Hit sitcom The Big Bang Theory may seem like it's about the high IQs of Sheldon, Leonard, Howard, and Raj, but it's actually centered around the relationships these geniuses created. While the guys' friendship is pivotal to the show's success, so was the intimate relationship between Leonard and Penny. Penny is the only female character that's been a part of the series since the beginning, and her relationship with Leonard has always been questioned.
By the 12th and final season, the pair solidified their bond by becoming parents, but fans can't help but notice oodles of red flags in their relationship. As cute as "Lenny" can be, there are plenty of things that don't make sense about their time together.
What Kept Them Together?
Let's start off with the biggest question in their relationship: what was keeping Leonard and Penny together? Diehard Lenny fans may say "love" but relationships need more than love to work.
It was obvious that Leonard and Penny loved each other but were they in love with each other? The two had nothing in common, had completely different educational backgrounds, and had a hard time discussing important life decisions (i.e. marriage, babies, where they would live...). It seemed like they were simply comfortable with each other.
Penny Only Wants Him When They're Not Together
Penny isn't as sentimental as Leonard. When it comes to big moments in their relationship, it's Leonard shedding the tears and Penny making a sly remark. The only time viewers see Penny really appreciate Leonard for who he is — flaws and all — is when they're not dating.
Penny was devastated when Leonard became serious with Priya. It was then that Penny realized how great he was. She did the same thing when they broke up the first time around and she started dating Zach. She hated that Zach wasn't as bright as Leonard, which made her miss Leonard more. When she's finally with Leonard, it's almost like she forgets why she wanted him so badly in the first place.
Why Did Penny Go Through With The Wedding?
It's alluded that Penny and Leonard were engaged for quite some time before tying the knot. The two could never come to an agreement on when they should get married or the theme of the wedding. It was easier for them to stay engaged than handling the conversation (another red flag).
However, when they decide to elope, Leonard dropped a bombshell: he cheated on Penny. Penny looked disgusted but she essentially said she could move past it because they weren't engaged when it happened... At the wedding, the two acted like they never had that dark conversation. Leonard gave a very passionate speech about their relationship and Penny had nothing to say but a song from Toy Story.
Not only does it not make sense for them to get married after this revelation — they already waited this long, why not a few more months? — but the vows were completely one-sided.
The Attraction Between Them
Leonard grew up thinking he was never good enough. With a beautiful wife like Penny on his arm, in his eyes, he would finally be seen as worthy. Likewise, Penny was sick of dating hot guys who continued to cheat on her. She wanted a normal and stable relationship, which is why she settled for her best friend Leonard. This could be why it took her years to tell Leonard she loved him.
In one episode, Leonard and Penny got upset with Sheldon and Amy for thinking that they were an inferior couple. But the reality was they were. Lenny was nowhere near as compatible as Shamy.
Did Penny Really Not Know Leonard's Birthday?
In one episode, Penny is trying to unlock Leonard's iPad but has problems doing so. Leonard tells her the password was his birthday but Penny was still locked out.
It turns out that Penny didn't know Leonard's birthday. He turned the whole situation into a joke, of course, but this doesn't make sense. By this point, Leonard and Penny had known each other for at least six years. In the first season, she even threw him a birthday party! How did she forget his birthday when she's been celebrating with him year after year?
What's Keeping Them From Living Alone?
It's commendable how patient Penny was with Sheldon while dating Leonard. The three of them really were friends through it all. After Leonard and Penn got engaged, they had a deep conversation with Sheldon about how things were going to change in the future. When it didn't go over well, the couple didn't bring up the situation again until Sheldon was ready to move in with Amy.
But almost as soon as Sheldon moved out, Raj moved in. Were Leonard and Penny only comfortable with each other when they had a third party staying with them? Even Leonard's mom made a comment about them covering problems in their relationship with roommates.
Were They Compatible In Bed Or Not?
The first time Leonard and Penny slept together was pretty lackluster. They both said it was "okay" and that sometimes it takes time for a couple to learn each other's rhythms. They both admitted they've never had that issue before in other relationships. The only way to enjoy it and take the pressure off was to get drunk — which they did.
In later episodes, the couple appeared to find their groove and Penny called Leonard a "genius" in bed. Oddly enough in later seasons, Penny told her friends that he "really tries." If their physical connection to each other was the only thing keeping them together, it wasn't stable enough to create a problem-free marriage.
Leonard's Fear Was Irrational
Throughout Leonard and Penny's relationship, Leonard has always been terrified of losing Penny. He never felt attractive enough or that he fit in Penny's world. He also became super jealous whenever she was around other attractive men, like her British classmate. But guy after guy passed her by and she always chose Leonard.
Comically, it was never Penny that Leonard had to worry about — it was himself. He's the one who cheated on Penny. He sabotaged his own relationship, which made no sense.
Why Did Penny Care About Leonard's Savings Account?
When Penny and Leonard went to the mountains for the weekend with Sheldon and Amy, it came out that Leonard had a secret bank account that he uses for savings. Penny was unaware of Leonard's savings account and was hurt that he was keeping money from her. She claimed there were a ton of things she could have done with that money (which was exactly why Leonard hid it from her).
What doesn't make sense about Penny's hostility is that at this point in time, she was making good money as a sales rep. Her salary was double Leonard's. Why would she need his money when she has more than he does?
How Many Times Were They On And Off?
It's an ongoing gag that Leonard and Penny break up and make up a lot. As is the fact that Leonard proposes to Penny just as much. But how many times did they actually break up and make up? In the show, viewers only saw Leonard and Penny break up once ("The Wheaton Recurrence"). They got back together after Leonard broke up with Priya. As for proposals, Leonard said he stopped counting at four but viewers never saw all those attempts. Is this just a longstanding joke with no value?