ChuckTV.net The CHUCK archive
Written by Kristin Newman
Directed by Robert Duncan McNeil
Everyone brings their own set of expectations to the things they indulge in during their leisure time. Even within a shared experience such as a TV show those expectations can vary widely. Even one as telegraphed as Chuck. So when I sit back, watch an episode that operates heavily in the areas which are not in my preferred pleasure zones and still come away with a big, sloppy grin on my ugly mug, it can only mean one thing; an exceptional episode.
Rookie Chuck writer, Kristen Newman of, ‘That 70’s Show,’ and ‘How I Met Your Mother,’ background experience serves up a goldmine episode of character nugget rich moments. She displays a flair for the comedic with layered dialogue that leads, more often than not, from a character moment to another or even a scene transition in a skilled and seamless matter.
One of my favorite beats is when Chuck is talking relationships, Sarah is talking mission, Chuck flashes on one of Sarah’s intel pictures of the Costa Gravas nuclear weapons panel, Chuck switches to talking mission and nuclear, and Sarah switches to relationship talk using the nuclear comment as her jumping off point before Chuck brings them both back in synch and talking about the mission.
Funny. Clever. Witty. Seamless. An awesome bit of writing.
Kristen gives each of the regular cast and the main guest stars great lines and beats to play. Armand Assante returns with zest and vigor and Tia Texada as his embittered spouse matches him beat for beat. Casey and Morgan continue to explore their relationship now becoming even more complicated and filled with even more comedic potential with the return Casey’s long lost daughter, Alex. Mekanna Melvin makes a fetching return as Alex, made all the more so awesome that there is definite on screen chemistry between her and Josh Gomez’s Morgan Grimes.
Morgan was back on track character wise after being somewhat sublimated in the last episode to facilitate the return of Big Mike. He channeled the audience’s exasperation with Chuck and Sarah’s communication issues, indirectly led to the closing scene with Sarah telling a ‘sleeping’ Chuck what her answer would be to the big question via the seemingly ill advised selfhelp relationship book , kivitzed with Casey, was wise and emboldened enough by Alex to follow Big Mike’s advice, and went for the jam in his soul.
All this, and while we are all eager to see Casey and Morgan interaction, the little bearded one is not just entering into in-law situations with not just one powerful father figure, but two! Morgan navigating stormy patriarchal seas of not only Casey but Big Mike as well. Plus being in a romance. Plus managing a BuyMore. Plus being a spy! And we thought Chuck was doing a big juggling act back in the Season One and Two days. Talk about a busy guy!
The Chuck and Sarah dynamics were a lot of fun this week too. Especially as we got to see them played off of Ellie and Devon, the Communication All-Stars. From the awkward faux proposal opening to the still awkward surveillance van scene to the bikini decision and various types of communication scene to their shared fight scene right on to the final bedroom scene; each them of them, like real partners, had individual and shared moments to shine as they worked on being better communicators.
Episode Flashes: – an embarrasment of riches in this episode, more than I can list
- The real Morgan is back this week! Yippee!
- Morgan channeling audience on Chuck & Sarah being crap communicators while being the masters of precious looks
- Morgan nailing the heart of the awkward faux engagement – how would Chuck have reacted if Sarah had said yes
- Devon talking to baby and sharing his fab workout jams
- wheelchair Casey in Castle for ‘fresh air’
- Beckman back to monitor status – Boo!
- Beckman’s – ‘Anyone who was not shot recently.’
- Generalissmo’s hilarious Costa Gravas travelogue video
- Smooth product placement via Devon and Goya
- Babymoon
- Bikinis &’Yes. That. Both….all of them.’ & ‘There are many ways to communicate.’
- Morgan trying to take care of Casey.
- ‘Dad.’ ‘Daughter.’ ‘Morgan, how’d the pot roast turn out?’
- Roman Holiday movie
- ‘Grimes, give her a five minute head start.’
- Chuck’s cuddling needs versus Sarah’s needs for thirty minutes of silence.
- Awesome’s awesome smile at seeing his statue
- Generalissimo’s wife, Hortencia
- Generalissimo’s senses immediately picking up on the fragrance of a ripe fruit aka Ellie’s pregnancy
- ‘Way to go, marble me!’
- ‘Follow the stink of commie.’
