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Or Chuck Vs. Sarah: A Muse By Any Other Name
Welcome back everyone! I am flattered and humbled by the enthusiastic feedback my initial article received. Most kind.
Feel free to continue any further thoughts you may have over at the ChuckTV forums. You will find multiple threads in the Spoiler subforum waiting.
Now I venture forth and risk losing all that good will. I will enter that most dangerous of places; the shadows that permeate the Valley of the Chuck and Sarah relationship. The next couple of articles will delve into how the new Intersect will be affected by the kryptonite and spinach reference made by Josh Schwartz and Chris Fedak about Sarah. So give me a moment as I go to Yellow Alert, activate long range sensors, and charge power deflectors to full.
While my previous article is speculative, given the advance information we have, I am confident that it is a solid take on how the Intersect 2.0 will function. Going forward there are many ways the show can approach how it will impact Chuck and Sarah. All we have so far are the kryptonite and spinach allusions. What will be presented is my take on the optimal path in terms of payoff for Chuck, Sarah, and Chuck and Sarah.
Deep breath.
Ok. Before we can explore how things could play out we need to recount where we are. The Intersect 2.0 will become an active part of the story while Chuck struggles to control it. The new Intersect will also externally dramatize Chuck’s continuing growth on his hero’s journey. Such journeys are often a solo affair but they need not be. In Chuck’s case it is not. For there is Sarah.
Sarah has the most influence on Chuck. He loves her. She is Chuck’s source of inspiration and frustration. Spinach and kryptonite anyone? Like a rose, Sarah is that embodiment of beauty complete with her own requisite thorns.
What might those thorns be? They mostly stem from trust. This comes from her grifter upbringing. Moving around from town to town to stay ahead of the aftermath of her father’s latest con did not allow Sarah to form any long term relationships. People became marks or schnooks or… assets. Means to an end. Sarah kept her feelings to herself and erected internal mental barriers. This has left her almost incapable of talking in emotional terms.
Tied into Sarah’s guarded personae and trust issue, is abandonment. From what we know of Sarah’s back story her father and Bryce Larkin were the two most important men in her life. The only two men she trusted. And both of them left her. End results which vindicated Sarah’s guarding herself.
There are two more Sarah character traits that should come into play in Season 3. First, Sarah’s only outlet for expressing her feelings is through actions. Second is Sarah’s strong mothering or protectiveness streak.
Take these attributes and compare them against the workings of the Intersect 2.0. Can you can see the golden dramatic possibilities that lay before Sarah’s character arc for Season 3?
The Intersect 2.0 is a brilliant construct to dramatize Chuck’s continued growth. More so when one contemplates how the new Intersect is going to impact Sarah. It is my firm belief that what initially seems an insurmountable roadblock between Chuck and Sarah will turn out to be the very thing that brings them together! That is true genius.
How you ask? You have a week to come up with your own ideas before my next installment. Let’s see what kind of ideas you can post and share.
Lou aka OldDarth is a moderator for the ChuckTV.net forums and occasional contributor to Chuck vs. the Podcast. This is his second guest post for ChuckTV.net.
I think Sarah is Chuck’s spinach, the worst she can do to Chuck is give him green teeth, Casey on the other hand could be Chuck’s kryptonite.
In small doses kryptonite is the stuff with our yellow sun that give’s the power.
Chuck always tries to appease Casey, hence the small dosage, but is not afraid of giving him digs whenever he thinks he can getaway with it.
Now I’ll go back to my SD_6 twitter page!
Very nice and concise summary of the elements in play for S3, OD!
I particularly enjoyed your emphasis on Sarah’s protectiveness streak and how that could be a significant attracting force to compensate for her feelings of disappointment due to Chuck’s re-intersecting. It’s a great point.
Looking forward to the next installment!
Season Three looks just amazing.
I cannot think of a single thing not to be positive about when it comes to Chuck and Sarah.
