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Post by stargazer01 on Nov 25, 2009 0:35:27 GMT -5
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Post by crazy_asian_man on Nov 28, 2009 19:02:12 GMT -5
Thanks for putting the updates, Star- I was surprised at the photo of Routh and Zach standing together--- is Chuck THAT tall???
Anyhow, about the chemistry of the leads--- I'm split on whether they should get together already or wait. Some shows wait too long for two characters to get together and it gets a little annoying (Frasier), some too soon (Moonlighting)---
About getting newbies into Chuck:
I have to admit that the promos never did anything for me BEFORE I checked out a few episodes back to back in order on Season 1.... afterwards, I got hooked.
Even though I now love the show, in trying to recruit others to a show, I often find that people don't enjoy it or get as involved unless they can check enough of it out from the beginning to really get a feel for it; so it's also great that you had a link to the pilot.
With Season 3 getting an ok (mainly because the other NBC shows tanked)--- I do worry that the show may still be in the 'danger zone' ratingswise. I don't want them to overstay their welcome, but I would be curious to see if they actually have a five-year plan laid out somewhere like some shows have had on tv....
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Post by stargazer01 on Nov 30, 2009 12:53:55 GMT -5
CAM said, Thanks for putting the updates, Star- I was surprised at the photo of Routh and Zach standing together--- is Chuck THAT tall???Your welcome! I just love this show so much and want to share that with others. That Brandon is now part of it is just the icing on the yummy cake.  And yes, Zac is very tall, though it looks that Awesome and Adam Baldwin are taller than both Zac and Brandon. Anyhow, about the chemistry of the leads--- I'm split on whether they should get together already or wait. Some shows wait too long for two characters to get together and it gets a little annoying (Frasier), some too soon (Moonlighting)--- Well, according to spoilers it seems that they won't be quite together (as a real couple in the show) just yet. The love tension continues. And I like that. But it also seems that they will make some real progress by the end of the season. I'm fine with that. By the look of the trailers and by the spoilers, it looks like they want to focus more on the spy stuff and action this season, and I think it's a good idea. The romantic tension between Chuck and Sarah is great, but it shouldn't be the main focus of the show, imo. About getting newbies into Chuck:
I have to admit that the promos never did anything for me BEFORE I checked out a few episodes back to back in order on Season 1.... afterwards, I got hooked.Ah, but don't you think these new promos are A LOT more exciting? I think SO! Chuck now has a little of Chuck Norris in him!  He is now a more dangerous nerd that can actually kick butt. ;D Even though I now love the show, in trying to recruit others to a show, I often find that people don't enjoy it or get as involved unless they can check enough of it out from the beginning to really get a feel for it; so it's also great that you had a link to the pilot.Well, I think that now that the new Intersect 2.0 provides Chuck with cool and badass physical abilities, more people might get interested in checking out the show. IMO, those new promos and preview are great! I've also got a few people interested in it when I tell them that Chuck is a little like Neo from The Matrix.  With Season 3 getting an ok (mainly because the other NBC shows tanked)--- I do worry that the show may still be in the 'danger zone' ratingswise. I don't want them to overstay their welcome, but I would be curious to see if they actually have a five-year plan laid out somewhere like some shows have had on tv....I think S3 got the ok maily for 2 reasons: A very loyal and vocal fanbase, and what you said, most shows in the network aren't doing great. It also seems that NBC likes how the new season is shaping up so far since they ordered 6 extra episodes making it a 19 ep season long. Not bad for a show that was almost cancelled. And boy are they promoting it now, and with really exciting promos (it's a consensus among the fandom that these promos are the best ever). I think that since NBC is a desperate network right now, if the show maintains its S2 ratings or improves on them at least a little, there will be a season 4. It all depends on that. BUT if season 3 is the end, well, I'm happy and satisfied that we at least got another season. It's been a great ride so far, so it's all good. BTW, for those Brandon fans, according to reliable sources, his story arc in the show is awesome. He is actually going to be a heavy player this season since he is going to be in like 8 episodes. That's almost half the season. His character, Daniel Shaw, is going to appear very early in the season (episode 4, I think), so you really want to watch the new season from the beginning. |
