While Stuart Bloom was never a main character on The Big Bang Theory, he appeared in every season starting from season two. He went back and forth from cast member to recurring role, but he was always in the background as the friend who wasn't really close with the main group, but longed to be.
Stuart was the back-up guy for events, the person the group could rely on when they needed something, and the knowledgeable comic book store owner.
He was socially awkward, desperate for love, and always seemingly down on his luck. While some of the aspects of his personality, and things he did, were explainable, others, not so much.
He Was Able To Keep The Comic Book Store Open
It seems that most people go into the comic book store to hang out, stand and read comics, or flip through looking for the occasional rare find. Rather than buy, it seems most comic book fans come in to browse and meet other like-minded individuals, or those with whom they can debate topics like who was the best Batman.
So, it's no surprise that Stuart always had financial struggles. But what makes no sense is how he was able to keep the store open at all for so long. If things were so bad, how was he making rent and being able to pay the bills?
His Extreme Lack Of Confidence
Stuart has a degree, owns his own business, has some connections in high places, and a ridiculous amount of knowledge about comics and film franchises like Star Wars and Star Trek. So why is he so down on himself all the time?
Stuart doesn't just lack confidence, he does nothing but beat himself up constantly and talk about all of the negative things in his life. He has so much going for him and if he were to project confidence, he might have seen things change for him.
He Asked Penny Out...Twice!
When it comes to Stuart, there's no question that he is lonely, depressed, and lacks self-confidence. So it's baffling that, given all of these realities, he had no issue asking Penny out on a date when he first appeared on the show. Not once, but twice!
The first time, he didn't yet know that Leonard had feelings for Penny and mustered up the courage to ask out the pretty new aspiring actress in town. She went out with him even though the date ended horribly with her falling asleep on the couch while Stuart and Sheldon argued about Batman. The second time, he and Penny actually kissed, but it became clear she was just trying to get over Leonard, and make him jealous, when she accidentally called Stuart by his name.
His Hollywood Connections
In many instances, Stuart is shown to be a pretty connected guy. He is friends with Wil Wheaton, often pairing up with the group-adjacent friend to compete in different tournaments and games.
In another episode, it's revealed that his uncle is Stan Lee's dermatologist and he even has the icon's home address, which he gives to Penny. Stuart also at one point gives Leonard Adam West's contact information so he can try and convince the comic book icon to come to Sheldon's birthday party. Why isn't Stuart far more successful given these connections to celebrities, many of whom appeared as cameos on the show?
He Went Out With Amy
If Stuart so badly wanted to be friends with the guys, why would he continuously go after their girlfriends? Not only did he continue to hold a torch for Penny after their dates, even knowing there were strong feelings between her and Leonard, but he also once went out with Amy, too.
Before Amy and Sheldon officially defined their relationship, Stuart asked Amy out and she agreed, trying to get over Sheldon. This prompted a jealous Sheldon to show up and make things official with his long-time girlfriend.
His Terrible Luck
Stuart was more than just a down on your luck guy. He was constantly complaining about his finances, health, love life, lack of friends, and more. He was always broke and seemingly living in squalor. But the bad luck often went to morbid territory.
In one episode, for instance, Stuart revealed to Sheldon that his psychiatrist committed suicide and blamed Stuart in the note he left behind!
He Let The Group Use Him
It's obvious that the main group often used Stuart. They used him for his connections, for his comic store, or as a fifth wheel when needed. After Howard got married, they very obviously let Stuart into the fold, but only as a replacement for Howard.
In fact, Sheldon even went so far as to call Stuart "the fake Wolowitz." Stuart was so desperate for friendship, he didn't care, even moving in with Raj, and later with Howard, Bernadette, and the kids.
His Relationship With Mrs. Wolowitz
After a fire took out the comic book store and Howard gave Stuart a job taking care of his injured mother, Stuart developed a close bond with the woman. So close, in fact, that it made Howard jealous.
Then, when Stuart realized the insurance money wouldn't cover the costs to re-open the store, Mrs. Wolowitz gave him the dough, and even some furniture from the den of the house. It was a strange bond, especially given how close Mrs. Wolowitz already was with her own son.
Living With Howard And Bernadette
Stuart lived with the married couple for some time after Mrs. Wolowitz passed away, which made little sense. Especially since he got lazy and wasn't doing much to help around the house, so much so that Bernadette had to force Stuart and Howard to clean after she had had enough.
Bernadette and Howard did once try to gently suggest to Stuart that he leave, but after realizing it was his birthday, they chickened out. Nonetheless, even Stuart should have realized that he had overstayed his welcome. After eventually leaving, he did return to live with them again, but at least that time, he had a purpose: to help out with the kids.
Single For So Long
Sure, Stuart was socially awkward, depressed, and often expressed self-pity. But he also had a vast knowledge about comic books and other sci-fi content, something that plenty of girls who came into the store would have appreciated.
Indeed, Denise became attracted to Stuart when he demonstrated his vast knowledge for the Star Wars franchise at Sheldon and Amy's wedding. Why did it take so long for a woman to see what he had to offer and show interest in him, especially since he had asked girls out many times before?