Strahovski and First Class
My usual goal with the title of my reviews is to use the plural of the episode title.
Unfortunately, neither me nor my wife were able to come up with the plural of first class (first classes didn’t quite sound right), so we’ll just leave it singular this time.
But let it be known that I’m on to the Chuck writers! Last week it was “Operations Awesome” and before that I had to pluralize in Spanish. I think they’re trying to make it hard on me!
Oh, that’s not why you’re here? That’s right. We should get to the review of Episode 3.05 – Chuck Versus First Class.
“Is Chuck Bartowski a real spy?”
I think the answer to that question is an unequivocal no. But that’s why we love Chuck, right? Since he’s been tagging along with Casey and Sarah for two years, I guess everyone expects that he’s going to become more like a spy over time.
But at the same time, if he doesn’t need Casey and Sarah then the show won’t need them either. And as we clearly learned tonight, Chuck without Casey and Sarah is not all that interesting to watch.
I try to keep it light here, but I would be remiss if I didn’t acknowledge that this is by far the most awkward and unfunny episodes of Chuck to ever grace our televisions. That’s not to say we should cancel our season passes or anything, but we’ve come to expect more.
“I hate insurgents.”
Our B plot was really the strong plot of the week, but not particularly important to the overall story. I’m not quite sure why Casey would assist Morgan in asserting his dominance over Buy More, but it was certainly a union for the ages.
Although the obvious struggle between Morgan and the employees is a nice subplot for the show, I wonder how long they’re going to milk this. The assistant manager position has always been someone for the audience to revile.
Joshua Gomez is a pretty funny dude, but he does his best when he’s playing off of Chuck. At this point, they have him carrying the entire Buy More plotlines, and I’m not sure it’s a change that I’m a fan of. I miss Chuck being a part of the Buy More crew.
Adam Baldwin was as awesome as always, but brainwashing Lester seemed a bit over the top. I wonder how long Lester will stay subservient.
“Inducing negative g’s.”
So one awesome fact we learn about Sarah Walker in this episode is that she’s a pilot, though it was mentioned as if we should already know that. Perhaps I’m forgetting an episode in there somewhere. I guess she did talk Chuck down with a helicopter early in the first season.
We also learn an interesting backstory about Sarah burying Bryce. I question the validity of her story, though, since we also know she went off the grid to meet Chuck. Perhaps she was doing both.
“They won’t let you evolve.”
I don’t know how you guys feel about Shaw, but I think his character isn’t bad. He serves a purpose of separating Chuck from his handlers to give him some experience.
On the other hand, Brandon Routh has the charisma of a toothbrush. I genuinely feel sorry for Yvonne Strahovski because he has to be really difficult to play off of. He delivers all of his lines with the same emotion and you don’t even like him while he’s doing it.
It is possible to be an antagonist while also remaining charismatic — Cole did it last season — but I’m just not feeling Routh, and I think Shaw could be a much more compelling character in someone else’s hands.
“Unfortunately I did not get to use my nunchuks.”
I like this line because it sums up the whole episode. It never really got it’s claws out. It traded in some of the usual smarter humor for nothing but sight gags and physical comedy.
Both are welcome additions to the show, but being balanced against truly awesome saves by Sarah and the dry wit of Casey is what makes it a package deal.
I’m not sure whether it was that the solo mission for Chuck didn’t work or if it’s Shaw putting ice on the whole cast, but something just wasn’t right. Hopefully it was just a necessary evil to set-up some future plotlines with both Shaw and Hannah.
“Chuck isn’t home free yet.”
As disappointing as this episode was, it was still better than most shows on television and I’m certain there are better episodes in our future. Next week looks to feature some more traditional stuff, while also injecting some new blood into the Buy More staff.
Our lady Yvonne Strahovski did as fine a job as she could given the circumstances and perhaps only Yvonne could pull out such strong emotions against the stone wall that is Brandon Routh. I can’t possibly imagine a scenario where believable chemistry could be manifested between these two.
Screen captures should be up tomorrow afternoon (hastily done so I can get to Mass Effect 2!). Until then, let’s talk it out! Did you love this episode? If not, what didn’t work for you?
January 25th, 2010 at 10:18 pm
Not very supportive. Better to spend your time finding ways to get more support and viewers for Chuck. Not sure why you try to be a tv critic so-to-speak. Critics good or bad are on the joke level of U.S. Senators- that’s bad
January 25th, 2010 at 10:19 pm
Thanks for the feedback. Writing the reviews each week is certainly an undertaking. Not doing it at all would be much easier. Attacking me when you don’t like my review is certainly an interesting tactic, though.
One bad episode does not a bad series make, and hopefully even the show-runners can take some criticism while still understanding that we [chuck fans] love them.
Things aren’t always perfect, and this is one bad episode among dozens of awesome ones.
