stars as FBI Special Agent Angela Page, now placing her among a select group of geek icons who've appeared on the show. But Dushku plays it straight (perhaps too much so), comes off a little flat, and doesn't really bring much that's memorable.

Raj's encounter with Page goes as one would expect. After eating rum cake, Raj works up the courage to speak eloquently at first, but ultimately his fear of being deported takes over. "Please don't send me back to India!" he pleads. "It's so crowded. It's like the whole country is one endless Comic-Con, except everyone's wearing the same costume -- Indian Guy!"

Leonard's interview doesn't go much better. He tries out a new self-assured persona on Page and puts his foot squarely in mouth when he doesn't notice that the agent is married. But Sheldon's encounter is the most damning of all. After referring to Wolowitz as a "minor league engineer with an unresolved Oedipal complex," he then notes how his friend crashed the Mars rover while attempting to impress a woman.

Sheldon is tortured by his conscience after blabbing about Wolowitz and costing him his clearance. In one of the episode's funniest (and nerdiest) moments, he has a nightmare involving a Gorn from 'Star Trek' who's sitting on his couch in the worst place possible. "No, Gorn, no! That's where I sit," moans Sheldon.

Sheldon attempts to retract his statement about Wolowitz, but, typically, he only makes things worse after admitting that Leonard nearly gave away rocket secrets to a North Korean spy. So, he decides to make a gesture that will convince Wolowitz of his sincerity. And, in Sheldon's greatest display of humanity yet this season, he gifts Wolowitz with his treasured spot on the couch:

Wolowitz: But, you love that spot!
Sheldon: No. I love my mother. My feelings for my spot are much greater. It is the singular location and space around which revolves my entire universe. And now it's yours.
Raj: Oh, my God, dude! Now you have to forgive him!

It's a touching moment that relies upon genuine emotion instead of shtick. And if even Sheldon's gift is temporary, the gesture is meaningful. It's just a shame moments like this have been few and far between this season.

Other Funny Stuff:

Leonard tries out his new suave persona on Raj: Leonard: "Hi. I'm Leonard. You are beautiful. You pop, sparkle and buzz electric. I'm going to pick you up at eight, show you a night you will never forget." Raj: "Where are we going?"

Raj on why he's afraid to talk to the FBI: "I'm brown and I talk funny!"

Penny tries to convince Sheldon to go to the Olive Garden instead of pestering her at the Cheesecake Factory. He responds: "I don't like the Olive Garden. They treat me like family."

Penny gives Sheldon a pep talk on his mistake with Wolowitz: "You know, sometimes stuff just happens and there's nothing you can do about it. For example, Lisa Peterson hasn't talked to me since the 11th grade because no matter how much you apologize, you can't go back and un-dry hump someone's boyfriend."

'The Big Bang Theory' airs Thursdays at 8PM ET on CBS.