Chuck - Season 1

CHUCK – Season 1

‘Chuck’ is a spy comedy drama following the adventures of Zachery Levi who stars as the eponymous Chuck.  Chuck Bartowski is clever but unambitious and working in a dead-end job as part of the ‘Nerd Herd’ at the ‘Buy More’ in Burbank, California.  That is until he receives an encoded email from Bryce Larkin (Matt Bomer), an old college friend that turns his world upside down.  For encoded in the email is the only copy of all of the USA’s spy secrets (The Intersect) which are subliminally downloaded into Chuck’s brain, instantly turning him into the most important ‘asset’ in the whole of America.

Due to the value and importance of the information in Chuck’s head he is assigned two ‘handlers’ to protect him, the beautiful but deadly Sarah Walker (Yvonne Strahovski), and the ruthless and uncompromising John Casey (Adam Baldwin).  During this first season the trio engage in espionage missions using the information in Chuck’s head to thwart various enemies, whilst simultaneously attempting to keep Chuck’s secret identity as the human intersect hidden.  Moreover, Chuck’s struggle to balance his spy life with his regular life is a recurring theme throughout the season.

 

Though ‘Chuck’ contains plenty of action it is the high quality of the comedic aspects that really make this series stand out.  Indeed, it contains a mix of different kinds of comedy ranging from Call of Duty references to awkward situational comedy to slapstick pieces, all executed with panache by a talented clutch of actors.  Certainly, much of the comic relief is based in and around the shows main set: the Burbank Buy More, where Chuck maintains his cover job.  Populated by an eclectic assortment of characters the Buy More provides the perfect setting for the supporting cast members such as Morgan Grimes (Joshua Gomez), Jeff Barnes (Scott Krinsky), Lester Patel (Vik Sahay), Big Mike (Mark Christophe Lawrence), and Anna Wu (Julia Ling) to develop.  In fact by the end of the season you want them to have even more screen time!  Lastly, the cast is rounded off with Sarah Lancaster, and Ryan McPartlin, who play Chuck’s sister and her boyfriend respectively.  ‘Chuck’ also features good direction, as well as sharp witty writing which are complemented by some great set design and production pieces.

 

The main criticisms to be levied at this season are aimed at the repetitive action sequences.  Though the action sequences are typically great throughout the season, toward the latter episodes they begin to feel similar and predictable.  In addition though Chuck may get in trouble, such as being captured, he is never in danger.

 

Nonetheless, this show feels refreshingly original and inventive with the concept and execution of the Buy More a stroke of brilliance.  Moreover, Chuck season one is a great blend of action, comedy and heart.  If you are looking for an upbeat comedy drama with plenty of action pieces, then this is well worth purchasing.

9/10

IMDB Link: Chuck