We all know that I like Chuck. I’ve liked it since the pilot.
If you go back and read my first review I pointed out that what it really had going for it was potential. It hadn’t started firing on all cylinders. It hadn’t yet clicked into place.
That all changed last night with Episode 1.08 - Chuck Versus the Truth.
Last night’s episode was the best episode of the series thus far for so many reasons.
The whole thing almost felt like it was the first episode they had produced since the show had aired. It was as if they were able to take all of the fan feedback and cram it into one yummy episode.
The most impressive feat for this episode was the writing. Rather than having two disjoint plotlines (usually one at Buy More and one with Chuck & Company), we get a tightly integrated plotline that explores all aspects of Chuck’s not-so-ordinary life.
Getting rid of Harry Tang made me shout for joy. Captain Awesome was awesome (is he ever not?) and Ellie finally fell into her character. I can’t fairly say she’s a bad actress anymore. It would seem that she just needed some time to grow.
Everything finally clicked together this episode. Sarah and Casey have finally accepted their relationship as partners. Chuck and Sarah have finally accepted their star-crossed love for each other. Now the show can move on.
As heartbreaking as it was, the show took the perfect direction with Chuck and Sarah staying apart. Unlike so many shows before it, Chuck has to resist the temptation to let the love work out. The longing is what makes the show work and it’s good that they realize that.
As for Yvonne Strahovski, she did a fabulous job as always. Not only did we get to see her with a brown-haired wig, but we also got to see her in purple lingerie. All without breaking character for a second as she walked that line between being just a vulnerable girl-in-love and being a super-secret spy.
She got her chance to do what she does so well when she tells Chuck that she has no feelings for him. Chuck may have believed her but the fans never do, because Ms. Strahovski does a remarkable job of barely suppressing the angst she has about the situation.
All of this is accentuated by a helping of genuine laughs and some nice action scenes. The truth serum made for some excellent quotes (Who’s there? NSA, CIA, and me. It’s complicated.).
If there was any doubt whether Chuck could find its footing and really bring it all together, this episode proved that it could do it. It was the best episode of the season and it was the fulfillment of the promise that Chuck made when the season started to be one of the best new shows on television.
As always, screen captures should be up this afternoon full of yummy goodness.