Strahovski and Suburbs
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.
February 16th, 2009 at 9:22 pm
First off… “you’re banging my mom?” LOL How priceless was that! I lost my drink when they dropped that bomb. Love it!
Great episode all around. My favorite scenes were obviously the one above, and of course Sarah making breakfast for Chuck. You can really see that she was enjoying this particular assignment with playing house wife to Chuck, and of course the outfit was nice
Let’s not forget this one “Charles Carmichael always comes quick” LOL. Can’t wait for next week… Nerd Herd Stakeout. Oh and I also thought the music was VERY lame (with the exception of the last track). Good call Lykaon.
February 16th, 2009 at 9:51 pm
lykaon, your not the only one who found the music to be rather “off” and distracting at times…the song that was playing when chuck first arrived at the house was very weird and distracting…and the music that was playing when sarah approaches chuck at the buy more was overpowering their conversation in the beginning (annoying to say the least)…best scenes were the breakfast, sarah test and “your banging my mom”…one quick note: did anyone notice red hot mama’s profile pic???…lol…she had her hand strategically hiding her face!!!…lmao
February 16th, 2009 at 11:21 pm
Thank god I am not the only one that does not have a problem with how the Chuck/Sarah relationship is going. I was beginning to think that I was. I enjoy watching these two struggle with all of the obstacles that life keeps throwing in between them and their feelings/desires. Are those feelings/desires strong enough and are they patient enough to wait. I love it. I know that I am in the minority, but at least I know now, that I am not alone.
February 16th, 2009 at 11:22 pm
I did not think there was a way for Sarah to look more lovely. The breakfast scene did it. She looked like she was really enjoying everything. Maybe that’t why I love her so.
I enjoyed this episode more than I thought I would. Yes the love is still there, and I look forward to how it will be handled in the future. Anything is possible now.
February 17th, 2009 at 12:10 am
I also loved the breakfast scene and Yvonne looked angelic as always. She’s right when she says that she’s versatile. It was fun to see them together as a couple but, I have to admit that it did hurt to see the way that their cover mission ended. I guess the writers are going to keep this roller coaster relationship going? Oh, and I agree with all of you, it’s going to be fun seeing big mike and red hot mama together. I think it was a good episode overall.
February 17th, 2009 at 12:29 am
I’m liking that the angst is back, the right way(imo, of course). This was indeed an awesome episode, although the laugh department wasn’t as load. But, this episode has heart and it reminds me why I fell in love with the show in the first place. Not only because for the action, comedy, but also the side that gives me an “awwwww” feeling at the end. Welcome come back, Chuck. So please, don’t muck it up.
February 17th, 2009 at 1:15 am
I have to say I loved the breakfast scene. In an interview Yvonne said she really loved doing this episode and it appeared that way. I was bummed to see such a sad turn in their relationship. I agree with everyone about Morgan’s mom…that is going to be a funny storyline. Josh Gomez is a good actor.
February 17th, 2009 at 1:21 am
I’ll never stop loving how expressive her face is. I know a lot of guys live for the shower scenes, but all this guy wants to see is that smile. Loved the whole Valentine’s Day setup. Sarah, hopeful and expectant. Chuck, clueless. Great stuff. Also liked the Cable Guy/Jim Carrey link to Jenny McCarthy. And Big Mike at the end, trying to figure out who could be the kid of this Latin woman … “Please let it be Bartowski”.
February 17th, 2009 at 1:38 am
I loved loved the episode. Sarah at breakfast and when they held each other at the end during the “test” was really sweet. I love that she cooks breakfast just for the sake of making food for him. And the Valentines date was pretty funny. And I’m like neil cause I really like the angst here. I want them to be together, but I think that would take away from all these sweet moments.
I wonder what their dog’s name was.
February 17th, 2009 at 7:38 am
I’m still trying to figure out what I’m supposed to be feeling. I’m not sure if I’m supposed to be “hurt” or angry at the way Sarah handled the situation after Beckman’s warning and/or orders, but I pity Chuck. It’s a shame, really, but the whole episode was AMAZING! Two thumbs up!
