Bethany

Dominant and assertive – Bethany is clearly the dominant figure in her duo with Sarah. She makes the decisions, leads the conversation, and it is she who suggests going to the tattoo parlor. Sarah, on the other hand, remains in the background and seems resigned to being ignored.

Direct and unfiltered – Bethany doesn't mince words. She clearly expresses what she expects from Howard: "Get the mean little skull, and I'll see if I can make him smile". She doesn't hide behind innuendo; she says things as they are.

Intrigued by intelligence – Contrary to what one might expect from a stereotypical goth girl, Bethany and Sarah are visibly impressed to learn that Howard and Raj are scientists. This suggests she values intelligence and depth, even if she is disappointed later.

Demanding – She has clear expectations. She isn't interested in Howard just for the sake of conversation; she wants something in return. Her offer to sleep with him if he gets a tattoo is an explicit bargain, and she has no intention of compromising.

Disappointed but not surprised – When she discovers Howard lied about his tattoos and is afraid of needles, she doesn't seem particularly surprised or hurt. She simply leaves, as if she has seen this kind of situation before. This suggests she is used to men who don't live up to their promises.

Authentically goth – Bethany is authentically goth. She isn't pretending. She frequents goth clubs, dresses accordingly, and fully embraces her lifestyle. She isn't ashamed of her choices and doesn't need others' approval.

Protective of Sarah (in her own way) – Although she is clearly the favorite in the conversation, Bethany doesn't reject Sarah. They form a tight-knit duo, and Sarah seems to accept her secondary position without excessive bitterness, indicating an established group dynamic.

The episode "The Gothowitz Deviation" revolves around several storylines, including Bethany's:

The meeting at the goth club – Howard and Raj, disguised as goths with fake tattoo sleeves, go to a goth club in Hollywood to meet women. They spot Bethany and Sarah and strike up a conversation.

The conversation – Howard and Raj try to pass themselves off as "dark scientists" who do "goth things." Bethany and Sarah mention they work at the Gap. They are intrigued to learn the two men are real scientists.

The tattoo proposition – Bethany suggests they all go to a tattoo parlor. She proposes Howard get a tattoo and implicitly promises to sleep with him if he does.

Howard's failure – At the tattoo parlor, Howard, terrified of needles, ends up confessing he was wearing fake sleeves and has no real tattoos. Humiliated, he exposes the deception. Bethany and Sarah, disappointed, leave without a word.

The aftermath – Howard and Raj return home empty-handed. Howard tries to save face by telling Raj: "When we tell this story, let's end it differently".

1. With Howard (at the club)

Howard: So, do you come here often? I really like this club. The vibe is... dark. Very dark. I like dark things. Bethany: Really? What else do you like, besides dark things? Howard: Uh... science. I'm a scientist. A dark scientist. I do... dark experiments. Bethany: (smiles slightly) A scientist. That's interesting. Sarah, did you hear that? They're scientists. Sarah: (mopey) I'm Sarah. But no one cares.

2. With Howard (at the tattoo parlor)

Howard: I don't know which one to choose. A screaming devil, a mean little skull, or Kermit the Frog? Bethany: Get the mean little skull. And I'll see if I can make him smile. Howard: (swallows) The mean little skull. Okay. I'll take the mean little skull. Bethany: (stares at him) You're afraid of needles, aren't you? Howard: No! Not at all! I love needles! Needles are my friends!

3. With Sarah (at the club)

Sarah: I don't understand why we came here. These guys aren't goth. They're wearing fake sleeves. Bethany: I know. But they're funny. And did you see their glasses? They look like they know things. Sarah: Everyone knows things, Bethany. Bethany: Not like that. Trust me. We're going to have fun.

4. With Howard (after the incident)

Bethany: (gets up from the chair) Well. I think we're done here. Howard: Wait! I can still do it! I can get a tattoo! I'm just... a little nervous. Bethany: (looks at him without emotion) Howard, you're wearing fake sleeves. You're afraid of needles. And you tried to lie to me. I don't waste my time with liars. Howard: But... Bethany: (turns to Sarah) Let's go. Sarah: (follows Bethany without a word)

5. With Raj (at the club)

Raj: (to Bethany, after having a light beer) So, uh, do you like physics? Because I'm an astrophysicist. I study stars. Well, not stars like you. Well, yes, like you. You're a star. I mean... Bethany: (interrupts him) You're cute when you're nervous. But you talk too much. Raj: Sorry. It's the... the alcohol. Well, the light beer. It makes me talk. A lot. Bethany: Then stop drinking. And tell me about your stars. The real ones.