TVSquad

I like Scott Bakula. I've liked him in just about everything I've seen him do. The latest news that Scott Bakula is joining Chuck as Papa Bartowski, Chuck and Ellie's long-lost dad, seems like great casting to me.

I can't imagine how the clever writers of the show -- that starts with creator Josh Schwartz -- will keep from referring to Quantum Leap and Enterprise in some way. In fact, knowing their penchant for weaving topical bits into the plot, there should be a slew of references.

This casting news comes on the heels of Chuck signing Chevy Chase for a three-episode arc. As Brad wrote, Chevy's character, Ted Roark, is a big-time tech success who may or may not have stolen his million-dollar ideas from Chuck's father.

When Chuck was last broadcast -- it's taking January off thanks to NBC -- the surprise appearance by Sarah's father, coupled with Ellie's wedding plans and the holidays, made Chuck determined to find his father.

According to Schwartz, finding the old man is only the beginning of the tale for Chuck. Time has not been kind to Mr. Bartowski. "He's living in a trailer, he's disheveled, he's paranoid and...he's become an eccentric, living in the shadows." I have the sneaking suspicion that Chuck's internal intersect may be activated somewhere along the way signaling that Roark and/or Dad have been involved in something nefarious.

The episodes will air in April.