It’s Premiere Week! (If it were 2007.) What’s Your Fav Season 1 Episode?

On September 24, 2007, NBC debuted a show that defied categorization – part sci-fi, part spy thriller, part comedy, part romance, it had something for everyone. We had already fallen for it months before it debuted, and this site stands today as a combination archive and monument to the 5 seasons, 91 episodes, and millions of fans of Chuck. To celebrate the premiere of one of the best shows in recent memory, we’ve put together a week-long series of features for those who were there on September 24, 2007, and those who just finished binge watching all five seasons on Netflix. Happy Chuck week!

Our celebration kicks off with a look back at the first season’s episode. Due to the writer’s strike in late 2007-early 2008, Chuck only aired 13 episodes during season 1. But what a fun 13 episodes they were!

1.01 – “Chuck vs. the Pilot”
Airdate: September 24, 2007
Gallery: Promotional Photos | Screencaps

Chuck Bartowski (Zachary Levi) is a computer geek that gets catapulted into a new career as the government’s most vital secret agent. When Chuck opens an e-mail subliminally encoded with government secrets, he unwittingly downloads an entire server of sensitive data into his brain. With the government’s most precious secrets in Chuck’s head, Major John Casey of the National Security Agency (Adam Baldwin) assumes the responsibility of protecting him. His partner is the CIA’s top agent (and Chuck’s first date in years), Sarah Walker (Yvonne Strahovski). Also starring are Joshua Gomez as Morgan Grimes, Chuck’s best buddy, Sarah Lancaster as Chuck’s ever-supportive sister, Ellie, and Ryan McPartlin as Ellie’s awesome boyfriend, Captain Awesome.

1.02 – “Chuck vs. the Helicopter”
Airdate: October 1, 2007
Gallery: Promotional Photos | Screencaps

WHO TO BELIEVE? – As Chuck Bartowski (Zachary Levi) continues to come to grips with his newly adopted life as a spy, tension builds between his recently appointed partners Sarah Walker (Yvonne Strahovski) and John Casey (Adam Baldwin). When a doctor who seems to have a solution to Chuck’s problem is killed, Casey and Walker turn the blame at one another. Both agents persistently try to convince Chuck that the other one is responsible and now it is up to Chuck to decide which one to trust. Who will he choose?

1.03 – “Chuck vs. the Tango”
Airdate: October 8, 2007
Gallery: Promotional Photos | Screencaps

IT TAKES TWO TO TANGO — Chuck Bartowski (Zachary Levi) is finding out that living two separate lives is not going to come easy. After being challenged by his boss at Buy More, Chuck needs the help of his best friend Morgan (Joshua Gomez) and the Nerd Herd, to prove that he is up to the task and ready to become assistant manager. Meanwhile, Sarah (Yvonne Strahovski) and John (Adam Baldwin) force Chuck to go undercover for his first real spy mission. It seems that Chuck’s two different lives are learning to Tango, but which one will learn to take the lead?

1.04 – “Chuck vs. the Wookiee”
Airdate: October 15, 2007
Gallery:
Promotional Photos | Screencaps

DIAMONDS ARE A GIRL’S BEST FRIEND – Chuck (Zachary Levi) faces an unusual task, when Sarah’s (Yvonne Strahovski) hot colleague from the CIA shows up requesting help for a mission. Morgan (Joshua Gomez) tries to get Chuck to set him up with Sarah’s new friend. When Chuck finds out that a million dollar diamond hidden in a Malibu mansion is being used to help fund terrorists, he must help these two beautiful women steal it back. Chuck is finding out that Sarah’s job of living a double life, which she is all too good at, is really preventing him from getting to know who she really is. Also starring Adam Baldwin, Sarah Lancaster, and Ryan McPartlin.

1.05 – “Chuck vs. the Sizzling Shrimp”
Airdate: October 22, 2007

Gallery: Promotional Photos | Screencaps

MORAL STIR-FRY? – Chuck (Zachary Levi) faces his first moral dilemma as a spy. When agents Sarah (Yvonne Strahovski) and Casey (Adam Baldwin) refuse to help an unauthorized mission that is taking place in Chinatown by a top Chinese spy, Chuck is faced with a tough decision. Either go against the U.S. government and his friends, or do what he believes is right? Meanwhile, Morgan (Joshua Gomez) is caught in a dilemma of his own when Buy More forces him into a sales competition that could cost him his job. Sarah Lancaster also stars.

