Rebecca Neumann
Staff Writer
After being on hiatus since April, NBC’s hit television show “Chuck” has returned with some new upgrades.
“Chuck” centers around Chuck Bartowski, played by Zachary Levi, a computer expert for the fictional Buy More technology store (sound familiar?). Two years ago, in the series premiere, his life was suddenly turned upside-down when he came in contact with a computer program called the Intersect that downloaded top-secret government information into his brain.
What is so appealing about the show is its extensive back-story and depth. This fact has earned “Chuck” a panel at San Diego’s Comic-Con as well as a flock of devoted fans. It has invoked so much enthusiasm, in fact, that when “Chuck” was in danger of being canceled at the end of the second season, fans campaigned to save the show. Many believe that the campaigns are the reason the show has continued.
Combining likeable characters, comedy and action, “Chuck” is entertaining for everyone. Chuck falls into the classic ordinary-guy-thrown-into-extraordinary-circumstances category. He is reluctant to do normal spy-like things that seem ethically wrong to him and he has issues with confidence stemming from an unfortunate issue in his college days.
Audiences connect to Chuck because he is average and normal. Luckily, the show remains exciting because even though he likes to play it safe in most situations, when Chuck recieves a flash of information from the Intersect, he feels compelled to use it. And that’s when extraordinary things happen to him.
The third season picked up six months after the second season finale, delayed due to the unknown fate of the show, and fans reunited with Chuck in Prague, training to be a real spy. During flashbacks, the audience sees what has happened in the time that has elapsed and what has taken place between him and his CIA agent love-interest Sarah Walker (Yvonne Strahovski). It started off with back-to-back episodes that set up tone and answered the question fans waited months for: what will Chuck do with the rest of his life?
One highlight of the premiere episode comes from the reunion of Chuck and his best buddy Morgan Grimes (Joshua Gomez). Their friendship, which seemed to have been evaporating since the beginning of the series, was revitalized by a renewed work relationship. It is these types of relatable relationships which add a real human layer to “Chuck”. Whether it be between his friends, or his sister, or his coworkers, the writers make each interaction seem truthful and real.
Even after the excruciatingly long break, “Chuck” does not disappoint. The new season is set up to be more funny and exciting than ever. The quirkiness fans love remains intact despite the increasing seriousness of the show and the playful banter between the characters is fresh.
No matter what the ratings may say, “Chuck” combines all the elements that make a great television show. It is worth watching for anyone who does not mind being permanently addicted to a complex and brilliant show.
