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The Big Bang Theory Ruined Its Most Heartfelt Episode With One Unnecessary Arc

The Big Bang Theory Ruined Its Most Heartfelt Episode With One Unnecessary Arc
Image credit: CBS

No one can figure out what the point was.

The Big Bang Theory was a CBS sitcom that ran from 2007 to 2019. The show became an instant hit, uniting all nerds into one fanbase and finally giving them a voice. With one pop culture reference after another, the writers managed to make the characters relatable and give each one a prominent personality to explore and develop later on.

Howard Wolowitz, the character who began the show as the most creepy and obnoxious of the bunch, became one of the most beloved by the finale thanks to an incredible character development arc. Part of that was due to the introduction of his now-wife, Bernadette. Another had more to do with his family.

What Happened to Howard’s Father?

In the episode The Closet Reconfiguration, Howard faces a dilemma about his father's letter. He wants to know what he wrote and he doesn't want to know at the same time. Sheldon comes up with a solution that leaves Howard forever in a state of ambiguity, with everyone telling him their version and only one of them being right.

While both Howard and the audience end up not knowing which version is correct, some viewers argue that it doesn't even matter. The episode, which was heartfelt and even slightly tear-jerking for a sitcom, was ruined by the writers either way. In just two seasons, The Big Bang Theory decided to explore Howard's story further.

The introduction of Howard's half-brother, who wasn't mentioned in a single episode, was a game-changer for many fans. It just went to show that no matter what was in that letter, it probably wasn't sincere at all.

“Dude had audacity to start an entirely new family, bring new genetic siblings into Howard’s life, and never tell him?! I get if he’s an alcoholic or addict or in jail and couldn’t ever turn it around and do what’s best. He did turn it around and just refused to be there. So why would it be sweet if he showed up at his graduation?” Redditor Parking_Base_2564 said.

By introducing a character who had no real weight to the story and was in no way important to the future, the writers of The Big Bang Theory ruined a nice thing that could have helped Howard accept his family situation.

If you need to refresh your memory of these episodes, or if you want to revisit other parts of the show, be sure to stream The Big Bang Theory on Max.