So, you've burned through Friends, Gilmore Girls, and most of your recommendation list. Now, what exactly should you start watching? I'm no expert, but I think a show with a great cast, good writing, and a exciting premise makes for a good start. Thus, my vote goes to Chuck, an action-adventure show about a computer guy turned super-spy. Trust me, it's better than it sounds. Here are just some of the reasons why.
1. Agent Bartowski is the ultimate leading man.
Before he voiced our beloved Flynn Rider, Zachary Levi gained recognition as the show's title character, and plays it to perfection. Not every actor could bring what he did to the role, which required both a strength and vulnerability on his part. Charming, funny, and self-deprecating, Chuck makes for a relatable protagonist in spite of his sometimes-underachieving ways.
2. Sarah Walker is an inspiration to us all.
Talk about a woman crush. Played by the stunning Yvonne Strahovski, she brings much more than a pretty face to the role of Chuck's CIA handler. Tough, but incredibly loyal, she is a great example of a layered female character, which are hard to come by these days. She also saves Chuck's life on a very regular basis, which is a nice change from the typical damsel in distress. Bonus points to Strahovski for doing her own stunts.
3. Together, they're even better.
Ah, Charah, how you warm my heart. From the get-go, we know something will happen between these two, but believe me when I say they are far from predictable. A modern-day Maxwell Smart and Agent 99, they compliment each other perfectly. Through their ups and downs, we root for them, their chemistry palpable even when they are apart.
4. The supporting characters are fantastic.
From Chuck's brawny brother-in-law to Sarah's con man of a father, all the characters bring something original to the table. While a lot of shows feature dull supporting characters, Chuck does a good job of utilizing theirs, and that makes for a more compelling show.
5. John Casey.
Jayne Cobb became an NSA agent and you will absolutely love it. Gruff and angry, Casey is a perfect foil to Chuck, and their interactions are positively priceless as a result. The character also serves his country with pride and voices his support for our soldiers, bringing an element of patriotism to the show.
6. The Buy More.
A obvious parody of the Best Buy, Buy More is Chuck and Casey's cover job, and serves as a solid background to the action and excitement of espionage. The store almost becomes its own character, in part because of all the bizarre characters within its confines. Hijinks ensue when the two worlds collide, as their coworkers are utterly clueless as to the what is happening around them, and that makes for some of the show's funniest and most memorable moments.
7. It's a genre of its own.
Chuck is a seamless mix of adventure, romance, comedy, and suspense. How many shows can say that? It has to be one of the most creative shows around, and the best part is that it's available. So kick back, relax, and enjoy ninety-one episodes of television gold.
