Leonard Being Dead Is Better Than Young Sheldon's Most Unforgivable Big Bang Theory Disrespect
The finale of Young Sheldon dropped some pretty big hints that Leonard might be dead in the future. While it's a sad thought, it might be better than accepting the prequel's worst disrespect to The Big Bang Theory.
The finale hinted that Sheldon's best friend might have already passed away in the world after The Big Bang Theory ended. It's tough to even think about, especially considering how close the Pasadena gang was, and the fact that Leonard left Penny and their child behind. But the clues are there and can't be ignored. Looking at it from Young Sheldon's perspective, though, Leonard being dead might have a silver lining.
Young Sheldon's Biggest Disrespect To The Big Bang Theory
Young Sheldon started as a way for fans to learn more about the world of The Big Bang Theory. But it quickly grew beyond its parent show. Instead of just being about Sheldon, it became a family comedy that gave the rest of the Coopers their own storylines. It played around with the established rules a lot, but sometimes it would pay homage to the nerd-centric sitcom by having Amy and Howard appear in voice cameos. But unfortunately, it forgot to acknowledge the most important part of The Big Bang Theory.
Sheldon Never Mentioned Leonard In His Young Sheldon Memoir
If the clues about Leonard being dead in the Young Sheldon finale are true, it could explain the prequel's biggest disrespect to its parent series. Throughout the spinoff, Jim Parsons' adult Sheldon narrated the events of his childhood. In the flashforward scene with Amy, it was confirmed that Sheldon is writing his memoir. That's why he's looking back at this point in his life. The problem is, Sheldon never once mentions Leonard in his memoir. This is a huge oversight considering how much Leonard did for his best friend.
Leonard's Death Would Explain Why Sheldon Never Talked About Him In Young Sheldon
If Sheldon took decades to truly come to terms with losing his father, it's not impossible that he's still in denial about Leonard's possible death.
If Leonard is dead, then that would explain why Sheldon never talks about their friendship or even mentions him in his memoir. The Big Bang Theory and Young Sheldon both show that Sheldon, the socially awkward genius, has always struggled to deal with big emotions. This was clear when Arthur Jeffries/Professor Proton died and more recently, when George passed away in Young Sheldon. If Sheldon took decades to truly face the truth about losing his father, it's not impossible that he's still in denial about Leonard's possible demise.
Leonard's Death Would Make Up For Young Sheldon's George Disrespect
Young Sheldon spent seven years trying to fix George's bad reputation from The Big Bang Theory. Surprisingly, it was Meemaw who ended up fixing it.
In many ways, Leonard was more important to Sheldon's life than George was. This doesn't mean that his father's love didn't matter, but even George admitted that he had a hard time connecting with Sheldon (his whole family did). Leonard, on the other hand, was Sheldon's true soulmate. His life changed for the better when they became roommates because his best friend gave him the social group that became his strong support system in Pasadena. Considering all of this, Leonard's death is at least an excuse for Sheldon's ignorance of his best friend in Young Sheldon.
