The upcoming spin-off of The Big Bang Theory, Stuart Fails to Save the Universe, has the potential to be a masterpiece if it accomplishes one thing. This is far from the first The Big Bang Theory spin-off, of course. The hit sitcom has so far produced two other series, Young Sheldon (which ran for 7 seasons), and Georgie & Mandy’s First Marriage (which is ongoing).
Unlike Young Sheldon, which was a prequel to the original series, Stuart Fails to Save the Universe capitalizes on sci-fi absurdity, showing comic book store owner Stuart trying to restore reality after he messes it up. The spin-off will focus mostly on Stuart’s journey with potential cameos from other characters fans have grown to love in The Big Bang Theory.
This does something very different to the other two spin-offs, which are more grounded in the traditions of family sitcoms. Instead, this gets a lot more meta, and strays from the core family of the Coopers. This may be a great thing for the TBBT universe – but it has to be done carefully to mimic the original series’ success.
The Big Bang Theory Spin-Off Must Let Stuart Be Stuart
Stuart Fails to Save the Universe is shaping up to be an interesting show, with the potential for the writers to capitalize on Stuart’s relatable character. Stuart first appeared in The Big Bang Theory season 2, episode 20, titled “The Hofstadter Isotope,” as a socially awkward and financially unstable comic book store owner.
Despite his deep knowledge of pop culture, he lacked the scientific expertise of the show’s four main characters: Sheldon Cooper, Leonard Hofstadter, Howard Wolowitz, and Raj Koothrappali. In many ways, Stuart emerged as the most realistic representation of a nerd, which is what made him a fan-favorite.
Over the seasons, Stuart grew close to Raj, Howard, Leonard, and Sheldon. He became the backup friend, who often showed up whenever the main group needed him. Some of Stuart’s memorable moments include going on dates with Penny, painting a portrait for Amy Fowler, and spending time at Howard’s home.
Stuart stood out as the most genuine in the group because of his character development. Instead of transitioning from a broke comic book store owner to a successful business owner and a millionaire, he had a more realistic journey that sees him continue to pursue his passions and grow as a person, but without major or unlikely big shifts.
In order for the writers to ensure the success of Stuart Fails to Save the Universe, they should make Stuart as relatable as he was in The Big Bang Theory. They should avoid portraying him as a genius.
Being someone who still wrestles with self-doubt would add an interesting layer to his character, making the show more enjoyable as he navigates fixing the timeline with his limited knowledge and intellect.
Highlighting his vulnerabilities and incorporating delayed dark humor would make the episodes funnier. Stuart shines when he is interacting with other characters, so showcasing his relationships with others would be the best approach to keep the overall journey realistic, rather than delving too much into sci-fi territory.
Stuart Fails To Save The Universe Can Make Stuart One Of The Best TBBT Universe Characters
Stuart Fails to Save the Universe will feature Stuart’s journey, allowing viewers to gain a deeper understanding of him. While Stuart has provided comic relief in the past, the new spin-off should delve deep into his character, exploring his backstory and present adventures.
If the writers handle it well, they have the potential to make Stuart the most compelling character with the most engaging story in the entire The Big Bang Theory universe. They can show his growth and transformation into a completely new person, something that they couldn’t do with other characters who have lived much more fulfilling lives than Stuart.
Since Stuart has had a particularly unfortunate life, it would make sense for the writers to take advantage of that by ultimately showing him undergoing the most development and self-assurance out of all the characters in Chuck Lorre’s universe.
They can highlight his unique humor style along with his vast pop-culture knowledge, showing how he uses the lessons he has learned from comics to come up with a solution to fixing the timeline. Stuart is arguably the only character in The Big Bang Theory with undeniable potential for a hero arc, which is fitting given his childhood spent reading superhero comics.
The title of the spin-off, “Stuart Fails to Save the Universe,” implies that Stuart will most likely continue to have bad luck while trying to save the universe. However, there is humor in failure, which will make Stuart a compelling protagonist in the new spin-off.
Stuart’s status as an underdog will also differentiate the show from Young Sheldon, as Sheldon is portrayed as the perfect protagonist in his own show. Stuart’s character adds an element of unpredictability to Stuart Fails to Save the Universe, making it stand out from other shows in The Big Bang Theory universe.
