The way the writers handled the plot was impressive, considering how dumb the ending of last week's ending was. They managed to bring everything together, resolving Morgan's Intersect problem, creating an explanation for it, and ending the episode on a solid, if implausible, cliffhanger. That and the hilarious subplot where Awesome brings Jeff back to normalcy were enough to make the episode enjoyable.
However, the character stuff with Morgan didn't work. We're supposed to believe that Morgan acted the way he did in part because he was a little douchey himself, not just because the modified Intersect made him that way. This is problematic, because there aren't any well-defined lines on how the Intersect works on his brain. When the Intersect kick in and take over Morgan? The hazy ideas behind how the Intersect works makes the character development also hazy, as we don't know anything concrete.
As an aside, Chuck's ratings have been horrible, even for NBC standards. Do not expect a save like in previous years.
Score: 8.7/10
Showing posts with label Chuck. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Chuck. Show all posts
Saturday, November 12, 2011
Saturday, November 5, 2011
Review - Chuck Season 5 Episode 2 Chuck Versus the Bearded Bandit
Seriously? "Chuck Versus the Bearded Bandit" sets up Morgan as the worst person version of himself--wildly overconfident, annoying, and bone-headed. The episode ends in a horrible, unforgivable place, Morgan going to Gertrude Verbanski. Then, "surprise!!" Morgan doesn't remember who Skywalker is--there's a problem with his brain, not a simple problem of character.
The problem would have worked much better if Morgan had been toned down a notch or two and the cockiness resolved by the end of the episode. Another solution would be to build up Morgan's new attitude slower, stretching it out over two episodes, and focus more on the case. There are elements of the episode that work, like Chuck tasked to become Morgan's handler. But with Morgan going crazy, there wasn't any exploration into that.
The spy mission usually doesn't make sense, but I found this week's to be more incoherent than usual. The writers make it a point to verify the story of the brother being kidnapped, but the story is completely wrong. All Morgan had to "zoom" on was that he's in witness protection. Does Carmichael Industries not have the capability to find out something as simple as that?
Score: 8.1/10
The problem would have worked much better if Morgan had been toned down a notch or two and the cockiness resolved by the end of the episode. Another solution would be to build up Morgan's new attitude slower, stretching it out over two episodes, and focus more on the case. There are elements of the episode that work, like Chuck tasked to become Morgan's handler. But with Morgan going crazy, there wasn't any exploration into that.
The spy mission usually doesn't make sense, but I found this week's to be more incoherent than usual. The writers make it a point to verify the story of the brother being kidnapped, but the story is completely wrong. All Morgan had to "zoom" on was that he's in witness protection. Does Carmichael Industries not have the capability to find out something as simple as that?
Score: 8.1/10
Friday, October 28, 2011
Review - Chuck Season 5 Episode 1 Chuck Versus the Zoom
Somehow, Chuck has reached its fifth season. Through all of NBC's recent and continuing tribulations, it was able to survive due to not-awful ratings and a small but fervent fan base. I can't say the show is nearly as good as it was in the second season, but it remains a fun show.
"Chuck Versus the Zoom" represents a new start to the show and the features both the old and the new. Chuck and company are still spies so main plot is a mission. The specifics for missions have never been strong and it seems like the writers have gotten lazier over the years. What's great about the missions is all the fun that can be packed in it and the season premiere has a fair amount of it.
The most obvious change is Chuck not having the Intersect anymore and Morgan having it. Compared to the season one Chuck, the season five Chuck is much different, more mature and sure of himself, able to do spy tasks without special powers. In fact, Chuck without the Intersect is about on equal footing with Morgan, who doesn't have a good grasp of his powers yet. But the writers make sure that Chuck does feel something about losing the Intersect. After all, he had it for years and without it, it makes him feel inadequate.
On the character side of things, lots of good stuff with Chuck trying to buy a house for Sarah. She eventually tells him what she wants--a cozy home with a white picket fence--and unfortunately, the CIA freezes their money. The show that sets off in a new direction: Chuck still has the spy company and the Buy More and he endeavors to earn enough money through both. With this, the show now has a goal and the Buy More will be relevant once more.
Chuck's mythology has never been its strong suit and it's a glaring problem in the episode. Decker and the CIA in the background are basic plot devices. Decker takes away the Intersect from Chuck and then takes his money, both game changing twists. But why? It's all shrouded in mystery, so we have no clue why Chuck is in the position he's in now.
Score: 8.7/10
"Chuck Versus the Zoom" represents a new start to the show and the features both the old and the new. Chuck and company are still spies so main plot is a mission. The specifics for missions have never been strong and it seems like the writers have gotten lazier over the years. What's great about the missions is all the fun that can be packed in it and the season premiere has a fair amount of it.
The most obvious change is Chuck not having the Intersect anymore and Morgan having it. Compared to the season one Chuck, the season five Chuck is much different, more mature and sure of himself, able to do spy tasks without special powers. In fact, Chuck without the Intersect is about on equal footing with Morgan, who doesn't have a good grasp of his powers yet. But the writers make sure that Chuck does feel something about losing the Intersect. After all, he had it for years and without it, it makes him feel inadequate.
On the character side of things, lots of good stuff with Chuck trying to buy a house for Sarah. She eventually tells him what she wants--a cozy home with a white picket fence--and unfortunately, the CIA freezes their money. The show that sets off in a new direction: Chuck still has the spy company and the Buy More and he endeavors to earn enough money through both. With this, the show now has a goal and the Buy More will be relevant once more.
Chuck's mythology has never been its strong suit and it's a glaring problem in the episode. Decker and the CIA in the background are basic plot devices. Decker takes away the Intersect from Chuck and then takes his money, both game changing twists. But why? It's all shrouded in mystery, so we have no clue why Chuck is in the position he's in now.
Score: 8.7/10
Monday, May 16, 2011
Review - Chuck Season 4 Episode 24 Chuck Versus the Cliffhanger
That was a quick reversal, wasn't it? The episode starts with Sarah in the hospital, covered in ice, and a second later, Chuck and Casey are outlaws after failing to break Volkoff out of prison. None of this makes any sort of sense, but it positions out heroes in the perfect place for an epic episode. It's representative of what Chuck has become. Plot is one of the lowest priorities, and contrivances are expected in large doses and the season finale contends for the most in series history. I'm sure most people who have problems with that stopped watching already, and it's only a small inch that doesn't bother me that much, so I guess it's okay. Would I like to see better plots? Yes. Will that happen? Probably not.
