Whose Fault Was Big Bang Theory's Worst Rated Episode Ever?

The Big Bang Theory, without a doubt, had an immensely dedicated following. Yet while it boasted many successful arcs, not every storyline choice hit the mark.

One particular narrative, featured in The Cognition Regeneration, ended up being the worst-rated episode of the entire series, earning a disappointing low score of only 6.7 stars on IMDB.

The Cognition Regeneration, S10 E22

The Cognition Regeneration appeared near the end of the show's tenth season. However, instead of ramping up to an entertaining season finale, the episode turned out to be a surprising low point for the usually highly praised series. The story revolves around Zach, Penny's ex, who reappears in her life, offering her a job after a chance reunion. This leads to a disagreement between Leonard and Penny, causing tension in their relationship. Meanwhile, Sheldon, still reeling from a video game defeat, attempts various challenging mental tasks, and Howard uncovers Bernadette's secret childhood hobby.

Why the episode was so bad

As surprising as it may seem, The Cognition Regeneration was a sure misfire for the show. Bringing back Zach, a well-liked character from earlier in the series, only to give him little screen time and create a rift between Leonard and Penny, was an obvious flaw. The side plots involving Bernadette, Howard, and Sheldon were basic at best, failing to deliver the trademark humor and wit of the show. Additionally, the storyline centered around Penny and Leonard led to nothing substantial, making the episode even more unsatisfying.

What the cast and writers had to say

Although the episode represents a low point for the show, the cast and writers have often been open about the narratives they would change in the series looking back. Kaley Cuoco, who played Penny, stated her own thoughts on some of the least-liked storylines , saying, 'There's a lot of storylines you need if you're going to run 12 years... You're going to hit a doozy once in a while!' Evidently, even with a highly successful show, not every episode can be a hit.

Fortunately, not everyone had a bad time on the episode. Guest star Brian Thomas Smith, who reprised his role as Penny's not-so-bright ex, was thrilled to be working on the show again. During previous interviews, Smith has spoken positively of his time on the series, praising the professionalism of the cast and crew, as well as expressing his surprise by the warm welcome he received despite initially being scheduled for just one episode.

As consistently entertaining as Big Bang is, no show is immune to the occasional blunder. The Cognition Regeneration became the series' worst-rated episode and the first clear signs of the format starting to wear thin. However, it demonstrates the show's overall quality nevertheless. Even with a few occasional duds, throughout its many seasons the series still managed to maintain a dedicated and passionate fan base. Clearly, fans are willing to forgive the odd mistake.

Source: TVLine.