Summary
Despite how jampacked it is, theYoung Sheldonfinale is still able to answer one lingering character exit mystery that almost spelled the end of the Coopers. Preceded byGeorge’s death due to a heart attack, the final hour of the hit CBS comedy focuses on the Coopers dealing with their grief over the massive loss of their family. Considering how beloved the clan patriarch has become, Chuck Lorre and his writers' job was cut out for them to properly deal with the tragedy. Luckily, they accomplish this, withGeorge’s funeral becomingThe Big Bang Theoryuniverse’s best episode.
While George’s death dominates theYoung Sheldonfinale, there are still so many other storylines that the series-capper ends up tackling for a satisfying send-off to the Coopers. The list includes transitioning Sheldon into his new life in Pasadena, California, while also setting up thenext spinoff inThe Big Bang Theoryfranchise —Georgie & Mandy’s First Marriage. Considering everything that’s happening, several smaller moments often get overlooked, although they have massive implications for the show. The best example of this is how theYoung Sheldonfinale answers a lingering question about the most puzzling disappearance in the prequel.
Missy And Billy’s Conversation Finally Reveals Where Herschel Went
Brenda Sparks' Ex-Husband Was Last Seen In Young Sheldon Season 2
The Coopers deal with George’s death differently. While Sheldon has a difficult time coming to terms with the loss, while Georgie, Mary, and Meemaw attempt to move forward, Missy resorts to lashing out. Considering her close relationship with her dad, this is understandable. However, this isolates her from the rest of the family, resulting in a brief but illuminating conversation with Billy Sparks, revealingwhat happened to his dad and Brenda’s ex-husband, Herschel. As it turns out, he just moved to New Jersey, hence why he was never seen anymore afterYoung Sheldonseason 2.
How Herschel’s Disappearance Almost Destroyed The Cooper Family
Brenda’s Divorce Led To Her Seeking Comfort From George
Even when Herschel was around, his interactions with the Coopers were limited inYoung Sheldon. The character only appeared 5 times. Sheldon’s family’s main point of connection was always through Brenda and Billy. That being said, the Sparks patriarch leaving his family had an indirect impact on George and Mary’s marriage. Being dumped by Herschel for another womanmotivated Brenda to proposition Sheldon’s fatherin theYoung Sheldonseason 4 finale. The pair eventually got closer in season 5, as George also dealt with marital issues with Mary, which became much more serious with the arrival of Youth Pastor Rob.
Brenda herself admitted to Mary after their big confrontation whileMandy was in labor inYoung Sheldonseason 6that she was lonely after Herschel left. This was the reason why she developed some kind of friendship with George. Unfortunately,The Big Bang Theoryprequel failed to show if Sheldon’s parents had a proper conversation about the issue. In any case,Young Sheldonended up retconning George’s cheating scandal. Whether their relationship was just really platonic or not doesn’t really matter. None of the subsequent issues that followed would have happened if Herschel had stayed married to Brenda.
Young Sheldon
Cast
A spinoff of the sitcom The Big Bang Theory, Young Sheldon follows the youth and coming-of-age of Sheldon Cooper during his childhood in Texas as he pursues science and academia. The show also follows his parents, siblings, and Mee-Maw, painting a picture of the world where Sheldon grew up.
