Chuck

The problem with watching Chuck after Reaper and Wanted is the inevitable comparison. It doesn’t matter that Chuck doesn’t fight supernatural beings or isn’t an assassin following mysterious orders from above. The supermarket and/or underachieving common man beginning is too glaringly similar to ignore. And they all have an irreverent charm and require a higher than normal suspension of disbelief.

However, it’s also because of this that I like Reaper (and the Middleman) much more than Chuck, which in comparison seems to take itself too seriously. It doesn’t matter if the plots of the show have the soundness or intricacy to back it up or dazzle the audience. Its play of the spy genre tropes just seems neither here or there when compared with Reaper or the Middleman, and its characters lackluster and indistinct.

I’ve just finished 4 eps so far and it is entertaining enough to keep me watching but I wouldn’t care if it were cancelled or changed. Still, I cannot but wonder what this show could have been if there had been more self-conscious humour in it or if the characters had been that tiny bit more interesting (Just compare Sock and Morgan for a case in point.)

Sidekicks

I love sidekicks. Because they are such a wish fulfillment. Everyone wants a Vince to take care of them, a Sock to keep them entertained, a Ron to share their joy and puzzlement, and a Robin to have their back (and maybe something more) although we know full well we can never be Stuart, Sam, Harry or Batman.

Actually, it's because I know I'll never be Stuart or Batman that I love sidekicks so much. I just wish I were Vince or Robin so that I could be close to the dreams I could never have.