Strahovski and Rings
The biggest part of me wants to just randomly throw characters on the screen right now in an expression of excitement.
That, however, would not be the most responsible or professional thing to do, so I’m going to instead review the penultimate, best, most awesome, unbelievable episode of Chuck ever – Chuck Versus the Ring.
There may be some pretty huge spoilers implied, so read at your own risk.
“Thank you for saving my life at least once a week.”
Maybe Chuck didn’t save our lives every week by invading our living rooms with amazing television, but I feel like this quote pretty much sums it up, doesn’t it?
For the last two seasons now we’ve watched the old Chuck. We’ve watched a premise not unlike the ‘Get Smart’ universe, with a bumbling spy, a shadowy anti-spy organization, and a hot agent 99.
But now we get the new Chuck. The improved Chuck. The OMG I can’t believe I just saw that Chuck. Wow. I know it’s just touchy feely descriptions, but this episode of Chuck was spectacular.
I didn’t think they could make better episodes than what we’ve seen, but this episode has taken the show to a whole new level.
“You look like a real bridesmaid.”
The one level of disappointment that this episode brings, of course, is the Charah dynamic once again being interrupted about a billion times. It seems Sarah is never going to be able to express her feelings to Chuck.
If Chuck could read Sarah’s face like we could, he’d know she’s crazy about him. He needs to take a little Yvonne Strahovski 101 so he can get the message.
With the stuff at the end now, what kind of Chuck are we going to get? Will he be as lovable to Sarah in the future? Will he be as lovable to anyone, for that matter?
I don’t know, but Sarah really has rotten luck when trying to get it all out. Now if Chuck can just figure out how to shut the hell up maybe he’ll get somewhere.
“Without further ado I present to you — Jeffster!”
What a triumphant return of Jeffster, eh? Only Chuck could pull off a gun fight in a wedding reception room with a black ops team jumping through the skylight, all set to Mr. Roboto. Honestly, what other show could pull that off?
The Buy More crew had very little to do this episode, and it’s unclear whether they have a place in next season’s Chuck but if not it was a nice send off to our ragtag bunch of green shirts and herders.
Morgan really would do anything for Chuck. It’s a good thing Chuck confessed about putting Morgan up to it, because I feel fairly certain that she would have never forgiven Morgan.
I was surprised to see that Chuck convinced Ellie that it was his fault solely on forgetting the rings. I thought for sure he’d have to spill the beans.
“No, no, no – that clashes with the bunting.”
I like this new Casey. He’s awesome, manly, and in touch with his feminine side. “Wedding Planner” Casey was hilarious, and it’s great to see him to take the same level of pride in his work no matter the goal.
He also had his ‘You Rang?’ line which was pretty much requisite after that entrance. As much as Yvonne Strahovski and Zachary Levi bring to Chuck, Adam Baldwin is every bit as necessary for the show to work.
I love Adam Baldwin. I will shout it from the rooftops… okay maybe I won’t, but still — the man is awesome.
“Dad – I love her.”
I was really scared that they were going to kill off Papa B in this episode but I was relieved to find out that there is an opening for his return next season. I really hope we’ll see Scott Bakula back because he really adds a lot to the show.
And how awesome is it that he is also an old fart of an intersect? With the revelations from the end of the episode, this has the potential to set up a particularly interesting dynamic between the two.
I don’t imagine they can afford Scott Bakula full time but if he can make regular appearances, I’ll be a happy man.
“Guys… I know Kung Fu.”
Wow. So Chuck is back with style. He could probably kick Casey’s butt now. I really really really loved the homage to the Matrix — it was done almost frame for frame. Amazing.
I had to get up and stand up for the last fight scene because I was just that excited. And while the fight was going on, I totally told my wife, “He better say ‘I know Kung Fu’”. I’m glad he didn’t let me down.
They wrapped up both the Jill and Bryce storylines, but it remains to be scene whether Bryce will return from the dead yet again. It would be interesting to find him resurrected in some form fitting with the show. They’ve done it before, right?
The writers have also left an opening for a new, darker and ultimately scarier version of Fulcrum. That’s also where we got our double meaing — I was waiting for it all episode — when we learn that the Fulcrum is just part of the ‘Ring’.
“Our brains only screw things up.”
I wonder if that quote is foreshadowing for how these changes to the intersect and Chuck may screw things up for him in a lot of ways. How do you not get an ego with that kind of power? I think we may find that it impedes forward-motion on the Charah front.
There was also brilliant foreshadowing when Ellie told Chuck that sometimes she thinks he has super powers. The writing in this episode really was quite superb with things tying up very nicely.
And at the end we get a “To Be Continued…” Is that a guarantee for a 3rd season? I wouldn’t take it to be a guarantee, but it does mean they have lots in store. Let’s hope NBC takes the bait and brings back our girl, Yvonne Strahovski, for another go at it.
Yvonne was, by the way, as splendid as ever and we got to see her in a variety of Wedding chic. I’m sure that will make some great screen capping. Just goes to show that you don’t have to put the girl in her underwear to get our attention — she is beautiful in all that she does.
But enough about my rambling; I have a feeling there’s going to be some very lengthy discussion on what this all means. When Chuck comes back for Season 3, can it ever be the same?
Screen caps should be up tomorrow evening. Until then, let’s talk it out. Is this everything you hoped a season finale of Chuck would be?
April 27th, 2009 at 9:26 pm
As always great review.
April 27th, 2009 at 9:32 pm
The more I think about it the more I like the idea that Chuck has ‘Superpowers’. It will be interesting to see how the writers handle this and how it will effect Chuck and Sara.
Great review Lykaon!
April 27th, 2009 at 9:37 pm
What an episode. A little something for everyone. One thought though, since Sarah loves “old Chuck” what is she going to think of “new Chuck” – let’s hope there is a season three for us to find out.
Can’t wait for the video caps – actually my favorite is Sarah looking at Chuck when they return from the plumbing trip.
Thanks for great work…
April 27th, 2009 at 9:47 pm
So now Chuck is the one, he’s that guy. No more stay in the car.
Going off to watch it again!
April 27th, 2009 at 9:52 pm
I LOVE CHUCK
April 27th, 2009 at 9:53 pm
What will Sarah think of new Chuck? I think overall we know that Sarah loves Chuck. Also through the various strong male figures that keep showing up we can tell that Sarah has a strong physical attraction to a man who can issue a firm beat down. The result of course will be sparks like we have never seen before. I hope.
April 27th, 2009 at 9:54 pm
Chuck Me!
I think that’s my new catch phrase now.
April 27th, 2009 at 10:01 pm
With the new super agent Chuck perhaps he wont continue to throw roadblocks between himself and Sarah because they’re both in the same role now. Before he always wanted that “normal” life but I think he’s going to embrace his new life. I don’t think that there’s a more perfect situation for Chuck and Sarah to be together since they’ll be equal. Well, maybe not equal but now Chuck can save Sarah
Adam was awesome as always! Loved the revised version of the wedding way more than the planned one. Morgan is such a constant. I wish Chuck had been able to tell him the truth. Also, totally thought Ellie was going to find out.
There HAS to be a third season, right??? They wouldn’t do this to us!
April 27th, 2009 at 10:09 pm
Wow! That must be some new version of the Intersect that Papa B created! And on top of that, Chuck now has all of Orion’s toys to play with! The possibilities for next year are endlessly fascinating. If NBC doesn’t renew is there any possibility that this show will jump networks? How can NBC not renew this show?
I did my part in getting the word out; Wrote the letters, bought the second season DVD set, bought a coffee mug from Buy More, and ordered up 2 $5 Foot longs for tonight’s dinner. I got at least 10 more people to tune in tonight. I hope you’ve all done the same. Keep going to NBC.com and re-viewing on HULU. Keep the pressure on. We’ve GOTTA have season 3!
Chuck me too!
April 27th, 2009 at 10:09 pm
DON’T F@%K WITH CHUCK!
Love the show, I was just as excited as you at the end, if not even more. And Yvonne is the most beautiful woman I’ve ever seen!
April 27th, 2009 at 10:12 pm
Wow. That was just an incredible episode. It made 24 impossible to focus on, and that show ratchets the crazy up to 10 on a weekly basis. Chuck vs. the Rings was a 13. Last week could’ve been a season finale. This week could’ve been the season finale 2/3 of the way through. But they went all the way. I am so hoping that NBC mans up and renews this show, and gives it a better timeslot than the current death slot it’s on.
