Kevin Sussman Goes on an Unexpected Hero’s Journey in Playfully Bold ‘Stuart Fails to Save the Universe’
Sandra Miska
Seven years after the series finale of “The Big Bang Theory,” the beloved sitcom now has its third and most ambitious spin-off, “Stuart Fails to Save the Universe.” Kevin Sussman returns to the role of Stuart Bloom, the self-depricating and oddly endearing middle-aged owner of a Pasadena comic book store. In the original series, he was mostly a side character who presided over a favorite third space frequented by Sheldon (Jim Parsons) and company. In this new series, which blends comedy and science fiction, creator Chuck Lorre pushes Stuart front and center as he works through his insecurities, love life, and occasional bouts of IBS all while attempting to save the world from Armagaeddon.
While Sheldon and Leonard (Johnny Galecki) are physically absent from this new series, their presence still looms large, as they are the masterminds behind a new quantum entanglement device that is repeatedly used here. Unfortunately, Stuart, who is not a scientist, but does have an art degree from the Rhode Island School of Design, accidentally damaged the machine before the first episode, an error that has brought about a “multiverse Armageddon.” The series opens with Pasadena having become a post-apocalyptic hellhole, although loyal customers such as Cal Tech geologist Burt Kibbler (Brian Posehn) still come to the store to trade canned goods for comics. An alternate version of Stuart arrives and lays down the mission of saving the universe for the OG Stuart, a call to action our hero reluctantly accepts.
Each of the ten episodes find Stuart and his cohorts, which in addition to Bert also include his love interest and former employee Denise (Lauren Lapkus), and Sheldon’s nemesis, ego-driven physicist Barry Kripke (John Ross Bowie), in a different universe. And this is what sets the series apart from the other shows in the “Big Bang” universe, its expansiveness, and the creativity that goes into bringing to life these different worlds. Lorre and his team no doubt took inspiration from the Oscar-winning film “Everything Everywhere All at Once” when they thought of the alternate universes in which the characters graze like cows, transform into centaurs, and, in a full-circle moment, find themselves inside of a multicam sitcom.
When it comes to its humor, “Stuart Fails to Save the Universe” is more quirky than laugh-out-loud funny. The series does rely on some familiar sitcom tropes, some more welcome than others. A lot of the jokes about nerds trying to get laid feel stale, and Kripke’s whole schtick gets old fast. An upside is that being on Max, the writers have more creative freedom without the standards and practices department of CBS combing through their scripts.
The heart of the series is certainly Stuart, and he is easy to root for due to his being pure of heart and remaining steadfast in his devotion to Denise. While his desire for them to be back together is mostly a source of motivation, his love for her also threatens to put the kibosh on the mission at certain points, and Sussman and Lapkus have a charming chemistry.
Finally, one of the best things about “Stuart Fails to Save the Universe” is that it makes such great use of Sussman, a veteran character actor who has spent years paying his dues in supporting roles. The same can also be said of his three co-stars. In addition to the four leads, other familiar faces pop up in this new series, including Riki Lindhome, and others whose identities are to be kept under wraps for now. Fans of “The Big Bang Theory” are sure to be delighted in this spin-off, which is both comfort food and an original new adventure.
“Stuart Fails to Save the Universe” begins streaming July 23 with new episodes releasing on Thursdays on HBO Max.