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Episode 3.18 – Chuck Vs The Subway
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Episode 3.19 – Chuck Vs the Ring II
3.18 – Written by Ali Adler, Matt Miller & Phil Klemmer
3.18 – Directed by Matt Shakman
3.19 – Written by Chris Fedak & Josh Schwartz
3.19 – Directed by Robert Duncan McNeil
”Two Bartowski’s. Double the fun.’
Wow! Whew! Catch your breath yet? It has taken me awhile. Already intellectually and emotionally fatigued by the Lost series finale the night before – fantastic BTW – approaching the Chuck Season 3 Finale included some trepidation. Heading into the Chuck double header in a fatigued state is not the best situation. My fears prove unfounded as Chuck delivered its best season finale of the series. Chuck Versus The Subway is the perfect episode. The events contained within it were truly series’s defining and character changing ones for all the Bartowski clan.
So, with apologies to the theme song of the Rocky Horror picture and its fans plus my occasional lapse into bad puns ie Shaw instead of Show, let us dive into the goodness that episodes 3.18 and 3.19 gave Chuck fans. The title of this review is most fitting because these two episodes had a real SF vibe to them as the tech of the Intersect and PapaB was mixed with the tension of Chuck unravelling mentally all while the menancing spectre of Daniel Shaw lurked as a dangerous presence to the members of Team Bartowski and their loved ones. Cap off all of that with the expansion of the Bartowski family backstory and the genesis – or the continuation of the Orion legacy – of Chuck’s next step in his heroic journey. What more can a fan ask for?
At the end of Chuck Vs The Tooth Chuck was experiencing Intersect fueled dreams about Daniel Shaw being alive. We knew those dreams were true. We also knew that Shaw had downloaded a Ring version of Intersect; Ringtersect anyone? Chuck Versus The Subway is the swansong for writers Ali Addler, Matt Miller, and Phil Klemmer. And what a swansong it is. Subway is brimming with emotion, action, drama, and revelations. It is also the swansong episode for PapaB. We may get to see him in future episodes in Jor-El type videos but it is doubtful that Orion will be brought back from the dead. Even more so than Shaw and Bryce it would not feel right to do so. The finale is about the passing of the torch from a father to his children. Mainly Chuck and, I hope the showrunners see it that way, Ellie as well.
This episode did so many things right with the pinnacle being the strengthening of the bonds between the main players of the cast. What precipitated that was the truth of the spy world revealed to Ellie. With everyone in the know the barriers between characters have been finally lowered. Instead of deflection the characters can share mutual reflection. Instead of being kept at arm’s length to hide the truth, characters can now reaffirm bonds that existed before Bryce sent Chuck the email in the pilot. The benefits of finally allowing Chuck and Ellie to have open conversations again is immediately apparent. Sarah Lancaster was finally given some new material to work with and it is a development the show would be well advised to continue.
Mercifully the resurrection of Shaw as the villain worked for the most part. There were even flashes of above adequate enjoyable bits from Shaw from the knocking on the subway car door to his evil guy laugh. The disdain that the fandom had for the character and his history with Chuck and Sarah added that extra level of tension needed for a nemesis. The weak part of his return is the undercooked aspect of Shaw’s motivation of going totally Ring and becoming fixated on killing Chuck. This does not jibe with his arc of revenge for his wife’s death and wanting to punish the person responsible; Sarah.
What more can be said about Scott Bakula as Stephen J. Bartowski? Scott brought so many things to the character and he will be sorely missed. PapaB’s actions during the Subway episode illustrated the bluerprint for how Chuck, and Team Bartowski, should handle things. His smarts are dramatized over and over again in identifying Shaw at the Subway station, using Ellie to find the Ring Base, breaking Chuck out of the CIA holding cell, and the building of the Governor.
Above all that was his heart and the premium he placed on family and keeping them safe. We knew what he had done for Ellie and Chuck. It was not until the final scenes that the true scope of what PapaB had done, and sacrificed, became known. PapaB’s approach to how to protect his family may not have been the best one but it worked for him.  What worked for him does not mean it would work for Chuck and Ellie. Plus they have an advantage. They have each other and the rest of Team Barktowski to watch their backs.
Episode Flashes: (Lots of them. Proof these episodes were packed with goodies):
For 3.18:
- Chuck hovering over his father’s shoulder as PapaB works on Chuck’s Governor
- PapaB ‘talking’ Chuck down
- Sarah’s touching extending to PapaB
- Awesome not looking as Awesome as usual
- Morgan breaking the news to Devon about Ellie – ‘How could she do this to us?’
