Issue date: 9/25/07 Section: Features

Media Credit: Jocelyn McGregor [Click to enlarge]

Hi, my name is Jake Corbin, and I'm a procrastinator.

Like many of you who read this, I tend to do just about anything - scratch that - everything I can before getting started on schoolwork.

In fact, MySpace has become one of my favorite time wasters.

Apparently, NBC feels I'm not the only one, because it choses to blast the site with advertising for the new action-comedy "Chuck."

I guess I know what crowd NBC is shooting for.

"Chuck," which airs Monday nights at 8 p.m., follows the life of likable computer-geek Chuck. As a member of the "Nerd Herd" (a spin-off of Best Buy's "Geek Squad"), he knows his way around a computer; what Chuck doesn't know is how to score with the ladies.

He also doesn't know his former college roommate, Bryce, was a spy with the CIA. After receiving an encrypted message from his old pal, all of America's secrets are uploaded into Chuck's brain.

Now Chuck is forced to continue his day-to-day life as if nothing has happened, all while secretly working with the government. The tagline for the show sums it up well: "Saving the world at $11 an hour."

Action, laughs and hot chicks - I think NBC made the right decision marketing this toward the 20-something crowd.

There's a lot to like with "Chuck."

Starting with the title character, I instantly felt a connection, like he was one of my old buddies. Funny, awkward around beautiful women, and squeaking along at a small paying job, Chuck reminds me of a handful of guys I hang out with on a regular basis.

Next, Chuck's best friend and co-worker, Morgan, is perfect in his supporting role. Equipped with shaggy hair, a beard and witty comebacks, he's everything I imagine a computer nerd should be.

Plus, Morgan reminds you of that one friend you had in high school who always ended up as the butt of everyone's jokes; he may have been a dork, but he was always cool to hang around.

While working at the "Nerd Herd" offices, the two are surrounded by what could become an amusing bunch. The pilot episode only gave us a small glimpse of the rest of Chuck and Morgan's co-workers, but I feel it could turn into a similar - albeit, much tamer version - of the dynamic had with Steve Carell's co-workers in "The 40-Year-Old Virgin."

CIA agent Sarah Walker leads the show in terms of action - and the hot factor. In the pilot episode alone she was in her bra and panties twice.

As a secret agent, Walker has many hidden talents, showcased in once particular scene at a dance club where she wields knives like some kind of circus act.

With a combination of brawn and beauty, Walker's role gives off an "Alias"-like quality, minus Jennifer Garner's caveman-like jaw.

The production value of "Chuck" is also stellar. The stunts and explosions in the pilot were carried off without a sense of cheesiness.

Part of the reason for that may lie in the hands of the director. McG, of "Charlie's Angels" fame, has taken the reins, bringing that mix of action and comedy he's already familiar with.

Bottom line - after just the pilot, the storyline shows tons of potential, making "Chuck" a show worth checking out.

Jake Corbin can be reached at jcorbin@statehornet.com