- Tall and brunette versus charming and handsome. Sarah and Chuck characters captured in dialogue.
- Red door. ‘Get me out of here!’
- Alex & Morgan movie marathons
- Big Mike on Casey, ‘That’s not a daddy you want to be giving you a spanking.’
- Chuck shaking his head no but saying yes to Sarah’s question about the 101 Questions book
- Costa Gravas = Chuck and Sarah = nuclear
- General Beckman’s – ‘Costa Gravas is nuclear!’
- Casey nailing the full scope of those involved with the Coup
- a red polka dotted, laser sighted Casey proclaiming, ‘Cute. Too bad you didn’t bring enough.’
- ‘The stench of tyranny.’
- Big Mike talking the goods to Morgan about love via Bolognia singing like the happiest bird in the sky to knowing about being with the right one because you feel the sweet, smooth jams rise up from your soul
- ‘What rebel leader goes to a marriage counsellor?’
- Alex and Morgan!
- Sarah talking to Chuck in his ‘sleep.’ Best of all it is left open to our interpretation. Was Chuck awake or asleep? Either scenario works for me. And works well.
Quibbles? Sure, but most of them are based on the way the season is being handled.
For this episode, the first half was stronger than the second. The resolution was cribbed far too much from 3.02 – Chuck Vs The Three Words where Chuck talked down Carina’s supposed boyfriend in a similar manner. It was great to see Chuck tell Ellie about his quest to find their mother but a continuing disappointment that he is hiding his spy life from Ellie. At least Chuck is dropping hints to Ellie. It irks me though to see the show continually under use Sarah Lancaster as Ellie. The actress and the character deserve better. I do not see the purpose or plus side to keeping both of them on a short leash. They unleashed Morgan and look what happened. Why not do the same for Ellie?
Three episodes in a row where the Chuck and Sarah relationship shaped the mission. With the exceptions of the Cubic Z and the Anniversary there has been a paucity of tension and drama to the episodes. When an episode is a good as the Coup D’etat I can forego that requirement.
Really enjoyed this episode and hope for those of you who are into the show for primarily for the relationship are happy with the season to this point. Let me know in the comments section where you want to see the emphasis placed on the future direction of the show. Do you want the focus to continue to be on the relationship? Or would you like to see the spy mythology and MamaB storyline start to rev up?
I barely mentioned how awesome Casey and Awesome were this episode too. Another sign of a great episode.
Ok so hopefully this was the last of the filler. Cause God only knows how I want to get to where we’re supposed to be going with this story.
Pros:
Casey, all Casey bless him he’s become quite the scene stealer. I loved how desperate he was to help C/S when they needed him, and how quick he found out about the Premiere’s men being the villains, plus speaking spanish to that one guy? BA Casey at his best. 🙂
Alex, wow is she pretty and I finally got to hear her calling him dad at last I’ve been longing for that ever since the season 3 finale, the kiss on the cheek was sweet too. 🙂
Sarah softly talking to Chuck while he’s sleeping and her saying that whenever he does propose to her she’d say yes. and his smile at the end. C.U.T.E. 🙂
Chuck finally telling Ellie the truth (okay, maybe he didn’t tell her he’s still a spy, but what hey?) Good boy Chuck. 🙂
Cons:
My fears in the Morgan/Alex romance was well founded, I know a lot of other fans loved it but for me it made me want to puke. It was painful to watch, awkward (poor Casey) and just totally bleack. 🙁
Chuck’s hand wringing is getting old and tired and his whole ”We have to be better communicators” got grating fast.
The whole Costa Graves scenerio was weird and rather badly put together I’m sorry to say that whole standoff scene near the end had me cringing.
And I’m also ashamed to admit I never laughed once through the episode. So I don’t really know, but I’ll never give up on Chuck I still love it and I’ll stick with it to the end.
Next week looks fun. I can’t wait. 😉
Hope proves my opening paragraph. Different strokes for different folks.
Best episode of the season for me.
Sorry Lou, I’m usually easy to please but it’s like the writers are a little off their game. Thanks for your review. 🙂
Most welcome. As my reviews felt this one was a goldmine of character beats.
