Howard Wolowitz has been though a lot this season of The Big Bang Theory , including the loss of his mother. Her death was prompted by the real-life passing of the actress who portrayed Mrs. Wolowitz, Carol Ann Susi . Now, Howard’s family dynamic is set to change again, as on Thursday night’s episode, “The Fortification Implementation,” he meets his long-lost younger brother.
Big Bang Theory producers have given little hint as to what the plotline will entail, apart from the fact that Josh Wolowitz, the son of Howard’s father, unexpectedly arrives on his doorstep. The part is played by former Nickelodeon star Matt Bennett, who was seen recently as the love interest at the end of Ariana Grande’s apocalyptic music video “One Last Time.”
Bennett, 23, is a native of Massapequa, New York. His professional credits as a singer, actor and screenwriter go back to 2009, when he appeared in a television movie. He produced a short for Nickelodeon that he recently gifted to fans over his Twitter feed.
I made a short over a year ago for Nickelodeon and they finally put it up! Thank you, sweet Nickelodeon gods watch it http://t.co/6RNYdWEgLb
— mattoninternet.jpg (@MattBennett) March 25, 2015
Bennett’s future with The Big Bang Theory is unclear. The Hollywood Reporter revealed that, so far, Josh Wolowitz is only set to appear in the April 9 episode. Fans of The Big Bang Theory might recall that Wolowitz’s father left the family when Howard was 11 and they remain estranged.
In an earlier episode, “The Closet Reconfiguration,” Sheldon came across a letter from Howard’s father that he had never opened. Later, the friends each told Howard a different story of what the letter contained, knowing only one of the stories was true. While the focus of Thursday’s episode may be the introduction of Josh Wolowitz, there are a couple of other plots that are sure to entertain. Wil Wheaton is back and invites Penny to participate in his podcast. This results in a rift between her and Leonard, and they engage in a very public argument.
Sheldon and Amy build a blanket fort, and “come to major crossroads in their relationship,” according to the official CBS summary. Earlier this season we saw Sheldon tell Amy he loves her, and last year they shared a kiss on a train. A sneak peek of the new episode shows Amy suggesting they could have their first sleepover.
The Big Bang Theory airs at 8 p.m. Thursdays on CBS.
[Images courtesy of CBS/ The Big Bang Theory and Getty]