- Casey surreptiously checking up on his daughter
- Chuck and Sarah sharing a blueberry in the Farmer’s Market – so…… normal
- Knock, knock, knock – Shaw reveal in the subway car
- PapaB working the Castle computers to track Shaw
- Jeff and Lester ‘consoling’ Devon
- ‘Its my dream come true. Ellie is exactly like Chuck but with lady parts.’ Jeff – creepy funny
- Sarah discovers TeamB is in a CIA not Ring building
- Chuck and Ellie come face to face – ‘Chuck, I thought you quit KungFu in the third grade.’
- Chuck barging into Beckman’s hearing on the value of the Intersect project
- Shaw walking into the hearing – he gets a slomo entrance – still waiting for Chuck’s BTW!
- Shaw playing the Hearing and Sarah’s reaction to learning Chuck’s mental condition
- Casey and Sarah go to the aid of their loved ones
- Devon accidentally spills the beans about Chuck to Ellie – Ellie takes charge!
- Casey protects Alex who seems pretty capable herself
- PapaB works his tech magic and frees Chuck from CIA lockdown
- Casey growling at Justin over apple pie
- Casey revealing to Alex that he is her father and protecting her escape
- ‘Oh and you can blame the CIA for my bachelor party. Stripper?. She was an agent. Told you I didn’t cheat. Faithful!’ Devon vindicated!
- ‘Morgan Grimes, the boy that took my pillow as his date to junior prom, knows more about my family being spies than I do.’
- Sarah clocking Shaw. Nice callback to Shaw clocking Rafe. New scumbag in town.
- Beckman’s desperate Princess Leia plea, ‘You are our only hope.’ Morgan and Devon not sure to whom she was pleading with. LOL!!
- The Bartowski’s playing it smart
- Shaw’s evil – ‘Moowahaha’
- McTiernan Industries – shoutout to action director John McTiernan(Die Hard, Predator)?
- Sarah and Casey’s pride at Chuck’s spy skills – ‘Picked a good one Walker. Finally’
- Ringtersect sure is slick looking
- Shaw puts down PapaB! ‘Always remember son. You’re special.’
- Is anyone more expressive than Ellie?
- ‘Check out the fresh fish’ – another Shawshank reference
- ‘You might want to stand back. This could explode. Ummm yeah…OK’ Morgan is priceless!
- ‘There is no one left to save us.’ Ellie, Devon, and Morgan jump to the rescue.
Episode Flashes for 3.19
- Ellie showing spy skills tailing the armored car
- little Chuck and Ellie and the seeds of why Ellie looks after Chuck so fiercely
- ‘No plan? That never stopped me before.’ LOL Morgan is so priceless!
- Glovebox!
- Casey’s Crown Vic could give the Green Hornet’s Black Beauty a run for its money – missile launcher!
- Ellie puts her foot down and keeping her promise to protect Chuck.
- Big Mike’s ‘Moses’ phone – shades of the Batphone.
- Chuck getting to tell Ellie that their dad was a great man.
- Chuck using PapaB-like skills to communicate with Beckman.
- ‘Who are the Elders? They sound scary. World of WarCraft scary.’ – Guess who!
- TeamB unites to take on Shaw and the Ring Elders.
- Chuck and Sarah in disguise sharing winks before putting the plan into action
- Morgan and Casey cracking the Conference database
- Morgan waking up Casey’s paternal instincts
- Chuck conning Shaw into a confession and capturing the Ring Elders – shades of Quantum of Solace anyone? Though Bond never used the Mexican Hat Dance ring tone!
- Muzzle down Morgan!
- Morgan breaking his thumbs for naught
- Morgan has mad nose touch iPhone skills!
- Pineapples! The Sequel.
- Chuck GETS his slomo entrance. Yay!
- Ewww! Shaw’s flash look is even creepy.
- Jeffster- Blaze of Glory!
- Shaw and Chuck square off.
- Wow – Chuck intersected as a young boy. Very intriguing.
- Sarah delivering the final blow to Shaw and racing to get the Governor back to Chuck and her look of relief at doing so.
- Morgan is all er no thumbs with the detonator.
- Lester- ‘Did we do that?’ Bye-bye Buy More.
- Jeffster! Fugitives! Band on the Run!
- TeamB family gathers to remember PapaB and welcomes Alex into the fold.
- The, ‘Oh boy,’ that Chuck mutters as the Orion signature screen comes up on his computer monitor? A subtle ‘passing of the torch’ moment. Love it.
