After a three-season absence, Young Sheldon season 7 will feature the return of a key character with a potential The Big Bang Theory connection.
After three seasons away from the show, an important character is returning to Young Sheldon. Having premiered in 2017, the show is a prequel to The Big Bang Theory and follows Sheldon and his family as they navigate the various challenges with his education. It is currently in the midst of its final season, though a spin-off show focused on Mandy and Georgie is in development.
As the Young Sheldon cast prepares to say goodbye to the show, one character will be returning from a three-season absence. In an interview with TVLine, executive producer Steve Holland revealed that Tam will appear before the show ends. Holland was asked whether the show would address Tam’s plot in The Big Bang Theory and said, “I think there will be a nod to that.”
Tam’s Role In The Big Bang Theory
Tam Nguyen went from Sheldon’s closest and only friend to an enemy in a very short period. By the time he is introduced in The Big Bang Theory in season 12, Tam is far from the close friend he once was. After 20 years apart, Sheldon feels that Tam betrayed him and left him isolated on his way to Caltech. In reality, Tam’s absence was simply because he needed to stay in Texas with his girlfriend, rather than becoming Sheldon’s roommate.
The issue is not rectified until The Big Bang Theory, but Young Sheldon still needs to properly introduce the conflict that broke their friendship in the first place. Tam’s appearance in the original show was a way to link the two, while also offering insight into Tam’s future. To properly conclude that connection, the show will need to reintroduce Tam. It will be one final move to keep the timeline steady, as omitting the detail would break Big Bang’s story.
Young Sheldon season 7 has been dedicated to tying up loose ends before the show reaches its end. As Sheldon moves on to another stage of his life, his conflict with Tam will need to be set up. That could be difficult, given Tam’s multi-season absence. Young Sheldon will need to tie into The Big Bang Theory one more time if it’s going to give Tam the attention he deserves.
