George Cooper likely to die in 'Young Sheldon' finale
CBS has disclosed the timeline for the death of George Cooper, a key character in the popular series Young Sheldon. According to an official statement from Paramount Press Express, George (Lance Barber) will stay alive until Episode 12 of Season 7, titled "A New Home and a Traditional Texas Torture." This means his demise will most likely occur during the special one-hour finale scheduled for May 16.
Earlier, makers white-washed George's cheating episode
The patriarch of the Cooper family was not painted in a favorable light in the original series. One of the biggest plot points about George was how he cheated and Sheldon had caught him in a compromised situation with some other woman. However, the prequel spin-off crafted George differently, making him a fan-favorite. When Season 7 finally showed young Sheldon walking in on George, we see how Sheldon was mistaken and George was with Mary, who was wearing a wig.
Setting up George's death for the finale might complicate things
George's death, already established in The Big Bang Theory, is set to significantly change the trajectory of the Coopers's lives. Despite his flaws, George has won over audiences with his steadfast commitment to his family. The decision to delay his death until the season finale was probably taken to ensure his continued presence throughout. However, this move also poses challenges as it leaves limited time for the show to recover from this emotional event.
Here's what happens post-George's death, per 'TBBT'
Behind-the-scenes footage suggests a funeral scene following George's death, which could potentially overshadow the finale's expected upbeat tone. The effects of his death on the Cooper family were previously detailed in The Big Bang Theory. After his sudden departure, Georgie takes over as family leader while Mary grapples with her grief and Missy continues her rebellious adolescence. Sheldon, who moves away for post-grad, remains largely unaffected by these changes.
George's remaining narrative in Season 7
In terms of George's remaining storyline in Young Sheldon, there are no significant personal arcs left apart from his impending death. His survival until the finale ensures his involvement in crucial family moments such as Sheldon's move to Caltech for post-graduate studies. Moreover, Episode 12 of Season 7 will introduce a subplot where George receives a new job offer, the implications of which for the family remain to be seen.