- Chuck’s promise to Ellie about leaving the spy world will be short lived as he discovers the Bartowski legacy and the hope of finding MamaB.
- ChuckCave! Shades of the warehouse from the end of Raiders of the Lost Ark too.
- Orion and Hydra!
Stephen J. Bartowski to Chuck and Ellie – ‘There is nothing in this whole world you two can’t fix if you work together.’
Could that line be the Mission Statement for the series going forward? Three seasons in and the entertainment value in trying to perserve the barrier between the spy world and the real world have been played out. As each character found out about Chuck’s dual life more dramatic doors opened than the ones that were closed. With Ellie in the loop and the setup in the closing moments the more entertaining avenue now would be to bring everyone into the fold and pick up the mantle of Orion’s legacy rather than try to perpetuate a new series of lies.
With the Chuck and Sarah relationship resolved and all the characters free to talk openly to one another, there is much more story telling manuveuring room. With these obstacles removed and the attendant effort to maintain no longer necessary, those energies can now be turned towards creating a more fleshed out show mythology. Instead of maintaining divisive constructs the show can now focus on unifying ones.
Chuck works best when it balances all the elements equally.  Chuck Vs The Subway is the showcase episode for doing that. With the exception of Chuck Vs Santa Claus has there been a better episode where all the main cast members are used so equally and effectively? This is my all time favorite episode of the series. Thanks to Ali Adler, Matt Miller & Phil Klemmer for gifting us with this episode before departing. Best of luck to each of you on your new endeavors!
So endeth the Third Season of Chuck. What a journey it has been. It is amazing to take the characters of this season and compare them against previous seasons. The growth and evolution has been fantastic. The execution of those changes faltered from time to time which is too bad. Fortunately the show righted itself and these final two episodes have the show pointed in a most promising direction.
As to what that direction might be, look for an upcoming article that explores the possibilities of Season 4.
I had a lot of fun writing these reviews and hope you enjoyed reading them. Thanks to Mel for giving me a place to put down my thoughts. Hope to do it again for Season 4.
Have a great summer everyone! See you in September.
The modified Darth Vader theme music when Shaw enters in 3.19 was great, and fit well with the many other Star Wars references (“You’re our only hope!”, “Alex, I am your father!”).
is shaw dead? or just knocked out?
I think they left it deliberately vague so he might come back as a villain in the future. Moowahaha.
I don’t know if anyone could survive a blow to the back of the head with a pipe…but then again, he did survive two shots to the chest and falling into a river. I hope hes gone for good. There is so much more they can work with now with the introduction of the secret base and all that intel. AND MAMAB!!!
I really thought Shaw was cool in these episodes. Actually, ever since “The American Hero”. It’s tough, because I like Brandon Routh a lot, I’m a big Superman fan, but I hated his character, up until he started to actually be interesting. Anyways, I thought he made the perfect bad guy – and if he comes back in any way next season, I think it would be pretty cool.
I agree but the fans hate him too much
Great review Lou. A lot of good stuff in there. I’m a bit skeptical about Ellie being fully brought into the fold, but I’m hopeful. That line you quoted about them fixing things together is intriguing.
Just a couple of comments:
“The weak part of his return is the undercooked aspect of Shaw’s motivation of going totally Ring and becoming fixated on killing Chuck. This does not jibe with his arc of revenge for his wife’s death and wanting to punish the person responsible; Sarah.”
— I dunno, I think the whole Chuck shooting him 2-4 times and purportedly killing him would put Shaw off, but maybe that’s just me ;).
“Is anyone more expressive than Ellie?”
— I’ll just pretend you didn’t say this.
Yeah. And Shaw told Chuck in Paris that if he tried to stop him, he’d kill him. And Chuck tried to stop Shaw all the time. I think Shaw just wanted to take take the whole team B. down, including their families.
Oh almost forget, FANTASTIC finale to a very good season of Chuck. Sure, it wasn’t a flawless season, but I was very entertained throughout the whole ride, so yeah, I liked it a lot. I liked it that it was darker and more dramatic than the previous seasons. It worked for me just fine, there was still plenty of comedy for my tastes.
So yes, LOVED the finale! My only problem was during the Shaw/Chuck battle; I didn’t buy how easily Chuck overpowered Shaw after the reboot. It was not believable for me. I mean, Shaw beat him up in Paris, and he didn’t even have an intersect. The fight should have been longer. Oh well, this is fiction and I guess the budget and time didn’t allow it. It was still a pretty cool fight, and I loved Jeffster’s video. 😀
Finally, kudos to Brandon Routh for delivering a great performance as the big baddie, though I enjoyed his performance during his whole arc. He almost made me hate Shaw. 😉 I think he’s the best villain the show has ever had. Not small feat.