The second I read Fedak talk about Sarah being Chuck’s kryptonite and spinach I immediately felt like season 3 Charah will be epic/amazing. They could do so much with it especially with Intersect 2.0 in Chuck’s head. As to what? I don’t know but I trust the writers to give us with awesome story lines regarding that. I am sure they will balance out the spinach and kryptonite thing so that we would get a perfect blend of both drama and romance for each episode. Not to mention the comedy and action that would go with is as well.
Here’s my take on where the producers/writers are going. If you remember back to right after Chuck downloaded TI 2.0 in “Chuck vs. The Ring,” the moment he flashed and began his Kung Fu was right after the bad guy pointed the gun at Sarah. The thought in his mind of anything happening to Sarah brought the bad-ass out in him.
Hence the story-lines here: when Sarah is in danger is when Chuck gets his extra powers, but when things are getting lovey-dovey is when he loses everything and it goes hay-wire. But, remember the conversation that Bryce and Chuck’s dad (Orion) had before Bryce left for the lab. Orion told Bryce that he noticed the changes they made to his design and what could the new Intersect do. Bryce replied, “You don’t want to know.”
In other words, TI 2.0 is so powerful that Sarah will have to walk a fine line with Chuck to help him keep it under control.
The second thing I see happening is that Sarah will be angry with Chuck for downloading it in the first place. She was prepared to leave the CIA and be with him after he got the first version out of his head, but now she can’t leave.
We have to remember that without the new intersect in Chuck’s head Sarah, Casey and Chuck are dead meat. Sarah still has to be concerned about the great disappointment in the break up- They say all caps is the equivalent of shouting–so I am going to shout—
CHUCK, NEVER, EVER LET ANOTHER VALENTINE’S DAY GO BY WITHOUT TREATING SARAH LIKE A QUEEN FOR A DAY—ALSO FIND OUT WHEN HER BIRTHDAY IS AND CELEBRATE BIG TIME—IF YOU CANNOT FIND OUT THE DATE OF HER BIRTHDAY—PICK A DAY AND CELEBRATE–HER BIRTH DATE COULD BE CONSIDERED THE BEST DAY OF YOUR LIFE!!!Let’s see the love and adventure flow in the 3rd season.–I am too excited for my own good about season 3. Too far away but football season will help. Maybe the purple nightie in season one will come out as a prologue to the soon to be announced nuptials (hopefully). I hopethe writers and the cast is having as much fun as we are—.
^^ I agree with Gambs. When I noticed that the only reason Chuck flashed kung fu was when that gun was pointed at Sarah, I had a feeling thats how Intersect 2.0 was gonna work. Its all going to depend on how Chuck is feeling that day, and if he is feeling like he wants to control it or not.
There have been many times where it was obvious Chuck wanted to reach out to Sarah, kiss her, hug her, whatever but he held himself back and dealt with it on his own. Now, this will have consequences unless he can learn to control himself, which will probably take the majority of s.3 to happen.
Is anyone else getting some similarities between spider-man 3?
Nice articles OD.
I like how the show is setting up Sarah having to learn to relinquish her “hyper-control” nature while at the same time sending Chuck in the opposite direction. Nice juxtaposition on their part. Just keep the outside love interests away and most people will be happy.
Wonderful Article. I’m all fired up for season 3. My take is that she is mostly is spinach and that this whole kryptonite/spinach thing is what is going to bring them together. This should be fun. 😉
Excellent article – and very insightful. There is so much more to learn/know about Sarah and Chuck as people. I think one reason so many fans are complaining about the possiblity of the relationship not moving forward is that there are so many GOOD/GREAT things that could happen as far as learning more about these two characters – especially Sarah.
Some of the BEST moments in the show have been when they’ve learned something about each other. Learning about and meeting each other’s fathers. Sarah learning about Chuck and Ellie’s unconventional “Mother’s Day.” Chuck learning some of Sarah’s past during the hight school reunion. Sarah learning about the real depth/meaning of Chuck and Morgan’s friendship. Chuck giving Sarah the bracelet. All these (and others like them) were GREAT moments in the show.
