Warning! Spoilers ahead for Young Sheldon season 6, episode 20. Young Sheldon finally admits the harsh truth about Sheldon after ignoring it for so long. Despite The Big Bang Theory being an ensemble series, its true protagonist was clearly Sheldon. The socially-inept genius was usually at the center of its narratives. In the rare times that he wasn’t, he was still integral to the story as a plot device or source of comedy. Nothing proves this, however, more than the character being awarded the first and still only The Big Bang Theory spin-off with Young Sheldon. Over the years, however, the prequel has had a gradual shift in its storytelling, putting an increased interest in the rest of the Coopers.
After slowly diversifying its narrative, Young Sheldon season 6 is now more of an ensemble family show despite having a titular character. Each member of Sheldon’s family has had their respective arcs. Georgie and Mandy tackle being new parents, Meemaw deals with her growing business, while Misy attempts to find her place in the clan. Georgie and Mary, on the other hand, come to terms with the real status of their marriage. As the comedy’s titular character, Sheldon has also had his share of plots, but he was mostly lost amid everything else happening in Young Sheldon.
Young Sheldon Season 6 Episode 20 Twist Shows Everyone Wants Sheldon Gone
In Young Sheldon season 6, episode 20, “German For Beginners and Crazy Old Man With A Bat,” Sheldon tries to convince his parents that a trip to Germany is worth it to boost his post-grad prospects. Sadly, with the grant not being fully-expenses paid, the boy genius is forced to raise funds for the endeavor himself, because his family simply can’t afford it. Just when he thinks that all hope is lost, Dr. Linkletter and even Pastor Jeff come to the rescue by providing him with the money he needs. As it turns out, they collected money from people at East Texas Tech and the church for it.
Funnily, Sheldon believes that the reason communities are rallying behind him is because he is beloved. The truth is, everyone just wants him gone from Texas — to the point that they are willing to pay for it. Somehow, this is almost like a meta-comment on the public’s criticism of how annoying the character has been in Young Sheldon. While the character has always been insufferable, which was one of his signature traits in The Big Bang Theory, he has become so much unlikable in his own show.
Why CBS’ Young Sheldon Is Better Off Without Sheldon
By no means is Sheldon being unbearably annoying in Young Sheldon a reflection of Iain Armitage’s performance. As the actor has always been, he is phenomenal in the role. The problem comes from how The Big Bang Theory prequel is utilizing the character. Unlike the earlier seasons of the show, the boy genius has become more selfish and less self-reflective. For some reason, Young Sheldon has also rarely given him any emotional moments anymore.
That being said, removing Sheldon from Young Sheldon could be the best route for the show moving forward. When she inevitably moves to Pasadena for post-grad, CBS can rebrand the prequel as The Coopers and fully shift the storytelling focus on Missy, Georgie, and the remaining family in Texas. This allows the network to continue taking advantage of the show’s popularity.
Young Sheldon season 6 airs Thursdays on CBS.
