Although The Big Bang Theory’s upcoming spinoff Stuart Fails To Save The Universe won’t grant the original show’s heroes major roles, I’m unexpectedly relieved to hear this. The Big Bang Theory’s finale gave Leonard, Penny, Howard, Bernadette, Amy, and Sheldon their happy endings, and even Raj’s divisive fate was relatively optimistic.
Admittedly, Penny’s story in The Big Bang Theory finale wasn’t perfect, but the show still tied up most of its loose ends before season 12 wrapped up. As such, the news of The Big Bang Theory’s upcoming spinoff Stuart Fails To Save The Universe was met with mixed feelings.
Stuart Fails To Save The Universe brings back some supporting stars from The Big Bang Theory, including Kevin Sussman’s titular Stuart, his love interest Denise, and John Ross Bowie’s Kripke. However, it wasn’t clear how big a role the original show’s heroes would play, if any, until HBO Max (via Variety) released this official synopsis for the series:
“Comic book store owner Stuart Bloom (Kevin Sussman) is tasked with restoring reality after he breaks a device built by Sheldon and Leonard, accidentally bringing about a multiverse Armageddon. Stuart is aided in this quest by his girlfriend Denise (Lauren Lapkus), geologist friend Bert (Brian Posehn), and quantum physicist/all-around pain in the ass Barry Kripke (John Ross Bowie). Along the way, they meet alternate-universe versions of characters we’ve come to know and love from The Big Bang Theory. As the title implies, things don’t go well.”
Stuart Fails To Save The Universe’s Returning Big Bang Theory Characters Will Mostly Be Alternate Versions
The Big Bang Theory’s Original Heroes Won’t Factor Into the Story
One surprising revelation from this synopsis is that Stuart Fails To Save The Universe will be a full-blown sci-fi series, which marks a pretty big tonal departure from the relatively grounded comedy of the original show. Another is that, although Leonard and Sheldon created the device that sparks the multiverse meltdown, they won’t necessarily play major roles in the new show.
Stuart breaks a device made by Leonard and Sheldon, but it’s unclear if they will appear and if they do, it will likely only be a cameo. The other characters will be alternate versions, meaning The Big Bang Theory’s Penny and Leonard won’t necessarily be played by the same actors in different realities, and may not even have the same names.
Stuart Fails Needs To Stand On Its Own Without Using The Original Characters As A Crutch
The Spinoff’s Ambitious Concept Doesn’t Need to Rely On Established Characters
This is a welcome change for Stuart Fails To Save The Universe, which could easily have become a mere sequel to The Big Bang Theory. Although it is still much too soon for the original series to stage a reunion or a revival, having ended in 2019, Stuart Fails To Save The Universe could have acted as a soft reboot.
If the show relied too heavily on the presence of The Big Bang Theory’s original heroes, Stuart Fails To Save The Universe would have risked feeling like a superfluous spinoff. Then, the upcoming could have struggled to build an identity of its own. This is why Young Sheldon kept The Big Bang Theory cast cameos to a minimum.
It’s Time For The Big Bang Theory Universe To Retire Sheldon Cooper For A While
Sheldon Ended Up Becoming the Franchise’s Unintentional Lynchpin
Stuart Fails To Save The Universe’s premise is exciting because the new spinoff can end the sitcom franchise’s singular focus on Sheldon. After the first few seasons centered on Penny and Leonard, The Big Bang Theory shifted its focus and became Sheldon’s show. Similarly, its first spinoff was entirely about him, and the second followed his sibling’s marriage.
Without Sheldon’s big personality taking up all the oxygen, as his character tended to do, Stuart Fails To Save The Universe can successfully expand The Big Bang Theory’s world.
The Big Bang Theory universe has explored the story of Sheldon Cooper sufficiently, so it’s time to let the other characters shine. Without Sheldon’s big personality taking up all the oxygen, as his character tended to do, Stuart Fails To Save The Universe can successfully expand The Big Bang Theory’s world.
