Yvonne and Dream Jobs
If we were talking about my dream job, I’m pretty sure running a website about Yvonne Strahovski for a living would fill that void.
Unfortunately nobody’s paying me, but I’ll just continue to love Yvonne in my free time and give you my humble review of Episode 2.19 – Chuck Versus the Dream Job.
(don’t read this review if you don’t want to be spoiled; some pretty big spoilers were unavoidable)
“I’m sorta freakin’ out here.”
I’ve been banking on the fact that Sarah actually recognized Papa B and I was immediately proven to be wrong. I guess Yvonne’s look was because Chuck’s dad was a crazy old man.
I really liked the opening sequences with Chuck’s dad. Scott Bakula did a really good job of playing the unkempt, eccentric dad. I couldn’t quite imagine it before the episode but now I’m sold.
“You said you were going to make pancakes!”
Man Ellie’s had a rough couple of days. I’ve never even been particularly drawn to her character but the poor chick has just been run over by everyone in her life lately.
I’m really starting to feel for Ellie and I’m glad at least the Devon situation is resolved. It was all a bit contrived to begin with, really.
And then to have daddy abandon her again? Ouch.
“Your daddy issues gonna jeopardize our mission?”
This is the first episode where we really got almost no Casey & Sarah. Sure they were there from time to time, and they both make adorable little nerds, but for the most part they were largely absent.
I suppose it was necessary to make room for two huge guest stars like Chevy Chase and Scott Bakula, but being that I’m all about the Yvonne Strahovski, it was a bit disappointing.
At least Casey got in a few good ones; especially when tranqed by Chuck.
“Access Denied. Have an amazing day!”
Morgan also got very little screen time this epsiode, but I think it’s worth mentioning his little bit in the beginning when Lester tells him that Chuck has a new job.
That scene when Morgan hangs up the phone may well be the hardest I laughed this episode, which was mainly serious actiony spy stuff.
Another good laugh was to be had when Jeff laid a huge block for Chuck when he was trying to escape the auditorium. Buy More football, anyone?
“Don’t worry, Chuck, I’m not who you think I am either.”
As I said earlier, Bakula did an amazing job at being Chuck’s eccentric old man but then all of that was shattered with the not-so-unpredictable revelation of Papa B’s true identity.
To tell the truth, I’m a little disappointed in the direction the writers went with this. It was far too obvious with no huge payoff. They could have done better, and they are lucky that they had Bakula to sell it so well.
If it wasn’t for solid action and a fast moving plot, the identity of Chuck’s dad would have been a total flop. It feels far more like a poorly realized Macguffin than the huge reveal it should have been.
“Man this place is awesome!”
As well as Bakula played Papa B, I thought Chevy Chase also did an admirable job as Roark. I was worried that Chase would play him way over the top, but he reigned it in a gave a believable performance as a Steve Jobs kind of fella.
It was good to see the plot leave it open for both actors to be back since both played their parts so well. I can only hope that they make good use of them in the future.
“You’re entering a world of pain, Chuck.”
So no real Yvonne Strahovski to speak of. At least we got the patented ‘Chuck’ smile at the beginning of the episode in Papa B’s trailer. That’s always a screen capture-worthy event.
This episode primarily set up the end of the season, with very little to stand on autonomously. It was good to see Chuck take charge again and stand up to Casey, but then slightly unbelievable that he could tranq six armed guys so easily (maybe Papa B helped him out?).
At least everything is in place for one huge showdown to take us into what is hopefully only the season finale.
It will be interesting to see where this plotline leaves Chuck at the end. Should be an interesting jump-off point for Season 3.
Did anyone else notice the doors at the end ’swooshed’ just like the Star Trek doors? That totally had to be an intentional nod to Bakula’s Captain Archer. I had my eyes peeled for my Trek references, but didn’t catch any others.
Well there was the one that was a long shot where they talked about arrows, which are shot by archers, which is the name of Bakula’s character in Enterprise. But I’m pretty sure that’s just wishful Trekker pattern matching.
What did you think? Great episode or just some filler to set up some plot? Did you miss the Charah?
Screen captures should be up tomorrow, but until then I have two assignments for you: talk about the episode right here and go help save chuck by writing a letter to NBC!
April 6th, 2009 at 9:21 pm
Casey made a funny nerd. Adam sold that really well.
I did miss the Charah, but I think that we will have that dynamic for the rest of the season, especially with Jill coming back.
I need to watch it again, in fact several times, but these are just my initial reactions.
The Buy More subplot was underused with Chuck getting another job and everything. The Morgan/ Chuck dynamic could have also been better.
Ok. off to watch it again.
April 6th, 2009 at 9:23 pm
Wow Lykoan, you work fast! I liked this episode, but then again, when do I not. It is disappointing that it wasn’t too Casey or Sarah heavy but I agree that it was probably to make way for the two big names. Kinda let down with the Papa B. being Orion reveal but, I did call it. Can’t wait till next week!
April 6th, 2009 at 9:25 pm
Great review and I totally agree with you about the episode as a whole. Very disappointing the lack of Sarah and Casey action, though nice parts for Jeff and Lester. My absolute favorite moment was when Casey and Sarah are waiting in line at the expo posing as nerds. When Casey did a little jump of joy/excitement while clapping his hands I almost peed my pants!
I’m a little annoyed with the turn that Sarah and Chuck are taking again. Why is she being so unsupportive? I hope it’s because she just can’t stand to have him in the way of danger~ Seriously, I hope the writers don’t continue to drag their on/off relationship into the third season because it’s beginning to be irksome. There would be so many possibilities for funny situations if Sarah and Chuck were actually dating!
I can’t believe Jill is back next week! I thought that was just a rumor!
April 6th, 2009 at 9:30 pm
I really liked this episode, the first 20 minutes were kind of boring but got better after that, i found it funnier and with more action that last week episode and though i was a little disappointed with the “revelation” it makes a lot of sense in order to set up the final episodes of the season.
April 6th, 2009 at 9:50 pm
I think the Charah stuff was played well enough given the circumstances. The relationship is expected to take a back burner when your long lost dad shows up and turns out to be the creator of the intersect, ya know?
April 6th, 2009 at 9:55 pm
I am disappointed that papa B is Orion. Although most of you determined that previously I kept hoping that the writers would be more inventive. I also wish Chuck would accept that being a spy, and the Intersect, IS his life and that he will be far happier if he learns how to live with the hand he has been dealt.
After setting up the occasion for Chuck and Sarah to REALLY begin a relationship, as in trusting one another, especially after Sarah put it on the line for Chuck and Chuck for her, BOTH of them acted as if last week never happened. Sarah’s role in this episode was non-existent. In the same way, after last week you would have thought that Chuck would have trusted Casey more. Maybe Chuck needs to figure out that there is no “I” in “team.”
Casey needing three tranquilizers to go down was a hoot.
The fallout from the bachelor party was swept under the rug, with only a token exchange between Ellie and Awesome to remind us that all is not completely well in Pollyannaville.
Scott Bakula as papa B didn’t do anything for me, but then he didn’t bowl me over in Quantum Leap or Star Trek Enterprise, either. Chevy Chase is washed up, and his name alone didn’t provide any really punch.
I’ll watch the episode again tomorrow to see what else I can pick up (without commercial interruption), but for the moment I am disappointed.
April 6th, 2009 at 9:59 pm
Can’t believe you didn’t like Bakula as Chuck’s dad! He was what made the episode click for me. He was perfectly cast in the role imo.
April 6th, 2009 at 10:05 pm
Jeez Chuck2, it’s called “willing suspension of disbelief.”
Also, no idea why when I try to post on the forums during episodes it won’t let me. That live chat that was linked to was pretty fun though.
April 6th, 2009 at 10:18 pm
I was really enjoying this episode, some Charah, some family patching, emotion on several levels, even some comedy “I’m gonna kill you when I wake up”, great. Then, things kinda took a turn. I guess it was expected, to an extent. I just didn’t see some of it coming. All in all, it was a good episode. The future is wide open. I am still disappointed that Chuck doesn’t trust Sarah enough to tell her everything. Next week may be worse. Can’t wait though. Have you noticed we say that after every episode? I agree, this is going to take several viewings to dissect.
