The new HBO Max series, ‘Stuart Fails To Save The Universe,’ ventures into strange territory by placing familiar characters from ‘The Big Bang Theory’ into various parallel universes. The show, co-created by ‘The Big Bang Theory’s’ Chuck Lorre and Bill Prady along with Zak Penn, aims to explore how these characters would navigate drastically different versions of their world.
The premise sees Stuart Bloom, the owner of the comic book store, tossing garbage into a portal in his shop when a version of himself from a parallel universe appears. This alternate Stuart explains that a "quantum entanglement thingie" invented by three Caltech employees – recognizable to fans as the main characters of ‘The Big Bang Theory’ – malfunctioned, creating a hellscape that includes gigantic moths. The mission to reset the machine at Caltech leads Stuart and geologist Bert Kibbler on an adventurous and often perilous journey.
Along the way, they encounter Stuart's ex-girlfriend Denise and a character named Gary, who join their quest. The narrative unfolds through a series of alternate realities, reminiscent of shows like ‘Quantum Leap,’ with elements of ‘Black Mirror’ adding to the series' unique tone. One episode is set in a world where people are zapped by alien obelisks if they are not kind to each other.
Kevin Sussman reprises his role as Stuart, navigating the absurdity of the situations with a blend of pathetic heroism. The series also features Barry Kripke, played by John Ross Bowie, who has adapted to the new reality and is reluctant to see things return to normal. The performances of Sussman and Bowie, alongside other familiar faces in unexpected contexts, are highlighted as a strength of the series.
‘Stuart Fails To Save The Universe’ is noted for its humor and its ability to retain the essence of the original characters despite the outlandish scenarios. The short episode length, typically 15-25 minutes, makes it a quick watch. The series is available on HBO Max.