Strahovski and Predators
Two weeks is such a long time. It feels like forever ago that we last met to discuss Chuck Versus the Lethal Weapon, doesn’t it?
Usually time flies, but when we’re waiting on a glimpse of Yvonne Strahovski it just seems to stand still! There’s just not enough Yvonne in the world, is there?
Cole’s gone, Strahotski.com’s down with the music, and now we’re left with nothing but my modest review of Episode 2.17 – Chuck Versus the Predator.
“No more plumbing on future missions.”
Wow. It’s a good thing the episode started on a lighter note, because our trio of spies didn’t get a whole lot of guffaws on this outing. Even Chuck can’t afford to yuck it up in such trying times.
I don’t think I can write this review like I have the others because this episode was so different than recent episodes. The stakes are higher, Chuck is playing for keeps, and not even Major John Casey can stand in his way.
“Sarah… You’re in the little boys room!”
The only humor we really get this episode is courtesy of the Buy More gang. And in this episode, gang is definitely the most apt term to describe them.
We’ve heard about Jeff’s “office” before but I had no idea it was going to be that nice. Where do the poor disabled people use the restroom!?
It was brief, but we also got to see the return of Morgan’s Mom for one of the funniest scenes in the episode. I don’t know why they’re waiting so long to fully cash in on this plotline. I love it.
“Okay team — we should run now.”
Emmett wasn’t such a drag this episode, and I really liked the Buy More gang coming together for a common good. It’s a little strange that neither Chuck nor Anna were involved, but we can let that slide for some hilarity.
The Beverly Hills gang is a lot of fun and I hope they bring those back for future installments. There must be a Buy More picnic every summer, right? Potato Sack Racing. I’ll say no more.
“You should have trusted me.“
Right from the get-go we get this new dynamic of Sarah chasing Chuck. She wants Chuck to trust her and love her, but he can’t right now and you can tell it’s eating her up inside.
I really like how Yvonne Strahovski played this. She seemed distant and annoyed the whole episode, even when she was trying to bond with Chuck at the end. This is exactly what we need to bring Charah to fruition, and I’m happy to see the whole thing take a backseat for some crazy action.
“Wake up Casey, the 80s are over.”
Poor Casey. Beckman pretty much has him quiet and stiff this episode, and ouch on the quote above. You’d think Beckman would at least be nice to him.
“Oh wow — Beckman’s tiny!”
Bringing Beckman to Burbank is a bold move. Those who have been keeping up with the promos and spoilers new it was coming, but I don’t think I was prepared for the impact she had on the whole operation.
She’s always been terse, but she’s downright mean in this episode. You can kind of see where she’s coming from with the mission as grave as it is, and it’s an interesting dynamic to see Casey and Sarah put in a situation where they have their hands tied.
It’s the perfect opportunity to see Chuck take the reigns without it feeling forced or silly. Unfortunately, the General’s appearance is going to cause angst for us fans of Yvonne Strahovski next week. Let’s hope Sarah follows through on her promise from the promo.
“Your search for Orion was a rogue operation.”
How about this new Chuck? He’s not quite James Bond, but at least he’s directed, focused, and deadset on getting what he wants. This is the kind of Chuck that we all wish would pursue Sarah’s love.
Orion was awesome as a Morpheus-like shadow. The episode may have been called Versus the Predator, but I think Versus the Matrix would have been a better title. This episode conjured up a lot of Matrixy vibes.
There was the nod to Predator with Orion’s wrist-computer, but other than that the Predator seems to be referring the UAV that he commandeered. Not as cool as more Governator references, but enjoyable nonetheless.
“That sounds like a fun class.”
And here we are. We have Chuck intent on decoding the intersect, and Casey & Sarah on the defensive. Neither of them can relate to Chuck like they used to and neither of them are really Chuck’s favorite people right now.
This whole dynamic creates a lot of palpable tension that we haven’t had on Chuck for a while and it makes the whole plot seem much more imminent. Something’s gotta give and I can’t wait to see what it is!
This episode was a really big departure from previous episodes, and although I did miss Awesome and the humor, I really appreciate the gusty direction that this plot has taken the show in.
Next week we see Sarah replaced as Chuck’s handler and who knows how long that will last. Before we get too bent out of shape on that one, let’s talk Orion and the Intersect!
Screen caps will be up tomorrow afternoon. Until then, let the commenting begin!
March 23rd, 2009 at 9:20 pm
It lasts one episode lyakon it’s the only episode helfer is in.
March 23rd, 2009 at 9:21 pm
That just means Helfer is gone. It doesn’t mean that Sarah is reassigned back to Chuck.
March 23rd, 2009 at 9:23 pm
I really liked the scene with “The FULCRUM Elders.” Is it me or did the female voice sound like Gen. Beckman. I’m going to watch it again to check that.
I did like that Lykaon noticed that Sarah was really going after Chuck in this episode. I hope this is a sign of things to come *fingers crossed*.
Can’t wait to see what devon has to say
March 23rd, 2009 at 9:24 pm
OMG, The episode was AMAZING!!!!! I’m like bouncing off of the walls! It’s crazy!!!
I liked Beckman! She was awesome and tiny! I wished Sarah would have beat her up when she (Beckman) was all like “Agent Walker, you can’t tell me what to do.”, but whatever.