One of the reasons the show is so popular is because the fans LOVE the characters so much. That is a credit to the creators, writers, and amazing skill in which the actors present the characters. The fans WANT to know more about Chuck and Sarah, especially. The fans realized they both had relatively screwed up childhoods – especially Sarah, but Chuck as well – and want GOOD things to happen for them.
People are passionate about the whole “Charah” thing not just because they want to “see them in the sack,” but because they want to see them together in order to bring wholeness, completeness, and even healing to their lives. That’s what all the Charah chatter is all about. The fans LOVE the show and especially love Chuck and Sarah.
Anyway, keep up the great work. Your articles have been great. And keep up the P.R. campaign all you Chuckaholics. If Season 2 DVDs aren’t out in time for Christmas or the other December holidays you might celebrate, you can still give Season 1 to friends and family who haven’t yet caught on to Chuck. Recruit, Recruit, Recruit – and get them hooked and ready for Season 3!! “Keep on Chuckin’ everybody!” And PEACE, all!!!
One last thing – I don’t know if we’re allowed to mention other web sites, but if they are Chuck-friendly, I thought, why not at least try. There is a site called “The Nick C. Blog” Nick C. has been very Chuck-friendly and very supportive of CHUCK. He has a current thread running on Season 3 of Chuck – you may want to check it out and add your comments to the thread. He write about all things television, but often writes about Chuck and supports the program. So the more CHUCK LOVERS we can unite with, the better.
Take care, all!
Bravo! Guess spinach really is good for you. Can’t wait to read the next installment.
That was great! These articles are another thing for us Chuck fans to look forward to! I loved the bit about Sarah’s past relationships creating her trust issues. I mean I’ve thought about that, but the way you phrased it really brought that whole issue into the light. The thing Sarah must love about Chuck is how different he is from anyone else she’s been close to. Hopefully she’ll be able to see that he won’t betray her or leave her.
Great article, Lou, as was the first one. How can Chuck and Sarah’s initial roadblock be the tool that brings them together? Chuck is adjusting to a new world, and the top that off, he’s got the new Intersect. Sarah can help him adjust to being a more active part of the spy world while helping him keep his innocence and personality. Can’t wait for more, Lou!
Great Article Lou,
I agree that this will bring Chuck and Sarah closer. First in the soy world, they will need to rely on each other as partners or collegues not asset/handler. In the relationship department, Chuck’s emotions go on the fritz, or he gets depressed when Sarah goes stone cold Agent Walker with him. This has been the Chara modus operandi for 2 seasons. For S3 Sarah is going to have to change her approach with Chuck. She is going to have to let down that final wall, be honest and wether she likes it or not actually talk about her feelings.
This kind of open two way communication will help Chuck come to terms how he fits in Sarah’s life, then with his emotions in check he will be able to control the intersect and finally get the girl.
Well that is my spec anyways. Can’t wait to see what you come up with.
All of this speculation as to motives, background and emotions is just plain fun. Helps fill in what seems to be an interminable wait. I can only add my kudos here, Lou. Looking forward to the next installment. I love being a Chuckaholic. My wife thinks I’m nuts, but I know good writing and acting when I see it. Don’t we all?
lol, Agent52, we’ve created a new breed of “widows”: instead of football/baseball/fill-in-the-sport widows(/widowers), we’ve now got chuck widows/widowers. your spouse is not alone! 🙂
lou, i’ll echo the others, great article. thanks for giving us what to ponder as we while away the agonizing chuck-less days.
Good stuff Lou! This is far better than all the fear and paranoia that was going on following Comic Con over Chuck and Sarah’s relationship. Better to focus on how their relationship can grow and the challenges that they will face between them than to focus on the fears of continued love triangles.
After all it wasn’t coincidence that caused Ali Adler, writer and Executive Producer of Chuck, to post a video on chuckmeout.com this Tuesday to reassure Chuck fans that she is “rooting as hard as you are” regarding Chuck and Sarah getting together for good. Clearly she along with F&S are getting the message that everyone has been sending.
