I have a very low tolerance for sitcoms…far too many of them are simplistic stereotypes, and the jokes seem almost mean-spirited. Cheers, Seinfeld, Mash, Friends I can live with. Most of the modern ones? Not so much.

Except for the Big Bang Theory. I love the revenge of the nerds vibe of the early seasons, and the interplay between Sheldon and Leonard. Plus the fish out of water reality check perspective of Penny. Throw in the other characters, stir in some science stuff for plot points, and I find it quite enjoyable.

Yet when I saw they were doing Young Sheldon as a premise, I confess I had doubts. First, Jim Parsons rocks the old Sheldon character…Sheldon isn’t an amazing character on his own, Parsons populates him. Second, Sheldon can be annoying over time without the interplay with Leonard, Penny, and Amy. As a kid? Not feeling the vibe.

But I gave it a chance. And found out the kid is no Jim Parsons, and brother/sister/Dad/Mom are no Penny/Leonard/Amy. They didn’t even cast the same Mom, who would have been a hoot.

The episode is about Sheldon starting high school, and the adjustments it means for everyone involved. And it’s watchable, but not compelling.

Not that lack of compulsion will affect its renewal chances. I think that is a basic lock.