The Big Bang Theory has been successful in melding a variety of characters from strikingly different backgrounds together. The comedic maelstrom centers its plots around the high intellectuals who make up the zany group with the infusion of Penny who helps bridge the gap between the nerdy group and people of average intellect as well as superior social skills. Stuart David Bloom is an important character because he happens to own the Pasadena based Comic Center that helps to supply the guys with their addiction for comics and other nerdy novelties. He’s been in the background for the majority of the series run, but plays a vital role in the success of the show as a supporting character.
He’s a whiz when it comes to comic books, authors and their life stories. He has a degree from Rhode Island School of Design but he hasn’t used it to his advantage. He’s underpaid, subject to bouts of depression and doesn’t get out much. This desperate character adds to the show in his current role, but should he get more air time? Here is why we believe that Stuart is best left in the background of the show.
Less is better
An occasional glimpse of the character adds some depth to the show because it shows the reality that not all smart people are successful. Some make choices that keep them in a state of poverty. In Stuart’s case, running the comic book store is not going to pay well but it’s a choice that he’s made. The character has already been cast as a depressed guy with limited social skills and even less money to spend going out. His financial issues are on the depressing side. The Big Bang Theory has its share of ups and downs, but too much of this character would take the show in a different direction. A bigger dose of Stuart in his current status would be on the heavy side and let’s face it, he isn’t as entertaining as the other characters as it stands.
Why support is the best place for now
The character would need to undergo some drastic changes in order to keep up with the rest of the cast. Sheldon, Penny, Raj, Amy, Leonard, Howard and Bernadette are well established and have grown together throughout the life of the series. Stuart has lent some great support, especially when he dated Penny and Amy to get the guys jealous. Those scenes were legitimately entertaining. His falling for Penny was sad and his lingering feelings are a novel part of the show, but where would the writers take this line for a plot?
Stuart doesn’t really fit in as a part of the tight knit group in a meaningful way. It didn’t work out too well when he tried to have a guy’s night with them at Sheldon’s place. The central group has built a history throughout the show and the trips to the comic book store are a minor part that adds to the background of the characters, but the main thrust that grabs the audience is the interaction of the main characters as they are now and as they are maturing, growing and changing together.
Final Thoughts
The Big Bang Theory is popular because of the way that the characters have grown together. Their differences leave plenty of room for realistic comedy and some touching moments as well along the way. Stuart’s life crises have been a wonderful enhancement and help to move the series along. It is the support that allows the rest of the team and the main ploys of each episode to move forward. Bringing this character forward occasionally has been successful in keeping loyal fans entertained, but the character of Stuart is best kept as it is in the background to fill in and maintain the wonderful balance that the writers have already achieved.
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