In "Pish Posh and a Secret Back Room," the writers begin to realign George with his TBBT fate. The financial pressure is the catalyst. We see the beginning of the "defeated" George. His decision to pawn his tapes is the visual representation of his loss of self. He is no longer a man with hobbies or a past; he is purely a provider under duress.
By the episode’s end, Meemaw catches Mary leaving the bowling alley late at night. Mary confesses, expecting outrage, but Meemaw just laughs and says, “Honey, I own that back room.” It turns out Meemaw has been running the gambling operation all along. They share a rare, warm moment of understanding — mother and daughter, both keeping secrets to get by. young sheldon s05e04 fullrip