Attention! This article contains SPOILERS for episode 5 of Young Sheldon season 7. While the Missy arc in season 6 of Young Sheldon took a dark turn, season 7 has completely flipped her story. Young Sheldon has been known for its inconsistency with The Big Bang Theory's canon, but Missy has always been a bit of a mystery. Unlike other characters like Mary Cooper and Meemaw, Missy's background was never fully explored in The Big Bang Theory. In Young Sheldon, Missy is portrayed as a cheerful Southern woman whose social skills contrast with Sheldon's awkwardness. Her personal life was briefly mentioned in The Big Bang Theory, giving Young Sheldon the freedom to delve deeper into her teenage years.

By the end of season 6, Missy had transformed into a rebellious teenager, while Sheldon remained cautious and meticulous. Unfortunately, season 7's retcons have not undone this character development. The show now portrays Missy's rebellious behavior as harmless, with her underage drinking and secret boyfriend being played for laughs. In season 6, Missy's rebellious actions were seen as a cry for attention due to her parents' neglect. However, season 7 downplays the seriousness of her behavior, turning it into comedic moments. For instance, Missy deceives her father by claiming her boyfriend is gay and enlists a neighbor to host a party with alcohol. These actions would have previously indicated her growing resentment towards her parents, but now they are treated as humorous escapades. The shift in Missy's characterization in season 7 undermines the emotional moments of season 6, where she and her father had heartfelt conversations about her behavior. While Young Sheldon may not need to tackle serious storylines like George Sr.'s impending death, acknowledging the change in attitude towards Missy's actions would help bridge the gap between seasons 6 and 7. As it currently stands, it feels like Missy's parents underwent a sudden transformation between the two seasons.