Young Sheldon Review: Vanilla Ice Cream, Gentleman Callers, and a Dinette Set (Season 1 Episode 22)

On Young Sheldon Season 1 Episode 22, “Vanilla Ice Cream, Gentleman Callers, and a Dinette Set,” MeeMaw is faced with the unexpected challenge of dating two men at the same time.

On the last few episodes, Connie and John have been getting closer and developing a solid relationship. It is clear she is starting to have real feelings for him. It isn’t just Sheldon rooting for them anymore.

That is why I’m surprised to see Connie accept a date with another man. I vaguely remember Ira from his past episode, but I don’t recall him being particularly important to Connie. It seems odd that she wants to go out with him again when things are going so well with John.

Connie wants to portray herself as a care-free and fun woman that doesn’t want to settle down, but she opens up to Mary that she truly doesn’t feel that way. While she doesn’t come right out and say it, she is afraid to fall in love again.

Connie is starting to really fall for John. Perhaps, the intensity of her feelings is why she tries to push him away by dating other men.

Connie: He is a brilliant, bicycle riding teddy bear.

It’s revealed that Connie was heartbroken by the loss of her husband. It is unclear how long ago he passed, but it seems like it has been quite some time. This scene is especially emotional for viewers familiar with The Big Bang Theory.

We know that George dies at a young age leaving Mary alone. Mary will experience all the things that Connie describes to her. The foreshadowing is surprisingly haunting for a normally up-beat show.

Sheldon is determined not to let MeeMaw and John’s relationship fall apart. He tries to call John to tell him about Ira, but Mary swoops in an stops him.

Sheldon simply does not understand that MeeMaw’s relationship isn’t his relationship. His investment in this relationship is starting to go too far. It was cute at first, but he is spending too many episodes watching their dates through the windows.

Mary has to have a chat with him about letting MeeMaw decide whom she wants to date. In true Mary fashion, she tells him the best they can do is pray that MeeMaw makes the right decision.

Sheldon: We’re going to leave this up to God?

I wish Sheldon could find an impartial person to talk about God and science. He needs someone to help him make sense of his conflicting ideas and influences.

Just as Sheldon hopes, Connie simply can’t date another man and quickly breaks it off with Ira.

John trying to seem tough and telling Ira to leave Connie alone is very sweet, but a total fail. John is not an intimidating man. He simply can’t pull it off.

The men strike up a friendship and agree to keep trying to win over Connie. While it sounds like a good idea to them, Connie is not having any of it. It leads to her and John’s (and Sheldon’s) first fight.

Connie finally lays down the law. Sheldon is not be involved in her relationship. John also agrees to set some ground rules. It’s about time!

The solution is Sheldon’s first written agreement.

The final scene of the episode gives a glimpse at Sheldon’s future and all the agreements he will write.

Are they technically The Big Bang Theory spoilers? I don’t think it is anything we don’t already suspect to happen at some point. I enjoy the cute nod to Sheldon and Amy’s wedding which aired on the same night.

This episode is severely lacking in Sheldon. Actually, it is severely lacking in everyone but MeeMaw. Young Sheldon only truly shines when it focuses on Sheldon and his family dynamic.

This episode definitely doesn’t have a season finale feel.  There is no excitement or fun. There is nothing to bring you back next season.

I’m more than a little disappointed in this episode. It is a bland ending to an overall excellent first season.

Other thoughts:

• I agree, MeeMaw. Alcohol is the way to “correct” any drink.
• “Did you just join this family? The kid is an oddball.” -Missy

What did you think of this episode of Young Sheldon? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

Reviewer Rating:

User Rating:

 

Young Sheldon airs Thursdays at 8:30/7:30 on CBS.

Follow us on Twitter @telltaleTV_

Want more from Tell-Tale TV? Subscribe to our newsletter here!