When it comes to The Big Bang Theory, every fan has a different favorite character. Most usually choose Sheldon because of his dryness or Penny because of her sarcastic but kind nature. However, not many fans chose Bernadette. In fact, the biologist might not even place in the top five of some viewers' lists.
When it comes to Bernadette, there are a lot of mixed feelings about her. While she can be comionate and caring, there were often times where she was cruel and manipulative. If the fans were beginning to warm to her, she would do something that would make them hate her.
Sympathetic: Finding Out About Howard's Past
Although Howard and Bernadette may have had the most stable relationship out of all the couples, that doesn't mean they didn't go through a rough patch now and then. An example of this happened in "The Stag Convergence" when Bernadette discovered Howard's past sexual partners included his cousin and a prostitute.
While fans were aware of his past indiscretions, Bernadette wasn't. In fact, she only discovered it due to Raj's toast ending up on YouTube. Fans couldn't help but sympathize with the biologist here — not only did she discover some embarrassing details about the man she was going to marry but she was publicly humiliated, too.
Hated: Her Hypocritical Tendencies
Bernadette's hypocritical tendencies were most apparent in "The Cognition Regeneration" when she mocked Howard for having an interest in magic and the circus. In fact, fans had seen her do it for years.
However, it turned out that Bernadette had her own hobbies — including ventriloquism and beauty pageants. It seemed a little unfair that she expressed her embarrassment over Howard's interests when she was just as much of a performer as he was. If it made him happy, what was the issue? This gave the impression that Bernadette cared more about her reputation than Howard's happiness.
Sympathetic: Worrying About Her Job
In "The Tesla Recoil," Bernadette confided in Raj about her worries after she suspected that Ruchi, her maternity replacement, was trying to steal her job.
While the gang tried to reassure her that Ruchi wasn't, Raj later discovered that she indeed intended to steal all of Bernadette's projects while she was on bedrest. Bernadette may not have been the easiest person to get along with, but she was hardworking and ambitious. It was cold and calculating for Ruchi to try and steal the work when Bernadette put all her effort in.
Hated: Babying Howard
Everyone knows that there were similarities between Bernadette and Mrs. Wolowitz. But what creeped fans out was the most was how Bernadette basically babied Howard during their marriage. In "The Expedition Approximation," it's revealed that Bernadette gives Howard an allowance and is in control of their assets.
What was even more disturbing was Howard's chore chart. Bernadette literally gave him a sticker every time he completed a task. Not only did it show how controlling she was but it didn't exactly show their marriage in the healthiest way. It seemed there were some deep-rooted issues here...
Sympathetic: Overprotective Howard
Fans also couldn't help but sympathize with Bernadette when Howard tried to control her life. In the early stages of their relationship, the couple got off to a rocky start due to the engineer's possessive nature. When Bernadette began hanging out with Leonard in "The Gorilla Experiment," Howard attempted to prevent them from spending any more time together.
Bernadette discovered Howard had ordered Leonard to stay away from her, and she was rightfully livid. She was just trying to get to know the of the gang so Howard's behavior was unnecessary and uncalled for. Although he apologized afterward, Bernadette still garnered sympathy from the fans.
Hated: Her Treatment Of Leonard
As many fans "The Scavenger Vortex" saw Bernadette team up with Leonard after Raj organized a scavenger hunt for the gang. Here, the fans saw a different side to Bernadette — one which was more aggressive and even meaner.
When Howard said his wife was extremely competitive, no one realized that he wasn't exaggerating. Throughout the episode, Bernadette hurled several insults towards Leonard and bossed him about. She even tried to stir up trouble for Leonard and Penny because she wanted to win. Fans didn't like that she took the game way too seriously.
Sympathetic: Revealing Her Insecurities
Although Bernadette is probably one of the show's bravest and most confident characters, she let her guard down in "The Imitation Perturbation" when she revealed her deepest insecurities. After Howard mocked Sheldon by dres as him for Halloween, Sheldon and Amy retaliated by dres as him and Bernadette.
However, this ended up causing a rift between Bernadette and Amy after the neurobiologist mocked her voice and height. Bernadette later revealed to Sheldon that she was even forced to inhale helium as a joke by her brothers. Beneath the tough exterior, fans saw a more sensitive and humane side to Bernadette — which they would have liked to see more of.
Hated: Telling Howard's Mother He Was Going To Space
When it comes to Howard and Bernadette's relationship, it was often Howard that caused most of the conflict. However, in "The Russian Rocket Reflection," Bernadette was the one who threw a spanner in the works when she betrayed Howard's trust.
As fans , Bernadette wasn't very pleased when she discovered Howard was going to space. Although she said she was okay with it, she proved she wasn't when she betrayed his trust and told his mother. It was one of the first times fans saw how manipulative and cunning Bernadette could be.
Sympathetic: Thinking She Will Be A Bad Mother
In the last couple of seasons, fans got used to seeing the brave and outspoken side of Bernadette. However, there were several moments where she let her insecurities show. A prime example of this being in "The Dependence Transcendence" when it was revealed that she was having doubts about whether she would be a good mother or not.
Since fans had already noticed she wasn't exactly the most maternal person, they could see that this genuinely concerned her. Luckily, Raj's father managed to ease her fears, but fans could easily relate to Bernadette's worries — especially those who were becoming parents for the first time.
Hated: Dismissing Penny
Out of all the scenes in the show, one that frustrated fans the most was when Bernadette dismissed Penny after she tried to confide in her. In "The Procreation Correlation," Penny and Leonard got into a fight after she itted that she didn't want kids.
When Penny decided to confide in Bernadette, the biologist brushed her wants off and told her that she wouldn't feel fulfilled in life until she had children. Not only did Bernadette degrade Penny's marriage but she also insulted her by saying motherhood makes a person complete. It doesn't. It's completely okay for someone to decide they don't want children.