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Post by crazy_asian_man on Nov 30, 2009 14:46:01 GMT -5
That's a great point. When Battlestar Galactica (Ron Moore version) first came out in a pilot miniseries, the actors' contracts were down to just about the LAST hour before a season got a greenlight.... and then greenlights for subsequent seasons were constantly in question as the show got even darker and was too much for some fans to handle. So....even though I loved that show as well, I fretted every time the decision came whether or not there would be another season, as I felt that (and still do) that the really great shows have SOME kind of 'ending' that would be great and appropriate for the characters/situations--- but that not every series gets a chance to live long enough to be wrapped up in that fashion (either by actors bailing out of a show or early cancellation or the proper showrunner getting booted/etc.).... Similiar to SR- which was on a cliffhanger- a number of us wanted to see how the storylines were going to be resolved. With Chuck.... love the show, but part of me is curious how they would end it properly, and hope that the show lives long enough to hit all the creative marks that the showrunners have in mind. Given it's not a ratings blockbuster (yet), I hear what you're saying.... we should just be happy with every extra season we get. |
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Post by stargazer01 on Dec 1, 2009 12:20:58 GMT -5
Exactly. It's the nature of television, you don't know what is going to happen, unless your show is a smash hit. Chuck is great in what it does, but for some reason (I think the strike affected it in a big way) it doesn't have the audience it deserves. Not yet. It is also a cross genre show (drama, comedy, action, romance) and those are hard to market. Any way, it is about the journey for me. I think this show is very entertaining and charming. I hope we get at least another season. *Crosses fingers* And if I don't get to see it with my own eyes, I KNOW Chuck and Sarah will end up together married and with 2 beautiful children. And of course, they won't know that mom and dad are super spys.  BTW, CAM, What are your favorite episodes so far? So many good/great ones, it's hard to choose! ;D . |
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Post by crazy_asian_man on Dec 1, 2009 13:09:07 GMT -5
I agree wholeheartedly- a cross genre show is hard to market, because - well, (1) sometimes those cross genre shows ARE pretty awful when done wrong, and (2) how can you convince someone in a few seconds that the show ISN'T one of those bad shows? When I saw the initial promos, I assumed that the laughs were going to be easy laughs at those in retail- and over-the-top hijinx when it came to the Bond stuff.... which looked to be a big 'must-not see' tv to me. But.... when good word of mouth and good critical reviews came out- it perked my interest, but I felt I would have to see it from the beginning (which I think is crucial)- so when the first season went on sale, I picked it up, and was hooked. Which episodes do I like the best? I honestly couldn't tell you- here's why: I've only seen season 1 on dvd- I like to wait until it's on dvd, so I don't have to wait for the commercials and am able to check out the deleted scenes so that I can experience the show as properly as possible. (I've noticed more than once on tv shows, a key character bit or story point gets deleted just due to time constraints) Secondly, when I LOVE a series (and this one I did), I usually can't wait for the next day, and just lose sleep to keep popping in discs--- so that it kind of flows as one big novel by the end of the dvd set. So, would love to tell you which episode I liked the best, but in memory, it's all one story. About Chuck and Sarah finally ending up with one another: I can't see it. What I've loved about the show is that it's very unpredictable- in a good way. When you think it's definitely headed down one path, it makes a left turn, but with a better suprise in mind. So... I got a feeling that they won't end up together, but that the showrunners have an even better suprise at the end. (At least I hope so) |
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Post by stargazer01 on Dec 1, 2009 23:29:15 GMT -5
