Young Sheldon S06E18 Finally Fixed Glaring Big Bang Theory Finale Error
Yet another inconsistency in the franchise’s plot gets resolved.
Initially centred around three neighbours – Penny, Leonard, and Sheldon – The Big Bang Theory evolved over time, introducing several more characters to create the indispensable ensemble cast fans have come to love.
When Jim Parsons, the actor behind Sheldon, announced his departure, TBBT creators had no choice but to end the series, resulting in a memorable yet flawed finale, as it introduced some inconsistencies with Young Sheldon already airing at the time.
The spinoff delves into the story of Sheldon's childhood, focusing on the early days of the Nobel Prize-winning genius as he takes his first steps in physics at East Texas Tech. This marks the beginning of his long journey toward the coveted award. However, the prequel also reveals the person who first sparked Sheldon's interest in science – Dr. Sturgis.
Dr. Sturgis invites Sheldon to take college-level physics classes and serves as his mentor. Despite some tense moments in their relationship, the young boy views Dr. Sturgis as a friend who supports all his scientific pursuits. Yet, he is notably absent from Sheldon's Nobel Prize acceptance speech.
Episode 18 of Young Sheldon's sixth season appears to address this omission. In it, Sheldon explores the possibility of life on other planets, seeking assistance from his two trusted scientists at East Texas Tech, Dr. Linkletter and Dr. Sturgis. While Dr. Linkletter's refusal to help is expected due to his spiteful nature, Dr. Sturgis's dismissal of the idea comes as a shock for both the audience and Sheldon.
In response, Sheldon eloquently renounces Dr. Sturgis's mentorship. Although they later reconcile and collaborate in the search for extraterrestrial life, the young scientist never reinstates his more experienced colleague as his mentor.
Given Sheldon's commitment to his word, it is likely that he indeed parts ways with Dr. Sturgis professionally, which explains the lack of acknowledgement in his adult Nobel Prize acceptance speech.
Regardless, it seems rather ungrateful for Sheldon to have done so. As for his younger self, we can look forward to the next episode of Young Sheldon on CBS on 11 May.