The beloved and geeky Chuck Lorre sitcom “The Massive Bang Principle” ran for 12 seasons earlier than ending in 2019, however followers bought an replace on how a few of the characters fared sooner or later when the spin-off, “Younger Sheldon,” resulted in 2024. Within the “Younger Sheldon” season finale, Jim Parsons appeared as an older model of his character Sheldon from “The Massive Bang Principle” (performed in “Younger Sheldon” by Iain Armitage), whereas Mayim Bialik appeared as an older model of his spouse, Amy. For followers who had been on the lookout for an replace on Sheldon’s finest buddy, Leonard (performed by Johnny Galecki on “The Massive Bang Principle”), issues had been a bit of scarce. Whereas not one of the different “Massive Bang Principle” alums appeared, one essential one was no less than talked about, however particulars on Leonard had been nowhere to be seen or heard.
The full lack of a point out of Leonard despatched “The Massive Bang Principle” and “Younger Sheldon” followers right into a flurry of debate on-line, attempting to find out if the clues left by Lorre and the writers meant that the reluctantly geeky experimental physicist was really useless. That is proper — in accordance with lots of the web’s most prevalent theories, Leonard dies someday within the 15-20 years after “The Massive Bang Principle” ends, and based mostly on the out there proof, they’re most likely onto one thing.
The indicators that time to Leonard’s tragic destiny
Within the “Younger Sheldon” finale, we see Amy and Sheldon someday sooner or later, although it is not made clear precisely how a lot time has handed. The present has used Parson’s narration because the older Sheldon all through the collection (and even had Bialik do voiceover for an earlier episode), so it was a good way to complete issues out. Nonetheless, it was odd that Leonard was by no means talked about all through. Positive, Leonard and Sheldon met after the occasions of “Younger Sheldon,” however Simon Helberg’s Howard, one other member of the buddy group, appeared in season 5, and there is loads of point out of Amy, whom Sheldon did not meet till later both.
Nearly all of the priority round Leonard’s whereabouts, nonetheless, comes from dialogue of Amy and Sheldon’s kids, significantly their older son and youthful daughter. Amy tells her husband that their daughter is focused on appearing, which Sheldon is not impressed with, telling her, “I informed you we by no means ought to have let Penny babysit.”
Penny (performed by Kaley Cuoco), was Leonard’s spouse on the finish of “The Massive Bang Principle” (and is the present’s most likable character besides). There isn’t any motive why Sheldon would not say “Leonard and Penny” in the event that they weren’t each babysitting, and why would Penny babysit alone except she was now single both as a result of Leonard died or he and Penny bought divorced? The opposite main clue was that Amy and Sheldon determined to call their son Leonard, which has some attention-grabbing implications.
What’s in a reputation? With Leonard, fairly a bit
Whereas folks title their kids after beloved family and friends members on a regular basis (and Sheldon’s life hero is Leonard Nimoy), in sure Jewish traditions an individual is rarely supposed to call their child after a residing buddy or relative. Whereas Sheldon shouldn’t be Jewish, he has discovered in regards to the religion on “Younger Sheldon,” and whereas it is by no means explicitly confirmed, it is attainable that Amy is Jewish due to Bialik’s sturdy religion. Lorre and co-producer and author Eric Kaplan are each Jewish, as nicely, that means that it’s totally probably they know and perceive the superstition and rule round naming a child after a residing relative and what it might imply. If Leonard handed away shortly after “The Massive Bang Principle,” which is feasible as a result of the character had quite a few well being points, then it could make sense for Amy and Sheldon to call their son in his honor. (Galecki himself additionally had some well being points, together with a Bells Palsy prognosis after season 4.)
It’s also completely attainable that the oldsters behind “Younger Sheldon” simply wished to throw in a joke about Penny and did not take into consideration the potential implications not together with Leonard would have, however for now, we’ll simply should guess on the poor man’s destiny. Possibly we’ll get some solutions from one of many two upcoming “Massive Bang Principle” spin-offs. One of them will comply with Sheldon’s older brother George and his spouse Mandy whereas the opposite focuses on the comedian book-shop proudly owning Stuart and his girlfriend Denise, however who is aware of? Possibly this will likely be a tv thriller for the ages.
“The Massive Bang Principle” and “Younger Sheldon” are at present streaming on Max.