I agree with you, Lou that this was my favorite episode so far this season. Like you have said either one of the stories was on and the other fell flat, but with this episode all of it was good. I have found this season that watching it a second time it was better and that goes for this episode too. I would like to see more comedic scenes like the first two seasons,but still have the mythology story. Casey wasn’t as funny this ep.
“All this, and while we are all eager to see Casey and Morgan interaction”
No, not all. I want to see Casey working in the team with Sarah and Chuck, as was at the end of this episode. I don´t want him to be “funny” with Morgan. And I want to see him talking to Alex…without Morgan around.
Wait, do I dislike Morgan? Not really but he certainly isn´t my favorite in this show.
I agree about Ellie. Use her more! It looked so promising at the end of Season 3 and she would certainly be able to handle more! Hopefully, the “chat” time is over and we can finally get back the Chuck we know and love.
ITA Ella you brought the money girl and it’s exactly what I’m thinking.
It doesn’t really make sense Ellie being involved. She’s a doctor. What do you want her to be more involved in? Her knowing I would like to see, but her being more involved in the spy stuff? Don’t see it.
Exactly, she is a doctor. Show some of her personal life, work, all she did last two seasons were talks with Chuck and Devon. She should definitely know what is Chuck up to. I don´t want her to be involved in a spy life. But they should be fair with her
Loved the episode (as if you didn’t know that I would)!
About the only thing I could think to add, Lou, was that, with the exception of Linda Hamilton as Mama B. this was just about the best use of the guest stars I’ve seen in a long time.
Didn’t Chuck say “Armand Assente is Genius!” sometime back in season 3? He should have! Tia Texada was fantastic too, following in a long line of great female machine-gun slingers on Chuck.
And I agree 100% that Chuck’s version of Sarah’s Mona Lisa smile left it completely up to us to decide if he heard her or not – and that was perfect!
Anybody else notice that the music that played when Chuck and Sarah took on the revolutionaries early on was the same as when Sarah and Bryce fought together all those seasons ago? Some great full circle stuff going on here.
Yes I noticed that too. Also when Hortencia was coordinating the coupe they used Ring Agent music. I guess they are bringing that back for all villains.
I’m with you on this one, Lou. 20 minutes into the episode and all I kept thinking was ‘I love this show’ The balance and pacing were perfect and it was the first episode where the Buy More didn’t detract from any other part of the show. I like this writer; she knows the characters and the fans well. I also felt for Sarah when she’s questioning whether they need change in their relationship ‘can’t we just be?’ I think even her own feelings are moving too quick for her. Although I agree with your quibbles, especially GBecks, I am sure the mythology and MamaB will return in full force soon enough; in the meantime I’ve thoroughly enjoyed the ride so far. I love the way Volkoff is being threaded through all the episodes. This season is building nicely thank you very much.
Lou, I’m totally with you on the lack of tension and drama. There has been no sense of danger or excitement for the past 3 episodes. Chuck has basically turned into a sitcom with guns, and the Chuck/Sarah relationship is completely suffocating the show. I really hope that the Mama B mythology and the spy stuff kick it into high gear soon.
I find it interesting that so many fans are complaining about the focus on the relationship. If you go back and look at the anecdotal evidence from season 3, you’d think that the entire fanbase wanted that to be the focus. Be careful what you wish for?
FWIW, I’ve always been more interested in the spy stuff, but I have enjoyed getting to see Sarah & Chuck work out how to be spies and in a relationship. I think they’re through the toughest part of their relationship now and we’ll swing back to focusing on the Mama B mission.
Mel could be since the show was reluctant to bring them together they now fear over compensating with nothing but being a couple and all showing. I agree I think they showed them working issues to balance their personal lives now bring in momma B and introduce issues for their professional side to deal with
I agree with you Mel.
I really don’t get or understand some fans. Is that what you want or wish for C/S?
It’s just part of C/S steps in their relationship. It means their love is growing. And we all know, it will end this way or the other. Just deal with it.
That makes this show great because all characters and relationships grow.
So, fans too should grow more on the show.
For the record, I’ve never been particularly interested in Chuck and Sarah’s relationship, so I’ve never wanted to the show to focus on it as much as it is right now. Sure, their love is growing, and that’s good, but the manner in which that growth has been achieved hasn’t been interesting. There are better, faster, or more elegant ways of getting Chuck and Sarah to where they’re going.
