Stuart Fails to Save the Universe | TV Review

Stuart Fails to Save the Universe

Episodes: 01 - 10 streaming on HBO MAX | Comedy, Sci-fi Series 

Created by: Chuck Lorre, Bill Prady & Zak Penn

Cast: Kevin Sussman, Lauren Lapkus, Brian Posehn & John Ross Bowie

Comic book shop owner Stuart Bloom brings about the end of the universe, and is tasked with restoring reality along with his girlfriend Denise, geologist Bert, and quantum physicist Barry Kripke.

Initial Thoughts | Stuart enters the multi-verse of The Big Bang in another series spin-off to rival Young Sheldon

When I heard there was going to be another ‘The Big Bang’ theory spin-off series I did wonder, who could they possibly explore next? When I found out it was Stuart, let’s just say I was speechless. Stuart is the underdog, he’s the character none of us expected to ‘save the world’ one day which is why I like they’ve gone in this direction. This series breaks the style format, from the classic sitcom setting to a chaotic genre-jumping adventure that defines the laws of physics! 

‘Stuart Fails to Save the Universe’ takes us through a new alternate universe each episode with familiar cameos and awkward humour. 

The opening credits is set to a score by Danny Elfman which I actually really enjoy, the sequence also features an episode spoiler, visual easter eggs and interchangable text each episode. Do I think the series is trying a little too hard to be funny? Yes. I think layering all these formats and jokes ontop of one another actually fails to be funny. 

Performance, Plot & Perception

But is Stuart a Strong Enough Character to Carry his own Series? The simple answer is no. 

Personally, I don’t think this band of characters is strong enough to carry the series. Each of them are breathtakingly annoying in their own unique way and it only makes the cameos more enticing. I shouldn’t be watching a show and praying for a cameo. When these characters were supporting in The Big Bang theory it made sense for their personality traits because we experienced them in smaller doses. This is a seperate opinion from performance, the actors deliver their distinct characters very well, as though no time has passed from The Big Bang Theory but nonetheless, they’re not likeable enough.

Overall, the Characters  aren’t likeable enough match the chaotic, inventive storylines. 

I actually really love the anthology style of the series, each episode we are launed into a new multiverse with a central throughline of trying to get home. The alternate dimentions are interesting, some a lot stronger than others, particularly the hospital from episode 3 but overall, Stuart Fails to Save the Universe isn’t bad, it just isn’t good either. The show fails to be memorable, the characters fail to be likeable or heroic, the plot is cheapened by the lacklustre efforts from the performances. 

The final episode leaned into the sit-com style comedy we like to see these characters in but the conclusion didn’t excite me enough to come back for season two. 

Probe Points

★★.5