The Big Bang Theory’s two-part series finale delivered the resolution of many of the sitcom’s central themes, but it also sneakily granted one of Mayim Bialik’s oldest Amy wishes with a key moment. Focusing on Sheldon and Amy’s Nobel Prize win, The Big Bang Theory’s series finale rewarded Sheldon with what had been his goal all his life. This was the best possible ending after The Big Bang Theory season 12 saw Amy and Sheldon’s super-asymmetry project being at the center of their every thought. However, working to achieve this recognition didn’t prepare Sheldon for the unexpected consequences of winning.
Indeed, while working on the super-asymmetry project catalyzed Amy and Sheldon’s attention like their research had often done in the past, getting recognition for their findings and doing so at that level meant many more took an interest in them. This caused its fair share of problems for Sheldon, who saw a great deal of changes come at him too fast, and he often struggled to handle non-gradual variations. From the fixed elevator to journalists looking for them and colleagues clapping for them, Sheldon found everything unbearable, but the last straw had to do with Amy’s choice following the win.
The Big Bang Theory’s Finale Gave Amy The Makeover Mayim Bialik Had Long Wanted
Bialik Expressed A Wish For An “Ugly Duckling Reveal” Back In Season 6
The Nobel Prize win brought more attention than the campaign for it ever did, causing Amy to feel unhappy about her appearance after seeing newspapers using her pictures to discuss her and Sheldon’s win. This inspired Raj to nudge Amy toward a makeover, whose results were revealed midway into The Big Bang Theory season 12, episode 23, “The Change Constant.” Amy’s makeover brought another set of problems to Sheldon’s main arc in season 12, episode 23, but its existence also granted a wish the character’s actor Mayim Bialik had for a long time about Amy.
Bialik indeed expressed a wish for an ugly duckling reveal for Amy as she and Parsons discussed Amy and Sheldon’s relationship in a special feature for The Big Bang Theory season 6’s DVD. Bialik’s thoughts in “Electromagnetism: The Best Relationship Moments” veered toward a Grease fantasy that got Amy to wear “sexy black leggings with heels with curly hair,” making Amy’s “ugly duckling reveal” in The Big Bang Theory series finale differ completely. Amy’s makeover nonetheless granted Bialik’s wish, as Amy’s hair ended up having waves, and her look was overall much different from how Amy presented herself throughout TBBT.
Why Sheldon Hated Amy’s Makeover In The Big Bang Theory
Winning The Nobel Prize Meant Great Change In Amy & Sheldon’s Lives
Amy and Sheldon’s Nobel Prize win for their super-asymmetry project was revealed early into “The Change Constant.” However, the entirety of The Big Bang Theory season 12, episode 23 dealt with how the win’s aftermath negatively affected Sheldon. Indeed, with winning the Nobel Prize came colleagues changing their behavior toward Sheldon, and journalists being interested in interviewing Sheldon and Amy, with which Sheldon had trouble coping. Raj introduced Amy’s new look in the context of all these changes for Sheldon, making Amy’s makeover the last straw Sheldon felt he couldn’t deal with, prompting his rude reaction and getaway.
With winning the Nobel Prize came colleagues changing their behavior toward Sheldon and journalists being interested in interviewing Sheldon and Amy, with which Sheldon had trouble coping.
In the end, it was Penny’s insight that made Sheldon realize how he had already accepted many changes over the years the two were friends. Penny’s perspective wasn’t only a celebration of their friendship, but it also helped Sheldon put all the changes in perspective and return to Leonard and Amy, finally accepting Amy’s makeover in The Big Bang Theory season 12, episode 23’s ending.
