This post is not sponsored nor endorsed by Chuck Lorre Productions, Warner Bros. Television, or any other organization. All views are the author's own.
Most spin-offs of renowned sitcoms usually end horrible. See: Friends' Joey, or The Golden Girls' The Golden Palace, and so on.
So it shouldn't have been a surprised that when Chuck Lorre, one of the co-creators for The Big Bang Theory, announced that they were creating a new spin-off centered around Stuart, the comic book owner, there was more than enough reason for anyone to be skeptical. Even more so when Lorre announced that it wasn't a traditional sitcom, but rather one in the true action genre.
But now, after most of the first season is complete, I am sold on the concept, and have throughly laughed my way through the show. Let's unravel the fabric of the show in this meta/self-aware review
Warning. This post may or may not contain spoilers for Stuart Fails To Save The Universe. You have been warned!
In case you don't know
Stuart Fails To Save The Universe is an indirect spin-off of the award-winning sitcom The Big Bang Theory, that saw the audience observe the lives of geeky CalTech scientists for over a decade. The show was so popular that it already birthed a prior spin-off, Young Sheldon, and its own spin-off, Georgie and Mandy's First Marriage… which isn't my forte, but that's besides the point.
This show is arguably the least sitcom-like of them all. It follows Stuart Bloom, the owner of the comic book store that was close enough friends with the guys and played by Kevin Sussman, who accidentally caused a multiversal disaster. While in an apololyptic dystopia, Stuart, who is still friends with Bert, the iconic geologist we all know and tolerate, is met with an alternate version of the former — who implores him to go to CalTech and save everyone.
Along the way, he runs into his former partner, Denise, and physicist-turned-dictator Kripke, and they spend each following episode traveling through different realities, all the while trying to find… a neutral medium between it all, I guess.
Some of the realities visited include a mental asylum, The Matrix, AI overlords, and more.
There appears to be more of a story than what meets the eye; and it continues to get deeper and wilder with each episode.
Where The Lights Appear
It's an (Original) Spinoff Concept for Once!
When many sitcoms have their inevitable spinoffs, there is a high likelihood that the new show would have the exact same setup and dialogue style as their predecessors. (See: Frasier from Cheers, and so many other countless examples). But this show takes that idea, throws it in the trash, and creates something truly out of this world.
Instead of doing the traditional laugh-track route, Stuart Fails to Save the Universe goes the single-camera sci-fi path — something that isn't that heard of. Combine that with the numerous ideas that they are willing to experiment with per episode, it makes a unique concept in Hollywood; which at a time when executives are very reluctant to do something that is counteractive against their IP, makes it all the more impressive.
The Introduction
Okay, I know that this is a controversial topic. Many viewers believe that the intro of each episode is generated with AI, and henceforth is horrible.
Now, we don't necessarily know whether or not it is AI, but I personally find the intro to be hilarious for two key reasons:
The use of text/subtitles to convey the unspoken title narrator's thoughts. Which range from both pertaining to the show to truly just unhinged ideas.
A clear "DO NOT SKIP" right where the "Skip Intro" button on HBO Max is, that doesn't need any further explanation.
Not only that, but the show's intro never stays the same for two episodes. Each episode has a unique intro. While the ending keyframes remain the same, the beginning and text always change. It's almost something to look forward to within the show itself.
Iconic Cameoes & Recurring Cast
This subsection makes more sense dividing into two. So I'll do just that.
For starters: Denise had another boyfriend in the first universe (after it was presumed that Stuart died in the apocolypse) whose name is Gary (played by Tommy Walker). After Gary dies a rather gruesome death in episode 1, he reappears throughout the series. Sometimes being a goofy feller with alcoholism (which is not funny, but his dialogue makes it relatively amusing), and othertimes dying from a cube of ice from the sky while a taxi driver. It's becoming a running joke to see where he'll appear, and in what capacity.
On the cameos: many members of the original The Big Bang Theory cast appear. Kaley Cuoco (Penny) has been a military executioner, while Mayim Bialik (Amy) has been a psychatrist and a Jewish housewife (in two different episodes, with the latter fitting her IRL background, but it's funny seeing it in the show's context). While cameos sometimes feel shoved in, the show makes a respectful half-effort to integrate them into the show — with the biggest one being Melissa Ruach (Bernadette) being a secret witch and proceeding to wreck havoc on the town after being inadvertedly given powers back by Stuart. It's interesting seeing these characters, be the same, but also different at the same time.
(No, I’m not putting any images on the cameos here, because you should watch it for yourself.)
A Mixed Area: The Main Cast
While I mentioned character development early, that's not really a key aspect of the series as a whole. Stuart does evolve to the point where he's willing to try to save the universe, but he's more seemingly invested in traveling between universes. Same with Kripke, who is along for the ride but everyone despises. Even when he was given "sort-of" opportunities to change, he didn't. Which is funny to an extent, but some people may not necessarily like that.
Lauren and Kripke are a slightly different, and better story. When the main cast finds the current Lauren in Episode 2, she was miserable and married to an alcoholic. Episode 3 saw her try to fight back against whatever the establishment the cast was with, but by the later episodes, she has found her footing and is at "peace" with Stuart. Which we can all agree is a good thing.
Kripke is hilarious. Full stop. He's become more confident and brash in his approach, but he is the one character that we are all routing for. Even if he's slightly annoying, he tries his best, and that's what matters most.
The Cons
Came and Went Too Quickly
I don't have too many major gripes with the show. But if I had to choose one, it would be the runtime. Some episodes are a respectable television length of 22-24 minutes. But a few are at around 14-16 minutes, which is excluding the intro and outro and rather pathetic in a way. There could be more to explore in the universes! Why quickly pull us away to the next?
However, there are two likely reasons, both related to the budget.
There is a moderate-to-extensive use of CGI, so much of the budget that could have gone to longer episodes was blown on making the episodes look great. Which I appreciate high-quality work and can pass off.
Warner Bros. was hesitant that the show was going to do well, and gave them a lower budget to reduce the associated risk.
That second point is no longer valid, because the show did economically good enough (in streaming terms) that it was renewed. So we can hope that the episodes will be longer next season!
But still, the short episodes are a great disappointment considering the suspense and buildup between entries; and it does lower the show's overall standing in my eyes personally.
Fellow Big Bang Theory Fan?
Much of Stuart Fails To Save The Universe is fan service. End of discussion. If you did not know any of the characters or their mannerisms/routines, you would like at the show and say "wtf". While I enjoy it and have a blast seeing the cast and contexts they're in, if you never watched The Big Bang Theory, then you will likely be very confused and not find the show good.
To that end, if you are determined to watch the show, I recommend you watch at least 50% (in no particular order) of The Big Bang Theory to fully appreciate it.
An Omnipresent Verdict
Stuart Fails To Save The Universe is an experimental television show in the streaming ages, and is successful in engaging a relatively dormant audience. From an anthology-style season, to familiar faces, to a comedic routine, you can not go wrong.
Yes, it can be confusing to the outsider, but a bit of prior watching may be needed to get it; and once that's the case, then the show is definitely an good watch for those looking for a new angle on "comfort TV".
I sincerely apologize for the lack of posting on my part. I've been busy with schoolwork and agency administration to look after the blog. But I'm here now!
Hopefully the next post (on President Curtis) will come soon, but stay tuned on that end.
Thanks for reading, see you soon!