CAM said, So, Are you saying that you STILL haven't seen season 2?? If you haven't, you're missing on SO much fun. I loved season 1 but season 2 is even better. Some episodes are so good it hurts. There is a lot more Chuck mythology, more romance, more spy stuff. It's great. And the last 2 eps are truly awesome. If you feel like you want to give it a chance, there is this site that is showing season 2 for free, but they only show 5 eps at a time for about ten or so days, then they show the next 5 in order. Here is the link: www.chuckmeout.comThey have the first 5 up right now, so hurry up! ;D Oh, and I really hope that this time around you try to watch the show live when it first airs.  The show needs all the support it can get for the ratings, you know. Plus it'd be really nice to talk about the eps with you. I totally disagree with you on this. It is in the best interest of the showrunners to have them together at the end, or in that direction. Why? Because most of the fandom want that, and THEY (the showrunners) KNOW it very well. You don't want to piss off your fandom like that. There is NO better ending than seeing Chuck and Sarah in a real relationship with serious plans for a future together, IMO. But really, I'm serious. If they mess up with that, A LOT of people are going to be very mad. Believe me, I read the Chuck forums and they LOVE their C/S relationship. We'll see.. |
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Post by crazy_asian_man on Dec 2, 2009 3:16:47 GMT -5
I mainly only watch dvd sets--- I only use network tv for PBS and news. Reason being: as long as I can afford them, watching my favorite tv shows this way helps enormously (even though it costs more, I feel I save time over all the wasted time with commercials as well as being able to avoid the horrible network adverts at the bottom of the screen) in being able to enjoy them without having to wait endlessly. I know there are sites online to watch as well, but I like the big tv experience vs. the computer screen. On the plus side, Season Two on dvd is available in January! |
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Post by stargazer01 on Dec 8, 2009 13:06:41 GMT -5
Oh, CAM, you are in for such a treat, season 2 is amazing! There are some ok eps, but that happens in all shows, but the writing in this show is definitely strong. The last 7 or so eps are so good it hurts, imo. When you finally watch it, please let me know your thoughts on it. A short but nice video interview with Zachary Levi. Man, what a cute and adorable man, www.cnn.com/video/?/video/showbiz/2009/12/07/sot.zachary.levi.cnn. |
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Post by stargazer01 on Dec 10, 2009 14:00:30 GMT -5
10 Questions with Chuck's Zachary Leviwww.tvguide.com/News/Chuck-Zachary-Levi-1012971.aspx#BLKcommentCountGreat interview. I love it when he talks about Kristin Kreuk and basically says that Smallville isn't a good show. It is also interesting to know that he was actually cast in the "Thor" movie but had to decline because of conflicting schedules. It's sad in a way because I'm a big fan and would have loved seeing him in that movie.
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Post by stargazer01 on Dec 15, 2009 15:34:44 GMT -5
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Post by stargazer01 on Dec 17, 2009 13:51:51 GMT -5
The SyFy channel will show an 8-hour CHUCK marathon on Thursday, Jan. 7! Here is the official press release, SYFY CELEBRATES NEW SEASON OF Chuck WITH
EIGHT-HOUR MARATHON AIRING
THURSDAY, January 7, FROM 5PM-1AM (ET/PT)
Chuck Returns for Third Season on NBC with
Two-Hour Premiere Sunday, January 10, at 9PM (ET/PT)New York, NY – December 17, 2009 – Syfy celebrates the return of NBC’s “Chuck” with an eight-hour marathon of episodes from the action-comedy’s second season airing Thursday, January 7, from 5PM-1AM (ET/PT). “Chuck” returns for a third season on NBC Sunday, January 10, with a two-hour premiere from 9-11PM (ET/PT), before resuming its regular Monday 8PM (ET/PT) time period on January 11. Our favorite secret agent is back in the one-hour action-comedy series. Chuck Bartowski (Zachary Levi, “Less Than Perfect”) returns as a regular guy, working at a Buy More electronics store, who becomes the government’s most vital secret agent. Chuck is transformed into the Intersect 2.0 after another data download into his brain. This time around, he not only knows government secrets, but he is also well equipped with deadly fight skills. Chuck has the potential to become a real agent, but he has one problem — his emotions. Now he faces the