Chuck

TV Series 2007-2012; 5 seasons

This is my favorite TV show of all time, that I constantly have on repeat, so I think it's fair to review it now.

Premise - Chronic underachiever Chuck Bartowski, a computer nerd who works in an electronic store, has his life changed forever when he gets the entire CIA/NSA database downloaded into his brain and turns into a real-life computer. Now he's the United States government's most important intelligence asset, going on field missions with top CIA and NSA spies. It's a story of love, TRUST, finding a balance between an adventurous life and a "real" one, and the choice between prioritizing love of your country or love itself. Everyone's got a hero in them, and even if you don't want to be a hero, sometimes you need to be.

Review - The creators of this show said that Chuck represented any and all fantasies they had about the ideal television show, which is ENTIRELY accurate. I cannot possibly imagine people disliking this show because it has a little bit in there for everybody. The perfect balance of genres, Chuck is an action-comedy-drama-romance spy masterpiece. Not to mention, this show is known for its musical genius. My music taste was shaped almost entirely by this show, as I watched it through my formative years.

Chuck does not just dabble in the different genres, but has every aspect fleshed out with a depth that exceeds even single-genre shows. The comedy is funnier than a typical comedy. The action is more extraordinary and impressive than a typical action show. So there are all these moving pieces, and they are done with such integrity and wholeheartedness that you wonder why anyone would watch a show with only one strength. Because of the multitude of genres, it is a show that can be analytically approached from any angle and still be wildly entertaining. Despite the show's craziness, the character development is incredibly organic. It is slow and gradual, allowing for moments that are monumental, dramatic, and cathartic.

The double-life aspect of the show, where Chuck Bartowski lives as both an everyday nerd and a superspy, permeates the show with suspense and intense dramatic irony. The romantic plot, particularly the forbidden romance between Chuck and Sarah, is just about the best love story I have ever seen. It's got all the right pieces, and on top of it all, Chuck has such a unique story-line that gives the show the ultimate punch. I couldn't possibly watch a better show. (100/100)


Quote: "My mom used to say knowledge is powder." - Jeffrey Barnes

What to watch for - Casey grunts, sexy Sarah, and any and all fight scenes (particularly fight scenes that have an element of uniqueness to them, like a fight scene in a location that restricts movement. The fight scene coordinators on this show are genius).

If you like this show, I'd recommend the original Spiderman trilogy!

Producers: Josh Schwartz and Chris Fedak
Network: NBC
Distributor: Warner Bros.