Pennys Character Has Changed, Saddens Me

[mphs95]

whether you like it our not, 99% of the people judge by appearance.

If you meet a smelly dirty unshaved man on the street begging for a $5 handout, whats your opinion? Take that same man, shave, bath, and give him a $500 suit and ask you for $5 cause he lost him wallet, what's your opinion. The people who deny judging people by their appearance, they are the liars.

 

Yes that's what I said, they are the liars!  

 

No matter if it intensional or just automatic. When anyone sees anyone else they involuntarily form an opinion of that persons character. SO!. In my opinion Penny appears/looks funny with longer hair compared to now. Take Chelsea Handler, shes very funny/sexy/attractive. Cut her hair off short where her ears stick out and she wouldn't look as funny.

 

BTW, as I said before I CAN"T STAND THE NEW Miley Cyrus(never cared much for the old one either). And Penny's new haircut reminds me of allot of M.Cyrus haircut. Maybe that is part of why I hate Pennys new haircut, plus she looks less funny.

 

Man, are you looking for an argument? 

 

Dude, we get you don't like the cut and you think she's not funny now.  However, several here disagree with you.  It doesn't make your opinion wrong, but calling fellow posters blind among other things because we are not jumping on your Penny Hair band wagon is just not cool.  If you feel you are being unfairly being treated hostile, take it up with the moderator or better yet, find another forum.  This is a site where people can debate and disagree without whining about persecution and I love it.  Do I always agree with the others?  No, but I will either give my dissenting opinion in a clear, concise manner, or just not post period.

 

As my mother always said, if you can't say anything nice, don't say anything at all. 

 

If you can give your opinions without being accusatory or making others feel stupid, I among others would be more inclined to at least give your opinions more weight.

Edited October 11, 2014 by mphs95

[MTBigBangTheoryFan]

Hallelujah! ITA. People who are disillusioned about her character because she changed her hair need to get a life. Ones who are annoyed about the developments over the last few years need to get real. People, evolve, even the great Sheldon Cooper, who I think once he is ready is going to be a major hornball with his Glendale vixen. It's called growing up. Things change.

 

That last part had me thinking it would be funny if after Shamy do it for The First Time Sheldon enjoys it and want it a lot and then Amy start getting tried and exhausted and one night she  tells tell Sheldon "Not tonight Sheldon I Got a Headache" lol Oh the Irony that would be

[thephantom]

No I agree with some of the stuff, Penny is no longer the hot party girl with big dreams and a big heart across the hall, she is now the pretty woman who is trying to make something of her life, job wise and relationship wise.

This is the part that really saddens me. I don't mind the haircut but I don't like the fact that she gave up on her dreams. I wanted to see her acting career take off

 

Overall Lorre has made it seem like anyone on this show can follow their dreams except Penny

[Guest]

This is the part that really saddens me. I don't mind the haircut but I don't like the fact that she gave up on her dreams. I wanted to see her acting career take off

 

Overall Lorre has made it seem like anyone on this show can follow their dreams except Penny

 

But that would be ridiculously unrealistic. And she can still continue with her acting career, after gaining some confidence with her new job. And I think that's going to happen.

[Tensor]

Yeah, Molaro mentioned that in one of the interviews. He said the acting will be put on the back burner "for a while." It will give her a chance to build some self-confidence and he also mentioned that there are comedic possibilities as she makes progress as a pharmaceutical rep, but an acting job comes up, and she has to make a decision. So, I don't think they've given up completely on her acting.

[djsurrey]

I think the hair cut was a good idea.

After seven years why not change it? My gosh Kaley was just 21 when the series started so seven years is a significant fraction of her life (same goes for Penny). People change their look now and then.

My guess is that most of the 20,000,000 viewers will quickly adapt to the change. Kaley has a very expressive face regardless of her hair length.

So chas; Don't worry, be happy.