January 25th, 2010 at 10:20 pm
Interesting…I thought that was one of the most enjoyable episodes of Chuck yet, certainly one of the better episodes this season. I’m usually a big fan of the team dynamic, but I thought this episode made for a great change of pace.
I think you’re dead on that Routh is playing Shaw pretty flat, which means I’ll be less than pleased if this show is setting up a love square soon…I’ll enjoy his turn much more if he continues making Sarah/Casey look like overprotective dweebs. Is this the first episode without Beckman?
January 25th, 2010 at 10:29 pm
i completely agree with u lykaon. especially shaw being played kinda bleh. had some good parts but for sure not one of the stronger episodes.
January 25th, 2010 at 10:31 pm
I personally also really liked this episode. They changed up the style quite a bit from all episodes beforehand, which is going to cause some polarization of opinions. But I found it very entertaining. I loved the buy more plot, Casey brainwashing Lester, while a little over the top, had me rolling with laughter. As for Shaw, I actually quite like the character. As I have said on the forums, he makes for good conflict, which is always fun, and at least he has a back story. And by the way Joeman, the pilot episode didn’t have Beckman in it.
January 25th, 2010 at 10:36 pm
This episode is going to be a serious point of contention among the fans from here on out. Personally, I didn’t think it was all that bad, and I enjoyed that they took a chance to shake up the dynamic a little.
Frankly, Chuck NEEDED to get out on his own. As we saw in Operation Awesome, he relies too heavily on Sarah and Casey to bail him out of trouble. I think Chuck getting to the point where he can hold his own will make the dynamic between the Team that much stronger. Because they ARE a team. Chuck can’t do everything himself, but Casey and Sarah shouldn’t have to take up all the slack, either.
As for Shaw, he comes across to me as not so much lacking in charisma, but more of a “I’ve seen too much and been hurt too deeply” emotional wasteland. He doesn’t emote because….well, he doesn’t have any feelings LEFT. His experiences have left him dead inside. He’s shut off and disconnected.
It’s another counterpoint to Chuck, Sarah and Casey. Each handle the stress of their job and personal tragedies in different ways. Chuck turns to his friends and family. For the most part Casey finds a certain twisted pleasure in the work. Sarah is following much the same path as Shaw in that she’s really the most closed off of the three main members of the team. And perhaps this is the importance of Shaw. Shaw is who Sarah could BECOME if she keeps going down the road she’s already on, and could possibly be a wake-up call to her about what she actually wants.
It’s entirely plausible to me that by the end of his role in the series everyone is going to turn around and say, “Oh YEAH!”
January 25th, 2010 at 10:53 pm
I gotta agree with Ambar and Corey. I enjoyed the episode and I get what Shaw’s all about. I think it’s going to be interesting seeing Sarah and Casey deal with their exasperation over the way he does things.
I’m not familiar with Kristin Kreuk’s work but I really liked her in this episode.
January 25th, 2010 at 10:56 pm
I personally loved this episode, although it would have been so much better to see more of Yvonne than the episode did.
Somehow i cant imagine a high-flyer who’s been fired to go to a Nerd-Herd…but i guess we have Wall-Street bigwigs flipping McD burgers these days so it might just work out. However, i really liked the way they built up this dynamic between Chuck & Hannah.
Sarah mentions to Shaw about burying Bryce. Did she mean it emotionally or physically, cuz we saw Byrce’s body being dragged away at the end of Season 2. Plus, i think she was just lying to get away without involving Chuck into the Prague situation. We could see that she is still loves (not just cares about) Chuck because she keeps insisting every step of the way that Chuck’s not ready, but then is also right there to help her. And Casey calling Sarah to check on Chuck really builds on his comment from one of the previous episodes “What?! I was not hatched”
This episode had little drama, few emotions, and very little to laugh at. But the show somehow left me happy, satisfied and wanting to see next episode. Wonder if they can pull off this combination over the reaminder of the season.
January 25th, 2010 at 11:01 pm
i commented on the last episode about how i REALLY dislike shaw, he seemed distant. however, i think i’m going to like him.
January 25th, 2010 at 11:12 pm
episode was slower…I think because of the lack of emotions, yeah there were a few. I like Hannah, she’s cute even though Yvonne is always #1. Think we could get a screen cap of Hannah in the forums?
January 25th, 2010 at 11:13 pm
I have to respectfully disagree, I really enjoyed this episode. I thought it did an excellent job of balancing Chuck growing and learning to be a spy, while still keeping Sarah and Casey a part of the team, and showing how he relies on them, and also how he is still the same old Chuck. (Girlish Scream).
The B Plot was my favorite of the whole series. I’ve always loved the little bits we’ve seen of Casey working in the Buy More, so this was a dream, and hilarious.
Kristin Kreuk was wonderful, and I’m looking forward to seeing her in future episodes. She really is the type of person Chuck could fall for. I hope she isn’t an agent.