February 17th, 2009 at 9:27 am
“Charles Carmichael always comes quick”. What a great line and the look on his face when he realizes what he just said was priceless. Yvonne was at her best as usual, but Jenny McCarthy still has it! As for the Chuck/Sarah relationship, I think this episode is a huge step forward. It’s very obvious that Sarah has strong feelings for Chuck, although nothing is said. The facial expressions from both make it so obvious of what their true feelings are. Look at this relationship as two steps forward, one step back.
February 17th, 2009 at 12:21 pm
McG II and Rick both nailed what I love about watching Yvonne. Non verbal communication is not easy for a lot of actors, but her body language, facial expressions, and even just her eyes…those incredibly expressive eyes…she was back tonight after a pretty stoic performance in 3rd Dimension. Her expression said evrything that we needed to know…her heart was hurting
February 17th, 2009 at 7:37 pm
woah… no mention of “Charles Carmichael always comes quickly.”!?! HAH!
February 18th, 2009 at 9:33 am
After watching this chuck vs suburbs episode i was pretty sad with the ending part.. cz it is obvious that chuck and sarah wanted to be together and we can definitely see that between them when chuck “hugs” sarah scene,and also when sarah asked chuck to returned his wedding ring to her whereby we can also see from chuck’s facial expression that he was really sad and disappointed with it. And The saddest part of the entire episode would probably be the scene whereby chuck returned home with his luggage and he talked” to his sister ellie that his trip with sarah was a disaster for them as he ultimately realized that he and sarah are not going be more than what they are right now and he’s “ok” with it,although it was obvious that he was pretty “sad” when he said that…As for sarah,we can see from her facial expression at the end of the show that she was actually yearning to have a normal life and relationship with chuck in that perfect house,but she couldn’t have that cause chuck is the intersect,and by comprising her feelings for him would ultimately caused chuck even more danger than ever…
to me,its seems that there are always “something” that keeps them apart from each other cause whenever they want to step forward in their relationship there are always be obstacles to prevent them from doing so.. and it is something that i’m not looking forward to as we all know that both of them have real “feelings” for each other…
Heartwarm.
February 18th, 2009 at 8:32 pm
Hello to all, Regarding the “Suburbs Episode” I offer my Thoughts; To be honest, while the episode was great through means of photography,Acting,writing and ambience
The outcome of the Chuck-Sara relationship left a sour taste in my mouth, to be precise it felt like a punch in the abdomen and I really felt sorry for him(and by extension for her too, because weather the decision she took to further herself following that Damned Beckman was
right, the presentation of it to chuck was somewhat cruel and left something to be desired).
However I see chuck as somewhat responsible to that situation too, and I’ll explain: first.was that speech
he gave to Sara in the third ep. after bryce told him that he was risking Sara’s life(and by extension,His own)and job by carrying out a relationship with her, when my impression was that she came to the fountain to tell him the opposite(that can be affirmed by the fact she blatantly enjoys the compliments and feelings he speaks of in the beginning of their coversation!)
Second.was his somewhat unreasonable fear and shock after the death of Lt.Mauser (It was unreasonable in my eyes off course, It wasn’t the first time she has shot someone{cold blooded aside,that man threatened to kill his sister fifteen minutes ago and would surely do so had not chuck agreed to his demands, so coyness is not appreciated.} and had he got there two minutes earlier, which he didn’t, he would have heard Mauser bragging about his importance and chuck’s pitiful Existence and wouldn’t be that shuddered )that caused him to back down from her, and remember folks, It came after that heart warming moment in the DVD’s section in which he gave Sara his mother’s bracelet and it was clear she felt that his feelings are of a romantic nature and her reaction (mostly facially,as it is one of Wonderful Yvonne’s strong talents) is in the same path, her eyes show she is genuinely moved and on her way of acceptance of her feelings toward Chuck.
Third. was Chuck’s clueless notion of Valentine’s day , c’mon man, how do you pass on a romantic opportunity to spend lovely time with that gorgeous Blond which happens to be your girlfriend (albeit fake one).
All of these led to Sara’s not being able to commit fully to chuck, regardless of the fact she truly cares for him(in the romantic sense,obviously) .
