‘Big Bang Theory’ Finale: Show Boss Explains What’s Next In Season 9 [Spoilers]

[Big Bang Theory fans be warned: this article contains spoilers from the Season 8 finale that aired Thursday, May 7.]

The Season 8 finale of The Big Bang Theory, hyped to be an episode with major cliffhangers for the characters, did not disappoint. Viewers saw a surprising admission from Leonard that put a wrench in his relationship with Penny, and with one look, Jim Parsons demonstrated why he’s won four Emmys for playing Sheldon Cooper.

Shortly after the episode aired, the Hollywood Reporter published an interview with showrunner Steven Molaro. The executive producer gave some insight as to how the relationships shifted in the finale. Molaro said they have not yet begun to write Season 9, but have some ideas about where the show is going.

As for Sheldon and Amy’s cliffhanger, one thing is certain: Amy will remain an integral part of the group. In the final scene, Amy breaks up with Sheldon over a video chat. It’s revealed after she hangs up that Sheldon was planning to propose. Molaro confirmed the show’s commitment to Mayim Bialik, who plays Amy, and supported Amy’s choice to put her relationship with Sheldon on hold.

“I don’t know if the length of time [that Sheldon was planning on proposing] matters so much as the situation where Amy has taken a legitimate step back that he was not expecting. That’s really the headline here that we’ll be digging into.

Without a doubt, absolutely yes [Mayim Bialik will remain a regular]… She’s not going anywhere.”

In an interview with Variety published Thursday, Bialik had teased that the finale would have big things in store for Amy and Sheldon. As for her favorite Sheldon and Amy moment, she seemed challenged to name just one.

“Our first cuddle was special. When he said ‘I love you’ was special. Jim and I get to find a lot of those moments together, even if they’re not scripted.”

Leonard and Penny also decided to change their relationship dynamic during the season finale, as they headed to Vegas to get married. On the way, Leonard told Penny he kissed a girl a few years ago while on a research trip. While Penny was clearly taken aback by the admission, Molaro said the quickie wedding isn’t necessarily called off.

“I know that they’re staying in that car and that car is headed to Vegas — but not under the most ideal circumstances.”

In this very busy episode, Raj also started to break up with Emily after realizing her love of the macabre was not the best fit for his own personality. He can’t get the words out, however, and instead he tells her he loves her. Molaro says Raj’s story will examine the power of his need to be with another person and not on his own, as he was for so many years.

“How uncomfortable is he willing to be to not be alone? That’s a very real question that people in relationships often find themselves in.”

Howard and Bernadette also tried to “break up” with Stuart. They didn’t quite get to the point of kicking him out of the house. Molaro said Howard and Bernadette will continue to try to make Howard’s mother’s house “their” home, despite the association it holds for Howard. Where Stuart ultimately ends up is unclear.

The Big Bang Theory will be on for at least two more years. Molaro said he hasn’t yet begun to think of how the series might end. For now, the show will tie up its loose ends when it comes back in the fall.

[Image: The Big Bang Theory / CBS]