Courtney Leopold

Courtney Leopold
Vital statistics
Names	Sylvia Fishman, Courtney Leopold
Gender	Female
Race	Human
Occupation	Con Artist
Origin	Two and a Half Men Season 5 Episode 9: Shoes, Hats, Pickle Jar Lids, November 19, 2007
Alignment	Evil
Age	30s
Created By	Mark Roberts, Don Foster & Eddie Gorodetsky
Height	1.7 m (5ft 7in)
Weight	55 kg (121 lbs)

Sylvia Fishman, also known as Courtney Leopold, is a minor recurring character in "Two and a Half Men" from Seasons 5, 8, and 9. She was once a professional con artist and later became Charlie's temporary girlfriend. In Season 5, she emerged as the main antagonist.

Sylvia first appeared in the episode "Shoes, Hats, Pickle Jar Lids" as Teddy's daughter, Courtney. Charlie was immediately captivated by her beauty, but Teddy warned him to stay away. Despite Teddy's caution, Charlie found himself drawn to her. In a moment of weakness, he ended up having sex with her, a decision she manipulated into blackmailing him into buying a Ferrari. Alan, trying to protect Charlie, warned him about her manipulative nature, but Charlie chose to ignore his advice. Later, during the planning of Evelyn and Teddy's wedding, Courtney began to play hard to get, cutting Charlie off at every opportunity. Her reaction to Teddy's decision to not sign a pre-nuptial agreement was particularly overreactive. This led to Charlie stalking her, with Rose's assistance. Eventually, Courtney revealed her financial troubles, including losing her job, her condo, and her father's support, claiming she needed $50,000. Charlie, feeling a sense of obligation, lent her the money, and they began a relationship. Just before she became his step-sister, Charlie proposed to her. About an hour after Evelyn and Teddy's wedding, Teddy was found dead on Charlie's bed. This discovery sparked a CSI investigation, during which the entire Harper family and Courtney were questioned. It was revealed that Teddy and Courtney were, in fact, con artists, using their identities as Nathan Krunk and Sylvia Fishman. Nathan died from a heart attack during an attempt to have sex with Sylvia. As they were being taken away by the police, Charlie planned to confront Sylvia about her deceit, but was only able to say, "I'll wait for you." This moment of silence caused Sylvia to smile, a gesture that seemed to signal their future together.

Sylvia returns from prison during Thanksgiving dinner in season 8 Upon her arrival, Charlie immediately cuts ties with her, accusing her of not having had sex for three years. This leads to a trip to Las Vegas. Alan, however, quickly realizes Sylvia's true nature: she has been using Charlie for money and material possessions, all while pretending to date her so-called "black brother" James. During their time together, Charlie also suffers severe injuries to his eye, arm, and toe. A heated argument ensues when he refuses to lend her money for James, and she leaves him with all her belongings. However, Charlie suddenly changes his mind and rushes back to her, only to crash into a glass door, resulting in facial injuries as well. When Sylvia returns to check on him in the hospital, he claims to love her, and they reconcile. During their time together, Sylvia continues to use Charlie's money for shopping, including buying Jake his favorite clothes. The relationship between the two ends when they both feel it has reached its natural conclusion.

In "Nice to Meet You Walden Schmidt," Sylvia appears at Charlie's funeral. Despite their relationship ending on good terms, she insults Charlie and demands that the casket be opened to spit on Charlie's remains. Sylvia is only stopped by Evelyn's words following the death of her son. In "Nine Magic Fingers," she finds herself at a bar where she encounters a vulnerable and heartbroken Walden. Sylvia takes advantage of his vulnerability, attempting to exploit his wealth. Walden introduces her to Alan and his girlfriend Lindsey, who are both shocked by her presence. The next day, Sylvia and Walden spend time together, with Walden expressing his gratitude to Alan for bringing them together. She slyly agrees with his statement that she would have found him regardless. At this point, Alan helps Walden expose Sylvia's true intentions by calling Walden's wife, Bridget, who insults Sylvia. Bridget offers her a check to leave Walden but Sylvia resists until Bridget conducts a background check on her, leading to her abrupt departure. It is mentioned that Sylvia is wanted in three states, indicating that she continues to deceive others after her release.

Trivia

• In Seasons 8 and 9, Sylvia is still referred to and credited as Courtney. It's possible that she has adopted this name as it was the name she used with Walden during their short time together.