USA TODAY International Edition
Worlds, and Sheldons, collide
Magic of low tech unites ‘Big Bang,’ spinoff stars
“The Big Bang Theory” proves one scientific theory in Thursday’s episode: Adult Sheldon meeting his boyhood self does not destroy the universe, despite the amassed brainpower.
It does, however, lead to an amusing sort-of conversation when the characters encounter one another through the miracle of videotape, as revealed in a first look at how the CBS comedy (Thursday, 8 EDT/PDT) introduces the boy genius at the heart of spinoff “Young Sheldon” to “Big Bang.”
The episode, “The VCR Illumination,” picks up as adult Sheldon (Jim Parsons) remains in the throes of depression after learning the Nobelseeking theory he constructed with his wife, Amy (Mayim Bialik), has already been disproved. It’s just the right time to break out “the emergency pep talk you made when you were a kid,” she says.
After Amy loads the VHS tape, the Sheldons exchange matching salutations, and the fastidious 10-year-old (Iain Armitage) asks for a password: “Sheldon’s younger self wants to make sure that it’s actually him watching the tape,” executive producer Steve Holland says.
That meeting “was a big one and checks a big box off. We wanted to find a fun way to connect these two shows.”
The episode, which also features a guest appearance by Christine Baranski as Leonard’s mother, is the latest connection between two top-rated sitcoms: “Big Bang,” in its 12th and final season, and “Young Sheldon,” a hit in its sophomore outing that will effectively replace it.
Thursday’s episode of “Sheldon” (CBS, 8:30 EST/PST) binds the shows in reverse, explaining the origins of adult Sheldon’s zinger catchphrase, “Bazinga.” Earlier, the comedy revealed how Sheldon developed his door-knocking tic, why he favors relationship contracts and who first sang “Soft Kitty” to him.
Having both shows “provides all these fun opportunities, but at the same time ... we really want to focus on this show and these characters,” Holland says, with just 14 episodes remaining after Thursday’s show, the fall finale.
As “Big Bang” heads toward the finish line, it will continue exploring current stories, including Penny and Leonard’s differing views about having children and Raj’s wedding plans with Anu.
The finale isn’t written yet, but “we know what we want,” says Holland, who has discussed it with fellow executive producers Chuck Lorre and Steven Molaro. “We know the ending we’re driving for, and we’re excited about it.”
But as the finale inches closer, “you want it to slow down a little bit. I don’t want it to end.”