‘The Big Bang Theory’ Characters Just Gave Penny So Much Sh*t for Her Pixie Cut

Like Rachel on Friends and Felicity on, well, Felicity, viewers of The Big Bang Theory have often associated Penny’s look with her hair. That’s why it came as a shock at the start of season eight when she ditched her long blonde surfer-girl waves for a drastic pixie cut to coincide with her job as a pharmaceutical sales rep. It was actress Kaley Cuoco’s decision to make the chop, but did it translate to the character of Penny as well? (It’s a debate that we at Glamour even wondered about.)

The haircut was briefly addressed at the start of the 2014 season—but after that, it wasn’t really discussed again. Viewers saw Penny—and Kaley—grow out her hair, and the actress even added extensions during season 10. And while the topic of Penny’s looks, disappointingly, have been used for jokes before (usually to ponder why she’s with a self-described nerd like Leonard), her ever-changing hairstyle hasn’t been mentioned. Until now.

In the latest episode, Sheldon struggles with his jealousy over geologist Burt’s MacArthur Genius fellowship award; in an attempt to rationalize Sheldon’s feelings, the gang admits their own jealousies. Raj says he’s jealous of Leonard and Penny and Bernadette and Howard’s relationships, while Leonard reveals he’s always been jealous of how much money Raj’s family has. And then when it’s Amy’s turn, the show goes there. Like, really goes there.

Amy: “Well, ever since I met Penny, I’ve been envious of her looks.”
Penny: “Aww, thank you.”
Amy: “That’s why I was so happy when you cut your hair off.”

Whoa.

It’s not that The Big Bang Theory is always politically correct or its characters always the voice of reason, but having Amy actually admit she was happy that Penny wasn’t looking her best…I mean, that’s so not acceptable today. It’s like saying, “Oh, you got a haircut” or “I could never pull that off.” It’s not a compliment, and the loaded meaning is pretty clear. At a time when we preach that confidence is sexy or looking hot is all about owning your individual style, we did not expect to hear the above conversation. Amy should have stopped after she admitted she was jealous of Penny’s looks. But that’s not how TV works, is it?

And then, this happened:

Penny: “What?!”
Amy: “You know what I mean! You were still hot, but more like a ‘Why’d that hot girl cut off all her hair hot?'”
Penny to Leonard: “You liked my short hair, right?”
Leonard: “Yeesss, loved it. Love you, love the hair, would love to change the subject.”
Penny: “Seriously, none of you liked it?”
Bernadette: “I thought it was brave. Does that count as liking it?”
Penny: “You know, how come nobody’s talking about Howard’s dopey haircut?”
Bernadette: “I think he looks cute!”
Howard: “I think you’re cute!”
Raj: “I think you’re both cute!”
Penny: “I think I hate all of you nerds!”

And there you have it. Not only did the characters’ true feelings finally come out about Penny’s haircut (well, at least for those who never fell in love with it), but Howard’s bowl-shaped haircut got called out too. In a season that could potentially (but we don’t think so) be the show’s last, the writers are holding nothing back. I wouldn’t be surprised if next time we hear about the ridiculousness of the elevator never being fixed or how Sheldon can’t wear a T-shirt without a long-sleeved one underneath it.

The Big Bang Theory will return after Thanksgiving with all new episodes.

Related: How the Women of The Big Bang Theory Will Change in Season 10

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