I also have to agree with Rick Holy when he says, “People are passionate about the whole “Charah†thing not just because they want to “see them in the sack,†but because they want to see them together in order to bring wholeness, completeness, and even healing to their lives.”
Both Chuck and Sarah need this healing and wholeness before they take the next step in their relationship. Having been burned and emotionally scarred before by people that they thought really loved and trusted them (Chuck with Jill and Sarah with Bryce and her dad) they need this resolution of their past before they can have a future together. It’s a great message for everyone to hear and what can potentially make both Chuck and Sarah true heroes in the fullest sense of the word.
I was watching Chuck Vs. The Ring again last night and had some thoughts about a possible story arc for Season 3, concerning Bryce.
I really don’t believe he is dead. The fact that the bullet was “low/side” portion of his body opens the door to not being a fatal blow. Also, When Bryce “passed out”, he had his eyes open. Then Chuck when on and downloaded the Intersec 2.0 on his head. The way I see it, it could have downloaded in Bryce’s head at the same time.
If Bryce is alive, I could see him coming back, but this time as Chuck REAL Nemesis. It’s easy to imagine Bryce kidnapping Sarah and Chuck coming to the rescue. ultimately this would seal the deal between Sarah et Chuck and reinforce the bound they have togheter. While “saving” Sarag, Chuck could flash new abilities and save her, spy wise, just like he dreamed about being able to do so.
“I really don’t believe he is dead.”
No, in an inteview a while back, Schwartz was asked the question of whether Bryce was actually dead, and his reply was simply, “Bryce is dead”. I believe he’s implying that Bryce will play no further part as the story progresses.
As to flashbacks to DC when he and Sarah were together or to Stanford when he and Chuck were best friends, (in my opinion) that’s a different story, I sure hope they do some of those.
Oh no…good piece…sorry to be a contrarian but no matter how you slice it, we want to see them in the sack…with his Morgan proof wallet clearly displayed…
I think that Ali Adler put the video on ChuckMeOut.com to appease the fans. I know you’re rooting for a Charah romance, Ali, but as a producer and writer, you have more power to make it happen than we do……
So when do we get part 2 of this great article?
Gambs, just bc Ali is a producer doesnt mean she can influence all the other producers and writers plus Schwartz and Fedak to do what she wants…its a huge pooling of ideas from everyone, and the fact that they pretty much have the series mapped out already makes it harder to detract from the plan. Just wait an see, this season is going to be so amazing!
I had a thought about the whole Sarah turning in cold Agent Walker and setting off Chuck’s emotions. There is a parallel with Sarah and Chuck’s feelings: Chuck spills his guts to Sarah, she doesnt return the words, and then Chuck bottles it up and acts like everything’s ok. He doesnt have anyone to talk to about it bc everyone thinks they are the perfect couple. If Sarah turns the cold shoulder, it may be a dangerous thing if Chuck’s bottled up feelings sets off some crazy part of the intersect.
I know and understand what Ali’s role is and where she falls in the pecking order. I’m just saying that she sits in and is a major contributor in those writing and production meetings. She knows where the story arc is going. What I’m saying is, “If anyone can influence Schwartz and Fedak to move the Charah story farther and faster, it’s her.”
Another great article OD. I’ve always believed that Sarah wants Chuck’s trust so much because of her own difficulty in trusting. If there is one thing her father taught her, always expect disappointment and expect it to be of her own fault. I also believe that she is not just afraid of being abandoned, she expects to be. I can only image the fear she must experience as she opens up, as she trusts. That type of vulnerability is completely uncharacteristic of Sarah Walker, and the fear of being hurt must be somewhat overwhelming. I am really looking forward to your take next week.
And P.S. – thank you for the positive approach you have taken to your writing. I believe this show is about relationships, and relationships are not easy even under the best of circumstances. You’ve been able to point out the growth in a very positive light. Thanks!
Once again. Thanks everyone. Your kind words mean a lot. Take care.
PS – You all should love the concluding chapter next Wednesday. Stay tuned.
This all seems sort of interesting.
Even more interesting? If I could send Strahovski this awesome bikini I’ve been looking at. SHAZAM!!!!