The best part about "Chuck Versus the Cliffhanger" is that Chuck was reviewed. If the series were canceled, that would be a messy way to end the series, with another huge game changer and no resolution. Luckily, we still get a fifth and final 13-episode season, though I wonder if another year of NBC ratings failure could bring about more episodes (wishful thinking, perhaps). Morgan is now the Intersect with kung fu while Chuck no longer has the Intersect but instead has all of Volkoff's money and is the boss of their private spy operation. With a new plot on the horizon about someone shaping all their lives (at this point, I'll assume it's not as big in magnitude as it sounds), Decker, a completely new structure, Chuck still has room to grow and have a final season.
As far as the season finale itself, "Chuck Versus the Cliffhanger" had those exemplar moments that the current Chuck lives off, heavy doses of pathos. Looking past the plot, there are some fascinating dynamics going on. Volkoff, now Hartley, comes to terms with what he did, who he is, and what he has the potential to do. These factors swirl around as he tries to make sense of the world around him and more importantly, make a decision about what to do. Similarly, Vivian Volkoff is going through an identity crisis and when faced with her father, now not a criminal mastermind, and Chuck, she struggles with her next move. Ultimately, it's a happy day as Hartley and his daughter use Chuck's blank identities to get away and Chuck gets the identity.
I liked, above all, was the team effort. All the characters, minus the Buy More ones and including the Cat Squad, helped in their own way and get a little scene to show how much they care about the group. Even Casey puts aside his dislike of Russians! At the end of the day, I could poke holes to death if I felt like it. But why would I? The episode was touching, it had funny moments, and had a cool ending to lead into the next season.
Score: 8.9/10
The best part about "Chuck Versus the Cliffhanger" is that Chuck was reviewed. If the series were canceled, that would be a messy way to end the series, with another huge game changer and no resolution. Luckily, we still get a fifth and final 13-episode season, though I wonder if another year of NBC ratings failure could bring about more episodes (wishful thinking, perhaps). Morgan is now the Intersect with kung fu while Chuck no longer has the Intersect but instead has all of Volkoff's money and is the boss of their private spy operation. With a new plot on the horizon about someone shaping all their lives (at this point, I'll assume it's not as big in magnitude as it sounds), Decker, a completely new structure, Chuck still has room to grow and have a final season.
As far as the season finale itself, "Chuck Versus the Cliffhanger" had those exemplar moments that the current Chuck lives off, heavy doses of pathos. Looking past the plot, there are some fascinating dynamics going on. Volkoff, now Hartley, comes to terms with what he did, who he is, and what he has the potential to do. These factors swirl around as he tries to make sense of the world around him and more importantly, make a decision about what to do. Similarly, Vivian Volkoff is going through an identity crisis and when faced with her father, now not a criminal mastermind, and Chuck, she struggles with her next move. Ultimately, it's a happy day as Hartley and his daughter use Chuck's blank identities to get away and Chuck gets the identity.
I liked, above all, was the team effort. All the characters, minus the Buy More ones and including the Cat Squad, helped in their own way and get a little scene to show how much they care about the group. Even Casey puts aside his dislike of Russians! At the end of the day, I could poke holes to death if I felt like it. But why would I? The episode was touching, it had funny moments, and had a cool ending to lead into the next season.
Score: 8.9/10
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
Review - Chuck Season 4 Episode 23 Chuck Versus the Last Details
Again, I wonder how the fourth season of Chuck would have looked if NBC had originally given it a full season order. There is a lot going on in "Chuck Versus the Last Details," probably more than a single episode could handle, what with Casey and Morgan, Elizabeth, Ellie, Chuck and Sarah, and the plot. Still, the writers managed to hit the key points and provided some of the closure for the possible penultimate episode of the series.
Heading into the season finale, it's guaranteed Sarah will survive. If this were a Joss Whedon show, it would probably be another story. Then again, it'd probably be canceled long before the fourth season. Anyway, Vivian Volkoff is on the loose and basically as crazy as her father is, refusing to listen to reason and being angry at Chuck.
On the topic of ratings, Chuck's have been terrible--like NBC's other shows (except for The Voice). Even with budget cuts and a rabid fan base, the current ratings in the low 1s might not be enough. My personal opinion is that I don't really care anymore. I cared a lot about renewal back in season 2--yes, I even bought a sub--but my feelings have faded over the years. Chuck is still a decent show, but not one of my priorities. Will I feeling sad if Chuck is canceled? Maybe a little, but it certainly won't be a burden.
Score: 8.8/10
Heading into the season finale, it's guaranteed Sarah will survive. If this were a Joss Whedon show, it would probably be another story. Then again, it'd probably be canceled long before the fourth season. Anyway, Vivian Volkoff is on the loose and basically as crazy as her father is, refusing to listen to reason and being angry at Chuck.
On the topic of ratings, Chuck's have been terrible--like NBC's other shows (except for The Voice). Even with budget cuts and a rabid fan base, the current ratings in the low 1s might not be enough. My personal opinion is that I don't really care anymore. I cared a lot about renewal back in season 2--yes, I even bought a sub--but my feelings have faded over the years. Chuck is still a decent show, but not one of my priorities. Will I feeling sad if Chuck is canceled? Maybe a little, but it certainly won't be a burden.
Score: 8.8/10
Monday, May 2, 2011
Review - Chuck Season 4 Episode 22 Chuck Versus Agent X
An episode like "Chuck Versus Agent X" makes you think what would have happened if NBC had just given Chuck a full season order instead of a 13 episode season and adding episodes after all the new shows tanked. And, given Chuck's current low ratings, we may never know how the writers would deal with a full season beyond the second.
"Agent X" is one of those episode which makes you think several times, "Hey, couldn't this be an episode by itself?" First, there is the bachelor and bachelorette party which certainly could have been extended to a full episode, but it's forgotten by the second half of episode. Second, Ellie finally learns of Chuck being the Intersect and they have a heartfelt scene together, which could have ended an episode. Third, Sarah, Chuck, and Casey go to England to find out who Agent X is, and after recovering his box, learn that he is Alexei Volkoff.