April 6th, 2009 at 10:26 pm
I’m with Lykaon. I thought the reveal was a cop out. They should have found a way to make the story more interesting. Oh well. But I thought Bakula and Chase were perfect. As for the lack of romance between Chuck and Sarah, and the unresolved issues from the previous episodes, I guess they have to cut some things out since it’s only, what, a 42-odd minute show. Overall, I still enjoyed the episode and I can’t wait for the next one.
April 6th, 2009 at 10:27 pm
Chevy “freakin” Chase!
OK now that I got that out of my system I can continue. Bakula and Chase are great additions as characters I think. I was really disappointed however that the writers went with the easy way out in making Papa B Orion. I mean come on how predictable. There was not enough Yvonne in the episode, but for some reason her as a nerd is one of my fav. looks ever! Yeah call me crazy. I missed the Charah, but that should be coming next week with jealousy/protection from Sarah with Jill being back. Plus the Colonel episode synopsis makes it seem like it should be full of Charah so I guess I can wait. Overall is was a good episode and sets up the final 3 nicely.
Good review Lykaon! Can’t wait to see the screen caps tomorrow!
April 6th, 2009 at 10:29 pm
Crap I forgot one of my points. Don’t worry Lykaon I won’t post 50 times like I said in the forum.
I felt so bad for Ellie and even Devon at that. I mean when is she gonna catch a break. She has taken care of Chuck all these years and cared for Chuck, but Chuck can’t even tell her the truth and now Papa B is gone again. Man somethings gotta go right for this girl sometime right? Alright I am done now and it’s off to watching the crappy NCAA game again. BOO NC!!
April 6th, 2009 at 10:39 pm
Lyakon
How could you miss the Wrath of Khan reference!!!!
Casey and Sarah holding Chuck back was a total homage to Kirk being held back from trying to enter the chamber with Spock.
I’ll forgive you this one slip
April 6th, 2009 at 10:43 pm
I think this one was more about the Quantum Leap references (and let’s face it, the only Star Trek EVER worth mentioning is TOS, TNG, and films 2-4, 6 and First Contact anyway). There weren’t many, but I almost fell off the couch when Ellie told off Papa B. about the pancakes, and all Stephen could say was “Oh boy!” The writers not tossing in an “Oh boy!” would have disappointed me far, FAR more than the reveal that Papa B. was Orion.
A much more subtle reference was when Stephen told Chuck that he can CONTROL his flashes. Exactly what Sam was told about his leaps in the series finale of Quantum Leap. Man, how big of a dork do you have to be to pick THAT up?
Now I just want to hear Chevy Chase tell off someone by saying “I’m Ted Roark, and you’re not!” And we need to have someone show up named Al. It can just be some underling of Roark’s, but I want to hear Stephen ask for Al.
I actually think they handled the Orion reveal fairly well, and it DOES help settle a few unanswered questions about Chuck’s family history. However it makes it WAY too much of a coincidence for Papa B. to have designed it (at least, the really cool parts. That sounded JUST like something Chuck would have said. PERFECT casting!) and Chuck to have received it. Although if the writers bring back Bryce and it turns out that was ANOTHER reason he sent it to Chuck I supposed could ease that.
April 6th, 2009 at 10:56 pm
Just like knapptime, I too forgot to say how much I liked Eliie and Awesome in this episode. But I’ve always like Sarah Lancaster’s and Ryan McPartlin’s acting, and I’m glad they got meatier roles this week. Now we just need to get Anna back!
April 6th, 2009 at 11:03 pm
I hate to say I told you so but……
All that’s left in my plot prediction is the revelation that General Beckman is Chuck’s biological mother. Stranger things have happened! (kidding, or am I?)
All in all, a solid episode moving the plot along in strides. No longer is there any question that Chuck will get the Intersect out of his head, it’s just a matter of when. If his Dad could build it, he can figure out how to get it out. We could be set for a tough choice for Chuck in the hear future, maybe having to choose between getting the Intersect out or saving his Dad’s life? Toss in a wedding and it could be mayhem to the finish. I think for the lack of Charah in this one we’ll probably see an accelerated relationship to the finale. I wouldn’t worry about it.
I don’t what’s worse, waiting for the next episode, or waiting to here the fate of this great show!!!
April 6th, 2009 at 11:16 pm
Oh, Boy! And Bryce will show up when Roark asks for Al, revealing that he is Chuck’s unknown biological brother (secretly married to Jill) who was assigned by their mother, General Beckman, to send the Intersect to Chuck, and maybe papa B. can take out of Chuck’s head all of the Intersect parts except the “really cool ones.” And it will be revealed that Sarah can’t really have a relationship with Chuck because she is Borg. Will next Monday ever come???!!!
April 6th, 2009 at 11:25 pm
A couple more points. Did anyone else think that the commercials were never going to end? And knapptime had a good point about Ellie and Devon. Especially Ellie. She has suffered the same as Chuck, with the disappearance of parents. I want to add Sarah to the tortured woman list. Both have had failures as parents. And although Ellie had Chuck, and Morgan(?) to help her with her life, Sarah has had no one until Team Bartowski. Sarah is learning to deal with her CIA life being influenced by Chuck, Ellie and Awesome.
I think both women need a break. Maybe they can catch that break by seasons end.
April 7th, 2009 at 12:11 am
Great review again Lykaon. I thought the episode was ok, really disappointed that we didn’t see a lot of Yvonne, by the little that we had was pretty cool. She was absolutely adorable as a geek and Adam was pretty funny as one. Orion as Chuck’s dad was widely assumed by a lot of people on the boards and it was a pretty good assumption. I hope next week we get more Yvonne!
April 7th, 2009 at 12:16 am
Great review!
I liked this episode very much.
In a Charah point of view, it was a little light, but I didn’t even realized that until the very end.
What I like the most about Chuck is the dynamic between Sarah and Chuck, but even dough we saw little or none here, I thought this episode was extremely entertaining and made me actually forgot that Chuck-Sarah Chemistry… until I read your review. Personally, I thought this was one of the most entertaining episodes to date.. but that’s just my opinion.
Regarding Chucks father being Orion… well… it was predictable… It actually came across my mind some episodes ago… and it wasn’t very creative if you see it in that way. But It surprised me dough.. some times when you think something is too obvious to happen, and then it does, it surprises you because you thought it would actually happen because of the obviousness.
I like the direction this has given to the show.
April 7th, 2009 at 12:17 am
I liked the episode more than other people it seems. I also really liked Bakula as papa B, and I didn’t mind at all that he was orion. Favorite Yvonne moment: when her and Casey were posing as nerds. Favorite moment overall: when Chuck tranqed Casey. Maybe I’ll cool down on this episode tomorrow, but for now I like it a lot.
April 7th, 2009 at 12:47 am
Good episode, but yeah it felt like a filler, and not enough Yvonne!
April 7th, 2009 at 1:48 am
This episode was pretty entertaining. NOT ENOUGH YVONNE!
I really dislike NBC! Even though, I have to thank them for giving us Chuck, in the first place! I dislike them for the renewal drama.
This and the previous couple of episodes have each needed to be multiple episodes, to really make the impact they could have. Unfortunately, to get to where they need to be by season end, we get condensed Chuck.
Even, if NBC didn’t want us to know, they could have let the writers know.
Sarah’s unsupportive attitude was mentioned, it is completely understandable in light of her revelation that Gen Beckman was very clear. Well, lol it wasn’t clear to me! Because it happened off screen! Also, if you want to delve a little into Sarah’s psyche, she could have been miffed at Chuck keeping another secret from her(and what a huge secret!), she obviously wants to keep any harm from coming to Chuck, and she failed miserably in the last mission to even get into the secure areas of RI.
A comment about Chuck’s growth: if next episode he still wants to get the intersect out, someone, please, smack him on the back of his head! When his dad told him he could control the flashes, and he did, it showed how much potential he really does have! He didn’t just get pictures, but the OS of the intersect. I like that! It will make his puzzle and problem solving better and those were his strengths.
