Warning! Spoilers ahead for Young Sheldon season 6 episode 3
Mary's (Laurie Metcalf) surprising connection with Leonard's (Johnny Galecki) dad, Alfred Hofstadter (Judd Seymore Hirsch) on The Big Bang Theory is explained in Young Sheldon. After getting fired from her church, Sheldon's mom is going through a crisis of faith. It isn't all that bad, however, as it allows her to explore more of herself outside of her devotion to religion. That includes her sensuality which was at the center of Mary's Young Sheldon season 6 episode 3 storyline.
Tackling Mary's repressed desires indirectly reveals why she had an instant attraction to Alfred when they met on The Big Bang Theory. Titled "Passion’s Harvest and a Sheldocracy," the outing sees Mary writing an erotic book after Meemaw (Annie Potts) convinced her to read one. Through her project, Mary shares her fantasy of meeting someone who is genuinely interested in carrying a conversation through the depiction of her fictional character, Dusty (Michael Trucco). In The Big Bang Theory, Mary and Alfred were initially going to share a cab home, but decided to have a nightcap leading to them spending the night together. Considering that what was supposed to be evening drinks lasted all night meant that Alfred was able to capture Mary's attention with his ability to sustain a conversation.
Did Sheldon's Mom & Leonard’s Dad Really Sleep Together?
Mary appeared several times on Big Bang Theory, giving the sitcom a chance to lightly explore her personal life. The show established that although she was never open about it, she had been actively dating, so it wasn't outside the realm of possibility to think that she slept with Leonard's father. That being said, both of them maintain that they only talked through the night, further proving the aforementioned point about Mary's attraction to Alfred. It would be difficult to prove, however, how exactly they spent their time together since it all went down off-screen on The Big Bang Theory.
Young Sheldon Season 6 Features The Best Mary
The Coopers are going through a rough patch now on the prequel spin-off, but it allows Young Sheldon season 6 to feature the best version of Mary. While Pastor Jeff's (Matt Hobby) ruthless firing of her was heartbreaking to watch, Sheldon's mother separating herself from the congregation isn't only good for her, but also for her family. Both Meemaw and George (Lance Barber) have acknowledged the benefits of less religion in the house. It's also beneficial in terms of CBS' storytelling as it gives them the opportunity to explore other aspects of Mary's character outside of being a devout Christian which has been what she's best known of.
Unfortunately, with George's impending death, preceded by his cheating scandal, tragedy looms for the Coopers. So, this version of Sheldon's mom already has a pre-determined end. If anything, The Big Bang Theory already revealed fun Mary's end as she eventually goes back to her buttoned-up self. Before all that, however, Young Sheldon hopefully further takes advantage of this refreshing take on the character.
Young Sheldon season 6 airs Thursdays on CBS.