Chuck Versus the Romantic Cliches

While I've been disappointed by a lot of the shows I watch regularly (Why, "Big Love," why are you so bad now? "The Office," why are you so slapstick and why have you turned Dwight into an unrealistic character?), there is one show that, in its current run, is not disappointing me (I would include "Dexter" in that category for its amazing season four, but that's not currently on the air.). I'm so glad that NBC listened to the fans and renewed "Chuck" for a third season, because the show has been consistently good this season. However, last night's episode, Chuck Versus The Beard, was really fantastic.

SPOILER ALERT: Do not read any further if you are not caught up with this season.


Due to an infiltration of enemy spies who discovered the Buy More's break room entrance to Castle, Morgan inadvertently became caught up in Chuck's spy life, and Chuck had to tell him the truth about his double life as a spy. Now, Morgan joins Captain Awesome in having the burden of knowing Chuck's secret, and Chuck now has another compromised person who could be inadvertently placed in danger yet again (Awesome has been involved in missions throughout this season). It was an action packed, compelling and game-changing episode, and it's exactly why I love the show. Also, JEFFSTER! was back. All was well with the world.

So, why is "Chuck" so good? Is it realistic? Of course not. But it perfectly toes the link of silly and suspenseful, and it's a joy to watch each week. However, I can point to one reason why last night's episode was so good: there was a lack of romantic and sexual tension between the characters. A major theme of the show is Chuck's love for his handler, Sarah, and the constant will they-won't they-can they of their relationship has gotten a little stale. Brandon Routh's guest role as Shaw, an agent who has fallen for Sarah, has created a lot of conflict for Chuck that has been addressed all season, except for this episode. Now, as I've said, this whole season has been great, but I really think the show is better without the constant concentration on the personal relationships of the characters. It can be fun and dramatic without turning into a soap opera.

I'm not surprised romantic tensions are so key on "Chuck." After all, the show was created by Josh Schwartz, who created "The O.C." which was one of the pinnacles of romance on television in the last decade. As an action show, Schwartz and everyone else involved in the show probably wanted to attract a female audience similar to those who watched "The O.C." and knew romance was one of the ways to do so. I won't lie, I loved "The O.C." and I am rooting for Chuck and Sarah to get together at some point, but as a female, I'm not watching "Chuck" for the love triangles. I'm watching for the fun, and I hope the positive reaction to this episode (TWoP and The A.V. Club loved it, among others) will convince those behind the show to stick with what works. The romantic subplots aren't always bad, but the show really shines when they are kept to a minimum.

Do you agree or disagree? Do you have any other thoughts about "Chuck" or romantic plots on television in general? Feel free to leave a comment.