ChuckTV.net The CHUCK archive
Written by Lauren LeFranc & Rafe Judkins
Story by Ali Addler
Directed by Robert Duncan McNeil
‘Sarah Walker, do you agree to quit the spy life with me.’
‘I do. Chuck Bartowski, do you agree to quit the spy life with me.‘
‘I do.’
Out of the dark and into the light. Hey, hey. My, my!
Fun.
An episode of total joy that defies any sort of detailed analysis. To do anything more than sit back and enjoy the treats this episode offers would be like trying to dissect a gigantic skyward soaring soap bubble. Some things should just be experienced for the joy they bring. HoneyMooners is one of those things. It is an episode which holds no surprises as to how it is going to play out. Just like the soap bubble that will eventually burst; such knowledge in no way detracts from the enjoyment of watching it.
Built on the overused device of misunderstanding between Chuck and Sarah as to what each thinks the other wants, fans get to sit back and drink in all the chemistry between those two characters. There were fears that the Chuck and Sarah magic was lost. This episode put those fears to bed, pun intended, for good.
Beyond that there is little more to say. Chuck and Sarah finally come to realize that the two of them being spies and being together are not mutually exclusive goals. As the defecting Basque terrorist wearily tells them – doing some audience channeling in the process – after being on the run for two years, one cannot escape who they are. We also get to see the other pairing of Team Bartowski, Casey and Morgan in action, and the anticipated hilarity is met and exceeded.
This is a landmark moment in Chuck Fandom. After this episode aired it is a certainty that this is a time when all the various groups of the Chuck fandom have never been so unified. For those to whom the relationship reigns supreme to those that were weary of the WTWT dynamic to those whom wanted the show to return to happier times; this episode has brought them all together. Everyone of them have had their hopes for the show answered. For those who appreciated the Mordor like journey of the first thirteen episodes before the show returned to the Shire, stumbles and all during the execution of that storyline, with our band of heroes coming home older and wiser; this episode is what makes such dark journeys compelling. This is the payoff for what the characters had to go through to get there.
Episode Flashes:
- Another great opening sequence – misdirect with the conductor sharpening his blade when bringing the first of many meals to Chuck and Sarah’s room
- Chuck and Sarah’s ‘honeymoon’ measured by the number of meals brought to their room
- Chuck with a Clark Kent curl in the first train bedroom scenes with Sarah
- smiling Sarah – and she smiles a lot! Perhaps 3 seasons worth?
- MORGAN! Like every scene he was in! – hmm I posted the same last episode. A trend?
- Morgan manipulating Casey into allowing him to search for Chuck
- Morgan knowing about Oracle databases – he gets such great throw away lines
- Morgan’s ‘Intersect’ knowledge of Chuck is eerie and a little disturbing but very useful
- Chuck and Sarah unable to turn off their spy skills
- Chuck and Sarah getting turned on by comparing spy notes
- Canada! (sorry I am a Canuck.)
- Morgan’s need to root for the plane to stay in the air
- Chuck and Sarah improvising a mission with no spy gear – they do make a great spy team indeed
- Morgan seeking safety abroad behind the Canadian flag – O Canada!
- Charles and Nora Charles – Thin Man!
- The Charles and their southern accent – I made an oopsie!
- handcuffed Chuck and Sarah punching Casey in unison
- handcuffed Sarah fighting on her own with Chuck on the other side of the door
- Jeffster UnPlugged! ‘Leaving On a JetPlane.’
- Chuck and Sarah on a scooter
- Chuck and Sarah swing dancing their way through a fight – in handcuffs again of course
- Casey and Morgan re-enacting the tied together fight scene from UnderCover Lover
- Beckman’s – ‘an unlikely pairing often produces successful results.’ Times two for Team B.
- Morgan peeking over Casey’s shoulder at Beckman during the debriefing and jumping in with his two cents worth
- ‘Release Agent Walker!’ LOL
- Beckman going Meta and voicing fandom’s, ‘Its about damn time,’ sentiment in regards to Chuck and Sarah being together
- Chuck getting to say good bye to Ellie and letting her know he has grown up and is not alone, ‘We’re together.’
