When I posted those videos for the season of "Veronica Mars" that was never to be, I was struck again by what it was that made that show good: funny writing, fully developed characters, and, well, the little details. Last night when I was watching "Chuck" I realized that it's got a lot of the same goodness going on.

Funny writing? Well, you can't beat "Heavy is the head that wears the crown" in reference to the assistant manager position at Buy More.  Or how about the hour-long conversation about sandwiches on a desert island? Mystery Crisper? Suffice it to say, the writers are still bringing their A game.

Fully developed characters. Now, I'm not talking about major characters. Pretty much every show does that well. I think the real test of a show's mettle is how supporting characters get written. Captain Awesome? Awesome. Let's just say he's a grown-up, less slutty version of Dick Casablancas. Casey? Anna from the Nerd Herd? In just a few short episodes "Chuck" has managed to give its minor players plenty of screen time and more than a fair share of the funny lines.

The little details. Did anyone else notice the framed picture of Ronald Reagan in Casey's apartment? That cracked me up. There's Sarah's ridiculous and yet somehow all-too-believable Wienerschnitzel uniform. The reference to Oceanic Flight 815 in the second episode was also a nice touch. And how about when Chuck asked Sarah to stay for the length of the first Arcade Fire album?

Bottom line, the show is keeping me entertained and amused. It's no small feat. Sure, beta male Chuck is no Veronica, but he doesn't suffer too badly by the comparison.

- Posted by Kate