I really like Chuck. Maybe not as much as some folks who write about TV, but it's really funny, exciting, fun, smart show.
It's also a pain to write about. I tried last year, and felt like I was repeating myself every week. There's only so many times I can say what a funny, exciting, fun, smart show it is.
That said, it's worth marking its return to TV, and noting how it's changed, and how it's stayed the same.
At the end of season two, the computer in Chuck's head upgraded, allowing him to pick up random skills, like, say, kung fu. It was a plot line that allowed Chuck to finally become a "real spy," rather than an analyst constantly warned to stay out of danger.
At the same time, it didn't automatically turn Chuck into 007, meaning he's still somewhat awkward, just with better skills. One of the best things about Monday's episode was the new skills Chuck "downloaded": he taught himself how to dance, and learned to dig a bullet out of Casey's leg.
Actually, it's a tough balance for the show's writers right now. No one would want to watch a show where Chuck turned into an ice-cold assassin, yet I'm hoping he can master his new abilities soon, because his conversations with his handlers about how he needs to focus are already getting old three episodes in.
(Even older: Sarah and Chuck protesting that they're "just friends/just colleagues.")
And Chuck's new powers haven't prevented the show to sticking to its roots. Chuck still has an exasperated sister, a job at the Buy More, and inept, crazy co-workers. (Although they were noticeably absent from Monday's episode, possibly because budget constraints have forced the show to use its supporting cast sparingly.)
This isn't to say I'm never going to mention the show here on the blog. And it really seems to lend itself to Twitter. But I don't think I'll be doing the show, myself, or any readers any favors by doing one of these posts from week to week.
Tom Coombe
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