The first episode of The Big Bang Theory‘s newest spin-off, Stuart Fails to Save the Universe, is far from a disappointment. With Kevin Sussman‘s Stuart Bloom returning to lead a gang of fellow nerds in an attempt to save reality, many of us have spent the last few months excitedly waiting for the spin-off to arrive on HBO Max. There are three other characters from The Big Bang Theory who return in this spin-off; or, at least, that is what we’ve been led to believe.
Spoiler-free reviews of Stuart Fails to Save the Universe talk about the show’s stellar visual effects and the performances of the main cast, and those who have just sat down to watch the first episode are now discovering that a lot of details have been kept well under wraps. The multiverses established in this new show are a complex and strange landscape, but as Young Sheldon teaches us, these characters always find their way to each other. In an unexpected twist, though, the new spin-off reunites us with The Big Bang Theory‘s funniest character far quicker than any of us could’ve ever expected.
‘The Big Bang Theory’s New Spin-off Finally Gives This Main Character a Perfect Ending
While many hope to see Jim Parsons’ return to The Big Bang Theory universe as Sheldon Cooper, this isn’t the case in Stuart Fails to Save the Universe Episode 1. However, we instead get the return of Kunal Nayyar as Raj Koothrappali, which is even better. Raj is a massively underrated character compared to the rest of the main cast, and he has some of the funniest moments in the show, but because of his lack of romantic ending, he is often unfairly disregarded. Stuart Fails to Save the Universe changes this, though, but the decision to give Raj the ending he always wished for will likely divide audiences.
Not only are we fortunate enough to be reunited with Raj in the first episode of the new spin-off, but we also learn something very important about his life after the events of the original show. While it may be only one small detail, the fact that Raj mentions that he became a husband is a massive game-changer for The Big Bang Theory audiences. Sadly, only a few moments after this, Raj also reveals that his wife had been eaten by a moth at some point in the post-apocalyptic landscape, but considering the title of the spin-off, perhaps he won’t be a widow for much longer.
Raj’s romantic life is a recurring topic in every season of The Big Bang Theory. While he initially has no interest in having a marriage arranged for him, he later changes his mind on the matter. After dating people like Emily (Laura Spencer) and Lucy (Kate Micucci), Raj eventually decides he wants to settle down with Anu (Rati Gupta), but it ultimately doesn’t work out. When the show ends, Raj is the only one who isn’t coupled up. For years, it has been argued that Raj deserved to meet “the one” because finding true love has always been a big part of his character. However, some viewers have also voiced their frustration over the idea of giving Raj a romantic partner right at the end of the show for the sake of it, believing that his character is so much more than his relationship status.
Stuart Fails to Save the Universe gives Raj the perfect ending to a certain degree. Yes, his wife is dead, he’s been living in Bert’s classroom, and he ends the episode being shot by Kripke, but he has experienced the happy ending he always wanted; it just didn’t last very long. Instead of retconning his fate in The Big Bang Theory’s ending, the franchise instead gives him this satisfying conclusion after the events of Season 12, which feels like a good middle ground. I can see why viewers are divided over this issue, but I think Stuart Fails to Save the Universe tackles it in the best way possible.
Of course, we are still only at the very beginning of Stuart Fails to Save the Universe‘s release schedule. There are still nine more episodes to go, and Raj’s heartwarming story end could change yet again. With Stuart and co. trying to save themselves and reality from the blunders made by Leonard (Johnny Galecki) and Sheldon’s strange device, this might not be Raj’s only appearance in the spin-off. Hopefully, we’ll eventually discover who Raj’s wife is. Perhaps it’s someone we already know, perhaps not; but for now, Raj has his perfect ending.