I really like Shaw, and Brandon Routh’s performance. He has a hard job; show no emotion, but let little cracks through, and I respect that. The character is very interesting as well. I hope he doesn’t turn out to be a double agent…
So all in all, best episode of the season, probly in my overall top ten. Awesome episode.
January 25th, 2010 at 11:57 pm
Random side note – anyone else notice how they are tying in the buy more video footage in store (like whats playing on the TV’s in the background) with the theme of the episode?
This week they had the blue angel’s and the episode took place on a plane, last week they had boxing matches playing and it was fight club week and so on and so forth.
Just a tiny little tidbit not too many people have talked about but I thought a fun thing to look for each week.
January 25th, 2010 at 11:59 pm
Give this episode an incomplete grade. Wasn’t thrilled with it as there wasn’t enough Sarah. Just wonder where Kristin Kreuk’s character is going to go and what/how long Shaw is going to be around.
Did like Casey’s contributions to the show (as usual).
Just feel like we go cheated and waiting for the other shoe to drop.
And thank you for the review, I enjoy reading them a great deal.
January 26th, 2010 at 12:00 am
I honestly like this episode better than last week’s. This episode just felt different to me. Team Bartowski was split-up for a change. We see Chuck in the big bad world for the first-time. Sarah’s the overprotective mama bear. And, Casey…well he’s just Casey. Lol. Sarah’s excuse for going to Lisbon still seems questionable. It would of been cold for the CIA to not fulfill a deceased agent’s wish.
I understand the mix feelings with Shaw/Brandon. I kind of find it necessary for him being so bland. His line of work cost him his wife. He’s trying to convey that issue to Team Bartowski. I truly feel that Shaw’s role in all this is to turn Chuck into a spy. That scene where he tells Sarah about Eve. That kind of explained why he’s so cold and sort of cut-off with the team. He fell in love with her and those emotions might have gotten her killed. The fact that he acknowledged the relationship between Sarah and Chuck was poignant.
Btw, does anyone else find it weird that Shaw knew about the Ring for 5 years now??? To me it seemed like Beckman and Team Bartowski found out during the finale.
January 26th, 2010 at 12:15 am
I agree that this was an underwhelming episode. I love the show for its tongue-in-cheek humor – just good fun, but unfortunately that was lacking in the episode.
Hannah is the new Lou. Though I liked Lou, there’s something suspicious about Hannah…seems too perfect to be true and she tends to appear at the right time. But having said that, Kristen Kreuk fits in well.
I’m still indifferent about Shaw. Not sure if I should pity him for his lost.
@rp: supporting the show does not mean you have to fake liking the episodes. This site is for Yvonne and “Chuck” fans alike, but it’s also just a fansite, run by fans with the hearts to support the show no matter what. It doesn’t mean we’re bashing the show if we express displeasure on a certain episode.
January 26th, 2010 at 1:08 am
No mention of Hannah?
January 26th, 2010 at 1:25 am
This has to be the first review I’ve ever fully disagreed with.
As important as Sarah and Casey are in completing the trio that is Team Bartowski, the show is also about the gradual evolution of Chuck as a spy. I found this episode one of the best of this season so far and it was nice seeing Chuck being pushed to grow and gain experience without being coddled by Sarah and Casey. The ultimate goal is to have Chuck become the ultimate spy, so I don’t see why Sarah and Casey need to be that overprotective. Besides, Chuck wasn’t completely alone this episode so it pretty much invalidates the point that “Chuck” without Sarah and Casey isn’t “Chuck” since he did receive aid at certain points of the mission.
Although I can understand that because Strahotski is a fansite of Yvonne Strahovski, I can’t help but get that taste of bias when I read this review. Even though Sarah didn’t take part all that much in tonight’s episode, this was still one of the better episodes this season and as a whole it helped Chuck evolve, not to mention it helped spread some new plot lines such as the introduction of Hannah.
January 26th, 2010 at 1:26 am
I was actually a big fan of this episode. I thought it was a nice change of pace. Could have used more Yvonne of course.
January 26th, 2010 at 2:01 am
Ambaryerno sums up my feeling about the show very well. It has to evolve and needs action. The plane bit got plenty exiting I thought. I do miss the B plot humor of the older chuck episodes. Perhaps they will bring some of it back before the season is over.
January 26th, 2010 at 2:04 am
BTW thanks for the review Lykaon. Even if you wrote one I totally didn’t agree with I’d still welcome your viewpoint. Its very nice to have a well considered write up to place comments on.
January 26th, 2010 at 2:14 am
This episode rocks. And although Sarah didn’t play a major part in this episode, I wasn’t at all disappointed coz finally Chuck is now venturing out on his own.
