Summary

• Meemaw's new probation officer in Young Sheldon, Officer Thompson, is portrayed by Octavia Spencer, known for a previous role in The Big Bang Theory.
• Spencer's character may not have a direct connection to her previous role, but her appearance adds an interesting crossover element.
• Considering the timeline, Spencer's Young Sheldon appearance may just be for one episode.

Young Sheldon season 7, episode 10 trailer reveals the return of a The Big Bang Theory actor, 16 years since they last appeared. With only five episodes left, Young Sheldon's storytelling should be wrapping up its lingering plot lines. Surprisingly, however, the writers are still incorporating unexpected new plots, including Meemaw's future as she deals with the aftermath of the illegal gambling room's shutdown. Young Sheldon could have left the arc at that, but instead, it progresses in an episode.

As revealed by CBS (via Young Sheldon season 7, episode 10, "Community Service and the Key to a Happy Marriage," shows Octavia Spencer returning to the Chuck Lorre franchise. Watch the clip before:

In the Young Sheldon season 7 video, Spencer debuts as Meemaw's new probation officer, Officer Thomason. For once, it seems like Meemaw is actually behaving herself, knowing full well that if she doesn't, she could end up serving time in prison — something that Spencer's character reminds her of.

How Octavia Spencer’s Young Sheldon Role Connects the Big Bang Theory

Sheldon Previously Encountered A Character Played By Spencer.

While this is the first time that Spencer is appearing in Young Sheldon, she had previously been involved in The Big Bang Theory. Back in 2008, the actor played the role of a DMV officer who quickly became impatient with Sheldon in season 2, episode 5, "The Euclid Alternative." In the outing, Howard and Penny decided to bring their socially inept genius friend to the office, so The Big Bang Theory character could get his learner's permit, but in true Sheldon fashion, he misbehaved. Spencer was credited as Octavia for his small but memorable role in the nerd-centric sitcom.

Despite this, however, it doesn't seem like there's any connection between Officer Thompson and Octavia.

Not much has been revealed about Officer Thompson, although the trailer shows her having similar mannerisms to her previous franchise role. Despite this, however, it doesn't seem like there's any connection between Officer Thompson and Octavia. It's curious if Lorre and his writers are planning to use the character to strengthen the connection between the shows, but it's worth noting that this isn't the first time this has happened. Several actors played different roles in The Big Bang Theory and Young Sheldon, and Spencer may just be one of them.

As Georgie and Mandy abandon Meemaw, the Young Sheldon character may not have any choice but to play nice with Officer Thompson. Considering the number of episodes left, it's likely that Spencer's role will only be for one episode. Nonetheless, it's still great to see her, given how memorable she was when she first appeared in The Big Bang Theory.

Young Sheldon season 7 airs every Thursday, 8 pm ET on CBS.

Source: CBS (via TV Promos)