The Grasshopper Experiment — [s1e8]

Meanwhile, Penny is practicing her bartending skills for a new shift at and offers to mix drinks for the guys. After sipping a "Grasshopper" cocktail, Raj discovers that alcohol allows him to overcome his selective mutism and talk to Penny.

Watch these clips to see Raj's first alcoholic breakthrough and Sheldon's accidental charm in action: [S1E8] The Grasshopper Experiment

: The episode establishes alcohol as Raj's social lubricant, a trait that remains a core part of his character for several seasons until he eventually overcomes his mutism while sober in Season 6. Meanwhile, Penny is practicing her bartending skills for

: Despite his lack of interest in romance, Sheldon's literal interpretation of a date leads to a humorous situation where he unknowingly steals Raj's match. [S1E8] The Grasshopper Experiment