- A turntable! Vinyl! Chuck really is an audiophile nerd!
- Chuck picking out Sarah’s favorite song – “Feeling Good†by Nina Simone – and the two of sharing the moment together – ’nuff said
‘Chuck Bartowski, do you agree to not quit the spy life and be with me.’
‘I do. Sarah Walker, do you agree to not quit the spy life and be with me.‘
‘I do.’
‘Chuck Versus The HoneyMooners’ is so much fun. The writing tandem of Lauren LeFranc & Rafe Judkins, in conjunction with Ali Addler, experience no sophomore slump after writing episode 3.10 – Chuck Versus The Tic Tac. They prove that outing was no fluke with this second effort. What a find these two have been. We need to see more from them and soon! Robert Duncan McNeil continues to show his skill and experience with directing the cast as well.
It is a credit to the creative team that puts out an episode like this that deftly sweeps season long arcs, such as Sarah’s desire to leave the spy world, under the rug and it is not an issue. This episode also proves that the showrunners do listen to the fans.
Returning to some points made in previous reviews, I hope everyone can join me in thanking and applauding the Chuck team for taking the risks they have this season. How many shows let their characters grow? How many shows put their two leads together? And do it before the final episode? How many shows keep on changing the dynamics of the show and push the characters into new areas?
Have there been stumbles? Sure. But that goes with risk taking. The rewards have been great and plentiful. Cannot wait to see what else the show has put out there for us to experience in the next five episodes left for this season.
This season has showcased the wonderfully broad range this show can operate within. From the dramatic to the comedic. From the dark to the light. Each of us has preferences as to which end of the spectrum the show should reside but statements that the show needs to stick to one setting sadden. Variety is the spice of life and I like my Chuck as spicy as possible. Mix it up as much as possible. The perfect blend would take the best elements of all the previous episodes. We have seen the cast is more than up for it. A better balance is the goal the show should strive for. Walk both sides of the fence in equal amounts.
The show has come full circle. As Captain Kirk proclaimed at the end of Star Trek IV – The Voyage Home, ‘My friends we’ve come home.’
Time to start off on the next volume of adventures!
One of my favorite episodes
My favourite episode is always the next one! And this season makes me right. 🙂
Excellent summary and analysis as usual, Lou. You’re right that this episode was that much sweeter because of the trials that went before. And I LOVE your comparison to a bubble rising–we know eventually the bubble will pop but it doesn’t diminish our joy in it. 🙂
Agreed. Good review, Lou.
IMHO by far the best episode in the series with one of the most romantic scene that I have ever seen on tv. With that being said, I don’t think that episode is enough for me to be able to support the show as much as I use to and it will stay on the top of my DVR list but not my must see TV. They ruined the characters so much from 301-311 that I just can’t get myself to forgive Fedak and the crew for it especially since they can’t even acknowledge the fact that they made a mistake. Look at what happened in OC and look at whats happening in Gossip Girls. He is good but he doesn’t know how to build character growth past courtship so no! I can no longer watch this show live so they can toy with my emotion. I will hope for the best but will continue expect the worse.
Wow. The first 13 episode arc wasn’t my favorite either, but come on, C/S. You say you can’t forgive Fedak and the crew, “especially since they can’t even acknowledge the fact that they made a mistake.” Why do they have to acknowledge it? Is it because we have to be “right,” and for us to be “right,” they have to admit their fault? Having to be “right” in a real relationship is what kills it, kills the fun at least. Having to be “right” when it comes to TV producers in LA … well, I hardly know what to say. We just don’t always have to be “right,” and for the sake of our own happiness, we need to give forgiveness, even when it’s undeserved.
But I suspect Fedak and company simply disagree and feel that this season’s first arc was necessary. They don’t feel they have something to apologize for. Again, in real relationships this happens ALL the time, too, and we who feel wronged can stew in resentment and let that kill the relationship, or simply forgive and move on and realize we’re not perfect either. We’ll hope that the next time we’ve wronged someone (and not realize or admit it), that they’ll give us the same forgiveness/grace that we gave them.