I’m not trying to be a downer or be too hard on the show. I know that it can do great things. I just think that it’s going through a particularly rough stretch right now, but I expect things to pick up once there’s a greater focus on the search for Mary.
I agree with everything Merve said. The Chuck and Sarah relationship drama just feels forced and it’s killing my interest in the show.
I’m more than happy that C&S are together now. I think what’s happened this season, and the reason why all the fans are kind of unhappy with it is because since F&S had to get them officially together so soon (at least a few seasons sooner than shows usually do) I think they’re really worried about the show going flat, since that’s the trend. Problem is, I think they’re trying so hard to keep tension between C&S that they’re overdoing it and it’s ending up being too much. A little tension, fine. But entire episodes focused on it? No thanks.
Mel, I think that change you mentioned is based on the loss of C/S shippers in the fan base. It is my belief that many have quit watching. How else to explain the drop from reliably 2.1 numbers up to episode 13 last season and the new normal of 1.9 ever since. The numbers confirm this sustained drop. I made the same comment after the drop to 1.9 occurred for episode 14.
If you look at broadcast numbers across the board from around episode 3.10, you’ll see that most shows experienced a drop that they haven’t recovered from even now. Many pundits point to the switch to Daylight Savings Time in March as the major culprit, which begs the question whether the switch back to Standard at the end of October will bump the ratings up a bit.
Much as I’m happy C/S are together, I’m already starting to wonder if they’ve gone too far with it. Like Mel said ”Be careful want you wish for” is one hundred percent correct, I just feel like they need to get on with the story about finding mom this is what season 4 is supposed to be about right? Well so far, all it’s been about is C/S relationship issues, enough already, they need to tone down the relationship drama and get back to the spy world where they all belong. That’s all I have to say on subject.
I really enjoyed this episode and for me easy to please (each their own strokes) I laughed more this episode than last 2. I been reading biggest complaints so far is focusing to much on the relationship issues (maybe fearing to get old for a lot of folks)I think it necessary that and probably budget issues.
Like last season they showed the steps Chuck needed to go through to be a spy this season they take an issue that was used as excuse to keep the WT/WT going and show them working through it. issues of abandonment commitment and biggest excuse they used communication was examined. They are not good communicators and I think it mainly fear they going to screw things up is why. I think they have addressed enough of the issues to reach a balance from personnel perspective and they will now start focusing on spy stories and bring in momma B to present issues from professional side of relationship.
But I can see those objecting every episode shouldn’t have to have them addressing a relationship issue and why at times just let them be them and focus on others and the job. Nice review My biggest objection is Beckman now still stuck inside the TV tube.
wow…what can i say, CHUCK is really a must watch series. i think the writers wants chuck to move in the next step not just to stay on the same line. i like the progress of CHUCK.. little by little chuck is near of finding his mom. i love chuck and sarah love story, they have issues like a real couple have. casey and morgan duo is fun to watch..im happy for morgan that he finally have the girl, though goodluck to him coz he’s in a great trouble.(“lol”).. the action-packed is still cool. i really love the show, it’s like, we got all in one package. the action. comedy, romance, sci-fi…wow..
yeah i think it is a must watch series!!!!!!!! the writers should put kristin kreuk back in chuck!!!!!!!! watching kristin kreuk and yvonne in the same show,the show will be so ASTIG(awesome or cool)…….i was really surprised to hear what sarah said when chuck was sleeping in the S04Epi04…. everything in the show is smooth…..dsa,That was well put! I couldn’t have said it better myself!!!!!!
This was my favorite episode of the season so far too, Lou. Everything was in balance, parallel storylines, memorable lines for each character–action, comedy, romance, wow! I really think that this new writer has right the tone of the show. Last week, I had the opposite feeling and was worried that the Chuck I loved was getting lost, this week it was back full force! As far as the relationship every week stuff, I have watched all three seasons over again since May and there has been a “relationship” issue in nearly every episode since the Pilot. Those two have always been working toward, away or on something..it’s what makes them like a real couple. I loved the ending, it was priceless.