1.06 – “Chuck vs. the Sandworm”
Airdate: 10.29.07
Gallery: Promotional Photos | Screencaps

HALLOWEEN – Chuck (Zachary Levi) accidentally runs into a fellow government agent who seems to be living a similar life. It turns out this agent is a gadget whiz, whose brain makes him a national security asset and a dangerous liability, much like Chuck. Chuck faces a predicament whether he should help turn this agent into Sarah (Yvonne Strahovski) and Casey (Adam Baldwin) or help this agent escape his handlers. Meanwhile, Halloween, a holiday that means a lot to Chuck and Morgan (Joshua Gomez) as buddies, proves to be a little different this year as Morgan feels that Chuck is neglecting both their childhood and friendship. Also starring Sarah Lancaster and Ryan McPartlin.

1.07 – “Chuck vs. the Alma Mater”
Airdate: November 5, 2007
Gallery: Promotional Photos | Screencaps

BACK TO SCHOOL – Chuck (Zachary Levi) has to return to Stanford University, the institute that expelled him, on homecoming weekend to help a former professor. Chuck finds out that his former professor is also a government operative who is being hunted out for a sensitive top-secret file. Chuck must use his past experiences to find his Professor’s hidden secret, while at the same time discovering shocking secrets about his own life. More importantly, Chuck discovers the truth about his former friend, Bryce Larkin, the one who got him kicked out of Stanford. Meanwhile, Morgan (Joshua Gomez) has problems with the new assistant manager at Buy More. Yvonne Strahovski, Adam Baldwin, Sarah Lancaster, and Ryan McPartlin also star.

1.08 – “Chuck vs. the Truth”
Airdate: November 12, 2007
Gallery: Promotional Photos | Screencaps

NO MORE LIES – RACHEL BILSON GUEST STARS – Chuck (Zachary Levi) battles with his cover love life and real love life when he meets a very pretty girl named Lou (Rachel Bilson), who seems interested in the real Chuck. On the other hand, his relationship with Sarah (Yvonne Strahovski) heats up as they go on a double date with Ellie (Sarah Lancaster) and Captain Awesome (Ryan McPartlin) and try to explain their sex life. Meanwhile, a poison specialist is trying to obtain codes to nuclear facilities and is using a “truth” poison to help get his answers. After all are exposed to the truth, Chuck soon discovers a lot about his partners. Adam Baldwin and Joshua Gomez also star.

1.09 – “Chuck vs. the Imported Hard Salami”
Airdate: November 19, 2007
Gallery: Promotional Photos | Screencaps

JEALOUSY ON WHEAT, HOLD THE MUSTARD – RACHEL BILSON GUEST STARS – Chuck (Zachary Levi) starts dating Lou (Rachel Bilson), a sandwich maker, and things seem to be going really well. This incites some jealousy on the behalf of Chuck’s “ex-girlfriend”, Sarah (Yvonne Strahovski), as she may be discovering that her feelings were not all just a cover. However, things seem to get complicated when Lou is discovered to be a part of a smuggling group. Is the relationship with Chuck another phony or is this relationship for real? Meanwhile, Morgan (Joshua Gomez) starts developing a new relationship with an unlikely girl. Adam Baldwin also stars.

1.10 – “Chuck vs the Nemesis”
Airdate: November 26, 2007
Gallery: Promotional Photos | Screencaps

HE’S BACK! – MATTHEW BOMER GUEST STARS – It’s Thanksgiving and Chuck’s (Zachary Levi) nemesis, Bryce Larkin (Matthew Bomer), returns to his life after being ruled dead earlier in Chuck’s life. Secret internal committees trying to destroy the intersect, now better known as Chuck’s brain, saved Bryce in hopes he would be able to help them locate it. Bryce needs Chuck to help prove to Sarah (Yvonne Strahovski), Casey (Adam Baldwin) and the rest of the CIA that he is not rogue. Upon seeing Bryce and Sarah back together, former lovers and partners, Chuck grows jealous and doubts any future with Sarah. Meanwhile, Buy More is prepping for the biggest shopping day of the year and Morgan (Joshua Gomez) is left in charge to ensure all runs well. Sarah Lancaster and Ryan McPartlin also star.