A comment about Morgan: his whole life has been video games and Chuck. Now no Chuck! This season he has felt betrayed repeatedly by Chuck. I can’t see how the rift can be repaired any way except Morgan finding out about Chuck, unless they just ignore it.
A comment about Casey: I can’t wait to see his vengeance on Chuck! He owes Chuck for so many wrong things! Blowing up his car, losing his toe, getting poisoned, Chuck tranqing him. . .
Oops, sorry I’m tired so I don’t know when to shutup!
April 7th, 2009 at 1:53 am
Woohoo! Geek!Sarah and Geek!Casey are perfectly hilarious (and they were kinda wearing making outfits!), especially when Geek!Casey was clapping! Hee. (Hmm, although, the makeup team might want to use more wigs.
) Jeff helping Chuck take down the security was so great. go Jeffsters!
BUT, it was a bit letdown for me. Orion = Chuck’s dad? Seriously?! Why, oh why???? Bryce, Intersect, Chuck –> may not be a coincident afterall. Poor Ellie, still in the dark. Mama Bartowski might turn up to be involved in the spy world too (no, please!). Having said that, the episode was enjoyable nonetheless. It has some great warm moments and a few laughs (those excercise balls!). Great songs used tonight.
April 7th, 2009 at 2:03 am
I’d like to add, the casting department should win a metal or two. Perfecting castings, starting with the regulars (of course) to every single guest star!!!
April 7th, 2009 at 2:34 am
Just a reminder
“Lastone says:
March 25th, 2009 at 6:27 pm
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.”
Does that qualify for a first down?
April 7th, 2009 at 4:33 am
Casey with the geek attire and glasses was funny. The tranq darts on Casey was funny.
I’ve been noticing a lot of people that find Scott Bakula being Chuck’s dad to be a letdown, too predictable, etc. I’m also seeing comments about people disappointed that there wasn’t enough Casey and Sarah.
SCOTT BAKULA AS ORION
First of all, what Lykaen stated about not enough of Chuck and Sarah goes back to what I said a couple weeks ago about why there’s a high probability that Orion would turn out to be Chuck’s dad. I’d said it’s because Scott Bakula has only been slated for 3 episodes. There’s only so much you can fit int 3 episodes that are 42 minutes long juggling Sarah’s Wedding, Chuck’s dad, Chevy Chase as Ted Roark, Chuck’s relationship, and getting the Intersect out of Chuck’s head.
One of the things I said weeks ago is about maintaining the Integrity of Scott Bakula as a respected Sci-Fi Actor of “Quantum Leap” (and “Star Trek: Enterprise” although it was so-so). If you’re going to have a heavyweight Sci-Fi Actor such as Scott Bakula on the show, the writers aren’t going to write a crappy role for him. It would only make sense that they make Scott Bakula an important character on the show.
“QUANTUM LEAP” FAN BASE
The other thing to take into account is the Marketing and Advertising Perspective. In order to keep “Chuck” alive as a show, you need ratings.
What the writers are doing is tapping into the the demographic of “Quantum Leap” Fans who would tune in to watch “Chuck” just for Scott Bakula.
So while some of you may find the script ho-hum, in a sense, you should be thankful and appreciative of Scott Bakula who is being the pull for the next 3 episodes with “Quantum Leap” Fans and the older generations of television watchers who aren’t so much into “Chuck” or understand this whole Intersect thing, but they were hardcore “Quantum Leap” fans.
Those “Quantum Leap” Fans with the help of Scott Bakula may be what tilts the scales in helping increase the chances of NBC renewing “Chuck” for Season 3. NBC is the one whom the “Chuck” writers have to impress. NBC is the one who used their influence to contact Scott Bakula so that he’d be on the show. So the writers naturally have to cater to Scott Bakula. That means that the roles for Casey and Sarah will take a back seat for shows centered around Scott Bakula.
INTEGRITY OF SCOTT BAKULA AS AN ACTOR
Let’s not forget Scott Bakula’s acting salary. No offense to Scott Bakula. I think he deserves whatever they paid him because he plays a pivotal role in whether “Chuck” has enough ratings to sway the NBC Execs. I love Scott Bakula personally and was a huge fan of “Quantum Leap.” However, love him or hate him, at least respect Scott Bakula for backing “Chuck.” Even if you think the script is boring or completely sucks, he’s the one pulling in new ratings. You even see how NBC is milking it by having all the “Quantum Leap” Episodes available online aside with “Chuck.”
Now with the comments about how there wasn’t enough Sarah and Casey, I would suggest people look at it from the writer perspective. For people who have never seen “Chuck” but are tuning in to see Scott Bakula to tap into the old “Quantum Leap” Fans as viewers, they have to go back to square one and make Scott Bakula the center or focus.
Don’t forget that’s why the old “Quantum Leap” Fans are tuning in to watch the show. In order to make it worth Scott Bakula’s time to do the show, he needs a script that is going to appeal to him. If it was a crappy script where he has a 3rd rate bit character part, he might not want to do it.
When it comes to negotiating who’s going to be on the show, how much time is left to film the episodes, and meeting deadline, the “Chuck” production staff is going to make sure that things run smoothly and with no hitches with signing Scott Bakula on.
This is strategy. The writers already know they have the initial “Chuck” audience. They’re not going anywhere. The target or focus will be the Scott Bakula Fans. It’s to reel them in with tonight’s episode and give them a reason to want to watch the remaining 2 episodes with Scott Bakula in it. If tonight’s show had a really crappy plot for Scott Bakula, you’d turn off or disinterest the Scott Bakula “Quantum Leap” Fans. They’d be disappointed and say that they’re not honoring Scott Bakula.
So for all the people who are saying how drab and predictable this show is with Scott Bakula as Orion, try looking at it from the perspective of a Scott Bakula Fan who has never seen any episode of “Chuck” ever. “Quantum Leap” didn’t have any Love Plot Lines because Sam Beckett was always jumping. So the writers are being smart by making it a “Quantum Leap” theme.
WONDER YEARS/MAGNUM P.I. MONOLOGUING
FROZONE: And what does he do?
MR. INCREDIBLE: He starts monologing
For example, there’s that scene where you see Chuck enter his bedroom and start doing the WonderYears/Magnum P.I./DoogieHauser Monologue while he’s walking around staring at the Intersect pictures that Orion gave him. That’s “Quantum Leap.” Scott Bakula’s character Sam would do those monologues. That’s to give the old “Quantum Leap” Fans a sense of familiarity.
No offense to Charah fans, but the “Quantum Leap” Fans tuning to watch Scott Bakula tonight won’t give a rat’s ass about Chuck or Sarah. We’re talking about a viewer demographic between the ages of 35 – 55. They’re married with kids. So their interests are different. They don’t want to listen to Chuck whining about how much his life sucks and how he’s pining over Sarah. That’s boring to married couples between the ages of 45 – 55 with kids. They’ll change the channel.
HEROIC PARENT MISPERCEIVED AS A DEADBEAT DAD
What they focused on was making Scott Bakula as Papa Bartowski “heroic” as a misunderstood father that looked like he skipped out on his kids who resent him when he was actually doing it to protect them. “Quantum Leap” fans who are now parents can relate to that and resentful and unappreciate kids.
At the end where Scott Bakula as the dad makes a heroic sacrifice to give up his freedom for his son would appeal to “Quantum Leap” Fans and the viewers who are parents over the age of 35.
They tuned in to see Scott Bakula, and they’re going to get Scott Bakula. End of story.
If that’s what’s going to save “Chuck” so it is renewed for Season 3 where we have to develop a “Quantum Leap” Fan Base to push the ratings over, then I say bring on the “Quantum Chuck” episodes.
BRING ON THE “QUANTUM CHUCK” EPISODES, BEECHES!!!
Personally, I thought the episode was great. Even if the “Chuck” episode had sucked badly, I’d rather sit through boring Scott Bakula “Quantum Chuck” episodes with the promise of “Season 3″ than well-written Season 2 Finale episodes with less than impressive ratings that don’t impress the NBC Execs resulting in “Chuck” getting canned.
