Chuck could snap back into action sooner than planned, if his increasingly cool services are called for.

Though the action-comedy isn’t expected to return until March 2010 – after NBC’s Winter Olympics coverage has wrapped – cast and crew will commence production on the hard-earned Season 3 in August.

That way, “We will be ready to come back whenever we’re asked to come back,” Vik Sahay said during a visit with TVGuide.com. “And that’s good to know.” If you don’t know the actors by name, Vik  plays the Buy More’s morally challenged Lester, sometimes known as the Indian Lesbian that ruined Ellie and Awesome’s Wedding!

What’s also good to know is that Chuck’s 13-episode order could be super-sized if the series returns to strong ratings.

“That’s the hope,” says Sahay. “[NBC boss Ben Silverman] said he’ll push us into the summer with a back nine [order], so we’re planning on making the shows that good.”

Season 3, of course, offers a special promise in that Chuck now can “flash” on skills – all together now: “I know kung fu” – as well as names and places. But how exactly will that game-changing twist amp up the new episodes?

Sahay couldn’t share specifics, but said, “What I admire about [cocreators] Josh [Schwartz] and Chris [Fedak] and the writers is how they put together shows that move things forward. And [Chuck’s new ability] is going to make things hilarious… and wild.”

[Source] TV Guide