Also kudos to Scott Bakule for his wonderful portrayal as Orion. I never saw Quantum Leap, but I really want to now. Such a likable actor.
speaking of Scott Bakula I cried at his death I was surprised that he made me grow to love his character in such a short time. First time that this show’s made me get teary eyed. And did anyone catch the Quantum Leap ryf. oh boy that chuck said? haha like father like son. I hope we see him again if in messages, or flashbacks. I loved Chuck’s old man very much.
ME TOO! What a shame that he is gone. Like Lou said, he will be sorely missed. I sure hope that Chris and Josh will figure out a way to keep his character coming back, via flashbacks or videos over the computer to help Chuck in his quest to find out what happened to his and ellie’s mom and to continue on with his dad’s work.
Oh and double kudos to Scott Bakula for fleshing out the role of Steve Bartowski in the few episodes he was in. He surely made an impact. I will miss the get togethers of him with Chuck and Ellie.
Well they did have him die infront of the cellular regeneration room…promising!
“The weak part of his return is the undercooked aspect of Shaw’s motivation of going totally Ring and becoming fixated on killing Chuck. This does not jibe with his arc of revenge for his wife’s death and wanting to punish the person responsible; Sarah.â€
– What better way to punish someone than to kill the one they love? Sarah has no one else in the world that she cares more about, being that Bryce Larkin is dead and her father is MIA and all. By killing Chuck, he’d accomplish both the tasks of not being branded a liar (he said he was going to kill Chuck if he tried to stop him) and make Sarah suffer.
Lou, thanks for the great reviews. Have a great summer. I was really jazzed by Sarah’s interactions with Shaw: calling him “Sir”, getting called “Sam” again and clearly not enjoying it as much as she did the first time, the way she clobbered him with her fist when he first took her into custody, and again with the Buy More foot-rail during the final showdown with Chuck. But was it the final showdown? I have no confidence that Shaw is dead from a blow to the back of the head when several rounds fired into his chest didn’t do the trick. When he went down I was shouting at my teeve “Check his pulse, dammit!” Even the subsequent Buy More explosion might not have been sufficient to eliminate Shaw.
Shaw is alive. I have thoughts about the character going into Season4. But that is for another article. 😉
Good review as usual, Old Darth. My only disagreement is that the Subway was the better of the two. I found Ring Part II to be slightly more interesting and enjoyable, primarily because of the action (especially Sarah taking out Shaw as she exclaimed to Chuck, “No, that’s what make’s you great!”) and the amazing setup for the next season. Actually it’s very hard to separate the two episodes since they were shown back to back and were one, continuous storyline.
I also agree with you that Stephen saying there’s “nothing in the world that can’t be fixed if you two work together” could well be a foreshadowing of Chuck and Ellie working together in Season 4 to find their mother and beat a new bunch of bad guys.
Thank you for your review Lou, this was the first review I had to agree with you completely on. The way they started “the subway†was incredibly tender and sweet. I love the layers this show presents and how they present them. For example the hair and make-up used on Yvonne, In the “tooth†Sarah was worried about Chuck how the dreams were effecting him thus effecting her, there were several comments made how Yvonne looked tired, maybe I am giving the show to much credit but I now believe they made her look that way because she was worried about Chuck. In the Subway, Yvonne was radiant they made her truly look like she was welcomed into the Bartowski’s. Lets face it she does look so good in love.
I liked the heirloom reference and how Stephen was flashing the watch part. The Castle scene with Sarah was a real tender motherly like scene when she was taking Chuck’s mind off what Stephen was working on and letting “Dad†work. Most couples walk together hand in hand, having Sarah holding Chuck’s Arm while strolling and Chuck stressing, and the blueberry was another sign how comfortable the writers are with putting them together and how comfortable the actors are with each other I often question “are they just acting?†I hope that in Season 4 they put some permanent ties on Chuck and Sarah. It would be so cool to watch Jack Burton give Sarah away while working through the love square between Casey, Morgan, Karina and Alexis
After watching the “Subway and the Ring II†I have to ask “Does Chuck need another Mother?†First there was his Mother who left when the Ellie and Chuck were 12 and 7. It appears that she was involved into some heady underground research that placed her in danger, many conjectured that she was part of the Ring, I believe she was being protected by Stephen and the call she received was computer generated by Stephen in the event he died. Then there is Ellie, big sis charged with looking after her brother who has tendencies to get into trouble. And now Sarah, even though she is technically not his handler you know she will protect him with more resolve than ever before.
