From Punchline to Dedicated Father: Young Sheldon’s Redemption of George Cooper
For seven seasons, Young Sheldon meticulously built up the character of George Cooper. Where The Big Bang Theory portrayed him as a comedic foil, the prequel humanized him, revealing a flawed but dedicated father struggling to support his brilliant son Sheldon and navigate the complexities of family life. Prior to Young Sheldon, most of what we knew about George came from Sheldon and Mary’s often unflattering anecdotes, painting a picture of him as a less-than-ideal parent. This perception was something Young Sheldon actively sought to challenge.
The Heartbreaking Loss: George’s Death and the Emotional Impact
Just as George’s image was fully rehabilitated, Young Sheldon tackled its biggest tragedy: his death. Although not a perfect father, his unwavering love and dedication to his family were undeniable. This is why the retconning of George’s infidelity storyline became necessary. Season 7 showcased a period of hope for George, making his demise even more heartbreaking.
While his fate was foreshadowed, the execution of his death was masterful. Despite no prior health issues in the episode, his established history of heart problems provided the underlying tension. The reveal of his death from a heart attack at work came as a shock, but it wasn’t exploitative. The final scene captured the initial wave of grief perfectly: Mary, Missy, and Meemaw devastated, and a stunned Sheldon grappling with the news. The silence punctuated by muffled voices placed the viewer directly in Sheldon’s shoes, emphasizing the emotional impact of the loss.
A Moment Ruined: The Inappropriate After-Credits Scene
However, CBS’s decision to follow this powerful scene with an upbeat credits sequence shattered the emotional resonance. It was jarring, jolting the viewers out of the somber mood just established. Just like the Cooper family still processing the tragedy, the audience needed a moment to absorb the news. Instead, the network’s insensitive choice immediately disrupted the emotional flow.
The Missed Opportunity: A More Fitting End
CBS had a perfect opportunity to elevate the ending further. Imagine a subdued credits theme playing alongside a somber image, such as a shot of the Cooper house bathed in the melancholic dusk light. Alternatively, they could have replaced the jarring after-credits scene with the Young Sheldon series finale trailer, which dealt with the aftermath of this loss. This trailer contained scenes of George’s funeral, perfectly aligning with the somber tone of the episode’s ending.
Conclusion: A Flaw in an Otherwise Perfect Execution
Young Sheldon season 7 masterfully built up to and delivered George’s death. The final scene was a beautifully crafted moment, capturing the shock and grief of the Coopers. Unfortunately, CBS’s tone-deaf choice of an after-credits scene undermined the emotional impact of this powerful event. With a few minor adjustments, like a more somber credits sequence or the inclusion of the finale trailer, the ending could have been truly unforgettable.