Sorry to go so “mom” on you C/S. I’ve just seen this exact thing kill several marriages. I’d hate for it to kill my favorite TV show, too 🙂
That’s okay =). You are entitled to your own opinion. Its their show and they don’t have to apologize to anybody but when people fail to see what they did wrong then their is a good possibility that they will do it again. Me personally, If someone repeatedly hurt me (I’m saying repeatedly because it was more than one episode that sucked) it would take more than one act for me to wholeheartedly forgive them just like it would take more than 1 good episode for me to get sucked in all over again. I am still a FAN and like I said, the show will remain on top of my DVR list. Think of me like Sarah……….. after Prague
I disagree with your problems with the characters being “ruined” in the 301-311… It was necessary for the development of the characters. Based off my evaluation of your comment, I would say you are very into the relationship aspect of the show. That guess is reinforced by your watching the OC and Gossip Girl. But I think Fedak and Schwartz did a respectable job in character development this season. Some things I disagree with but I don’t think they made a mistake. The biggest “mistake” I found was in the casting of Brandon Routh. According to the writers he was supposed to be a “Bryce Larkin”-type character or a James Bond kind of character. I never got that from his character. Because I never saw the character, I felt the way it should have been portrayed based on the above description, I found the relationship between Sarah and Shaw to be completely unbelievable. This becomes, for me, a combination of the great acting of Yvonne and the sub-par acting of Routh.
Also this entire season was a way to explore the bounds of the show and what they can do in the future with it. I do not think that Fedak and Schwartz were wrong in any way to try this. Now a bunch of the stuff they did didn’t work well but now they have an understanding about what they can do with the show. The writers cannot continue to write a “mission-of-the-week”-style show. Eventually, it gets very repetitive, stale, and frankly boring.
I am sorry to see that you were hurt by the episodes 301-311, and hope eventually you will find that the writers will not make the same mistakes again.
Also C/S, I’m wondering which episodes you found “sucked” and why you thought they “sucked”?
Thanks for the nice review Lou! 3.14, up to this point, is my favorite eps of the series, and not just because it was shipper heaven. This one had it all! Kudos to LeFranc and Judkins for writing another homerun! These two definately need to write more eps.
And that final scene in the eps is now my favorite scene from any TV show.
What a great episode, I do enjoy light and frothy as well as dramatic and dark. So it was a treat after pretty much 13 dark episodes.
Zach was looking pretty hot in this episode I really didn’t see Chuck Bartowski that much, it was more of Charles Carmichael I really like a confidant Chuck and this episode proved it.
Sarah was so cute and bubbly and her southern accent was darling a nice change from the rather bitter and angst driven Sarah in the last thirteen episodes.
Morgan is going to be a great aynelst(sp?) for the team, he is streets smart and he has his areas of expertise. Not to mention he’ll provide a lot of laughs to come. 🙂
Casey, I can not say enough about him. Wow, that man has grown from being the hardened killer to becoming a leader and older brother figure of the team. I love how he’s become supportive and understanding. I also noticed something was different about him especially in the cafe’ scenes he had the look of a man whose has known suffering and born it with courage. I guess his time in exile really left a mark on Casey. It’s made him more human.
And when the team was saying goodbye, did anyone else want Sarah and Casey to hug? I wanted them to so bad cause I love their partnership and begun to see those two like brother and sister. I’m grateful they shared a look though. I saw tender affection in Casey’s eyes when he looked at her for a second before telling them to go.
Adam was looking pretty hot himself love him. 🙂
Can’t wait for monday.
I totally agree. Don’t Zach and Ivonne look so much more handsome and beautiful now that these characters are together? Is it just me? Maybe it’s all the smiles that the reviewer pointed out. Happiness is beautiful.
I totally agree with you. This episode just cemented my absolute love for Casey and the journey that he has been on throughout this series. He’s probably my favorite character on television. The writers were genius in letting Casey grow into the person he is, and Adam Baldwin was the perfect man for the job. I have never seen another actor able to portray the “bad-ass-spy-turned-unwillingly-caring friend better than him. He’s so talented that I totally believe that Casey’s life has been changed by Chuck and Sarah, and that he’s finally ok with that.
Hats off to the whole Chuck team!