battle of keeping his emotions in check in order to protect himself and the people around him. The “Chuck” marathon on Syfy includes episodes featuring a wide range of guest stars, including Michael Clarke Duncan (“The Green Mile”); John Larroquette (“Boston Legal”); Melinda Clarke (“The O.C.”); Tony Hale (“Arrested Development”); Chevy Chase (“Community”); Scott Bakula (“Quantum Leap”); Morgan Fairchild (“Falcon Crest”); Bruce Boxleitner (“Babylon 5”) and former New York Giants star Michael Strahan. Chuck Marathon Schedule, Thursday, January 7 5PM “Chuck VERSUS THE FIRST DATE” (Season Two Premiere) 6PM “Chuck VERSUS THE SEDUCTION” 7PM “Chuck VERSUS THE BREAK-UP” 8PM “Chuck VERSUS THE SANTA CLAUS”. 9PM “Chuck VERSUS THE PREDATOR” 10PM “Chuck VERSUS THE DREAM JOB” 11PM “Chuck VERSUS THE COLONEL” 12AM “Chuck VERSUS THE RING” (Season Two Finale) “Chuck” is co-created by Josh Schwartz (“The O.C., “Gossip Girl”) and Chris Fedak, and is executive-produced by Schwartz, McG (”Charlie’s Angels,” “We Are Marshall”), Fedak, Allison Adler and Matthew Miller. “Chuck” is produced by College Hill Pictures, Wonderland Sound and Vision, in association with Warner Bros. Television. Syfy is a media destination for imagination- based entertainment. With year round acclaimed original series, events, blockbuster movies, classic science fiction and fantasy programming, a dynamic Web site (www.Syfy.com), and a portfolio of adjacent business (Syfy Ventures), Syfy is a passport to limitless possibilities. Originally launched in 1992 as SCI FI Channel, and currently more 96 million homes, Syfy is a network of NBC Universal, one of the world’s leading media and entertainment companies. (Syfy. Imagine greater.) tvbythenumbers.com/2009/12/17/syfy-celebrates-new-season-of-Chuck-with-eight-hour-marathon/36565 Fantastic news. Chuck is a really fun and awesome show. Give it a chance, guys! All these eps are great, especially the last 3. Try to at least watch those and the first one. |
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Post by Jimbo on Dec 17, 2009 13:54:09 GMT -5
I hardly watch TV anymore. Damn NBC for canceling My Name Is Earl. The Office and 30 Rock are their biggest darlings. At least they're safe......for now.
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Post by stargazer01 on Dec 19, 2009 15:53:51 GMT -5
I hardly watch TV anymore. Damn NBC for canceling My Name Is Earl. The Office and 30 Rock are their biggest darlings. At least they're safe......for now. I don't watch much tv either nowdays, but I'm so glad I found out about this show because it has it all: Good drama, action, adventure, comedy, suspense, a great romance, fantastic music, and all the characters are very likeable, at least to me. Plus all the actor can really act. So now that Brandon is part of it is like the icing on an already yummy cake. So some reviews from the tv critics who have seen the first 5 episodes of season 3 are surfacing and they are all very positive! They also have very good things to say about Brandon's performance in the role so far. I especially loved this review. And this is what the reviewer said about BR, "While some faces might be familiar, there are also a few new characters turning up, with the most compelling being the enigmatic Shaw (Brandon Routh), who adds a very intriguing new dynamic to the mix and makes quite an entrance. I can't wait to see just where the writers take his character and some reveals late in the game add some nice layering to what, in lesser hands, could have been a stereotypical hard-edged spy role."www.televisionaryblog.com/2009/12/back-in-spy-game-advance-review-of.htmlHere are more links with more reviews: featuresblogs.chicagotribune.com/entertainment_tv/2009/12/doctor-who-star-wars-phantom-menace-Chuck.htmlsepinwall.blogspot.com/2009/12/chuck-season-3-is-awesome.htmlchuckgasmic.blogspot.com/2009/12/chuck-season-3-preview-of-first-five.html |
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Post by stargazer01 on Jan 2, 2010 19:06:12 GMT -5
There's an article and a still from the show with Brandon and Zach Levi (Chuck) on page 64 of the latest Entertainment Weekly magazine. Here is a link to view it, twitpic.com/wdl6yAnd this promo pic on the back cover, twitpic.com/wdk75Here is another really fun new promo featuring some of the supporting actors from the show, Chuck Olympic_Honda_HD_Promo #14 www.youtube.com/watch?v=HMcK0cVuu9A. |
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Post by stargazer01 on Jan 6, 2010 16:18:22 GMT -5
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Post by crazy_asian_man on Jan 6, 2010 16:29:05 GMT -5
Thanks for putting this up Stargazer!