I like Brandon Routh’s character coz he provides a new dynamic to the Sarah-Casey-Chuck tandem. BR’s ‘bland’ personality is what I expect from a field operative who has seen it all; he’ll always have his emotions in check and come off as rather stoic or reserved. Will this be Sarah’s new love interest? I hope not. Nobody beats Superman
I don’t know where the writers are going with Hannah. I love Kristin Kreuk in Smallville (cool that they have 2 Superman characters in this episode CK and LL
) but I don’t want her to be Sarah’s competition. I can’t choose. I want to marry them both lol.
Anyway, BR and KK might infuse some more excitement to this ‘awesome’ show. Hopefully this season will top the last. Honestly guys, I can’t even fathom why this series isn’t top 10 in the US. You Americans are nuts lol.
Great review as always.
January 26th, 2010 at 2:17 am
I actually liked the episode (despite Sarah basically being cut out of it) … right until the end. Chuck’s interest in Lou? Made sense at that point in season 1. Falling for Jill so quickly in season 2? A little forced (literally unbelievable that Chuck would be so shallow) but she was his ex, so okay. But now, when it’s all “out there” with Sarah and he knows beyond the shadow of a doubt that she loves him? We’re supposed to believe he’d still fall for the first pretty girl he sees? That’s too much.
January 26th, 2010 at 2:25 am
Well, I actually like this weeks episode a lot. The first three of this season weren’t my thing, but the last two have been awesome.
PS: Hannah is fine
January 26th, 2010 at 3:28 am
Ya i agree this week was huge for chuck going on his first solo mission. We also got so see a little more into Shaw’s background and we get to see that hes actually a pretty good guy.
January 26th, 2010 at 3:37 am
Weird, I thought this was the best episode of the season so far, and I think Shaw is clearly not supposed to be charismatic, considering how cold and ruthless he’s been so far.
January 26th, 2010 at 5:19 am
Wasn’t Casey-as-Morgan’s-bodyguard a reference to Adam Baldwin’s first film role in MY BODYGUARD?
January 26th, 2010 at 5:22 am
I had a mix feelings with this episode. Since season one up to the 2nd season Chuck gave us non stop action comedy and romance that we all grew to love. And as much as I really want that formula every single episode I think that this episode fitted well into establishing what Chuck and his future should be. Chuck embracing his true spy-self is just about time to have his own mission. Though Shaw’s method was a bit abrupt and surprising in a way, I feel that Shaw is like the aggressive Cole. I mean if Cole had it his way he would have wanted Chuck fire that gun. But no. That’s maybe one of the reason why we feel taken aback by Shaw’s method. Breaking the Team Bartowski dynamic of the show seems like a risk, but at some point this will happen and Chuck being the super spy that he needs to be ready.
I like this episode because it reminded me how I fell in love with KRISTIN KREUK..I thought I could never love her again after a disaster Smallville turn out. But men!! She was looking fine!! I disagree with McG II.. Sure Chuck knows how Sarah feels about her, and as well as Sarah knows exactly how Chuck feels about her. But it was well established during the 1st episode that Chuck embracing his role in national security cannot be compromised by his feelings for a spy like Sarah, they both know what’s at stake, especially now, that Sarah learned the truth about Shaw’s wife. I think Hannah would be a good love interest for Chuck, I mean though Chuck has been honest about his job at the Buy More, he and Hannah have things in common, being lost. Hannah just got fired from her job and had nowhere to go, Chuck on the otherhand wants to be a spy at the same time contemplating on what he has to loose, little things like enjoying the Eiffel Tower that he’d meaning to go since his dad told him about it. The Buy More stuff was a bit over the top, but that bedroom scen with Lester..That was soooo hilarious I cant stop laughing about it.. I liked the little revelation about Sarah being a pilot,Bryce and Eve Shaw. I like Casey’s interaction with Morgan, though I’m not sure what he can get with it.
Downside, less humor, where the hell was Big Mike? Less screen time for Yvonne. Apart from this this was a 4 out of 5 star episode..
January 26th, 2010 at 7:55 am
@Alvin
It is fair to point out that this is an Yvonne Strahovski fansite first and foremost. Episodes with less Yvonne are always going to be less popular, as it is her that I’m have an obligation to be most concerned with. I don’t think that’s exactly why I disliked this episode, but it certainly didn’t help.
@bigdawg
I probably should have talked about Hannah more, but I don’t have much to say really. Her introduction in this episode is a lot like Shaw’s in the last episode. It was purely for introduction and she didn’t really add much.
Kristin Kreuk is cute, but will definitely suffer from UNeTYS. I’ve never watched Smallville, so I have no expectations of her yet.
@radiodjjon
If I think about it, I might capture some Hannah for the forums but don’t count on it. Since she didn’t share any scenes with Yvonne, it won’t be high on my list.
Since KK will be around a while, I imagine that some scenes with Yvonne are bound to happen and those will surely make it into the gallery.
