People always ask if spy-computer-brain show Chuck is really science fiction, so we asked producer Chris Fedak if the show would delve into its science-fiction trappings a bit more. Luckily for us, he said yes.
At the Chuck roundtable interviews at Wondercon, Fedak told us we'll see "more of the scifi side" of Chuck. In the recent episode "Chuck Vs. The Suburbs," you saw a bit more of the "scifi underpinnings of the show," including the secrets of the Intersect, the super-spy database that's downloaded into Chuck's head. "That kind of rabbit hole, and that kind of mythology of how it works, we'll be getting further into it," said Fedak.
The show was always intended to be sort of "a quarterlife crisis" show with espionage and action and zany comedy, said Fedak. The show doesn't have a third-season pickup yet, but Fedak and co-producer Josh Schwartz feel good about its prospects.
They showed a reel of scenes from the rest of the season, and it included tons and tons of Yvonne Strahovski kicking ass in her underwear, lots of bondage and fighting, and Chuck squealing like a little girl. And what looked like a pole-dancing Tricia Helfer! And there are hints that evil spy organization Fulcrum is getting a lot closer to figuring out Chuck's secret.
Chuck tries to track down his father and just gets his envelopes returned to sender. He says something to Sarah about how the U.S. government has hurt everyone he loves, and Sarah says maybe the government should help him for a change. So Sarah helps him track down his dad (Scott Bakula), who's sort of a crazy trailer guy. Chuck brings his dad home, and Chuck's sister Ellie is upset, and says "I thought you were just going for pancakes!" Chuck tells Ellie that their dad is all they have left, and maybe they should try to make it work with him.
Later, we saw some glimpses of Chevy Chase, playing the evil mogul who's a rival to Chuck's dad, as well as - wait for it - a Fulcrum heavy. Bakula says, "Please, he's my son." "Congratulations!" says Chase. "Kill his son now."
Other stuff we learned about at the Chuck roundtables and panel:
Y The Last Man: The Y The Last Man poster in Chuck's bedroom was supposed to be there in season one, but it took a year to get clearance for it. Everything in Chuck's bedroom is a clearance nightmare, said Fedak and star Zachary Levi. Levi found out about that series when a woman told him that he was the only person she could see starring in it, and he started reading it and became a huge fan. (And apparently, there's an internet campaign to cast Levi as Yorick in the movie.)
The series finale includes Bakula, Chase, Morgan Fairchild and Bruce Boxleitner. And as you've heard, it's a "game changer" that sets up a very different status quo for season three, if one happens.
There are actually two weddings towards the end of this season, not just one. (My money's on Morgan's mom.) And there are crazy twists and turns and stuff.
The economy is going to hit the Buy More, but it doesn't sound like the store will go under. But you may be seeing some people downsized from other, better jobs, coming to work at the Buy More because it's all that's left.
Zachary Levi enjoys getting his ass kicked by Yvonne Strahovski. That started back in the first season, when they were filming a promo where Sarah teaches Chuck some martial arts, and she's supposed to twist his arm or something. It wasn't gelling, so Levi suggested Strahovski slap him instead. They had to do 20 takes of that slap but it was still worth it because it was funny. Thus was born the tradition of Strahovski kicking Levi's ass, which Levi likes. "It's very satisfying for me too," says Strahovski.
Please, please let this be picked up for a third season. Tonight's episode looks like it will be a hoot. The
preview is up on the Chuck site. This is one of the best shows NBC has.
And I know this is petty and vindictive and small (but hey, that's just me being me) but among the many other reasons I want this back is that Terminator is more than likely being canceled and all that crap Tamara gave us about how Chuck just barely made it back and the only reason was because of the writer's strike and Terminator was a hit and blah blah blah.
Quote from: TinkTanker on March 02, 2009, 08:49:44 AM
And I know this is petty and vindictive and small (but hey, that's just me being me) but among the many other reasons I want this back is that Terminator is more than likely being canceled and all that gao se Tamara gave us about how Chuck just barely made it back and the only reason was because of the writer's strike and Terminator was a hit and blah blah blah.
I've not even been watching T:SCC lately. Last week's ep, I DVR'd and attempted to watch 3 seperate thymes, just can't get into it anymore. That really sucks, as I love Summer's character.
I'm actually more worried about losing Life. Love that show. It was also one that they said (don't ask who "they" is, cause I don't remember!) only stayed on because of the strike.
Quote from: TinkTanker on March 02, 2009, 08:49:44 AM
And I know this is petty and vindictive and small (but hey, that's just me being me) but among the many other reasons I want this back is that Terminator is more than likely being canceled and all that gao se Tamara gave us about how Chuck just barely made it back and the only reason was because of the writer's strike and Terminator was a hit and blah blah blah.