Honestly, for all the people that think this was a “Ho-Hum” episode of “Chuck” might learn to appreciate it more from a marketing and advertising perspective tapping into the Psyche of the viewers.
Another thing I’d say is that everyone’s passing judgment on the first episode with Scott Bakula. As I had said earlier, you only have 3 shows with Scott Bakula on juggling multiple plot lines. The first episode with Scott Bakula needed to cut back on Casey and Sarah to flesh out Scott Bakula’s character. We don’t know what the 2nd and 3rd episodes will be like. The first part was necessarily and developing the plot between the sister Ellie and the father Stephen Bartowski is necesssary because Chuck convinced him to walk Ellie down the aisle for her wedding.
I’d also say that while some fans may be disappointed that there was no Chuck and Sarah development, the show is already centered around them. They have all of Season 3 and Season 4 to work out their feelings. Scott Bakula allows them to table the focus on that and do some real spy espionage stuff.
WHEN HARRY MET SALLY
Also, don’t count things out yet with what may seem like a bland episode with no Sarah and Chuck lusting after each other. In one interview, Yvonne Strahovski said that there’s going to be more steamy stuff going on between them.
If Chuck and Sarah are going to be bridesmaid and best man, you know that there’s a high probability of some hanky panky.
Anyone care to bet on a “When Harry Met Sally” Altar Scene? It’s where Ellie and Awesome are at the altar saying their vows while Chuck and Sarah are standing behind the bride and groom with Chuck making goo-goo eyes at Sarah and Sarah looking away bashfully?
Though hopefully it will be better than in the movie WHMH.
Unless they do the Angry Sex Plot Development where they have Chuck and Sarah yelling at each other like they did when they thought a bomb was going to explode in “Chuck vs. the Imported Hard Salami.”
[line removed -- please keep it G rated -- this is a family friendly site]
I figure if the writers spice up the toast that Ellie and Awesome make, they’ll probably dedicate it to Chuck and Sarah. Those two will either make a hasty exit out of a coatroom after having had wild passionate sex or they’ll do a WHMH scene where Harry/Chuck and Sally/Sarah storm out of the kitchen after having a huge fight and everyone is toasting to their happiness while they’re squirming uncomfortably like in the movie.
But then again, maybe I’ve just watched WHMH too many times because I’ve got it on DVD and just let my imagination run away with me
.
April 7th, 2009 at 5:19 am
I think Papa B would died at the end of 3 episodes
More Yvonne Strahovski Pls! More Agent Sarah Walker!
There might be an episode about Sarah’s dad again. That would definitely be fun. I hope that Byrce would be back for a few episodes making Chuck jealous.
I am really disappointed in this episode. I want more Sarah Walker! However Yvonne Strahovski is still smoking hot in this and every episodes!
April 7th, 2009 at 6:06 am
I agree with the posters above about Mr. B being Orion. Way too obvious, but fun none the less. I also agree that Bakula’s fan base might be just the thing to boost the numbers in the run to renewal. Chevy Chase is a draw for the boomers as well.
If Mr. B is smart enough to have built the original intersect and to have been on the lam as Orion all this time, isn’t he smart enough to wire up the new intersect with some kind of worm in it? And why was he working in the lab alone and not under guard?
Fun episode and one that ran at a frenetic speed. Don’t get so worked up over Charah that you forget to enjoy the ride!
April 7th, 2009 at 6:35 am
OMG!! OMG!! OMG!!
April 7th, 2009 at 8:45 am
Thanks to Rodillon and Agent 86 for their insights about the value of Scott Bakula/Chevy Chase from a marketing/rating perspective. As an old boomer and media person I should have remembered that advertising/ratings is what makes the world go around and thought of that myself. It also answers the comments (mine included) about the seemingly interminable commercials.
I’ll watch the episode again through different lenses.
April 7th, 2009 at 9:04 am
Loved the episode with Papa B turning out to be Orion.
But that leaves me to wonder what’s next? Are Chuck and Sarah’s mothers running Fulcrum? Is Ellie Fulcrum? I can imagine why Chuck is having trust issues right now. LOL.
Did miss the Sarah and Casey action in this episode. Thought that Chuck and Sarah would be a little closer in this episode after the last…but with the preview showing Jill in the next one, don’t know if they will have the chance to be closer.
I think both Scott and Chevy did a great job in this episode.
April 7th, 2009 at 9:15 am
Great review as always!
And I thought a good episode that moved along nicely…. Roll on next week!
April 7th, 2009 at 10:03 am
Great Review Lyakon!
April 7th, 2009 at 10:18 am
For all of you that think Chuck is stupid for wanting to get the intersect out of his head, I think you are wrong. Why wouldn’t he want to get the thing out of his head? He doesn’t want to be a spy, he wants to live a normal life. He wants a better job than working at the Buy More. He wants to be able to tell Ellie the truth and not hide things from her. I’m sure he doesn’t enjoy the risk of being captured, tortured and killed all the time. And most of all he believes if he gets the intersect out he can have a relationship with Sarah. And to tell you the truth he word be freakin’ crazy not to want the thing out in my opinion.
April 7th, 2009 at 10:46 am
knapptime11:
Remember one important fact. With or without the Intersect in his head, Chuck is a marked man. Just remember the look Beckman and Casey give each other when the topic came up recently. His life sort of depends on having it in his head and another Intersect not being built. If he does get it out there better be a way to save his life, maybe because his mom is running the show? Were Casey’s orders to kill him merely a test by the general, a.k.a Momma B?
I can’t help but wonder.
April 7th, 2009 at 10:50 am
One other thing dawned on me:
Whatever happened to the idea that the RI OS was going to be a virus that would spread, take over, and hack every computer on the Internet? He did finally push the button and then we never heard a thing about it again for the rest of the episode. Did I miss something?
April 7th, 2009 at 10:54 am
well, im a 13 year old girl and im a fan of CHARAH.. those two are so cute together.. I watched chuck with my dad since the beginning (most of them, because episodes after chuck vs the santa claus isn’t available yet in the Philippines so some episodes I watched is in youtube). After I watched the episode where chuck found Orion and he saw that he exploded in the helicopter, I made a hypothesis that Orion is really Chuck’s dad.. Beckman as his secret mother is kinda impossible (sort of). Its dissapointing that there is less CHARAH scenes in this one. But I liked the episode anyway it almost made me cry when his dad will be taken away from him before his very eyes after finding out that he’s Orion, the one who designed everything in his head…
April 7th, 2009 at 11:51 am
JT,
RIOS was actually a data miner. Chuck made the connection after realizing Roark was building an Intersect.
April 7th, 2009 at 11:54 am
Alyssa,
I agree with you on that shot of his father being taken away. The doors closing between them and Casey and Sarah holding Chuck back when he tried to go after him may be the most powerful single moment I’ve EVER seen on the show.
April 7th, 2009 at 2:26 pm
Apologies to the site about the comment that wasn’t G-Rated.
“QUANTUM LEAP” FAN BASE REVISITED
Following along the track of determining who the audience is when it comes to writing, I think it’s safe to say that the real Chevy Chase and Scott Bakula Fans are over the age 40 – 45.
That being the case, the writers will tone down focus on Yvonne’s sex appeal or showing any gratuitous flesh, especially in this very first episode with Scott Bakula/Chevy Chase because that’s not going to appeal to that demographic.
The most important objective is to hook the new audiences on “Chuck” who were previously “Quantum Leap” Fans. That would even indicate why Scott Bakula is there for more than just 1 episode. It’s jumpstarting a new fan base. Scott Bakula and Chevy Chase are the lure. The writing in those next couple episodes will determine whether those new viewers will stay and continue to watch.
As I said, this is business. If we want a “Chuck” Season 3, the ratings for these next 2 – 3 episodes are going to make a difference.
Chuck2 made the point about more advertising ads placed in this particular episode. If that’s true, then it means they have to shorten the episode from the regular 40 – 42 minutes to squeeze in more ad space.