BTW, penultimate means second to last. We certainly hope it’s not the last episode, sure, but we don’t want it to be the second to last either!
April 27th, 2009 at 10:15 pm
“Oh, Chuck Me.” -Col. Casey
Great episode. Laughed so hard.
April 27th, 2009 at 10:33 pm
OMG!!! HAHAHA I’ve got an exam tmr so I’m trying trying trying forcing myself NOT to watch the episode today.. RAHHH.. I just gotta hang on for about 24 more hours…. >.<….. Oh gosh thanks for not making the review so obviously spoiler-full Lykaon!! Hahaha I still barely got the gist of it other than Chuck having some superpowers? Which I can’t imagine how..which makes it totally awesome that at least there’ll be an element of surprise tmr when I watch it. Hehe! But from what you’ve written the episode sounds AWESOME (gah.. used the word twice already) and absolutely MIND BLOWING and I can’t wait!!!! AHH!!
thanks for the review that gave a nice little sneak peek with just enough info for a starving chuck fan hehe. =)
April 27th, 2009 at 10:56 pm
Thought I’d check out strahotski.com before CHUCK comes on in a few minutes tonight… only to once again realize that it’s so >not< fair that all of you on the East Coast get to watch CHUCK ahead of us on the West.
Looking forward to a KILLER episode tonight from what I’ve read so far. I must say, I am pumped up! This has been like the longest week of waiting in the history of TV for me.
I’ve got my Subway Foot Long and a few ice cold Samuel Adams beers at the ready. So ‘HERE’S TO CHUCK and ANOTHER SEASON’ please NBC!
April 27th, 2009 at 11:13 pm
Now that Sarah has clearly outgrown her interest in Bryce, I feel bad for Bryce and hope that maybe he is saved. They did a great job of redeeming Bryce towards us fans in this episode. Not saying I want him to try to mess up things with Charah of course but he has become sort of a tragic figure at this point……
Chuck and Terminator are competing for the ‘Save one Show’ finals at E! Entertainment so please vote early and often for Chuck…the poll closes Wednsday and the Terminator fans are voting about a thousand times each. At least that is what they are telling each other to do. http://www.eonline.com/uberblog/b120751_Save_One_Show__Play_the_Game_Changer_Round.html
April 27th, 2009 at 11:18 pm
What was Sarah trying to tell Chuck when they danced???
I believe she said ‘I don’t want to save the world…’
And then what?
April 27th, 2009 at 11:22 pm
Great review Lykaon.
April 27th, 2009 at 11:23 pm
I think bryce is straight up dead and not coming back from it.
April 27th, 2009 at 11:30 pm
I have to say that last week’s episode was my favorite and this was a little anti climatic….not in a bad way at all but just in a sort of ‘let’s wrap things up and set the stage for next season’ kind of way whereas last week was such an amazing high note for Charah.
It would have been so great to hear Sarah talk more this week about HER feelings which she keeps bottled up inside so much….
April 27th, 2009 at 11:40 pm
This was a kick ass Chuck and kept me on the edge of my seat for more and laughing my ass off at the same time. Yvonne was on her game as usual and really made you feel for Sarah. Jefter was funny as hell with Jeff and the pyrotechnics show on a budget. Casey as the wedding comando/planner was priceless, and totally unexpected. As for Chuck, he stole the show with his enter the dragon ass whupin free for all. Casey and Sarah’s expressions were off the charts HYSTERICAL. This by far is my favorite episode ever and has me salivating for a Chuck season 3! So NBC give us a season 3 and don’t let us CHUCK YOU!
April 27th, 2009 at 11:46 pm
i can’t believe i just watched what might be the last episode of “chuck”. if it was, it was a great way to go out.
April 27th, 2009 at 11:47 pm
After watching this episode, I just had to comment. Is this the last episode for this season? Will there be a 3rd season? AAAARRRGGHHH!
I have to be resourceful in getting the latest Chuck episodes in the net coz we are a few months late in the Philippines (13th episode as of last week).
I love your forum and this site as well. Thanks Lykaon. Hopefully season 3 is in the works
Here’s to seeing a more suave and sophisticated Charles Carmichael with the lovely Sarah Walker. Knowing Chuck, he’ll find a way to be his usual clumsy self.
April 27th, 2009 at 11:56 pm
Best. Show. Ever.
And Yvonne should always wear purple. Any shade of purple looks magnificent on her.
April 28th, 2009 at 12:06 am
This was by far the most intense episode to date. When Bryce said that it was “Walker and Larkin” again, I got angry. Chuck had worked far too hard to lose her again. Luckily, Bryce redeemed himself at the end and can rest in piece. I’m not a big fan of the Kung-Fu Chuck so far, but we’ll see. I don’t want to wait another five or so months to see Yvonne again, she is breathtakingly beautiful. There won’t be anything to do this summer but work… No football or basketball or chuck… I’ll just have to take the rest of my episodes and put them on my Zune…
April 28th, 2009 at 12:10 am
was the most epic episode of any show ever
April 28th, 2009 at 12:15 am
Aw mann. My screen name for this site was either going to be chuckme or chuckit. O well. This episode was quite the way to go out (Of the season, not the show). Is Morgan going to be around next season, is the buy more crew, is the comedy?? Zachary Levi has to get his stage fighting chops up to Yvonne’s level to play new chuck (although I think he did fine at the end). This is madness
April 28th, 2009 at 12:17 am
haha, did I not say last episode was epic but the next one was going to be epic-er? Okay, so I wasn’t the first or only one (thousands probably) to say that but still, I called it
April 28th, 2009 at 12:21 am
Loved this episode. And I’m really hoping NBC announced the renewal in a couple weeks.
April 28th, 2009 at 12:30 am
One word, just one. Wow.
Gotta say, Kung Fu Chuck was pretty awesome but I think someone a while back mentioned something about Chuck getting super kung fu powers and look what happened! I think the writers could do a lot with this recent development. Will they go super Chuck or occasionally super Chuck?
One thing to note about Kung Fu Chuck is that it seemed Chuck couldn’t control it, just like his flashes. It’d be pretty awesome if it just randomly goes off for Chuck.
All in all, I am hopeful for a season 3. Hell, if there was a pot going around to renew Chuck, I’d donate.
April 28th, 2009 at 12:39 am
That was the most awesome episode ever! It kept me on the edge of my seat the whole time. It was a perfect mix of comedy and action and CHUCK! Casey, I might add was great in this episode, and Sarah was beautiful and beyond great as always. And Chuck was incredible!
I loved Morgan in this episode and actually..I loved everyone in this episode…yes even Bryce.
Although I am seriously saddened that Chuck Season is over. There goes my Monday nights. Chuck is the only thing I look forward too nowadays. Now im going back to hating Mondays. BLah! I LOVE CHUCK!
April 28th, 2009 at 12:41 am
Thanks, Lykaon, for this website and forum. I’m still in something of a daze after the bang-bang action of “Rings.” Plot resolution, new plot twists, new revelations of how Chuck got involved in the Intersect to begin with, blown weddings, consummated weddings, sort-of proposals, death, and new birth. Where to start?
To begin with, the Buy More was fun but had outlived its usefulness. Thanks and good-bye. What role Morgan and Jeffster still have to play in Season 3, which, after my second foot-long Subway Italian BMT with jalepenos, I am convinced will happen, remains to be seen.
Chuck grew up, finally. Leaving the Buy More behind, almost proposing to Sarah, claiming the Casey-Sarah-Chuck team leadership, and finally accepting his destiny; tonight we witnessed Chuck taking the final step into the person fate-circumstances-predestination-luck ordained he would become. As Frodo did when he said he would take the ring to Mordor, though he did not know the way, Chuck has now taken up his own ring (the title of this episode is making me go nuts with Tolkien associations). Bryce (Gandalf?), as in the beginning, choreographed Chuck’s final step, perhaps at the cost of his life (although I am not totally persuaded that he is deceased. I wouldn’t put it past him to feign his expiration so that Chuck would do what he was predestined to do; or maybe he’s wrestling some metaphorical Balrog).
When Season 3 begins we will have a new tension in the Charah relationship. Sarah, having lost Bryce the spy-lover to death twice, now has to wrestle with what the feelings she has for Chuck mean now that Chuck (who, for a little while at least, was not a spy, therefore freeing her to express her love) is a Bryce-type individual himself. Does she again take the risk of loving a man who is in danger for his life every minute? How will she be able to relate to Chuck honestly while again grieving for Bryce? As a shield maiden how will she be able to be true to herself while fulfilling the role in the comedy-tragedy she has been assigned? Will she ever get the gumption to tell Chuck to “shut up!” so she can tell him what she really feels?