Ahhh, it was just so great! Everything was awesome! Everything!
Nice review, Lykaon! Nice, review!
March 23rd, 2009 at 9:33 pm
There’s a typo a the beginning of the review. It’s episode 2.17, not 1.17.
March 23rd, 2009 at 9:34 pm
@sevy Thanks! I do that every time. I don’t know why I can’t do that right. Fixed now.
@Loki No problem. I deleted your hide tags and the comment about the hide tags. Unfortunately, they don’t work on the main site, but I wouldn’t worry too much about spoilers on the comments for the episode review.
March 23rd, 2009 at 9:34 pm
Great and speedy review Lykaon!
@loki…i thought the voice sounded like beckman too lol..maybe a coincidence..maybe not…
I really enjoyed this episode and i felt that Yvonne’s acting was superb as always..i love that she is fighting for him now!
I wish Chuck would have let Sarah in on his Intersect secret…i mean i understand why he didn’t but it would have been a great bonding experience for them! ..i am sooo ready for next week!
March 23rd, 2009 at 9:34 pm
Good episode, but how can you not show Awesome and Ellie at least once in an episode?
March 23rd, 2009 at 9:36 pm
Knapptime, Ellie and Awesome were planning for the wedding. The same wedding that I hope will show us some real Charah stuff.
March 23rd, 2009 at 9:36 pm
About the predator reference, in the movie it was an invisible entity that could materialize itself. Well for Chick, Orion was kind of an invisble entity that he saw only a glimpse of before Fulcrum got him.
March 23rd, 2009 at 9:38 pm
@sevy… They also used a new version of the Predator drone that has gotten so much coverage in the WoT
Also that thing on Orion’s wrist also kinda made me think of the movie.
March 23rd, 2009 at 9:40 pm
@knapptime: I am thinking that maybe they would have been too much of a distraction, from the writers standpoint. I mean this episode was intense and full as it was and then there was the buy more plot. Awesome would have brought some comedy, but i don’t think humor is what they were aiming for
However..i would have loved to see a cameo of our second fav couple!..for me at least! lol
March 23rd, 2009 at 9:42 pm
@Loki007, exactly. Although Orion wasn’t really a predator but a “predaty?” if that’s even a word
March 23rd, 2009 at 9:43 pm
Lykaon, what with the tooth brushing pic? It’s cute, but…
March 23rd, 2009 at 9:45 pm
@nannygirl: I love it!! And I always use a pic from last episode for the review. That was just my favorite one.
@Rylee: My second favorite couple if Big Mike and Bolonia, so I’m happy.
Awesome and Ellie can be 3rd… but then there is Morgan and Anna…
March 23rd, 2009 at 9:48 pm
Oh, okay. Just wondering.
My favorite couples are Chuck and Sarah, Ellie and Awesome, Morgan and Anna, Casey and Ilsa, and…wait for it…Bryce and Jill!
March 23rd, 2009 at 9:56 pm
@sevy, roflmao. I don’t think it is, but we should put it on wikipedia so that it will be one.
March 23rd, 2009 at 10:01 pm
You might disagree but I think Orion is still alive. The guy had every little detail worked out the whole episode and he would suddenly get caught in an open street??? Not convinced, not likely. Thinking Chevy Chase might end up being the guy. Orion is obviously a code name so who knows who the real guy is. By far the best we’ve seen in a while hopefully the rest of the season plays out this well. Sign it up for Season 3!!!! 3 weeks to go for NBC to announce, right?
March 23rd, 2009 at 10:16 pm
I agree with JT. I too think Orion is alive. I reserve the right to complete my comments later when I am fully consious.
March 23rd, 2009 at 10:53 pm
great review lykaon
…*whew*…where to start?…this was one hell of an episode…this has to be the best episode on the detail front…yes, we got little to no charah moments but with all the information being revealed you almost forget about it…this episode gave me a “sin city” type of vibe with all the creepy building shots and orion possessing the “sin city” type of look
who knew a tiny woman like beckman would reek so much havoc?!…who else got chills when we first saw her enter the courtyard?…i certainly did!
it’s about time we saw sarah chase chuck…anyone notice the cute little motion yvonne/sarah did at the nerd herd desk?…fumbling with her fingers while looking sad that chuck didn’t trust her
i also believe that orion is still alive…he planned everything out meticulously…anyone notice that his voice started changing on the dvd?…it started out robotic and then it changed to a more human voice
i would of wish that chuck included sarah in on the fulcrum intersect secret…if she was that upset that chuck didn’t tell her about his own little mission then she’ll be even more hurt by this revelation
and how ridiculous is morgan’s room?!…haha…he had superman comforter…gosh, i thought chuck’s room was bad…and mama grimes that was very messed up to have your son’s picture on your nightstand while you fondle his boss…lmao
mind-blowing episode all over…keep it coming!!!
March 23rd, 2009 at 11:07 pm
Agreed on Orion not being dead. There was another comment chuck made under his breath about Beckman that was priceless. I tried to write it on the forum earlier but my computer’s been on the fritz. But yeah Beckman in the flesh is automatic best-episode-ever status.
