The Big Bang Theory is so well known for its cast of intelligent characters, but that doesn't mean they are all competent. In fact, competency can be measured in a number of ways, from the level of common sense of an individual to their emotional competence and how that actually affects their everyday actions.
Some characters have evolved and grown, much like Penny. They may have started out with far less competency than they end with, which is all a part of their overall arc. But others are simply not smart enough to fully function in the world that The Big Bang Theory has crafted. Everyone has their own talent though that makes up for alternative flaws.
9 George Cooper Jr.
George Cooper Jr. might be getting further exploration in Young Sheldon but it's fair to say that he's not the sharpest tool in the shed. The advantage of what George brings to the table is that he is very physically capable, even creating his own business where he runs the floor supremely well.
But on the other hand, anything scientific or perhaps anything that requires a level of deep thought isn't George's strong point. He's far less competent in Sheldon's world than most other characters in the show, but on the other hand, Sheldon would struggle with everything his brother has achieved.
8 Sheldon Cooper
Sheldon Cooper is a great friend, a quick-witted theoretical physicist, and the central focus of The Big Bang theory. Where he might succeed in the plains of science, he certainly fails in regards to social etiquette and emotional intelligence. He has many flaws which can impact his work.
From personal grudges to his lack of understanding of how to navigate certain situations, Sheldon's common sense and social skills definitely verge toward incompetence. As the show progresses Sheldon has been able to grow as a person. He's still messed things up for himself a fair few times, but he's definitely learning from his friends.
7 Stuart Bloom
Stuart Bloom is loyal and caring. He's got health issues to tackle and financial problems to sort out. However, Stuart is pretty incompetent when compared to the other characters. He's run the comic book store into the ground on more than one occasion, demonstrating his lack of business sense.
That does improve after an insurance investment, but even then he wouldn't be able to operate in the scientific landscape like his friends. In a redemptive arc though, he is definitely competent when it comes to childcare, helping out Howard and Bernie with their kids.
6 Bert Kibbler
Bert is an absolute expert when it comes to geology. When the Big Bang crew has a rock-based problem that needs solving, he's the guy to go to. He's got a great sense of humor too, which is often overlooked and has contributed a lot to the university he works at.
Outside of this though he's quite incompetent. Rocks are his whole life and he perhaps doesn't have the common sense or even vision to look outside of those boundaries. That's a shame because he is truly kind but would absolutely struggle in any other walk of life.
5 Penny
Penny is one of the most intriguing characters to study in regard to competency. When she first joins the show she's a failing actress and waitress, who doesn't quite find her path in life and struggles to understand what the rest of the group is actually talking about.
Her competency is at an all-time low, but she has a lot of street smarts. Fast-forward to the end of The Big Bang theory and Penny has changed so much. She's a high-flying businesswoman, she's learned so much and explored opportunities outside of acting, and can keep up with the science-knowhow of her friends. She's finally been able to show her full potential.
4 Larry Fowler
Larry Fowler, Amy's father, isn't featured too much throughout the show but has become a fairly consistent recurring character. He is extremely quiet and doesn't contribute much, with his wife usually overpowering his thoughts and indeed actions, much to the shame of Amy.
Once he's given a chance to stand by himself he offers useful advice and it's clear that he actually has quite a good outlook on life. However, when fans first meet him, he seems completely incompetent. Perhaps he could have a bit of a knack for magic though, with some guidance from Howard...
3 Beverly Hofstadter
Beverly Hofstadter is a supremely intelligent psychologist with a hugely successful career. Her books are bestsellers and she has helped out millions with her advice. It seems that she is incredibly competent on her own track, but outside of work does she have the ability to do anything else well?
She certainly hasn't formed an emotional connection with her son in the way she could have. In fact, it seems that outside of logical thought processes, Beverly wouldn't actually be very competent at all with simple tasks or in social situations. She struggles to fit in and wouldn't survive some of the roles Penny has held for instance.
2 Zack Johnson
Zack Johnson is Penny's ex-boyfriend and becomes a millionaire. He definitely isn't smart enough to have made that money on purpose though. In fact, he's one of the least intelligent characters in the show. He takes everything literally and doesn't seem to be able to process anything cognitively.
Even when it comes to physical work, it seems he's either lazy or just doesn't understand the assignment. How he actually functions in the normal world is definitely beyond Leonard, who seems to spend a great deal of time pondering what Zack actually does, and how he really does it.
1 Mary Cooper
Mary Cooper has more emotional intelligence than anyone else in the show. Guided by God, she is fair and stern, but completely warming and wholesome as well. She can take on any challenge and will do her best to complete it. But she doesn't have Sheldon's skillset.
Where Sheldon succeeds Mary would fail, but the same is true the other way around. So while Mary has many, many brilliant qualities, she is also somewhat incompetent when it comes to more intelligence-based problems or matters that require debate and a nuanced point of view.
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