It’s not a running gag per se, but what fascinates me about the show is the awe shown at times for believers Einstein and Newton - and the full on man love for the atheist Steven Hawking. Then again, I’ve become a late comer to an interest in quantam physics…..
The show is brilliantly done…...
I also like the way Sheldon’s mother is portrayed. Yeah, she’s a fundamentalist nutball, but she’s obviously wise in a way her son is not, and she is portrayed with affection, not the contempt so common when conservative Christians are portrayed in the media.
None of the parents come off particularly well, and Leonard’s mother was quite obviously a much worse parent than Mrs. Cooper.
He has come close to death several times and I have heard that a priest has been present at those times. Maybe there are no atheists in black holes either.
Don' watch it. IMHO it is opiate for the masses.