March 23rd, 2009 at 11:09 pm
@ Reen: couldn’t have said it better myself! I believe you covered everything that i saw..i loved Sarah’s little fumbling and Morgan’s room cracked me up! If i wasn’t so grossed out by Big mike and Morgan’s mom almost doing it i would have been rolling on the floor!
Havin Orion alive is a great possibility..he did have everything set up to a t so maybe, just maybe he survived. I did also notice the voice. As well as the Fulcrum woman kinda sounding like a robotic Beckman..
Great Episode!
March 23rd, 2009 at 11:13 pm
another note: the fulcrum “panel” reminded me of the triad/elders from “charmed”…lol
March 23rd, 2009 at 11:16 pm
O i forgot to mention!..i love how Sarah seemed genuinely troubled that she was in the “little boy’s room” lol it was hilarious..i mean it isn’t like Sarah hasn’t seen stuff..we saw what she was already doing to Cole and who knows what happened with Brice. But she just ran out! Ha, although i am sure the bathroom was disgusting in her defense!
March 23rd, 2009 at 11:24 pm
my question is: does the cleaning lady/man ever go into the “out of order” stall?…lol…i find it hard to believe that they would let a stall remain “out of order” for that long…btw, now we know how and where jeff takes his nap in the bathroom…lmao
March 23rd, 2009 at 11:34 pm
great episode. the spy story and the buy more story were both top notch and flowed together well. my favorite moment was when jeff and lester wound up behind sarah and casey during the break in. yvonne’s reaction when jeffsaid he’d wet his pants was classic, even though she was wearing a ski mask. and the best sign of all of a good episode – it makes the wait until next week unbearable.
March 24th, 2009 at 12:06 am
I loved the episode, but I’m worried about the next episode! I don’t want to see Forrest touch that orange orange outfit!
March 24th, 2009 at 12:08 am
Of course Orion is still alive. How else can he show up when his daughter marries Awesome?
March 24th, 2009 at 12:14 am
and lastly the west coast checks in. i’m betting orion is alive (bryce made it, didn’t he)and beckman has the perfect nemesis-her evil twin. too much resemblance to ignore.
March 24th, 2009 at 12:21 am
wow….good episode and excellent review Lykaon! I thought it was hilarious in the buymore when jeff and lester got mixed up with Sarah and Casey! Then when they realize it!! LMAO! Everything else was perfectly blended together also. I agree that it is possible Orion is alive, but I am not sold on that considering Chuck got the ‘i’m dead so watch this’ DVD…
I also liked the part where Emmett missed the target when trying to hit the cardboard cutout, then knocking down all the shelves! I like the turn we are seeing with Sarah chasing chuck and showing some compasion for Chucka nd his quest to find the intersect. All in all, a very good episode!
March 24th, 2009 at 12:26 am
I didnt realize that beckman was on a plane when she was talking to Chuck Sarah and Casey after the Buymore Break in! Just noticed that…
March 24th, 2009 at 12:46 am
This episode was bueno! I liked the buymore plot, and the spy plot. In the spy plot so much happened. I didn’t think Orion was going to be found this quickly, and killed in the same episode. (Although I also do have a sneaking suspicion that he will appear again, however that will work). Another thing that I really liked, was Casey sticking up for Charah. He totally didn’t snitch. Nice!
March 24th, 2009 at 1:07 am
Awesome episode!!! Good to see Chuck not being so passive as he was in previous episodes.
March 24th, 2009 at 1:13 am
Fun! Fun! Fun! I couldn’t sit still watching this and can’t wait to look at it again to see what I might have missed.
The “break in” at the Buy More with everybody in ski masks was classic comedy – straight out of the Marx Brothers or the Three Stooges.
I, too, think that Orion will still be around; perhaps in an Obi Wan Kenobe persona? The Fulcrum overlords…I’m not familiar with “Charmed” but scenes from the original Star Trek are kind of rattling around in my memory. Will have to think more about that.
If next week’s episode lives up to the preview…and when does Chuck don the spy togs and start toting around twin pistols?
March 24th, 2009 at 1:24 am
Also, I’m not totally convinced that Orion ISN’T Fulcrum. Super deep double cover? Is Bryce Orion?
Beckman was beginning to make me wonder what her agenda really is, but her explanation of Chuck’s importance as a result of his being able to get inside Fulcrum operations, and her designation of him becoming a spy, for the moment, at least, assuages those doubts.
Sarah has remarkable facial expressions even with a ski mask on!
March 24th, 2009 at 1:56 am
I,too, think orion is dead and im sticking to my original thought that Orion is chucks dad.
did anyone else notice the twinkle in Sarahs eye in the beginning when they were talking in the courtyard? She had such a genuine smile, even her eyes were smiling. and also i have to say, that Plumber Sarah is very hot. nothing like a beautiful feminine girl getting all dirty and greasy. RRAAARRRRRR!!!!
March 24th, 2009 at 1:57 am
OOPS- i meant to say i DONT think orion is dead. sorry.
March 24th, 2009 at 2:10 am
OK, this was just super incredibly awesome Matrix Predtor Supreme!!!
Not much to add other than I laghed ALOT during the Buy More breakin and when Jeff/Lester & Sarah/Casey got mixed up! Sarahs reaction to Jeff peing his pants was just hilarious! The Buy More plot was great this time.
