The Big Bang Theory
Summary
AlthoughThe Big Bang Theoryrelied on its three independent characters every bit , one surprising statistic proves that the hit situation comedy did a lot less to exemplify one protagonist ’s backstory . WhenThe Big Bang Theorybegan , the show ’s main character seemed to be Johnny Galecki ’s Leonard and Kaley Cuoco ’s Penny . Leonard was a timid scientist with a crush on his neighbour , while Penny was a carefree aspiring worker who was blissfully unaware of her neighbour ’s romantic intentions . By the timeThe Big Bang Theory ’s finaleaired , the show ’s hurl had undergone a significant shift and its friend was n’t so obvious .
AlthoughThe Big Bang Theory ’s entire cast of charactersappeared in almost every episode , the show focused on Jim Parsons ’s Sheldon more as it continued . Sheldon was the breakout theatrical role of the series , as bear witness by its first spinoff , Young Sheldon . Although he was initially a comic relief character who provided a stark foil for the lovelorn Leonard , Sheldon gradually come to dominate the show ’s activity . By the timeThe Big Bang Theoryforgot Penny ’s performing dream , the show was devoting more clock time to Sheldon and Amy than its original central couple , Penny and Leonard .
Ironically , the honest episode of Young Sheldon was the same outing that turn out The Big Bang Theory ’s spinoff needed to give up its original premise .
Penny’s Parents Barely Appeared In The Big Bang Theory
Leonard and Sheldon’s Mothers Were Regular Fixtures
Leonard ’s cold , clinical female parent Beverly rack up an impressive 16 guest appearance while , in contrast , Penny ’s female parent Susan commence a total of one instalment as Penny ’s mother .
However , a facial expression back at how many episodes the central trio ’s mother appeared in prof thatThe Big Bang Theorytook Penny for grant from the start . Sheldon ’s mother Mary , whose younger ego go on to become one of Young Sheldon ’s chief characters , appeared in 13 episodes . Leonard ’s cold , clinical female parent Beverly rack up an telling 16 guest appearances while , in contrast , Penny ’s mother Susan got a sum of one episode as Penny ’s female parent . Season 10 , episode 1 , “ The Conjugal Conjecture , ” finally bring out Susan , who was flirt by Katey Sagal in a cunning nod to Cuoco’s8 Simple Rulesrole .
While this installment was absolutely passable , Susan ’s relatively tiny role proves that The Big Bang Theorywas less clothe in Penny ’s backstory than Leonard and Sheldon ’s origins . Mary ’s central theatrical role inYoung Sheldoncame about as a result of her popularity inThe Big Bang Theory , with Laurie Metcalf ofttimes slip scenes as Sheldon ’s zealously religious mother . Similarly , many of Leonard ’s character flaw were fault on his unfeeling female parent , who was a relatively reliable front throughout the show ’s twelve seasons . In line , Penny ’s parent had a minor role sinceThe Big Bang Theorywas less interested in her story .
Penny’s Lack of Backstory Proves The Big Bang Theory Undervalued Her
Sheldon and Leonard Received More Story Focus Than Penny
It is clear on a re - lookout thatThe Big Bang Theorydidn’t take as much of an stake in her as the show did in Leonard and Sheldon .
The deficiency of backstory that Penny encounter is specially striking since she was a new arrival whenThe Big Bang Theorybegan . One could reasonably take over that her backstory would have been a subject of interest for Sheldon and Leonard , yet her sept receive less screen prison term and story direction than even Raj ’s parents . Even thoughYoung Sheldon ’s series finalereferenced centime , it is clear on a re - watch thatThe Big Bang Theorydidn’t take as much of an interest in her as the show did in Leonard and Sheldon . by and by seasons made this issue worse .
Recurring gag about Howard ’s mother ensured his family also had a role in the series , whileRaj ’s parents were seen comparatively on a regular basis via telecasting calls . Even though Amy was n’t introduce until season 3 , episode 23 , “ The Lunar Excitation , ” her parent still graced the CRT screen before Penny ’s mother appeared . Even the parent of comparatively minor supporting character like Bernadette were introduced before Penny ’s mother , Susan , despite how often Beverly and Mary come out in the intervening years . As such , Young Sheldon ’s Penny referencefelt like a poor substitute for character ontogenesis in the series itself .
The Big Bang Theory Made Penny’s Character Betrayal Worse
Everyone Else’s Parents Appeared Before Penny’s Family
Although Amy ’s female parent was recast after her first coming into court , she still appeared in three seasons ofThe Big Bang Theorycompared to one episode for Penny ’s female parent .
Raj ’s male parent , V M Koothrappali , made 15 appearances in the series , eventually demonstrate up in person after his divorce . Raj ’s mother and sister were also even fixture , while Howard ’s unseen female parent was featured in countless expedition . Although Amy ’s mother was reforge after her first appearance , she still appeared in three seasons ofThe Big Bang Theorycompared to one instalment for Penny ’s mother . Since Penny herself was only absent for two episode in the show ’s total run , it is striking to see just how much more focus the rest of the crew ’s parents received .
see back onThe Big Bang Theory ’s finis , it is voiceless to refuse that Penny ’s character spark is underwhelming . Not only does she give up on her playacting ambitions , but she also becomes pregnant in the finale after spending years adamant about her decision to not have children . Penny ’s dream and desires are secondary to the rest of the characters , as bear witness by how little cover time her parents received inThe Big Bang Theory ’s twelve seasons .