But in watching the interview with Brandon---
Can't help but think: "Even when he's just being himself, he still screams 'Superman'!"
Glad he's on Chuck....but..... old song- such a waste for there NOT to be more Routh Superman movies as time keeps ticking! AGGGHHH!!!!
*sigh*
(Maybe I can end up rotoscoping "Chuck" episodes later on for any new Routh Superman films. May come to that...) ;p
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Post by stargazer01 on Jan 9, 2010 15:14:00 GMT -5
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Post by crazy_asian_man on Jan 11, 2010 11:31:18 GMT -5
Stargazer--- Is it just me or do those photos (to me) still scream "SUPERMAN!!!" , even though Routh isn't sporting the costume nor the 's' curl? Still it's great to see Routh working on a great show, if it can't be MOS... It's a little ironic how the situation has become so vastly different from Routh than Reeve after Reeve's first Superman film--- after "Superman", Reeve seemed so desperate to choose roles that were SO different from Superman, and not only be identified with Superman- which I suppose is understandable....as the sequels were pretty secure--- but in Routh's case, with a sequel in development heck and a heckish reboot without Routh a possibility, Routh has to struggle (because of WB) to STAY identified with Superman in people's minds.... despite worldwide good boxoffice with Routh in that role.... *sigh*  Anyhow, just thought I"d float this by: quick reviews of the new season of Chuck (LOVE the press kit that the guy got in the picture) www.aintitcool.com/node/43580I'm still waiting for the price to drop on the second season dvd set, but based on how well they were able to manage season 1 (for a premise I thought was shaky to last more than a few episodes to begin with), I have a lot of trust in the showrunners. Should be good fun. |
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Post by stargazer01 on Jan 11, 2010 13:39:34 GMT -5
^^Well yeah, Brandon looks like Superman now more than ever. He looks so much like the character it's scary actually, imo. And he sounds the part too. Oh well.... I'm just happy to see him other good projects like Chuck. BTW, here is a new promo with some new scenes they showed last night at the end. Brandon's in it.. his character sounds really interesting, IMO. I can't wait! Season 3 Extended Promo:www.youtube.com/watch?v=FZDWY8d97x0&feature=relatedAs for the premiere last night, I enjoyed it so much! What a great start! The show's tone is more mature and darker now, and I totally welcome that. There is still humor. Chuck will always have that, though there wasn't as much as usual. It was more subtle. I think it was because they focused more on characterization and drama for the set up of the season. It didn't bother me, I'm sure it will pick up as the show progresses. Same with the action and the intrigue. The Chuck and Sarah scenes were done very well, and a couple of them are so compelling and poignant that I had trouble falling asleep last night. definitely some of, if not their best scenes together in the show. *Sigh* So everybody did a great job. This cast of actors is very talented, especially Zach Levi (Chuck). He was born for this part. He is so adorable and likable, even when he breaks Sarah's heart (unintentionally), you can't help but feel for the guy. Yvonne was great too. Sarah is much more expressive and open about her feelings for Chuck now, which is a very welcome change. Adam Baldwin was awesome as Casey too. Great cast all around. Awesome. And it was just the beginning! It also got very solid ratings. Hopefully, it will stay that way tonight (yes, remember there is another episode tonight and every Monday at 8:00) and the rest of the season. I want a season 4! www.thrfeed.com/2010/01/holy-Chuck-highest-ratings-since-3d-telecast.html. |
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Post by crazy_asian_man on Jan 11, 2010 18:50:05 GMT -5
As long as there's a clear direction and finish for the show, I don't mind the show going on... but the worst (for me) is having a show I like either (1) get cut off mid-stream, with no real wrap up of things.... or (2) run on too long just for the sake of milking more money.
