One of the best things about NBC's "Chuck" is that nothing ever turns out exactly as we expect it to. Many of us have expected all along that Shaw would turn on Chuck and Sarah, but we certainly didn't think it would happen in the way this episode introduced.
Before we get too deep into that, though, let's start back at the beginning. Chuck is in Washington, literally begging for some extra time to sort out of his life before heading off to Rome. His relationship with Sarah is in shambles, especially since she thinks him to be guilty of killing the mole during last week's mission. After his argument is presented, Beckman gives his a week to go wherever he wants -- of course, he chooses Burbank, where he immediately tries to assemble a mission where getting Sarah back on his side is the only goal.
After the direct approach goes down in flames, Chuck then turns to a more indirect method: espionage. It was great to see everyone get involved in this, from Morgan to Captain Awesome to even Casey as a civilian. Their idea was to distract Shaw while out to dinner with Sarah,, and lure him away for long enough so that Chuck could have another chance. The problem? The Ring was also doing their fair share of spying, which led to Morgan ultimately getting hit with a stun gun, and Awesome tackling Shaw through a window because he thought him to be the one who did the stunning.
Of course, Ellie wasn't too happy about it -- and she continues to be this season's Debbie Downer as she almost cruelly is the only one of Chuck's family completely oblivious to what is going on. However, she was intent on helping Chuck get Sarah back at whatever costs, which led to what was ultimately the primary push of the episode -- he realized that sometimes he has to uncomfortable things in order to make someone happy. In the case of Sarah, it was helping out Shaw with a mission that he didn't want much of a part of.
After being confronted by The Ring at the restaurant, Shaw decided to infiltrate the group's headquarters under the guise of a recruiting trip. What he ended up seeing, though, completely changed the course of his character. The Ring showed him a video of his wife -- whose murder he blamed on the organization -- actually getting shot by Sarah during her first mission years ago. Now we know why they showed us that clip from Sarah's past last week! It was a brilliant set up by the writers, since I had already more or less left that brief flashback...well, in the past.
Suffice it to say, Shaw wasn't too pleased to find out this new information. After barely escaping an explosing (ironically caused by the U.S. Government) thanks to Chuck's help, the episode ended with Shaw taking Sarah on an "unannounced mission" -- right before she was supposed to meet Chuck for their next opportunity to run away together and be happy.
I don't know if I like Chuck being so indecisive about what he wants to do, but I'm happy to see his romantic life finally moving in the right direction. In terms of the other characters, it was also fun this week to see both Jeff and Lester have a nice role as Shaw's stalkers -- plus Jeff has a sweet van.
What did you think of this episode of "Chuck?" Let me know your thoughts with a comment and stay tuned for more of the latest TV news.
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Comments
I liked this episode. I'm glad they are managing to keep Casey involved in what's going on. Shaw seems like he's finally on his way out.
wack episode. sarah keeps getting more annoying. Shaw is a horrible character, and chuck is a dumbass. awesome
This episode was the best so far this season. Its all finally being put together and I can't wait to see what next week brings! Hope the ratings go up and this show is saved for a 4th season.
explosing?
Another great episode!
I agree with JS, sarah's character has been sooooooo annoying, I wanna route for chuck and Sarah, but her expressionless, emotionless expressions have just put me off that train. Ivonne Strahvski needs to step it up, or whoever is directing her. it's just bad.
Amazing how people in these forums like to act as though their personal, subjective opinions are "facts".
"Sarah keeps getting more annoying. Shaw is a horrible character, and chuck is a dumbass."
"sarah's character has been sooooooo annoying ... it's just bad.
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