Mayim Bialik Says ‘The Big Bang Theory’ To Put Amy In New Romantic Storylines
Season 9 of The Big Bang Theory started off with no clear resolution to the conflict in Sheldon and Amy’s relationship. Last season ended with Amy saying she needed time to assess their union. Two episodes later, Sheldon has seemingly aggravated his longtime love even more, by giving her little space and acting in a way that Vulture called “disrespectful” in the site’s recap of “The Separation Oscillation.”
The crystal-ball readers at Vulture estimated it will be four to six episodes before Sheldon and Amy reconcile. Because, of course, most Big Bang Theory fans expect the Shamy to eventually get back together. She’s been Sheldon’s companion for five years, and despite some disagreements about the pace at which their intimacy has progressed, the two have been an amicable pairing.
But as Mayim Bialik, who plays Amy Farrah Fowler, told E! Online, any reconciliation won’t come before Amy has some experiences of her own. When asked about whom she would see as a potential romantic partner for Amy and for Sheldon, Bialik said there are different ideas on what kind of character might be a good match for both. She also hinted viewers might get a glimpse of an Amy relationship that doesn’t involve Sheldon.
“I’m asked a lot, who would I like Amy to go out with, and we actually have some very interesting stuff coming up in that arena.”
Although some like the idea of Amy being with someone “super hunky,” or Sheldon’s opposite personality-wise, Bialik says she favors creating a character that is intellectual and shares Amy’s interests. As for a Sheldon match, Mayim approves of a contrasting character, like a Penny type, or another scientist with a more outgoing personality than Amy, like Bernadette.
The Big Bang Theory even played with the idea of pairing Sheldon with Penny during “The Separation Oscillation,” by opening with Sheldon suggesting that Penny kiss another man to make up for Leonard’s dalliance with Mandy Chow. After Penny agrees, and notes that Sheldon is no longer attached to Amy, he does the honors by locking Penny in a passionate kiss. It turns out to have been Leonard’s dream — or nightmare — but it was entertaining television.
Vulture noted the introduction of Mandy Chow, played by Melissa Tang, and how she might make an interesting romantic partner for Raj, whose relationship with Emily also seemed to be in doubt at the end of last season. When Tang’s appearance on The Big Bang Theory was first announced, an ongoing role was not mentioned. Tang’s IMDB resume lists only one Big Bang Theory episode so far.
Big Bang Theory executive producer Steven Molaro told TV Line that Raj will continue to date Emily, because it’s hard for him to face the prospect of a breakup. That tension will be explored more throughout season 9.
As for Sheldon and Amy, even if the couple does not get back together anytime soon, Mayim Bialik and Jim Parsons will certainly still enjoy working together. They have often indicated mutual professional affection off-camera, with Bialik telling Parade this summer that Parsons is “fantastic.”
“He’s very professional. He gives a lot of room for trying new things. He’s very meticulous, which I am as well, so that’s great.”
The Big Bang Theory airs Mondays at 8 p.m. on CBS.
[Main image courtesy of Glamour]