January 26th, 2010 at 8:23 am
It’s your site, Lykaon, and a fine one at that, but I disagree with your bad review. This was a great episode IMO. Season 3 has Chuck with new abilities. He needs to evolve. So far the evolution is going at a nice pace IMO.
Seems to me like you and I have the same two shows as our favorite shows right now only in the reverse order. My top two shows that I am watching these days are Chuck season 3 followed by Chuck season 2.
January 26th, 2010 at 8:39 am
I have always liked your comments about the show. Your right that this episode was lacking something and I think for me it was the action seens with the great music they usually have. When Hannah and Chuck were at the bar in first class they used a song from another episode. Disappointing as I usually download the songs used from Chuck every week, it gets me listening to music outside of the top 40.
January 26th, 2010 at 8:43 am
kristin kreuk + yvonne strahovski = awesomeness!
January 26th, 2010 at 9:20 am
“On the other hand, Brandon Routh has the charisma of a toothbrush.”
Interesting choice of metaphor, Lykaon.
January 26th, 2010 at 9:50 am
Overall, the episode was really good.. Grant it, it didnt have the trio that we all have grown to love.. But this season is about Chuck becoming a real spy. The B plot of the episode with Casey joining up with Morgan was really good.. There were some things that were a little out there but it gave the show humor this week. Sarah is a pilot, I mean that she did talk chuck down with the Helicoptor in season one.. but this is only the second time it has been mentioned in the whole series. Some of the scenes on the plane were good.. I like the fencing scene with Stone Cold Steve Austin, that was good but humorous as well. I have to admit, the guest stars on the show so far this season have been really good..
Love plot lines building up..I can see it now..
With the addition of Roth and Kreuk to the show is definetly going to be interesting for our fantasy couple of Chuck and Sarah.
Shaw(Roth) and Sarah started to develop this repsect for one another at the end of the episode last night, and I can sense that the writers are going to explore this love interest with these two..
As far as Chuck goes, well Hannah(Kreuk) is going to be a nice addition as well.. Chuck and Hannah have lots in common. Computers, trying to find themselves in life.. and a mutual attraction for one another. And No lies, so far!!
The Question is.. How will Sarah respond..
Definetly could have used more Yvonne tonight but it was a good episode..
She didnt smile hardly at all this week. Im a huge fan of the beautiful smile of hers..
Looking forward to next week.
January 26th, 2010 at 11:43 am
I’m not sure about this episode. I liked parts but didn’t like parts.
I think Routh did a decent job playing an agent who’s lost everything and that has turned him into an emotionless person but yet right near the end he showed you differently.
I found it funny that since Casey didn’t have much to do with Chuck he turned his attention to helping Morgan with the insurgents. One question I have is, what happened to all the “hand” Morgan got by firing Lester last episode? It seems weird how its almost like it never happened. Baldwin is awesome.
I don’t like episodes that don’t show Yvonne as a main part of the plot. I know the show is called “Chuck” but Sarah is HOT and we need to see more of her. Yvonne did a good job considering she didn’t have all that much to do.
The part I liked was Chuck doing it himself in his not-so-spy-like way (not getting the pen to work but ending up knocking out Stone Cold anyways). The fencing scene was good but why not use Stone Cold better? Stone Cold isn’t a fencer, he’s a stone cold punisher. He should have beaten Chuck up and then “stunned” him.
I’ve always liked Kristin Kreuk and I’m excited to see her and Sarah together. But, like someone mentioned earlier, I think there is more to Hannah then meets the eye. I’m curious to see what that’s all about.
All-in-all a good episode to further Chuck as a spy, but you need to have more Yvonne.
January 26th, 2010 at 2:29 pm
this whole season has been disappointing
January 26th, 2010 at 4:57 pm
I will be honest. IMO this is the worst season of Chuck so far, with ep 5 being really boring. Maybe I expected too much after finishing season 2 with that great finale.
With no more flirting and tension between Sarah and Chuck in season 3, the show really lost alot. All that remains now is comedy and drama, which, so far are really cheap and predictable.
And finally they added a new character Shaw, too bad they chose a boring actor. Completely agree with Lykaon here.
The only good thing about this episode is Hannah, can’t wait too see what happens next. Just don’t make her a Ring agent or I’ll lose it!
January 26th, 2010 at 6:23 pm
do u like “chuck” in real life?
January 26th, 2010 at 6:48 pm
I loved this episode and all the episodes this season. The writers are trying to evolve Chuck as a character, the exact thing many people said would need to happen for Chuck to be renewed for more seasons. I haved loved Shaw as a character. He is calm and knows what he is doing. Yes he can come off as bland, but like others have pointed out, his character wasn’t made to have emotions. Hannah should be an interesting storyline and I can’t wait to find out more about her. In my opinion, Adam Baldwin has been a better actor this season than the last 2. Besides Yvonne, he has been my favorite actor this year.