This weeks Terminator was awful. They have totally given up on Summer's part which makes me think
we may have had some Diva thing going with Lena. The show has dramatically turned to her this season
and the writing is not good and the stories are all over the place. I sure would like to know what happened
to lower the quality of this so much. It is so disjointed as to be unwatchable.
I haven't watched but four or five T:SCC this year. I think the last one I watched was where the redheaded Terminator was a urinal, or something. Can't say I've missed it much. I've about given up on Heroes as well. I'm told the last two episodes are pretty great, so I'm kinda forcing myself to watch it.
I gave up on Heroes after the first season. I could barely get through that first season DVD. They have
really just fallen off the wagon with Terminator, after making so much of Summer's part in the first season
they have just let that fall through the cracks. Whoever is writing this has blown it big time or they just let
too many get involved with stories and nothing jibes.
Chuck has been my one show I adore this year along with NCIS and Bones. They are going to lose me to
the DVD with Bones if they don't start airing the shows though. I understand Chuck is pulling the ole be
back in 2 weeks crap to, which just spoils a show for me. Why networks ever started this kind of schedule
is beyond me. I don't feel sorry for them at all when their shows die prematurely, they've done it to themselves.
Viewers have gotten fed up not having a dependable schedule.
I'm all for Chuck getting more science fiction-y... The whole missing father storyline will be interesting. I have confidence that Chuck will get picked up for another season.
I would like to think that NBC has enough moxie to bring Life back too, but I don't know. I was surprised to see Medium back on the air! I think it makes Monday night interesting, but I don't watch it every week. Sometimes I want to get ready for bed, which usually means watching a DVD. We're now on Season 2 of Star Trek: TOS.
Heroes is enough to keep my interest, but it's starting to suffer from the "I'm Really Lost with This Damn Thing" syndrome. Eric asked what Peter's power is now and I said that he lost his original ability and got another power but different power later. I didn't know for sure because who can keep up with the starts and stops. It's too bad Heroes can't do the same thing Lost does with catching people up a hour before the new show. But a really good show is in already in place.
QuoteEric asked what Peter's power is now and I said that he lost his original ability and got another power but different power later.
Instead of borrowing multiple powers (and then using them at will), he can only borrow/use one at a time now. I guess they wanted Sylar to not have an equal??
Quote from: Spooky on March 03, 2009, 08:43:26 AM
QuoteEric asked what Peter's power is now and I said that he lost his original ability and got another power but different power later.
Instead of borrowing multiple powers (and then using them at will), he can only borrow/use one at a thyme now. I guess they wanted Sylar to not have an equal??
When you have an all-powerful being, there is no drama. I'd expect Sylar's powers to be scaled back as well.
Quote from: Phyll33 on March 02, 2009, 09:16:28 AM
Quote from: TinkTanker on March 02, 2009, 08:49:44 AM
And I know this is petty and vindictive and small (but hey, that's just me being me) but among the many other reasons I want this back is that Terminator is more than likely being canceled and all that gao se Tamara gave us about how Chuck just barely made it back and the only reason was because of the writer's strike and Terminator was a hit and blah blah blah.
This weeks Terminator was awful. They have totally given up on Summer's part which makes me think
we may have had some Diva thing going with Lena. The show has dramatically turned to her this season
and the writing is not good and the stories are all over the place. I sure would like to know what happened
to lower the quality of this so much. It is so disjointed as to be unwatchable.
I"m tellin' you right now, there is something going on with the "Diva" thing. Summer is subdued and not herself whenever Lena is there, when it's just her and the kid and other cast mates, she shines (this is in inteviews and in person at 'cons). I keep thinking that someone, somewhere keeps reminding someone that it's supposed to be about 'SARAH'. But we all saw how it went from "The Sarah Connor Chronicles" to "Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles", when they saw the response Summer got at the Cons. They HAVE to know that more people/viewers are HER fans than they are of Lena. I'd pretty much given up on it, and I figure if it lasts (from being on the same night as Dollhouse and the Whendonites all hang in there), it will probably be one of those shows that I 'watch' while doing some hand sewing, or checking email or something. Just couldn't follow it, and I've NEVER liked the choice they made for 'Sarah'. And what the heck is it with bringing in these other characters (neighbors, girlfriends, etc). I loved the copo, love the 'uncle'...but beyond that...most those others are just confusing. I want more Summer...she was what even gave this show a chance from day one. Even the kid has grown up some...but Sarah/Lena? *bleh*
Quote from: Saxon on March 03, 2009, 10:29:41 PM
Quote from: Phyll33 on March 02, 2009, 09:16:28 AM
Quote from: TinkTanker on March 02, 2009, 08:49:44 AM
And I know this is petty and vindictive and small (but hey, that's just me being me) but among the many other reasons I want this back is that Terminator is more than likely being canceled and all that gao se Tamara gave us about how Chuck just barely made it back and the only reason was because of the writer's strike and Terminator was a hit and blah blah blah.
