Warning: Spoilers ahead for Young Sheldon season 5, episode 16.
Amy (Mayim Bialik) and Sheldon's (Jim Parsons) oldest problem on The Big Bang Theory just got worse because of Young Sheldon. Recently, Bialik made another unexpected voice cameo on the spinoff CBS comedy. Despite only being featured at the start of Young Sheldon season 5, episode 16, her appearance revealed that she and Sheldon continue to struggle in one key aspect of their relationship.
The Big Bang Theory prequel has been bringing in actors and characters from the original sitcom to the delight of viewers. Earlier in Young Sheldon season 5, Simon Helberg reprised his role as Howard, and although his voice cameo was rather disappointing, fans were still happy about his involvement in the ongoing sitcom. Bialik returned for another cameo, reprising her role as Sheldon's wife. This marked her second guest stint on the spinoff after her debut on Young Sheldon season 4 premiere where it was revealed that they have a son named Leonard Cooper. This time, however, the revelations are more subtle, and one of them doesn't sound good in terms of the couple's relationship status.
During Young Sheldon episode titled "A Suitcase Full of Cash and a Yellow Clown Car," Amy joins her husband during the opening voiceover. The pair talks about the key components of a relationship including sex, or what Sheldon calls "physical intimacy," which could pose problems in a relationship. Amy then interjects saying "especially when one doesn't want to be intimate as frequently as the other." She's clearly referring to them, but Sheldon sounds so oblivious to it, even asking who they're talking about. This was the couple's biggest problem on The Big Bang Theory, as Amy longed to be closer to her then-boyfriend who was more closed-off. It seemed as though they had resolved it when Sheldon and Amy got married, but that doesn't appear to be the case based on the spinoff. The fact that the Young Sheldon narration takes place years after The Big Bang Theory makes it worse because it means that Amy has been quietly dealing with this while Sheldon continues to be oblivious to his wife's needs.
While Young Sheldon kept this specific back-and-forth between Amy and Sheldon playful and humorous, it could be an indication of bigger problems to come for the couple. After dating for a few years on The Big Bang Theory, Amy decided to break up with Sheldon in season 8 due to the lack of physical affection from him. The pair ultimately got back together and tied the knot by the end of season 11. The next season, Amy and Sheldon won the Nobel Prize in Physics at the end of the original sitcom, However, the said intimacy issue was never fully tackled or resolved. So it makes sense that it has continued to plague them in the years since then. Since The Big Bang Theory established that Amy has the capability to walk away from Sheldon over this matter, it isn't outside the realm of possibility that she would do it again if he repeatedly shuts her down or continues to dismiss her needs. Regardless, unless they discuss it properly, then it will be a recurring problem in their marriage.
Unlike her previous appearance, Amy's Young Sheldon season 5 voice cameo was previously revealed as part of the new episode's marketing. It's unclear if this will be a regular occurrence on the spinoff, but fans are always happy to hear from the Pasadena gang as it allows viewers to catch up with the bunch years after The Big Bang Theory's ending. Unfortunately, it also inadvertently highlights some of the issues they're facing in the present.
Young Sheldon season 5 airs every Thursday on CBS.