How does Chuck’s super-Intersect powers affect his basically humble nature? Does he get the big head and start mouthing off to Casey, who may or may not be able to kick his butt? How will Chuck and papa B. coordinate their respective Intersects? Will he fall victim to the potential power of the Intersect for good and instead be turned to evil (Boromir? Or am I thinking of Luke Skywalker?)?
What is the Ring? Is Fulcrum just the orc pawns Mordor sends out to aggravate the true hearts while the Ring (Sauron, the Abhorred), continues its demonic machinations against all that is good?
I’m glad the wedding turned out the way it did and that the Awesomes were put in their place. I didn’t see the white tree of Gondor on the beach, though.
Casey as Aragorn was an association I had not made before (and perhaps should not have here). In any event, Casey’s heart is true, he descends from a line of true warriors, and should be crowned king of something at some point in the story line.
As some have said above, last week’s episode, albeit with all kinds of loose threads dangling, would have been a more satisfying series end. Rings sets the stage well for Season 3 with lots of questions to be answered.
In the interim, there are two seasons of Chuck downloaded on the ol’ computer to enjoy, and many hours of episodes, uninterrupted by commercials, to again enjoy Yvonne Strahovski’s beauty and talent.
Thanks for the conversations, Friends! May they continue in September!
April 28th, 2009 at 12:44 am
Im really looking forward to where they will be going with this. Super Chuck was great, but I must say, I will miss old Chuck. Love the episode! It was beyond great! Although from the promo they gave us last week, I seriously thought Chuck would get shot or something because they showed Sarah shouting. BUT I knew Chuck would willfully download the intersect in his head again! Chuck me!
April 28th, 2009 at 12:50 am
Oh my god. That was such an amazing episode. Loved your review Lykaon. This show just completely encompasses everything that I love.
April 28th, 2009 at 1:11 am
I LOVED THIS EPISODE (as well as the whole season). I knew Chuck just had to do the intersect again. He thinks it is the only way to be with Sarah, who seemed like she was going to leave her spy life for him (It always happens to them!). I like how Chuck fell down into the room just like Bryce did in Season 1, Episode 1. I think Chuck is going to have to go get his job back at the Buy More for cover, and quite possibly not be a supervisor this time (MAYBE LESTER?). I don’t know, I’m just getting creative, and there’s so much more to tell!
To support the show I purchased every shirt on the NBC Universal site. I am going to wear that Buy More Polo Shirt to work too! (Funny since I just graduated from college and my college job was well… GEEK SQUAD!)
April 28th, 2009 at 1:35 am
In true CHUCK fashion, the only words that come to my mind are: WOW, What A Rush! What A RUSH!
I’m still stunned by how much the writers packed into this one hour episode! It practically had it all. (Alas, I was SO hoping for a two hour finale this week, to no avail.) I’m going to watch this episode again later and then digest it slowly because right now, I just can’t decide which one I like more, vs. Colonel or Rings. They’re both incredible in their own rights.
At this moment, however, I can say with absolute certaintly that I totally dug the Kung-Fu Chuck ending. It was, well, AWESOME! With Walker and Casey off to the side just watching (in pure disbelief!) as our hero was handily dispatching several armed and highly trained operatives was just the coolest thing ever! I was blown away and couldn’t help but cheer Chuck on–by shouting at the TV! My neighbors must think that I’m mad by now. This “new” Chuck v2.0 is the man! You know that there has to be more for him to discover about the new Intersect like special weapons and tactics, demolition, seduction, etc. The options are endless!
I liked the closure with Roark and Bryce. Roark got what he deserved although I’ll miss seeing Chevy Chase, he’s long been a favorite actor of mine. I was a bit saddened to see Bryce get killed off (IMO nothing short of a TV miracle will bring him back), especially when we find out he’s been in Chuck’s corner since the very beginning at Stanford. Bittersweet, I suppose, since now he won’t be taking Sarah away from Chuck, which I’m sure we all agree is a good thing.
TO BE CONTINUED…
I’ll wane a bit philosophic for just a moment… every once in a long while a truly unique show like CHUCK comes around. Everyone on here recognizes this and totally appreciates it for what it is. And it’s a synthesis of so many things that make this a great show. Unfortunately, the “masses” out there sometimes have a hard time appreciating good scripting and acting and it’s a damn shame. That being said, I’m REALLY hoping that NBC realizes this, ratings aside, since they have a truly outstanding show in CHUCK and it would be bordering on the criminally insane not to let the producers make good on their now aired promise to continue.
April 28th, 2009 at 1:45 am
Best. Chuck. Ever. If those pinheads at NBC even *think* about cancelling Chuck so they can squeeze in another hour of Jay Leno, I will be devastated.
The homage to The Matrix definitely caught my attention for the sheer number of levels they did it on. The white Intersect room is a very close analog to the Construct. The fight scene was about as close to the classic Government Lobby Scene as you can get. When Chuck “flashed” his Kung Fu, what he saw was Matrix code. The music in the background was done in the same style Don Davis used in scoring The Matrix. And of course there was the classic “I know kung fu” line. I must have watched that ten times.
Charah, by the way? I’m sure nearly all of us are rooting for Charah. There’s an unfortunate dirty little secret about that though: there can be no real advancement on the Charah front that isn’t quickly walked back. Any show with a “Sam and Diane” (Cheers) dynamic has to keep those characters apart. The minute they pot them together, the show loses something _huge_, and usually has 1 to 1 1/2 seasons left before it dies. Charah happening starts a clock on the life of the show – it happens TO EVERY show with that dynamic.
Can’t wait for next season. If you look at TV By the Numbers, Chuck seems to have a pretty good chance at renewal as far as ratings go. Leno will of course throw a wrench into those calculations, but I have to hope it survives the cut this year. It’s also too good of a lead-in for Heroes for them to blow away…
Oh yeah, <3 Yvonne.
April 28th, 2009 at 2:03 am
AWESOME
April 28th, 2009 at 2:12 am
What a great episode. I love where they are taking this thing (or at least where I hope they are taking it). I’ve got to disagree with Mandel on his last point. Yes, lots of shows have died after the “will they or won’t they” dynamic was broken, but that’s because it’s most of what those shows hinged on. What they just did with Chuck is a game changer. We’ve all wanted them to be together for the past two seasons. The “off again” was starting to wear people like me down. I’m sure they lost fans over it. I hope against hope this sets up a thing where we get fun and action and Chuck and Sarah together. I really think it could work in this show. And I could finally stop going to bed with my heart in my throat too. There has GOT to be a season 3.
April 28th, 2009 at 2:41 am
It’s gold I tell ya. Gold! CHUCK ME!
April 28th, 2009 at 2:59 am
would somebody let sarah talk, please! if its not chuck interupting her, its papa b. how frustrating!just some thoughts: i do believe that when she told chuck that she didnt “want to save the world” think she was truely thinking about leaving the CIA!? not sure, just my feeling. also, i think super chuck scares me a bit. the thing that is so great about him is that he’s honest and normal and so damn adorable. i think any super power would stroke anybodies ego and ruin them. i truely hope im wrong.
“Chuck Me”- the best line ever!!!!
well, here’s to hoping the nbc execs screw up royally. thanks for enertaining me in the wee hours of the morning w your comments, oh! and the great yvonne. photos
April 28th, 2009 at 3:33 am
I’m saddened that they went the downloaded abilities route. That ruins the dynamic that made the show so enjoyable. With his new “superpowers” Sarah and Casey have been rendered obsolete. Seriously, why would he need them? Eyecandy and one-liners?
I finally was able to get people I work with — including my UPS delivery guy — to start watching last week. I know for certain that 2 of them don’t care for matrix-like shows.
Part of what made the show work for me, and the people I’ve been able to get watching, was the “average” guy/extraordinary circumstances story. Now it’s extraordinary guy/average circumstances. How can we suspend disbelief when they’ve changed to total sci-fi?
And, possibly making them temporary powers, people tuning in for an occasional episode next season will be more confused than ever! Wait, that thirteen year old girl just kicked his butt; in the last episode I watched, he destroyed, bare-handed, 5 or 6 trained agents with guns set to kill him!