This is that give-and-take making it worthwhile to the NBC Execs for renewing “Chuck.” One positive angle is that if NBC is throwing in a heavy hitter such as Scott Bakula and Chevy Chase as well as the increased ads, that’s a good sign for renewal for Season 3 if NBC is putting that much resources.
There was a news article a couple days ago that said that acting salaries were being decreased across the board for next Season due to the economic downturn. That is going to be significant in positioning and leveraging acting salaries on “Chuck.”
My personal opinion is that NBC is holding out before they issue a release for the renewal of “Chuck” by leaving the cast and crew “sweating it out.” The objective is to leave them hungry for Season 3 and renewal so that they’ll be more likely to accept whatever settlement offer.
CHUCK’S DAD TOO POWERFUL IN SOLVING THE PROBLEM
One thing I said weeks ago about why Scott Bakula might not be cast as Orion is if you make Scott Bakula’s character as the dad too powerful and able to solve Chuck’s “problem,” that’s the end of the show. If Dr. Richard Kimble in “The Fugitive” was able to catch the one-armed man who killed his wife, that’s the end of the show. If Chuck gets the intersect out of his head, that’s the end of the show.
This already hints as to why Scott Bakula’s character as the dad can only be in 3 episodes at this stage. His character is too smart and can solve Chuck’s problem. So the writers are going to have to throw a wrench in the plans of Chuck’s dad. That means either killing the dad off or creating an obstacle that can’t be readily solved.
Regardless of how people feel about Scott Bakula, I don’t think his character warrants being killed off. You’d lose the “Quantum Leap” Fan Base. I would leave that door open so you can draw upon recurring guest appearances. It wouldn’t surprise me if Chevy Chase’s character gets killed off, especially if they know Orion is Chuck’s dad.
Somehow, they’re going to resolve that. Usually anyone who figures out Chuck’s identity has to be killed off or locked up for a very long time. By now, Fulcrum knows who Chuck is so he’s a walking target. Though, they could go with the claim that because they’ve now captured Chuck’s dad as Orion, Fulcrum will no longer be interested in Chuck as the Golden Egg because they’ve captured the Golden Goose who can lay the eggs.
BACHELOR PARTY MOVED UP EARLIER
The scene where Scott Bakula as the dad asks about the Bachelor’s Party makes sense from a writing perspective.
I was trying to look at the time line and I thought it odd that the Bachelor’s Party was thrown the episode before Scott Bakula.
Usually the Bachelor Party is thrown the night before the wedding. They moved it up, which I claim is significant because the “erotic gun-cleaning” scene and dancers at the party was a sexually oriented theme.
It looks like they moved all of that up because if Scott Bakula as the dad showed up before the wedding, audiences would naturally assume that the dad would attend the Bachelor Party as a male.
When looking at the “Quantum Leap” audience tuning in, watching Scott Bakula as the dad in scenes with a Bachelor Party is going to be a turn-off. “Quantum Leap” had very little sex appeal oriented toward males. I don’t know what the demographic would be and who used to watch “Quantum Leap,” but there may be a female fan base. You don’t want to alienate that demographic.
I love seeing Yvonne wearing sexy clothes like any other guy, but “Chuck” as a show is angling for that Season 3 Renewal so they have to pull out all the stops and make the most of the last 3 episodes to generate a new fan base, but more importantly retain a majority of that new fan base that will be a deciding factor in NBC picking the show up for next season.
So by taking care of the Bachelor Party in the previous episode, that makes room for focus on a Scott Bakula/Chevy Chase script. The point I didn’t explain clearly about Scott Bakula’s salary is that if you’re putting in a heavy hitter and paying that much, why would you not use that actor to his full potential and center it around him?
STRA-SCOTT-SKI WEB SITE
This goes back to Chuck2 with his point about increased advertising. They came to see Scott Bakula. People dislike having to sit through advertising. If Scott Bakula/Chevy Chase fans don’t see enough of to their liking, they’ll change the channel. They’ll watch something else.
T.V. Goers are fickle like that. Even when it comes to writing reviews or content, the same goes for readers here.
If readers find my postings too long and there’s not enough relevant material to what they want to read about “Chuck,” they’ll just skip over my entry and move on to the next.
We live in a society that is focused on Instant Gratification. If something isn’t interesting, you change the channel. It’s even more so now with television remotes. Laziness in having to get up and change the channel manually played a subtle role in keeping people tuned in.
The writers have to keep the fan base hooked. I suppose there’s also taking into account this particular web site’s theme that is centered around the hotness of Strahovski. The reviews on here may be more critical of how much screen time Scott Bakula got vs. Yvonne because this site celebrates Yvonne’s sex appeal. So there’s a high probability of more disappointment in last night’s episode vocalized on this site.
SCOTT BAKULA WORKS FOR SHIELD
Now if this was the “Stra-SCOTT-ski” web site, perhaps the reviews for last night’s episode would be more favorable
.
STRA-SCOTT-SKI PICTURE: Scott Bakula in the shower lathering himself up with Shield Soap
http://www.quantumleap-alsplace.com/img/advertisements/bakula-shield.jpg
(Maybe they’ll reveal that Scott Bakula as the dad is a works for Shield. Sorry, Marvel Comic Humor.
April 7th, 2009 at 3:48 pm
Rod,
I disagree with your assessment that the writers would fundamentally alter the show JUST to appease and hook the fans of a 10-15 year-old scifi show (no matter how “awesome” it was) because of a guest star.
Chuck is CHUCK. Period. It’s not Quantum Leap. It’s not Star Trek. It’s not SG-1. It’s its OWN program. It throws bones out to these other franchises because those referential nods are part of the humor, but the writers ESPECIALLY aren’t going to change the show’s dynamics to appeal to a GUEST STAR. Do we want to start seeing unnecessary pratfalls just for Chevy Chase’s sake? The brilliance of the casting on Chuck has been their ability to find guests that not only appeal to a wider audience, but have the capability to fit in with the universe AS THEY CREATED IT.
That’s the point of the guest star: They’re is the hook to bring in the outside audience. However that guest star has to FIT because at the end of the day you’re still trying to sell those new viewers on YOUR product. Schwartz and Fedak are selling CHUCK, Not Quantum Leap. For them to change any aspect of the show strictly to appeal to this demographic is absurd, and probably irresponsible.
There was a lack of the sexiness and a decreased emphasis on Charah in Chuck Versus the Dream Job because it wasn’t relevant to the PLOT. NOT because they’re trying to cater to some other series’ fans. Chuck and Sarah’s relationship wasn’t particularly important to what was happening in this episode: Chuck’s reunion with his father and the resulting complications, so Sarah took a bit of a back seat on this one.
This has NOT been unusual over the course of the show’s run. Charah was virtually a no-show in Chuck vs. the Undercover Lover–sandwiched between two episodes with significant Charah development (granted we did get a gratuitous Sarah underwear scene, but that’s beside the point). Their relationship didn’t figure heavily into Alma Mater, Sensei or Best Friend, either, because the focus of those episodes were on OTHER relationships (Chuck and Bryce, Chuck and Morgan, and Casey and his mentor).
And that’s NOT a bad thing. For one, even though the show is consistently rating high in critical response from week to week one thing I’ve noticed while reading reviews is that many viewers and critics are concerned that the Chuck/Sarah will they/won’t they dynamic was getting VERY heavily overplayed. This was especially the case beginning in the arc started in Suburbs, (Chuck’s waffling in Beecake/Lethal Weapon in particular) but also dating as far back as Chuck vs. the Truth.
Yes, there’s something to be said about maintaining that tension, but there also comes a point where they drag it out TOO long or place too MUCH emphasis on it. I think the latter has been the case here, so getting a break from the ‘Ship to focus on something else was NEEDED.
But to chalk it up to the writers and producers prostituting themselves to a guest star or viwers of a show that has been off the air for 15 years is a gross misinterpretation of the situation.