And how sweet it is to see Sarah chase Chuck for a change. Sarah sort of has a “tell” when she fumbles her fingers whenever she is nervous about Chuck and what he feel about her.
March 24th, 2009 at 2:36 am
i like this episode a lot. I love how Chuck seems to know exactly what he wants and knows how he can get it. I like the whole Orion/Chuck dynamo, it gives us the vulnerability of what the intersect is about. We all know Chuck wants it out, but we never really thought he’d go beyond as to not trust Sarah and Casey.I got goosebumps when General Beckman wanted Chuck to be a real spy, it gave me a hope that one day if this intersect wouldn’t be out of Chuck that finally Chuck would brace his inner spy. I love the whole Buy More intercity brawl, Buy More Beverly Hills are really crazy and Emmett was just hilarious I think I like him more than Tang, he fits with the whole Nerd Herders. Jeff and Lester with Casey and Sarah! Genius! That must have been pretty disgusting for Sarah to hear about Jeff’s peeing in the pants. And lastly I like this episode because at this episode we get to be reminded that the show doesn’t work because of plain CHARAH moments, the Humor, but we finally get to taste the real spy danger, the action that this show offers. We finally get a huge bite about the whole intersect. Now we know that the intersect can be removed, now it’s up to Chuck if he can pull this off.
March 24th, 2009 at 2:40 am
How can Beckman NOT be tiny when Chuck, Sarah, Casey, Ellie and Awesome are GIANTS?!?!
Is it just me or was the manner of how the plot unfurled different from previous Chuck episodes?
March 24th, 2009 at 3:18 am
This was an epic episode! It was well worth the two week wait but I most certainly hope the network doesn’t make it a habit. At least we had strahotski.com in the meantime. Personally, I liked the spin of a “Sin City” and “Matrix” undertone happening in this epsiode. It was different from what we’ve seen in the past and just proves that the writers, producers, and cast on this show have got talent to spare. I was hoping to see a gun weilding Chuck but I suppose that’ll have to wait. Next week looks good with Tricia Helfer, the second hottest actress on TV. Chick fight, perhaps??
March 24th, 2009 at 6:00 am
So good! I’m going to watch it again after school!
Awesome ep!
March 24th, 2009 at 8:45 am
one of the fulcrums elderrs sounds like gen beckman…..anybody notice that too?
March 24th, 2009 at 12:47 pm
Okay I am in the camp that believes Orion is alive and that Orion was testing Chuck and also scheming against fulcrum. So I think Orion will have the last laugh because everybody THINKS he is dead.
I am really surprised at all the positive reactions to this episode because I though the major over-riding theme of the episode is that nobody trusts nobody.
Think about it: Sarah keeps asking Chuck to trust her, at the beginning and even at the end in the bedroom scene, and yet Chuck clearly no longer trusts her. And Beckman trusts nobody either.
I was dismayed to a degree that nobody trusts anybody and that the real issue between Sarah and Chuck now is trust. Yeah it will all be resolved but this certainly was a rocky episode for Charah.
I do like the fact that Casey seems to be a lot more supportive of Charah. Clearly he likes the “team”.
Which brings me to another thought…when Sarah says to Chuck “we still make a good team, right?”, was she talking personal stuff or spy stuff. I think it had a clever double meaning.
Finally, it is clear that Chuck has gone full “Rogue spy” at this point. He has been warned by Beckman and Sarah to cut it out but he is now hiding secrets from Sarah and everybody.
I guess I really like the episodes where everything is good with Charah more than these type episodes where everything is unresolved. It almost feels like a boyfriend/girlfriend fight.
March 24th, 2009 at 1:57 pm
I loved the little look yvonne gave when chuck was talking about his sister and boyfriend being out, first scene, you know its stuff like that, the unsaid stuff that both Zac and Yvonne excell at, I thought Beckman was definately black and white LOL, didnt make me like her, but shes right! oh and tiny too!! hee…
I thought one of the fulcrum elders sounded like beckman, spooky!!
I liked how chuck was and is developing more and more, alas prehapes not a direction he wants to go in, but one hes forced into, prehapes his lack of spy training is his reason for being so successful? Wonder if that will be shown, ie training?
I dont think Orion is dead, to have come that far and to fail like that, esp as he was so mistrustful of all concerned.
I think the dynamic of the three is changing and the pace is set for all three, chuck, sarah and Casey to be out of all of their depths, both in the field and other departments too! I like the fact they arent rushing sarah and chuck and that casey realises whats going on and yet said nothing, he was loyal to them both. Kinda sweet huh!
Roll on next week!!
March 24th, 2009 at 2:55 pm
About the Fulcrum leader “shadow” scene. I was reminded of the F.O.W.L. bosses from Darkwing Duck more than anything else.
Also, think back to Chuck Versus the Intersect: That was NOT Beckman (Friedrichy) who sent Casey to Burbank. A different actress–Wendy Makkena–playing a different character (check out the Wikipedia.com entry for Chuck vs. the Intersect). I can’t find any information on the switch, but maybe the female Fulcrum boss was Makkena’s character…?
