Zachary Levi Reveals that There is a Mole in the World of "Chuck"

The Writer's Guild of America Strike of 2007/2008 contributed to the demise of many promising television shows, especially ABC's quirky comedy "Pushing Daisies." If it weren't for the efforts of its loyal fans, "Chuck" would also be just a fond, but distant memory. To thank fans personally, series stars Zachary Levi, Joshua Gomez and Adam Baldwin recently appeared at WonderCon in San Francisco.

"Chuck" gets an extra 6 episodes this season

The Writer's Guild Strike cut the first season of "Chuck" to a mere 13 episodes, forcing the show's fans to wait 9 months for a new installment. Although NBC ordered 22 episodes for Season 2, low ratings put "Chuck" on the bubble for renewal.

Through the now-legendary "Save 'Chuck' Sandwich Movement," however, fans let Warner Brothers and NBC know exactly how much they enjoy the adventures of Chuck Bartowski, Sarah, Morgan and Casey. On January 10, "Chuck" came back for a 13-episode run, but NBC also ordered an additional 6 episodes for Season 3.

"We really love you guys, but keep your mouths shut."

Fans saw "Chuck" for the very first time at the 2007 San Diego Comic Con and since that time, series star Zachary Levi and the rest of the cast have returned to San Diego to meet and greet the people who helped keep their show on the air. In many "Chuck" episodes, the producers also place San Diego Comic Con posters in plain sight as their way of saying "Thanks."

On Sunday, April 4, Levi, Joshua Gomez and Adam Baldwin appeared at San Francisco's WonderCon, Comic Con's sister show. During a roundtable interview at the Moscone Center, Zachary Levi confessed that there's a leak in security on the "Chuck" set. "We wrapped (the finale) about 2 weeks ago. On every script, the first page says something to the effect of 'We really love you guys, but keep your mouths shut,' Levi said. "We didn't even get the last 4 or 5 pages of the last script -that's the first time that ever happened. Apparently, there's a leak. There's a mole in the world of 'Chuck.'"

Levi said it always boggles his mind that people would want to spoil the surprises on a show like "Chuck." "It takes away from the experience of any show, especially a show that's rooted in certain mythologies. That kind of ruins it for everyone," he said.

"It's like opening your presents before Christmas," Joshua Gomez added.

"Which is awesome! Bad example! Bad example!" Levi said, laughing.

Morgan Grimes now fully a part of the "Chuck" universe

Season 3 originally was designed for 13 episodes, so the April 5 show originally was shot as the season closer. Levi said, however, that the cast gets to do a lot of cool stuff in the last 6 episodes. This is especially good news for Joshua Gomez, who plays Chuck Bartowski's best friend Morgan Grimes. After 3 seasons, Morgan finally knows why Chuck goes on so many mysterious "computer installations."

"Now Morgan gets to be involved in this world. The longer I have to lie to anybody, the longer they are out of the loop. You can't incorporate them into this world," Levi said.

Gomez said he was waiting since the pilot for the episode in which Morgan finally learns the truth. "And having Zach direct it, it was so much fun. It was such an important episode, I was proud to have him helm. And I got to do more scenes with the big guy (Adam Baldwin)," he said.

Adam Baldwin, who plays the no-nonsense John Casey, raised an eyebrow at Gomez's comment and the new relationship between Morgan and Casey. "I remain skeptical about that. Let's see where it goes-how it blossoms. Blooms, if you will," Baldwin said, in typical Casey fashion.

"Chuck" returns to NBC on Monday, April 26.

Resources:

TVGuide.com, "Can Subway Save 'Chuck'?", Joyce Eng