This makes for an interesting, if not unexpected, twist. There is the obvious problem of Vivian actively hunting for her father (though I still don't understand why she thinks Agent X is her only obstacle to world domination), but there are plenty more issues this bring up. Casey, Sarah, and Chuck have been intimately shaped by the CIA (and the NSA in Casey's case) and have become different people than when they first entered the organization. But none of them entered in a truly voluntary manner. Casey joined the NSA because it was the next best option, Sarah joined because she wasn't in the best situation either, and Chuck was pretty much forced to go along with the CIA. In a way, they represent a less stringent form of what happened to Volkoff, who changed because his brain was actually altered.
Score: 8.9/10
"Agent X" is one of those episode which makes you think several times, "Hey, couldn't this be an episode by itself?" First, there is the bachelor and bachelorette party which certainly could have been extended to a full episode, but it's forgotten by the second half of episode. Second, Ellie finally learns of Chuck being the Intersect and they have a heartfelt scene together, which could have ended an episode. Third, Sarah, Chuck, and Casey go to England to find out who Agent X is, and after recovering his box, learn that he is Alexei Volkoff.
This makes for an interesting, if not unexpected, twist. There is the obvious problem of Vivian actively hunting for her father (though I still don't understand why she thinks Agent X is her only obstacle to world domination), but there are plenty more issues this bring up. Casey, Sarah, and Chuck have been intimately shaped by the CIA (and the NSA in Casey's case) and have become different people than when they first entered the organization. But none of them entered in a truly voluntary manner. Casey joined the NSA because it was the next best option, Sarah joined because she wasn't in the best situation either, and Chuck was pretty much forced to go along with the CIA. In a way, they represent a less stringent form of what happened to Volkoff, who changed because his brain was actually altered.
Score: 8.9/10
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
Review - Chuck Season 4 Episode 21 Chuck Versus the Wedding Planner
First things first, Chuck and Sarah getting conned was utterly ridiculous and the usage of CIA funds to track down the wedding planner was almost as bad. But this is Chuck, where things like that are pretty much givens. It hasn't improved and will likely never improve.
"Chuck Versus the Wedding Planner" features the return of Jack Burton to explore Sarah's background. We see young Sarah helping her father con, and see the connection between them. The episode, though, isn't entirely about Jack, as Chuck and Sarah do carry the load. He saves the day in two respects--making sure no one got hurt and leaving money for Sarah--but he definitely didn't dominate the episode as past guests did.
Kathleen finally finds and talks to Casey, first doubting his story before seeing him flash his badge to the police. It feels very incomplete, however, so I want to see if this will be expanded, because if left in this paltry form, it'll be largely a waste.
With three episodes left in the season, Chuck is possibly coming to an end this season because of terrible ratings yet again. Yes, NBC has bad ratings, but Chuck has continued to drop and is now lingering below 1.5.
Score: 8.5/10
"Chuck Versus the Wedding Planner" features the return of Jack Burton to explore Sarah's background. We see young Sarah helping her father con, and see the connection between them. The episode, though, isn't entirely about Jack, as Chuck and Sarah do carry the load. He saves the day in two respects--making sure no one got hurt and leaving money for Sarah--but he definitely didn't dominate the episode as past guests did.
Kathleen finally finds and talks to Casey, first doubting his story before seeing him flash his badge to the police. It feels very incomplete, however, so I want to see if this will be expanded, because if left in this paltry form, it'll be largely a waste.
With three episodes left in the season, Chuck is possibly coming to an end this season because of terrible ratings yet again. Yes, NBC has bad ratings, but Chuck has continued to drop and is now lingering below 1.5.
Score: 8.5/10
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
Review - Chuck Season 4 Episode 20 Chuck Versus the Family Volkoff
Since the first season, Chuck has gone further and further away from Burbank with the fourth season completely embracing exotic locales. These days, the team visits many different locations with varying backgrounds (I'd love to see what could happen with a larger budget.) and what the spy plots lack in ingenuity is a real sense of adventure. Now, the real Mogadishu is waaaaay bigger than the measly set and it would be better if Sarah and Casey weren't sitting on some white stuff, but it's fun to imagine the team dropping in wherever they want, whenever they want.
"Chuck Versus the Family Volkoff" brings back Timothy Dalton as Alexi Volkoff and Elizabeth Bartowski as the team hunted down this superweapon which is supposedly super-important. (See, everything in the Chuck world is how super even if it doesn't seem like it.)
Ellie continues to dig deeper and finds out this mysterious 'Agent X.' Whoever he may be, Vivian thinks that he's the only obstacle to world domination. I don't know exactly how that works out or why Vivian has wholeheartedly embraced her father's enterprise, but it makes for another villain for Team Bartowski to defeat.
Between Elizabeth and Chuck's meddling, Ellie is as close to the truth as ever, and Chuck is prepared to tell her. Chuck finally decides to tell her, walks up to the door, and begins to talk. This has to happen, right? Wrong. Chuck pulls back, and says nothing substantial to Ellie, only to inform Sarah that his sister lied to him--for the first time! What is Chuck waiting for? Ellie isn't an evil supervillain he needs to bide time for. Simply state the facts and it'll all be clear.
Score: 8.7/10
"Chuck Versus the Family Volkoff" brings back Timothy Dalton as Alexi Volkoff and Elizabeth Bartowski as the team hunted down this superweapon which is supposedly super-important. (See, everything in the Chuck world is how super even if it doesn't seem like it.)
Ellie continues to dig deeper and finds out this mysterious 'Agent X.' Whoever he may be, Vivian thinks that he's the only obstacle to world domination. I don't know exactly how that works out or why Vivian has wholeheartedly embraced her father's enterprise, but it makes for another villain for Team Bartowski to defeat.
Between Elizabeth and Chuck's meddling, Ellie is as close to the truth as ever, and Chuck is prepared to tell her. Chuck finally decides to tell her, walks up to the door, and begins to talk. This has to happen, right? Wrong. Chuck pulls back, and says nothing substantial to Ellie, only to inform Sarah that his sister lied to him--for the first time! What is Chuck waiting for? Ellie isn't an evil supervillain he needs to bide time for. Simply state the facts and it'll all be clear.
