08.21.08 Close Up: Chuck and Zac Levy (4:22) Close Up talks to TV series Chuck actors Zac Levi, who plays the title role about a computer store worker who inadvertently ends up working as a secret agent and his co-star, Aussie girl Yvonne Strahovski.

Source:TVNZ.co.nz

The Hollywood writers’ strike crippled much of the entertainment industry. But for the creative staff behind NBC’s freshman action comedy “Chuck,” which returns Sept. 29, there was one bright side to the lengthy layoff.

“Unfortunately, the strike impacted the show when we were hitting our stride creatively and really building momentum,” says series co-creator Josh Schwartz.

“But while we were on the picket line, we discussed a lot about where we wanted the show to go. The time off allowed us to reflect and come out of the gate really focused on making a better show.”

The hybrid action/comedy/romance drama stars Zachary Levi as Chuck Bartowski, a hapless computer geek who becomes a spy after a top-secret database is downloaded into his brain.

“Chuck’s” hybrid story lines makes it difficult to peg.

“It’s a tough show to act, perform, write and shoot,” Levi says. “It’s an ambitious show. Fortunately, there aren’t other action/comedy/dramas in (our time slot). That’s definitely one of the strongest things going for us — we’re different.”

“Chuck” had middling ratings but was gaining audience with each of its last few episodes before the strike. Two more episodes aired after the strike began — 13 in all — but nine additional shows were never produced.

“It was tough,” Levi says. “The last episode that was aired really wasn’t a finale. It didn’t tie up anything. So we’re starting fresh in many ways. Hopefully, we’ll be able to have a full 22 shows.”

Season 2 will keep Chuck on weekly missions and in danger of being eliminated by government operatives. But the romantic chemistry between the title character and comely CIA agent Sarah Walker (Yvonne Strahovski) will be explored as part of a season-long story arc set in motion at the end of the second-season opener.

Schwartz also promises more action and insight into the show’s central characters.

“Romance is something we’re really owning and putting at the forefront of the show,” Schwartz says. “Zach and Yvonne have great chemistry. They’re terrific in romantic scenes. We always knew there was going to be that romantic yearning. But we want to go after that in a really significant way.”

“Chuck’s” first-year growth also allowed for bigger budgets this season and has made it more attractive for guest stars.

Michael Clarke Duncan, four-time Emmy winner John Laroquette, Jordana Brewster, Melinda Clarke and Nicole Richie are slated to guest star. Richie “surprised everyone by how terrific she was,” Schwartz says. And “Arrested Development’s” Tony Hale joins the cast as a supervisor at Buy More, Chuck’s daytime gig.

This article was written by GARY STRAUSS of  USA TODAY

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New NBC promo announcing its next television season. With Zachary Levi; Yvonne Strahovski; Adam Baldwin and Joshua Gomez from CHUCK.

From: The Intersect

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