I sincerely hope that they have Chuck playing the honesty card with both Sarah and Ellie, I believe if Chuck was to tell both ladies what he discovered, they would both support his journey to find his mother, but I am also worried about who will protect Sarah. I hope they can spin it so that Beckman uses team Bartowski to locate and protect the underground resources keeping team Bartowski together. Then Shaw escapes resurrects the ring and goes on a mission to find a cure for the intersect, meanwhile Ellie works on a permanent cure for Chuck so he doesn’t have to wear two watches. But then only a nerd wears two watches.
In retrospect I loved season three and how they pulled me into getting aggravated with the Shaw-Sarah love thing. Because of the importance of the characters it truly became a bigger deal than the Chuck-Hanna thing. But I have to admit I was really happy when they put Chuck and Sarah together. I hope the writers never add another reference to Sarah and Shaw being lovers, it is just a slap in the face to loyal Chuck-Sarah lovers and its just gross.
I hope coming back in the fall will improve the ratings and Fox will move House to improve their ratings against DWTS. Chuck is a worthy show that many people care for and love. Chuck does bring a lot of Heart into our lives and should have a long life.
Great reviews for great episodes, but you didn’t call out one of my favorite flashes for 3.19, with Chuck cracking his neck after his ‘reboot’, harkening back to the first scene of the first episode of the series with Bryce in the Intersect room.
Totally agree with you Bob. That was my favorite OMG moment. That neck crack was so loud! Props to the sound guys.
Tht was a GREAT
That was a GREAT moment! LOL
Thanks Lou for the detailed review. I can certainly understand that it took you extra time to put it together. Thanks for all your time and effort this season!
As for “Chuck and Sarah sharing a blueberry in the Farmer’s Market – so…… normal” I was struck by the fact that Sarah has now become as normal as Chuck. She was the one to take Chuck to the Farmer’s Market to calm him down and get his mind off of Shaw. She also had several opportunities to kill Shaw in these final two episodes but didn’t. That shows me that she too has embraced the values that makes Chuck great.
As for it not feeling right to bring Papa B. back from the dead I can agree that it would not be good to bring him back before the end of Season 4 when Team Bartowski uses all of Papa B’s spy magic and intel and tracks down Mama B. Still it would be pretty cool to have them unexpectedly find Papa B. being held in some enemy facility just before they rescue Mama B. That in itself could help set the stage for a season 5!
Don’t know if it reflects an increasing aversion to killing on Sarah’s part so much as hitting someone with a pipe or sucker punching them is in many ways so much more satisfying.
Perhaps it might be more satisfying for some people, but the old Sarah Walker would not have hesitated to pull the trigger (as she did to the Fulcrum agent in Chuck vs. Santa Claus) in order to protect the one that she loves.
Sarah needed Shaw alive. That is why she didn’t just shoot him.
„Reach for the sky, dirtbags! You people are the disease, and I am the cure.“ Morgan is priceless. Hardest laugh I ever had on Chuck.
Josh Gomez’ comedic timing has absolutely shined during this season, and this finale was tops! He is only getting better! Go Morgan!
LOL and he broke his thumbs to escape. wow that boy’s hard core. Chuck never did that when he first started out. Way to go Morgan.
This finale was everything I LOVE about Chuck. Best. Show. EVER!
Oh, and I have to add my ever-growing love for Casey: I am SO impressed with Adam Baldwin right now. He played Casey’s new-found fatherhood PERFECTLY. Every reaction, facial expression, etc. was absolutely believable. You could just see his love, pride, concern, fear, and awkwardness all mixed into one.
Casey’s side-story of protecting his daughter was like the icing on the cake of this finale. Usually Chuck/Sarah/Ellie are bringing the “heart” of the show, but Casey finally added his version, and it was probably the most heart-felt parts of the episode for me.
Can’t WAIT for S4!
you can say that again. I adored Adam Baldwin so much in the finale. Everything the man did or said was made of win. I’m glad they allowed him to be a dad as I know he’s a father of three in real life so that was treat. That scene with Alex was as real and realilestic as it could get without delving into soap opera territory. I noticed REAL tears in his eyes, like he could the pain any father would feel in that situation. My heart broke for him when he allowed himself to be taken captive. One of the most touching acts of fatherly love I’ve ever seen. Beautiful. And I loved his moments with Sarah, ”You picked a good one Walker, finally” I was melting. 🙂
Shaw has become my most favorite villain that I totally loved to hate. He was cruel, ruthless, and a sadistic SOB. I loved that Sarah gave him one when he called her Sam. and loved the glares of hatred the gang threw at him when he said they wouldn’t see the light of day for some time, meaning forever, and when he said it would look like they were attempting to escape when he shot them.
