Big Bang Theory Season 9, Episode 14 Air Date: Raj Gets Another Girlfriend Plus ‘Friends’ Joey Tribbiani Gives Advice; Episode 13 and 12 Recap

Feb 03, 2016 01:45 PM EST

The next episode of the Big Bang Theory Season 9 will once again deal with the romantic relationships of the character. Surprisingly, the latest episode will deal with a love triangle that has the quiet and demure Raj Koothrappali (Kunal Nayyar) in the center of the drama. The other couple to face another relationship bump is Amy Farrah Fowler (Mayim Bialik) and Sheldon Cooper (Jim Parsons). Big Bang Theory Season 9, Episode 14 is titled "The Meemaw Materialization." It will air on February 4, 2016.

In this episode, Raj struggles with his feelings for another woman. The issue first arises when he meets a girl, named Claire (Alessandra Torresani), in the comic books store. Upon talking a bit, the two find out the jobs of each other - Raj as a scientist and Claire as a writer of the sci-fi show. When Claire found out of Raj's profession, she excitedly sought his assistance in her projects. However, Raj adamantly rejects her.

Claire is confused about Raj's refusal especially since the latter explained his rejection by saying that he has a girlfriend. While Torresani's character clarifies that she only wants to have a relationship with Raj at a professional level, the scientist's mind already wandered off to marriage and children. This intense reaction of Raj to his attraction to another woman might be part of the plan of the Big Bang Theory execs to show his struggle in his relationship with Emily Sweeney (Laura Spencer).

"I think he knows in his heart that this might not be the right person for him, but, for a sensitive and insecure guy like him, the thought of choosing to break up with someone and then be alone is difficult," said exec producer Steve Molaroof Raj's struggle in the romance department, according to TV LineHe added, "That's something he will be wrestling with further in Season 9."

Meanwhile, Nayyar shared his moments with his real-life idols: the cast of Friends. The Big Bang Theory star admitted that he has been a huge fan of the Jennifer Aniston-led sitcom and is a tad "obsessive" of the show.

"It was my favorite," Nayyar admitted via GlamourHe added, "Over the years I've been lucky enough to meet some of the cast, and I've always been a fanboy around them. They're the best."

Nayyar then added that he even received a nugget of wisdom from Matt LeBlanc, the actor who played the role of playboy Joey Tribbiani in Friends.

"He told me that the journey is crazy, the journey is long, and everybody's going to want something from you, [but] just keep your sanity and stay grounded," said Nayyar of his encounter with LeBlanc.

In the previous episode of Big Bang Theory Season 9, titled "The Empathy Optimization," the gang decided to take a trip to Las Vegas to get away from Sheldon. The episode is used as a learning experience on empathy and apologies for Sheldon.

The earlier episode, titled "The Sales Call Sublimation," Leonard Hofstadter (Johnny Galecki) and Penny (Kaley Cuoco) learn more about their relationship with the help of a psychiatrist. The married couple then attempts to figure out the issues that plague their marriage and find the way to resolve them.