Young Sheldon: The Complete Series DVD Review
“The Big Bang Theory” prequel spin-off comes to DVD in a complete series set.
Set in East Texas in the 80’s and 90’s, “Young Sheldon” is a coming-of-age sitcom that revolves around Sheldon Cooper from ages 9 to 14 through its 7 season run. The older version of Sheldon (Jim Parsons) narrates the series. Sheldon, for those that are unaware, is a smart, eccentric know-it-all who skips grades, questions teachers, has various phobias, and has a deep interest in science, space, physics, math, and sci-fi. The story isn’t just about Sheldon, however, but his family too including his parents (Mary and George), siblings (Georgie and Missy) and his grandma (Connie). There are several recurring characters like Pastor Jeff, physics professor Dr. Sturgis, Paige (a fellow smart student), sporting goods store owner/coach Dale, physics professor Dr. Linkletter and Billy Sparks (a bully turned dopey neighborhood kid).
Throughout the series, there are storylines about school, religion, Sheldon’s friend Tam, Connie dating, health issues, Georgie’s girlfriends Veronica, lectures, tie-ins with “The Big Bang Theory,” financial woes, Sheldon attending college, jobs (or a lack thereof), George seeing Brenda, Georgie and Mandy expecting a child, Connie’s laundromat/gambling business, Connie and Dale’s relationship, a tornado, a death in the Cooper family, and Sheldon venturing to Caltech.
Before the new “Young Sheldon” spin-off “Georgie And Mandy’s First Marriage” debuts, viewers can catch up on the complete series of “Young Sheldon” with this new DVD release. While “The Big Bang Theory” was far from a classic comedy, it certainly had its moments (including Jim Parsons as Sheldon). Unfortunately, this needless prequel just doesn’t have the same appeal. While the series had its fans to be sure, the Chuck Lorre and Steven Molaro created series somehow made Sheldon the least interesting aspect of his own show. Even the name “Young Sheldon” is sort of false advertising as it’s more about family than it leads on. The writers struggle to develop the character in his youth and seem far more concerned with connecting the dots to “The Big Bang Theory.” Sheldon even becomes rather grating in this series as there seems to be a reliance on the rude, socially awkward, arrogant side of him.
The real issue though is the casting. With no disrespect to actor Iain Armitage, he just doesn’t channel Jim Parsons (to me at least). If you can’t buy into his take on the character, the show is rough to watch. Add in the fact that the actor grows over the show and has a voice change and it makes it even more awkward as he tries to mimic Sheldon’s mannerisms and comedic deliveries.
In terms of the stories, it comes across as a melodrama at times in its stories about family, relationships, academics, and growth. There are a few characters who make the show bearable such as Connie (played by MVP Annie Potts), Craig T. Nelson as Dale (who has a relationship with Connie) and Montana Jordan (Georgie).
Video/Audio:
Presentation: 1.78:1. Grade: B+
Audio Track: Dolby Digital 5.1. Grade: B+
Extras:
* “Young Sheldon: An Origin Story”- A featurette with interviews about the series.
* “Sibling Rivalry”- Interviews with the 3 kid actors.
* “The Coopers, East Texas, And The 80’s”- A behind-the-scenes featurette on season 3
* “Cooped Up With The Coopers”- A Zoom cast discussion that occurred during COVID.
* “Time Flies When You’re Having Fun: Young Sheldon At 100” is all about the milestone episode.
* “Sheldon’s Secret Origins And Easter Egg” covers “The Big Bang Theory” references and how adult Sheldon was set-up.
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