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Chuck Season 2 Premiere – A Review of “Chuck Versus The First Date”

ChuckI watched the “Chuck” season two premiere online this week – Chuck Versus The First Date.  It was AWESOME!  (pun intended)  It was well worth the wait we’ve endured since last season. The story was funny, the action was good, and the romantic tension really worked. 

Zachary Levi’s comedic talent continues to shine as the lovable, yet doofy, Chuck. Adam Baldwin brings a real intensity and straightforwardness to the role of the no-nonsense Agent Casey. And Yvonne Strahovski divides her time between being absolutely gorgeous and kicking some serious butt. It’s hard to believe her natural accent is Australian. They did a good job reinforcing the core concepts behind each of these characters and thus reminded us why we love them so much.

I’ve outlined below some of my favorite bits from the episode, however, be warned THERE BE SPOILERS AHEAD.

If you want to watch the episode now before it airs on NBC next Monday, visit Hulu.com.

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SPOILER SPACE – I’m serious here.  I’m really going to blow the episode for you if you continue.

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SPOILER SPACE – You’re still reading?  Okay, you’ve been warned.

Overall the episode was very enjoyable.  There were several really funny scenes, possibly some of the best in the show’s history.  The chemistry between Chuck and Sarah was done especially well and seemed believable.  Casey struggling with his mission was interesting and made the character even more likeable.

A few things I enjoyed worth mentioning:

  • Great opening scene featuring Michael Clarke Duncan holding Chuck by his tie.  Chuck leaning back like that was hilarious!  And later Duncan holding Chuck by his feet was good too.
  • I was very pleased to see the opening credits now include Captain Awesome, Big Mike, Jeff, Lester, and Anna.  I like all those characters, so it’s cool they are getting the proper recognition. 
  • I was laughing hysterically at Chuck’s shell-shocked expression in the aftermath of the shower scene!  Captain Awesome makes me laugh every time he’s on screen. 
  • Yay for the ridiculously over-sexed yogurt scene (including the crazy windswept hair) and the underwear scene. 
  • Casey’s tricked out apartment (camera, showers, and emergency adrenalin needle) and his love for Ronald Reagan.  Brilliant additions to this character.
  • Casey’s fantastic rescue of Sarah and Chuck in the Chinese restaurant
  • The use of Huey Lewis music and the posters in Chuck’s room (Tron, San Diego ComicCon, & “Y the Last Man”)
  • The uncalled for and unwelcome advances from Jeff during the interview scene!  LOL!
  • Morgan’s new haircut, his Call of Duty masterplan, & most of all the Thunderdome cage match!!!
  • Chuck’s imposing team of tactical agents and the clever dialogue to go with it
  • The fascination with Jeff eating 90 Twinkies; especially how Casey’s interest piqued when he heard that Jeff might die.

The only real criticism I have is that the Intersect 2.0 plot was cleaned up a little too neatly.  I got the impression that the CIA Director knew it was going to blow.  Perhaps he was affiliated with Fulcrum.  I just hope they revisit this plot later, otherwise it will feel too ‘throw away’. 

The plot point of Chuck trying to better himself by leaving the ‘Buy More’ got me wondering how long that element of the show can survive. While I’m loving the ‘Buy More’ setting right now, I can envision a period in the future in which this part of the show becomes repetitive and tiresome.  It’s not boring right now, but could become that way someday.

I’m thrilled that season two has gotten off to such a great start.  I can only hope the rest of the season lives up to the example set by this episode.  Now I’m going to be miserable waiting two weeks for the second episode of the season to air!  Arrrggghhh!!!

3 thoughts on “Chuck Season 2 Premiere – A Review of “Chuck Versus The First Date”

  1. It was the strongest episode of the series thus far. I noticed last year that the show continually got better.

    As far as this episode is concerned: one of the highlights for me was the use of the Flight of the Conchords’ tune ‘Foux Da Fa Fa’ for the yogurt scene.
    Check out the tune here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X5hrUGFhsXo

    Oh and Thunderdome FTW!

  2. On a somewhat completely unrelated note; I get somewhat annoyed that when a character the audience is supposed to like and pull for reads comics they always seem to mention “cool” and “hip” comics. It’s Y The Last Man or Hellboy or Sandman or Preacher, which are “socially acceptible” I guess. Why couldn’t it have been a Superman, Batman, Iron Man or Hulk poster?

    Just my quibble, though. Hmmm…Need to post about this on my blog.

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