Young Sheldon season 6, episode 11 may have just revealed the dark reason why Mandy neither appeared nor was referenced in The Big Bang Theory. TV's #1 comedy continues to lean on its familial storytelling by actively developing Georgie and Mandy's arc, especially as the birth of their baby nears. While the arrival of the newest Cooper family member should be a cause for celebration, it would also worsen an existing The Big Bang Theory plothole.
While Sheldon is busy with his grant database project and George is having a secret affair with Brenda, Young Sheldon season 6's primary arc has arguably been Georgie and Mandy's pregnancy storyline.
CBS may have found a way to finally address the issue of Mandy's absence in The Big Bang Theory as set up in the family comedy's "Ruthless, Toothless, and a Week of Bed Rest" episode.
Admittedly, going this route may sound a bit dark for a family comedy like Young Sheldon, but it actually fits with the show's storytelling shift in the last couple of years. Instead of being a straight-up sitcom, The Big Bang Theory prequel has delved into more serious plotlines such as infidelity for both George and Mary, as well as more serious teenage issues via Paige's arc.
Sadly, this means that The Big Bang Theory also ruined Georgie, much like it did for the rest of the Coopers. Young Sheldon could continue his romance with Mandy, but the established canon mandates that they don't end up with each other. Losing both her and the baby, coupled with the additional burden of taking care of his family after George's death, could explain the change in Georgie, however. The eldest Cooper kid was harsh and even spiteful when he appeared in The Big Bang Theory, which is very different from Young Sheldon's more earnest and optimistic version. Going through these consecutive losses could be the reason why Georgie had to toughen up.