This was a GREAT episode all around. I kept looking for Chuck with dual pistols, guess I gotta wait. Maybe that’s from First Kill? I REALLY found it poignant Chuck didn’t tell Sarah about his own efforts to find Orion. It’s an odd, pot-calling-the-kettle situation considering how much Sarah keeps from HIM. And it turns out his decision to go off-book and take matters into his own hands are pretty well-founded. I think ultimately he’s going to involve Sarah, and maybe Casey as well, but for right now he kind of has to keep it close.
I really, REALLY thought Sarah was going to kiss him at the end of the episode in the bedroom, even more than at the end of Lethal Weapon. I see a LOT of complaining in reviews and forums about the Chuck/Sarah relationship, but I think it’s going to give the payoff when it actually DOES happen an even bigger impact, and everyone’s going to say “WOW!”
March 24th, 2009 at 3:14 pm
That was well worth the wait.
Firstly, I am impressed with the new side of chuck. He definately seems well on the way to get what he wants, hopefully for us Charah fans that will mean Sarah too.
Speaking of Charah, I think, with Chuck’s seemingly one track mindset, that if a confession is going to be made, then Sarah’s the one who’s gonna do it. And a I agree with Ambaryerno, it will be superbig.
Oh and I think Orion ‘aint dead. And that he could be Chuck’s dad.
I’ll get as mad as hell when I see helfer in the Orange Orange attire. Plenty of time shall be spent in this site’s galleries to calm me down.
March 24th, 2009 at 5:29 pm
As I was rewatching the episode I flashed on some text inserted into the scene between the Beverly Hills and Burbank Buy More teams near the end of the show. Did anyone else see that and if so, what did the text say?
March 24th, 2009 at 7:53 pm
Just a thought. Which I should preface by saying that I don’t think Orion is dead. I think he turns out to be Chuck Dad.
March 25th, 2009 at 1:08 am
I’d hate it if he was. Too many people in Chuck’s life turned out to be spies as it is. This would be too obvious and repetitive.
March 25th, 2009 at 2:45 am
i agree w Ambaryerno that it would suck if more of chucks family was into the spy biz. i like the fact that it was forced onto chuck by bryce, not that its in chucks blood or something. but that said, it seems to me, unfortinately, that that is the way the show seems to be going.
some other quick thoughts: perhaps the woman figure w the elders is tricia helfers character. i think we are to think she is a good guy because she is sent in to replace sarah. im sure she’s fulcrum.
and the last thing: i was thinking that the 2nd wedding would be Big Mike and Morgans mom.
March 25th, 2009 at 2:55 am
Orion:
ofcourse Orion is not dead…hes obviously chucks dad, orion was very nice and helpful to chuck, he seems to know chuck very well, why else would he come out after years of hiding and knowing that the NSA/CIA and fulcrum are all afetr him..why would he risk his life for chuck that easy…Orion is papa bartowski…
SArah:
sarah looked bothered (but cute as always) the entire episode…maybe bec she thinks chuck doesnt trust trust her..in the nerd herd desk, she was really sad bec chuck didnt tell her bout his research, you can see that she really wants to be with chuck,shegot angry with chuck bec what he did was very danberous..its a good thing chuck immediately said She is completely right…but up until the end she was talking about trust…
casey:
caseys loyalty is to chuck and sarah or beckman..i wonder if casey is the reason why sarah gets relieved in the nexr episode.beckman was asking him unedited report/information about charah…
gen beckman:
so tiny!..lol…..but scary, nice to hear her say she wants chuck to be a real spy bec he is very important..she also said only the bartowki operation and chuck have found a hole in fulcrums armor….she can be a jerk all the time but i think she is right this time…its time for chuck to be a real spy..
March 25th, 2009 at 6:29 am
This episode was less comedy and more spy stuff. It’s fun to see Chuck so determined to get the Intersect out of his head so that he will get a normal life and be with Sarah (sigh..). But the episode was kinda boring, not much dynamic, except for the Buy More gang (I love the part where Jeff & Lester went back to Buy More after being pepper sprayed by Milbarge).
The elder panel was kinda creepy….I kinda suspect the female elder will turn out to be Chuck’s mom,that would be …..very Alias! Looking forward to the next ep
March 25th, 2009 at 10:47 am
I think we’re starting to see the “real” Chuck Bartowski. From episode 1, he’s had this quiet, understated leadership quality that all of his coworkers have recognized. He’s been through a lot in the last year and a half that has forced him to get past feeling sorry for himself for getting kicked out of Stanford. He is becoming the Charles Bartowski that could have been, and I think Sarah, and yes, even Casey, have had a large part to play in that change.
At the end of the episode, he was very quick to point out to both Beckman and Sarah that he’s no spy. But the way he took charge during “The Great Buy More Break-In” (even to the point of being the first one to recommend it) shows that he’s getting some of the confidence back that he must have had before his world unraveled.
Just for the record, I think Orion is still around, and, perhaps unfortunately, I believe it is in fact Chuck’s father. I saw on IMDB that Scott Bakula’s character is “Steve Bartowski” in Chuck vs. the Dream Job. Is it safe to assume this is his father?
March 25th, 2009 at 11:36 am
We already know that Scott Bakula is playing Chuck and Ellie’s dad. That much has been confirmed already.
