That family tension between Missy and Mary on The Big Bang Theory always felt real—and Young Sheldon is now giving us the backstory. The prequel isn’t just filling in details—it’s digging into the emotional scars that shaped Missy’s resentment. And honestly? It adds up in ways fans didn’t even realize.
1. Missy and Mary Both Had a Crush on Pastor Rob 😬
In a recent Young Sheldon episode, Missy and Mary secretly develop crushes on the same youth pastor—Rob—resulting in an unexpected rivalrydailymotion.com+15screenrant.com+15screenrant.com+15reddit.com+2thethings.com+2screenrant.com+2reddit.com+4reddit.com+4univision.com+4. Missy is furious when she learns her mom also harbors feelings for him. It’s not just teenage jealousy—it’s a betrayal of trust:
“Learning that her mother is pining for the same man could understandably make her detest Mary more than she currently does.” screenrant.com
This isn’t just fluff—it’s emotional water on old wounds.
2. Mary’s Clear Favoritism to Sheldon Created Deep Resentment
From early seasons, Mary’s intense protection and focus on Sheldon is crystal clear—and it’s taken a toll.
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She prioritizes Sheldon’s needs, often at the expense of Missy’s emotional well-beingreddit.com+13ranker.com+13reddit.com+13.
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After their father’s death, Mary’s emotional reliance on Sheldon only deepened the dividereddit.com+15univision.com+15ranker.com+15.
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Missy repeatedly watches her mother choose Sheldon over her—even when she’s hurting reddit.com.
The message is clear: younger twin = ignored, older twin = hero.
3. Missy Burning Bridges: A Cry for Help
One pivotal scene in Season 4 is emblematic:
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Missy rips Sheldon’s beloved Professor Proton poster in frustration.
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Mary immediately scolds Missy without asking why, immediately siding with Sheldonscreenrant.com+7reddit.com+7screenrant.com+7reddit.com+2reddit.com+2reddit.com+2reddit.com+3reddit.com+3cbr.com+3.
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Missy gives up and runs away—her emotional needs unheard .
That moment foreshadows the lingering bitterness we saw in BBT—Missy feels shut out, undervalued, ignored.
4. Fans See It Clearly—and Feel for Missy
Reddit discussions reflect the emotional weight:
“Missy can’t be crazy. Mary ALWAYS picks Sheldon… When Missy responds, Mary jumps down her throat.”thethings.com+13reddit.com+13screenrant.com+13
Another user adds:
“Missy’s emotional rebellion was justified—she never gets heard, Mary never asks what’s wrong.”
Viewers connect with Missy’s pain: a neglected kid pushed aside by mom’s favoritism.
5. A History of Hurt Explains Future Distance on BBT
The emotional groundwork is laid:
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Mary’s religious conviction and favoritism skew family dynamics reddit.com+2ranker.com+2reddit.com+2.
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Missy’s teenage rebellion and heartbreak is fueled by her mother’s neglect .
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Crush drama and emotional rejection culminate in the longstanding tension we see in BBT.
For fans, this connects the dots: Missy’s hatred isn’t random—it’s rooted in years of emotional trauma.
✅ Conclusion
Young Sheldon isn’t just a quirky origin story—it’s a family therapy session on screen. By revealing the crush triangle with Pastor Rob and chronic favoritism toward Sheldon, the prequel explains why Missy grows to resent Mary so deeply. It gives emotional texture to a relationship that felt strained in BBT, showing us it was simmering long before we ever met Dr. Sheldon Cooper.
🙋 5 FAQs That Finally Explain Missy & Mary
**Q1: Why does Missy hate Mary so much in The Big Bang Theory?
A: Young Sheldon shows emotional neglect, favoritism toward Sheldon, and even a fight over a crush, explaining Missy’s pent-up resentment .
**Q2: What incident pushed Missy over the edge?
A: Ripping Sheldon’s beloved poster and getting yelled at by Mary without being heard was a major turning point .
**Q3: Did both Missy and Mary like Pastor Rob?
A: Yes—they both had secret crushes, adding jealousy and emotional betrayal to their complex bond .
**Q4: Why did Mary focus so much on Sheldon?
A: Mary’s religious and emotional reliance on Sheldon, especially after their father’s death, warped her parenting priorities .
**Q5: Does this explain their dynamic in BBT?
A: Absolutely. The prequel’s storylines give clear psychological context for Missy’s coldness and distance in The Big Bang Theory.
