Comments on: Recap: Chuck vs the Santa Suit (5.07)

By: jmc

jmc — Fri, 30 Dec 2011 22:41:56 +0000

This was probably the weakest episode of this season, and it has nothing to do with the last scene and the “baby” foolishness.

Random thoughts:

– Shaw was a lame “good guy” but a pretty good villain during season 3.. that being said bringing him back felt completely unnecessary.

– Intersect or no, I was disappointed to see both Sarah and Casey so easily defeated.

– Chuck coming up with a plan when Morgan and Casey believe he’s “shutting down” was one of the few scenes that I liked.

– When Ellie learns the truth about what’s happening and Chuck convinces her to go home…. you just *knew* that she’d come back and kick Shaw’s ass. Way too predictable. (And disappointing, since I hoped Chuck or Sarah would do it)

– Yes, Ellie saved Chuck but after that he should have just rushed to see how things were in the Castle and thank her later. The scene just felt very wrong and out-of-character to me.

– As for the last scene, it was undoubtedly just meant to shock people with ‘baby’ and all. While it’s sad the writers feel the need to use such tactics, “the baby” promos look promising. I like Sarah-centric episodes.

By: Flow

Flow — Wed, 28 Dec 2011 16:18:14 +0000

Honestly, this episode was probably the worst in over a year, for 2 reasons:
1. That baby issue. That’s just plain wrong, it’s not the story device to use here and it is another case of writers unable to stop themselves from trashing up the plot. With only few episodes remaining it’s not the right time to introduce an entirely new bit of storyline and I detest the (now common) practice of introducing bits just to have some rushed momentum for two or even just one episode.
Which bringes me to:
2. There’s no way the writers would really just cut off the whole conspiracy theory, after doing so much right in hyping it up, which is why I do not understand the return of Shaw at all. Not only did they already abuse him for a return-of-the-villain scenario before, they also have him meddle with the currently most interesting storyline. I believe that Shaw will turn out to be just another part of the conspiracy surrounding Chuck, because quite honestly anything else would be utterly dissatisfying.

By: Lianne

Lianne — Wed, 28 Dec 2011 14:18:18 +0000

As a C/S shipper, I love where the relationship has gone with the 2 of them! I love the subtle, quiet intimacy between the 2. Would I like more C/S time? Yes. Do I need it? Nope. You just have to look at the 2 of them to see their feelings for each other. Sarah loves being married! Who would’ve thought that? And Chuck isn’t the emotionally immature kid he used to be. It’s a different kind of squee for me, but a good one nonetheless!

By: Cay

Cay — Wed, 28 Dec 2011 13:32:36 +0000

In reply to Mel. Sorry I've been MIA. I'm with Mel on this one. I think the most believable aspecfs of Chuck are the relationships. We all know that the last few months have been rough for the Bartowskis . Why is it such a surprise that Chuck didn't have time to get a gift for Sarah? Love and gifts are not the same thing,despite all the commercials that would try to convince you otherwise.The scene was an excuse to show the bracelet again, that's all. Also, why does it matter anyway? If your issue is plot holes this one was dime sized and there were a few truck sized ones in my opinion as I wrote above.

By: Liz B

Liz B — Wed, 28 Dec 2011 08:11:58 +0000

Mel,
I agree with a lot of what you have been saying about Chuck and Sarah and how their relationship is being portrayed. I love the subtleties between them…..Chuck calling Sarah “Hun” or Honey….the looks they give each other and knowing what the other one means without saying a word, comes in handy for the spy business. There are many scenes where they are holding hands and other people just roll their eyes at that, which gives the impression that they do that A LOT. =0)
Even when they have a problem between them, they seem to recognize it and talk it out, some are kind of silly but I think that is just them being sensitive to each other and getting used to being a couple.
Sure it would be great to have more scenes between them without all the spy stuff, but it is only an hour (40 minutes minus commercials) show and there are other people involved in the episodes and part of Chuck and Sarah’s lives. So I think it makes it even more special when they are together on screen since there is always so much going on.
Some cases, I think the episodes can seem a bit dis-jointed and don’t seem to flow, but I think that is more of an editing issue. Just looking at some of the deleted scenes on the DVDs, some of them really add to the episode.
I love how the relationships between all the characters has developed over the years. I think all the actors have developed a closeness over the seasons and that does come through on the show. It just makes it that much more enjoyable to watch and it will be awfully hard to let this show go.
Again, thanks Mel, for this website and to all the people who take the time to write their thoughts about this show and how much it means to them. This is been a fun ride.

