Ep 7. Carbon Dating and a Stuffed Raccoon

Young Sheldon season 2 episode 7 "Carbon Dating and a Stuffed Raccoon" follows Sheldon Cooper, a young prodigy, as he continues to navigate life in East Texas. The episode kicks off with Sheldon studying for his upcoming physics exam, but he's distracted by his Meemaw's old boyfriend, Dr. John Sturgis. Sturgis, who's a professor at East Texas Tech, seems to have disappeared without a trace and Sheldon can't stop thinking about him.

To make matters worse, Sheldon's mother, Mary, is worried about her son's lack of social skills and decides to enroll him in a dance class. Sheldon, who doesn't see the point in dancing, is reluctant to go but eventually gives in. He quickly realizes that his teacher is Ms. Hutchins, the same woman who stuffed his beloved pet raccoon, Rascal, after he passed away. Sheldon is outraged and refuses to participate in the class, even going as far as to launch a protest against Ms. Hutchins.

Meanwhile, Meemaw is struggling with her own problems. She's been using John's telescope and accidentally breaks it, causing her to spiral into a depression. George Sr., Sheldon's father, tries to cheer her up by suggesting they go on a date, but Meemaw is too upset to enjoy herself. Eventually, she comes out of her funk and decides to buy John a new telescope instead of fixing the old one.

Back at home, Sheldon is trying to find a way to prove that Ms. Hutchins is a terrible dance teacher. He decides to ask for help from his new friend, Tam, who suggests they use carbon dating to determine the age of Rascal. Sheldon is hesitant at first, but eventually agrees and they sneak into Ms. Hutchins' house to get a sample of Rascal's fur. They manage to get the sample and run some tests, but the results are inconclusive.

Sheldon's frustration with his lack of proof leads him to confront Ms. Hutchins in front of the entire dance class. He accuses her of being a bad dance teacher and tells everyone about Rascal. Ms. Hutchins calmly explains that she didn't stuff Rascal because she wanted to, but because she was doing a favor for Meemaw. She also explains that dancing isn't about being perfect, it's about having fun and expressing yourself.

The episode ends with Sheldon realizing the error of his ways and deciding to give dancing another try. He also learns that sometimes things aren't always what they seem, and that it's important to keep an open mind.

Overall, "Carbon Dating and a Stuffed Raccoon" is a fun and charming episode of Young Sheldon that explores themes of friendship, understanding, and acceptance. It's a great example of how the show manages to balance its humor with its heart, making it a must-watch for fans of the series.