Season 3 Episode 5: Chuck Versus First Class

[AgentMel]

4. Casey's genuine concern for Chuck's well being and safety seems more evident than ever, a good thing for sure.

I really liked that he called Sarah to get a Chuck status report, then later helped Chuck (in his own way) get ready to fight Panzer. Casey really does care!

[jherb]

I think Shaw sees Sarah's feelings for Chuck as a liability, and perhaps he will try to detach her from him, trying to play on her sense of duty, and the fact that her love for Chuck could have him killed. Will she go for it? Or her love for Chuck will prove too strong?

I think his approach is just what you stated. He's trying to get her away from the emotional connection to Chuck because it's holding him back. That it opens the door for himself is probably something he won't lose sleep over. 

As to will she go for it. My guess is yes given the Hannah situation with Chuck. In fact, if a person had never watched this show before, one would get the impression that Chuck was in love with Hannah, and not Sarah. Sarah will undoubtedly react accordingly.

But be that as it may, there's got to be more going on with Hannah than meets the eye. She asked far too many questions that dealt with potential spy issues. For the show to just throw that out there is too convenient.

I agree Tex. ..the Hannah character has got to have deeper roots than what meets the eye.  Also. .to be honest. .do we really think that Chuck was on that plane alone? 

[Texski]

I agree Tex.. .the Hannah character has got to have deeper roots than what meets the eye.  Also. .to be honest. .do we really think that Chuck was on that plane alone?

It's hard to believe. But it's also hard to see what her purpose is if she's an Agent. What was her duty? Mop-up if Chuck failed/died?

[jherb]

It's clear that Sarah does not trust Shaw with that information.  Nor will she volunteer her feelings for Chuck, that is a sure way of getting kicked off the team.  She has never volunteered any information to Casey. .and they have been working together for a couple of years now.  I know.. .Casey is know dummy...but she is not going to put anything out there that will incriminate herself. 

This mission was just as much about Sarah as it was Chuck.  Chuck had to prove he could fulfill the mission and Sarah had to prove she can stay objective.  They both succeeded in their missions but it wasn't without hiccups.

Trouble for Sarah is that Shaw knows about her thing with Chuck. He will undoubtedly use that to his advantage.

Of course...part of his role is to wedge and leverage. ..he is going to get the most out of this team.  In my estimation. ..his objective is to get vengeance for the death of his wife.  I don't perceive him as being a man out of control. .but you have to believe that is something very much on his mind.  He has an axe to grind.

On the same token. .he has a soft spot. .and I wouldn't be surprised if Sarah and him have a moment.  They are both vulnerable.  I just hope they keep it real and appropriate. 

[mr_harrison75]

Here is a question that can be asked of Shaw. .Is he better off now after knowing and marrying his wife or would he have chosen to deny himself this relationship?

In my estimation.. ..the risk was worth it.

Yep. I think Sarah will eventually reach the same conclusion.

[jxl]

I really hope Hannah is not an agent. It just make the world so small if everyone they encounter is involved in espionage of some sort.

[jherb]

I agree Tex.. .the Hannah character has got to have deeper roots than what meets the eye.  Also. .to be honest. .do we really think that Chuck was on that plane alone?

It's hard to believe. But it's also hard to see what her purpose is if she's an Agent. What was her duty? Mop-up if Chuck failed/died?

Well...they don't go that deep in their writing. .there is a point where imaginations can take over and presume.  Same thing with Sarah in Lisbon. .there is some holes in the writing, as some have figured out, but I am personally not going to worry about that. 

[Geeker]

Yeah I think Hannah is a spy.  Shaw didn't say the Ring killed his wife.  He said he let one of his spys get killed.  I think we are trying to tie his wife Eve to the Ring killing her.  If Eve's ring was in the "sealed" container with the Ring information she had to have put it there.  Did she get killed after she got sent the ring data to Shaw?  Whose knows, maybe Shaw and Hannah  (Eve?) were a couple and decided to call it quits, that's why Shaw still has his Ring and Eve sent hers back to Shaw.