Loved Chuck and the team taking the Elders down and tricking Shaw. Gives the whole Ragtag band against an overwhelming odds scenerio a more fun experience.
Great finale can’t wait to see more adventures with our ragtag family of spies in season 4 with Alex as the newest member to the gang.
I love Casey, too! I was kinda hoping that when his daughter came over, her mother would have come, too. Maybe next season we’ll see Casey and his ex-fiance reunited? I think that would be great.
I don’t think Shaw blew up with the BuyMore. I think that he is alive and they took him into custody before it blew up. Thereby setting up a way for him to escape and be back in season 4. Except… he doesn’t have a governer anymore so he will probably be going crazy himself after a few flashes. Even more crazy than the guy out for revenge against the CIA, Sarah, and Chuck.
I would LOVE to see an insane Shaw escaping from prison (along with the Ring director) and going after Team B.
I have to admit, that sound promising. LOL, but I don’t think that Shaw would go insane so soon, especially not if he avoids flashing. So many possibilities. But yes, keep Shaw alive a little longer please, he makes an awesome villain! 😀
I think Shaw has a different intercept; he didn’t “flash” when Chuck threw the knife, or whatever it was, at him, so that suggests that Shaw’s intercept might be more “refined.” Or maybe it’s just Shaw’s tough guy training that let’s him control the intercept more?
The government should just strap Shaw into a chair and force him to flash to aid the cause until his mind burns out. The dude is just a tool. You do not shoot Papa B in cold blood.
Someone somewhere on the internet mentioned that they’d like to see Shaw’s brains leaking out his ears… that would be cool.
Remember Shaw has the intersect and needed the regulator that Papa B made. Without it he is going to start suffering like Chuck was. His mind will slowly dissolve into nothingness and he will become a memeber of the CIA prison mental ward. I hope we don’t see him anymore.
Melt down, Shaw!!!! Die!!!
Seriously now: no more Shaw please!
The season finale was incredible, however the one thing that bothers me the most is that Ellie makes Chuck give up the spy life. We know this is not going to happen, and we already went threw that in Chuck v the Honeymooners. I dont get why Chuck would so easily agree to it. He needs to explain to Ellie why he is a spy just like he did with his dad.
yeah about that. didn’t ellie want chuck to do something with his life instead of spending all his days at the buy more? Now he tells her what he’s been doing in his life, spying it’s in his blood, and she tells him to give it up. I don’t like that. I know chuck’s gonna have to post phone his promise to ellie as he’s taking on his father’s work as a vigilante . With the rest of the crew following suit.
Hi Hope and Kjunior4:
This might not be valid, but my take on Ellie asking Chuck to give up the spy life is she just saw her father die. Also, Chuck is the only blood relative that she has left and she witnessed first hand the dangers of this profession. I think she is in shock and just found out that the people closest to her are either lying and/or living double lives.
Also, I think Chuck giving in to Ellie is because their father died and doesn’t want Ellie to suffer any more than she already has. We know that Ellie would be constantly worrying about her little brother and likely could not lead a normal life. Also, remember this just happen after her father died and she hasn’t had a chance to process this properly.
Pat you have a point, but now that ellie knows, the lies begin all over again. After the grief it’s caused us this season, I don’t think we can stomach any more deception for a good while.
The spy world is built upon lies.
Maybe it is. But it’s Sarah who taught Chuck how to lie and what I hate and most others would agree, is that he no longer feels so terrible when he does it, rather brazenly if you know what I mean. That’s what makes me uncomfortable. On the other hand, it’s Chuck who’s taught Sarah to be more open and honest with herself,even Casey somewhat, check out that scene with his daughter and you’ll know why. That’s my 2 cents.
Could be that Chuck quickly agreed to quit the spy life because he knows Ellie. She’s a Bartowski, and does not turn her back on people who need help. That’s why she’s a doctor, why she went to Africa. Chuck knows that as soon as Ellie gets a chance to process the startling news that he’s a spy, she’ll insist on his continuing to serve. Chuck put aside his personal feelings in Prague in exchange for serving a greater good. Ellie will likely do the same.
