The Big Bang Theory's Howard has boldly gone where few men have gone before, but it turns out he won't be so bold during his time in orbit. In fact, he'll be bullied even in space.
After blasting off in the season finale, Howard (Simon Helberg) will still be orbiting Earth when the series returns this fall. But it won't be the fun trip Fruit Loops was hoping for. "I don't know if he's going to be that well-adjusted when we come back," Helberg told TVGuide.com following Friday's Comic-Con panel. "From what I hear, he gets a little bullied by the veteran spacemen, from his wife and from his mother. I think he even gets it from Earth."
Get all the scoop out of Comic-Con!
To get the scoop on what the men of The Big Bang Theory are up to next season, TVGuide.com tracked down executive producers Bill Prady and Steve Molaro:
Sheldon (Jim Parsons): His relationship with Amy (Mayim Bialik) took a turn for the cute in the finale when he grabbed her hand as Howard rocketed into space. But Sheldon and Amy may not be on the same page about taking things to the next level. "Amy... wants to move their relationship forward every day," Molaro said. "[But Sheldon's] also still in pursuit of a Nobel Prize and wants the world to recognize his genius."
Howard (Helberg): Space is not the final frontier for Howard. He'll also be deciding whether to move Bernadette (Melissa Rauch) in with his mother or find a place of their own. "He's got a lot to deal with," Prady teased. "He's going to come back from space and he's now a man who's been to space. He's torn between two powerful women who both love him."
Leonard (Johnny Galecki): Though his relationship with Penny (Kaley Cuoco) was up in the air in the finale, Molaro assured the fans that they are still together. "They are dating right now, and Penny and Leonard love each other on some very deep level," he said. "But at the same time, they're trying to feel their way what it's like to be boyfriend and girlfriend. Added Prady: "He and Penny are on a very rocky road."
Big Bang Burning Questions: What's next for Howard and Bernadette?
Raj (Kunal Nayyar): During the show's panel, Prady teased that they're planning a romance for Raj, but Molaro later backtracked. "I think the words love interest are a bit strong," Molaro said. "A hole has been left by his friend getting married, he will try to fill that hole in various ways." Considering Raj once fell in love with Siri the iPhone voice, we're scared of executive producer Chuck Lorre's follow-up comment during the panel: "Wait until you see it," he said with a laugh.
The Big Bang Theory returns Thursday, Sept. 27 at 8/7c on CBS.
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