I watched this episode for the fifth time last night, and I can’t really fully express how fully, absolutely enjoyable this episode is!
As Lou put it, “For those who appreciated the Mordor-like journey of the first thirteen episodes before the show returned to the Shire… This is the payoff for what the characters had to go through to get there.” Amen!
Like many of you, I had a tough time dealing with some of the issues that came up during the journey, but this episode, even more than The Other Guy, vindicated my love for the show. In fact, I have never, NEVER re-watched episodes of any show, not even Star Trek, as many times as I’ve re-watched several episodes of Chuck.
What makes this program so compelling for me is the chemistry between the main characters, especially, but not limited to Chuck and Sarah. I find myself actually caring how things will turn out. The only other show that came close to doing the same thing for me was Babylon 5.
Lou is also absolutely right to commend the show runners for taking big and unprecedented risks. Without them, the payoff of this episode would not have been as satisfying for me.
For C/S and others who hated earlier episodes so much that you couldn’t enjoy The Honeymooners, I can only say: “Good grief! What does it take to make you happy?” Evidently not even this absolute gem of an episode.
that was spot on Lou, I like that thought very much. It’s been a long hard journey but the payoff was worth it. The gang’s come home at last and it’s time to see what other adventures lie in store.
So funny. We have all the seasons of Babylon 5, too, but Chuck has got to be my all time favorite. I’m one who hates to watch a movie twice or reread a book, but I’ll watch my favorite Chuck episodes over and over.
I’m the same way. Usually I re-watch a movie or tv show only because I can’t find anything else that I want to watch. But for some reason, with Chuck, I find myself re-watching an episode whenever I have some spare time — especially this episode!
Yeah, I haven’t watched Chuck long, but it’s quickly become the only series I really want to watch, and I find myself re-watching episodes constantly.
I always regarded Babylon 5 as the best TV series I’ve ever seen, and I still do in a lot of ways – the dramatic elements were obviously better-done and a lot more epic, the arcs were more satisfying, and the character progression was generally more natural. It also had amazing chemistry between most of the cast and a few very good actors. And it was extraordinarily innovative for sci fi at the time.
But even though I have all of Bab5 on DVD, I don’t find myself rewatching it constantly (and never really did). I do rewatch Chuck episodes constantly. The series is just so much fun, with literally the best chemistry between cast that I’ve ever seen, that you can just overlook the flaws and enjoy it anyway. Its mix of genres really is unique, and it does it oh-so well. There were a fair number of Babylon 5 episodes that left me running around smiling all day afterwards, but pretty much every episode of Chuck does that, and they only get [i]better[/i] with re-watching!
Great write up as always Lou- I particulary liked the comparison to Lord of the Rings!
Count me in the fold of those who liked the first 13 for what they showed and allowed our characters to experience!
The lovers have united and the magic is still there! How can that be? The conventional TV wisdom is once you put the male and female leads together, the bubble bursts. Without the WTWT sexual tension, the magic is gone. They call it the “Moonlighting” curse. It’s what the stars of “Bones” and “Castle” cite as being the reason they never commit to romance. But look! There it is and it’s still good. I think there are two reasons for this. First of all Schwartz, Fedak and the writers charted out a storyline with a unique dynamic. This was never an affair of the flesh. It was always an affair of the heart. It wasn’t David Addison spending two years trying to get into Maddie Hayes’ pants. It was two people who cared about each other in a more meaningful way. That’s why the final scene of C&S snuggling atop a made bed, fully clothed and listening to music was beautiful. It was a reminder of what they have always been about. And it wasn’t a bit anti-climactic, even after all the sex we know took place prior. The second reason the show holds up after the consummation is the unique chemistry between Levi and Strahovski. It’s not just scripts, camera angles and lighting. I’ve seen an electricity between them in interviews and such, and they look great together and interact well with each other. They remind me of other legendary pairings (Tracy-Hepburn, Bogart-Bacall, Hanks-Ryan). They are in a class by themselves and would do well to work together from time to time after “Chuck” has run its course.
Once again, Lou, you have distilled the essence of this episode. I appreciate the soap bubble analogy; well drawn.
