I'm Sorry That Leonard May Be Dead But At Least It Allows Penny's Big Bang Theory Spinoff Return

Leonard may be dead, and I am sad about it, but his demise paves the way for Penny’s return in The Big Bang Theory spinoff. Despite the decision to end Young Sheldon at the height of its success, Chuck Lorre and Bill Prady’s universe will thrive with a new spinoff on the way. Born out of what I believe is, Young Sheldon‘s most unexpected original storyline, Georgie & Mandy’s First Marriage will tackle the couple’s arc as newlyweds and parents to Baby Cece. What’s often overlooked, however, is that there’s a second The Big Bang Theory spinoff on the way.

Before I get to the actual point of this article, I’d like to officially apologize for bringing up the idea that Leonard may be dead. I wrote the first article that cited how the Young Sheldon finale suggested that Leonard could be gone. It became viral and spawned multiple other pieces, but the idea originated from my piece on Screen Rant. To be clear, I want Sheldon’s best friend alive. But, I couldn’t ignore the clues hinting at his demise. If it’s any consolation, I’m here again to point out that something good may come out of Leonard’s death.

Johnny Galecki’s Retirement Makes It Almost Impossible For Leonard To Return In The Big Bang Theory Spinoff

After The Big Bang Theory, Galecki Pretty Much Stopped Acting

After The Big Bang Theory ended, Galecki stepped away from acting and hasn’t returned since. He is currently in an unofficial retirement from Hollywood, opting to focus on his family life. This is why David hasn’t returned in The Conners, which is a bummer for me because it forced the Roseanne spinoff to ruin the character. This is the reason why it’s almost impossible for him to reprise his role as Leonard in The Big Bang Theory universe in any capacity. Considering their characters’ connection, I’m convinced it makes it difficult for Kaley Cuoco’s Penny to be involved without him.

Once again, I don’t want Leonard dead. But, considering the circumstances, especially after Young Sheldon created so many plot holes during its 7-year run, Lorre and his team must be more careful with the way they handle The Big Bang Theory canon moving forward. George and Mandy’s First Marriage doesn’t have as big of a problem because not much was revealed about their relationship in the nerd-centric sitcom. However, the next The Big Bang Theory spinoff will likely be heavily connected to the Los Angeles-based comedy, which requires a more careful approach.

Leonard’s Death Clears Penny’s The Big Bang Theory Spinoff Return Path

Kaley Cuoco Can Return As Penny Without Raising Too Many Questions

The Big Bang Theory did lay out the foundation for Leonard possibly dying young. I remember so many episodes and funny bits in the sitcom centered around his allergies and bouts with asthma, among others. As sad as I am to think about the Pasadena gang losing a member, this may be the easiest way to bring Penny back to The Big Bang Theory universe. For starters, Lorre can recruit Cuoco, who is still very active in the business, to reprise her famous role for the upcoming spinoff without having to deal with questions about Leonard’s absence.

Considering Georgie & Mandy’s First Marriage, which is technically more of a Young Sheldon sequel spinoff, I believe that the second The Big Bang Theory offshoot will be something more directly tied to the nerd-centric sitcom. Before Sheldon took over The Big Bang Theory and became its focal point, Penny and Leonard shared the spotlight with him. With Parsons more likely done recently ending Sheldon’s 17-year stint on TV and Galecki inactive, Penny’s appearance may be the only major way to lean on the show’s original trio. Anything less than that may not feel as exciting.

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Why Leonard Being Dead Is Better Than Any Other Kind of Explanation For His Absence

Leonard’s Death Can Preserve His And Penny’s Love Story

It’s no secret that Penny and Leonard’s final years in The Big Bang Theory were lackluster. Personally, I believe that after they got married, the show ran out of ideas for them. Instead of being its main love line and primary protagonists, they were relegated to being a support system for Sheldon and Amy’s story. This persisted for years until season 12 manufactured their pregnancy debacle that seemingly came out of nowhere. Luckily for me, the Young Sheldon finale’s Penny reference was enough to convince me that she eventually came around to being a mother.

Admittedly, The Big Bang Theory spinoff can find other ways to explain Leonard’s absence. He may have moved out of the country for work or he and Penny may have split up. However, I fear that these are actually sadder ways to go about it, considering the couple’s controversial ending in The Big Bang Theory. Leonard was the one who wanted children, but both of these options would suggest that Penny was left to raise the kid by herself for the most part. Even if they co-parent, the majority of the burden would likely be on Penny as their son/daughter’s mother.

Granted that their child may be a bit older at the time of the upcoming spinoff, but he/she would still need guidance, especially as he/she navigates the tricky teenage years. If Leonard is dead in The Big Bang Theory universe, then it means that his absence wasn’t his decision. He and Penny remained in love until the very end, but he was just forced to leave her. Somehow, the trajectory is similar to Sheldon’s parents after George died in Young Sheldon season 7.

Leonard’s Death Would Explain Sheldon Not Mentioning His Best Friend In Young Sheldon

Adult Sheldon Never Mentioned Leonard In The Big Bang Theory Prequel

I watched every episode of Young Sheldon — others multiple times, and throughout its run, and not once did Jim Parsons’ narration mention Leonard. That’s so odd, considering that he even recruited Howard to take part in it when he told the true story of why he hates engineering. In the Young Sheldon finale, it was officially confirmed that Sheldon had been working on his memoir all along, which again raised questions about the lack of any kind of reference to his best friend.

Assuming that Leonard is really gone, then that would explain why Sheldon hadn’t talked about him in his autobiography. Despite his intellect, the socially inept genius struggles to process big and difficult emotions. As seen in the funeral of George in the Young Sheldon finale (and the death of Professor Proton in The Big Bang Theory), Sheldon may have blocked the pain of losing his best friend to cope. That way, he didn’t have to deal with it.

Young Sheldon

A spinoff of the sitcom The Big Bang Theory, Young Sheldon follows the youth and coming-of-age of Sheldon Cooper during his childhood in Texas as he pursues science and academia. The show also follows his parents, siblings, and Mee-Maw, painting a picture of the world where Sheldon grew up.

Cast

Jim Parsons , Iain Armitage , Annie Potts , Emily Osment

Release Date

September 25, 2017

Seasons

6

The Big Bang Theory

The Big Bang Theory first premiered on CBS in 2007 and became one of its era’s most popular and longest-lasting network sitcoms. Running for 12 seasons, The Big Bang Theory focuses on a group of self-proclaimed nerds, Leonard (Johnny Galecki), Sheldon (Jim Parsons), Howard (Simon Helberg), and Raj (Kunal Nayyar), who form an unlikely friendship with their new neighbor Penny (Kaley Cuoco). The series became a ratings giant and took home multiple Emmys. The Big Bang Theory was so successful that it ended up spawning a spinoff titled Young Sheldon, which has also become one of CBS’ most popular sitcoms.

Cast

Kaley Cuoco , Johnny Galecki , Jim Parsons , Melissa Rauch , Mayim Bialik , Kunal Nayyar , Simon Helberg

Release Date

September 24, 2007

Seasons

12