The debate about whether the show does (or should) focus too much on the relationship, or on the spy activity, is anachronistic. The show does (and should) focus on both. They are increasingly inseperable. And that was the point, according to Chuck himself: “Wasn’t this the plan? I’m a spy now, so we can be together” or something to that effect (“American Hero”). The old adage is that nobody on their deathbed wishes they’d spent more time at the office, they wish they’d spent it with their loved ones. But Chuck and Sarah resolved that dichotomy in “the Honeymooners” when they decided that they did not need to choose between love and profession. As long as they had each other, they could have it all.
Agreed but IMHO the story is better served when the story ie the mission drives the story and not the relationship. The last 3 episodes are stark proof of that.
I’ll concede that point. But it’s unlikely that the mission is going to be the driving force for the show’s forward motion because the professional dynamic is not an evolving one, at least not to the same degree as the relationship. The missions may change, but another day at the office is just another mission. The relationship is evolving, from dating, to moving in, to engagement, to marriage, to family. So, by default, the forward progression of the show will be defined by the relationship. One thing that could mitigate that somewhat would be to take the Mama B story off the back burner and change it from a side project to the main mission focus with Beckman’s blessing. If that is allowed to unfold, it would take some of the burden off the relationship saga in terms of carrying the show.
I agree Doc you hit the nail on the head with that statement.
This episode aired on my birthday. NBC, your thank-you note is IN THE MAIL. First of all, I loved seeing Sarah in a bikini. Who didn’t? This episode didn’t really work for me with Chuck bringing up the communication sphiel over and over. It was sweet once, but all the time, it got on my nerves. I liked Awesome’s statue and seeing Morgan kissing Alex (Casey is going to be SO MAD…) I can’t wait until next episode…
Another episode focused on a Chuck and Sarah misunderstanding. It feels so forced. Sorry but I’m not a C/S shipper so this annoys me greatly. I wish they put their relationship more in the backgroud for a while, please, please, please! The episode had lots of potential to be great but it just wasn’t well executed, imo. For instance, it seemed to much of a coincidence that the generalisimo knew who Frost was. Just too convinient and predictable. And again, the chuck and Sarah drama took a lot of the fun of the ep.
Despite that, I enjoyed parts of it, like the Armand Assante as the generalisimo, and the Casey, Alex and Morgan interaction. We need more Casey! More Team B interactions and adventures! The spy story is pretty weak and predictable so far, so I hope things to get more interesting real soon.
I agree stargazer, that’s exactly what I’ve been feeling and saying these past few episodes. I’m very sad about it but what I’ve been seeing this season I haven’t been very impressed so far. It seems like the C/S relationship (believe me I’m no hardcore shipper myself) has taken the front seat while the search for mom (which is supposed to be what this season’s about) and everything else has to be on the back burner.
Where is the spy world? Where is the suspense that the big bad guy is supposed to have? I’m not feeling it, I’m not laughing half as much as I used to and I’m not on the edge of my seat wondering what the heck is going to happen next?
I’m getting the feeling more and more like it’s the last season. Something’s got to give sooner or later.
I think the show has sooooo much potential for seasons to come if the writers stick with what works: CAsey, Chuck and Sarah together on missions, Morgan in the field once in awhile with Casey, and Gen Beckman always on. Also Big Mike but I could do without Jeffster. I like the arc/ mythology story of finding Mama Bartowski, but I’m hoping she’s bad, because I think we expect her to be bad.I would like to see next season if it makes it more solid intrigue/spy missions–action and comedy!!
I really don’t understand the complaints about Chuck and Sarah’s relationship being the focus on the show, it always has been. The DVD covers all have C&S on the front, many of the promos feature C&S and the show runners have pushed that element of the show from day one. C&S are the main characters of the show and now that they are together it’s only natural that their relationship will be more prominent in the storylines. As Chuck said in this episode, there is always going to be a mission and they need to make time to talk regardless of this. If we didn’t see them working through their problems whilst being on missions then how else would the writers show the progression of their relationship? When Mama B appears in future episodes I suspect that the focus will be on her relationship with Chuck and Ellie. This season is all about relationships and character development and the writers are doing a great job of showing how much Chuck, Sarah, Casey and Morgan are changing. In my opinion, this season is rapidly turning out to be one of the best so far.