[hokie3457]

So much attention being paid to something as innocuous as a haircut. Perhaps it is a big change, but I think it's a change for the better. Penny is no longer The 21-year-old hottie across the hall. She is now The nearly 29-year-old Hot fiancé of the man who lives across from her present apartment.

To me it is an appropriate and mature look. Her eyes pop. Her strong jaw line is no longer hidden. It gives a whole new perspective to her visually, which is in sync with what is happening for her character! Thumbs-up from this corner.

Sent from my iPhone using

Tapatalk

Edited October 16, 2014 by hokie3457

[lonewriter]

I thought she quit the Cheesecake Factory to devote full time into acting but now she has a job as a pharmaceutical rep, why haven't they explained why?

[djsurrey]

I thought she quit the Cheesecake Factory to devote full time into acting but now she has a job as a pharmaceutical rep, why haven't they explained why?

That move started in 7.23 when Penny got fired from a movie and then decided to make changes.

Latter Bernadette sets up an interview for Penny 8.01

[Stephen Hawking]

I don't like super short hair on women but that's my personal preference.

 

Personally.I think it depends on the woman.

 

[lonewriter]

I couldn't care less about her hair, I don't understand why a lot of people are making a big deal of it. My thing is that they devoted years into her becoming a famous actress then she just changes her mind. I am glad she and Leonard are finally getting married.

[Tensor]

Actually, the've spent years devoted to showing that she is a struggling actress.  I'll agree with the rest of your post.  

[phantagrae]

I think that she struggled with the decision to kind of let go of her acting chase at the end of last season.  I think that the implication after that (based on Bernie's comment about yoga pants) was that she was kind of direction-less and not working.

 

She decided that her happiness didn't rest only on the success of her acting career.  I do hope that sometime soon (maybe during this Sweeps period?) that they revisit the acting thing again.  Getting a potential big break and having to gamble on that, and whether or not she could hold onto this day job while pursuing that or would have to choose between the two--good story stuff.

[Tensor]

I've figured out why I like her hair.  All those people see her as a man with her short hair.  My hair is longer is hers, so since so many people think of her as a man with short hair, I'll be the woman, to her man,  with my long hair.  

[Nogravitasatall]

Personally.I think it depends on the woman.

 

Wow. That's one from the archive. Avon, where are you now? I could cope with seeing Penny in some of Servalan's outfits. That'd give Leonard a shock. Hehehe.

[thephantom]

I think that she struggled with the decision to kind of let go of her acting chase at the end of last season.  I think that the implication after that (based on Bernie's comment about yoga pants) was that she was kind of direction-less and not working.

 

She decided that her happiness didn't rest only on the success of her acting career.  I do hope that sometime soon (maybe during this Sweeps period?) that they revisit the acting thing again.  Getting a potential big break and having to gamble on that, and whether or not she could hold onto this day job while pursuing that or would have to choose between the two--good story stuff.

After reading this, I kinda agree. I think she realized that it was time to let go. She spent years devoted to becoming a big actress and it wasn't going anywhere. This is realistic for alot people that decide to follow their passion after a while

[3ku11]

The writters did not devote to painting Penny striving to be a actress. But see her struggle as one. And the pitfalls that come with it. I dont think writers intended on Penny ever breaking. If she diddnt in the first season she wasent going to in the 8th season. Struggling Actress working as an waitress was the premise of her character. But it by no means defined her character. This changed around s6, when Penny started to deconstruct her self actulization. And embrace her reality. And started to look for other passions.

So whether or not you like her new hair or not. Personally she has gone through alot of changes since she was the hot 21 yr old from across the hall. So the hair cut is a refreshing new look. That shows off alot of her features and qualities, now shes growing up. If it has effected your perception of her character.

Apart from being narrow minded, you clearly must not be interested in story and character development. And just long hair, so I can binge, me now hungary haha. Its not really Kaleys or the shows problem. Like some said 20 mill well adapt. Her hair is not the real issue here, it just masks it, people hate change, even small change.