March 25th, 2009 at 1:15 pm
I re-watched the episode just to see Sarah’s face in the Buy More scene when she is upset with Chuck. That is a side of her we haven’t seen much, where she is no longer calm and in control. Loving it!!!!!
And OMG CAN SHE ACT!!!!!
Now I wanted to bring up a point which I find interesting about the trust issue. Beckman is basically trying to get chuck to be her spy but she is outright lying to him and being deceitful, like what she said when Chuck got contacted by Orion. Beckman is using Chuck, and she doesn’t trust Sarah because she knows Sarah is not going to go along with just lying to chuck when it is convenient like Beckman does.
Further, Beckman doesn’t even trust Casey, who is as staight and loyal as can be.
Chuck doesn’t trust Sarah because he knows that she is a spy at the end of the day, and that she is not going to stand up to Beckman.
I guess I find the amount of mistrust in this episode to be noteworthy…
March 25th, 2009 at 1:34 pm
dave, i agree with you that this episode was based on trust issues
March 25th, 2009 at 3:57 pm
Hello,
This is my first post…I was just wondering if anyone has any thoughts on the last couple mins of the show… When Chuck put the CD in from Orion, did anyone catch that the voice said “awesome”????
Does anyone think Capt. Awesome is part of the Orion plot, think about it, he and Ellie were not in the show (leaving room for him to be someone or something else) and the subject who was caught in the street could not have sent the ‘run chuck’ IM becuase he was in the hands of Fulcrum… I do NOT think he is Orion, but on SpoilerTV his interview says he gets involved more…hmmm. I’m just sayin…
Also, I have a crazy idea that Bryce is Chuck’s brother, why else would he have said in his last episode, I have always been looking out for you (seems like even before they met at Stanford). And when he found out from Awesome that Chuck liked Sarah he backed off a bit, seems honorable, but who would volunteer to leave Sarah?
Maybe I am way off. I agree with everyone (above) Orion is not dead, and prob is Chuck’s Dad, but I also think Capt Awesome is involved (think about why he always needs an adrenaline rush)?
Or maybe I just spend way too much time thinking about this show. Come on season 3 renewal!!!
March 25th, 2009 at 5:34 pm
BF,
A) Schwartz and Fedak originally planned to have Awesome turn out to be an enemy agent after a few episodes, but abandoned it because of the character’s popularity.
B) Also, McPartlin’s interview has already established the circumstances in which he becomes more involved: He’s going to start piecing together some odd things are going on with Chuck, and will be asking questions.
Awesome being an accomplice of Orion really goes against exhibits A and B.
Bryce as Chuck’s brother, THAT is an interesting thought. I think it’d be a bit too much of a stretch, though. Bryce and Chuck are about the same age. Unless Stephen Bartowski was diddling around on Chuck and Ellie’s mom I don’t see it being possible. As a point of order, Bryce DIDN’T back off from Sarah. He manipulated CHUCK into backing off by telling him Sarah’s feelings for him were compromising her ability to act. MAYBE he was being honest to protect his friend and the woman he loved from what could happen if one or the other was hurt or killed because of their feelings, but it struck me as being a much more selfish response. Compare Bryce’s handling of Sarah’s feelings with those of Cole Barker.
March 25th, 2009 at 6:08 pm
Ambaryerno great observation.
I answered my own question (too)about ‘maybe I think about this show way too much’…as I rewatched the episode, he did not say ‘awesome’ he said it is possible.
So not only do I think too much about the show, I am hard of hearing, hahaha.
But I did notice something new, the computer voice on the CD sounds like a computer and Bryce on top of each other. I am sure it is Chuck’s dad or somebody. I do like a show that allows us to try and figure things out, even if we are wrong (as in my case).
Shout out to the Strahovski team for having a place for Chuck fans to share…I am off to polish my detective skills, since they are a little rusty.
Hey Ambaryerno, thoughts on what Big Mike said (to Morgan near the end) about the stores in the area might be closing, do you think this season marks the end of BUY MORE and off to world wide missions or some other new direction?
March 25th, 2009 at 6:20 pm
I think Chuck is getting out of the store. The first episode with his dad is called “Dream Job,” so my guess is something gets him out of the store. For the show to move forward I think Chuck DOES need to get out of the Buy More. I STILL want to see him at least do SOMETHING outside of California for a change (maybe Season 3?) However I don’t think the store ITSELF is going anywhere.
March 25th, 2009 at 6:27 pm
Had sometime now to pull my thoughts together.
Orion
Did anyone actually see him get into the Helicopter?
Sarah
She is obviously conflicted. The CIA agent part of her sees the logic in Beckman’s attitude. Uncle Sam needs Chuck, however if you look at the expression on her face all through the meeting with Beckman, you can also see that she is on Chuck’s side. Even to the point of speaking up for him. “General there is something I have to say”. Sadly Chuck did not see that part.
Chuck
Our Hero is starting to get some balls. The “Tron” Poster was the first indication and doing his own search for Orion (going rogue) was the final confirmation. There is no way that chuck is going to sit and roll over at Beckman’s command. He wants the intersect out of his head and what is more Sarah knows that nothing is going to stop him. That’s what the scene in the bedroom was all about. Chuck actually not only searching for Orion on his own but then finding him surprised her. Sarah likes being surprised about as much as she likes talking about her past.
