Despite being one of CBS’s most successful and beloved sitcoms, The Big Bang Theory’s ending with 12 seasons left fans with mixed feelings, particularly regarding characters like Raj and Penny. Another character fans hoped would have achieved more by the series finale was Howard Wolowitz.
Portrayed by Simon Helberg in the sitcom, Howard underwent significant growth throughout the show, evolving from a self-proclaimed smooth-talking ladies’ man, often perceived as more of a creep, into a devoted husband and father. However, many fans felt his character arc fell short, especially in terms of finally standing up to Sheldon.
Howard Wolowitz Deserved a Stronger Ending in The Big Bang Theory
Though initially introduced as a problematic character, Howard Wolowitz (Simon Helberg) underwent significant growth throughout The Big Bang Theory, especially after the introduction of Melissa Rauch’s Bernadette.
By the series’ finale, Howard had become a much better person, but one aspect of his character left fans unsatisfied, his dynamic with Sheldon. As the only member of the group without a PhD, Howard was frequently teased by Sheldon (Jim Parsons).
Despite his impressive achievements as an astronaut, Sheldon continued to mock Howard for being just an Engineer. While he was not alone in facing Sheldon’s barbs, many fans felt that Howard deserved a better resolution by the series finale.
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In a Reddit thread discussing changes fans would have made to the show’s ending, many expressed a desire to see Howard finally earn his PhD, giving him the chance to shut down Sheldon’s ridicule once and for all.
One Reddit user proposed that it would have been intriguing to see Howard finally put an end to Sheldon’s teasing by earning a PhD, providing a satisfying conclusion to his character arc in an additional Season 13 of the show.
While the suggestion appears compelling with Howard finally getting his PhD, it is also hard to believe that it would have stopped Sheldon’s teasing, especially after Sheldon won a Nobel Prize for his own accomplishments.
Simon Helberg Reflected on the Valuable Lessons Learned from The Big Bang Theory
In an interview with Jake’s Takes, Simon Helberg reflected on his experience working on The Big Bang Theory and how it served as a valuable acting course for him.
It was the greatest course in acting that you could ever have. I mean, aside from an experience in a show that, you know, deserves the attention it deserves there too.
He shared that performing live in front of an audience for 12 years helped him develop his acting skills and manage his nerves. “I think you develop confidence, hopefully to some degree,” he said before adding, “That’s incredible.”
While Season 13 seems unlikely, there’s potential for redemption for the showrunner with a new spin-off in development. Though details about the show remain under wraps, it could offer Chuck Lorre an opportunity to address fans’ desires for Howard’s character development.
Many fans have been speculating that the spin-off could follow Raj’s journey to find true love, but it would also be intriguing to explore Howard and Bernadette’s family life with their children, with Howard finally getting his PhD.
The Big Bang Theory is available to watch on Max.