Score: 8.7/10
Monday, March 21, 2011
Review - Chuck Season 4 Episode 19 Chuck vs. the Muuurder
You can fault the Chuck writers for all sorts of things, especially in the past two seasons, but if there's one thing to praise them for, it's that they always try to dig deeper than the surface plot. "Chuck vs. the Muuurder" is a good example of that, where the main plot--Team Bartowski solving a murder inside a Castle damaged by bombs--is neither new nor executed well, but the episode manages to not be a waste because the writers explore the characters much more than procedurals.
"Chuck vs. the Muuurder" places Chuck in charge of the team, and since Chuck has little experience in the area, as well as fear of the current murder situation, he struggles to maintain his cool. Sarah and Casey are there for him, however, and guide him towards solving the murder. Chuck's final statement about the Intersect being the entire team rings true since none of them would get things done individually.
The return of Large Mart has been a long time coming, and we got to see the rivalry heat up again as Big Mike is captured after Jeff and Lester steal the pig, Kevin Bacon. While the plot was given little focus, it still provided plenty of good laughs, including yet another huge advertisement of Subway.
Meanwhile, Ellie launches herself into Orion's work and with Awesome, shields this from Chuck. Ellie is very much like Vivian Volkoff, finding her absent father's legacy and building on it. It would be cool to see the two do meet, though it'll probably be under dangerous circumstances.
Score: 8.4/10
"Chuck vs. the Muuurder" places Chuck in charge of the team, and since Chuck has little experience in the area, as well as fear of the current murder situation, he struggles to maintain his cool. Sarah and Casey are there for him, however, and guide him towards solving the murder. Chuck's final statement about the Intersect being the entire team rings true since none of them would get things done individually.
The return of Large Mart has been a long time coming, and we got to see the rivalry heat up again as Big Mike is captured after Jeff and Lester steal the pig, Kevin Bacon. While the plot was given little focus, it still provided plenty of good laughs, including yet another huge advertisement of Subway.
Meanwhile, Ellie launches herself into Orion's work and with Awesome, shields this from Chuck. Ellie is very much like Vivian Volkoff, finding her absent father's legacy and building on it. It would be cool to see the two do meet, though it'll probably be under dangerous circumstances.
Score: 8.4/10
Monday, March 14, 2011
Review - Chuck Season 4 Episode 18 Chuck Versus the A-Team
The vast majority of "Chuck Versus the A-Team" is so strong I regret that the episode ends with a resolution. Although the events of the episode are nicely tied up at the end, it seems like there was still some untapped potential in the plot. But as it stands, I'm happy the way Chuck has been going.
"Chuck Versus the A-Team" brings back the Gretas, who've been popping up at the Buy More, and continues to ongoing plot about Casey doing his own thing. Demoted to the B-team and couriering animals, Chuck and Sarah break into the new addition to the CIA base, finding Orion's laptop and the Gretas, Intersects with the same abilities as Chuck.
This plot seems like something the writers would drag out for a couple episodes, similarly to the arc earlier in the season when Chuck couldn't flash. The idea that Chuck is obsolete is major to the entire show since he wouldn't be special anymore, and we see Chuck grappling with the thought. However, the plot advances quickly and in a huge reversal with the nuclear bomb ticking away, Chuck disarms the bomb using his own intuition as well as the Intersect knowledge, proving that application of the Intersect requires a special person. The two Gretas are de-Intersected and for the most part, everything returns to equilibrium.
While it wasn't played up that much, Casey is tugged between his loyalty to his former team and his seemingly new and improved team. He openly admits this to Sarah when she confronts him about dissolving their partnership. It makes sense why Casey would join the new team. His loyalties to the country, after all, come before his friends, and he doesn't want to pass the opportunity to help the nation.
There is a small subplot about Morgan staying loyal to Casey under extreme duress which was cute. The other subplot, the laptop reaching Ellie, is the next big thing, and the laptop seems to already have had a huge effect, causing Ellie to spend hours in front of it without realizing the time. Kind of sounds like me playing computer games.
Score: 8.9/10
"Chuck Versus the A-Team" brings back the Gretas, who've been popping up at the Buy More, and continues to ongoing plot about Casey doing his own thing. Demoted to the B-team and couriering animals, Chuck and Sarah break into the new addition to the CIA base, finding Orion's laptop and the Gretas, Intersects with the same abilities as Chuck.
This plot seems like something the writers would drag out for a couple episodes, similarly to the arc earlier in the season when Chuck couldn't flash. The idea that Chuck is obsolete is major to the entire show since he wouldn't be special anymore, and we see Chuck grappling with the thought. However, the plot advances quickly and in a huge reversal with the nuclear bomb ticking away, Chuck disarms the bomb using his own intuition as well as the Intersect knowledge, proving that application of the Intersect requires a special person. The two Gretas are de-Intersected and for the most part, everything returns to equilibrium.
While it wasn't played up that much, Casey is tugged between his loyalty to his former team and his seemingly new and improved team. He openly admits this to Sarah when she confronts him about dissolving their partnership. It makes sense why Casey would join the new team. His loyalties to the country, after all, come before his friends, and he doesn't want to pass the opportunity to help the nation.
There is a small subplot about Morgan staying loyal to Casey under extreme duress which was cute. The other subplot, the laptop reaching Ellie, is the next big thing, and the laptop seems to already have had a huge effect, causing Ellie to spend hours in front of it without realizing the time. Kind of sounds like me playing computer games.
Score: 8.9/10
Monday, February 28, 2011
Review - Chuck Season 4 Episode 17 Chuck Versus the First Bank of Evil
Wow, I haven't had this much fun with an episode of Chuck since the Sarah-centric episode a while back. "Chuck Versus the First Bank of Evil" doesn't have much plot, but it brings the character of Vivian McArthur, teased last week as Volkoff's possible successor, full-circle.
The episode moves quickly, with Chuck, Sarah, and Vivian in and out of the bank, before the final bank heist which was pretty much that scene from The Matrix. Ray Wise, who was, incidentally, the Devil on Reaper, manages to sway Vivian in the end, and Chuck is well on its way to another epic confrontation. Like pretty much everything on the show, the transition felt a little rushed since Vivian didn't really do much investigating on her own, but it gets the job done and the plot moves along.
