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After re-watchingThe Big Bang Theoryand 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 ofYoung Sheldon’s recurring charactersare twins Sheldon (Ian Armitage) and Missy Cooper (Raegan Revord). Missy does make a few appearances as an adult onThe Big Bang Theory. However, most of her character development shines through in the spinoff series.
Penny (Kaley Cuoco), one of thecharacters inThe 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 Series Finale Ending Explained
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 inYoung Sheldonis one of the most complex dynamicsin 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 Sheldonfor 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 conflictsthrown 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 series90210. After several seasons of little connection between these siblings,Young Sheldonfinally 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 ofThe 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 ofThe 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 inYoung Sheldon.
Sheldon undoubtedly develops more important friendships throughoutThe 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 Sheldonmade 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.
ThroughoutThe 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 comfortablearound 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 Sheldoncreated Penny and Sheldon plot holes, but at least the twin dynamic enhances their relationship inThe Big Bang Theory.
The sibling dynamic between Sheldon and Missy inYoung SheldonenhancesThe 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 howYoung SheldonhighlightsThe 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.
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.
The Big Bang Theory
The Big Bang Theory: This sitcom follows a group of socially awkward scientists and their interactions with each other and the people around them. Centered on physicists Sheldon and Leonard, the series humorously explores friendship, romance, and the quirks of life among an eclectic group of academics.
