If you're at all familiar with Stuart's character on "The Big Bang Theory," this tracks. Stuart is sort of a lovable loser throughout the show — the word "schmuck" also feels appropriate here ...

Instead of one massive, fiery birth like the Big Bang, this idea suggests the cosmos has been growing in sudden, powerful steps — invisible, lightning-fast bursts that shake the very foundation ...

After 12 seasons, The Big Bang Theory came to a close on Thursday night, with back-to-back episodes that wrapped up several long-running storylines Dave Quinn is a Senior Editor for PEOPLE.