It's a bird! It's a plane! It's casting news!

[TinkTanker]

It's a bird, it's a plane, it's the most awesome casting news ever: Erstwhile Superman Brandon Routh is joining Chuck for a multi-episode arc, sources confirm to me exclusively.

Who's he playing and what impact will it have on Chuck and Sarah? Keep reading and find out!

Routh's character, Shaw, is a mysterious new spy who takes control as the new leader of Operation Bartwoski, becoming a mentor to Chuck and a rival in his affections for Sarah. He first appears in this season's fourth episode.

Bottom line: Who better to teach Chuck how to use his powers that the Man of Steel himself?!

Memo to NBC: Please don't make us wait until March for Chuck! Anyone care to echo that sentiment? Head to the comments. And while you're down there, share your thoughts about Routh!

http://ausiellofiles.ew.com/2009/08/27/chuck-lands-superman-brandon-routh/

[Phyll33]

   Ooooooo boy that's what I call a rival. Sarah you certainly have a hard choice with
this one. I hope they bring back the show  before next March. I love watching this in
the winter when I can cozy up with a cup of hot chocolate and a quilt and watch and
rewatch this series. It's like comfort food.

[Saxon]

They mentioned at the panel at Comic Con that they were hoping it would air sooner, and the audience went wild!

[Phyll33]

They mentioned at the panel at Comic Con that they were hoping it would air sooner, and the audience went wild!

  I hope so. I don't know where they are getting their ratings but I have a feeling with
DVR's that they are really much higher then they are showing.

[Phyll33]

  Does anyone have any idea how old Bonita Friedericy is that plays General Beckman?
Vera at the OB said that she was at DC  and that she was the same age as Adam. That
is really hard to believe since she looks much older. I had thought she was too old to
play a one star but if she is only in her 40's then of course she isn't. Just curious and
wondering if anyone knew. Methinks someone may not be being honest with her age
and I can't find a bio anywhere that gives her birth date. No biggy just startled when
she said she was the same age as Adam.

[Spooky]

  Does anyone have any idea how old Bonita Friedericy is that plays General Beckman?

I couldn't find anything on her age. She is married to John Billingsley (Dr. Phlox from Enterprise) and he is 49 according to IMDB, so it would make sense to put her around that age. She does look a lot older that 50 though.

[Phyll33]

  Does anyone have any idea how old Bonita Friedericy is that plays General Beckman?

I couldn't find anything on her age. She is married to John Billingsley (Dr. Phlox from Enterprise) and he is 49 according to IMDB, so it would make sense to put her around that age. She does look a lot older that 50 though.

  That's what I thought. The age markers she has are of someone in her mid to late fifties.
Yes, I knew she was married to Billingsley and he was 49 which made me think maybe I
was wrong. I feel bad now.    I told Adam I thought she was a little uhhh mature
to be a BG and she should have another star or two on her shoulders. Now if she is only
his age she would have been a little young.  That'll teach me to try and guess
people's ages. 

[Saxon]

  Does anyone have any idea how old Bonita Friedericy is that plays General Beckman?
Vera at the OB said that she was at DC  and that she was the same age as Adam. That
is really hard to believe since she looks much older. I had thought she was too old to
play a one star but if she is only in her 40's then of course she isn't. Just curious and
wondering if anyone knew. Methinks someone may not be being honest with her age
and I can't find a bio anywhere that gives her birth date. No biggy just startled when
she said she was the same age as Adam.

Just as an FYI, Adam does NOT look his age! He never has. If you watch him from his very beginning in acting, at 17, he's just a big kid, still looks to be about 14 to me, just has the height going on. Then, in "DC Cab", he's like 20 and looks 16! Lucky duck! heh.

[Saxon]

  Does anyone have any idea how old Bonita Friedericy is that plays General Beckman?

I couldn't find anything on her age. She is married to John Billingsley (Dr. Phlox from Enterprise) and he is 49 according to IMDB, so it would make sense to put her around that age. She does look a lot older that 50 though.

  That's what I thought. The age markers she has are of someone in her mid to late fifties.
Yes, I knew she was married to Billingsley and he was 49 which made me think maybe I
was wrong. I feel bad now.    I told Adam I thought she was a little uhhh mature
to be a BG and she should have another star or two on her shoulders. Now if she is only
his age she would have been a little young.  That'll teach me to try and guess
people's ages. 

Of course, you realize that most of us have NO IDEA what those 'stars' and such mean, let alone who would be what age for whatever. I think the severe, professional look adds 'maturity' to her look.

Just like how they made that one gal from "24" (Cloe? I think) look so plain, in real life she's unrecognisable!

I'd been watching the panel for awhile and it wasn't till a scene of her character had played and they followed up with a question to her, and I was like, 'whoa! that's her?'

[Phyll33]

  Does anyone have any idea how old Bonita Friedericy is that plays General Beckman?
Vera at the OB said that she was at DC  and that she was the same age as Adam. That
is really hard to believe since she looks much older. I had thought she was too old to
play a one star but if she is only in her 40's then of course she isn't. Just curious and
wondering if anyone knew. Methinks someone may not be being honest with her age
and I can't find a bio anywhere that gives her birth date. No biggy just startled when
she said she was the same age as Adam.

Just as an FYI, Adam does NOT look his age! He never has. If you watch him from his very beginning in acting, at 17, he's just a big kid, still looks to be about 14 to me, just has the height going on. Then, in "DC Cab", he's like 20 and looks 16! Lucky duck! heh.

  Oh, I think Adam looks 40 plus. Just a very well preserved one. He has maturity going for
him which cancels out a thirty age. There are a lot of men who look like this in their 40's.
Many just get better looking with age because the softness is worn off. This what he has
going for him.