The latest episode of Stuart Fails to Save the Universe features a surprise return from Melissa Rauch. She reprises her role as Bernadette Rostenkowski in a reality where she is a local sorcerer. The plot involves Stuart and Kripke seeking her help to fix a broken machine. Their interaction includes a pointed critique of the 2023 WGA strike, complete with jokes about residuals and union politics.
Bernadette claims she was expelled from the Wizards Guild of America for using her powers during a strike to save a neighbor's dog. This storyline mirrors real-world tensions within the industry, specifically regarding the treatment of non-working members and the definition of strike breaking. Creators Chuck Lorre, Bill Prady, and Zak Penn confirm these inclusions are intentional, noting that some jokes are meant specifically for the industry.
This shift into dark territory follows previous guest appearances by Kaley Cuoco and Kunal Nayyar. The show gives these performers a chance to play alternate versions of their iconic characters. By the end of the episode, Bernadette reveals a more sinister nature, turning into a demon and threatening the protagonists, further cementing the show's dark tone.