[Geeker]

Bryce was already buried once so his family think s he is already dead.  It wouldn't have been a problem for Sarah to get his ashes from the CIA cleaners.

[Atlee]

I really hope Hannah is not an agent. It just make the world so small if everyone they encounter is involved in espionage of some sort.

Maybe Hannah is a "mole".  Shaw has sent her to get close to Chuck.  To see how reliable Chuck is in guarding the incredible knowledge he has.

[Texski]

A few random, general thoughts:

Liked the episode overall. I really only have a few issues with it.

The baggage falling on the two Ring agents was just a little too campy. Would have preferred a Chuck takeout.
Yes - the 'relationship stuff'. The show clearly is setting things up for Hannah and Shaw to be PLI's. No shocker there, but Chuck crushing on Hannah so quickly? I don't get it - though some do.
The mind control thing with Lester - just a little bit too bizarre.

But apart from that, I liked the BM - mostly. Really liked Casey's 'teaming up' with Morgan. I liked that a lot actually. Sarah showed appropriate concern for Chuck - not that she wouldn't. Shaw took some risks with Chuck, maybe too many, but I love his confidence in him - even if it's not fully warranted at this time. Liked the pacing of this episode, and the focus.

So, I look forward to more Ring revelations and Chuck's quest to gain control. Should be fun to see it play out the rest of the season.

[Norbrook]

I think it's a half truth. Bryce's ashes gives her the convenient cover to meet Chuck without suspicion.

Question. How does Sarah gain control of Bryce's ashes in the first place? Family is usually given that right, not ex-girlfriends.

I guess since he already died and was buried - publically -at the beginning of the series, it would be rather difficult to go tell his parents "Oh, here's your son's ashes.  He died - again."  So Sarah might have claimed his ashes as part of the cover up. 
Plausible deniability, as somebody once said.

And who knows how she got the remains.

[FreddyJay]

By FAR my favorite episode of the season!  I love the growth of Casey's character thus far.  He's growing attached to Chuck and it looks like he'll grow attached to Morgan.  Morgan is also making great strides this season.  COMPLETELY loved Sarah's feelings toward Chuck coming out.  With all that being said, I do NOT like Chuck seemingly forgetting about  Sarah and falling for Hannah.  It was understandable in the first season when Chuck thought their relationship was completely a front.  But they have been on the cusp of a relationship a couple times since and for Chuck to fall for another girl so quickly REALLY smacks of shallowness.  To me, it really lessens Chuck as a character or at the very least, his feelings towards girls.

[Baaz]

Come on guys. So if you're a geek/nerd (which. Chuck basically is) and a girl with Hanna's leet IT-skillz, physical  and seems to be great company aims her attention towards you. No matter who you're in love with (even Sarah) you would be smitten.

Anyone who wouldn't love that attention?

As for the episode, best so far this season.

/B

[buymoriaking]

Finally got around to watch the episode, and it was certainly a fun episode. This episode was probably the most "fun" episode this season. Some highlights (sorry if this has been mentioned already):

Chuck is growing as a spy. Yes he still needs a helping hand, but for the most part, he's growing. He got punched in the gut, by Hugo, and stood his ground for the most part. And he's able to flash now in times of crisis. He's certainly learning, not quite there yet, but learning.

My goodness Sarah is protective. Her pleading with Chuck not to go showed she still cares very deeply for the man. Her pacing the room, anxious, she looked like she was about to shoot Shaw

Sarah as a pilot? Never saw that coming. Though thinking back, she did help guide Chuck on how to land a helicopter back in season 1.

Shaw is definitely an interesting character. Still don't know what to think of him, but it's very exciting to watch what will unfold.

Chuck and Hannah. They actually had great chemistry, and dare I say it, looked quite cute together. Having said that, she's too conveniently placed in the story. In other words, I'm leaning towards as her being a plant.

Overall, loving the season so far

Casey and Morgan, a new bromance is brewing, kind of. The BM plot was a hoot.