Two things to point out about last nights episode. The first is Sarah knowing how to fly a plane. Immediately I remembered Chuck vs. the Helicoptor. I figured most people knew should could fly a plane and I like the fact they brought it back up. The second is her story about burying Brice. I honestly dont think she was telling the truth. Now whether that was to lie about trying to leave with Chuck, or if was for another reason, I don’t know. But, it is interesting to think about.
Overall these past few episodes have been some of my faorites of Chuck. I hope it continues to deliver as the season goes along. Next week’s episode looks iffy, but if it is like what this season has been, I’m sure I will like it.
January 27th, 2010 at 12:28 am
So Lykaon are you not digging the new Chuck flashes so much? I’m not really feeling them like the old Chuck flashes. I can get next to the idea that Chuck flashes on people or items, but flashing and then being able to kick the bad guys ass seems a little cheap. I dunno, it’s whatever the writers do with it
January 27th, 2010 at 3:48 am
I felt the first 2 episodes were in too much of a hurry.They had a lot of info to tell,but still was classic Chuck. The current three are missing something and I finally know what it is.Even in the darkest Fanfic there is a tender moment or talk between C&S. the current episodes have none of it under the surface nor overt.Even the truce of friendship that was negotiated looked as if strangers decide to be friends. I understand Sarah’s anger, but the distance seems contrived, not natural. In the darkest depths of season 1 and 2, C & S still talked.
January 27th, 2010 at 4:41 am
I totally see what you’re saying. But they went through a little rough patch and it takes some time to get back to tender talking. They do need a “friendship” moment though so there is some interaction between them
January 27th, 2010 at 8:39 am
I posted at the forum and forgot to post here:
“I’m not quite sure why Casey would assist Morgan in asserting his dominance over Buy More, but it was certainly a union for the ages.”
- Like you wrote, “I hate insurgents”, Casey likes to be in a quiet place, not some assman circus.
“We also learn an interesting backstory about Sarah burying Bryce. I question the validity of her story, though, since we also know she went off the grid to meet Chuck. Perhaps she was doing both.”
- Like Shaw, I believe in every word Sarah said. She would never use Bryce to hide anything, let alone his ashes.
“On the other hand, Brandon Routh has the charisma of a toothbrush. I genuinely feel sorry for Yvonne Strahovski because he has to be really difficult to play off of. He delivers all of his lines with the same emotion and you don’t even like him while he’s doing it.”
- He’s a guy that has lost his beloved wife and faces a new team that is like the family he dreamed of. I guess Brandon fits the character.
Now I’m going to explain why I liked the episode:
- Chuck’s 1st solo mission. He said yes right after he thought, now Sarah’s gonna be proud of me, I’m a real spy now, like Bryce. This continues my theory about VersusTheRing, Chuck re-uploaded it mostly to impress her.
- Hannah, lovely, charming, funny, and not a spy. Why wouldn’t he like her? I don’t even try to compare her to Sarah, but she seems a great (normal) girl.
- The Buy More Alliance, funny, crazy, stupid. I loved it!
- The tension between Sarah and Shaw, liked it. They both want to protect Chuck but in a different way.
- Shaw’s wife, that was expected, makes him not that cold or at least cold for a reason in Sarah’s perspective.
- The 2nd Lisbon reference, a good surprise, and makes me proud that Bryce chose my country to “be dead”;
- Sarah taking control of the plane… She’s so awesome she could do it with her eyes closed!
January 27th, 2010 at 8:39 am
@daninho
Do I like Chuck in real life?
Well if I didn’t like Chuck in real life, I would not have ever seen Yvonne Strahovski. If I had never seen Yvonne Strahovski, I would have never started a fansite… and if I didn’t continue to watch Chuck, I wouldn’t have much content for the site.
Chuck is an integral part to me having fallen in love with Yvonne Strahovski in the first place. Do I like Chuck? Of course I like Chuck.
One bad review, and suddenly I’m a heretic.
January 27th, 2010 at 9:10 am
“One bad review, and suddenly I’m a heretic.”
Hilarious! Aw, shake it off. We’re grateful to have such a great site. Thanks.
January 27th, 2010 at 10:27 am
I liked this episode. I don’t see why anyone would be butt hurt about your negative review. It doesn’t make you any less of a fan to admit that an episode is unsatisfactory.
With regard to the episode, I would have preferred to see Casey intimidating the remaining Buy More staff for another episode. Brain washing Lester was funny, but I was a bit disappointed.
I think the episode had a lot of great laughs. At the beginning, when Casey rolled his eyes to Sarah asking for a moment alone with Chuck, I laughed pretty hard.
January 27th, 2010 at 7:10 pm
As usual, Ambaryerno has quickly picked up on some very important elements. Shaw IS the counterpoint to Sarah, showing us what Sarah was quickly becoming before she became honest about her feelings for Chuck, desire for a “normal” life, etc. Shaw conveys a deep melancholy (his slipping on the wedding ring at the end of the previous episode), but he has already verbalized more about his inner feelings than Sarah has in two plus years. What will she learn about herself from Shaw?