I feel like they shot Charah in the foot this episode. Once again, Sarah can’t get a word in when they “talk.” After 2 years, he still can’t let the woman he “loves” say anything when she tries? Bryce is dead again; she will have to mourn him. With her background, I see this as huge hurdle for advancing Charah.(If they let her open up to Chuck in an emotional tsunami, it could improve Charah. Not thinking that’s likely.) And her emotional “don’t you touch him,” while appropriate on more than one level, would give pause to someone who doesn’t know how she feels, because he has never bothered to listen to her! Also, she loved Chuck for being the normal guy/hero not the superagent. She wants a real/normal life and was apparently leaving the spy world for Chuck. Now she can stay in it with Chuck, but, probably, not “with” Chuck. Sarah kicks butt and we like to see her do it, but. . . Chuck is now apparently better at unarmed than she and Casey combined. Those baddies never touched him!
I love the show, the cast, most episodes and especially Yvonne, but they should have had the ending scene him getting the wrist computer from his dad and running off to join Sarah. Preferably, after she actually made a true statement during their dance.
April 28th, 2009 at 3:48 am
Normally all episodes are awesome, but this took it one step further ;D. Im sure that “to be continue”- thingy ment a third season.
Ps. My first comment, i read all your Reviews, and i love the site, keep up the good work
.
April 28th, 2009 at 4:09 am
re: Charah
We were at the point 2 eps ago that Sarah was willing to throw away her career and future for Chuck. At the beginning of this one we were back again to sorry, see you later. That is very frustrating for many viewers; not just ’shippers! It would have been a nice twist for a while to have her chase him with the feelings seemingly not reciprocated. We all know better, though!
When we were in the middle she was both feet in again. Now at the end they are. . . huh?
Haven’t we been here before?
April 28th, 2009 at 4:12 am
Would a season showing Chuck & Sarah in a REAL relationship be all that bad? If ever they become a real couple, we will probably have an episode or two of Chuck and Sarah vacationing in Hawaii to visit Morgan (that is, if Morgan doesn’t change his mind and go back to the Buymore). I look forward to seeing the awkwardness of their first dates as bf/gf. But then again, the writers might not want Chuck to be with Sarah just yet so this is all wishful thinking on my part (sigh).
Super Chuck gives our reluctant hero a whole new facelift for Season 3. I think this new upload will only manifest itself when Chuck is in danger (self-preservation mode of the intersect) so that Chuck won’t be another James Bond (or Cole Barker) and spoil the series. It’s Chuck’s goofiness that makes him lovable to us, his fans, and to Sarah as well. How will Casey react to the new Chuck? Chuck me too.
Will Chuck be back in the Buymore, or will he apply for a new job that befits his Stanford diploma? Loser Chuck in the the Nerdherd seems too predictable. Been there, done that.
The ‘I know Kungfu’ line and the fighting scene is a fitting homage to the Matrix, and the best way to end this season. So, Fulcrum is just the tip of the villain iceberg and the “Rings,’ whoever they are, will be up against a newer version of Chuck next season.
TO BE CONTINUED…Let’s all hope this is true. Season 3 should be, must be in the works. I’ve fallen madly in love with this series (and with Agent Walker) only for it to end with this cliffhanger.
Ready when you are, Chuck.
April 28th, 2009 at 4:13 am
oops forgot to add:
Consider Charah from a casual viewer perspective.
April 28th, 2009 at 4:19 am
great review!
I’ll yell it from rooftops! I love adam baldwin!
Ok on to the episode, I’m worried that what now has happened to Chuck
is going to hurt the Charah dynamic, she liked mild mannered caring chuck…
not that he won’t be but lets be honest, he probably will be…
and agreed that seen wasn’t complete until Chuck said “I know Kung Fu”
Absolutely loved it!
April 28th, 2009 at 5:16 am
Hey, not sure if any of you guys were aware of this but if you want to help drive “ratings” for Chuck up, you should start telling all your friends and whatnot to watch it online, somewhere.
http://www.thebigmoney.com/articles/impressions/2009/04/14/want-save-your-favorite-tv-show
April 28th, 2009 at 5:23 am
all i have to say is
AWESOME. Chuck really needs a 3rd season now!! And I hope Jeffster releases an album because that would ‘chuck me’ in half!
Although, i checked the NBC website and it says “series finale”. Don’t bring me down this time nbc..
April 28th, 2009 at 5:59 am
To be continued………..
It’s the standard season finale cliffhanger and does not mean that the show has been renewed so keep up with the letters and the sandwiches because season 3 looks awesome. I was 99% convinced that the Buymore was going to be mo more. But after Chuck Vs the ring the scope of the show can go anyway.
Charah
Isn’t ironic that we know that Chuck loves Sarah. We know that Sarah loves Chuck. Sarah knows that she loves Chuck and that chuck loves her. Chuck knows he loves Sarah, but is still waiting for those all important words from her “Chuck I love you.
I said it before the Nanny went 8 seasons before Fran got Mr. Sheffield. Chuck’s writers will keep uncertainty about Charah for as long as they can.
The fight scene
Unlike most I think they sold it well. Chuck look awkward as he kicked butt with super skills. I think he was supposed to look awkward. The thing that sold it for me was the look on Casey’s face and the changes of his expression. Adam Baldwin is my hero. He did not have to say a word and I was lol. Just awesome!
I’m heading off to watch it again more later.
April 28th, 2009 at 6:48 am
Although initially disappointed with the episode, the second watch as well as reading replies changed my perspective about this episode.
Things to note:
1. 6-7 guns on Chuck (no flash), 1 gun on Sarah = flash
2. Chuck vs. Predator: Beckman says that no agent has ever gotten as close to Orion as Chuck has. That’s not true… apparently Bryce and Orion have been hanging out for quite some time now. Bryce calls him a hero when Orion went rogue. Is there more to Orion than just intersect maker? How does Orion know Bryce?
3. Chuck represents everything that Sarah doesn’t have and a character foil to Bryce Larkin and Cole Barker. How will Sarah deal with change?
4. I’m guessing that what the CIA is to the U.S. Government is what Fulcrum is to “The Ring.” CIA is just a component of the U.S. Gov’s defense arsenal, but there is also NSA, FBI and so forth. Fulcrum has mainly been battling CIA/NSA, but there are probably other parts of the Ring.
5. In gamer terms, they “nerfed” Orion ever since Predator. In Predator, he sent missiles to Fulcrum, hacked computers, took over everything, escaped like 50 Fulcrum agents. He seemed omnipotent. In the last few episodes, he doesn’t nearly seem as all powerful. But in this episode, he doesn’t even stop like 5 Fulcrum agents from spoiling the wedding. (I’d like to say that Orion having an Intersect is redeeming in the powers department). Intersect 2.0 might be the same thing. It just seems really cool to show all the powerful stuff before setting limits.
6. On the bright note for Charah, at least it’s a change of pace. I think all of us were getting bored with the “it’s my job” and “you will never be normal” charade. At least now, if there are obstacle, they will be defined differently (i.e. Chuck getting egotistical, Chuck not needing her help).
I’d like to add that I was a little worried about making Chuck too powerful at the end, but then I realized that Chuck needs to higher ratings. So at the risk of alienating a fraction of their current viewers, they attempt to bring in more new viewers. I understand the move. That said, there better be limitations (flashes only in “emotional” conflict) or some sort of physical drawback (like his fatigue/episode when he flashes on intelligence)
April 28th, 2009 at 6:52 am
Awesome episode
Great Review!
but WTF… nbc’s chuck website really wrote that this is a “SERIES FINALE”
we must continue in our campaigning efforts!!!!!!
April 28th, 2009 at 7:15 am
Chuck and Sarah become Neo and Trinity. The Intersect is the Matrix. Wow! I didn’t see it coming. Awesome.
The previous episode was a wonderful finale for Season 2 This was an incredible “pilot” for the third season.
April 28th, 2009 at 7:25 am
At the risk of offending people, and I apologize if I do, I can’t believe that NBC is considering cancelling this AWESOME show, yet continues to run “Earl”.
Now, that being said, this was absolutely, without question, the best episode of this show ever. It had everything. I thought Casey was hilarious, particularly at the end when Chuck went Kung-Fu on those guys. His facial expressions were funny.
Sarah was awesome as always, and Chuck putting the intersect back into his head after reviewing all the good things he’s done was perfect.
Please please please tell me they won’t cancel this show. It is simply the best!