Now, that said I don’t think there’s anything that says something has to happen to Stephen Bartowski to keep Chuck the Intersect. My favorite theory is that Chuck DOES get it removed, but for whatever reason he decides to INTENTIONALLY download it again. Maybe he decides that it’s what he wants to do after all and becomes a spy for real. Maybe he does it to save Ellie, or Sarah, or Morgan.
April 7th, 2009 at 3:54 pm
I didn’t dislike this episode, though many took my review to be negative.
I think Scott Bakula did an amazing job and the episode was action-packed and fast-paced.
What I wasn’t a huge fan of is the obvious plot development of Orion turning out to be Chuck’s dad. It just doesn’t jive with Orion to me.
If Orion was Chuck’s dad all along, the CIA is looking for Orion all along, and Sarah pulled up his name in the computer in a couple of hours…
I dunno. It just didn’t make sense to me given the built up mythos of the show. It was fun for the characters, sure, but it lacked the backing I would have preferred.
April 7th, 2009 at 4:21 pm
If he was smart enough to fake his death and fool Chuck and the Crew, Fulcrum and Vincent, and the rest involved then I think he had the capacity to stay off the CIA radar. I think I remember Beckman saying that he had erased himself before disappearing so any relation to Chuck would have been cleared from the DB long before Chuck got the Intersect in his head. And since his identity and the project itself was shrouded in secrecy, Busgang didn’t even know his true identity, then it comes as no surprise they had no clue it was his Dad. The only one who probably did know was Rourke, but he’s Fulcrum.
I really didn’t mind it turning out to be his Dad especially since it validates what Sarah has been telling Chuck all along, that he is more than just the guy with the Intersect in his head. For all his childish antics he is a sharp dude when he wants to be. The memory chip copy, programming the castle, hacking the chip in Beefcake, etc.
If anything this revelation should motivate Chuck to finally realize that he could really do much more than leave the Buy More for another job, that he could really be “Charles Carmichael”, software magnate, if he wants to be. Maybe even lead the CIA technology innovations into the future.
April 7th, 2009 at 4:47 pm
“Following along the track of determining who the audience is when it comes to writing, I think it’s safe to say that the real Chevy Chase and Scott Bakula Fans are over the age 40 – 45.
That being the case, the writers will tone down focus on Yvonne’s sex appeal or showing any gratuitous flesh, especially in this very first episode with Scott Bakula/Chevy Chase because that’s not going to appeal to that demographic.”
I guess I’m in that demographic. I’m a big Chevy Chase fan, and Scott Bakula is OK although I just couldn’t get into Enterprise. But I REALLY have to disagree with the not wanting to see gratuitous flesh comment. Bring it on. Yvonne in the nighty lingerie in Chuck’s nightmare… nice. What a total package Ms. Strzechowski is! Great acting, stunt work, and quite gorgeous.
April 7th, 2009 at 4:53 pm
“Sarah pulled up his name in the computer in a couple of hours…”
Towards the end of the episode after Chuck discovers that his Dad is Orion the comment is made that Papa B. allowed Chuck’s handlers to find him. So, in my view he wasn’t in the database to be found at any moment. He intentionally revealed himself for Sarah’s search.
April 7th, 2009 at 5:37 pm
“That being the case, the writers will tone down focus on Yvonne’s sex appeal or showing any gratuitous flesh, especially in this very first episode with Scott Bakula/Chevy Chase because that’s not going to appeal to that demographic.”
Haha. This made me laugh. I’m pretty sure there is no age limit on men enjoying gratuitous flesh. In fact, I’d bet on it.
April 7th, 2009 at 5:41 pm
I think that all the viewpoints above are well presented and reasoned out. However, the truth lies somewhere in the middle. I think they did do some demographics planning and have utilized Bakula and Chase (NBC running “Quantum” Episodes bears this out), but also that the writers didn’t go overboard with the idea. They wrote the script as they thought it should be, with some intentional references to past shows. It’s a synthesis of what we all thought and have written about. Or not…
April 7th, 2009 at 6:58 pm
Well, after reading all the comments on Lyakon’s review
I must add my two Pence :
1.first of all I agree with Lyakon and JT(and by some degree with Rod) that Bakula’s performance was great, he was rightly cast as Chuck’s dad. Chevy was great as usual and they both delivered(as was expected from them).
I didn’t get how ‘chuck2′ didn’t find them beneficial…
however I have to disagree strongly with Rod’s assumption
regarding the demographics and the reason for altering
the premise of the show based on it’s GUEST(and I emphasize guest) STARS, this point was very well answered by Ambaryerno, and I don’t need to add to it.
Moreover, Bakula’s and Chase’s appearances were confirmed before chuck future was hanging on the line
(I am optimistic), I heard rumours about that in late
november of 2008.
2. As to the case of Stephen Bartowski being Orion, I agree with Ambar and Lyakon and some others who claimed it to be cheap and compromising solution(with no bearing to the quality of Bakula’s acting portraying the role, which he does great…) , and I
called it after the Predator episode “a Deux Ex Machina” solution, I stand by my saying !!!
The writers could have done better, the rotation between the Bartwoski family, the spying community and
the Intersect is just way too convoluted and coarse.
I’ll quote John Crichton now : “Could’a, would’a , Should’a”
Alex
April 7th, 2009 at 7:07 pm
however(man, I haven’t used that word for a while…)
the point is I liked the episode a lot, I was surprised
by A.how much I liked it and B.how quickly it ended for me.
I’m going to watch it again tonight in 720P, as it should be watched.
I’m agreeing to the gratuitous scenes conclusion of Paul and Lyakon, men in that demographic will be as keen as their younger counterparts to behold Sarah’s beauty and
Sex appeal, As to the women of the same tapestry…
well that’s another story all together.
April 7th, 2009 at 7:52 pm
Thanks, Alex, I thought only Bonhoeffer students said “deux ex machina.” The more I listen to you good folks the more I’m starting to like Scott Bakula! In retrospect, the perspective from which I do my best thinking, I think that my disappointment was more in the Orion-papa B. revelation as much as it was distaste over Bakula’s casting and performance. I never have liked Chevy Chase, though. Oh, well…
I, too, think that Rodillon’s case is somewhat overstated. Agent 86 may have the answer with the “somewhere in between” idea. Ambaryerno’s usual cogent arguments deepen the conversation, particularly in the citation of how the “Charah” dynamics have ebbed and flowed throughout the series.
As to the tension of how much “gratuitous flesh” is too much, I have a couple of points to make. Like Alexg, Paul, and Lyakon I don’t turn off the set when Yvonne so spectacularly displays what God has given her. At the same time, though, as I think I have said in this forum before, sometimes less is more. I am old-fashioned, I admit, but seeing Chuck and Sarah holding hands (as in Best Friend and Suburbs in the Intersect scene), her brushing her lips against his ear, or bumping shoulders with him I find more romantic, if less titillating, than the lingerie scenes.
The second point is evoked by our 13-year old friend from the Philippines, who watches the show with her father. In a culture in which woman are too often objectified, and judged solely on the basis of physical beauty, the impressions being registered in a young person’s mind perhaps should come under scrutiny. Being struck by the tenderness of a romantic moment may be more meaningful to a person determining what a relationship is meant to be than is an eyeful of beautiful woman in her BVDs holding a gun on a guy.
End of sermon…
April 7th, 2009 at 8:46 pm
Chuck2 ,I didn’t quite get whether you were commending me on the “Deus ex Machina” or berating me on the very same thing ?
Regarding the flesh scenes and all…
I have to say, I consider myself a romantic guy and though at the beginning of the show I use to think that
the all skin thing was a bit much for a comedy-action
series, I changed my mind when Dramatic elements took over as the heart of the show ,and the Charah became
the cornerstone(more or less) of Chuck and emotionally important to me.
and also being a man takes its toll, we love those scenes. no shame in that, at all.
April 7th, 2009 at 9:05 pm
I’d say it’s hard to even consider Sarah scenes as gratuitous after “Broken Heart” and agent Forrest’s display.
April 7th, 2009 at 9:36 pm
FYI:
Do you have an idea on what those stories will be?
