By Michal
There are very few shows my family can agree on let alone sit down and watch together. My dad is a fan of crime shows and pretty much anything involving spies while the BBC series As Time Goes By is the only show to date I can remember my mother ever watching in it’s entirety. Well, that was until I discovered Chuck and convinced my father to watch it, who in turn converted my mother. The rest is history…well as least as far as my family is concerned. I got the first season for Christmas last year and after a mini-marathon, two uncles, an aunt and a couple of my cousins became fans. Unfortunately, none of us are a Neilsen family and the fact Chuck might not return for another season is a real possibility and looming tragedy.
When describing why I love the show, I usually start with the phrase, “because it’s fun,” but that only one of the reasons I love Chuck. There are so many more and so I thought I’d share. So here are some of the reasons I love Chuck, in no particular order, and at times making little sense to anyone but me.
1. Any holiday with the Bartowskis
I was a huge fan of The O.C., a show that knew how to do holiday episodes and Josh Schwartz has not lost his touch. So far Chrismukkah hasn’t made an appearance, but both Thanksgiving episodes have been a riot. Whether it’s Casey passing on sharing what he’s thankful for or Ellie trying to make everything perfect for a visit from Devon’s parents (aka the Awesomes), I have never wanted to attend a family meal with a fictional family more. And don’t even get me started on the fantastic looking Halloween parties. I have high hopes for Ellie and Awesome’s wedding tomorrow!
2. The importance of family
When talking to my mom about why she watches, it always goes back to family and the importance the show places on it. I hadn’t really thought about it, but the show does a great job of showing the bond between Ellie and Chuck along with Devon and Morgan. They are a family unit and for best of worst, they are always there for each other. Chuck genuinely cares about people, especially his family and that is definitely a reason I love the show.
3. Bryce Larkin
I might be alone of this one, but I like Bryce, and not just because Matthew Bomer is hot. That’s just a bonus. No, the reason Bryce makes the list is simply because he understands Chuck worth and trusts him. Sure he got Chuck kicked out of Stanford, but that was simply because he was trying to protect him. I mean in the end, he sent Chuck the Intersect. You don’t do that for a person you don’t trust or believe is up to the challenge. Besides the boy speaks Klingon. What more could someone ask for?!?!
4. Music
One of the reasons I loved The O.C. so much was because the show knew how to pick and use music. Chuck is no exception. I usually recognize at least one of the songs used in an episode and often download a couple from iTunes each week. If you don’t believe me, watch how the show uses the Toto classic “Africa” first as a comedic ploy and then as an epic love song. Genius!
5. The Buy More
While the BuyMoria storylines don’t always work well, I do love the Buy More crowd. I would totally wear a Jeffster shirt with pride and I have a soft spot for Big Mike, even if he isn’t a manager anymore. I love the cage fighting, Jeff in general, impromptu parties/concerts, the Wheel of Misfortune, and solving problems “the Buy More way.” Besides, you can’t beat the comedy and laughs that come from John Casey working as a retail employee. Having survived 5 years myself, I’m impressed by his restraint.
6. Casting & Guest Stars
At the moment, no show handles guest stars better than Chuck. This season alone they have effectively used Michael Clark Duncan as a thug trying to take out Chuck, John Larroquette as a spy who teaches Chuck the art of seduction, Melinda Clark with a fabulous over-the-top Russian accent, Nicole Richie in the only role I have ever tolerated her in, Arnold Vosloo (aka the mummy) as a Fulcrum agent that simply won’t die and of course Scott Bakula as Chuck’s father and Chevy Chase as a Fulcrum mastermind. I wish other shows would take notes!
7. Team Bartowski
In the end, what makes any show is the interplay between the characters. I love watching Sarah, Casey and Chuck work together to defeat the bad guys or prevent some disaster from destroying half of Burbank. I also appreciate that often it is Chuck using his own brain to thwart a bad situation. I’ve enjoyed watching them grow to trust and care about each other and become an effective team. They are just too fun to watch!!
Well, those are some of the reasons I love Chuck, what about you? Did I mention the reason you watch or did I forget something major? Leave your comments below! Oh and don’t forget to visit your neighborhood Subway tomorrow to show your support!
Here are two bonus sneak peeks at tomorrow night’s episode- make sure you don’t miss the exciting season finale of Chuck!
