The Big Bang Theory's Episode That Ruined Bernadette's Character

Melissa Rauch's portrayal of Bernadette on The Big Bang Theory has long divided fans. While some adored her from her introduction in Season 3 and considered her a valuable addition to the cast, others disliked the character, particularly as she became increasingly mean and arrogant toward the show's finale.

Bernadette from Season 3 vastly differs from her Season 12 incarnation, but when and how did this transformation occur?

Redditor u/axarce believes they found the answer while rewatching the show and shared their theory on the sitcom's subreddit. Many commenters agreed with their assessment.

According to the Redditor, Bernadette's shift to a more abrasive personality began in Season 4, Episode 23, titled The Engagement Reaction. Before that episode, Bernadette was depicted as loving, caring, and kind, but she becomes increasingly bossy, condescending, and harsh afterwards.

In the episode, Howard tells his religious mother that he plans to marry Bernadette, who isn't Jewish, and his mother is hospitalised shortly after. Howard tells Bernadette his mother's heart attack was caused by her shock at Howard's choice of Bernadette as his future wife.

Devastated, Bernadette feels awful but later learns from Mrs. Wolowitz that her hospitalisation was unrelated and that she actually approves of Bernadette.

Furious with Howard for letting her believe it was her fault, Bernadette starts yelling at him, her voice mirroring Mrs. Wolowitz's distinctive tone that viewers have come to instantly recognise over the four seasons.

This moment is followed by a humorous Oedipus complex joke when, after hearing Bernadette's new tone, Howard comments, "Is it just me, or does she sound sexy when she's angry?" to the astonishment of his friends.

This episode also reveals that Howard is essentially marrying a version of his mom, which may have significantly influenced Bernadette's character development in subsequent seasons.