Buymore
Poor Morgan being tormented by carnal sounds of his mother and big Mike I laughed hysterically. The raid on the store was classic comedy, crossing the teams was really funny. A word of caution though in chuck V the dream Job Chuck gets a job away from the Buymore. We are told that Morgan leaves the Buymore and that the season Finale will be a game changer. Big Mike tells us of rumors of store closures. If there is a season 3 could the Buymore still be the backdrop.
Orion
This is only a theory of which there is some support, but who knows. I present it to you for discussion and debate if you think it worthy. I think Orion is Chuck’s dad. A computer geek employed by the CIA or some other agency to build the Intersect. Chuck’s mom was his agent handler. I believe that they were forced to abandon their children in order to protect them. That Chuck’s parent’s situation will be played as a balance to Chuck and Sarah’s relationship. To use the series Charmed as a helpful aid, “a sort of Witch white lighter thing.
March 25th, 2009 at 10:25 pm
I have to say that this season has been really good so far. Last season was really good too, but was disjointed by the strike. This year’s plot is unfolding fast and furious. Really awesome.
Great show. Great season.
NBC better renew.
March 26th, 2009 at 2:07 am
Lastone:
Lets take it a step further and borrow from the Heroes playbook. General Beckman is Chuck’s biological mother, his actual mother was a stand in for the very same reason, to protect him. She’s too tiny, what was I thinking!!! I think it’s a stretch but I like your thought.
I think the Orion situation is equally perplexing because I just don’t think it can be his father. It wouldn’t make sense because when Chuck was recruited at Stanford they would have known about the father. Equally important was the Hong Kong scene. Why was he there? I am looking to go back through prior episodes to see if anything comes up about that. Seems odd to put him in such a far and strange place.
Lastly, I think it would be a crime to cancel a show that is building to a finale with such tension. I heard somewhere that the writers felt that the finale this year will bring everything to a close such that a non-renewal would be fine but if renewed it would launch into season 3. Can’t wait to see, but dreading the fact that we could be viewing the last 5 or 6 of the show in the remaining weeks.
March 26th, 2009 at 7:58 am
I pray everyday chuck gets season 3…..one of the best tv series ever…only reason i watch tv….
CHUCK IS WORLWIDE PEOPLE….IM FROM ASIA! AND WE LOVE CHUCK!!!!!!!
JUST LIKE WE ALWAYS SAY, THIS SHOW IS A BREATH OF FRESH AIR….
March 26th, 2009 at 4:31 pm
I really had to think about this episode for a couple days.
I wouldn’t be surprised if Orion is still alive. If they can have a Fulcrum Agent ingest blowfish poison, why not? It could have been decoy Orion sent there. What I didn’t get is how Chuck and the Fulcrum Agent knew what room to be in. The address left behind only gave the street address, not a room number.
This episode was definitely in my top 10. Maybe because it’s not one of the episodes that is focused on whether Chuck and Sarah will get together or not. The last two episodes with Agent Cole Barker were enough to keep audiences on edge. That’s what you want to rile things up and keep people tuned in, but you don’t want to overdo it where you thoroughly agitate the fans by keeping them continuously squirming in the hotseat waiting to figure out what will happen.
I’m glad I finally got to know why Beckman suddenly has a change of heart of not having Chuck executed in “Chuck vs. the First Date.” I felt that needed to be resolved.
When Beckman says that it’s time for Chuck to become a Spy, I wonder if it means that Chuck will finally get some Self Defense Training.
AGENT COLE BARKER: For God sakes, carry a gun. Maybe two.
To have the asset walking around vulnerable and mucking around in a Buy More isn’t exactly the best strategy. If Chuck’s really that important, I would have yanked him out of Buy More and have Casey and Sarah schooling Chuck in Martial Arts and getting trained up.
I’m curious as to when Orion snuck into Chuck’s bedroom to leave the Fulcrum Intersect and Disk. If Chuck was in his bedroom the entire time, then it means that Orion had to stop by his place to tuck it under the pillow between the time he was conversing with Chuck and before he got to the rendezvous point.
SARAH: We’re still a good team, right?
The slight rift Chuck vs. Sarah and Casey is to be expected in my opinion. If you make them move too close together where they’re extremely chummy, you lose that tension and that unique dynamic. Casey is supposed to be mean and sarcastic toward Chuck. There’s inevitable respect that slowly develops that will soften Casey. So I figure something needs to be done to keep that distance. In this case, it would be Chuck not trusting Casey and Sarah after Orion showed the video surveillance of them with Beckman.
This episode was the first time I really disliked Lester for who he is. It’s a great character because you need someone sleazy who’s not exactly enemy, but someone that people just know or can relate to at work. Personally, I felt that Lester is the one who is responsible for the death of Orion if Orion did indeed ie in the Helicopter.
Lester, along with sidekick Jeff, are meant as comic relief obviously. The episode was written beautifully to show how other people can screw up things. However, I would have to say that it bothered me on a personal level that someone lost their life because of Lester’s selfishness. It would’ve been an entire Buy More store or even the Beverly Hills Buy More if Chuck hadn’t stopped it. While it’s all in fun as a television show, that’s really serious if you blow up a retail store in the heart of Los Angeles with a hijacked military drone. All the while, Lester has no clue about what he’s done.
