After re-watching The Big Bang Theory and its spinoff series, Young Sheldon, I noticed significant parallels between Missy and Sheldon’s relationship and the genius scientist and his friend Penny’s dynamic. The Big Bang Theory‘s prequel series features several dynamics that Sheldon Cooper grew up with. Most of them are very complicated. Two of Young Sheldon‘s recurring characters are twins Sheldon (Ian Armitage) and Missy Cooper (Raegan Revord). Missy does make a few appearances as an adult on The Big Bang Theory. However, most of her character development shines through in the spinoff series.
Penny (Kaley Cuoco), one of the characters in The Big Bang Theory, is also very close to Sheldon (Jim Parsons), but only in his adult years. She does marry his roommate and best friend, Leonard Hofstadter (Johnny Galecki) after living across the hall from them for years. It is no wonder why this duo became such close friends. However, they develop one of the deepest friendships that the sitcom features. This profound friendship parallels, though, with the sibling relationship between Sheldon and Missy in the series’ prequel, Young Sheldon.
Young Sheldon’s series finale set up The Big Bang Theory’s main Mary story, but also explored Sheldon and Amy’s future (and their children).
Young Sheldon’s Twin Relationship Is Fun-Loving & Complicated
These Siblings Face Many Ups and Downs
Sheldon and Missy’s sibling relationship in Young Sheldon is one of the most complex dynamics in the series. The Coopers constantly drop everything for Sheldon and any issues he faces, while I often notice how Missy is usually forgotten about. There are also many comparisons between the two’s intelligence levels, albeit by Sheldon himself, since he is a child prodigy while she is not. Missy gets her revenge on Sheldon for all the mistreatment he gives her, but she is not always entirely innocent. Sometimes, she makes negative comments about his high intelligence and how different his personality is.
Missy and Sheldon’s relationship is not the only sibling dynamic that develops throughout Young Sheldon. Georgie Cooper’s sibling dynamics with both Missy and Sheldon develop over the course of the series as well.
Young Sheldon‘s twins do not always have issues in their sibling relationship. Missy and Sheldon often band together to solve conflicts thrown at them. For example, they help their friend Paige (Mckenna Grace) leave a frat party when she is drunk and only fourteen years old. The two even bond over the drama series 90210. After several seasons of little connection between these siblings, Young Sheldon finally fixed its Sheldon and Missy problem. They are closer now, as siblings should be. This bonding highlights the significance of the fun-loving aspects of Sheldon and Missy’s relationship.
The Big Bang Theory’s Penny & Sheldon Relationship Is Similar To His With Missy’s
They Have A Sibling-Like Relationship
During my re-watch of The Big Bang Theory, I see Sheldon and Penny develop a relationship like that of siblings more prominently than in previous viewings of the series. In season eight, episode 16, Sheldon even tells Penny that he considers her like a sister. This episode highlights how close the two have become since the first episode. By this point, they are one of The Big Bang Theory’s most important pairings. They would not achieve this status without the essential growth of their relationship. Penny and Sheldon’s development is even as significant as Sheldon and Missy’s in Young Sheldon.
Sheldon undoubtedly develops more important friendships throughout The Big Bang Theory . He and Leonard understand each other better as the series goes on. Plus, Sheldon’s relationship with Howard Wolowitz goes from acquaintances to frenemies to good friends.
Since Penny is like a sister to Sheldon, there is already one parallel between this and his relationship with Missy. The similarities do not end there, though. Penny and Sheldon’s dynamic also often runs into several conflicts but includes many fun-loving moments. They tease each other about their flaws, but frequently help one another out. Sheldon drives Penny to the hospital in season three, episode eight, when he does not have a license. Then, she takes him to meet Stan Lee in episode sixteen. They have several moments like these, just like Missy and Sheldon do as kids.
The Relationship Similarity Explains Why Penny & Sheldon Are So Close
Sheldon Is Already Comfortable With Someone Like Penny
Besides having similar dynamics with them, Penny and Missy are similar people in the sense that they are relatively normal compared to Sheldon. When I compared them to other characters in both shows, they are significantly more outgoing and highly into traditionally feminine interests. Pairing their characters’ similarities with their relationship similarities explains why Sheldon is so close to Penny. Her personality and their friendship remind him of his own sister. By establishing this connection, Young Sheldon made Sheldon and Penny’s moments more special.
The fact that Penny achieves this status in Sheldon’s life makes their dynamic even more special. It is rare for Sheldon to be nearly as comfortable as he is with her.
Throughout The Big Bang Theory, Sheldon often explains how uncomfortable he gets around people. Even with people he knows, getting comfortable with them still takes him a while. Penny’s constant presence and reminding him of Missy help Sheldon feel comfortable around her. The fact that Penny achieves this status in Sheldon’s life makes their dynamic even more special. It is rare for Sheldon to be nearly as comfortable as he is with her. Unfortunately, Young Sheldon created Penny and Sheldon plot holes, but at least the twin dynamic enhances their relationship in The Big Bang Theory.
The sibling dynamic between Sheldon and Missy in Young Sheldon enhances The Big Bang Theory. Penny and Sheldon’s friendship not only makes more sense but also illuminates their touching moments with similar scenes between Missy and her twin brother. Having Missy be so alike to Penny and having a similar relationship to Sheldon ultimately exhibits how Young Sheldon highlights The Big Bang Theory‘s best relationship. If I re-watch either of these shows again in the future (which is very likely), I will undoubtedly be on the lookout for more relationship parallels.