April 28th, 2009 at 7:41 am
Are you kidding me?!!! That last episode was CRAAAZZYY!!! Talk about taking the show to another level. Adding closure to most of it yet leaving it open for a potential 3rd season… Brilliant!. I can see how this show could get axed… not because of the ratings, but because it would cost sooooo much to produce… maybe if they cut it to 16 episodes versus 22 they could afford it.. I’d totally be down with that… but, definately the show is evolving to a darker more edgy chuck but still keeping the feel good, easy to understand premise.. not to mention Yvonne Strhovski is soo smokin cute… I love Casey’s reaction after the kung fu skit. Classic!
April 28th, 2009 at 8:23 am
WOW!! I LOVED THIS EPISODE!
1) I don’t know how sarah will feel about the new spy chuck because it was the old wimpy chuck she fell in love with. Hopefully it works out
2) I love spy chuck! Not that old chuck wasnt good, i just felt he sat behind the side lines too much. So does this mean hes going to be continuing to work for the government?
3) AND who is this new organization, supposedly worst than FULCRUM??
4) I was really hoping to hear what sarah had to say before she was interrupted. damn! now they’re just gonna drag on Charah even more, and now that spy chuck will probably continue the spy life, Charah is not priority 1.
April 28th, 2009 at 9:08 am
They should have really finished the series in this season. It really seems they are leeching off the whole Charah relationship by putting the intersect back in Chuck’s head, which btw for an unknown top secret intersect location, has a really insecure vault storage for the intersect O.o”
I know Chuck isn’t serious on that kind of level, but still, come on.
April 28th, 2009 at 9:26 am
Sorry Lykaon I have to totally disagree with you. I’m not going as far to say I hated the episode, but I was very very very disappointed with it. They should have just ended with episode 21 in my opinion. I hope they get a season 3 just so JS and CF can redeem themselves. Everything was way to obvious and predictable, I think I could have wrote that episode. Shocking death of Bryce:please seriously? That is not shocking. A big gamechanger:big whoop not that big to me. I guess from watching 24 raise the bar in shocking deaths and gamechangers makes what happened on Chuck seem like nothing. I’m not going to go into comparing Chuck vs. 24, but the one thing I love about 24 is they aren’t afraid to push the limit and you never know what is going to happen. Chuck just got way too predictable with Orion being his father and then Chuck reloading the intersect into his head. I really didn’t like anything about the episode to tell the truth. Very disappointing to me. But I am glad that everyone else enjoyed it!
April 28th, 2009 at 9:40 am
CHUCK ME, That I think will be the remaining statement on peoples lips whether they hated or loved it, I think the choices they made were correct and logical, after all what is Chuck without the intersect…..
Charah had such a huge episode last time, I think it was only right that they step it down, come on with ALL the action and Larkin coming back do you really think it would of made sense with Sarah being an agent and Chuck rejecting that, that they would just get it on and live happy ever after.. er… no!
I do agree that its a shame that Sarah got stunted yet again from speaking her real feelings, i wish they would let her gets the words out….
I really Hope that Papa B will be in the next season, I think Scott just makes the role his very own, you can tell how awesome he is as it feels like he has been in it from the start and yet has not.. Great casting I hope he’s back!
Loved the wedding and the Awesomes well were awesome as were Jeffster HELLO! Love that new song dudes!
aawww Morgan steped up to the plate for his boy and I agree Adam Baldwin is MADE OF WIN, Hell its in his name COME ON!
PLEASE PLEASE NBC GIVE US A THIRD..
Oh and Yvonne, CONGRATULATIONS ON A SMOKIN’ HOT PERFORMANCE!!
April 28th, 2009 at 9:59 am
Okay, many thoughts after reading some posts:
KYR: Absolutely what I was thinking that this new intersect is dangerous and will cause Chuck to have to battle with his own ego….Bryce kind of hinted at that possibility in his talk with Orion.
someweirdo: Excellent point about Chuck flashing to save Sarah, again the theme with the new intersect perhaps being a little hard to control? Like anytime Chuck is upset he transforms like the incredible hulk?
Sarah IMO is a shy and very pent up girl who thrives in her professional enviroment but has a mess of a private life. I think she loved Bryce and Cole just a little and Chuck a lot more. I don’t think she stopped loving Bryce to a degree because she loves Chuck, she just loves Chuck differently and more. I see her as being full of unexpressed love and wanting that romantic life. We have seen in the past that she is jealous of the carefree life that other little girls had, like in the Christmas episode when she looked at the picture of the little girl on the wall or in the pilot when she was touched by Chuck helping the little ballerina. She still longs for that life.
What I am trying to say is that Sarah grieving about Bryce is no reflection on Charah. Also Sarah is full of love and she is so appreciative of people that show interest in her after her lonely childhood. Like Casey says she is quite the giver but what she gives is her love and devotion, unlike what Casey implied.
One note on Chuck getting mad kungfu skillz, it is a very convenient way to make him part of the team without continuing the hoakey ‘everybody save chuck from his own stupidity’ thing. THEY HAD TO DO THIS FOR THE SHOW TO SURVIVE. I always knew that the intersect was going back in his head, the game changer of course was the mad skillz. Further, it is a great way to get around Chuck’s aversion to killing bad guys, and will perhaps set up conflicts where Chuck does not like the killing machine he has become.
I mentioned this earlier, but come on folks, show Bryce a little love. The guy did not turn out to be the baddie we thought he was, just a lonely spy that died without his girl. Think about it!
I knew the Buy More was gone for good when Morgan quit.
I think they all end up in Hawaii maybe?
April 28th, 2009 at 10:23 am
I think the pivotal point in this episode was when Chuck, free of his intersect download had a serious discussion with Sara of the future once again. This time it was Chuck saying “Sara please quit the CIA and have a life with me” and Sara saying “No, my country is bigger than us so I’m off to the other side of the world” At that point Sara flunked Chuck’s test. He was really ripped apart over it. They didn’t actually say these things just like that but you read it in the faces and what dialog writers hand you.
So at that moment the show hits rock bottom. The its like as if God reaches into the script, downloads Chuck, throws them back together again, and… most important here… Chuck professes his love for Sara … to his father… very big. This, to me means he has decided Sara is more important to him than his own life goals. Another big one. Talk about an emotional rollercoaster awesome show…
April 28th, 2009 at 10:28 am
Carter says:
April 27th, 2009 at 10:12 pm
“Wow. That was just an incredible episode. It made 24 impossible to focus on”
To tell you the truth I was so glad 24 was on afterward to get my mind off of a bad episode in my opinion. It almost washed that bad taste from my mouth.
April 28th, 2009 at 10:30 am
Sorry for being so negative guys. I am glad you all enjoyed it, but I just feel like as fans we got screwed. Way too predictable for me.
April 28th, 2009 at 10:38 am
Go here to send NBC an email to save Chuck:
http://www.nbc.com/Footer/Contact_Us/?__status=1
Scroll down to the box that selects a show. Select Chuck and then write a nice (polite) email with the subject line “Please Save Chuck”, or something along the lines of saving chuck.
April 28th, 2009 at 10:49 am
I don’t know if anyone else saw this but it does not bode well for the future.
On NBCs website it says this:
“SERIES FINALE: Chuck must save Ellie’s life AND her big day from being ruined by Ted Roark (Chevy Chase) and Fulcrum. Morgan Fairchild, Bruce Boxleitner, Scott Bakula, Tony Hale guest star. Watch online now.”
If that is true, that totally SUCKS!!!!! I love this show and not just because I’m a computer nerd named Chuck. Because it is a great show with fantastic acting and writing.
Chuck
April 28th, 2009 at 1:00 pm
Hope folks don’t mind a second set of comments. What an incredible set of twists. I was happy, disappointed, confused, etc. at different points in the show. What great writing.
Happy to see others went thru the same thing last night.
Lastly, doesn’t Yvonne have the most incredible figure – saw some pics of her working out and it reminded me of the time we saw her working out. What are we going to give her a fat content of .0001???
If NBC won’t renew this, let’s hope they let the Sci-Fi channel pick it up and continue the saga.
Thanks to everyone for all the positive push, hopefully it will make a difference and we’ll have a third season of Chuck (& I’ll miss the opening quarter of the Monday Night Football).
Thanks for this site, Yvonne is going to be a mega-star and we were in on the bottom floor.
April 28th, 2009 at 1:14 pm
This is the most AWESOME episode ever!