And even after all his mistakes and shortcomings you can’t help feeling sorry for the boy (because you tend to identify yourself with him, especially regarding the chance of being in a relationship with a unbelievably beautiful woman like Yvonne), and that is why I felt so pissed and bummed today, I was really not comfortable with the ending and hope it will be mended in the next episodes .
Sorry for the long tale, Just felt obligated to let it all out.
February 19th, 2009 at 4:45 am
Oh boy….what an episode.!!!..one hell of a roller costa ride…”ur banging my mom”…felt like a nuclear bomb…with morgan’s mom now coming into the picture, brace yourself for a comedy marathon…
I’ve always been a religious follower of chuck…love the way the story is being taken forward…kudos to the writers…though we rarely mention…The one liners are amazing…”Charles Carmichael always comes quickly”..was a really good one…
I was really heartbroken when sarah took back the ring… its such a gripping series that we always tend to identify our self with chuck…
One thing I’d like to ask you all…when is Chuck’s father going to walk Ellie down the aisle..will he a fulcrum agent too..???
I’ll agree with Lykaon on the soundtrack point…was displeasing at places…maybe because we’re used to the soft n romantic stuff…
In the end…I’d like to congratulate Lykaon and strahotski.com for the “bear presentation” at the comic con…I’m a huge fan of Yvonne and till date, I’ve never seen such a brilliant actor…she’s out of this world….her eyes are extremely emotive…and they communicate,is just so wonderful…!!..I’ll never run out of praise for the gorgeous lady…hope to see Yvonne scale new heights…best wishes…
Thank you strahotski.com for this wonderful platform of expression…
Love you Yvonne
Chakshu
February 20th, 2009 at 11:03 am
As zack said not long ago, its one step forward and two steps back. I really like where the writers are taking this story. Sure, I felt down, but I cant wait to see what’s in store. Chara will never die!
February 21st, 2009 at 10:40 am
It was actually Rick who said something about it, but his version was “two steps forward, one step back.” and hence more optimistic than you.
I hope that the writers won’t fiddle around to much with
the on/off relationship cause it is getting somewhat upsetting .
‘Charah’ as you guys called it, needs to be implemented at last.
Obviously I can’t wait either.
February 21st, 2009 at 6:33 pm
Ok, to add to my last post regarding “Charah”. I am extremely hopeful for these two, but I really don’t expect us to see anything major happen anytime soon, unless the dreaded cancellation is announced (I will be pissed, pardon the language). I think Chuck and Sarah are going to fall into what I call the “Lois and Clark Syndrome”, whereby they want so much to be with each other but something always interferes and I’m ok with that, it keeps me watching to see how it will play out.
Personally, I think they have to get closer because Chuck is actually a “sitting duck” at night when Sarah isn’t around, so what better way to keep a closer eye on the “Intersect” than to actually be with him all the time? That’s just my opinion, ever the optimist..lol.
February 26th, 2009 at 7:45 pm
The relationship between Chuck and Sarah, as I see it, is actually fairly good, considering what I’ve seen from these types of relationships on TV and in books. It’s just a bit cliche, but it’s not cheesy, so it receives a passing grade. It has potential for better, but it doesn’t suck either.
Okay. Sarah cooking breakfast for Chuck? That was a great scene. You can see how happy she is, and it’s clear Chuck thinks marriage could be pretty cool too.
But there’s one thing that’s been bugging me. With time spent on Buy More side stories and time spent with the Chuck/Sarah relationship development, there have been very few impressive, well-done missions. I want to see one episode where they have a really awesome mission, with great fight scenes and smart bad guys.
Also, Chuck seems to be losing his connection to the Buy More. Of course, he still goes there sometimes, but it seems Buy More usually has an entirely separate story, particularly in this episode. In the past, episodes of Chuck have been primarily in the Buy More (the last one I remember doing so was Chuck vs. the Santa Claus), and often times these episodes were very good.
There have been a lot of comments about the music in this episode, and how everybody thinks it was distracting. I will admit that it seemed to drown out what was going on at times, but I really liked the song that played when Chuck escaped from Sylvia’s house and walked across the culdesac (<– how is that spelled?) in his underwear. That song had a really great beat to it.