Maybe it always has been, but lately there seems to be more of that then the spy world and the search for mom.
well the recent episodes got the fans divided
And again it probably budget issues. The hard spy line this year is find mom. last year the Ring and Fulcrum before that. The show couldn’t afford to have Linda in every episode The spy missions deal around Volkoff Industries and how mom is involved in all this. Without Linda involvement I really don’t know how the mission dictate the spy story and than some how show relationship growing. With exception of 4.02 the show has tried to move the spy story along with something disclosed as a link to Chuck mom
Granted IMO execution in last 2 episodes were not as well inter twinned as the spy story and relationship was in this episode.
I thought this week was a perfect blend of all the Chuck elements. Relationship, family, spy/teamwork.
Both the A plot and the B plot were great.
I don’t know why, but I’m finding the Chuck/Sarah relationship stuff funny and quite enjoyable.
So do I want more of a focus on spy stuff vs relationship stuff – I say try to maintain a nice blend of both, like I found in this episode, with the occassional episode focusing more on one than the other just to add variety.
Ditto Gord! Well put. And, to quote our new resident sage M.Grimes “..another awkward moment in a world of awkward Chuck and Sarah moments.” Whether the relationship was fake as in the early seasons or real as it is now, this show has always had these elements. As long as there is balance, I’m all for it! You can’t please everyone (that includes me btw). The first part of last season people complained because C&S weren’t together and the show was getting too serious, this season the complaints are of the opposite. Well, that’s why they make chocolate and vanilla, and there is something in this show for everyone to enjoy. Long live Chuck!
what about that little bit of mr. and mrs smith action we saw from chuck and sarah and the song that played on that scene sounded a bit like mondo bongo from mr and mrs smith
It’s interesting to me that Sarah is questioning whether she and Chuck need change in their relationship as she was the one who was pushing Chuck to change during seasons 1 & 2. Now that the shoe is on the other foot she is the one who is hitting the brakes.
While I too would like to see more emphasis on the mission to find Mama B. and the baddies I’m content to see C&S together (I couldn’t imagine going backwards in that department). Still even if Mama B. isn’t the type of person Chuck hopes to find, no doubt she will be forced to change in the same way that every one else is who comes into contact with Chuck.
When Chuck took out the soldiers in front of Ellie and Awesome, I thought, “Finally.” It was great for Ellie to see that Chuck is grown up, can take care of himself, and is actually a pretty good spy; so she can begin to transfer her maternal/protective instincts onto her “ripe fruit.” For once, Awesome was in awe of Chuck and not the other way around. At the end of the episode, I had the biggest grin on my face. I think we can expect great things going forward.
As far as C/S goes, I think TPTB are overcompensating for the backlash last season. Hopefully, they will find a new equilibrium that works going forward.
This is the first episode that I have truly felt reflected the real Chuck, the show that I fell in love with. For those who don’t like the Charah relationship, its too bad because this show is all about relationships. That’s what makes it different from Mission Impossible. Chuck is always going to be a nice smart guy in love with a beautiful yet tough woman. She will become more like him and he will become more like her. Together they will be successful spies but they (and by default the show) will always be a mix between Get Smart and I Spy.
You absolutely hit the nail on the head for me, here. The real reason I love this show is because it is the perfect blend of everything (action, comedy, romance, slap-stick, etc), and it can do that because the focus of the show is (and has always been) the evolution of the characters and their relationships. I don’t mind Sarah and Chuck needing to work out their relationship stuff (while on the job sometimes) because it makes them more real to me.
And, hey, has anyone noticed the amazing evolution of the other characters and their relationships? They are there too! For example, I LOVE LOVE LOVE the friendship/partnership that has become Casey and Sarah. They not only respect each other as spies, but they are really starting to get each other, and even become friends (even though they would NEVER admit to that).
And I adore the way Casey has come to respect Chuck (in his own way). They are a real team now, and you can see how they care about each other (even though Casey would die if he had to admit it)
I don’t mean to ramble, here, and I completely understand that everyone has the right to their own opinions, but I just don’t get all of the complaints this season. For me, the show has never lost what makes it great, and continues to put out solid episodes.
Go Chuck!
I agree totally. I always thought that the real character arcs were Casey and Sarah helping/forcing Chuck to grow up and find purpose, and Chuck bringing the both of them back to the human race.
And somewhere’s in there Casey and Big Mike helping Morgan to grow up too.