Sheldon's storyline in the season 6 finale of Young Sheldon revolved around his participation in a summer research program in Germany. This posed a contradiction to his difficulty in adapting to new environments, as previously established in season 10 of The Big Bang Theory. Throughout the twelve seasons of The Big Bang Theory, Sheldon's rigidity provided comedic relief, often leading to funny situations for the other characters. While the show occasionally depicted Sheldon approaching challenges with gradual changes, it was typically at the suggestion of other characters.
However, in the Young Sheldon season 6 finale, Sheldon seemed unbothered by the potential routine changes. He actively sought external financial support and successfully incorporated German food and mealtimes into his routine according to the adjusted time zone. Interestingly, Young Sheldon provided comic relief, showcasing the unique situations he encountered while adapting, but it also raised the question of why Sheldon was more adaptable as a child compared to his adult self.
Sheldon Was Adaptable In Young Sheldon But Not In The Big Bang Theory
In Young Sheldon season 6, episode 21 titled "A Romantic Getaway and a Germanic Meat-Based Diet," Sheldon's behavior became a source of annoyance for other characters. However, it also demonstrated his willingness to adapt to new experiences while participating in a summer research program abroad. Although his actions, such as bringing sauerkraut and knockwurst to Dr. Linkletter's lecture or covering his windows with tinfoil, may have raised some eyebrows, they showcased Sheldon's dedication to minimizing disruptions to his routine during his time in Germany. On the other hand, when Sheldon moved in with Amy in The Big Bang Theory's season 10, it caused quite a commotion, despite Sheldon approaching it as a scientific experiment.
In The Big Bang Theory season 10, episode 5 titled "The Hot Tub Contamination," Sheldon responded to Amy's request to share a toothbrush holder by quipping, "I think we should see other people." This remark displayed his uncompromising attitude, even after accepting Amy's proposal. While Penny eventually explained Sheldon's fears about their relationship mirroring his parents' failed marriage, it does not clarify why Sheldon did not come to that realization on his own, especially since he had already successfully adapted to a summer program abroad at the age of 14. Even when Sheldon faced difficulties with Penny and Leonard wanting to live without him in TBBT season 9, the conflict was only resolved once they proposed a gradual transition to living with Penny.
Young Sheldon Needs To Explain Why Sheldon Regressed In The Big Bang Theory
In The Big Bang Theory, Sheldon consistently resisted any form of change, no matter how insignificant. Whether it was Penny attempting to alter his standard three knocks or Amy encouraging him to embrace unfinished tasks, Sheldon consistently opposed any alteration. While Young Sheldon demonstrated a more emotionally intelligent Sheldon compared to the socially awkward genius in TBBT, the upcoming seventh season will need to explain how Sheldon regressed so significantly. This disparity between the two shows is undeniably apparent, and may be attributed to the impact of his father's death.