Seemed to me like they forgot that there are others in the family besides themselves, they’re not alone in the world. They have each other yes, but also Devon, Casey, Sarah, Morgan, and now Alex has been accepted into the family circle. And as a family, once Ellie, if she finds out about the underground missions and learns to accept what her brother and the others are up to for the better good, she’ll realize she can’t stop it, it’s bigger then she can control and maybe she’ll join the team. It’s they’ve been setting it up as a whole family of spies who have their own skills and expertise to become a very legendary group, the best spies in the world.
I thought Chuck was already really thinking about leaving after hearing his fathers words. When Papa B said (in the Castle, to Chuck, Sarah and Casey) that this is a dangerous life, that for every spy-will there will be someone to open it and to mourn the dead, Chuck seemed very pensive.
I think that was the moment when Chuck really started thinking about leaving. And after seing his father die, its not surprising that he would (at least impulsively) agree to Ellies request.
BTW, is only Chuck “retiring” or is Sarah also quitting? And what about morgan?
How could they work together in S4 if she is working for the government and he isnt?
Lou i have to say that at of all the reviews i read about episodes of chuck yours are the best.You really write things in a way that makes the reader relate to what you are saying,exellent job.The season finale was absolutly amazing i loved all the pop cultural refrences,i have to say that those are a underlying reason i watch chuck.Certinly not top 5 but its one of the reasons none the less.I cant wait to see what the writers are planning for season 4.I have a feeling that nbc will give chuck a full season because its going to be its last.its not going to be canclled i think that Schwarts and fedak will end it before it gets watered down.
Hey guys do you have a question for chuck? Ask here http://www.chuck-news.com/2010/05/28/got-a-question-for-zachary-levi/?utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter
Chuck also had another slomo entrance before Buy More showdown. In vs The Final Exam. Entering the stake-out location. With his suit and date night case. Lol.
What I loved the most is the blowing up of the Buy More. When I saw the promo, I was worried that someone had died in the explosion, it was catastrophic, etc. Morgan accidentally blowing the place up, everyone calmly filing out, and Jeff and Lester’s ‘did we do that?’ was both unexpected and priceless.
Yeah, the whole Jeff, Lester and Big Mike discussion about what to do with the Buy More was perfect. I think it is hilarious that Lester and Jeff are now on the ‘run’, and the photo of them that the local news had shown on TV was so Jeff and Lester….great potential for side story there.
Maybe if Jeffster returns next season and they’re still fugitives, we could watch those two trying to evade police while still being funny. Like our own if creepy Apple Dumpling Gang. Theodore and Amos. LOL that would be hilarious.
My friends and I were chatting about that exact thing the other night, and we thought it was hilarious that Chuck and everyone else see on the news that Jeff and Lester have been blamed…and they just roll with it. They just LET them take the heat. HA! Too funny!
I can´t find words how much I loved this double-episode so I just picked single moments that got me.
-Ellie – she finally had something to do and her determination was impressive
-All Ellie and Chuck moments – crossed with flashbacks, their relationship as brother and sister was finally defined – I just hope she won´t force Chuck to stay out of a spy life and force him to lie to her again because he obviously can´t stay out of a spy life. It´s in his blood. And hers, too.
-I started to feel sorry for Justin because he was punched by Chuck, Sarah and Casey :-))
-Casey papa-bear
-Casey´s and Chuck´s brief friendship moments (I want more!) – he said “we get Shaw, buddy” to Chuck when he saw broken Chuck sitting in the van.
-Morgan and Devon saving the team by “hitting the button”
-papa Bartowski (everything about him)
-(un)expected cold blooded murder of papa B by Shaw – we knew he probably will be the one to die but this way was so horrible and yet impressive and unexpected in the same time. I felt heartbroken with Chuck and Ellie.
-Zac´s acting during the whole finale – “Chuck moments” still remained but he also became a man, a spy and a determined man, who is doing everything for his family – Orion 2.0
-Sarah´s and Chuck´s relationship became a real thing. They got over their problems and only a complete trust, love and a sense of the perfect match stayed. They are really perfect. And Yvonne with Zac sold it completely with their chemistry and a great acting.
-Funny moments with Morgan having Alex´s number – this could be interesting and funny but I hope that Casey isn´t going to be only with Morgan in S4 – I want the old Casey/Sarah/Chuck team back, especially their friendship.
-Sarah and Casey in the holding cell – “You picked the good one….finally” – loved that moment, especially in a parallel with “Walker is a good woman” he told Chuck few episodes back.
– Casey/Sarah/Chuck working on a level where they can work without words and think the same – a perfect team.
– Papa B.´s archive and the fact we all knew – mama B. IS involved in a spy world somehow.