1.11 – “Chuck vs. the Crown Vic”
Airdate: December 3, 2007
Gallery: Promotional Photos | Screencaps

A COUNTERFEIT CHRISTMAS–Still licking his wounds after realizing Sarah (Yvonne Strahovski) continues to have feelings for Bryce, Chuck (Zachary Levi) must assume the cover of being Sarah’s husband on a mission to foil a politically connected counterfeiter and yachtsman. Emotions and sea legs are tested when Chuck, Sarah and Casey (Adam Baldwin) have to head to the marina to scuttle a plot that also puts an unwitting Morgan (Joshua Gomez) and Anna (Julia Ling) squarely in the crosshairs. Meanwhile, It’s time for the annual Buy More holiday party, but the party comes with lots of rules from Big Mike (Mark Christopher Lawrence).

1.12 – “Chuck vs. the Undercover Lover”
Airdate: January 24, 2008
Gallery: Promotional Photos | Screencaps

CASEY-BLANCA – Chuck (Zachary Levi) discovers that many Russian arms dealers are secretly meeting in Los Angeles. One particular Russian woman catches his attention, and he flashes on her as being Agent Casey’s (Adam Baldwin) ex-girlfriend. Chuck grows very intrigued and begins to pester Casey about their history. After learning this woman is to set marry one of the Russian arms dealers, Chuck insists that Casey fights for his woman. Will Casey fight for his true love without compromising his identity? Meanwhile, Captain Awesome (Ryan McPartlin) and Ellie (Sarah Lancaster) reach a tough point in their relationship. Yvonne Strahovski and Josh Gomez also star.

1.13 – “Chuck vs. the Marlin”
Airdate: January 24, 2008
Gallery: Promotional Photos | Screencaps

THE NERD OF THE RINGS – Captain Awesome (Ryan McPartlin) asks Chuck (Zachary Levi) if he can have Ellie’s (Sarah Lancaster) hand in marriage, and then insists Chuck holds on to the ring until he plans it all out. Chuck decides to lock it in his Buy-More locker, and returns the next day to discover everything had been stolen from the store. Meanwhile, Agent Casey (Adam Baldwin) and Agent Walker (Yvonne Strahovski) discover that the CIA has been spying on them in hopes of discovering “the intersect.” With Chuck’s identity and life on the line, NSA has no other option than to relocate Chuck into a permanent holding cell. Will Chuck lose his family and friends forever? Joshua Gomez also stars.

Now that we’ve had a walk down memory lane, tell us, what’s your favorite episode from season 1?

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6 comments

  1. I get why Pilot has the most votes. It’s where it all started, but personally, Hard Salami is the turning point for Charah because it’s when Sarah’s true feelings come out as she thought she was going to die with the man she fell in love with. The Kiss. 😀

  2. I agree with charahkids and that’s why I, too, chose H.S.

  3. Honestly I can’t decide my favorite episode of tje season!! I also loved Salami and the pilot of course…but Casey cracks me up in Chuck vs the crown vic! And so many others.Maybe ill just rewatch the.entire show once a year.lol.

  4. The best part of season is when Casey throws mircowave in the face of bad guy which later played Juri in Wolkoff eposides.
    So Chuck vs. Tango is clearly da best!

  5. “Chuck vs The Nemesis” — There were so many great moments! Pineapple!!

  6. I’m with Erica.I loved Chuck vs Nemesis. Pineapple! Thats were I was falling in love with Jeff and Lester and Morgan.They really started to hit stride with thier charcacters at this point.They were so funny is the whole evacuation of the store

    But I loved seeing Bryce again and Sarah relizing thet she has a chance to run away from this situation with Bryce. Everything she said she wanted and she doesn’t take it, because of Chuck, whether she wants to admit it or not.

    PINEAPPLE!