Edited November 3, 2014 by 3ku11

[thephantom]

The writters did not devote to painting Penny striving to be a actress. But see her struggle as one. And the pitfalls that come with it. I dont think writers intended on Penny ever breaking. If she diddnt in the first season she wasent going to in the 8th season. Struggling Actress working as an waitress was the premise of her character. But it by no means defined her character. This changed around s6, when Penny started to deconstruct her self actulization. And embrace her reality. And started to look for other passions.

So whether or not you like her new hair or not. Personally she has gone through alot of changes since she was the hot 21 yr old from across the hall. So the hair cut is a refreshing new look. That shows off alot of her features and qualities, now shes growing up. If it has effected your perception of her character.

Apart from being narrow minded, you clearly must not be interested in story and character development. And just long hair, so I can binge, me now hungary haha. Its not really Kaleys or the shows problem. Like some said 20 mill well adapt. Her hair is not the real issue here, it just masks it, people hate change, even small change.

If you read my posts 3kull, you would be aware that I have said nothing about not liking her hair cut or not wanting character development. I don't going around praising seasons 1-3 all the time

 

Also I've seen nothing so far that suggests that this new job is a passion. She does seem to want to do good in it but is she interested in   medicine / pharmaceuticals?

[Itwasdestined]

I think she is interested in financial stability and independence. That was the point of the money debate with Leonard and returning the money for the car. This has been true since she borrowed money from Sheldon way back in the early days. She always struggled and her alleged food mooching has been a running joke but she always wanted to pay back what she owed. That part of her character hasn't changed. Even in the pilot she wanted to buy dinner for the guys for their effort in challenging Kurt.

From the engagement episode, the premise now seems to be loving Leonard is her passion and makes her happy and her new job satisfies her other desire - financial independence. Might not be the ultimate goal in the eyes of some but it appears to be the current situation. Personally I'd like to see her get Leonard AND financial security from her original goal of acting but she seems quite happy with her life ATM.

[meka3000]

Thats my point. Considering the amount of life choice changes. The amount of changes that have altered and deconstructed her self actulization. You would think something as small and subtle as short hair would pale in comparison. But like some said it is a sitcom. So ppl like reliability when it comes to sitcoms. So i understand that. But point is Penny aint suddenlly all of sudden any less funny because of her hair. She was an actress and she was 20. So it reflected in her apperence. Hence the long hair and tops and shorts. Shes now 28, and growing up. Hence the suits, and new haircut. I think the core idea is a women on tv or in society in general can only be funny or likeable if they are hot. Apart from the idea that even in tv land life moves on. I think some here and elsewhere dont follow the story development. Penny hasent been hot party girl, with that prefered role since S4. Kaley got a hair cut and show decided to incorporate it into her role. This aint nothing like Felicity, Pennys one of many main characters. But whats the point of difference here. Penny walk in with skimpy shorts like its S1 and shes dating Kurt? Haha. Penny normally blends in as she doesent stand out, she now does and its got ppl talking.

 

I think something else you have to consider is that all the main characters are nearly STILL VISUALLY recognizable today as they were when their characters debuted.  With ONE EXCEPTION, Penny.  Her long hair was ALWAYS a distinctive look that accentuated her bubbly/fun/outgoing personality.  The short hair just looks too conservative for who the character is on this show IMO.  It also doesn't help that her clothes in season 8 usually don't do anything to accentuate her lovable personality now, with the hair it still worked.  Without the hair it doesn't, if anything it hardens her looks.

 

Also within the group dynamics her attractiveness is supposed to contrast with the rest of the characters.  Before she managed to EFFORTLESSLY look like the most attractive person (not just woman) of the group.  Now the gap IMO is much smaller.

 

She just doesn't stand out as easily with short hair as she did with longer hair.