Wonder if Routh's appearances will get more excitement at WB for them to sign Routh up again? (Still in denial that WB actually let his contract run out...*sigh*)
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Post by stargazer01 on Jan 14, 2010 13:00:44 GMT -5
^^I know what you mean. I think this story still has plenty of potential for about 2 more seasons and still be interesting and engaging. Really nice article on Brandon and his role on "Chuck" in the new TV Guide. His character will be introduced in the show next Monday, img194.imageshack.us/img194/4177/brchucktvg11810.jpgLoved this part when he talked about Superman, "When you play a guy like Superman, you build a certain notoriety in geekdom. It'll follow me through my career, and that's great. I feel blessed to carry that lovely baggage with me."So sweet and endearing. I love him.  |
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Post by crazy_asian_man on Jan 16, 2010 14:29:58 GMT -5
Mainly to Stargazer-
Just a thought..... and you know my own love of both SR and Chuck: do you think that SR haters possibly wanted SR to be more like Chuck, (whether they realize it or not) and stay away from being too heavy/ realistic?
If that's the case, for myself, I can finally 'get' what they were hoping for... (although I wouldn't changeup SR personally)... What do you think?
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Post by stargazer01 on Jan 17, 2010 12:38:50 GMT -5
^yeah, that's possible. I think some people mainly wanted a more funny and light film with your stereotypical romance and LOTS of action, especially of Superman throwing punches to some supervillain. Stuff like that, you know, more like an standard action flick. But we got an emotional epic. A character study. Here is a nice interview with Brandon on the set talking about his part on Chuck as Shaw. www.nbc.com/chuck/video/clips/brandon-routh-on-the-set/1193091/. |
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Post by crazy_asian_man on Jan 17, 2010 13:24:38 GMT -5
It's a fantastic character study--- and I think I only in rewatching and reanalyzing it over and over again, it's easy to start dissecting what could have been added or trimmed. In going that direction, I will say, (and have said) that while I love the film, I do think that a DOUBLE character study might have made the film EVEN stronger- Lex does his job fine as a plot device..... but I would have liked that there was more to him than what was on the surface to be a match for Superman on even a symbolic level. The comics don't go very deep as to who Lex is, either--- but if there is disappointment with my reaction to the film, the opportunity to make Lex's character just as fascinating (in an opposite direction) as Superman's would be at the heart of it. It wouldn't have had really needed any more screen time, but it's one of the few things that I wish Singer DIDN'T carryover with Donner's version. The best villains seem to be a dark version of them- and since there's always been (what I thought) was an interesting dynamic of Luthor AND his father being scientists--- why couldn't that idea have been explored? Luthor may have demonstrated a hatred for aliens, which could have been deepened and explored, but instead, it's buried under the portrayal of Luthor being (mainly) just a petty thug who is (supposed to be) incredibly smart--- but creates some pretty dumb plans that seem more unplausible than scary. Spacey is a fantastic actor, but the material written for him and the character design didn't exactly challenge him.... Luthor has a darker edge admittedly than the Reeve films- but- the material didn't challenge Spacey, and it's a missed opportunity in that part of SR I think makes it a bit more unbalanced more than anything else. (After all- Routh's stuff- great/ Bosworth's Lois stuff- great/--- Luthor's character & scheme.... it's ok...but...) Anyways--- strange as it may seem---- since January's almost over & WB still hasn't released an official plan yet for the next Superman project, I am still holding out hope MAYBE that they'll do MOS (or some form) or at least another Superman film WITH Routh.... stranger things have happened- (i.e. Pierce Brosnan being rejected for Bond because of his tv show... then years later, still getting it. Also, restorations of films long thought lost)--- Until it's definitely 'no', at least we've got Routh on "Chuck"..... |
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The show needs all the support it can get for the ratings, you know. Plus it'd be really nice to talk about the eps with you. 