There is a tiny bit of Buy More stuff, which wasn't particularly funny but advanced the plot. Casey is now on other assignments, and Morgan knows something is up. Tying into his search for a place to stay, Morgan essentially blackmails (although Casey is one who actually states the offer) Casey into letting him stay at his place in exchange for silence.
After being largely ambivalent about her wedding, Sarah finds the perfect wedding dress and is well on her way to becoming a bridezilla. Chuck has problems with the cost, but shouldn't the CIA foot the bill for their services?
Score: 9.0/10
The episode moves quickly, with Chuck, Sarah, and Vivian in and out of the bank, before the final bank heist which was pretty much that scene from The Matrix. Ray Wise, who was, incidentally, the Devil on Reaper, manages to sway Vivian in the end, and Chuck is well on its way to another epic confrontation. Like pretty much everything on the show, the transition felt a little rushed since Vivian didn't really do much investigating on her own, but it gets the job done and the plot moves along.
There is a tiny bit of Buy More stuff, which wasn't particularly funny but advanced the plot. Casey is now on other assignments, and Morgan knows something is up. Tying into his search for a place to stay, Morgan essentially blackmails (although Casey is one who actually states the offer) Casey into letting him stay at his place in exchange for silence.
After being largely ambivalent about her wedding, Sarah finds the perfect wedding dress and is well on her way to becoming a bridezilla. Chuck has problems with the cost, but shouldn't the CIA foot the bill for their services?
Score: 9.0/10
Monday, February 21, 2011
Review - Chuck Season 4 Episode 16 Chuck Versus The Masquerade
"Chuck Versus The Masquerade" fell flat for me like many episodes this season. These days, I go into an episode of Chuck expecting to be entertained, but "Chuck Versus The Masquerade" didn't do it. Until the end, the plot was predictable, the action was isolated, and I didn't think anything was funny in particular.
What worked, though, was the idea that there is a right time to leave. In Morgan's case, that means moving out since Chuck and Sarah are getting married. They'll still see each other, but Morgan finally realizes he doesn't belong in their immediate space. Casey faces a larger problem, that he isn't crucial to the team anymore. He has been relegated to lesser roles these days, but without him, the henchman probably would have reached Sarah and killed her. Still, the NSC agent gives him an offer he can't resist--or he can't resist not knowing what's behind the door. But whatever, the magical door draws Casey in.
I really hated the opening scene. Last week's episode begun with the introduction to the Cat Squad, which was kind of believable, and a fun reference to Charlie's Angels. This week's episode begun awkward and just plain weird. The characters can be silly in their own way, but their behavior in the opening scene, notably Morgan and Alex's, seemed out of character.
The final scene is all sorts of awesome, with Vivian Volkoff accessing her father's vault which leads into the next arc. The arc for the first half of the season was a disappointment, but with 8 episodes to work with, hopefully the writers can deliver.
Score: 8.4/10
What worked, though, was the idea that there is a right time to leave. In Morgan's case, that means moving out since Chuck and Sarah are getting married. They'll still see each other, but Morgan finally realizes he doesn't belong in their immediate space. Casey faces a larger problem, that he isn't crucial to the team anymore. He has been relegated to lesser roles these days, but without him, the henchman probably would have reached Sarah and killed her. Still, the NSC agent gives him an offer he can't resist--or he can't resist not knowing what's behind the door. But whatever, the magical door draws Casey in.
I really hated the opening scene. Last week's episode begun with the introduction to the Cat Squad, which was kind of believable, and a fun reference to Charlie's Angels. This week's episode begun awkward and just plain weird. The characters can be silly in their own way, but their behavior in the opening scene, notably Morgan and Alex's, seemed out of character.
The final scene is all sorts of awesome, with Vivian Volkoff accessing her father's vault which leads into the next arc. The arc for the first half of the season was a disappointment, but with 8 episodes to work with, hopefully the writers can deliver.
Score: 8.4/10
Monday, February 14, 2011
Review - Chuck Season 4 Episode 15 Chuck Versus the Cat Squad
Often times Chuck can be stupid, from predictable plots to plots holes to characters being dumb (yeah, I know starting a reviewing like that isn't going to score me points with anyone). But Chuck can also be simultaneously the funnest show on television, negating an ill-will towards an episode. Now, that doesn't happen all the time, and it has been happening with decreasing frequency the past few seasons, but "Chuck Versus the Cat Squad" is definitely one of those episodes.
Sarah in a Charlie's Angel squad with Carina and two other girls? Awesome start. From there the episode takes off, with passable relationship drama, an obvious mole, a cat fight, and Chuck actually fashioning a weapon before the Intersect kicks in. Was the episode predictable? Yes. Was the episode lots of fun? Yes.
In its fourth season, Chuck doesn't have those arcs which used to be interesting and meaningful, but it is still a fun show with plenty of qualities to like, and if I'm thoroughly entertained by the end of the episode, it's a job well done.
Score: 8.8/10
Sarah in a Charlie's Angel squad with Carina and two other girls? Awesome start. From there the episode takes off, with passable relationship drama, an obvious mole, a cat fight, and Chuck actually fashioning a weapon before the Intersect kicks in. Was the episode predictable? Yes. Was the episode lots of fun? Yes.
In its fourth season, Chuck doesn't have those arcs which used to be interesting and meaningful, but it is still a fun show with plenty of qualities to like, and if I'm thoroughly entertained by the end of the episode, it's a job well done.
Score: 8.8/10
Monday, February 7, 2011
Review - Chuck Season 4 Episode 14 Chuck Versus The Seduction Impossible
After the semi-closure in last week's episode, the second half of Chuck's fourth season starts off with "Chuck Versus The Seduction Impossible," an episode which knows its silly and runs with it. The episode moves at a brisk pace and has small jokes all over the place.
The relationship problems between the two featured couples, Chuck/Sarah and Beckman/Roan, don't venture too much into the schmaltzy area, but remain playful as the episode continues. Chuck and Sarah might be totally clueless about relationships, but they do get it done in the end, although without hardship--and bellydancing!
