Confidence mistaken for intelligence
The researchers reveal a placebo and sustained encouragement. Charlie’s confidence changes more than his abilities.
Supporting source ↗CASE FILE · S09 E08
Flowers for Charlie
S09 E08Photograph not available
When an experiment successfully multiplies Charlie's intellect and takes him away from the bar, the rest of the gang find themselves struggling to complete the menial 'Charlie Work' that has kept the bar running for so long.
THE SHORT VERSION · SPOILERS AHEAD
INSIDE THE CASE.
Work stops with Charlie
His refusal to kill a rat leaves Dennis, Dee and Mac struggling with the neglected cleaning work.
Supporting source ↗An elaborate intellectual costume
Charlie surrounds himself with reading material, audio equipment and a chessboard before his public presentation.
Supporting source ↗The low-tech counterplot
The others contend with a glue trap and a gasoline container while Charlie pursues his supposed breakthrough.
Supporting source ↗THE EVIDENCE
THINGS IN THIS EPISODE.
Characters
Armitage ShanksOnly recorded here so far
The researcher introduces the laboratory rat Armitage Shanks.Source ↗
Charlie Kelly180 other recorded episodes
Charlie unveils his two-compartment invention.Source ↗
Dee Reynolds179 other recorded episodes
Dee kneels with her hand on the glue trap.Source ↗
Dennis Reynolds176 other recorded episodes
Dennis crouches beside the hole in the wall.Source ↗
Frank Reynolds171 other recorded episodes
Frank brings takeout bags into the apartment.Source ↗
The intelligence researcherOnly recorded here so far
The lead researcher outlines the experiment.Source ↗
The Waitress38 other recorded episodes
The Waitress joins Charlie at the restaurant table.Source ↗
Locations
Charlie’s apartment48 other recorded episodes
Tang See plays chess with Charlie at home.Source ↗
Paddy’s Pub147 other recorded episodes
The rat-catching trio ends up sitting on the bar floor.Source ↗
Objects
Chessboards1 other recorded episode
Charlie and Tang See sit at a chessboard.Source ↗
Glue traps1 other recorded episode
Dee gets caught on the trap intended for a rat.Source ↗
Headphones2 other recorded episodes
Charlie wears multiple pieces of audio equipment.Source ↗
Intelligence pillsOnly recorded here so far
Charlie attributes his supposed improvement to the pills.Source ↗
MicroscopesOnly recorded here so far
Dee handles a microscope at the laboratory bench.Source ↗
The cat–spider deviceOnly recorded here so far
Two labeled compartments form Charlie’s invention.Source ↗
Ultrasonic rodent repellersOnly recorded here so far
Dee proposes an ultrasonic repeller instead of a trap.Source ↗
Running jokes
Charlie work13 other recorded episodes
Charlie’s refusal leaves rat removal to the others.Source ↗
Charlie’s illiteracy22 other recorded episodes
Dennis points out that listening bypasses Charlie’s inability to read.Source ↗
The Gruesome Twosome1 other recorded episode
Frank invokes their regular movie-night partnership.Source ↗
FOLLOW THE THREAD
CONNECTED EPISODES.
S05 E09 Connected through The Gruesome Twosome, Cats, Charlie’s apartment and 5 more.
S06 E10 Connected through Rat stick, Charlie work, Charlie’s apartment and 6 more.
S11 E08 Connected through Glue traps, Paddy’s Pub, Frank Reynolds and 4 more.
S12 E04 Connected through Lab coats, Paddy’s Pub, Frank Reynolds and 4 more.
SOURCES & NOTES.
Tags document researched occurrences, not every appearance. Read the research notes and attribution.