Casey made another great entrance when he parachuted into the church. Sarah deciding to stay with Chuck even thou she and Bryce tried to tell Chuck, but both were interrupted. Yvonne is so good in this role. Even thou she’s been MIA in this whole save Chuck campaign, I’m sure she’s with us in spirit. Glad to see Gen. Beckman offer Chuck a real job. I have been vocal about getting tired of Chuck’s girly screams about mid-season, and slowly but surely they have been pushing Chuck to grow up…or as Lester put it “Man-up Bartowski”. What an ending. Guys, I know Kung-Fu. Besides the Matrix…finally they gave Chuck some balls! Season 3…Bring It On! Time for NBC to Man-up. BTW the sub sandwiches from Safeway were great last night!
Once again thanks to all the people that make this show possible.
April 28th, 2009 at 1:15 pm
I guess i am the odd man out here, but I thought the episode was great until it became “Chuck vs.the Matrix”. His whole appeal is that he is the everyday guy. Honestly he didnt look that believable in the sequence either. The expressions from Sarah and Casey didnt either. I am kinda bummed.
Maybe I just built it up too much in my head after the awesomeness that was “Chuck vs.the Colonel”.
April 28th, 2009 at 1:15 pm
I think we need to keep making a lot of noise to NBC for another week until this is decided officially…also to make sure other potential networks take note.
April 28th, 2009 at 2:19 pm
I just went to the NBC website and the flash scrolling bar next to the picture of Chuck and Sarah says:
“CHUCK VS. THE RING
Watch the season finale.”
April 28th, 2009 at 3:37 pm
knapptime11 says:
April 28th, 2009 at 10:30 am
DUDE C’mon… the entire season was preidctable… EVERY EPISODE was predictable… that’s not why we watch and it shouldn’t be why you watch… It’s the only show on right now with a “feel good” atmosphere around it that has a little action, a few funny skits and a great romantic tension… Tho Goofy and very unrealistic, that’s not why the fans watch… so as much as you try to say you are, you’re obviously NOT a CHUCK fan and shouldn’t be on this website… unless your a Yvonne fan.. then hey… preach on…
April 28th, 2009 at 4:24 pm
CHUCK REBOOTED AS “THE INCREDIBLE CHUCK” TAKING “SELF DEFENSE FLASHES”
First of all, I’d have to say that this was a PERFECT episode.
I think I was talking to Amberyarno about thinking Chuck would’ve gone Neo Matrix with the download of the Dark Intersect in “Chuck vs. the Suburubs.” I was disappointed that they didn’t do that. However, it’s even better that they used it for the Season 2 Finale.
This is a Game Changer because you can now start with a new Chuck. In a sense, having Bryce die (again) is like a whole new start because this is where you see Chuck getting abilities.
There are a lot of things that can be done with this.
DEUS EX MACHINA
The one thing that I would be a little concerned about is if the writers “abuse” Chuck’s new Intersect by always using these newfound Martial Arts abilities to get Chuck out of a jam.
While it’s true that the abilities were created for making Chuck a legitimate spy who can take care of himself, I’m hoping this remains a “smart” show where it remains cerebral on a certain level vs. always relying on physical violence or brawn to get Chuck out of a jam.
MAKING BRYCE LARKIN A MARTYR
As I said in the “Chuck vs. the Ring” Thread, when it came to Sarah saying “Don’t touch him” and with people wondering who was going to die, it made sense that it would be Bryce and not the father or Beckman.
One thing I’m glad they did was where Bryce said just before he died that Sarah didn’t want to go with Bryce. That was really important for the relationship of Chuck and Sarah. If Chuck thought that Sarah was going to go with Bryce, that would’ve complicated the relationship. She had to make that decision before Bryce died.
One thing I’ve said about Agent Cole Barker and Bryce Larkin is that you couldn’t just easily kill them off. It has to a be a carefully planned surgical removal because “if it isn’t done the right way,” you make those two a martyr.
Bryce’s ultimate line was “It’s a bad day to be me.”
That’s a really powerful line, and also sad. If you look at the thread, there were people before “Chuck vs. the Ring” who were “Bryce Haters.” They couldn’t stand Bryce. They wanted him out of the picture and away from Chuck and Sarah.
Bryce really was a good guy who was looking after Chuck. We even find out that it was Chuck’s dad who assigned Bryce to look after Chuck. That was a really good explanation to tie up the “coincidental” loose end where it turns out that Chuck “just so happens” to be the son of Orion who created the Intersect.
While seeing Bryce in “Chuck vs. the Nemesis” and “Chuck vs. the Break-Up” made me uncomfortable, I wouldn’t have wanted Bryce to die. This is more of a personal note. I understand from a writer perspective and dramatic ending for a Season 2 Finale, but I would have to say that I feel sorry for Bryce.
Bryce didn’t get the girl. He was hated by everyone including Chuck whom he was really trying to rescue. He ends up getting killed (again) and possibly permanently this time.
I apologize if this sounds more like a rant, but it strikes a personal cord with me because I’ve gone through similar experiences much like Bryce where I have to do things that people don’t always understand and people get mad.
Case in point, for some of the people who don’t always understand the Mathematical Analysis and numbers I’ve even posted on this Discussion Board, I get people who get offended by what I write because some don’t understand what I wrote, which can cause animosity.
The way that Chuck was angry with Bryce and angry with his father leaving him, It’s very much like people I’ve come across who get angry or upset with me not fully understanding the reasoning behind it in the same way Chuck didn’t understand why Bryce did what he did and thinking Chuck’s dad was a deadbeat who abandoned them. However, you find out they had their reasons, but they couldn’t tell Chuck.
BECKMAN GAVE HIM A CHOICE
The other thing I haven’t seen anyone really discuss is General Beckman.\
Beckman deserves credit for having offered Chuck a chance to work on the Intersect Program. Rather than just dismissing him, she gave Chuck first crack at it. Maybe there’s some ulterior motive since he’s the son of Orion, but I feel it’s a key point.
This is very much like Agent Cole Barker who asked Chuck if there was anything going on between Chuck and Sarah before he chose to make his move. Chuck said there was nothing. If Chuck had said he and Sarah had a thing, Cole would’ve backed off. He may have been a James Bond Womanizer, but he would’ve respected the Guy Code.
In regards to the project, General Beckman gave Chuck a choice, but Chuck didn’t want to work on the Intersect Program. With that, I side with Beckman in the sense that I wouldn’t have pity for Chuck because he made his choice.
I’m not saying that Chuck was wrong or is any less of a person for turning down the Intersect Program that Beckman offered. However, with that choice, I felt little sympathy when Chuck was upset when Sarah told him she’s in charge of the new Intersect Project and it was where she works with Bryce.
Once again, I apologize if this sounds more like a rant. However, I’ve been in Beckman’s shoes where I’ve run across people who are really smart with the potential like Chuck with a strong Math and Computer Programming and Software Background. I’d offer to teach them how to develop their Subconscious Mind to work with their Conscious Mind using applied Mathematics in ways that would enhance their cerebral performance, but they didn’t want it. They’d turn down my offer. They don’t want to learn and failed to see the benefits.
CHUCK NEEDED TO VOLUNTEER
Chuck was indeed being true to himself where he said he didn’t want to work on the Intersect Project. I would’ve told him to follow his heart.
This may sound “blasphemous” the Chuck/Sarah Relationship Fans, but Sarah is not a good enough reason to have joined the Intersect Project. If he only did it for Sarah, that would’ve been doing it for a wrong reason.
Maybe people will disagree with me on this point because they say Chuck and Sarah should be together and are soulmates, but there are so many people (especially women) who give up everything to follow a guy. They center their whole world around someone else whom they think they’re going to be with forever and live happily ever after, and then the person ditches them.
While the overall story shows there is a genuine love between Chuck and Sarah, not everyone has the same luck with Kismet relationships where they’re destined to be with someone. In this reality, there are no guarantees about love and I would say this is an important lesson to viewers (especially children) that could get the wrong idea and try to live happily ever after just like they saw in the movies and television.
Chuck NEEDED to volunteer to reinstall the Intersect. Sadly, it had to be the death of Bryce to do it.
That’s why for all the Bryce Haters, they should really be giving Bryce credit where credit is due. Bryce is the one who changed Chuck’s life in Season 1 allowing him to find Sarah as the love of his life and then Bryce, once again, is the one that nudges Chuck into getting to be the person he wanted to be.
Though it wouldn’t surprise me if they do a flashback next season to elaborate on the backstory of Bryce and Orion. It’s out there.
SCOTT BAKULA RETURNING AS PAPA BARTOWSKI
On a side note, I like how they left it open-ended where Scott Bakula has an option where he can return as Papa Bartowski. Even though they said he’d just be in 3 episodes, that doesn’t take into account the next season.
