‘The Big Bang Theory’ season 9 spoilers: Will Mayim Bialik return?
There were a few assorted cliffhangers in one form or another after the “Big Bang Theory” season 8 finale Thursday night, but the biggest one ties into the five-year relationship of Sheldon and Amy. After she started to get frustrated with the progress they have been making, she decided that she needed some time to sit back and reflect on some of what the two parties have been through. Ironically, we learned at this same exact time that Sheldon was planning to propose to her at some point. He at least has a ring.
So are we supposed to take Amy’s actions tonight, coupled with a relative lack of Mayim Bialik the past couple of episodes, as proof that the character is leaving for good? Hardly. Speaking in a post-mortem to The Hollywood Reporter, Steve Molaro confirms that you are going to see Mayim again:
“Without a doubt, absolutely [she’ll be back]. Mayim, on a personal level, had some family things she needed to take care of. That was the only reason she was light in those episodes. She’s not going anywhere.”
The only character we are somewhat worried about going into the new season is Emily (Laura Spencer), mostly because Raj is not being completely open in his relationship with her, at least when it comes to whether or not he shares some of her same macabre interests. Then again, you also want Raj to be happy, and the only two options at the moment for him seem to be Emily and Lucy, who we have not seen on the series in some time.
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Mel
May 8, 2015 @ 4:35 am
I hope the writers treat the return to Season 9 well. They really cannot drag out the Shamy reunion too long, yet not gloss it over either. At most 2-3 episodes but any longer than it will feel again like a soap opera instead of a comedy.
Likewise, having Leonard’s character be tarnished suddenly out of the blue was a cheap trick. That too needs to be handled well and not glossed over but not drag out. Leonard and Penny have had far too much drama as it is.
I think sometimes Molaro forgets he is writing for a comedy and not a drama and he needs to be careful to not repeat the awful Season 6. That was their worst season ever. It was a lot of drama and very few laughs. The audience tune in to see light hearted comedy not drama when watching a comedy. A little drama is okay as long as it does not dominate an episode or season. Tonight was too drama heavy. If it continues beyond the first couple of episodes of Season 9, viewers may get turned off.
Season 8 has been a fun season (up until the finale) because a lot of it was pure comedic entertainment and yet still moved some characters/relationships forward. It was great seeing Sheldon/Leonard working together and the consequences and nuances of that effort, for example. It was also great to see Sheldon and Amy making a lot of progress with sharing “I Love Yous” and showing more affection toward each other.
Yet, whenever they do these resets and take a step back several paces, it is disconcerting, especially when history is violated or a character seems to do something that really is not true to the portrayal they have made with that character for a number of seasons. For example, why did Amy start questioning things in this finale, versus in the premiere of season 8? Why this timing? It seemed really out of synch with the character (who has the patience of Job) and with the timing. It would have been far more appropriate for her to begin these questions right after Sheldon had to be rescued from his failed train adventure.
The Big Bang Theory and network TV in general are getting far and far more competition and they need to not rest on their past laurels and start to realize that they need to step up their game. While Season 8 has been more fun than the previous two seasons were, there were episodes that felt lazy in the writing and they can’t afford that in this over-crowded market and with so many new digital medium shows competing for viewer time.
I hope that the writers use this hiatus and realize they have to step up their game, move these characters forward, realize what genre they are writing for and not forget the past they created. They really could benefit from a consistency editor when writing scripts. That annoys fans in a big way, when history is violated. I also hope they will come back energized and wanting to put in the appropriate hours to make the show superior.
There really is a lot more they could explore if they were willing to go there. We still know nothing about Amy’s family and her past. We met Howard’s brother, but not his father. We have not met Meemaw, Sheldon’s brother, and it would be great to see a return of Missy. Penny’s meth-cooking brother would be a riot to introduce and I am sure would cause Sheldon all kinds of grief (great comedic value). We have met only Beverly and none of Leonard’s family besides. We haven’t seen Mary and Amy interact since S4 Zazzy episode.
There is a lot of comedic value and longevity still ahead. I hope that the writers will think about family of the seven character and add more depth to the characters through these family members. We always learn a lot when family comes to town and it would be great to have more family.
Overall, I am hoping Season 9 will turn out to be a stellar season but not one that is drama-heavy. Resolve these complications they created in the finale of Season 8 quickly and move on!