As one of the only major TV shows that fully embraces geek culture on every level, The Big Bang Theory is a series where you can expect a reference to the X-Men to come in the same scene as someone quoting Neil deGrasse Tyson. And so it should come as no surprise that the hit sitcom will give a nod to non-TV life by bringing Star Wars: The Force Awakens into the show in some capacity.
Because The Force Awakens comes out in the middle of Season 9 of The Big Bang Theory, it definitely makes sense for the show to tie a storyline into one of the most anticipated movies of the year, if not of all time. Here’s how the series’ executive producer Steve Molaro explained things.
We’re talking about how that will be weaved into [the guys’] lives. And we have some really cool ideas…Obviously, we’re all excited about it, just as human beings – and the characters are as well. I don’t know exactly how it’s going to play in, but it won’t be ignored.
Indeed, he told TV Line that it would “be weird for us not to mention the film.” Especially since this is a series that has already featured a couple of Star Wars cameos in the past, specifically on the Season 7 episode “The Convention Conundrum,” which had James Earl Jones and Carrie Fisher appearing in it. I seriously doubt the show would get anyone from The Force Awakens involved in an episode, but it’d be cool if J.J. Abrams popped in, or if BB-8 rolled through a scene like a tumbleweed.
So how could this show feasibly bring The Force Awakens into the plot without being able to show any footage or rely on the stars? An easy route would be having some of the main characters trying to make it to the premiere of the film at a local theater, where an array of problems ensue. Or perhaps a bottle episode where some characters get trapped inside of an elevator and all they do is theorize what will happen to the Star Wars universe in the movie and beyond. I’m also game to watch a fantasy lightsaber battle.
Season 9 will kick off with a bang – a honeymoon bang, that is – as Sheldon and Penny’s Vegas trip gets interesting. Considering how well the show has honored Star Trek in the past, maybe we’ll get a few references to Star Trek Beyond at some point, too, to keep the fanbases on equal terms.
Season 9 of The Big Bang Theory will premiere on Monday, September 21, before moving to its regular time slot on Thursday, November 5, after CBS is finished with its Thursday Night Football telecasts. Star Wars: The Force Awakens will hit theaters on Friday, December 18.
