Howdy again.  First off, let me apologize yet again for the delay in the review.

Last week seems to have been popular with the ‘quote’ review format so I’m gonna give it a go again for Episode 2.09 — Chuck versus the Sensei.

“Yep, John Casey scares me.”

They are few and far between but we’re finally treated to another Casey episode.  He has to be the slowest developing character in the history of television, but he is moving along slowly but surely.

His sensei was cool, but I really would have liked to see Chiwetel Ejiofor play the part.  It would have been a nice inside joke for Firefly fans; plus that guy is just awesome.  He would have been perfect with his slow methodical prodding.

“Speaking of Smoking Hot Angel…”

Having a Casey episode means that Yvonne didn’t get a whole lot of airtime.  This is the first episode I can remember with an actual A-B-C plot and there wasn’t much room for Sarah.

Even though this is first and foremost an Yvonne Strahovski site, I’m not opposed to the occasional episode where she’s kept out of the spotlight.  It moves the show along, and a healthy Chuck is a healthy career for our girl.

“The Awesome apple doesn’t fall far from the Awesome tree.”

I really did enjoy getting to know more about Devon with the introduction of his parents, but I was also a little disappointed in their portrayal.  They just didn’t quite bring the awesome like Ryan McPartlin does.

Their involvement also brought about one of the saddest endings in Chuck history.  It’s hard to believe I disliked Ellie so much at the beginning.  They use her just enough that I usually look forward to seeing her grace the screen.

“From now on, customers can go service themselves.”

The Buy More plot wasn’t completely boring this week.  I’m not really digging Emmett.  He’s not nearly as funny as Big Mike; and he’s a lot less likable.  That matters.  I can get behind Big Mike, but Emmett just makes me wince.

I am impressed that Morgan is now able to hold his own as the star of the mini-show within Chuck that is the Buy More.  If it wasn’t for his ability to bring the funny, it would never work; even with Lester and Jeff around.

I’m still scratching my head on where Anna could possibly be.  Not only does she provide a lot of spunk, but she is supposed to be Morgan’s girlfriend.  Poor guy doesn’t even seem to know where she is.

“This from the agent who can’t keep her chocolate out of Bartowski’s peanut butter.”

It was subtle and fleeting, but we are starting to see the rebuilding of the Chuck/Sarah romance.  It’s clear that they have some hurdles to get over with the Jill fallout, and I like that the writers didn’t just gloss over it.

Most comedies keep episodes discrete and individual, but it’s important to keep a consistent mythos around the show.  While the first season felt like canned episodes, we’re really getting into a universe here.

“Those seven years of McGyver finally paid off.”

Chuck seems to become more resourceful by the second.  I do like that they at least acknowledge when things get a bit absurd.

Sure, your average computer tech wouldn’t freeze and shatter his chain, but this is a fanciful television show and the writers do a good job of not letting us forget that.

“You love me, John Casey.”

Overall, I’d say this was a good episode.  It felt like more of a trot compared to the sprint of the Jill arc, but it was good to get some more Casey-loving.

I’m really excited about next week; the guy they have for Sarah’s dad is perfect.  Screen captures should be up tomorrow.

Until then, let’s talk about the episode or go shopping for some Strahovski Stocking stuffers!