While the vast majority of the episode is not serious, Casey does find himself in a hard position, wanting to talk to Alex's mother but realizes she is fine as she is now and doesn't need him suddenly jumping back into her life. But what about Casey? With all the attention on couples in the episode, he's the odd man out.
Score: 9.0/10
The relationship problems between the two featured couples, Chuck/Sarah and Beckman/Roan, don't venture too much into the schmaltzy area, but remain playful as the episode continues. Chuck and Sarah might be totally clueless about relationships, but they do get it done in the end, although without hardship--and bellydancing!
While the vast majority of the episode is not serious, Casey does find himself in a hard position, wanting to talk to Alex's mother but realizes she is fine as she is now and doesn't need him suddenly jumping back into her life. But what about Casey? With all the attention on couples in the episode, he's the odd man out.
Score: 9.0/10
Monday, January 31, 2011
Review - Chuck Season 4 Episode 13 Chuck Versus the Push Mix
"Chuck Versus the Push Mix" succintly wrapped up the Volkoff arc and boy am I glad it's over. Every season thus far has had some kind of spy-related thematic connection tying the episodes. The first season was Chuck figuring out what's going on, the second about Chuck deciding who he wants to be, and the third a look into the darker side of the spy world.
The fourth, however, really doesn't have much in terms of the spy business. Briefly, it was touched on that spies can fall so far into their undercover roles that they become different people, but that was instantly scuttled with the resolution this week. Sure, it can be attributed to the initial 13-episode order and the planned series finale, but regardless of intent, the overarching theme and plot has been extremely weak.
If you care about plot, Chuck and Co. devise a wacky plot to take down Volkoff and it succeeds with surprising gusto. There are plot holes everywhere, but they don't govern the episode as they did last episode. More importantly, "Chuck Versus the Push Mix" crafts a nice resolution for every character. Chuck and Sarah are back together and Chuck proposes, Morgan, Alex, and Casey are happy with each other, Ellen is finally out of Volkoff's grasp, and Ellie delivers the baby. Pair those conclusions with some Jeffster, and things are looking up. The only thing missing from the episode is Scott Bakula.
While "Chuck Versus the Push Mix" is generally a good episode, I have mixed feelings on the season. If, for instance, you're watching the fourth season on DVD, the first 13 episode would seem quite awkward and incomplete--without knowing the full story about the writers planning it to be a possible series finale
Score: 8.8/10
The fourth, however, really doesn't have much in terms of the spy business. Briefly, it was touched on that spies can fall so far into their undercover roles that they become different people, but that was instantly scuttled with the resolution this week. Sure, it can be attributed to the initial 13-episode order and the planned series finale, but regardless of intent, the overarching theme and plot has been extremely weak.
If you care about plot, Chuck and Co. devise a wacky plot to take down Volkoff and it succeeds with surprising gusto. There are plot holes everywhere, but they don't govern the episode as they did last episode. More importantly, "Chuck Versus the Push Mix" crafts a nice resolution for every character. Chuck and Sarah are back together and Chuck proposes, Morgan, Alex, and Casey are happy with each other, Ellen is finally out of Volkoff's grasp, and Ellie delivers the baby. Pair those conclusions with some Jeffster, and things are looking up. The only thing missing from the episode is Scott Bakula.
While "Chuck Versus the Push Mix" is generally a good episode, I have mixed feelings on the season. If, for instance, you're watching the fourth season on DVD, the first 13 episode would seem quite awkward and incomplete--without knowing the full story about the writers planning it to be a possible series finale
Score: 8.8/10
Monday, January 24, 2011
Review - Chuck Season 4 Episode 12 Chuck vs. the Gobbler
We can safely say that in its three and a half seasons, Chuck has had its share of plot holes, but those problems were usually contained to individual episodes or minor details in a longer arc. With this current Sarah undercover arc, however, every step appears to be one plot hole after another, contrived to generate angst between Chuck and Sarah.
Normally, I can write off a plot hole because it won't matter the next week. But the entire plot of "Chuck vs. the Gobbler," minus the Ellie stuff, makes little sense logically, and the characters are acting as irrationally as ever. Most importantly, the episode is crucial to the overall plot.
I'm not going to cover everything, but this is what bothered me the most: If the ultimate goal is to bring down Volkoff Industries, why didn't Sarah shoot Volkoff when she had the chance, and why didn't Sarah and Mary do something when Volkoff downloaded Hydra onto another machine? Even if Hydra is the heart of Volkoff industries, isn't Volkoff himself the brain of the corporation? What was the point of orchestrating the prison break actively using the CIA? Surely Sarah could have gotten them to help without having Casey, Chuck, and Morgan show their faces. Casey is unconscious and badly hurt--allowing for Chuck's moment of crisis--but when Chuck calls Sarah, she declines to answer. Why would she do that if she could easily explain what happened?
Score: 7.5/10
Normally, I can write off a plot hole because it won't matter the next week. But the entire plot of "Chuck vs. the Gobbler," minus the Ellie stuff, makes little sense logically, and the characters are acting as irrationally as ever. Most importantly, the episode is crucial to the overall plot.
I'm not going to cover everything, but this is what bothered me the most: If the ultimate goal is to bring down Volkoff Industries, why didn't Sarah shoot Volkoff when she had the chance, and why didn't Sarah and Mary do something when Volkoff downloaded Hydra onto another machine? Even if Hydra is the heart of Volkoff industries, isn't Volkoff himself the brain of the corporation? What was the point of orchestrating the prison break actively using the CIA? Surely Sarah could have gotten them to help without having Casey, Chuck, and Morgan show their faces. Casey is unconscious and badly hurt--allowing for Chuck's moment of crisis--but when Chuck calls Sarah, she declines to answer. Why would she do that if she could easily explain what happened?
Score: 7.5/10
Monday, January 17, 2011
Review - Chuck Season 4 Episode 11 Chuck Versus the Balcony
When Chuck ditched his marriage proposal, I began wondering how long this would drag on. Optimally, it would be resolved by the episode's end, but from experience, the writers love to extend things as long as possible. The end result falls somewhere in between, with both Chuck and Sarah fully committed and knowledgeable about the proposal before a giant plot hole comes between them.
