Young Sheldon Season 7 Amplified the Tragedy of George Sr's Passing

The biggest challenge for Young Sheldon season 7 was always going to be the tough task of killing off George Sr, which has been made even harder by episode 3. The spinoff has changed a lot of The Big Bang Theory's canon, with Sheldon's dysfunctional family looking quite different in the two shows. In The Big Bang Theory, Sheldon's mother Mary was known for her bitter obstinacy, while in Young Sheldon, she is portrayed as a less judgmental and more naive character. Meemaw, too, is depicted as a wild rebel in Young Sheldon, contrasting with her staid presence in The Big Bang Theory.

However, the character most affected by these changes is Sheldon's father, George Sr. Among all the characters in Young Sheldon, George Sr has undergone the most significant transformation from The Big Bang Theory to its prequel series. In the earlier show, Sheldon and Mary described him as a drunk, a philanderer, and a shiftless waste of space. But in Young Sheldon, George Sr is shown as a sweet, caring father, a hard worker, and a pillar of support for his family. The differences between the two versions of George Sr have only become more pronounced in season 7.

Young Sheldon Season 7 Episode 3 Proved George Sr Was A Great Guy

Young Sheldon Season 5 George looking sad with someones hand on his chest - Young Sheldon Season 7 Episode 3 Proved George Sr Was A Great Guy

In season 7, episode 3, titled “A Strudel and a Hot American Boy Toy,” George Sr quickly accepts Missy’s new friend, Taylor, who she introduces as gay. However, the twist is that Taylor is not actually gay and is secretly dating Missy. This episode highlights how Missy continues to struggle with being honest with her father, despite promising to do so at the end of season 6.

LGBTQIA+ acceptance has been a challenging journey in America, especially in Texas during the ‘80s, ‘90s, and beyond. George Sr’s open-mindedness and support of Missy’s friendship with a gay individual in a small Texas town in the ‘90s is commendable. It shows his character in a positive light, making him even more likable.

It is revealed that George Sr will eventually pass away by the end of season 7. As Young Sheldon delves deeper into George Sr’s character, it becomes more heartbreaking to think of Sheldon and his siblings growing up without their father's guidance. The show continues to uncover the hidden depths of George Sr, making his impending death even more poignant.

Young Sheldon Season 7’s George Sr/Mary Storyline Makes His Death Harder

Annie Potts as Connie, Zoe Perry as Mary, and Lance Barber as George in Young Sheldon seasons 1 and 6 - Young Sheldon Season 7’s George Sr/Mary Storyline Makes His Death Harder

The Missy subplot in the episode showcased George Sr's strong moral character, but another storyline made his impending death feel more personal. While in Germany with Sheldon, Mary shared letters with George Sr and expressed how much she appreciated and missed him. She even regretted not telling him how much she loved him more often. The Mary plot line in season 7 of Young Sheldon has created a distance between George Sr and his wife, making the potential death of Sheldon's father upon her return possibly the most heartbreaking moment in the show's history.

Editor's P/S:

The article delves into the complexities of George Sr.'s character in "Young Sheldon" and how his transformation from "The Big Bang Theory" has made his impending death more impactful. The show's writers have done an excellent job of showcasing George Sr.'s hidden depths, revealing him to be a loving and supportive father despite his flaws. This character development has made it all the more difficult for viewers to accept his eventual demise, as his absence will leave a profound void in the lives of his family.

However, the article also highlights the challenge of reconciling George Sr.'s positive portrayal in "Young Sheldon" with his negative characterization in "The Big Bang Theory." While the prequel series has introduced nuances to his personality, it remains to be seen how the show will reconcile these contrasting depictions. Ultimately, the success of George Sr.'s character arc will depend on how "Young Sheldon" manages to bridge the gap between the two shows and provide a satisfying conclusion to his story.