Summary
Lance Barber had all sorts of tricks planned for filming George’s funeral inYoung Sheldon, but he ultimately ended up not being able to do any of them. Preceded byGeorge’s death from an unexpected heart attack,Young Sheldon’s final hour was devoted to two main storylines, starting with the Cooper patriarch’s send-off. It was an emotional half hour, as the family grappled with the loss of George while also making decisions for his funeral. In reality, filming the episode was also highly emotional for the cast ofThe Big Bang Theoryprequel.
Wanting to defuse the tension and also bring some levity to the set, Barber tellsThe Hollywood Reporterin an interview that he hadpranks ready when they filmed George’s funeral. However, when it came down to it, he wasn’t able to do any of them because he was taken aback by the emotions of his castmates. Read his full quote below:
I’m going to ruin so many takes. … I’ve got a fart machine and a fake mustache — but quickly realized how emotional the experience was.
These actors walked up in succession to talk to George and had their moments with him. I didn’t do any of my funny bets, I laid there and [had] tears in my ears the entire time. It hit me pretty hard in the way it didn’t anticipate.
George’s Funeral Is The Big Bang Theory Franchise’s Best Episode
It Surpassed Anything That The Big Bang Theory Ever Did
At its core,Young Sheldonwas a family comedy, although it never shied away from tackling darker themes. Throughout its run, it did mental health storylines involving Dr. Sturgis and Paige, as well as, relationship woes like infidelity and teenage pregnancy. What made it more equipped to do all these storylines thanThe Big Bang Theorywas its single-camera format. Without the canned laughter, it was able to lean on dramatic moments that madeYoung Sheldona better show overall. At the very least, it didn’t haveThe Big Bang Theory’s problematic humor, which haunted it for years.
Young Sheldon’s handling of George’s final fate is a masterclass in balancing drama and humor.
The crowning jewel ofYoung Sheldon, however, wasGeorge’s death and funeral. It is better than anything thatThe Big Bang Theoryever put out just in terms of storytelling. It did have some poignant moments, but nothing compared to what its prequel was able to accomplish.Young Sheldon’s handling of George’s final fate is a masterclass in balancing drama and humor.It had comedic bits, but they were never done to undermine the seriousness of the Coopers' situation. Meemaw’s funeral speech epitomized that in a way that was both funny and heartbreaking as she celebrated George’s life and legacy.
Meemaw Actor’s Young Sheldon Cancelation Criticism Is Proven Right By New CBS Data
Annie Potts, who played Meemaw in Young Sheldon, has been vocal against the show’s cancelation, and she is proven right by information from CBS.
Despite a rushed final half hour, theYoung Sheldonfinaleis one of the better TV endings in a while. It had heart and humor — two of the prequel’s best assets.Georgie And Mandy’s First Marriagehas its work cut out for it, considering the bar that its parent series has set in terms ofThe Big Bang Theoryfranchise’s storytelling.
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.
