Next week sees the moment of truth for fans of the terrific Chuck, when a formal decision will be made by NBC as to whether the show will be getting a third season. It's thus far held off a decision on the show, theoretically to talk to advertisers about its prospects, and that's left Chuck fans in limbo. They've not taken things quietly, to be fair, and have thus far organised a campaign that's seen thousands of fans buying Subway sandwiches (culminating in Zachary Levi serving some up to UK fans). But still, the prospects have looked pretty bleak.

But could there be hope on the horizon? NBC has recently decided to not press ahead with one of its planned shows, Legally Mad, for which a pilot had been made. This decision has apparently cost NBC a seven figure penalty clause, and one theory that was being floated was that NBC would press ahead with Chuck should that penalty be waived. According to a story in Variety, however, that's not actually the case. Variety instead suggests that Chuck "remains on the bubble".

Furthermore, there are small rumours circulating that NBC has floated around a potential schedule that does indeed include the return of Chuck. Of course, there's nothing concrete there, and it may be wishful thinking, but there's a growing feeling that the show suddenly has an outside chance of another run, with a Friday slot mooted.

We wait and see for now, but by this time next week, the future of Chuck should, finally, be clear. Crossed fingers time...

Variety