Young Sheldon fans think three knocks explanation is “cowardly”

The origin story behind Sheldon’s infamous three knocks now has an answer – with some Young Sheldon fans dubbing it “cowardly.”

Young Sheldon might be directly linked to The Big Bang Theory, but that doesn’t mean that fans haven’t been annoyed by ongoing inconsistencies between the two.

While some fans think there’s a specific reason for how the prequel is panning out, others put subtle changes down to Sheldon’s unreliability as a narrator.

Either way, Young Sheldon has just introduced a startling new change to TBBT lore, with some fans dubbing the explanation as “cowardly.” Warning – spoilers ahead!

Young Sheldon fans think three knocks explanation is “cowardly”

Young Sheldon fans are subbing the reveal of Sheldon’s childhood three knocks story as “cowardly” after it was revealed George didn’t have an affair but was instead with Mary in a costume.

CBS

During the main series, Sheldon becomes known for always knocking on a door three times before he enters a room. He claims this is because he walked in on George and another woman when he was a teenager. Speculation surrounding George’s mystery woman has been rife ever since, with neighbor Brenda slated as the number one suspect.

However, the reality couldn’t be more different. Returning to Medford after the trip to Germany, Mary brings back an Oktoberfest dirndl to surprise George with, a blonde wig included. Wearing it for him, Sheldon walks in on George and “Helga,” Mary’s made-up character.

“Unpopular opinion here, but I think this was a pretty weak and kinda cowardly way to handle this, tbh,” one fan posted on Reddit. “George has become too beloved in the prequel, so they decided to fit in a past retcon instead of writing a story where George makes this kind of mistake. It didn’t have to ruin his character overall if written well, but nah, let’s go for the sitcomish misunderstanding that stayed with and deeply affected Sheldon well into adulthood.”

Another agreed “This is the worst change they’ve ever had. They’ve had multiple changes that are not my cup of tea but this one takes cake. Changing the storyline so George seems like a good guy when he dies is crazy. Especially since it’s mentioned on numerous occasions that George had infidelity issues, the writers are just saying fuck it at this point. It’s a lazy cop-out.”

However, not all fans have taken issue with “Helga’s” reveal.

“I’m so happy and relieved that it turned out this way. Sheldon looked up to his father and it was just a misinterpretation. George Sr. is a good father. He did face challenges but in the end, his children and family loved and looked up to him,” a third fan weighed in.

Young Sheldon Season 7 continues on CBS until May 16, 2024. Catch up with plenty more great TV shows to stream here.