Unlocking Missy's Hidden Depths: Young Sheldon's Impact on The Big Bang Theory

Missy, Sheldon's twin sister, was a fan-favorite character in The Big Bang Theory, but her adult version in Young Sheldon is portrayed differently in the nerd-centric sitcom. In the original series, Missy only appeared twice - once in season 1 when she visited Pasadena and spent time with the socially-awkward genius, and again in season 11 for Sheldon and Amy's wedding. Despite her limited screen time, Missy still left an impression, which Young Sheldon is now benefiting from as it explores Sheldon's childhood in Texas.

However, Young Sheldon has not fully utilized Missy's popularity. While the show primarily focuses on the boy genius, it has started to give more attention to the other Cooper family members in recent years. Unfortunately, Missy has been relegated to a supporting role in many plotlines. In the final stretch of Young Sheldon season 6, CBS seems to be addressing this issue by making Missy the central character of a multi-episode storyline, exposing her to challenging experiences. Although Missy has been sidelined for the most part, Young Sheldon provides enough insights into her childhood to give a new perspective on her appearances in The Big Bang Theory.

8 Young Sheldon Makes Missy’s Big Bang Theory Debut Very Sad

In Young Sheldon, CBS addresses the issue of underutilizing Missy's character, reflecting real-life criticism. Missy, who has always felt overlooked by her parents, reaches her breaking point and confronts them about their behavior. When they dismiss her concerns, she decides to rebel by stealing her dad's truck and embarking on a daring road trip with Paige. In the season 6 finale, her anger towards Sheldon intensifies to the point where she openly admits to hating him. This stems not only from him tattling on her for sneaking out, but also from the constant favoritism he receives from their parents.

Despite her flaws, it's hard not to empathize with Missy, especially considering how she seemed to come to terms with her situation in The Big Bang Theory. Despite her resentment towards her parents, primarily due to their unequal treatment of her and Sheldon, she continues to show unwavering support and love for her brother in the geeky sitcom. When Missy first appeared in The Big Bang Theory, she was nothing but genuinely kind to Sheldon and her friends.

7 Young Sheldon Reveals Missy’s Difficult Childhood

Young Sheldon revolves around Sheldon's childhood as a prodigious child in Texas. The show not only explores Sheldon's unique experiences but also offers glimpses into Missy's perspective as his sister, with whom he used to share a bedroom. However, being related to a young genius like Sheldon comes with its challenges. In addition to the typical struggles of fitting in and making friends, Missy has to navigate her daily life with the demands of her intellectually demanding brother.

6 Young Sheldon Explains Why Missy Never Reached Her Full Potential

While not as intellectually gifted as Sheldon, Missy possesses her own capabilities and stands out as a character. Arguably the most well-adjusted member of the Cooper family, she proved to be the emotional pillar during their toughest times in the final stages of Young Sheldon season 5. Additionally, her charm and sharpness are evident. However, despite these traits, it is apparent that she never fully realized her potential, as highlighted in The Big Bang Theory. This can be attributed to her feeling unseen and unnoticed by her own family, compounded by the absence of genuine friendships, resulting in a lack of a strong support system.

5 Young Sheldon Explains Why Missy Didn’t Get Along With Mary In TBBT

Mary and Missy, the first two members of the Cooper family to appear on The Big Bang Theory, did not have any on-screen moments together until season 11. However, their interactions made it evident that they had a strained relationship. Young Sheldon sheds light on this by illustrating Missy's growing resentment towards her mother for always favoring Sheldon. The situation worsens when Mary's attempts to do something kind for her daughter end up backfiring.

4 Young Sheldon Shows How George’s Death Derailed Missy’s TBBT Future

The death of George has cast a tragic shadow over Young Sheldon. Although Sheldon briefly mentioned his father's passing in The Big Bang Theory, his anecdotes were mostly intended for comedic effect. However, the prequel series delves deeper into the character of the Cooper patriarch, emphasizing the significance of his death in the family's history. Out of everyone, it is Missy who will be profoundly affected by George's unexpected demise. Despite her contentious relationship with Mary, Missy shares a special bond with her father. Without George's guidance, Missy may find herself more susceptible to making mistakes that could lead her down unfavorable paths.

3 Young Sheldon Proves Georgie’s Missy Story In TBBT

During Georgie's intense confrontation with Sheldon in The Big Bang Theory season 11, the eldest Cooper sibling referred to Missy as a "dumb teenager." However, this description does not quite capture her intellect and practicality as seen in the prequel. Nevertheless, in Young Sheldon season 6, Missy embarks on a rebellious phase, starting with deceiving her parents about her whereabouts. As time goes on, she becomes more daring in her actions. In the season finale of Young Sheldon, she even sneaks out at night to engage in drinking and smoking. Despite her close encounter with a tornado, she promises to change her ways, although it remains uncertain if she will truly follow through.

2 Young Sheldon Reveals Missy’s Happy Ending Despite TBBT

When Missy returned to The Big Bang Theory in season 11 after a ten-year absence, she found herself in a less-than-ideal situation. Not only was she about to give birth to her unplanned second child, but she was also in the process of divorcing her husband. The specifics of her marital troubles in Texas are not fully explored in the nerd-centric sitcom, but Mary was trying to downplay the situation and convince her daughter to salvage her marriage. While Missy does not make any further appearances in The Big Bang Theory following Sheldon and Amy's wedding, Young Sheldon provides insight into her future.

Missy, as mentioned in Jim Parsons' adult Sheldon narration in the prequel, ultimately divorced her husband and later remarried after the events of The Big Bang Theory. While Young Sheldon's socially-inept genius does not provide specific details about her sister's new partner, he emphasizes that she is content. Interestingly, Missy and her new husband even expanded their family, welcoming more children into their lives.

1 Young Sheldon Shows How Much The Big Bang Theory Wasted Missy

Missy is a standout character in Young Sheldon, even in a supporting role. However, it's disappointing that The Big Bang Theory didn't make better use of her potential. With Young Sheldon season 7 confirmed, there's still a chance to explore her character further. It would have been interesting to see how her dynamic with Sheldon evolved as they grew older, and it would also be exciting to witness her interactions with the rest of the Pasadena gang, especially Penny. CBS missed out on the opportunity to bring her back more frequently, but hopefully, the prequel will make up for it.