We might have seen more of Dr. Leslie Winkle in The Big Bang Theory, but the writers had other plans 

The Big Bang Theory, even after more than five years since it last aired, keeps living among millions of hearts all over the world and is still winning millions more. The Emmy-winning show has often been compared to other contemporary classic sitcoms, namely Friends and How I Met Your Mother.

However, the Chuck Lorre and Bill Prady masterpiece is unique in a number of ways, some of them being a science-centric script, an ever-expanding franchise, and a multi-layered plotline. Leonard and Sheldon are the two major characters of the sitcom (played by Johnny Galecki and Jim Parsons, respectively), portraying two brilliant scientists working at Caltech (and best friends as well).

Besides Penny, Raj, and Howard (who all form a friends group with Sheldon & Leonard and hang out most of the time together), Leslie Winkle is another supporting character who appears prominently in the initial seasons, portraying a nerdy experimental physicist and Leonard's labmate. However, her romantic involvement (mostly based on physical attraction) with Leonard has been sporadic throughout the show, and the character was eventually written off the show.

Per Entertainment Weekly, Sara Gilbert (who played the part) reportedly mentioned in a recent statement, saying:

"I would have done more at the time."

Dr. Leslie Winkle might have gotten more screen time in The Big Bang Theory

Dr. Leslie Winkle, though not a main character in The Big Bang Theory universe, has always been loved by viewers owing to her nerdy yet witty on-screen presence. It is also worth mentioning that her character has been the only one who can tackle Sheldon's weird approach and geekiness.

Despite being aware of Sheldon's educational prowess and out-of-the-world intelligence, she never thinks twice before challenging (as well as mocking) his scientific ideas. Leslie is a smart young woman who is unapologetic, though not at all inconsiderate (when the need arises).

However, she does not appear much on the show after the second season and gets very limited screen time later during the 3rd and the 9th chapters. Recently, while talking to The Official Big Bang Theory Podcast, star Sara Gilbert opened up about her character eventually fading away from the show.

According to Entertainment Weekly, at that time, she wanted to do more with The Big Bang Theory franchise. But she believes that her character ran out of story then, and the showrunners kind of "hit the wall." To quote her exact words:

"I think the writers kind of hit a wall with the character, probably also because she leaves these dynamics quickly, you know, then kind of like, well, what do you do now?"

She further added:

"She’s wired like that, and she left, and then there’s no more story there, really."

Leslie Winkle's dynamic character was also reportedly explained by The Big Bang Theory's executive producer Steve Molaro, where he, according to Slashfilm, mentioned:

"We wanted love interests for Leonard and were just looking for stories."

According to reports, the showrunners were experimenting with characters (female) and checking what suited the plot best (keeping in mind how to engage Leonard with potential love interests). Leslie's sarcastic presence is what adds a unique layer to her character, not to mention how her cold yet savage, funny dialogues always steal the show.

Despite being Sheldon's nemesis (definitely as a joke), Leslie's role tends to find the right place to come in and hit the comic note. Sara Gilbert (Dr. Leslie Winkle) made her last appearance in The Big Bang Theory in Episode 200, bearing the title "The Celebration Experimentation," and even after having very limited screen time, her character still resonates among millions of viewers in a number of ways.

Trending

Stay tuned to Soap Central for more information.

Also Read: The Big Bang Theory theme song has a major scientific mistake

×

Was this article helpful?

Thank You for feedback