By: Rob

Rob — Wed, 28 Dec 2011 06:16:03 +0000

I have to agree with Paul on this one, the romance and chemistry between Chuck and Sarah has always (for me certainly) been the bedrock of this show and that has been largely missing this season. The show has many qualities and many reasons to love it as you point out Mel but without this chemistry it does at times run the risk of becoming a bog standard albeit funny spy show. I understand that you can’t have a constant sickly lovey dovey story line but I think maybe a blanket and a request for a party shows far too little love from a man who’s wife has just had the snot beaten out of her and has been half frozen to death.
Aside from this, I thought this was a good episode even though I’d built myself up for something far better this week. On second viewing this episode stands up well and has some great line and all whinging aside, this is still my favourite show by a mile.

By: Mel

Mel — Wed, 28 Dec 2011 05:35:18 +0000

In reply to paul wilson. I hear what you're saying Paul, because you've said it several times. So let me say my piece again: I agree that Zac and Yvonne have outstanding chemistry and have helped us become more invested in Chuck & Sarah both as individuals and as a couple. I don't need constant reassurance that they're hot for each other or in love because 1) romance is only one piece of this show and 2) it's not always appropriate to the episode's tone or purpose. Even so, they always find a way to drop moments of intimacy and sweetness into the mix, even when an episode is primarily action oriented. And yes, I still see plenty of chemistry between them. Regarding the fans who have complained, it's a small (but vocal!) minority who are complaining. Most fans are happy that Chuck and Sarah are together at last and tend to focus on other elements with a comment here and there about something sweet that happened between them, like Chuck returning the bracelet. It's always been the men who have been the most vocal about the Chuck/Sarah relationship, which is an interesting phenomenon in and of itself, but this season I've noticed that almost the only ones complaining are male, which leads me to wonder if the chemistry is just more subtle this season and maybe not as easy for the guys to pick up on as it has been in the past. Ladies, feel free to chime in here if I'm reading that wrong.

By: paul wilson

paul wilson — Wed, 28 Dec 2011 05:02:11 +0000

Mel- Please let me take one last shot at this. It’s not that viewers want a romance show, and do not pay attention to all of the great action qualities of Chuck. I think that viewers have become so wrapped up in the development of Chuck and Sarah’s relationship because Yvonne and Zack have overwhelmed us with their ability to portray Chuck and Sarah falling in love, and developing a lasting relationship. Their acting has been superb, and emotionally convincing. The creators and writers have also done a marvelous job in deciding how to develop the relationship. In looking at past interviews and comments with Yvonne in particular the main subject that is brought up and talked about the most is Chuck and Sarah’s relationship. So I do not think I am off base in my assessment. I complained about their lack of chemistry this season because it has been there convincingly in the first four years, and the viewers, and I, do not want that to change. You told me to “embrace the show as it is” or, more or less, don’t watch it. I do embrace it, and will allways watch it. Thanks.

By: ChuckFan50

ChuckFan50 — Wed, 28 Dec 2011 02:02:09 +0000

In reply to Mel. Maybe it's just me. I'd be happy that I had sent a friend to help, but I would not wait even 2 minutes to find out if my wife was okay. Even though Shaw was defeated Chuck did not know whether Sarah was wounded or not...

By: Mel

Mel — Wed, 28 Dec 2011 01:23:30 +0000

In reply to ChuckFan50. Chuck knew that Morgan was in Castle to aid Sarah and Casey; that was part of their plan. Shaw was no longer a threat. So why couldn't Chuck and Ellie take 2 minutes to try to digest what just happened, to be relieved that the threat was over and that they'd avenged their father's death, before going down to Castle?