The word “payoff” says it all for me. I’ve been a die-hard fan of the show, and the Chuck/Sarah relationship, since the Pilot, and after all of their “one step forward two steps back” it was so heartwarming to see them together, and to see Sarah smiling again.
And let me ech the sentiments of others who rate the final scene of this episode among their all-time faves. Every little detail, from Chuck’s line, ” I think I found the one,” to Sarah’s response, “I like this,” to his kiss of her forehead and her stroke of his neck, was bliss.
I also watched this episode over and over – something I never ever do. What a pleasure, It was pure joy from the first scene up untill the last scene on the bed.
I for one cannot wait for Monday and the next 3 Mondays and hopefully season 4.
I made an oopsie! brilliant!
Was it necessarily the best episode of Chuck ever? Well, that’s debatable. Was it by far the favorite episode of most Chuck fans? Without a doubt.
As others have stated, you can put your two leads together and have it absolutely not ruin the show.
But, what made this episode special to me, was that after all the angst of the first 13 episodes this season (which really were necessary to advance Chuck as a character/spy and the relationship) was that everyone finally got to smile again–not just Sarah. The show once again became the fun, lighthearted, funny and action-packed show that we all came to love.
I know there will be more drama because it’s TV and that requires it, but I believe the show will keep the balance of comedy and drama.
The Chuck/Sarah relationship and the Casey/Morgan duo open up a bunch of new storylines that the writers should have fun with. If they do, the fans will have fun, too.
Hey, wait! Did Casey ever smile? Even once? I have to re-watch now and look for that.
AGREE! Nice analysis here. I found the angst of the first few episodes of this season to be annoying at first but when I took a step back around 3.07, I saw that this was necessary for character development to put Chuck and Sarah in a “working” relationship. Now do not be surprised by the bumps along the road for the Chuck/Sarah relationship (already hinted at by Fedak). Real relationships have their bumps and setbacks, so expect them.
You’re still doin’ it, Lou! You’re still reading my mind and getting it in writing before I do!!!
It’s too early to start worrying about what’s coming down the pike. It’s too early to stop revelling and enjoying the very idea of what we saw. My guess – my prediction – is that it’s not over yet, not until the “back six” is history, anyway. THEN we can think about S4 and beyond. Until then, I’m just going to enjoy the party.
I have one related observation, though. I really, really feel the need to update my iPOD’s Chuck play-list now.
Great review, totally agree on all points.
Loved the LOTR reference, and enjoyed seeing Sarah wearing Chuck’s bracelet.
Bring on Season 4
Did she wear the bracelet? I didn’t notice. I’ll have to rewatch (again) 🙂
If you blink you miss it. Watch her wave to Ellie from the doorway as Chuck and Ellie are saying farewell. It morphs into the final scene where C&S listen to music on the bed, by which time she’s undergone a wardrobe change and the bracelet is gone!
That looked like a watch to me.
Look at her left arm (our right). She has a watch halfway up her forearm, and the bracelet on the same arm, dangling at her wrist. Admittedly, you have to freeze the frame because it happens so quickly.
who u guys got good eyes. lol I had to rewatch again to see it.
– This show is nothing but awesome!
– Indeed!
🙂
this is one of the best episodes in all three seasons, this episode had everything fans wanted……….but nothing makes me happier if i hear that B.R watched this episode and heard of the steady ratings……..no wasted character can destroy the chemistry between chuck/Sarah…..they are born to be together.
I have just watched this episode straight through for the fourth time. Normally, by third re-watch, I’m skipping to the best bits but every scene in this joy of an episode is a best bit. It has everything; comedy, action and romance and so what if it is light on drama; the balance needed to be addressed after enduring so much to get here. We, like Chuck and Sarah, deserve our honeymoon. Looking forward to the rest of the season with even more enthusiasm now that I have been proven right to trust the showrunners and writers.
Easily one of the greatest episodes to date! Another great review of another awesome episode! Action, comedy, romance. Everything that makes Chuck great is still there. Chuck didn’t lose what made it great! This episode is proof of that especially when we can see action, comedy, and romance all in one scene! Absolutely amazing episode! Can’t wait for more! Awesome job to anyone and everyone who helped make this episode absolutely perfect!
