While The Big Bang Theory’s Howard Wolowitz was a beloved ing character, his arc could have been a disaster if it weren’t for another addition to the cast. Around the time that The Big Bang Theory ended, the show came under fire for the positive depictions of some of its main characters. Much like how the portrayals of Ross from Friends and How I Met Your Mother's Ted were both reconsidered after their respective shows ended, the lead characters of The Big Bang Theory came under fire for their perceived misogyny.

The character who received the most backlash was The Big Bang Theory’s leading man, Leonard, he wasn't the most obviously problematic member of the friend group. Howard Wolowitz is ed as a sleazy, creepy character who attempted all manner of manipulative tricks to woo women. In the early seasons of The Big Bang Theory, Howard was so odious that Penny could barely stand him. But in spite of those flaws, Howard emerged as a popular character on the hit sitcom series.

Howard’s Big Bang Theory Character Wore Thin Quickly

Sheldon’s rudeness and Raj’s shyness were more endearing character flaws than Howard’s sleaziness. Sheldon was not aware that he was rude, and his bluntness was comically over the top, while Raj’s shyness was so intense that he couldn’t even talk to The Big Bang Theory’s Siri when he met her in a dream. In contrast, Howard wasn’t short on confidence even though his comments consistently made female characters uncomfortable. His constant attempts to sleep with Penny crossed a lot of personal boundaries and, unlike the more morally ambiguous characters of Seinfeld or It’s Always Sunny In Philadelphia, he was still presented as lovable.

Howard’s failure to woo women was intended to make his creepiness more palatable, but this didn’t translate all that well. Simon Helberg’s campy performance ensured it was impossible to take Howard seriously but The Big Bang Theory still didn’t do much to make his character likable or redemptive in the show’s earliest seasons. But as it turns out, the show was able to overcome this issue.

Bernadette Changed Howard’s Character (For Good)

The addition of Melissa Rauch’s Bernadette was an ingenious and much-needed move on the part of The Big Bang Theory’s showrunners. Howard’s unlikely love interest led him to become the first member of The Big Bang Theory’s friend group who substantially grew as a character, fleshing out both Howard and Bernadette in the process. Unlike most one-note sitcom characters, Howard became a better person thanks to his relationship. Not only that, but Bernadette’s early introduction meant that this change took place at a believable pace and actually stuck. By the final season of The Big Bang Theory, Howard had gone from a self-centered narcissist to a loving partner and father.

Since he was the most blatantly flawed member of The Big Bang Theory’s friend group, Howard had to endure the most character growth. However, The Big Bang Theory made the wise decision to start this character shift early. Bernadette and Howard dated steadily throughout the series, with their first meeting predating even Sheldon and Amy’s initial encounter. Meanwhile, as Leonard and Penny’s The Big Bang Theory relationship repeatedly ended, restarted, and ended again, Howard and Bernadette forged a more consistent path. Interestingly, given how creepy Howard was in the early seasons, the pair ended up with The Big Bang Theory’s healthiest romance.

Bernadette and Howard Inadvertently Hurt Another Big Bang Theory Couple

Of course, the only problem with Howard and Bernadette’s relationship turning out so well was that this didn’t reflect well on Leonard and Penny. Howard and Bernadette’s dynamic made it hard to see why Leonard and Penny were destined to end up together. Howard’s ability to grow and improve made Leonard look worse in comparison, while Bernadette and Howard’s consistency made Penny and Leonard’s relationship look less romantic while also exposing its flaws at the same time.

While Penny and Leonard’s relationship was central to The Big Bang Theory, it wasn’t always the strongest partnership on the show. Penny and Leonard started on less equal footing than Howard and Bernadette and this was reflected in Leonard’s persistent insecurities surrounding their relationship. Despite this, Leonard and Penny were still a cute couple. However, it is nonetheless ironic that a character who started as the most toxic member of The Big Bang Theory’s friend group ended up in a more mature, balanced relationship than the show’s ostensible heroes.