We have most of the season broken. One of the things we really work on in the show is breaking out the seasons from a story perspective, from a one big story perspective. We definitely have a template for the whole show, how we would want to end season three. We’ve pitched it to the network and the studio and they love it.
From:
http://sepinwall.blogspot.com/2009/04/chuck-chris-fedak-talks-about-rest-of.html
April 7th, 2009 at 9:50 pm
As to the tension of how much “gratuitous flesh” is too much, I have a couple of points to make. Like Alexg, Paul, and Lyakon I don’t turn off the set when Yvonne so spectacularly displays what God has given her. At the same time, though, as I think I have said in this forum before, sometimes less is more. I am old-fashioned, I admit, but seeing Chuck and Sarah holding hands (as in Best Friend and Suburbs in the Intersect scene), her brushing her lips against his ear, or bumping shoulders with him I find more romantic, if less titillating, than the lingerie scenes.
Chuck2, you have hit the nail on the head. I am almost 64, very old fashion, but I love see beautiful women.
Holding hands may be old fashion today, but it is still nice to see. Little things matter in a real relationship. One of my favorite scenes was the tender kiss in “Seduction”. the only thing talked about is the ‘day dream walk’ and Sarah crawling toward Chuck. I miss the talks they used to have in some eps like after Cougars, the cheeseburger scene. The shooting star after Tom Sawyer. And Chuck telling Sarah she was not at fault for her dads actions during Delorean.
I know they are having to condense so much information into a short time period, but I, for one, maybe the only one, would like to see Chuck and Sarah have time to bring their relationship to fruition under tender loving conditions.
I am also a romantic. I can’t help it.I came by it honestly.
April 7th, 2009 at 9:53 pm
OK< I didn’t know how to post it so MY comments started with “chuck2″. Everything before that was his quote. Sorry chuck2, but I don’t know yet how to do that.
April 7th, 2009 at 9:54 pm
Interesting to see that Stephen/Orion was in there since practically Day One. It REALLY changes my perspective on that decision knowing they didn’t just wake up halfway through Season 2 and decided: “Hey, what if…?”
April 7th, 2009 at 10:04 pm
Alexg! Commendation, my friend! Commendation! I appreciate your good thinking.
Edj630, I’m 55. I’m glad we more “mature” guys still are upright and have romance in our hearts. Besides, my Sarah of 30 years likes it!
April 7th, 2009 at 10:07 pm
360,
Those tender scenes are still there. Like the emphasis on the Chuck/Sarah ’ship in general, that’s something that ebbs and flows depending on what the writers are wanting to do with an episode, or what the needs of the episode are. Take pretty much ALL of Broken Heart as an example: There wasn’t a single scene in that episode involving YVONNE being used to titillate the audience; that fell to Helfer (unlike Lyakon, I’ll give Ms. Helfer her proper due for one HELL of a strip tease.
Though I’d have MUCH rather seen Sarah doing it, that would have been a bit creepy to have your future bro-in-law’s girlfriend dancing at your bachelor party).
All of the Sarah moments in Broken Heart were of the romantic variety. IMO it’s the episode that’s been a LONG time coming: They’re not together yet, they’ve had moments of being close to getting there, but that one turned the page. They both realized how close they were to losing each other. Chuck FINALLY started standing up to Beckman (which carried over to Dream Job) and Sarah breaking the rules for him on his father and returning to Castle to save him shows that she’s reached the point where she’s not going to LET those rules get between them again.
Likewise, the story between Chuck and his father was the main focus of Dream Job, and they had SO MUCH to get through that there wasn’t much time for those romantic Charah moments.
April 7th, 2009 at 10:35 pm
Ambaryerno! Bingo! That “next page” was what I was waiting for in this week’s episode! But I hear you re: the Chuck/papa B. storyline needing to be told.
April 7th, 2009 at 11:09 pm
Yes, and as Lykaon said on his screen caps intro, Sarah treated Chuck more like a boyfriend. I reviewed the episode again. She was very soft spoken, supportive, and loving, so to speak, during most of the ep.
Just hoping for more
April 8th, 2009 at 12:26 am
Rodillon said: “That being the case, the writers will tone down focus on Yvonne’s sex appeal or showing any gratuitous flesh, especially in this very first episode with Scott Bakula/Chevy Chase because that’s not going to appeal to that demographic.”
Lykaon said: “Haha. This made me laugh. I’m pretty sure there is no age limit on men enjoying gratuitous flesh. In fact, I’d bet on it.”
Yeah, I’m with Lykaon on that. I’m 54 and I enjoy Yvonne/Sarah’s sexiness as much as the young guys. With all due respect, the idea that people in my age group as a whole wouldn’t find her sexiness appealing is simply crazy.
April 8th, 2009 at 2:08 am
I just watched the episode again. Better the second time around!
I am surprised by how many don’t seem to care for Orion and Papa B being the same person. I think it’s fitting and, possibly, the only solution.
Up until now, Chuck has been the only one to survive the download intact. There’s no guarantee Graham wouldn’t have died had the intersect II not blown up.
Could it be nurture instead of nature that developed his gift? It seems plausible to me that his dad actually nurtured(programmed) him in such a way to have him be receptive to the intersect’s coding and encoding.
The “coincidence” of Bryce sending Chuck the intersect is even not that far-fetched. Bryce was Chuck’s friend and roommate. He knew Chuck had a gift for the interpreting of encoded images and that was how the intersect was coded.
I don’t believe Fulcrum knows he’s the intersect, but does now know him as Charles Carmichael, CIA. So right now getting rid of the intersect would leave him at the mercy of any Fulcrum agent who came looking for him. Seems to me, you can’t have a “normal” life, if you have no life. (If he thinks he’s lives in a constant state of fear, now, wait until he cannot tell any foes from friends.) And whether or not a person wishes to be an hero, everyone wants to make a difference! Also, Charah can live with a Chintersect, but Chuck would have to embrace it. He was told once that Sarah and Bryce relationship was okay because they were both agents and Charah is not because he’s an asset.
I’ve babbled enough for the moment; it’s time for my nap. Good night everyone!
April 8th, 2009 at 9:28 am
To ‘don’t chuck Chuck’, I just wished to remind you that
Graham wasn’t the intended recipient of the Intersect II,
but rather a bunch of well-trained, selected group of
carriers which were supposed to contain that precious
Secrets!!!.
In relation to that, somebody said earlier that Graham’s death wasn’t that important, I’d like to correct this ;
It maybe not that crucial, show wise(although Tony Todd is a great actor, and one of the Genre’s most respected
Veterans) since Graham isn’t one of the principal Trio
or Chuck’s entourage (so to speak), but reality wise(and the show does tries to retain a semblance of it, in order to maintain a reasonable “suspension of disbelief”) his death in nothing short of governmental
Calamity, Director of the CIA(if indeed he’s that, not very clear), a presidential nomination is dead in a mysterious explosion.’ Not Bloody Likely ‘ even if FULCRUM are playing for keeps, that action should have
gotten them bees instead of honey.
So not so trivial anymore……
AlexG
April 8th, 2009 at 2:08 pm
Oh Man! I loved this episode. It’s a little hard to swallow all of it in one hour, but i suppose thats what replay is for. Cinechick mentioned a good point. Sarah seemed quite unsupportive of chuck this week, which is completely the opposite of last week. I really do hope the writers stop dragging on their on-off relationship. It was great at first but now I just want them to actually commit to something. Half the time i’m wondering if Sarah really does like chuck because she can be very expressive of her feelings some episodes and the other way around others. It’s obvious chuck likes her. he’s said that time and time again, not recently however cuz bigger issues have come up. General beckmann’s hardass attitude was funny at first but it’s starting to annoy me now that it’s interfering with Charah. I cannot wait til the next episode!
April 8th, 2009 at 3:21 pm
I disagree, camp. As others have noted, Sarah’s behavior was much more girfriendish with Chuck in this episode than she was in the past. She turned down his claim about Roark building the Intersect because she didn’t know about the information Orion gave him, and has always erred on the side of protecting Chuck, which is why she didn’t press Beckman on rescuing Chuck’s dad.