A good part of the episode is the fun Chuck we're used to seeing with Morgan as the proposal double agent and Lester putting on the charm. There's more positive reinforcement to Chuck and Sarah's relationship which solidifies them enough so we don't have to worry about them (assuming Sarah didn't know about the arrest and undercover operation before leaving on the mission, and was cold-hearted enough to almost let the proposal go through).
But I want to go back to final few minutes which a plot contrivance of epic proportions. This isn't the usual isolated plot hole which matters for the one episode, but the beginning to a larger arc. Already, it's not making sense and I can't imagine how the writers can make it work logically.
It's like the writers sat down, decided that Sarah and Chuck would be separated, and came up with an explanation--all within a minute. Somehow, Sarah is going undercover in Volkoff Industries, and her arrest was supposed to establish her cover. Even if Beckman planned this from the point after the chip was recovered (unless this was orchestrated from the very beginning of the episode, which would be insane), wouldn't Volkoff, or someone in the organization, eventually learn that the chip Sarah provided was fake. That would undermine her as a rogue CIA agent since they know she has the real chip. And wouldn't they wonder why Chuck wasn't arrested when he was right there? Lastly, Alexei Volkoff knows Sarah wants to bring him down and plenty of other people have seen her taking direct action again Volkoff, so how is she supposed to infiltrate the group?
Forgetting about the implausibility--which is a must to continue watching Chuck every week--this plot has plenty of potential, but also more of the sappy "oh no, Chuck can't be with Sarah." We'll see what happens.
Score: 8.7/10
A good part of the episode is the fun Chuck we're used to seeing with Morgan as the proposal double agent and Lester putting on the charm. There's more positive reinforcement to Chuck and Sarah's relationship which solidifies them enough so we don't have to worry about them (assuming Sarah didn't know about the arrest and undercover operation before leaving on the mission, and was cold-hearted enough to almost let the proposal go through).
But I want to go back to final few minutes which a plot contrivance of epic proportions. This isn't the usual isolated plot hole which matters for the one episode, but the beginning to a larger arc. Already, it's not making sense and I can't imagine how the writers can make it work logically.
It's like the writers sat down, decided that Sarah and Chuck would be separated, and came up with an explanation--all within a minute. Somehow, Sarah is going undercover in Volkoff Industries, and her arrest was supposed to establish her cover. Even if Beckman planned this from the point after the chip was recovered (unless this was orchestrated from the very beginning of the episode, which would be insane), wouldn't Volkoff, or someone in the organization, eventually learn that the chip Sarah provided was fake. That would undermine her as a rogue CIA agent since they know she has the real chip. And wouldn't they wonder why Chuck wasn't arrested when he was right there? Lastly, Alexei Volkoff knows Sarah wants to bring him down and plenty of other people have seen her taking direct action again Volkoff, so how is she supposed to infiltrate the group?
Forgetting about the implausibility--which is a must to continue watching Chuck every week--this plot has plenty of potential, but also more of the sappy "oh no, Chuck can't be with Sarah." We'll see what happens.
Score: 8.7/10
Monday, November 29, 2010
Review - Chuck Season 4 Episode 10 Chuck Versus the Leftovers
Chuck is one of the few shows on television that can equally balance comedy and drama in an episode and still be very funny and compelling. In the same episode, Chuck can be as funny as the funniest comedies or as intense as the best dramas. The other show that immediately comes to mind is Supernatural, although there are more than a few out there, but none as consistent as Chuck.
That doesn't always happen, however, and "Chuck Versus the Leftovers" is one of those instances, when an episode is funny but without the dramatic umph to back it up. Like several previous episodes, the entire episode stems from the CIA being the most incompetent group ever. The Buy More became a huge CIA base during season four, but when Volkoff takes over the store, the CIA is nowhere to be seen. There's no CIA night guard, no cameras linking back to headquarters, no warning system--only the main characters to fend for themselves.
Okay, it's a plot hole, and the writers certainly don't shy away from them or even attempt to avoid them. The rest of the episode, however, turns into a showcase for Timothy Dalton to be an evil genius who has more than a few screw looses. The plot doesn't really have a hook other than that the characters are in trouble and held captive, a situation we've seen plenty of times. Volkoff loves Frost and Mary uses that to her advantage, making sure he doesn't completely snap. The episode lulls around as Casey is held captive while the awkward dinner goes on. Unlike previous episodes in which the characters were held captive, "Leftovers" ends without a splash of excitement, as Mary forces Volkoff to let everyone go. The agents at the Buy More leave, letting Casey and Morgan go unharmed. And to wrap up the "Chuck without Intersect" arc, the computer which Ellie retrieved earlier returns Chuck's Intersect power.
It's disappointing to see what was an Ellie and Awesome endeavor, figuring out the computer, largely disappear and become a way to resolve Chuck's plot. Once again, Elli gets the short straw and isn't really needed.
Being the last episode until January 17, "Chuck Versus the Leftovers" was a definite disappointment, neither ending on a big cliffhanger nor resolving anything major. It moved the story along, giving us a bit more insight into Volkoff and moving Mary squarely onto the good guy side, but for the most part, it was one of the more dull episodes in a while.
Score: 8.1/10
That doesn't always happen, however, and "Chuck Versus the Leftovers" is one of those instances, when an episode is funny but without the dramatic umph to back it up. Like several previous episodes, the entire episode stems from the CIA being the most incompetent group ever. The Buy More became a huge CIA base during season four, but when Volkoff takes over the store, the CIA is nowhere to be seen. There's no CIA night guard, no cameras linking back to headquarters, no warning system--only the main characters to fend for themselves.
Okay, it's a plot hole, and the writers certainly don't shy away from them or even attempt to avoid them. The rest of the episode, however, turns into a showcase for Timothy Dalton to be an evil genius who has more than a few screw looses. The plot doesn't really have a hook other than that the characters are in trouble and held captive, a situation we've seen plenty of times. Volkoff loves Frost and Mary uses that to her advantage, making sure he doesn't completely snap. The episode lulls around as Casey is held captive while the awkward dinner goes on. Unlike previous episodes in which the characters were held captive, "Leftovers" ends without a splash of excitement, as Mary forces Volkoff to let everyone go. The agents at the Buy More leave, letting Casey and Morgan go unharmed. And to wrap up the "Chuck without Intersect" arc, the computer which Ellie retrieved earlier returns Chuck's Intersect power.
