Eric Gablehauser

· Pragmatic and down-to-earth – Gablehauser is an administrator first and foremost. When he asks his subordinates what the "business" of the university is, and Leonard answers "science," he immediately corrects him: "Money". That answer perfectly sums up his view of the academic world. · Authoritative and sure of his power – He doesn't hesitate to use his authority. From his arrival, he fires Sheldon after Sheldon insults him, without the slightest hesitation. He is not intimidated by geniuses. · Unimpressed by intelligence – Unlike most characters on the show, Gablehauser is not dazzled by Sheldon's genius. He finds him "nuts" and tells Dennis Kim so, without worrying about the consequences. · Paternalistic and somewhat condescending – He treats his subordinates like unruly children. He calls Howard "Mr. Wolowitz" (not "Dr.") while calling the others "Dr. Cooper," "Dr. Hofstadter," etc., a subtle distinction showing he doesn't consider Howard a true peer. · Interested in appearances – He organizes parties, dinners, and social events for the university. He invites Raj to the "President's dining hall" to celebrate his recognition in People, showing he knows how to handle public relations. · Capable of shameless flirting – When Mary Cooper, Sheldon's mother, comes to plead for her son's reinstatement, Gablehauser is immediately charmed. He rehires Sheldon after being "charmed by his mother," although no romance is shown on-screen. · Disinterested in intellectual quarrels – When Sheldon and Leslie Winkle argue, Gablehauser rules in Leslie's favor, not because she is scientifically right, but because he is "clearly uninterested in their childish feud". · A bureaucrat at heart – He embodies the type of scientist who abandoned research for administration. Without people like him, science would not survive institutionally, but researchers despise him for it.

Gablehauser's appearances revolve around:

· His arrival as department head (S1E4) – He takes up his new position and is immediately insulted by Sheldon. He fires him on the spot. Sheldon, at a loss, spirals into bizarre obsessions. Eventually, Mary Cooper comes to plead her son's case, charms Gablehauser, and Sheldon is rehired. · The introduction of Dennis Kim (S1E12) – Gablehauser introduces a physics prodigy, Dennis Kim, to the university. Sheldon, feeling threatened, loses faith in his own work. Gablehauser confides to Dennis that Sheldon is "nuts". · The Physics Bowl (S1E13) – Gablehauser hosts the university's physics tournament. Sheldon, unable to be a team player, is kicked off the "Army Ants" team and forms his own. Gablehauser ends up declaring Sheldon the loser, which he takes great pleasure in doing. · Arbitrating the Sheldon-Leslie conflict (S2E3) – Gablehauser is called to settle a dispute between Sheldon and Leslie Winkle over the use of a supercomputer. He rules in Leslie's favor, annoyed by their childish quarrel. · Raj's rise (S2E4) – Raj is featured in People magazine. Gablehauser, seeing an opportunity for the university, takes Raj to lunch at the "President's dining hall" and showers him with attention. He then reveals that the real "business" of the university is money.

1. With Sheldon (first meeting)

Gablehauser: You must be Sheldon Cooper. I hear you're a genius. Sheldon: That's correct. And you must be the new director. I hear you're a glorified high school teacher. Gablehauser: (silence) ... I beg your pardon? Sheldon: I added "with all due respect, sir." That's important. Gablehauser: (turns to Leonard) Is he always like this? Leonard: (embarrassed) ... Yes. More or less. Gablehauser: (to Sheldon) You're fired. Sheldon: (shocked) You can't do that! Gablehauser: I just did. Have a nice day.

2. With the group (the business of the university)

Gablehauser: Let me ask you something: what do you think the business of this place is? Leonard: (confers with Sheldon and Howard) ... Science? Gablehauser: Money. Howard: (to Leonard) Told ya. Gablehauser: Have you been to the President's dining hall? Raj: I didn't know there was one. Gablehauser: It has the same food as the cafeteria, only fresh. That's the perk.

3. With Mary Cooper (Sheldon's reinstatement)

Mary: Dr. Gablehauser, I'm Sheldon's mother. I wanted to talk to you about his reinstatement. Gablehauser: (looks at her with interest) Pleased to meet you, Mrs. Cooper. Please, sit down. Mary: He's difficult, I know. But he's a good boy. He just needs someone to give him a chance. Gablehauser: (smiling) You know, I find it hard to refuse anything to a woman who is so... determined. Sheldon: (aside) Is he flirting with my mother? Leonard: (aside) Yes. And it's working.

4. With Raj (after the People feature)

Gablehauser: Raj, my boy. Congratulations. People magazine. That's good publicity for the department. Raj: Thank you, Dr. Gablehauser. It's an honor. Gablehauser: I'm taking you to lunch at the President's dining hall. We need to celebrate this properly. Raj: The President's dining hall? Gablehauser: Yes. They have real china. And waiters. It's the big leagues. Raj: (to himself) I've made it.

5. With Sheldon and Leslie (the arbitration)

Gablehauser: So, what's the problem? Sheldon: Leslie is using the supercomputer when it was my time slot. It's a protocol violation. Leslie: The protocol says "first come, first served." I came first. Gablehauser: (sighs) Look, I don't have time for this. Leslie, keep the slot. Sheldon, find something else. Sheldon: This is unacceptable! I'm going to appeal! Gablehauser: (stands up) Appeal denied. Have a nice day, you two. Leslie: (to Sheldon) I like this guy.