CHUCK: Season 3 EP 1 and 2 - TELEVISION

ABC aired two episodes back to back today (with a third coming in on Monday) and a loyal audience held its breath. They promised to shake up the status quo by giving Chuck super-powers in the final minutes of SEASON 2 ("I know Kung-Fu"). This could have led to way too much camp.

It was fun. Lots of fun.

Chuck puts his powers to good use (including a MUCH better fight scene than the season two ender) and barely uses them at all in Episode 2 (the better of the two episodes). I can see the graphic swoosh effect when he "Flashes" getting annoying, but I'm sure they'll ease up as the season goes along. It's a little distressing that they've returned EVERYTHING back to the way it was, but that's the way it's got to go. They even get rid of a character that had long ago worn out his welcome.

Annoyingly the 'Will they/won't they" romance between Chuck and Sarah (his handler) continue. End it. Please, just end it now. No one cares.

It's breezy television with a hint of action and a pinch of drama. It has its flaws (The villains have found Chuck AGAIN?) but it succeeds more than it fails. Viva la Chuck!