With the writers tearing the leads apart at the first episode then starting to bring them together only to tear them apart again was more about Sarah’s journey than Chuck. Chuck wanted to be with Sarah. Sarah did not know if she wanted to be with Chuck or a Spy, or even if she wanted to be a spy. But with Beckmans, Shaws and Caseys encouragement she knew that she was a spy and a good one but she needed a partner, one who cared enough for her to always protect her no matter what. She found that in Chuck, but surprisingly she also found that in Casey, that is why Burbank felt like Home. Chuck always resented how well Bryce and Sarah fought as a team in the nemesis. The writers definately one upped that in how the Handcuffed the leads and still took out the bad guys. The writers really showed how the two connected when they simultaneously punched Casey. And took the wind out of Beckmans repremand and interrogation, by holding hands, and Sarah’s ” Chuck and I are Dating”. But kryptonite gone with Sarah as his gal, the Intersect is working properly and on demand.
If I could have one wish and change one scene I would have had Ellie rushing to Sarah to acknowledge how much she was missed and how welcome she was in the Bartowski family. I felt sorry for Sarah looking gorgeous standing on the outside looking in. Then follow that up with the most sensual bedroom scene I have ever seen. I have to give credit to the actors for pulling that one off, wow.
Casey has definately grown in such a positive way. I love his grunts and yucks when Chuck and Sarah are affectionate and how after his choking boast with Morgan he allowed for Morgans help and actually giving him credit in front of Beckman. The brotherly advice to Sarah and the near hug truly showed how Casey truly cares for Chuck and Sarah. How the producers brought the four of them together and helped them to grow as a team is pure genius. There was no chemistry in the Chuck Casey Shaw and Sarah team but what occurred in the cafe was pure chemistry. Now that the Honeymoon is over lets get on with the Happily ever after.
I think that Ellie hugging Sarah may have been a victim of the editing room. You can see as the scene fades out, Ellie turning and beginning to move towards Sarah. But I understand why they did it: that scene was about Chuck and Ellie in a brother/sister moment.
I’ve mentioned this in the Episode 14 thread over on the forum, and I think it’s worth repeating here: I don’t think I’ve ever watched a scene from any television show (or movie for that matter) that was as authentic and loving as the final scene in The Honeymooners. The acting was so good that I felt like I was watching two real people cuddling and lovingly kissing. It almost made me miss my late wife, because it showed that true love is much, much more than sex and lust.
No, not “almost miss” but rather “really miss” my wife. Especially when Sarah looks into Chuck’s eyes after he kisses her on the forehead. I watch this scene over and over…
I’m so sorry Silvercat about your wife. But you’ll see her again.
Thanks, Hope. And you’re right. Jeesh, that scene makes me mist up in the eyes. It’s hard to believe they’re just acting.
Wouldn’t you relate more with Daniel Shaw?
I loved every second of it.. I just want to know, why did it take so long for Sarah and Chuck to become a team and finally be happy. They work so well togeather and kick all kinds of A. I know the finle cupple of episodes are coming up and i get mad just knowing that us as Chuck fans will have to work our butts off.. for the second year in a row.. just to get the BEST SHOW ON TV!!! Back for another season.. We can do it Chuck fanz!!! But monday was geat and i am looking forward to next week. Thank you to everyone that makes CHUCK happen every week. All of u awesome.. ROCK ON CHUCK!!!
The magic is back, the last 2 espisodes were worth the wait and I can’t wait for Monday night. Great job Team B.
I know that this episode (and most of these posts) focus on the C/S relationship but did anyone notice how well and how easily Chuck was able to flash now that he’s with Sarah? I hope we get to see some new things from the intersect in the upcoming 5 episodes.
I agree with you Liz. Sarah being Chuck’s krytonite never really materialized. Once Chuck’s personal world is in order and he has been able to share his feelings with those who are closest to him the Intersect works better than ever. It will be definitely interesting how things play out since at least 2 out of the 3 most important people in his life know and support his spy life.
And he’s FINALLY with the woman he loves, and secure in their relationship.