This weeks Terminator was awful. They have totally given up on Summer's part which makes me think
we may have had some Diva thing going with Lena. The show has dramatically turned to her this season
and the writing is not good and the stories are all over the place. I sure would like to know what happened
to lower the quality of this so much. It is so disjointed as to be unwatchable.
I"m tellin' you right now, there is something going on with the "Diva" thing. Summer is subdued and not herself whenever Lena is there, when it's just her and the kid and other cast mates, she shines (this is in inteviews and in person at 'cons). I keep thinking that someone, somewhere keeps reminding someone that it's supposed to be about 'SARAH'. But we all saw how it went from "The Sarah Connor Chronicles" to "Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles", when they saw the response Summer got at the Cons. They HAVE to know that more people/viewers are HER fans than they are of Lena. I'd pretty much given up on it, and I figure if it lasts (from being on the same night as Dollhouse and the Whendonites all hang in there), it will probably be one of those shows that I 'watch' while doing some hand sewing, or checking email or something. Just couldn't follow it, and I've NEVER liked the choice they made for 'Sarah'. And what the heck is it with bringing in these other characters (neighbors, girlfriends, etc). I loved the copo, love the 'uncle'...but beyond that...most those others are just confusing. I want more Summer...she was what even gave this show a chance from day one. Even the kid has grown up some...but Sarah/Lena? *bleh*
I suspected something might be going on last year. Just reading interviews and watching body language
it looked like Lena was not a happy camper about something although granted with her sullen mug it would
be hard to tell. This year when I saw how Summer's role had been cut especially when they started back up
I knew something was going on. Lena was the wrong actress for this part or maybe she has a broader range
and they didn't write it for her. Linda Hamilton made this part hers and I have a hard time seeing anyone
else in the role.
Yep...I even noticed on the little snippet of 'promos' they do, one had Summer standing completely in the back, with Sarah out front...and then 'John' crosses over and walks in front of and covers Summer! Poor kid. It's like, 'don't hate her cuz she's beautiful and most of your 'fans' are Browncoats'. heh.
OH, since this is a 'Chuck' thread. Anyone notice how "Casey" first tells Chuck, then does it himself about getting out of handcuffs? THEN, on an ep of T:TSCC, 'Sarah' gets out of her cuffs? [spoiler]only she bit her wrist to break it or make it smaller...still not sure of that one![/spoiler]
Quote from: Saxon on March 04, 2009, 10:40:53 AM
Yep...I even noticed on the little snippet of 'promos' they do, one had Summer standing completely in the back, with Sarah out front...and then 'John' crosses over and walks in front of and covers Summer! Poor kid. It's like, 'don't hate her cuz she's beautiful and most of your 'fans' are Browncoats'. heh.
OH, since this is a 'Chuck' thread. Anyone notice how "Casey" first tells Chuck, then does it himself about getting out of handcuffs? THEN, on an ep of T:TSCC, 'Sarah' gets out of her cuffs? [spoiler]only she bit her wrist to break it or make it smaller...still not sure of that one![/spoiler]
I think she did it to make her hands slick so they would slip off.
It would be interesting to talk to Summer in a casual atmosphere and see what she has to say. It's pretty
obvious something happened on that set to diminish her part which was really stupid.
Quote from: Phyll33 on March 04, 2009, 01:02:25 PM
Quote from: Saxon on March 04, 2009, 10:40:53 AM
Yep...I even noticed on the little snippet of 'promos' they do, one had Summer standing completely in the back, with Sarah out front...and then 'John' crosses over and walks in front of and covers Summer! Poor kid. It's like, 'don't hate her cuz she's beautiful and most of your 'fans' are Browncoats'. heh.
OH, since this is a 'Chuck' thread. Anyone notice how "Casey" first tells Chuck, then does it himself about getting out of handcuffs? THEN, on an ep of T:TSCC, 'Sarah' gets out of her cuffs? [spoiler]only she bit her wrist to break it or make it smaller...still not sure of that one![/spoiler]
I think she did it to make her hands slick so they would slip off.
It would be interesting to talk to Summer in a casual atmosphere and see what she has to say. It's pretty
obvious something happened on that set to diminish her part which was really stupid.