Sarah is also a complex character. We’ve seen in the past that she’s never really been given to prolonged emotional states. Even in episodes where she opens up, she typically only lets things show briefly before closing up again. It’s just who she is, and we notice it because Chuck is wide open all the time so it’s a noticeable contrast between them.
That doesn’t mean that the writers are waffling on the relationship at this point. It just means that Sarah is just in one of her closed off states.
April 8th, 2009 at 8:11 pm
Ambaryerno:
I agree about how Sarah has opened and closed in previous episodes and I think it’s important to note the shift in Chuck recently. He used to come right out and say everything but now we’re seeing him playing more things close to the chest, much like any good agent would do.
April 8th, 2009 at 9:06 pm
Ambaryerno, JT, and friends;
Are you folks some kind of psychic, ESP-oriented, and/or otherwise especially endowed participants in this program?????
As strange as it may seem, for a semi-literate, heterosexual male, I find myself relating more closely to Sarah’s “prolonged emotional states. Even in episodes where she opens up, she typically only lets things show briefly before closing up again. It’s just who she is, and we notice it because…” Those of us who in “real” life have to find that balance between “truth” and what folks perceive to be “truth” resonate with Sarah in her “my heart says and my head/experience says” moments.’ I would love to learn how Yvonne, herself, responds to those emotions.
Any thoughts (for less than $100 per hour)?
April 9th, 2009 at 1:53 am
Ah, AlexG, you are correct! Thank you for that! (told you I was tired lol) Please, replace Graham with the other agents who died in the explosion.
Graham was CIA Director Graham. His death was trivial only in that it produced no direct plotlines(or rather, it directly led to all subsequent eps because Casey didn’t have to do what he does best). It was not trivial, in that, it was another person in Sarah’s life who left or let her down helping to explain, in a subtle way, her reluctance to open up emotionally. That is a possible way to look at it. Also, we only see Team Bartowski; so, we have no idea what other actions were undertaken by Beckamn, the CIA, NSA, DIA, or any other of a myriad of law enforcement groups. We do know that, according to Beckman, only Team B has had any success against Fulcrum.
For those who think Sarah has become unsupportive or there is backsliding in Charah, remember Yvonne is the Queen of subtlety. She is subdued and seeks a positive reaction from Chuck in his dad’s trailer. During briefings and debriefings Sarah is always in the foreground, except in this episode. She expresses worry more than doubt. The first time I watche dhtis ep, though, it seemed the opposite. The second time I paid closer attention to Yvonne. Throughout the series, Sarah has obeyed or disobeyed orders by what was best for Chuck; this ep was no different, it seems to me.
Time for my nap again. Y’all have a great morning!
April 9th, 2009 at 9:20 am
OK, I’ve exercised some self control, pondered my thoughts, watched the ep again, discussed with some friends, pondered again, and I think I’m ready to make some comments.
First, concerning Sarah’s emotional state. I don’t see her actions in this episode as being unsupportive. Indeed, I see it as the opposite. I believe she sees that Chuck is becoming more competent and confident and, while his growth is a good thing, she has worries. As his “handler” that concerns her because he is becoming more bold and more unpredictable. I know people on personal security details who have told me they prefer nice, meek protectees to unpredictable, alpha male (or female) types. I think she also sees Chuck’s new personality as a change from the adorable, naive, slightly bumbling guy who she got to know and really likes, but she can’t say anything because the “new” Chuck actually has a better chance of surviving than the old one. At the very least, he understands the danger he’s in better and is postured to do something about it. Finally, if Chuck becomes a full-fledged spy, it will redefine their relationship. Sarah has had so many disruptions and disappointments in her personal life that she may not want to risk a great, albeit a little strange, relationship with a relatively stable guy like Chuck. She has got a whole lot going on psychologically, and I think Yvonne plays it very well.
As for Beckman, for all her being a “soldier” and seeing things in black and white, she has got to have mixed feelings as well. The timid, scared Chuck was relatively easy to order to “stay in the car”. While I’m sure she is more confident about “Team Bartowski” now that Chuck has started to show some ability, she has to have some of the same concerns that Sarah has. Also, remember that she is used to working with personnel that have gone through rigerous selection processes and literally years of training. Chuck had neither, and that scares the begeezus out of her, though she’ll never show it.
And what about Casey? Even after taking three tranq darts and threatening to put Chuck in a world of hurt, he backs him at the end. Of the three (Sarah, Beckman, and Casey), I think he has the most realistic view of where Chuck could be going.
But this isn’t a psychological site…it is a Yvonne Strahovski fan site. Not enough Sarah in this episode, even though I understand why. And, as a 40+ male fan, I do not turn the TV off or leave the room when Yvonne appears scantily clad. However, I am with some of the other commenters in that some of the very best CHARA scenes were those that were very understated. One of my favorites yet this episode is the end of The Best Friend.
OK, time for me to go. I’ve rambled long enough!
April 9th, 2009 at 10:08 am
bragg brings up some very good points. However while I think Sarah is afraid of something happening to Chuck, I don’t think she’s afraid of the dynamic of their relationship changing with Chuck becoming less of an asset she needs to protect and more of an equal she works alongside. It’s an interesting case, because Sarah’s made an effort to protect Chuck’s innocence but at the same time has been actively encouraging him that he’s GOOD at his spy job. I do agree that there’s some ground for internal conflict there, but IMO she loves Chuck as much for the potential of what he COULD be and is becoming (she’s implied as much herself) as for the awkward guy he was at the start of the season. And while Chuck may be a little less innocent and much more confident, the core of who he is hasn’t changed. His moral center and ethics are still the same.
Regarding Beckman, I think Beckman is more likely to view a more confident Chuck as a liability to her own goals than being afraid of something happening to him. We know from her dressing-down of Sarah when she tried to stand up for Chuck in Predator that Beckman does NOT like being challenged. She doesn’t have the same personal connection to Chuck that Sarah and Casey do. Sarah from the start has always made an effort to protect Chuck both physically and emotionally. Casey has been more willing to take advantage of Chuck’s personal life to further their mission when called for, but has also been willing to compromise. Beckman doesn’t care about Chuck the person. To her he’s STILL just an asset, and I think Chuck standing up to her is something she sees as a threat, whereas the mild-mannered timid Chuck was much easier to keep in what she sees as “his place.”
April 9th, 2009 at 11:19 am
Another great episode. I caught the Trek stuff, but I was wondering if anyone else caught the “Oh Boy” from Bakula, a signature comment of his from the Quantum Leap days. Pretty great.
I’m glad the cooled off Charah for an episode or two. They dont’ want to rush it…
I’ve been inundating NBC with emails and letters regarding the continuation of the best show on TV. Join me, won’t you?
April 10th, 2009 at 1:31 am
Much as I was disappointed that we didn’t get a ton of Sarah in the “Dream Job” episode, a lot of foundation for future events. As for Chuck not totally trusting Sarah, IMO, he knew that when it came out what he was doing that “it was going to hit the fan” and by not sharing with Sarah, he prevented her from being drawn into the problem with him. And really, what do you think Chuck or Sarah would have done had it been Sarah that found Chuck getting suited up for action…could he tranq her (or could she tranq him).
Just my thoughts,
April 12th, 2009 at 10:10 pm
Just a tidbit I saw on a recent viewing of the episode again:
When Chuck flashes on the Roark flyer his dad drops on the cofee table, it has a “.con” instead of “.com” in the website address. (www.roarkinst.con)
I know it probably is a typo but maybe it’s a fun hint at the fact that his business is a front for hiding the intersect he’s building?
April 12th, 2009 at 11:45 pm
hate Sarah on this episode…why is she unsupportive of chuck, maybe she doesn’t want chuck getting hurt again…in some scenes shes so sweet to chuck but in the last part, its like she doesn’t want to help chuck…After chuck stood up foe her in Chuck vs. the broken heart, it kind of confusing…..
I like the fact that chuck is becoming more of a spy, first manning up to casey (looks like hes really determined), rescuing his father, and manning up in front of the general…