Maybe to some of you, it seems trivial and it’s just a television show. It simply strikes a personal cord for me because I’ve had that happen in real life. I had sent sensitive information and equipment meant for one person and someone got their hands on it and caused a big mess that I had to clean up just like Chuck. The person who made the mess was just like Lester who was just being selfish and totally oblivious to the damage he’d caused.
I don’t know how many of you have ever been in such a situation. It’s funny on T.V., but it’s not fun in real life.
That’s why it’s ironic that you see Lester berating Casey thinking it’s Jeff talking about how Jeff is such a moron who does really stupid things. Yet, Lester is the one who created the situation that led to the death of Orion. If Chuck has anyone he should harbor a grudge against, it should be Lester for killing the one person who could have given Chuck his old life back.
Anyway, I’m looking forward to the next episode with Tricia Helfer who is to replace Sarah.
====
“Chuck vs. the First Date”
CHUCK: Ahhh, but that’s why the call it Hamburger Helfer
March 26th, 2009 at 6:04 pm
Is anybody sending fan mail to NBC to tell them to renew? Anybody know the right email address? Thanks!
March 27th, 2009 at 10:33 am
http://www.petitionspot.com/petitions/renewnbcchuck
This is the petition that I found to renew Chuck next season. We need to let NBC hear us!
March 27th, 2009 at 10:50 am
@Dave: Check out the new post about the topic:
http://www.strahotski.com/2009/03/26/save-chuck-letter-writing-campaign/
Feel free to comment on that post with your link.
March 28th, 2009 at 7:01 pm
Lykaon: Please, don’t put spoilers for coming episodes in your reviews, even if it is just a little remark, I don’t want to read it.
March 28th, 2009 at 7:16 pm
Sorry rince. The only thing I included was info derived from the teaser for next week. I didn’t realize people felt that to be off limits.
March 28th, 2009 at 8:30 pm
The problem is sometimes the promos reveal more than I think the producers intend (old complaint. The destruction of the Enterprise was meant to be a surprise in ST III, but there it was right in the trailer).
I would have enjoyed the end of Chuck vs. the Imported Hard Salami MUCH more if I didn’t know going into it that Sarah was going to kiss Chuck from the promo (would have been a GREAT surprise if I wasn’t anticipating it). For that matter, they more or less spoiled that Bryce was going to be inside the container, too (“A shocking twist” with a C/U on the container opening plus Sarah and Casey’s reaction. Who DIDN’T know Bryce was going to be inside? It helped when he was listed with the guest stars at the beginning of the episode. That spoiled his appearance at the end of Seduction in the credits, too. They really oughta hold those for the end credits).
March 29th, 2009 at 12:11 am
I like the Spoilers…just sayin.
Ok, anybody want to bet on Chuck and Sarah get married in the last episode and next season it becomes…like a Mr. and Mrs. Carmichael (as in Mr. and Mrs. Smith)?
Wouldn’t that be great? Let’s have some fun with this and yes I sent my letter. Until the next time, keep up the good work Lykaon!
March 29th, 2009 at 7:22 pm
No chance on the Chuck/Sarah wedding. They’d lose the very thing that makes everyone crazy about this show, the anticipation of them getting together. When and if they ever do then you lost that tension we all love and hate so much. I think Wedding 1 was Suburbs, and wedding 2 will be his sister and awesome. Shocking death will be outside the main character group, maybe news that their mom has died or Beckman gets snuffed out by Fulcrum. I think Jill is safe, and so is Chuck’s dad, they need him for the happy ending wedding.
I’m still thinking through what could be a “game changer” and the only thing I am thinking is they drop the bombshell that Sarah and Chuck are half brother and sister, Beckman is their biological mother, Chuck’s parents were surrogates, and Casey is their biological Dad. (kidding)
Can’t wait to see how this wraps.
March 29th, 2009 at 7:24 pm
Check that, Roan would be the biological father. Forgot Beckman’s picture on the Tron poster said “Roan’s girlfriend” (still kidding)
March 29th, 2009 at 10:51 pm
JT,
The interview/panel/whatever it was about there being a second wedding by season’s end was AFTER Suburbs aired. So it’s something still looming.
Also, I disagree that Chuck and Sarah getting together would destroy the show. I believe the writers are good enough to make it work.
March 30th, 2009 at 12:15 am
Interesting, I never realized that list wasn’t that old. Good point.
I never said it would destroy the show, I just think it’s an integral part of what keeps bringing people back for more each week. The anticipation is a great factor that would disappear if they got together. Obviously they could work the story in a new direction but something tells me we might be left hanging in the Charah arena this season. Lets hope I’m wrong and that there is third season to further prove that fact.
March 30th, 2009 at 12:17 am
hey guys, can you please not discuss spoilers on “review” pages?…this review pertains to vs the predator…please take spoiler talks to the forums…thanks
March 30th, 2009 at 6:15 am
In case it means more coming from a webmaster, I second what reen said. Try to be respectful of others who will be reading this post and keep the spoilers elsewhere.
Thanks!