They could bring Scott Bakula in again for the Season 3 Premiere because Chuck has a new Intersect and getting input or feedback from Chuck’s dad as the original architect is useful.
You could leave it open where Chuck’s dad could be added to the time. He could be like the bartender in “Walker, Texas Ranger” who was a retired ranger that provides advice.
If you add Scott Bakula to the show, you’ve now got a powerful Tech Person. While it’s true that Chuck is good with computers, having Scott Bakula as Papa Bartowski working in Castle for Research and Development would be good.
CHUCK’S DAD AS “Q” ON THE SHOW
I think that has crossed the mind of the writers where you could bring in Scott Bakula as Chuck’s dad. His motivation for being there is to protect his son. Then he’s no longer on the run, he’s under protection of Casey and Sarah, and he can keep an eye on Chuck and his sister.
You also open the door for more high tech episodes where Chuck’s dad as part of Team Bartowski could help with lowering any tech defenses.
They set themselves up for a James Bond Style where you can have Papa Bartowski making all kinds of kickass gadgets for Casey, Sarah, and Chuck when they go on missions.
How awesome would that be?
WHY SUPERMAN NEEDS KRYPTONITE AND LIMITATIONS
In the “Chuck vs. the Ring” Thread I said I noticed in the promo that Sarah doesn’t know what Chuck does. I don’t know if I elaborated on it enough, but I suspected that if they didn’t tell Ellie what Chuck does, it’s to set the stage for limitations to be placed on Chuck.
If Sarah knew Chuck’s secret along with Devon, that would make it much easier for Chuck to carry out his tasks. However, because they’re leaving Ellie in the Dark, they’re going Clark Kent on with Chuck and making Ellie the “sisterly Lois Lane” who doesn’t know.
This even hints as to why they would bring back the Buy More. They have to put Chuck in situations where he has his abilities, but he can’t use them in front of people who know him. If he has to hide his abilities so Buy Morian Employees don’t find out his Secret Identity, he has to work behind their backs.
BALANCING THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN CHUCK AND SARAH
While I still have some reservations and hope the writers will “manage Chuck’s abilities responsibly” in story, this is a good move when it comes to taking Chuck and Sarah’s relationship to the next level.
Not to knock on Chuck Fans, but I was getting a little tired of Chuck being whiny and insecure. People may disagree, but ask any woman how they feel about that. A guy can be nice, but when he starts getting needy and insecure, it’s a major turn-off. I don’t care how much of a good guy is. Those guys will relegate themselves to “Just Friends” Status with a woman.
You’d start to feel sorry for Sarah who always has to save Chuck’s life and Chuck gets whiny. After years of having to save Chuck’s life, eventually all that whining and insecurity gets old. The last thing the writers want is viewers (especially women) to wonder why Sarah bothers to stick around with Chuck.
These new found James Bond Combat Skills levels the playing field where Sarah can see Chuck as more of an equal in combat.
You can almost argue that the “Spirit of Bryce” who was athletic, coordinated, and balanced physically has been infused with Chuck.
LESS PHYSICAL MORE PSYCHOLOGICAL BALANCE WITH THE TEAM
Team Bartowski with Chuck, Sarah, and Casey was where Chuck handled the cerebral while Sarah and Casey took care of the physical.
Now, that Chuck has abilities (assuming they work properly), that makes Sarah and Casey less necessary in the group.
However, I suspect they’ll do is make Chuck’s initial period with the new Combat Intersect sketchy where it’s like Amberyerno and I were saying about “Inspector Gadget” where it doesn’t work properly or on command. That would be a logical handicap.
However, I would claim that Sarah and Casey will start contributing with their other skill sets. Sarah is good at lockpicking, female spy stuff using beauty and charm to get into compounds, and reconnaissance.
Casey would be the one in charge of summoning military reinforcements and backup, which is something that Chuck can’t do.
April 28th, 2009 at 4:24 pm
Sorry you feel that strong about it, but yes I am indeed a huge fan of Chuck and Yvonne. Just because I didn’t like one episode doesn’t mean I’m not a fan of the series. I just thought it could have been done better. But I am not the one making the money for writing the show so that’s fine I know my opinion doesn’t matter. I am sure there are several people that have thought some episode was less than spectacular, but overall everyone here still enjoys the show.
Not sure what to make about your predictable comment. Sure the whole reason I watch the show is to get enjoyment out of the action, humor, romance, but if you knew what was going to happen every week wouldn’t that take away some of the enjoyment of watching the episode? I’m not arguing with you I’m just asking. In no way am I trying to preach. I am glad that you and 99.99% of the other people who watched the episode thought it was great. The <0.01% who thought it could have been better like myself don’t really matter, but I have spoken to several other people who also think that the finale could have been better as well.
I really don’t want to argue with anyone, but I was a little offended by your comments. And those who were offended by mine I am sorry, I was just trying to state my opinion on the episode not get anyone riled up, which apparently I did.
April 28th, 2009 at 4:56 pm
Thanks Rodillon and Lykaon for your great reviews.
I think Rodillon has a point about Beckman. I think her character is changing. First, two episodes ago (at the end of First Kill) she addresses Sarah as Sarah for (I think) the first time ever. Before she was always Agent Walker. Now she gives Chuck a choice vs. orders. Obviously Chuck has less to offer without the Intersect, but she never really offered a choice before to anyone, especially not Chuck.
Also, I liked the Bryce ending. I never hated Bryce, but he did get on my nerves from time to time. I think it was an acceptable and honorable way for him to go.
April 28th, 2009 at 7:48 pm
Absolutely rooting for NBC to renew Chuck.
The writers are great, the actors are great, and the action with story lines with a sense of humor is what has been missing from the movies and other TV shows.
That was fantastic how Sarah was interrupted when she and Chuck were dancing. She was about to tell him she was staying.
It does seem like the writers rushed some plotlines, just in case the show is cancelled. Such as Ellie and Awesome did not have to become married yet, Orion did not have to appear yet, Morgan and Anna living together was never looked at, Ellie never asked Chuck why he and Sarah decided not to live together, etc.
Other open storylines are Jill is still at large, and yes these enemy spies at the end could have taken Bryce and brought him back to life.
Great series and thanks for the fantastic info. here.
April 28th, 2009 at 11:32 pm
i read an interview on tvguide.com where josh schwartz said bryce IS dead.
April 29th, 2009 at 12:50 am
Great review Lykaon!
high hopes for a third season after that ‘to be continued…’ quote.
love strahotski.com
Chakshu
April 29th, 2009 at 1:17 am
I have to say I’m pretty surprised by how overwhelmingly positive the reactions here are. While the episode is decent for the most part, the ending is just ridiculous. I can’t see how they can continue down this path of all-knowing, all-powerful Chuck without turning it into a farce. I thought the previous episode would’ve made a decent finale. After this episode, I’m hoping season 3 doesn’t get picked up.
April 29th, 2009 at 2:38 am
I loved this episode. Up until the end. I knew that that he was going to get the intersect back when he dropped into that crazy room.
But now, my heart is having a tug of war. I want a season three to see the culmination of Charah, but it’s freaky that this new Chuck is out there.
The essentials of Charah is SHE’S the badass and he’s the clumsy one.
I’m all confused about it now.
But the line “How many times do you have to be a hero for you to realize you are that guy?”
That got me, right there. Sweetest words, ever!
I love this show too much to see it leave like that, but the problems shown, I’m a little freaked out about the whole thing.
No more Buy More? What happens NOW?
I’m freaked, superbly!
And Bryce Larkin has to be back, he’s GOTTA BE.
He’s a big part of Chuck and his background.
Gotta go back to the roots, man.
I hope this show doesn’t die like the rest.
It needs to be finished.
April 29th, 2009 at 8:49 am
I remember in past episodes, Sarah tells chuck that he does not need to be a spy, she said “leave the spying and lying to me” and in chuck vs the seduction, she said women prefer men who takes a Back seat with chuck hearing all of it which means she doesn’t want chuck to change and become a spy… but in episode Chuck vs the beefcake, she said She wants a guy who “takes charge” of any situation specially a relationship….Now that chuck is a badass, ans a superspy intersect, we have a totally new situation here…I noticed sarah’s reaction and her expression when he saw chuck kick some ass, she was somewhat concerned and she cant believe it coz shes used to telling chuck what to do and protecting chuck..
CHUCK RENEWAL: I think Zachary levi already hinted in one of his interviews that there will be a season 3…I watched it on youtube before..When asked about his character as nerd, he said…..”i wont be handling a gun until the start of season 3″ or something like that….
