One of the pleasures of blogging here at TV Squad is getting a press kit from a network to promote a new or returning show. Sometimes it's just a folder with a screener. Sometimes it's a cornucopia of doo-dads and tchotchkas that might be cool. I've seen some reviewers build an entire wardrobe from press kit tee-shirts, hoodies and caps. So, it was with real excitement -- like the anticipation of a birthday gift -- when Fedex turned up with NBC Entertainment Publicity's big box of promotion for Chuck.

Welcome to The Mission Begins. That's the theme for Chuck, Season Three. I give NBC credit for turning up the volume for Chuck's return on January 10, 2010. It'll be back that Sunday with two episodes, followed the very next night, Monday, January 11, which should have Chuck-addicts completely revved. Three episodes in two days, and having watched them, I can assure you they are quite awesome.

As for the contents of the box, well, it falls into the doo-dad column. Nothing to wear, unless you're into plastic Elvis Costello-like UV 400 specs.

There's also a voice disguiser that looks like a Star Trek communicator (although it doesn't flip), and a Spy Science Secret Message Kit. The latter is a KidszLab Fun Science Products, and since I'm over three years of age, I'm old enough to play with it.

The real fun is the screener disks with five -- count 'em FIVE -- episodes from Season Three. Without revealing too much, let me just tell you that all the questions that were posed at the end of last year have been answered. Chuck and the Intersect 2.0, Sarah and Casey's status, the happenings at the Buy More with Morgan and Jeff and Lester. Big Mike is back... everything is addressed and everything is in play.

One of the best things in the Chuck box is a typewritten memorandum from Team Bartowski. It's just the right tone for Chuck, clearly written by the creators themselves. It reads (in part):

To: Approved Personnel
Status: Operation "Chuck" Season 3
From: Executive Producers (and Dashing Super Spies Themselves) Josh Schwartz and Chris Fedak
Threat Level: Very Entertaining (We Hope)

Your mission: to watch, enjoy, spread the love, spread the word, convert, proselytize and preach to all those who stand against "Team Bartowski." Failure to do so is a direct threat to National Security ... or, at the very least, the National Broadcasting Company.

As always, our staunchest enemy is back for a fight to the death. This is the nefarious and shadowy organization known as... Nielsen. The defeat of said enemy will once again not be possible without your continued support.

Needless to say, if not for you and our fans (and some sandwiches), we wouldn't be back. We sincerely hope you enjoy Season 3 as much as we've enjoyed making it.

This message will self-destruct. OK, not really. But it'd be pretty cool if it did.

It'd be really cool if NBC sticks with Chuck through the tough times ahead because the competition will be tough. I'm rooting for the show to succeed because it is entertaining fun. The schedule, though, has Chuck going up against other shows that fall into that same category. Will it be Mission: Impossible for Chuck? Time will tell.