Friday Five: Chuck Metaphors & Symbols

This week’s Friday Five comes to us from G. Walter Bush, author of Unpacking Chuck. He’s currently working on a follow-up volume, coming later this year.

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1. The Waterlilies painting in “Tango”

“Waterlilies” serves as a metaphor for Chuck’s inverted reality in the murky and deceiving espionage world into which he has been thrust, as well his blossoming romance with Sarah in the show’s introductory arc.

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2. The Fish Out of Water (Sarah-Carina fight) sequence in “Wookiee”

This scene figures elements of Sarah’s dual nature and conflict in pursuing a relationship with Chuck throughout Season 1 & even portions of Season 2.

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3. Volkoff’s Hydra eyeball in “Gobbler”

This serves as a controlling metaphor for Volkoff’s false visions of himself and others.

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4. Prism Express laptop in “Goodbye”

It figures the complex dynamics involving Chuck’s ability to circumvent Sarah’s internal defenses and win her love again, quickly.

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5. Beckman’s bird of prey statue throughout series

The bird of prey statue we see behind Beckman during her briefings with Team Chuck symbolize the General’s detached, cynical professionalism throughout the bulk of the series.

Your turn, Chucksters. What symbols and metaphors do you notice when rewatching Chuck?

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