George actor Lance Barber defends theYoung Sheldonfinale’s biggest mistake when tackling the aftermath of his character’s death. Months afterCBS canceledYoung Sheldon, some of the Coopers have successfully returned to the small screen viaGeorgie & Mandy’s First Marriage. WhileThe Big Bang Theoryfranchise has officially moved on from Sheldon’s origins story, it continues to be a favorite topic among audiences, especially with the way the family comedy-drama ended. TheYoung Sheldonfinale was generally beloved, but some narrative issues could have been easily resolved, including how Missy’s ending was handled.
In an interview withDexerto, Barber addressed the matter, justifying how theYoung Sheldon ending shortchanged the Coopers' only daughter. The George actor explains that leaving Missy without any support in the aftermath of George’s death was by design, as it sets up her future. Barber also adds that Missy’s story will continue inGeorgie & Mandy’s First Marriage, which means that there’s still an opportunity to address the matter. Read his full quote below:
“I don’t know if she was overlooked… I think that plays out well for cultural expectations of the girl for the ‘overlooked’ girl.
It was intentional that her journey was as it was, and it’s nice to see that it’s going to continue for Raegan on Georgie & Mandy and just grow deeper. We also know Missy’s history, and this just gives it more gravitas, more depth, and layers to who she becomes and why.”
Why Missy Took George’s Death The Hardest In Young Sheldon
Missy Was Closest To Her Dad
Despite Missy being the most exciting member of theCooper family,Young Sheldoncontinued to underutilize the character. Sheldon, understandably, was always at the center of its storytelling, particularly in its earlier years. When it expanded its storytelling by giving the rest of the clan their respective narratives, George and Mary’s only daughter remained on the sidelines. This issue was even baked into her narrative, asMissy rebelled inYoung Sheldonseason 6 to get her parents' attention. One thing that was consistent inThe Big Bang Theoryand its prequel was Mary’s contentious relationship with Sheldon’s twin.
Some of the most heartwarming moments inYoung Sheldoninvolved the father and daughter, so understandably, losing her dad was a big blow to Missy.
This naturally paved the way for Missy to develop a special bond with her father. While Mary doted on Sheldon and essentially ignored her other kids, her only daughter formed a bond with George. Some of the most heartwarming moments inYoung Sheldoninvolved the father and daughter, so understandably,losing her dad was a big blow to Missy. She resorted to rebellion as a way of coping with her grief, and sadly, no one was there to help her throughout it. At theend ofYoung Sheldon, her arc was unfinished.
Our Take On How Young Sheldon Left Missy’s Arc & What It Means For Her Future
Missy Returns InGeorgie & Mandy’s First MarriageEpisode 2.
I have been outspoken about my criticism of howYoung Sheldonhandled Missy’s story, including her ending. The character was quite popular, and she had a lot of narrative potential in the old show. That said, I also understand Barber’s defense of how her story was left inYoung Sheldon.Missy’sGeorgie & Mandy’s First Marriageepisode 2’s appearancecertainly continues her rebellious arc. The character will have more appearances in the series, as her relationship with Georgie deepens. That said, I hope that they give her other arcs other than being just a"dumb teenager."
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.
