It is with a heavy heart that I write my last review of 2008. Waiting until February for our next taste of Yvonne Strahovski is going to be painful.
But still, I’ve gathered my quotes and I’m ready to go. Let’s rock Episode 2.11 – Chuck Versus the Santa Claus.
“How ya holdin’ up there, partner?”
Let’s just get this out of the way first. The cop from Die Hard playing Big Mike’s brother!?! That’s perfect casting, right there.
Some of you may only know him from Family Matters, but before that he was John McClane’s radio friend in Die Hard — one of the best action movies of all time. Also a ‘hostage thriller.’
His talk with Big Mike was a direct reference to the film. I don’t know if Die Hard qualifies as geek culture, but I say it does.
“This store has a strict no bravery policy.”
No time for B-plots this week with a story that nicely uses the entire cast. I know this is an Yvonne Strahovski site, but dang Anna makes a good elf.
I thought seeing each character react to the situation was actually pretty fun. Devon was surprisingly gung ho about trying to take Ned out. I don’t know that I quite expected that, but it was fun.
I really like the relationship that Morgan and Devon are forming. It’s a funny father/son type of relationship that I hope they keep playing up.
And Morgan’s gonna need Devon’s help if he’s going to get over Lester’s moves on Anna. I hate Lester now; and also sorta don’t blame him.
“It’s an electronics store, Major, not Basra.”
No matter how funny Chuck & Morgan can be, it always seems like Casey gets the best lines. His conversation with the general about his cuts had me rolling on the floor.
What’s better is Casey had his fingers taped up even before that scene and I noticed. It was a long and glorious set-up for yet another classic Casey moment.
Also interesting that our boy Casey lost a toe! That’s bound to provide endless humor in future episodes.
“I’m getting by fine with eight.”
I was pleased to see them get Emmett out of there fast. There was nothing for him to do but be annoying. I really don’t think he working out.
The writers seem incapable of maintaining an assistant manager who can hold his own with the rest of the Buy More crew. Perhaps they should try another hot babe? Those always go over well.
“Prepare to be heartwarmed.”
Amid all the crazy hostage crises and fulcrum kidnapping, we did get a little bit of some Chuck/Sarah love which we’ve all been craving.
Giving Sarah the bracelet was a heartfelt moment, complete with Yvonne’s lovely facial expressions. I feel like I should stop repeating myself, but she does such an amazing job of conveying so many mixed emotions at once.
“Gonna be a cold Christmas at the Bartowskis.”
Chuck and Sarah’s return to potential love may be short-lived, though.
Chuck’s seen Sarah shoot the occasional bad guy in a pinch, but seeing her commit murder in cold-blood isn’t something I think he’s going to take well.
It’s really an interesting end to the mid-season.
Did Sarah make the right choice? Was she just doing her job, or did her love for Chuck cause her to pull the trigger when she shouldn’t have?
It’s truly a massive character turn for Sarah, and our girl Yvonne. They’ve finally given her something weighty to shape her character.
Sarah Walker may never be the same. And her relationship with Chuck may be shattered for a long time. Sad, but so good.
I am both shocked and impressed that the writers were willing to take this risky step. It really propels everything forward. It was a cliffhanger without having to be a cliffhanger. Bravo.
It’s going to be a long wait until February to see how it all shakes out. Until then, we’ve got tons to talk about. Did Sarah do right? How should Chuck deal? Comment away!
Screen captures should be up tomorrow afternoon.