It's disappointing to see what was an Ellie and Awesome endeavor, figuring out the computer, largely disappear and become a way to resolve Chuck's plot. Once again, Elli gets the short straw and isn't really needed.
Being the last episode until January 17, "Chuck Versus the Leftovers" was a definite disappointment, neither ending on a big cliffhanger nor resolving anything major. It moved the story along, giving us a bit more insight into Volkoff and moving Mary squarely onto the good guy side, but for the most part, it was one of the more dull episodes in a while.
Score: 8.1/10
Monday, November 22, 2010
Review - Chuck Season 4 Episode 9 Chuck Versus Phase Three
"Chuck Versus Phase Three" is the first all-out awesome episode in a while. The writers know they have Yvonne Strahovski in their arsenal, and with Chuck on the sidelines, being interrogated, they decided to let Sarah kick all the ass imaginable. So many great scenes of Sarah tromping across Thailand, beating on whoever is in her way, gaining a reputation as a giant blond she-male. I'm not sure how anyone could object to that.
At the same time, Sarah the badass spy is balanced with Sarah the ultra-hot girlfriend. After she finds Chuck's marriage proposal plan, Morgan explains that Chuck is insecure, believing that he's not as appealing without the Intersect. But clearly that's not the case as anyone other than Chuck can see, and Chuck learns that in the end. Again, excellent work by Yvonne Strahovski in all areas, selling every scene perfectly. Now all Chuck has to do is remember that and not regress to the annoying guy we see occasionally.
Ellie is a character who's been ignored the past few years, and the only main character aside from the Buy More guys to get actively involved in the spy business. However, it looks like she may have something to do on her own this time around, finding her father's computer. Awesome gets the Buy More guys to fix the computer in exchange for medical services. When Ellie gets home, she instantly knows the password, the computer gives a whir, and... fade to black. Darn!
While Chuck is largely a non-factor in "Chuck Versus Phase Three," and his scenes largely have the same message, once Sarah goes to Thailand to do her thing, the episode kicked into high gear and there was no looking back.
Score: 9.0/10
At the same time, Sarah the badass spy is balanced with Sarah the ultra-hot girlfriend. After she finds Chuck's marriage proposal plan, Morgan explains that Chuck is insecure, believing that he's not as appealing without the Intersect. But clearly that's not the case as anyone other than Chuck can see, and Chuck learns that in the end. Again, excellent work by Yvonne Strahovski in all areas, selling every scene perfectly. Now all Chuck has to do is remember that and not regress to the annoying guy we see occasionally.
Ellie is a character who's been ignored the past few years, and the only main character aside from the Buy More guys to get actively involved in the spy business. However, it looks like she may have something to do on her own this time around, finding her father's computer. Awesome gets the Buy More guys to fix the computer in exchange for medical services. When Ellie gets home, she instantly knows the password, the computer gives a whir, and... fade to black. Darn!
While Chuck is largely a non-factor in "Chuck Versus Phase Three," and his scenes largely have the same message, once Sarah goes to Thailand to do her thing, the episode kicked into high gear and there was no looking back.
Score: 9.0/10
Monday, November 15, 2010
Review - Chuck Season 4 Episode 8 Chuck Versus the Fear of Death
While I liked "Chuck Versus the Fear of Death," it's a flawed episode, to be sure. The main problem is that Chuck really doesn't do anything. He's essentially a pawn for characters to use, abuse, and fret about, and he never takes things into his own hands. Without the Intersect working properly, Chuck is reduced to a largely useless character and the message of the episode is ultimately unclear.
Is Chuck useless without the Intersect? From what we've seen in past seasons, no, but from his floundering in "Chuck Versus the Fear of Death," it would seem like he is useless. And moreover, is Chuck's tether to Sarah harmful? Again, from what we've seen in past seasons, not necessarily, but in this particular episode, Chuck calling Sarah constantly instead of figuring things out on his own is a detriment. A lot of Chuck's behavior in the episode flies in the face of what has already been established.
Built into that is the fact that the writers have used the Intersect as a plot lever so many times before and there's a pattern to what happens. The Intersect is uploaded into Chuck--he survives without kung fu skills. The Intersect is upgraded--he survives with kung fu skills. The Intersect malfunctions--he survives without kung fu skills. Now the Intersect once again doesn't work; however, Chuck is ineffectual and caught. Is Sarah the variable?
Aside from the disappointing stuff going on with Chuck, the Buy More business is gold, with better use of the "Greta" than the previous episode. Jeff and Lester start to notice something peculiar about their hot coworker and snoop a little too far, literally pushing Greta to kill them (or harm them in some way). The Firefly reunion which I'm sure many people looked forward to also serves as a way for Casey to connect with Morgan. With Jayne rebuking River's claim about the Buy More being a bad operation, Casey puts his backing behind, Morgan, Chuck, and Sarah, the people who he's gotten close to the past few years.
Score: 8.6/10
Is Chuck useless without the Intersect? From what we've seen in past seasons, no, but from his floundering in "Chuck Versus the Fear of Death," it would seem like he is useless. And moreover, is Chuck's tether to Sarah harmful? Again, from what we've seen in past seasons, not necessarily, but in this particular episode, Chuck calling Sarah constantly instead of figuring things out on his own is a detriment. A lot of Chuck's behavior in the episode flies in the face of what has already been established.
Built into that is the fact that the writers have used the Intersect as a plot lever so many times before and there's a pattern to what happens. The Intersect is uploaded into Chuck--he survives without kung fu skills. The Intersect is upgraded--he survives with kung fu skills. The Intersect malfunctions--he survives without kung fu skills. Now the Intersect once again doesn't work; however, Chuck is ineffectual and caught. Is Sarah the variable?
Aside from the disappointing stuff going on with Chuck, the Buy More business is gold, with better use of the "Greta" than the previous episode. Jeff and Lester start to notice something peculiar about their hot coworker and snoop a little too far, literally pushing Greta to kill them (or harm them in some way). The Firefly reunion which I'm sure many people looked forward to also serves as a way for Casey to connect with Morgan. With Jayne rebuking River's claim about the Buy More being a bad operation, Casey puts his backing behind, Morgan, Chuck, and Sarah, the people who he's gotten close to the past few years.
Score: 8.6/10
