DVD Review: Chuck: The Complete 1st Season

“An effervescent mix of high action, slapstick comedy and winning performances.” – Matt Roush, TV GUIDE

Chuck Bartowski, ace computer geek at the BuyMore, is not in his right mind. That’s a good thing. Ever since he unwittingly downloaded stolen government secrets into his brain, action, excitement and a cool secret- agent girlfriend have entered his life. It’s a bad thing, too. Because now Chuck is in danger 24/7.

Executive producers Josh Schwartz (The OC, Gossip Girl) and McG (Charlie’s Angels, We Are Marshall) merge techno-gadgetry, martial-arts smackdowns, narrow escapes and gorgeous spies in short shorts into this action comedy about a millennium Everyguy.

“It’s Get Smart for a 24 world” (Troy Patterson, SLATE).

Review:
Chuck was a surprising hit for NBC. From the creator of The O.C. and Gossip Girl, Chuck tells the story of an average nerd who ends up with the country’s secrets downloaded into his brain. The NSA and CIA are sent to cover the situation and have to guard Chuck to keep him safe while a replacement computer is in the works. An unbelievable premise it has, but that certainly hasn’t turned viewers away.

With danger lurking at every corner, Chuck tries to continue on with his life and protect his family and friends from the truth of what’s really going on. It doesn’t take long before Chuck is getting in on the action of fighting ninjas and mysterious agents as well. Sarah, the CIA agent sent to protect him, is a bit more than just an agent. She’s also the ex-girlfriend of Chuck’s dead best friend from college. If that’s not enough, she’s also the object of Chuck’s affections. In order to keep tabs on Chuck, Sarah takes on a job at Wienerlicious across the street from Buy More where Chuck works as a member of the Nerd Herd.

All in all, Chuck accomplishes what it sets out to do. It’s consistently funny and becomes increasingly more entertaining as the series progresses. America seems to be embracing the social stereotype of the nerd right now, which means this is the right time and the right place for a show like Chuck. Zachary Levi does a wonderful job in the lead and makes the character of Chuck not only relatable but also loveable.

Another thing that I should note is what a breath of fresh air this show is from other series that are on right now. I find myself struggling to keep up with ever-evolving dramas on shows like Heroes (which I love, but can rarely keep up with because of the multiple confusing storylines). Chuck is what it is: simple and well-written from beginning to end.

Catch up on Season 1 before Season 2 starts this fall on NBC!

Review by Emma Loggins

Grade: B+
Official site: http://www.chuckdvd.com/
Buy on Amazon: Chuck: The Complete 1st Season

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