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During The Big Bang Theory's sensational 12-season run on CBS, did anyone wonder what would happen if Sheldon Cooper and Leonard Hofstadter built a reality-bending device, only to be broken by comic book store owner Stuart Bloom, thus creating a multiverse Armageddon that would make him the chosen one to save not just his, but every universe in existence from collapsing?
Well, those who did wonder that are in luck. Brought to you by the minds behind The Big Bang Theory and Young Sheldon comes Stuart Fails to Save the Universe, the third spinoff series in the Big Bang sitcom franchise and the first to delve into the science-fiction realm. There's not a miniature, cute-but-annoying of Jim Parsons' Sheldon Cooper nor a wildly inappropriate age-gap relationship, but there are giant moths, a guy named Gary, and trippy meta madness. It sounds ridiculous, and rest assured, it most definitely is. But that's what makes the new HBO Max series a hysterical must-watch.
Stuart Fails to Save the Universe Gets Wild and Weird
The opening credits alone speak to how ludicrous the show is. Every episode has a slightly different version of the opening credits, where the writers break the fourth wall through cue cards. The choice to lean into the absurdity, rather than pretend the show is a high-concept sci-fi masterpiece, is a great one. That's not to say the show lacks intelligence, but it's refreshing for a show of this genre to let loose and not give into the stuffiness of trying to create something that will redefine the genre.
The perfect word to describe Stuart Fails to Save the Universe is ambitious. The main characters alone encapsulate this. Creators Chuck Lorre, Zak Penn and Bill Prady take four Big Bang characters who didn't become a part of the main cast until later in the show, and make them the stars of this one. Kevin Sussman reprises his role as Stuart Bloom, who is living in an apocalyptic nightmare with his best friend Bert Kibbler (Brian Posehn). He eventually finds his long-lost love, Denise (Lauren Lapkus), and certified jerk Barry Kripke (John Ross Bowie).
Using the cursed device, the four travel to different universes to escape the danger of the previous universe, and later, try to prevent everything from vanishing forever. Along the way, they meet alternate versions of some Big Bang Theory characters that will have longtime fans jumping out of their seats. But admittedly, the shtick gets tiresome after the third or fourth cameo, where Stuart continues to be dumbfounded by their appearances each and every time.
Stuart Fails to Save the Universe Overplays the Cameo Card
Don't expect Parsons to waltz onto the set of Stuart Fails to Save the Universe after he admitted that he was "miserable" during the height of The Big Bang Theory's success. But the spinoff doesn't skimp out on getting big-name actors from the original show. Regardless, the real testament to the show's charm is the dysfunctional dynamic between the four core characters. In all honesty, the chemistry they have with one another proves that cameos were never needed in the first place.
Stuart is the classic reluctant hero, and not being a super-smart scientist makes him a relatable protagonist (but there is a brilliant episode where his comic book knowledge becomes quite handy). He has an adorable relationship with Denise, and Sussman and Lapkus play their dynamic less like the "nerdy guy gets the hot girl" trope and more like "two nerds collide to create the most awkward, but adorable relationship ever." Additionally, Posehn and Bowie are fabulous in their roles, hitting every comedic note with Bert and Barry's quirky eccentricities.
The actual story can be a little hard to grasp at first, even for viewers who have never seen Big Bang Theory. The first episode plays out like a Fallout fever dream where no one quite knows how to act, despite the apocalypse having happened for quite some time. The visual effects also aren't the best, but to the show's defense, they're good enough for a sitcom.
Stuart Bloom Is the Hero The Big Bang Theory Needed
Where Stuart Fails to Save the Universe really shines is the deep understanding of its protagonist, and the obvious care to evolve him over time. One of the biggest hang-ups of Young Sheldon was that, despite the moments where the titular character showed the tiniest of growth, viewers knew he was never going to change for the better. In the newest spinoff, Stuart is prescribed a hero's journey that gives him some flexibility to be brave and build his self-confidence.
Barry is another character that shows great potential for growth, often acting as Stuart's moral foil but slowly learning from his comrades. But he's the only other character of this ragtag group of misfits who is given that privilege. Denise is fine, but lacks the depth necessary to raise her above the love interest stereotype. Bert also deserves better writing, as for now he's mostly assigned as the funny guy who really loves geology. One episode where he gets into a serious relationship had the potential to dive deeper into his psyche, but kept it surface level.
The series finds its voice later into its first season when it begins to unravel the great mystery behind the multiverse problem. Once it also gets into the truly bizarre universes and meta scenarios, Stuart Fails to Save the Universe reaches a degree of amusement and astute writing that's missing from big franchises like Marvel and DC today. It's not one of the most high-budget sci-fi shows on television today, but it's a charmer that takes science experiments to the next level.
Stuart Fails to Save the Universe premieres July 23 on HBO Max.