April 29th, 2009 at 9:58 am
I also noticed Sarah was a bit terrified of the new Chuck. She loves Chuck the man, not Chuck the Borg.
My guess is that there really is something wrong and frightening about the new intersect as was hinted by Bryce before he died.
I think that some of the Charah problems next season will be due to Chuck finding it hard to control his new powers.
I was wondering if Chuck 2.0 might actually force himself on Sarah as some kind of computer seduction program simply because Chuck had the random thought in his head….
Please everybody contact NBC and pre-order the DVDs and keep the drum beat going for one more week!!!!!!!!!!!
April 29th, 2009 at 11:44 am
Wow, amazing episode. Hey can anybody explain what ring is referred to about the fulcrum is just a part of the ring? Has this ring been mentioned before in previous episode or has it actually appear somewhere in the previous episode or this episode?
April 29th, 2009 at 1:19 pm
Goldmedal: All we know at this point about the Ring is that they are a crime supergroup with a very specific goal which the producers won’t reveal until next year, and Fulcrum is simply one unit of the Ring conglomerate.
I just pre-ordered season two on dvd to support the show and I was happy because amazon has a price gaurentee that I will get the cheapest price from now until the time it is shipped. Way cool!
May 1st, 2009 at 2:33 am
Yes Goldmedal: I noticed tuesday night while watching “Chuck VS the Colonel” something that escaped me before Seeing “The Ring”When Papa B is shocked that Rourke knows about Ellie’s Wedding,Rourke Says”I’m part of a Major conglomerate of bad guys,few details escape me.”That was the first hint that Fulcrum was only a part of a bigger group.If Fulcrum was it, he would have said organization of bad guys insted.
May 1st, 2009 at 2:44 am
Jelloapple:I think Bryce will be back because,Why would they have his body removed just before they are about to kill Chuck,Sarah and Casey,if they are going to remove the bodies they could just wait until they kill the others plus they did’nt remove the other dead bodies that Chuck Sarah and Casey found upon entering the building.I think it is because they thought that during the time Bryce was alone in the vault he may have downloaded the intersect and they wanted to try to revieve like Fulcrum did.And remember the agents that removed Bryce left before the others found out Chuck downloaded it,so they have no way of knowing what happened.
May 1st, 2009 at 2:54 am
Chuck and NBC Fan:Just a thought.I think Jill will be back if the show is, and we will find out she was a double agent who is actually part of this more powerfull group.
May 1st, 2009 at 3:11 am
Some things I noticed about this episode.General Beckman looks happy and friendly for the first time when she offers Chuck a job on the the new intersect project and then again when telling Sarah she will be in charge of the Intersect project.Sarah does’nt look happy when Bryce says Walker and Larkin together again.Also this is the only episode were Sarah says so the bad Guys can hear her”Did you flash Chuck” Since it is a secret Sarah and Casey have always guarded why would she let it slip to the bad guys although they did notice something happened.I think she was briefed enough about the project before desiding to stay with Chuck, to know that the new intersect included this ability to fight and that it was there only hope of escape.She was still shocked to see it in action but still I think new it was there.
May 1st, 2009 at 2:05 pm
todays news are good. early indications are very positive about the third season.
)))
keep you posted
May 1st, 2009 at 4:11 pm
OK, just a few thoughts. First, awesome episode. I, like several others, was on my feet when “SuperChuck” made is debut. “Chuck me”…epic line, I nearly peed my pants. Yvonne throughout the episode was absolutely breathtaking with just the right comic timing and facial expressions. I especially liked how she tried to hide the fact that she had torn off the lower half of her first bridesmaid dress when she and Chuck ran into Ellie in the hallway after taking out the bad guys and right before the sprinklers go on.
Now for my concers. As much as I liked seeing Chuck kick butt, I’m worried that one or both of these things could happen. Either, as several have already pointed out, Chuck is no longer the adorable nerd that Sarah has obviously fallen love with. He might become cocky, arrogant, and downright dangerous. Either that, or this will be come Chuck’s “Jumping of the Shark” episode and only us really hard core fans will come back, dooming the show to, at best, one more season.
One thing Bryce said, though, gives me a little hope (for the series, but probably not for Chuck in the short run). Orion asks him about the changes the CIA/NSA made to the Intersect, and Bryce responds, “You don’t want to know.” Are these “upgrades” dangerous to whoever gets downloaded? Will Chuck’s new quest be to get the physically harmful parts out? What will this new development do to the Charah dynamic/chemistry? Whatever the case, I definitely don’t want to experience the whiny Chuck again. He made a decision, and needs to be willing to live with the consequences of that decision. If he does go back that way, Sarah and Casey need to have a serious wall-to-wall counseling session with that young man.
My two cents, for what it’s worth.
May 2nd, 2009 at 11:42 am
The show always makes geeky references, and I only get them about half the time. But the Matrix reference was hard to miss, unless you haven’t seen the movie… I mean come on. Getting martial arts info downloaded into your head? Total Matrix. I do hope you all remember that scene.
As for the episode… very impressive. Good action, good emotion, etc. All-around good. Also, Adam Baldwin is still awesome.
As for the future… “To Be Continued” can be taken either way. It might mean “There’s definitely going to be another season”, but it might mean “We’re done, the rest of the story is for you to decide”. I really want to see another season come out. Plus, I hope the Season 2 DVD comes out in time for my birthday (August).
May 2nd, 2009 at 2:46 pm
hi! i’m new to the site, but a fan of chuck from the pilot…
i think the chuck as a better spy, more like bryce and cole, will bring lots of very interesting conflict to the sarah-chuck (charah?) relationship.
think about sarah at the pilot, and as many commenters have noted, sarah is emotionally guarded. she has lived all her life under false pretenses. her boyfriend bryce had just lied to her about being an enemy agent, betrayed her, and now is dead (not really, as we later find out!)
the appeal of chuck is that he isn’t a spy. note the cool beach scene at the end of the pilot (thanks WB.com for making that ep available).
she says, trust me chuck.
trust is a big issue in the spyworld, a big issue for sarah, and since the show is a metaphor for the real world, its a big issue in real life relationships as well.
since chuck is becoming more of a spy, alot of these trust issues will rear their ugly head.
an interesting movie that is a similar metaphor is “Duplicity”, clive owen and julia roberts. in the whole movie, the two spies’ relationship is stymied by a lack of trust. (i shan’t spoil the end!)
when chuck was an analyst, trust was already an issue. now that he’s stepping up a bit, its even more of an issue now.
May 3rd, 2009 at 3:42 am
http://www.eonline.com/uberblog/watch_with_kristin/b121695_chuck_decision_delayed_week_more.html
one more week yo wait
decision is delayed
May 4th, 2009 at 2:11 am
Hey, great review… My only contribution is in the classic line from Morgan… “if you hit me, it only teaches me to hit.” I almost died laughing. the thought of chuck without morgan is almost inconcievable.
May 5th, 2009 at 2:35 am
Is it just me people, or did this Monday night seem to be seriously lacking?? Sure, it was nice to see the Dodgers beat the Dbacks but that just pales in comparison to seeing Yvonne in action… .
Oh, well, it’s going to be a long wait until Season 3, I suppose. (Still got my fingers crossed, of course.)
May 5th, 2009 at 8:21 am
cool_breeze, I was thinking the same thing. I did re-watch vs. The Colonel, though. Had to have my Yvonne fix!
May 5th, 2009 at 6:39 pm
What? There is something to watch on Monday nights? f0rt_bragg has it right, time to re-watch both seasons – again. It’s going to be a long summer, assuming of course NBC does the smart thing and grants us a third season (I think they will!)
May 6th, 2009 at 1:17 am
Re: Bryce
The thing that stands out in my mind is the fact that the writers had Bryce “die” with his eyes open. It just so happens that his eyes are now conveniently open when the intersect 2.0 download occurs. If Bryce does somehow survive again(even though he has his own show) there are two interesting possibilities. First that Bryce and Chuck, roommates from college (like the shows creators) go off to “save the world” along with Sarah, Casey, and maybe even Predator and the bachelor party stripper. Turning Chuck into a band of good guys.
The other option is that Bryce lives and the “Ring” has just taken him to a secret hideout to download or torture the information out of him.
So many possibilities and we don’t even know if there is a going to be a season 3. Well maybe this is an opportunity for an up and coming cable channel to pick up Chuck and run with it. We can only hope.
February 10th, 2010 at 1:08 am
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