While The Big Bang Theory’s Raj storyline always left a little to be desired, one Christmas episode from 2012 proves that the sitcom short-changed Kunal Nayyar’s character. The Big Bang Theory’s cast of characters were all memorable, but anyone who has seen the series knows that some of them received more focus and screen time than others. Sheldon was The Big Bang Theory’s breakout character, as proven when the first spinoff of the series was a prequel entitled Young Sheldon. Leonard and Penny were The Big Bang Theory’s original focus, with their love story shaping seasons 1-5.’
Although they may have appeared in every episode of the series, Howard and Raj were always the show’s supporting stars and not its true protagonists. The Big Bang Theory’s Thanksgiving episode might have given everyone something to do, but most of the show’s outings centered their main plot lines on Leonard, Penny, and Sheldon, and the B-stories of Howard, Bernadette, Raj, and Amy. On that note, Bernadette’s arrival meant that Howard had more to do as a father and a family man, but this only further sidelined Raj. Kunal Nayyar’s character was always present, but rarely the show’s focus.
How The Big Bang Theory Season 6’s Christmas Episode Improved Raj
“The Santa Simulation” Saw Raj Join Penny Bernadette and Amy On A Night Out
Raj’s comments to Amy highlighted his biggest Big Bang Theory character flaw, as he was too self-centered to see how often he thoughtlessly hurt women.
At the club, a lovelorn Raj complained that he couldn’t find anyone to hook up with, only to then cluelessly insult Amy by implying that he was attracted to Penny and Bernadette but not her. Raj’s comments to Amy highlighted his biggest Big Bang Theory character flaw, as he was too self-centered to see how often he thoughtlessly hurt women. The Big Bang Theory adding Bernadette and Amy to its cast improved the chemistry between its characters and diversified the main lineup, but it also exposed just how callous Raj could be despite claiming to be a sweet, considerate partner.
The Big Bang Theory Never Gave Raj’s Romantic Story A Satisfying Conclusion
Raj Learned Nothing From Listening To His Exes Highlight His Problems
By the end of “The Santa Simulation,” Raj appeared to right his wrongs in a heartfelt conversation with Amy. The sweet moment when Raj admitted that he would be lucky to find a partner like Amy was genuinely touching and seemed to prove that Raj understood how badly he had hurt Sheldon’s love interest. However, this character shift was short-lived. As the series continued, Sheldon became a more considerate partner to Amy, Howard had a complete character change from a sleaze into a family man, and Leonard matured past the petty jealousy that defined his character in the early seasons.
In contrast, Raj never took the lessons of “The Santa Simulation” and applied them to his future romantic relationships. If the creators of the series felt that one of the show’s main characters simply needed to be single by the finale, then it is arguably fair that Rain was the one this fate befell. However, what was less fair was The Big Bang Theory’s inconsistent handling of his character arc. The Big Bang Theory‘s upcoming spinoff may redeem this issue by giving Raj a more hopeful love life but, by the original finale, he was arguably worse than before.