 

Yes, yes I know there is more to her character than her looks.  I agree with that.  But you can make that same argument with ALL OF THE MAIN CHARACTERS.  Why don't we do anything to change the rest of them?  Like taking away Leonard's glasses to make him more attractive, or dress Amy in better clothes?  The simple answer is it's not necessary and undermines the point WHY they have those to begin with (to downplay the actors physical attractiveness and accentuate their geekiness).

It's the same reason why I haven't cared very much for Penny's short hair.  It's superfluous.

 

Not to mention the reasons for Penny the character getting her hair cut THIS SHORT feel like they don't exactly ring true for the character for a couple reasons that I'll talk about later.

 

I realize that some people are probably going to think of me as shallow for all that I wrote above.  If you do, I guess I have to accept that.  I just want to make clear that I don't hate the short hair on Kaley Cuoco Sweeting.  I just don't think much of it on her character Penny BECAUSE it throws a monkey wrench into the previously intended group dynamics at least from a visual standpoint.

[djsurrey]

• After so many years it just is no big deal.
• Penny used to be the unattainable girl next door. Now she is engaged. Nothing wrong with a change in appearance. It fits the show fine.

Lenard's hair has been different in different seasons. The change may be less but it is certainly noticeable.

[meka3000]

 

• After so many years it just is no big deal.
• Penny used to be the unattainable girl next door. Now she is engaged. Nothing wrong with a change in appearance. It fits the show fine.

Lenard's hair has been different in different seasons. The change may be less but it is certainly noticeable.

 

 

Except the short doesn't accentuate her personality, which I explained above.

 

Leonard's hair might've been different, but the difference wasn't a DRASTICALLY NOTICEABLE one like with Penny's hair.  Also it DIDN'T affect his role in the group dynamics (from a visual perspective) like it does with Penny.

 

Also Penny's new hair doesn't fit the character for a couple more reasons:

- The assumption is she cut it short for her job interview, but if you google "female pharmaceutical reps" you'll notice most have the long hair Penny had.  Bernadette should notice this.

- Most females don't get a hair cut this short till AFTER their wedding.  Most females want the long hair look for their wedding day.  To me Penny would fall under that same category.

Edited March 25, 2015 by meka3000

[thephantom]

The writters did not devote to painting Penny striving to be a actress. But see her struggle as one. And the pitfalls that come with it. I dont think writers intended on Penny ever breaking. If she diddnt in the first season she wasent going to in the 8th season. Struggling Actress working as an waitress was the premise of her character. But it by no means defined her character. This changed around s6, when Penny started to deconstruct her self actulization. And embrace her reality. And started to look for other passions.

So whether or not you like her new hair or not. Personally she has gone through alot of changes since she was the hot 21 yr old from across the hall. So the hair cut is a refreshing new look. That shows off alot of her features and qualities, now shes growing up. If it has effected your perception of her character.

Apart from being narrow minded, you clearly must not be interested in story and character development. And just long hair, so I can binge, me now hungary haha. Its not really Kaleys or the shows problem. Like some said 20 mill well adapt. Her hair is not the real issue here, it just masks it, people hate change, even small change.

So you guys think I'm not interest in story and character development just because I don't like or agree with every single creative decision the writers have made in the past 8 years?

[Grasshopper]

Hello everyone, It's been awhile since I have posted. I see the same good ole feuding going on here. Well, let me see if I can help clear things up here.

 

Well, to the OP, the new member, well not new anymore, Chas I believe is the name? Hi Chas, nice to meet you. Welcome to the forum.

 

So, you say that a person's hair style results in the change of their character and/or how funny they are. Hmmm, I will have to agree. It change it. I couldn't picture Curly Joe or Larry from the 3 Stooges with normal looking haircuts, or even old comedian Marty Allen without his wild mad scientist hairdo. 

