Many a spy and government agent has found great success on the silver and big screens, from James Bond to Maxwell Smart. But one television spy’s mission may be aborted.
NBC’s “Chuck” — which aired its season two finale last Monday — may not be returning for a third season due to low ratings, despite stellar critics’ reviews. The show, which airs Mondays at 8 p.m., competes with ABC’s “Dancing with the Stars,” the CW’s “Gossip Girl” and Fox’s “House.”
A “Save Chuck” campaign went into full effect the day following the show’s season two finale. Fans are to purchase a footlong sub at Subway (who sponsors the show) and drop a note in the comment box at the franchise supporting the renewal of the show. The show’s website, which allows fans to view previous episodes for free, has a record number of comments showing their support of a third season.
“Chuck” — created by Josh Schwartz (“Gossip Girl” and “The OC”) — stars Zachary Levi as Chuck Bartowski, a 20-something supposed underachiever who works at the local Buy More in Burbank as part of its Nerd Herd division (a fictionalized Geek Squad). Chuck’s life comes crashing down when his college roommate, Bryce Larkin, plants test answers under Chuck’s bed and reports him to school officials, resulting in his expulsion from Stanford University.
Years later, Chuck opens an email from Bryce that downloads the entire CIA/NSA database into his brain — a top-secret database known as the Intersect. He becomes a government asset and assists CIA Agent Sarah Walker (Yvonne Strahovski) and NSA Major John Casey (Adam Baldwin) on government missions.
A major thread throughout the series is Chuck’s love for Sarah, his CIA protector. Sarah pretends to be Chuck’s girlfriend as part of her cover story, which makes for an interesting side plot.
Overall, “Chuck” is a fresh take on the spy series genre with the seriousness of a James Bond film and the wit and hilarity of Maxwell Smart. The dialogue is genius and original and the fact that the series is based close to home (the shots of Los Angeles are gorgeous) makes it more worthwhile and relatable. The show’s clean and entertaining reputation makes it very family-friendly and appealing to a brad audience. Levi was cast perfectly in the role of Chuck and his chemistry with Strahovski and Baldwin is electrifyingly awesome.
Last week’s action-packed finale featured many plot twists and ended in a cliff hanger that promises an even better season three. NBC will announce on May 5 if “Chuck” will continue for a third season.
Chuck is amazing! NBC needs to bring it back!
Chuck is the only show I watch weekly. I hope NBC brings it back.
Chuck MUST return.
Long live Chuck…If NBC blows this decision they deserve to be last in the ratings.