😉
I am glad to see some positive comments concerning Shuck and Sarah’s relationship getting stronger instead of weaker. I would like to see them living together and being totally committed when they fight the bad guys. I want Chuck to win over Sarah and let her know it is safe to love him 100%.
I have a major concern that with so many fans getting upset over Sarah and Chuck’s relationship possibly going downhill and with so much time prior to the start of the 3rd season that apathy might set in. Apathy is harder to overcome than the “angst” that has been posted so much lately. The only thing we can do to keep this from happening is to keep the posts as positive as we can. Obviously Fedak and Swartz can help us with some positive interviews.
I like positive relationships so we can enjoy the great comedy and adventure that “Chuck” has to offer. If the main characters are going through heartache and pain it is impossible for me to enjoy the comedy and action. That is why I am trying to stay positive and maintain my interest in the show. I must enjoy the show, I eat more subway sandwiches and even bought my wife a new Toyota Avalon–how weird is that!!!
Did you ever wonder why no one at the Buy More seems concerned about all the Buy More cars disappearing???
Keep the faith and maybe we can eak out a season four.
Excellent article Lou, thanks. Looking forward to the next one. If correct,
then there is hope the relationship will not be more of the same as in
seasons 1 and 2. Your speculation about Sarah’s possible motivations are
thoughts I’ve had myself in general about the “Charah” relationship moving
forward, that initially the problems will be mostly with Sarah rather than
Chuck. At some point she is going to have to deal emotionally and verbally
with her feelings, like it or not, if she wants a future with Chuck.
Thanks again, great article.
Hi Everyone:
This question might be a little unrelated to this topic, but I was wondering that if Chuck has the Intersect 2.0 and could be a risk to the world when he is emotional, then why would Awesome be recruited into the spy world?
Wouldn’t it dawn on General Beckman, Casey and Sarah that is the last thing that should happen?
I could see that Awesome’s involvement in the spy world would be a source of stress to Chuck. It would seem logical to keep Awesome away from the spy world to not potentially unravel Chuck’s emotional state.
Does anyone have an answer for this?
Also, I meant to state in my previous post that this article is fantastic.
Hi Pat.
I doubt that Devon is recruited into the spy world. It is more than likely he enthusiastically insinuates himself into a mission looking for an adrenaline high. The allure of being a spy would be very seductive for Devon who often partakes of extreme sports.
Hi Lou:
Again, great article.
Thanks for answering my question. Your answer makes sense. It would be in Devon’s character to insinuate himself into a mission.
I love Spinach!!!! Especially sauteed with a little olive oil and garlic 😉
Great article, Lou!
I believe at the end of S2, Sarah was ready to open up and share some of her feelings with Chuck. I think she was going to tell Chuck she didn’t want to be a spy anymore and wanted to be with him and have that normal life they both wanted. However, Chuck’s dad interrupted them and Sarah was unable to confess her feelings.
At the start of S3, I’m afraid Sarah will view the act of Chuck downloading the new intersect as a betrayal and in her hurt and anger, she will lash out at Chuck. Then we will see Sarah revert back to keeping her feelings bottled up. This will set their relationship back several steps and maybe even drive them into the arms of others to seek comfort. But maybe being with other people, they will come to realize how much they both love and care for one another. This is just an idea of one possible direction the writers are thinking for S3.
Lou, I can’t wait for your next article to see what your thoughts on S3 will bring for Chuck and Sarah.
This is just a simple thoughts from a Filipino recruiting Filipinos to watch chuck,lol. I think that the direction will be that the asset is not an asset anymore but a secret weapon but cannot be unleashed unless provoked by his feelings towards his handler, Sarah. I believe that the intersect 2.0 is not the same as intersect before but will adapts Chuck’s character along the way. So in the process of mission, unlike before that the intersect will act on the first time of the mission, in here, it will act to save the mission and especially to save Sarah. I believe the S3 story will go around on how will the team Bartowski use the intersect 2.0 efficiently on every mission the save the world.
BTW, kudos to the article.