Chapel Bells (and Commitment Issues) Collide on ‘The Big Bang Theory’

Rob Moynihan September 21, 2015, 7:00 am

Wedding bells will ring when Big Bang returns for a ninth season. Lovebirds Leonard (Johnny Galecki) and Penny (Kaley Cuoco-Sweeting) are finally tying the knot—in a Las Vegas chapel! “They’re getting married, but that’s only the beginning of their story,” exec producer Steven Molaro teases. “Penny has always had some commitment issues when it came to Leonard, so it’s a big step for her to want to go forward and embrace it.”

While that relationship moves to the next level, the romance between Sheldon (Jim Parsons) and Amy (Mayim Bialik) is still on hold after Amy broke things off in May’s season finale. “She cares about him deeply, and obviously he cares about her in his special way, but as quirky and wonderful as he is, he’s a frustrating guy,” Molaro says. “In the wake of her taking a step back, we’ll be seeing several new and very fun colors on Sheldon that we haven’t seen before.”

As the events between these couples play out, Molaro reveals an upcoming episode will serve as a tribute to Star Trek actor Leonard Nimoy, who passed away this year and has contributed to the show. “I don’t want to say too much” Molaro says. “But it’s very much about the man and Mr. Spock.” Live long and prosper.

The Big Bang Theory, returns Monday, Sept. 21, 8/7c, CBS