NBC's 'Chuck' intends to come out swinging

0 Comments | USA TODAY, August, 2008 | by Gary Strauss

The Hollywood writers' strike crippled much of the entertainment industry. But for the creative staff behind NBC's freshman action comedy Chuck, returning Sept. 29, there was at least 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. ...