When it comes to long-running TV shows, fans and stars alike often have favorite episodes that stand out in memory. For The Big Bang Theory star Melissa Rauch, who played Bernadette Rostenkowski-Wolowitz, a few episodes are especially close to her heart. Rauch joined the show in its third season and quickly became a fan-favorite with her unique blend of sweetness and sass. Over the years, she’s shared her love for the show’s tight writing and has praised the scripts, saying, “It’s almost like this beautiful concerto that you don’t want to mess up one note of.”
When asked about her favorite episodes, Rauch selected three that she especially enjoyed filming and felt captured Bernadette’s unique quirks. Here’s a look at her top picks.
1. “The Scavenger Vortex” (Season 7)
One of Rauch’s favorite episodes is The Scavenger Vortex, where the gang splits up for a hilarious scavenger hunt. In this episode, Bernadette reveals her ultra-competitive side, surprising her friends and delighting the audience. Rauch has fond memories of this episode, saying, “We laughed the entire way through it, to the point we were in tears.” The high-energy scavenger hunt scenes kept the cast in stitches, and fans loved seeing a new side of Bernadette’s fierce personality.
2. “The Troll Manifestation” (Season 8)
Another top episode for Rauch is The Troll Manifestation, which focuses on the characters sharing embarrassing stories from their pasts. In this episode, Bernadette recalls her days as a beauty pageant contestant for “Miss California Quiznos 1999.” The chance to dress up in pageant attire and showcase a bit of Bernadette’s past was pure fun for Rauch, who said, “It was by far one of the most fun things I’ve ever done.” As a Jersey native, she relished the opportunity to get glammed up with big hair, capturing Bernadette’s humorous backstory in a memorable way.
3. “The Shiny Trinket Maneuver” (Season 5)
Rauch’s final favorite is The Shiny Trinket Maneuver, an episode where Bernadette assists her husband, Howard, in a magic show at a children’s birthday party. This episode shows Bernadette’s quick temper and no-nonsense attitude as she deals with a rowdy crowd of kids—a big contrast from her usually kind demeanor. Rauch recalled this episode as one where audiences saw Bernadette’s sharp wit come to life, saying, “That was early on when we got to see a part of this side of Bernadette that we hadn’t seen in earlier episodes.”
These favorite episodes not only show Rauch’s appreciation for her character but also highlight the range and complexity of Bernadette. Whether she’s competing, recalling an embarrassing past, or holding her own as Howard’s assistant, Bernadette remains a fan-favorite in The Big Bang Theory universe.
With the show’s legacy continuing strong, Rauch’s top picks give fans a great excuse to revisit some of the best moments from The Big Bang Theory.
