In the hit TV show The Big Bang Theory (TBBT), Mary Cooper, Sheldon's mother, was portrayed as an overly devout Christian from Texas. Her religious beliefs often made her overprotective and sometimes hypocritical. However, the spin-off prequel Young Sheldon shed new light on Mary's character, showing her as less stuck in her ways and more tolerable. Seasons 5 and 6 of Young Sheldon provided crucial insight into why Mary became bitter in TBBT. It was revealed that she lost her job at the church because her son got a girl pregnant. This incident shook her faith and left her feeling isolated from her community.

The weight of these circumstances led to her struggling with bitterness.

Mary and her husband, George, faced financial difficulties and marital problems, which further contributed to her mean-spirited behavior in TBBT. The stresses of their unstable situation added to her bitterness and caused her to lash out at others. This new understanding of Mary's character in TBBT helps viewers empathize with her struggles. It is clear that her bitterness was not unfounded but stemmed from a series of unfortunate events and personal turmoil. Young Sheldon gives us a deeper appreciation for the complexity of Mary's character and allows us to see her in a different light.

Overall, the contrast between Mary's portrayal in TBBT and Young Sheldon highlights the importance of understanding a character's backstory. By delving into Mary's past and exploring the challenges she faced, we gain a newfound understanding of her bitterness. This insight adds depth and complexity to her character, making her more relatable and human.