NBC's Chuck is one of the smartest, most action-packed, most enjoyable shows on television. Yet, since day one it has struggled to stay on the air. Season four began two weeks ago, and 'Save Chuck' campaigns are already in the works. After the third season, when viewers had to wait until winter for the premiere, and only thirteen episodes were ordered, I was thrilled when Chuck got six additional episodes made last spring, and an early pick up for this year. Finally, the fight was over! But clearly, it's not.
If you've never seen Chuck, then here are some things you need to know. The central character is name Chuck Bartowski (played by Zachary Levi). At the start of the series, a computer known as the Intersect was downloaded into Chuck's brain, making him super smart. The NSA and CIA quickly sent agents to protect him, and use him for their own purposes. Those agents were John Casey (Adam Baldwin) and Sarah Walker (Yvonne Strahovski), the latter soon providing romantic chemistry for Chuck. This connection was resisted, because Sarah couldn't date someone who was not a spy, and though Chuck longer for that life, his training was slow and awkward.
At the end of season two, the Intersect was removed by Chuck's father, Steve (Scott Bakula), who had disappeared on his children years ago, but Chuck discovered was also a spy. Sadly, later that same episode, a new version of the Intersect was downloaded, and Chuck now possess abilities as well as knowledge. Chuck became a full-fledged spy. Steve was killed. Chuck and Sarah finally got into a serious relationship. And Chuck discovered that his mother, Mary (Linda Hamilton), who had also disappeared long ago, was still alive, and was also a spy.
Over the years, slowly, members of Chuck's regular life have found their way into the spy game, as well. Chuck's best friend, Morgan Grimes (Joshua Gomez), who is more bumbling and nerdy than Chuck ever was, found out and joined the team in season three. In season two, Chuck's soon-to-be brother-in-law, Devon Woodcomb, better known as Captain Awesome (Ryan McPartlin) found out, but managed to keep the secret from Chuck's sister, Ellie (Sarah Lancaster). Devon, however, surprisingly could not handle any spy work at all, and so asked to stay in the dark about Chuck's activities. Ellie eventually found out, but Chuck promised her that he would quit the business, which he did, briefly, though she doesn't know that he has now resumed his dangerous work.
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Article comments
1 - Kermonk
Damn right
2 - listenwithintent
Chuck is everything you have written above. It is a smart, well written, and acted show that surprises each and every week. It has action, comedy, romance and spies! You cannot help get hooked. Give it a try and be "amazed".
3 - Benji
Great article. You should post information on how to help Chuck boost ratings. Also, I don't want to be that guy, but...grammar check.
4 - Chris
Couldn't agree more. People need to watch this show! I never miss a week.
5 - Mart
One of my favourite shows... ever! Shame it's shown later in the UK, so I have to watch it on the net! Will still watch it on LivingTV though when it's out.
6 - NancyGail
Chuck just happens to air in the same time slot as House. This will ensure Chuck always loses viewers.
7 - Jerome Wetzel
NancyGail - I do love House. Thank goodness I have TiVo so I can watch them both!
Sorry about the grammar, Benji. I try, but sometimes things slip through.
Thank you all for some great comments! The best way to boost Chuck's ratings is just to watch it, and encourage everyone you know to do the same. If you DVR the show, please try to watch it later that night or the next.
8 - hiswings
Thanks for supporting the wonderful show of CHUCK - absolutely love it and wouldn't miss watching it live and then over and over again week after week. Thanks again
9 - TK
I'm just happy to see Yvonne Strahovski once a week. ;-)
But seriously it is a good show. I watch it every time. I'm just curious to see where they can go now that they've already put Chuck and Sarah together and turned Chuck into a real spy.
10 - Jojo
I really liked the review!!;D And CHUCK it's really the best serie ever!! So please, watch it!!!;D The show needs viewers!!!;D Thnks
11 - Philippa
Thank-you. 'Chuck' is the highlight of my week all the way over here in the UK! The cast ensemble is great; the humour family friendly and the spy stuff fun and thrilling. All the main cast are giving excellent performances.