What a crazy couple of weeks it’s been.
Last week was Chuck Versus Obama, which I failed to write a review for (not enough Yvonne Strahovski imo). Oh and there was that whole bear thing in NYCC.
This week we get a doozy with Chuck Versus the Suburbs. With a premise based on the marital bliss of Chuck & Sarah, what could go wrong?
“Good luck as a normal couple.”
The answer to the above question, of course, is a lot. Everything in fact. But at least all the goings wrong was mission related!
It seems like maybe the writers have found a new plateau for the relationship. After Bryce, Jill, and a cold-blooded killing, we’re left with two people who have/had feelings for each other and don’t quite know how to express it anymore.
I love this place for the relationship. The awkwardness is palpable and real, and it’s something that makes sense. There’s just too much to get out of the way, and both are too scared to take that step. I love it.
“That’s my wife; that’s Sarah.”
So how about Chuck acting the hero there at the end? Quite impressive for the little gipper. He saved the day (with Casey’s help), and he got to hug Sarah in the process. How convenient.
And then we saw it, right? The briefest flash of love in Sarah’s eyes. But then Beckman destroys it all.
The one thing we’ve learned about Sarah is that she’s loyal to her duty, and Chuck being in more danger than ever makes her all the more resolute to keep things professional. It was painful seeing her take that ring back from him.
“And you know what, I’m ok with that.”
I know it’s breaking the hearts of viewers everywhere. Chuck has decided it will never work. It sounds abysmal; it sounds like there is nothing.
But take heart… I’m sure there will be love once again. The beauty of Chuck giving up on the relationship is that he gets to fall in love with her all over again.
“Somebody call the cable guy?”
Casey broke his frickin thumb! How hardcore is that? Casey is all aces all the time. I don’t know that I’ve seen a more consistent actor.
That guy must become Casey while he’s working on Chuck. I hope his friends still like him.
“Your weiners are burning!”
I’ve never really been a fan of Andy Richter, but he did himself proud in his role. And Jenny McCarthy was stunning as always.
The whole ’stepford’ sorta vibe that the fulcrum neighborhood had was awesome, in fact. It’s a shame the place was built up and torn down all in the same episode.
“You’re bangin’ my Mom?”
Classic. Oh I cannot even imagine the fun that’s going to come from Big Mike dating Morgan’s mom. It’s like the very definition of comedy gold.
I’m also really interested to get some more character development on Morgan and his family. Obviously, his mother is latina so that alone gives us more to go on than we had before.
It remains to be seen what sort of mother she turns out to be, but I can’t imagine it playing out any way but funny. I wonder if Anna has met the mother yet…
“Who the hell’s this Lando Calrissian?”
Now that we’ve discussed the episode, I’m going to talk about a few of the technical merits. This director has directed an episode before and I was less than impressed with his work.
This time around, the direction was a lot more solid and not quite so awkward. My only complaint was actually the soundtrack.
I know Chuck is accustomed to having a hip soundtrack, but the music in the background was overly distracting at points which gave scenes a different tone than we’re used to seeing.
I’m not sure if that has anything to do with direction, but it’s something that I noticed.
“Shut up and eat your breakfast.”
Perhaps one of the most impressive things about this episode is the impact it has on the story. Chuck has the Fulcrum intersect in his head now? What does that mean for the future?
They just wiped out a neighborhood of fulcrum agents, so I don’t imagine Chuck and the gang are on the good list.
As for our couple, they’re stuck in limbo. I don’t think it’s impossible that they rekindle what they had before, but they keep getting pushed away from each other.
It’s as if they both know they want something more from each other, but both have their reasons for not being able to go through with it. Sure, it’s excrutiating — but that’s why we watch, right?
I’m glad Chuck’s back. Let’s hope we get a straight run to the end of the season without any Presidents butting in.
What did you think of the episode? Too much to bear watching Chuck & Sarah together, but ultimately apart? How about that ‘Cowbell Hero’ shirt?
Comment here or check out the forums where there’s always rabid discussion on every episode! Screen captures should be up tomorrow; but before then check back in the morning for a special surprise we’ve been working on.