I think they should Kill off Cameron and Kill off Echo and have those two lovely ladies trade shows.
Quote from: Phyll33 on March 04, 2009, 01:02:25 PM
Quote from: Saxon on March 04, 2009, 10:40:53 AM
Yep...I even noticed on the little snippet of 'promos' they do, one had Summer standing completely in the back, with Sarah out front...and then 'John' crosses over and walks in front of and covers Summer! Poor kid. It's like, 'don't hate her cuz she's beautiful and most of your 'fans' are Browncoats'. heh.
OH, since this is a 'Chuck' thread. Anyone notice how "Casey" first tells Chuck, then does it himself about getting out of handcuffs? THEN, on an ep of T:TSCC, 'Sarah' gets out of her cuffs? [spoiler]only she bit her wrist to break it or make it smaller...still not sure of that one![/spoiler]
I think she did it to make her hands slick so they would slip off.
It would be interesting to talk to Summer in a casual atmosphere and see what she has to say. It's pretty
obvious something happened on that set to diminish her part which was really stupid.
Here's my take:
They got Summer cuz of what they saw her do in Serenity. Perfect for the 'new' kind of Terminator they wanted to go for with a teenage John Connor. They got Lena, cuz she had some pull being well known for her stuff in more 'serious' acting...then they introduced the cast at Comic Con and the place when WILD for Summer!! They showed us the pilot...and all the Browncoats in the room outnumbered the 'Terminator' fans, and even then the "T" fans, were also Browncoats, so they suddenly switched gears and made it more 'Cameron'-centric....all the ads, the HUGE billboards, sides of busses, all of it (Heck Jessi has a HUGE WALL sized nylon tarp type 'poster' of Cameron/Summer ala the borg queen look). The next con we go to, we see an obviously jealous acting Lena. The guys are making jokes about 'Summer's the Rock Star'...they are smart enough to know that she's the pull, and they seem happy just to be ridin' her coat tails....but NOT Lena...the interviews were with "John and Sarah"...if one had not been AT the con, they wouldn't have seen how "Summer" focused it was!
Now, I missed WonderCon this last weekend, so I have no idea how things went down this time. Have to look on the OB (Spacegirl emailed me and said she missed me and had written a report)...I know James (DanRegal) was there, but he's usually busy with the booth, although I think I saw some of his photos with Summer. Somebody do some diggin' for a report, I'd be curious about how it went. I'd hate to think of our sweet Summer being treated badly by a prima-donna "Actress"....I feel very protective of her. I missed seeing her at Creation, since we were having lunch with Adam and honestly forgot that her panel was before his. We only got to say hello in the autograph line.
Anyhoo...Looking forward to seeing her at Comic Con. Hope the show is still on by then. :/
I haven't seen a report about Terminator from last weekend but I think on Whedonesque they had
a thread that showed a preview of the rest of the season. I didn't read it because I didn't want to
be spoiled and I got the impression what they showed was very spoilery. The last 3 shows they have
showed was very Sarah oriented and many people have complained about it. Evidently the rest of the
season will be more Summer oriented but I have a feeling it may be too little too late since their audience
has really dropped. The stories have not been well written this season and the quality of the show has
dropped. It looks more cheaply made. What set it apart before were the neat settings and movie like
effects. I guess the cost was too much for them but this show needed that in order to be special, not unlike
Firefly which needed it's atmosphere to be what it was. Take that away and you have lost a significant
player in the show.
It seemed like they didn't know what they were doing, and the story lines started going in about a zillion directions. I lost interest, and when I tried to catch up, I got even more confused...for me and Jessi, being the fangurls we are, watching an entire show just to see "Cameron" get all the good snacks to drop in a hospital vending machine just isn't gonna cut it.
It appears Tamara is using her crystal ball to predict the demise of Chuck over on Wheadonesque. I hope
she is wrong again, I love that show and can't understand why it isn't doing better. Probably because to many
that aren't familiar with it it comes across as silly. Maybe this country has just lost it's sense of humor or maybe
those that watch comedies are so used to the half hour format for them they can't wrap themselves around
the comedy drama aspect of it.
QuoteIt appears Tamara is using her crystal ball to predict the demise of Chuck over on Wheadonesque.
So that's a good thing? 'cause she is ALWAYS right. ;)
Quote from: Spooky on March 11, 2009, 11:04:03 AM
QuoteIt appears Tamara is using her crystal ball to predict the demise of Chuck over on Wheadonesque.
So that's a good thing? 'cause she is ALWAYS right. ;)
She certainly thinks she is. I've never seen someone, except Creek, so emphatically say something will
happen or is true when she has no idea like she does. I wonder how that works out in real life for her.