I think the Kryptonite part only applies when things are not running smoothly between Chuck and Sarah. The Intersect definitely works well when Chuck is contented. And I agree that it is becoming a bit of an issue that Ellie is the only one close to Chuck who doesn’t know his secret. I’m looking forward to how that will work out in future episodes.
Thanks again Lou for the great review! I felt that the direct references to Canada in Honeymooners were as much of a tribute to you and Mel, Liz and Gray and all the other Chuck supporters up North. Thanks for all that you do to keep the rest of us Chuck fans around the planet informed and energized!
As for C/S’s comments I have to believe that Fedak/Schwartz have more than likely learned a bit from this season. Would they do things differently if they had a do over? Perhaps, after all I have to believe that not only the characters of the show have grown but also the people working behind the camera have as well.
Hopefully the lessons learned can be applied to Season 4. I do think they are getting a better sense of what works and I think that the last 6 episodes will prove that. Will every episode of Chuck always be the bubbly, upbeat action-packed, romantic adventure that we saw this week? Not likely, but hopefully there will be better balance in the future. Thanks to the Chuck creative team for giving the fans a lot to celebrate once again!
I really hope so.
My favorite lines – “Chuck’s going to need a walker when Walker’s through with him” “What you were faking it the whole time?” “You even make terrorist groups sound sexy”. I have to say, I like Chuck 2.0 a lot, maybe even more than Chuck 1.0. As Sarah said, “I can never go back to the way it was before”. This season, although slightly depressing, was so worth it!
Even from the beginning of season 3, the action scenes with Chuck out of the car, his new hair(yes, I have to say I love it), Sarah’s and Casey’s sympathedic attitudes and respect for Chuck was enjoyable. When looking at season 3 and then at one and two, its amazing how much the characters have changed. And I’m glad they did. If they hadn’t I’m not sure how much Chuck/Sarah would make sense. I have to say the new direction they took and are taking the show has really worked for me and I really enjoyed it, Shaw and all.
So true. And I also enjoyed Shaw. A lot.
Lou, I can’t agree more with the general view that this is one of the best episodes of the series, but….for two and a half years Sarah has been wanting to escape the spy life. She has spoken repeatedly about wanting a life with kids and her relationships with other spies(Cole and Shaw) only occur when her relationship with Chuck is on the fritz. We have just seen all of her angst about becoming a cold-blooded killer and how she would love to just set her gun down and walk away. So are we supposed to forget all of that now?
Still, I am willing to forget what seems like a huge issue because, well, heck y’all, I just love seeing Chuck and Sarah together.
What a good observation. Is a spy a hero or a killer? I think that the real reason she wanted to “set her gun down” was to be with Chuck. For two years he’s wanted to get away so she offers it, and then he changes his mind. Remember, he was doing it for her and she was doing it for him. Now that they’re together and no one’s breaking anyone up, they follow their second nature and continue their lives as spies.
Sarah wants a “real life,” but she doesn’t have any context in her past for what that actually IS. You can also see plenty in the previous season and a half that would indicate she really likes her work in a lot of ways, but just very conflicted. I mean, it’s obviously not realistic for them to just run around on trains forever, but she wasn’t thinking about that before. What is she going to do if she’s not a spy? It’s been her whole life up to now, and she actually likes doing it – she just hated its consequences for a lot of other aspects of her life. And it’s a huge part of Chuck’s life now too (go back, and watch the pilot, and remember how depressing his life was before he got into the whole espionage deal)! Like Sarah actually explicitly says in this episode, “I always thought it had to be one way or the other – but maybe…”
So now, their challenge is to actually make that work (combine a “real life” with remaining spies) – and I suspect we’ll get a fair amount of additional drama out of that pretty soon! It won’t stay as sugary sweet as this episode for long, and I think it’d definitely get tiring for us if it did – but it was sure nice to see it for now. And introducing drama back in ways like that, along with in the spy world, will allow them to keep Sarah and Chuck happily otgether while still progressing the story and not ignoring the relationship dynamic entirely (which has always been the heart of the show).
Good call on the “I thought it always had to be one way or the other” but I am surprised that a serious change like that would happen so glibly, Perhaps the next episode will begin the process of coming to terms with just what a mixed life might look like–I am looking for another fun episode.