I see a love triangle element on the horizon between Chuck-Sarah-Shaw, with the additional element of Hannah thrown in to keep Chuck all twisted up emotionally. Sarah’s empathy will draw her to Shaw, as a fellow wounded creature, and cause her to struggle between Shaw and Chuck, as with Cole last year.
I was originally thinking that Hannah was a Ring agent, but now suspect that she is a double deep cover agent for the good guys. Her appearance on the scene kind of hearkens back to how Sarah made her first appearance.
Lester and Jeff are wearing thin. I think Casey ought to be made Ass’t. Manager and put them in their place for good.
Lykaon, I appreciate your thoughtful reviews and the way in which your site, unlike most others, really stimulates good dialogue. Keep up the good work!
January 27th, 2010 at 9:40 pm
Who else thinks Hannah might just be a replacement for Anna, who was absent from this season?
January 27th, 2010 at 10:36 pm
I agree with Lykaon. To be honest, I don’t like the idea of Chuck being a ‘real’ spy. That would be less fun. Less Sarah is NOT a good idea either, though Captain Walker is great, as always.
And I still don’t like Shaw.
Hannah might be a replacement for Anna? Interesting.
January 28th, 2010 at 12:57 am
The episode revealed a lot about where the writers are going with Chuck in the next while, you have to listen carefully to the dialogue.
We have learned from the previous Season 3 episodes that Chuck gets nervous/emotional when Sarah is by his side and is unable to flash to access his arsenal of kung fu etc.
In this particular episode Chuck is sent on a solo mission where Sarah is far and away from him so that she cannot help him as in the past. He does not have the direct connection to Sarah. (As indicated in the promotional clips-Zachary Levi indicated that Sarah is Chuck’s Kryptonite -too close and he cannot be the Superspy Intersect 2.0. -all these connections to Superman -Brandon, Kristin may not be just chance…
Chuck now has to rely on his own to get out of the situations – he has to think on his feet as well as rely on his team to help him out. Shaw has been given carte blanche to deal with the team – to basically make them into a team not Sarah and Casey and Chuck “stay in the car”. I believe that Shaw is there to train Sarah into dealing with her feelings towards Chuck. To ensure that she does not make mistakes that will cost Chuck’s life as the Intersect 2.0 as too much has been invested in him.
With respect to Hannah, I believe she is an undercover agent to train Chuck about dealing with women as well as helping him realize what he is doing and whether it was correct. Review the dialogue when Chuck drinks the poisoned cocktail – what does Hannah ask Chuck? This is key to who she is. She is his spy guide – “why did you drink that drink Chuck if you did not order it…? and other leading questions….)She may be a “love interest” for Chuck but we all know that the series is about Chuck and Sarah which means more Yvonne time.
The writers have to think about season 4 so they are going to have lay the ground work for it by building the dynamic between the main characters during Season 3. Let’s watch and enjoy the show!
January 29th, 2010 at 1:41 am
What i’m waiting for in the next couple episodes especially… is if Chuck stays at the Buy More, more because of Hannah. See if because she works there he will want to be there more. Like mentioned by others before, he isn’t at the Buy More like he used to be because of missions and what not. Should be interesting and as for Shaw… one thing we know about him is that his past relationship with another agent is kind of like Sarah/Chuck’s relationship and he does not want them to have to go through that. I also think that Sarah might try to calm down the feelings for chuck because of Shaw’s past. I don’t know how much good it will do because it’s sarah and chuck lol. You’ve gotta love the tripod, though! Sarah, Chuck, and Casey… even though Casey is kind of like the third wheel lol
Good review, Lykaon. I understand what you’re trying to say, but doesn’t this episode make you appreciate the ‘awesomeness’ of this great show?
January 29th, 2010 at 2:47 am
While I do not consider this to be a great episode, I can’t say it is one of the worst.To me there have been 3 bad episodes “Beefcake”,”Crown Vic” and “Three little words”.Definetly not enough Sarah and I don’t like the fact that Chuck seems interested in Hannah.He should concintrate on fixing the damage he did to his relationship with Sarah when he jilted her at the train station.I hope to watch it for a second time tonight.
January 29th, 2010 at 3:27 am
I want to know what happened at the volleyball incident with Casey. That sounds hilarious!!
January 29th, 2010 at 4:16 pm
Thanks, Lykaon, for the review and all your work.
We really appreciate it.
Episode 3.05 – Chuck Versus First Class.
“Is Chuck Bartowski a real spy?”
He’s not a polished spy. This is why he’s Chuck. He’s what anyone would be if they were thrown into the spyworld. We saw how Awesome reacted when faced with the life threatening situations.