So, basically, I loved it all :-)) I can´t wait S4 because there is such a big potential. I am curious how Chuck will explain to Ellie that he can´t stay out of a spy world. I would like to see him back with the CIA but it probably won´t happen 🙁
And one more (shallow) thing – Zac was sooooo sexy in the finale that it was almost distracting :-))
Did anyone else get a Get Smart vibe from the doors opening in the Bartowski cave at the end of Ring II?
All that was missing was the theme lol. 😉
So is Jeffster going to sing “Wanted- Dead or Alive” by Bon Jovi in the fall?
Very good finale!!! Lou thanks a lot for your review for season 3..Hoping to see you again for season 4.
Go team Bartowski!
One awesome moment that you didn’t include in your list of flashes – Casey revealing his real name! Of course this IS “Chuck”, so what he told Alex could just be another alias, but it was a cool moment nonetheless.
There’s too much blood in my caffeine system.
I feel like I am the only person in the world who absolutely HATED this episode, and no, I am not joking. The night started off crappy with Shaw coming back. I mean really, Shaw got shot two times in vital areas and still he walks! Ellie finds out and WTF yet another person knows. What happened to the secrets that used to take place. I mean seriously, it makes me soooo mad now that everyone knows. It would have been way better to just keep her in the dark. There won’t be funny moments like there used to be. They shoulda stopped at Morgan but noooo they had to take it the extra mile. Yet the worst moment of the night was blowing up Buy More! How could they! That was like half the show and they blew it up! It has to be rebuilt otherwise I am pretty sure that they will lose the rest of the nerdiness the show was founded on.
Sorry you didn’t like it. I thought it was the greatest Chuck finale ever. Reminder though, this show never takes itself too seriously, plot holes are to be expected, and I believe the TPTB expect us to fill the gaps since we’re smart people enough to figure things for ourselves. There will be funny moments next season I’ve no fear of that. And I’m glad every one in Chuck’s family know his secret, sets up a whole new story. Again I’m sorry you didn’t enjoy the finale but I hope what I said you can understand.
My favorite part of the Chuck/Sarah relationship is how much these two ADMIRE each other. Loved the ending when Sarah tells him “No, that’s what make you great.” I immediately thought of the living room scene in the “Chuck v. Living Dead” when Sarah gives Chuck his father’s address. The way he looks at her when he realizes that she figured out where his Dad lives, like she’s incredible. And that same look again, when she saves his life in PapaB’s cabin.
There are a lot of “normal” guys who think they could love a Sarah Walker, but I seriously doubt there are many who could constantly, happily take a backseat to woman who “can do anything.” And how many beautiful, successful women would fall totally in love with an under-acheiving nerd working in a Buy More? (Please don’t say Hannah… Hannah fell in in love with the Chuck that Sarah built… a confident, career-oriented, sexy man.) Sarah has always seen Chuck’s “potential for greatness,” and has mentored/nurtured/loved him with that in mind.
Sarah and Chuck are perfect partners, in every way. I really hope the writers build on this in S4.
I total agree with everything you just said. I love what Chuck and Sarah have evolved into over the past 3 seasons. I can’t wait to see what S4 brings!
oops totally* lol
“No, that’s all her! Hi, honey!”
Um chuck and sarah are practically the reason I watch the show. I love their chemistry! I was hoping for an engagement soon but not counting on one because I think that Chuck is madly in love with Sarah and totally ready to marry her, but I don’t think Sarah is ready. She is madly deeply in love with Chuck but I don’t think she is ready for that kind of normalcy. I think that the writers are slowly easing her into it like the Absolutely normal scene in the market with the blueberries then the little yet sweet kiss. That could possibly be one of the most normal moments Chuck and Sarah have had! 🙂 <3
Chara forever!!!
I think that in killing Chuck Shaw would’ve hurt Sarah most. This would’ve been much harder than her own death (Chuck’s the only anchor to the real world, the only true love of her life) and probably resulting in insanity. So I think this is understandable as Shaw’s motive to kill Chuck. Also he loves (or maybe loved) competition, so he wanted to test his new skills and kill the only other person who could be a difficulty for him (of course in the end then with Chuck dead, there is no competition :))
I can’t believe no one mentioned the “Obi Wan Kenobi” reference!
When the General says, over flickering video, “Help me, you’re my only hope!”
That was pure genius!
Why didn’t the reviewer put that in?!
Oh, my bad! I see the very comment now, that Mace Moneta made, about that reference. But I guess I just enjoyed it so much that I wished everyone had appreciated it 🙂