This week we talk about the 3rd episode from writing team Rafe Judkins and Lauren LeFranc, Chuck vs. the Living Dead.

Plus, we deal with the issue on everyone’s minds — we are incredibly encouraged at the 4th season renewal but reeling from the number of lost writers because of Chuck’s late pickup by NBC. If you haven’t yet read Gray’s blog on the issue, do yourself a favor and read it.

We also have news, emails, and the last spoilers of the season, as the 2-hour season finale airs this Monday. Check your local listings for air times!

Also, watch for a special podcast right after the finale airs on the West coast… you won’t want to miss it!

Miss any episodes? You can find them all at chuckpodcast.blip.tv, and every time you watch it helps to support us!

Also, if you like the show, please consider supporting us with a monthly vote at Podcast Alley.

Along with the exciting news of Chuck’s season 4 renewal came news of a different kind: Chuck’s writers room, which had already lost senior writer and executive producer Scott Rosenbaum to be showrunner of the new remake of ‘V,’ has lost not one, not two, but three other writers.

Thursday, it was announced that senior writer and executive producer Matt Miller has been hired as the showrunner of ‘Human Target.’

Friday, we learned that senior writer and executive producer Ali Adler had accepted a position on the new ‘No Ordinary Family.’

Late Friday, Gray broke the news that writer Phil Klemmer would be leaving Chuck to write for another new show.

What does this mean?

Gray has pulled from his experience in the business and relationships with these writers, and has written a very detailed and informative blog post about this issue.  We urge you to read the article, as well as the comment thread, and post any questions you have.

Please click here or on the photo at right to access the article.

Hold on to your hats — this week’s podcast features interviews with 16 of the cast and creative team behind Chuck. From London, New York, Toronto, and Los Angeles, they were all eager to reach out and share their gratitude for the fan campaigns, excitement about the finale, and passion for the show.

Hear how they are getting involved too… behind the scenes stories… clues about the finale and their plans for Chuck’s future… and most of all, how you can help NBC make the right decision, and renew Chuck for a third season.

This Monday night is our last chance to boost the ratings before NBC makes their decision, so do whatever you can to get people to watch! And no matter where you are in the world this Monday, go to your nearest Subway and buy a $5 Footlong, fill out a comment card telling them you’re supporting Chuck, and enjoy the sub while you watch the game changing finale!

Visit ChuckTV.net for more details on the campaigns.

We’re finally back, with part 2 of our writers series, featuring Ali Adler!  It’s girls’ night, as Gray is working 90 hour work weeks right now finishing his own TV show.  But look on the bright side, you get to hear 100% female perspective from Mel, Liz, and Ali!

Many apologies from Gray on the lateness of this episode — he had to deal with a sudden family emergency on top of his already swamped schedule.  We’ll be back firing on all cylinders very soon!