I’ll interested in seeing how the writers try to integrate elements of real life into Sarah and Chuck’s relationship.
A line sums it up at the end of this episode in fact. Something along the lines of “no matter how far you run, you can never run away from yourself.”
A true saying indeed. Once you get into the spy life it’s difficult to get out of. All of the team has found out that no matter how far they run or try to hide, they can’t escape this kind of life, it will hunt them down them no matter where they go.
The phrase could also apply to their relationship. At the end of the day, Sarah couldn’t bring herself to go to D.C. with Shaw. To do so would not have meant running toward Shaw. It would have meant trying to run from her love for Chuck, trying to run from something forever inside her, which she realised she couldn’t do.
A very telling line from the eps was “I can’t go back to the way it was before this….before you.” Meeting Chuck fundamentally changed Sarah forever. From the pilot there was no going back for her.
Another thought is, it would have been interesting to see what would have happened HAD Sarah run off with Bryce in S1. How long would she have stayed with him before she realized she was lying to herself.
It seems like the only way that any of them could realistically leave the spy life (presuming that a “real life” ever becomes more important to them than the “spy life”) is if they leave together as a team. After all, we’ve seen how well they can track each other down.
Or they could get “with child”. Beckman wouldn’t want a pregnant field agent.
This episode was great and the review, as always put into eloquent words what I felt about the episode. I especially loved the episode flashes. Home indeed!
I loved the parts with Morgan pretending to be Canadian. They were awesome!
Never laughed at a Canada joke on TV nearly as much as Morgan’s “oh, Canada…” during the fight scene at the end after the running gags throughout the ep.
that was great right 😀
A-boot, That was priceless.
Very nice episode would love to watch it again and again like epi 13. Nice to see sarah smile and laugh and also she is so damn HOT!!!
Cant wait for the next episodes.. GO TEAM B!!!
Favorite, favorite line of a really excellent episode: “And, off the record, it’s about damn time.”
Amen! That line made me laugh a lot. 🙂
Hey, we’ve known about Chuck’s vinyl collection since season 1, when Morgan “takes” his interview for him in “Sand Worm” and tells the Buy More corporate person that Chuck has the best vinyl collection of anyone he’s ever known.
Nice catch Deb. This is the first time we’ve seen it put to use! Heard it in Chuck Vs the Other Guy when OMD’s If You Leave was needled off the track by Morgan.
And here I thought I was crazy thinking that was a call back to Chuck’s vinyl collection that we heard of in season 1. Turns Im not the only one who noticed it. 🙂
Oh! And as usual Lou great article.
Getting Morgan involved into the spy stuff hast to be the greatest thing in Chuck history! Great Episode btw.
This episode was an amazing gift to Chuck fans. It is nice to see characters that we care about it such a happy place. Thank God Chuck received the back six order.
In the episode flashes you forgot to mention morgans hit on the train knocking the would be badguy off the train with “The Morgan” (from The First Kill). The allmighty Morgan prevales again!
No one mentions the classic Casey grunts in their list of favorite moments, but that’s what stood out to me. Whenever he caught Chuck and Sarah kissing, or if Morgan was bothering him too much. I also like the surprised way he greets the terrorist in the bathroom… right before he shoots him! (And then Morgan doing “The Morgan” and taking him out LOL)
I don’t understand why there is so much buzz about this episode. For me there was only 2 parts of the show I liked.
The first was the part before the opening credits, the second was everything after the opening credits. This episode was unironically AWESOME.
Since American Hero, every week I have a new all-time favourite episode of Chuck.
As Beckman said “Off the record it’s about damn time!”
well to be honest i just found this episode unbeliveable! firstly i would like to say that ive only just started to watch this show last month but ive been catching up and now im upto date and well from the first scene ive loved sarah and chuck been together and this newest episode has been the realisation of those been together ! and the continuation of the chuck cast’s amazing acting!! I really hope the last episodes of this season are of this amazing quality!!!
Just notice someone when I was watching again EPI 14. The guy Yvonne was talking in Polish (with the electric guitar)is that Tim Loden?