Follow us on Google News
Get the latest updates directly in your Google News feed
The hit CBS sitcomThe Big Bang Theorygained recognition for multiple aspects of the show. From the sitcom focusing on the geeky characters to the jokes that hit just right and how every character grew overtime on the sitcom, it soon became a fan favorite.
However, the show was far from flawless and featured some contradictory plots and narratives that, while adding to the humor, often had a lasting impact on the characters. Such was the case with Simon Helberg’s Howard Wolowitz, particularly regarding the creative liberty the show’s creators took with his most significant achievement, going to space.
The Big Bang Theory’screative choices undermine Howard Wolowitz’s significant achievement
Season 5 ofThe Big Bang Theoryfeatures a pivotal moment for Simon Helberg’s character, Howard Wolowitz, when NASA offers him the opportunity to be a payload specialist on a mission to the International Space Station (ISS).
Despite facing significant challenges, such as the rigorous training and the physical demands of space travel, Howard successfully achieves his lifelong dream. In the season 5 finale,The Countdown Reflection,Howard’s space mission is celebrated.
And in Season 6, his experience continues to shape his character, particularlythrough brief conversations with Bernadette.His journey to space becomes not just a personal triumph but also a defining moment in his character’s development, boosting his self-confidence.
It is also meaningful for Howard,who often feels overshadowed by his more academically accomplished friends, he proudly points out that he’s the only one in the group to have gone to space.
However, as Amy points out in a later episode, Howard’s journey to space highlights that you“don’t have to be special or even qualify to go to outer space,”it makes some sense upon closer inspection.
The show’s creators,Chuck LorreandSteven Molaro, took a creative liberty that seems unrealistic. Howard’s qualifications for space travel, aside from his engineering background, are highly questionable.
With his numerous health issues, severe anxiety, and social struggles, which he continues to face during his time at the ISS, Howard seems an unlikely candidate for such a mission.
“We were all on the same page”: The Bizarre Young Sheldon Cameo Kaley Cuoco Pleaded to the Writers to be Kept a Secret
Given that the show generally maintains a realistic portrayal of the characters’ careers, relationships, and friendships, disregarding these significant issues in Howard’s storylinefeels jarring for many viewers.The unrealistic nature of his space journey stands in stark contrast to the grounded approach the show takes with its characters.
Simon Helberg shared behind the scenes of Howard Wolowitz’s space journey
After his character’s journey to the International Space Station in Season 5,Simon Helbergreflected on how his iconic space scenes were brought to life onThe Big Bang Theory.
Speaking at thePaley Fest,the actor revealed that the anti-gravity effect was created by using a bicycle seat and a seesaw-like setup, with additional camera tricks to make it look realistic. He said,
It was a set and then they just did and camera tricks and they took out the the Seesaw you know with VFX and stuff so that I wasn’t on a seesaw in the space station. It was great.
His co-starJim Parsonsalso praised the actor for his performance and physicality during these scenes, saying,“Everything about his anti-gravity movement… was completely him.”
“It was absolutely unbelievable,”he further stated while highlighting the challenges of filming such sequences forThe Big Bang Theory.
“I spent the entire hiatus being upset about it”: The Big Bang Theory Had to Undo 1 Controversial Storyline Involving Kaley Cuoco’s Penny That Was a Certified Disaster
Parsons, who played Shaldon Cooper in the sitcom, also shared that he missed working with Helberg during this time, as many of Howard’s scenes were pre-shot. Helberg echoed these sentiments, expressing that he too missed being on set with his fellow co-stars.
The Big Bang Theoryis available to watch on Max.
Laxmi Rajput
Senior Writer
Articles Published :3447
Laxmi Rajput is a Senior Writer at FandomWire, with over 3,300 articles published covering film, TV, and pop culture. With a degree in Broadcast Journalism and over three years of experience in content writing, she pivoted to entertainment journalism because let’s be honest, superheroes, sitcoms, and Netflix binges are way more fun. Laxmi frequently covers Marvel, Harry Potter, Star Wars, and popular TV shows, offering both fan-first enthusiasm and thoughtful analysis. Her work often dives into Marvel theories, revisits the genius of The Big Bang Theory, or unpacks the Netflix phenomenon of Stranger Things.