In Penny's case, I'd say it took me by surprise when I first saw it. Yes it did make her look smarter, as some posters mentioned she has matured on the show throughout the years,aside from the fact that the hairdo fits in well with her pharmacy job, but I didn't see her any less funny, other than what she is scripted by the writers.

 

If you don't care for short hair then I can not object to your opinion. I prefer longer hair myself also, but I think Kaley looks pretty cool with her latest hairstyle and it is has grown on me. 

 

Now another question is: Are female comedians with short blonde hair not funny? Well, Carol Burnett, fitting that description, was VERY successful. Also Joan Rivers was too, although I never really cared much for her, but may God rest her soul, or Gort rest her soul, or whatever one wants to believe.

 

One thing I am curious about;  Is Penny supposedly planning to cheat on Leonard in the near future? I ask that because I didn't understand your statement about her dating dumb guys again.

 

I read most of the posts in this thread but I sort of skipped through a few on page 3,  so my apologies if I missed out on something.

Edited March 27, 2015 by Grasshopper

[phantagrae]

Except the short doesn't accentuate her personality, which I explained above.

 

Leonard's hair might've been different, but the difference wasn't a DRASTICALLY NOTICEABLE one like with Penny's hair.  Also it DIDN'T affect his role in the group dynamics (from a visual perspective) like it does with Penny.

 

Also Penny's new hair doesn't fit the character for a couple more reasons:

- The assumption is she cut it short for her job interview, but if you google "female pharmaceutical reps" you'll notice most have the long hair Penny had.  Bernadette should notice this.

- Most females don't get a hair cut this short till AFTER their wedding.  Most females want the long hair look for their wedding day.  To me Penny would fall under that same category.

 

Where did anyone (writers/characters) imply that her haircut was for her interview?  And even if she did cut it for her interview (which she did not, IMO), so what?  There's no rule that says one has to have this or that kind of hair for this or that kind of profession.

 

Where did all these rules about haircuts come from?  A magazine?  I've never heard of any of them.

 

I know young women, older women, girls, grandmas, who have both short or long hair.  Once upon a time, like around the 1920s, it was considered somewhat scandalous for women to cut their hair.  Getting a "bob" was something that young flappers did, not dignified women!!

But pretty soon it didn't matter as much and one didn't have to be a wild party girl to cut her hair short or wear shorter dresses, etc.

(Watch Downton Abby!)

 

And especially since the 60s, when pixie haircuts first became popular, all kinds of women have worn their hair short.  My older sister and I had pixie cuts when I was about 6 and my younger sister was born.  Then I grew my hair out for the next few years and cut it all off again when I was in middle school.

My elderly aunt has had sort hair as long as I can remember and my mom (in her 80s) wears her hair in a chin length bob.

But I also know women in their 60s who wear their hair long.

 

There really are no rules anymore about when or if or why one cuts their hair.

 

Penny had short hair at the beginning of S8, before she went on the sales job interview.  She had the interview coming up, but they never said she cut her hair for that reason.  The only mention of it was Sheldon's reaction (Penny not wanting to hear about it all the way back from AZ, his reaction when he first noticed it.)

 

And it doesn't matter what other sales reps look like.  Why would she want to be just another member of the long blond hair herd?  If having a snappy hairstyle helps her stand out, then that can only be a good thing.

I think that her haircut really does fit her personality.  She's fun and young and spunky, which is what her haircut is like--trendy, cute, versatile, energetic.  (I just saw a similar cut in one of those books at the hair salon.)

 

And if she likes her short hair--which she does, since she hasn't had any issues with it (and neither has Leonard because he didn't fall in love with her because of her hair)--then maybe she wants to have short hair for her wedding.

She doesn't have to have the long flowing locks that some girls treasure just to be a bride.  Some girls are more daring or look to stand out and wear different kinds of dresses or veils or headbands or whatever.

 

I don't think her haircut has been at all detrimental to her character or the show or the humor.  I'm constantly baffled by this hangup.