Warning! Spoilers ahead for Young Sheldon season 6, episode 11. Dr. Sturgis' advice in season 6, episode 11 predicts Leonard's role. After working separately for a while, Sheldon and his original mentor re-team as the boy genius seeks help getting his grant database project off the ground. They have their work cut out for them, however - especially with East Texas Tech doing everything it can to undermine the endeavor. As Sheldon grapples with President Hagemeyer's dirty tactics, Dr. Sturgis offers him some words of wisdom, which coincidentally describes Leonard's role in .
Since Mary separated from her church and East Texas Tech got into its conflict with Sheldon, the academic organization has become
In "Ruthless, Toothless, and a Week of Bed Rest," Hagemeyer intimidates Sheldon by making his college experience difficult.
As revealed in, Leonard becoming Sheldon's roommate happened because the socially-inept genius' previous cohabiter had enough of his antics.
As continues tackling Sheldon's conflict with East Texas Tech, the narrative also highlights just how important Leonard has been in the socially-inept protagonist's adult life. In CBS' prequel, Sheldon is left essentially to his own devices. While Dr. Sturgis offers support, it is barely enough, and the absence of a true partner is made obvious through these tough times in Sheldon's education.
Luckily for Sheldon, he never feels alone with Leonard and the rest of his Pasadena gang friends in . And while Sheldon grows close to each of his adult companions, his bond with Leonard remains the most vital, helping Sheldon's development as a character, and resulting in a much-improved Sheldon at the end of the show. In season 6, it seems Dr. Sturgis knew exactly what Sheldon needed.