TMC
11-03-2025, 07:41 PM
https://www.looper.com/2011552/plot-holes-hurt-perfect-tv-shows/
https://www.looper.com/img/gallery/12-plot-holes-that-hurt-otherwise-perfect-tv-shows/howard-forgot-the-elevator-was-broken-in-the-big-bang-theory-1761771261.webp
One of the most enduring ongoing gags in "The Big Bang Theory" is the broken elevator. It's a clever way to force characters to talk while walking up the stairs because, as we all know, you're not supposed to talk in an elevator. At first, the elevator is broken without any explanation, but the show doesn't leave the audience hanging for its entire run. The explanation of what happened comes in Season 3's penultimate episode.
Leonard (Johnny Galecki) is conducting an experiment in the apartment with Raj (Kunal Nayyar) and Howard (Simon Helberg) to produce rocket fuel. That's already not a great idea, but it fits the show's narrative and the characters well. In one of "Big Bang Theory's" best roommate moments (https://www.looper.com/832964/most-iconic-big-bang-theory-roommate-moments-ranked/), Sheldon (Jim Parsons) notices a problem. He grabs the canister from Leonard and places it in the elevator before it explodes, saving everyone.
That makes perfect sense, but the problem arises because of a Season 1 episode when Leonard has to explain to Howard that the elevator is broken and they have to take the stairs. Why wouldn't Howard remember the time he and Leonard nearly blew themselves up, but were saved by Sheldon? It's a small plot hole that fans of the series can easily overlook, but it defies logic in a show that's rooted in science.
https://www.looper.com/img/gallery/12-plot-holes-that-hurt-otherwise-perfect-tv-shows/howard-forgot-the-elevator-was-broken-in-the-big-bang-theory-1761771261.webp
One of the most enduring ongoing gags in "The Big Bang Theory" is the broken elevator. It's a clever way to force characters to talk while walking up the stairs because, as we all know, you're not supposed to talk in an elevator. At first, the elevator is broken without any explanation, but the show doesn't leave the audience hanging for its entire run. The explanation of what happened comes in Season 3's penultimate episode.
Leonard (Johnny Galecki) is conducting an experiment in the apartment with Raj (Kunal Nayyar) and Howard (Simon Helberg) to produce rocket fuel. That's already not a great idea, but it fits the show's narrative and the characters well. In one of "Big Bang Theory's" best roommate moments (https://www.looper.com/832964/most-iconic-big-bang-theory-roommate-moments-ranked/), Sheldon (Jim Parsons) notices a problem. He grabs the canister from Leonard and places it in the elevator before it explodes, saving everyone.
That makes perfect sense, but the problem arises because of a Season 1 episode when Leonard has to explain to Howard that the elevator is broken and they have to take the stairs. Why wouldn't Howard remember the time he and Leonard nearly blew themselves up, but were saved by Sheldon? It's a small plot hole that fans of the series can easily overlook, but it defies logic in a show that's rooted in science.