This episode was not the most humorous, however did have several funny moments. This was a setup episode for the ones upcoming. Even when it is not totally funny, Chuck is still very well done for a TV show.
Funny moments included when the 2nd Ring spy was talking to Chuck in the cargo hold asking “Is this your first mission?” and acting confused when talking to Chuck and Shaw. Also when Chuck was going to use his numchucks and the luggage fell on the Ring spies, instead; when Casey rolled his eyes when Sarah asked to speak to Chuck alone; when Shaw said Sarah and Casey were holding Chuck back and Casey replied that Shaw is a moron.
“I hate insurgents.”
The B plot was OK, and good in keeping Casey occupied.
It is a way for him to use that energy when he is not on a mission.
“Inducing negative g’s.”
Very interesting that Sarah is a pilot, however she was reluctant at first stating “this is a 747″.
Maybe she was a fighter or helicopter pilot.
“interesting backstory about Sarah burying Bryce.”
I also think she went off the grid to do both, bury Bryce, then to meet up with Chuck.
However, there is a discrepancy per Season 1, in that the 1st funeral for Bryce was in the U.S., therefore why did she not bury his ashes then?
Did Bryce make his request after he returned?
Maybe Brandon Routh’s acting is supposed to be this way, since he is the Special Agent in charge, and a colleague of Gen. Beckman’s.
Cole Barker was a spy in the field.
It will be interesting to see how Shaw makes a play for Sarah, after all this talk about not letting your emotions make you vulnerable and losing his wife.
It is interesting that Warner Bros. is doing cross-marketing with Routh/Superman and Hannah/Lois Lane in Chuck. Routh even put on glasses in one scene, looking like Clark Kent.
What is odd about Shaw is that if he knows everything about the Intersect, then he knows Chuck did not ask for Intersect 1.0 and that is why Sarah and Casey have protected him. Maybe he only read the report files or got a quick briefing.
It seems as if Shaw/Beckman are the ones who want to see if Chuck can be a real spy, thereby making the Intersect 2.0 a success. Shaw did refer to Beckman’s approval in this episode.
Hannah is cute and Chuck is attracted to her. He seems to like shorter brunettes, except for the true love, Sarah. Hannah is different from Lou in that she is good with computers. It will be interesting to see how Chuck and Hannah relate as they work together, how Hannah acts when Chuck is out/goes on missions, and how long Hannah will be on the show. Further, how this affects Sarah and Chuck.
This is also an interesting twist by the writers in that Chuck and Sarah each have had relationship possibilities (Bryce, Lou, Jill, Cole) except not at the same time. Now there are Chuck, Sarah, Hannah, Shaw.
It does seem that Chuck wants to impress Sarah and prove to her he is a spy. He does not get that Sarah likes him the way he is.
It was a great scene when Sarah tried to talk Chuck out of not going. Sarah does not want to see her boyfriend get killed.
Although this was a good episode, as noted, it was a setup for the future.
The best one this season thus far, IMO, is 3.02 with Karina.
January 30th, 2010 at 9:31 am
Great comments all, folks, but please remember that we are dealing with a writing staff that wrote GREAT scripts for the last two years. These folks know what they’re doing, so be patient. What we all want will happen. Just keep repeating the mantra…”In Ali we trust.”
January 31st, 2010 at 8:28 am
although this episode wasn’t as funny as the other episodes, it’s still pretty funny. like then time when Chuck screamed like a little girl, Casey’s sarcasm, the part where Lester got captured and his bed was full of toys, etc. but what wasn’t very cool was that there weren’t much of Sarah and Casey action. i actually miss the way they kicked butt. i think there would be more Sarah – Casey butt kickery (is it butt kickery, or kick buttery?) later on, but as for now, i don’t see Casey and Sarah in action that much, which bums me out.
but yes, she seems a lot like a second Lou, like someone said above.
season 3 so far is very different from season 1 or 2. this episode is very very different that what we’ve seen of Chuck so far. but no matter how different this episode is, the fact that Chuck still needs Sarah and Casey to help him doesn’t change, no matter what he can do. this epsiode proved that Sarah and Casey are essential and that they work better as a team.
personally, i liked a lot of stuff about this episode, but what was missing was the talks that Sarah and Chuck have all the time, after missions. it seems to me that they don’t even talk much now, although they’re ok. Sarah clearly still loves Chuck, as we can all see, where she persuaded Chuck to not go to Paris but failed. i agree with her on that one – Chuck wasn’t ready.
Shaw is still a big mystery to me. i didn’t like him that much at first, but maybe i might grow to like him. i don’t know.
Hannah’s really cute. she DOES suffer from UNeTYS
i think Casey helped Morgan because he “pulled” the rank. Casey listens to anyone that has a higher rank, so i guess that was the case. it sure was affective though – everyone’s scared of Casey.
once again, great review Lykaon! looking forward to the “Nacho Samplers”