Something Awesome. That's really all I need to say about the first 5 episodes of Chuck's third season because they truly were something awesome. And it's not just because they're good that I say there Awesome, because while they are good, they're Awesome because they simply shouldn't exist at all.

If you haven't been watching Chuck (shame on you) you might not know that this is the little show that could. Chuck premiered during the season of the dreaded writer's strike, which actually helped it because it ensured it got a second season. Then during its second season the ratings weren't great, but the fan support and critical support were enough for NBC to consider keeping it around. Then something happened, the fans gathered at a sandwich chain and thanks to fans and Subway's $5 Footlong NBC decided to keep the show around. So the simple fact that Chuck is still around is Awesome.

I don't want to give too much away as NBC would likely send out it's assassins to take care of me, but I will share some thoughts about the first five episodes of Chuck, which premieres this Sunday at 8/7c with a 2 Hour Event, followed by another new episode on Monday at its regular time 8/7c.

First let me just say that Chuck's new powers Do Not change who he is. He's still the sweet, bumbling nice guy we've all grown to love over the past two seasons. He still lets his feelings get in the way, and he is still not a stone cold killer like some Govt Agents on the show. In fact his feelings are the biggest factor in keeping his new found "super" powers from working all the time. Because the new Intersect was created for Brice, someone with basically no feelings at all, Chuck's sensitivity can cause problems. So while he can occasionally bring about some sweet new skills, he's also often left hoping for a skill that simply doesn't come.

Chuck and Sarah still have a will they/ won't they relationship. Chuck's new role as a spy, rather than just an "asset" has placed their relationship on rocky ground, along with some other things, not the least of which is the introduction of two new characters played by Superman Returns' Brandon Routh and Smallville's Kristin Kreuk, in episodes 4 and 5 respectively.

One of my favorite parts of this new season is the fact that Captain Awesome, Chuck's brother-in-law, knows all about his being a spy. This adds extra drama to Chuck's family situation, but also gives him someone at home that he can share with, rather than having to keep his double life a secret from everyone. Captain Awesome even gets to see some action of his own in Episode 3.

Back at the Buy More there is a change of power and Morgan returns with a bit more responsibility, sans Anna who unfortunately had to be written out of the show because of the new tighter budget. But it's good to see Morgan and Chuck's relationship moving back to what it was in Season 1, as they didn't have much time together in season 2.

All in all the first 3 episodes, and the 4th and 5th episodes, are a welcome return for Chuck and are easily accessible for new viewers as well as old fans. (so tell your friends!!!) I'll leave you with a few more hints at what you'll see in the first 5 episodes:

Sara's friend and fellow spy Carina (Mini Anden) returns!
A major-minor Character bites the dust!
Chuck fight's a WWE superstar at 30,000 feet!
Chuck spills his heart out to Sarah!

Oh and the 3rd episode ends on on hell of a cliff-hanger. Let's just say I'm glad I didn't have to wait a full week to find out what happens, and could instead just pop in the next disc, because it's a doosey.

Update: NBC has released info on a new iPhone App and a new promo for Chuck. In the new video we find out that while Chuck has finally gotten good at being a secret agent, he's got a tough choice to make. You can read info on the iPhone App below the new video.



Chuck now has its own iPhone app! Immerse yourself in the world of the show with the ‘Chuck Me Out’ app. Click Here for more information and to download it.