Chuck

Season 1 – 90% – I have to laugh at him, root for him in action, and wish him Sarah. Chuck is a total loser in many ways, but he never exceeds the point where I would roll my eyes and stop liking him. With every characteristic, from his love of computer games to his willingness to experiment and do the craziest things at the most inappropriate times, he got under my skin more and more. In addition, the overall potential of the series promises much more. Season 2 – 100% – This is not just about the appearance of more beautiful agents, surprising minor roles, or pop culture references. This is about Chuck+Sarah being a duo that I root for from beginning to end, Chuck+Morgan being a duo whose friendship often moves me, and Chuck+Casey being a duo that makes me laugh out loud with every line of dialogue. Moreover, the episodic plots become exotically interesting, and most importantly: the last five episodes are such a perfect action-adventure ride that it takes your breath away long after you watch it. Chuck is simply no longer just a one-off bit of entertainment, but a legitimate blockbuster. Season 3 – 100% – It has original action, easily surpasses sitcoms in humor, and in relationship/family matters, I still see the signature producing style of Josh Schwartz from the better part of The O.C. Chuck remains at the top of all the genres. Once again there are overarching storylines where each main character gets more prominent space, and the supporting characters with familiar faces are appreciated (Daniel Shaw is fascinating in every scene thanks to Brandon Routh). I am still amazed. Not just at Zachary Levi's new and newer grimaces, or the increasingly clever climaxes of the missions, but mainly at how the bar keeps getting raised higher and higher. Season 4 – 90% – This show has turned from the shy guy next door into an absolute certainty. The new shades in the background of the parents' past are revealed naturally, and the worries á la Buy More are a welcome opportunity to breathe in and out. And I don't mind at all that the comedic spy has become a show about relationships where they occasionally go on missions. I still love both aspects, and this time the rating is a hundred, not just because the episodic plots have slowed down a bit in pace and ideas. The whole story around Volkoff Industries and the respective characters more than makes up for it. The announced final season thus had the doors wide open for a triumphant conclusion. Season 5 – 100% – The end within reach, the threat at its maximum, the lines still deadly. Chris Fedak and the other writers knew exactly what they were doing when they entrusted the Intersect to the right people. The farewell story unfolds over thirteen episodes, with everything it entails. With the final dose of beautiful women, heroic agents, brave deeds, and love like a sunbeam. And once again, deadly Morgan's glosses, a suitably self-destructive mood, and the Jeffster stand behind them. Right after the last episode, there can be nothing but a perfect score like it was made to order. And heartfelt. Goodbye, team Bartowski. (25/08/2009) (less) (more)