Maybe there just wasn’t enough Chellie in last night’s episode for me to think otherwise, but I’m beginning to think I may have misjudged Shuck last week. Though their budding romance seemed a bit contrived, the last few minutes of last night’s show proved that Yvonne Strahovski and Zachary Levi actually do have quite a bit of chemistry. Not only did we see Sarah perform quite well at a Newlyweds-esque game at Chuck and Ellie’s apartment, but it also seemed she might be finally letting go of Bryce. After all, she did imply that she was quite happy in her current setting. But how heartbreaking was it to see Chuck fruitlessly begging Sarah to tell him something true about herself? Of course, she ultimately refused, but the look on her face — and her quiet confession that her real middle name is Lisa — indicated that it’s not that easy for Sarah to maintain an emotional barrier between Chuck and herself.
Perhaps all I needed was a little romantic rival to help me become a true believer in Shuck. And this rival came in the form of yet another gorgeous spy named Karina (they must grow on trees in Chuck’s world). But if Karina made anything clear during last night’s episode, it’s that Sarah has a difficult time separating work and her personal life. Sure, we get that Sarah may harbor a little crush for our title guy, but being that her last relationship was with Bryce, should we assume that Sarah is pulling an Angelina by falling for her coworkers? Or are her feelings for Chuck more genuine?
Either way, Sarah had to divert her attention away from Chuck this week in order to rein in Karina, an agent who, according to Sarah, tends to seek trouble. And judging by the way she greeted Sarah in her swanky apartment (a "hello" would have done just fine), I would say our CIA agent has her fit to a T. But Karina wanted more from Sarah than just a good ol’ chick fight — she needed her help locating and stealing a supposed drug diamond in Malibu.
But Karina couldn’t resist ruffling Sarah’s feathers before the missionbegan. The agent attempted to seduce Sarah’s "boyfriend," but insteadopted to just inform the Nerd Herder of Sarah and Bryce’s formerrelationship. And Karina’s tactics definitely worked: Though Chuckprobably should have realized that Karina was trying to turn himagainst Sarah, you couldn’t blame the guy for being upset. After all,not only did Sarah bend the truth about her connection to Bryce, buther usual obsession with trust made the lie all the more hypocriticaland egregious.
But alas, feelings had to be put aside in order to save the world,and Sarah, Karina, Chuck, and Casey took off to the Malibu beach housethat held the diamond and its owner, named Peyman (or Senõr Wookiee,depending who you ask). Chuck — dressed like he stepped off the set of Miami Vice— and the two women managed to find themselves face-to-face with thediamond, and quickly hatched a successful plan to steal the rock. Whilethe threesome fled the scene, Chuck proved he was tired of trusting asecretive Sarah, and opted to give the diamond to Karina, againstSarah’s wishes. Of course, Chuck chose unwisely, and the blackbikini-clad Karina made like a bizarro Ursula Andress and ran into thewater to board a nifty jet ski, leaving Shuck high and dry.
Speaking of Honey Ryder, is it me, or did last night’s episode seemto have quite a few 007 inspirations? Not only did Sarah and Karinamimic good and bad Bond girls, respectively, but we even had a villainwith a golden gun. Scratch that — a Wookiee with a golden gun.And Peyman put the weapon to good use when holding Sarah and Caseyhostage for the diamond, which — as Chuck discovers via hisbrain/computer — was actually being used as collateral for a terroristorganization. But thanks to a FedEx package, and Karina’s eventualturnaround, the diamond got back into the government’s hands, and theterrorist network subsequently fell apart.
Though last night’s show definitely lived up to expectations, therewasn’t nearly enough Casey and Captain Awesome to provide laughs to arelatively emotional episode. I understand that Morgan is intended tobe Chuck’s comic relief, but Joshua Gomez’s schtick is beginning to weara little thin, particularly when the rest of the cast is so incrediblystrong.
What do you think, Popwatchers? Are you growing tired of Morgan?What exactly do you think happened in Prague between Casey and Karina?When do you think Sarah will finally realize that she’s digging ourtitle character? And finally, what do you think Captain Awesome was upto while Chuck & Co., were busy saving the world?
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Last week I (and many others) complained that I didn’t feel any chemistry between Sarah and Chuck. Last night I felt it in that final scene where the only thing he knows about her is that she doesn’t like olives on her pizza and she says her real middle name only after he walked away. At that moment I felt it was actually possible that she liked him. Maybe the difference was that we didn’t see Chuck interacting with his sister last night and had nothing to compare C&S to. Whatever, this show just keeps getting better.
Anyone know who played Karina? I went to imdb, but there was no mention of a character named Karina (though the Wookie was there).
I really don’t mind Morgan, he’s a counterbalance to the other characters. I was cracking up during the beginning when Morgan was winning the game with his freakily obsessive personal knowledge of Chuck.
I believe Karina left Casey high and dry in the exact same position in Prague. I think we’ve found JC’s weakness. ; ) Love that Sarah captured the moment with her cell phone!
This episode was ok, not enough Ellie, C. Awesome and Casey for my tastes, but entertaining nonetheless. Small quibble, I really didn’t like the actress playing Karina and the gratuitous T&A is a little grating, but I can deal. Can’t wait to see what next week brings!
Oh, I thoroughly enjoyed it for all the reasons you mentioned, and I even had the same minor complaint — I wanted more Casey, Capt. Awesome and the sister. I hate to say it, but I really don’t like Morgan. Over on Reaper, I adore Sock. I think he’s a fantastic foil for Sam and the friendship is obvious, but here, Morgan…just feels like a hanger on. I don’t get that same sense of deep friendship. So, yeah, not a big fan of Morgan’s character. You can’t drop him, but if we saw less of him, I wouldn’t mind.
I’m so glad it’s not just me,but Morgan-Organ s geting on my nerves! A little of him goes a long way! There is/has been chemistry between Chuck and Sara from the begining,you guys must be blind,but last night’s show had a good sense of “Bond” fun from the villian to the end,this show makes viewing on Mondays fun again!
Love the show ! I especially love it since Chuck started DOING something. Great potential !
Karina was played by Mini Anden. This is the link to her profile http://imdb.com/name/nm1068565/. I also thought the episode was much better than the last. And to answer your question Kate, I think Captain Awesom was away at the hospital probably being the awesome doctor he is.
I think the show is getting better and better. Also, Morgan is balanced out when the other Nerd Herders are in the show more. Unfortunately, they weren’t that much this episode. Go Shuck!
“Shuck”?
Jesus Christ. Please make this name-combo crap stop right now.
The show is getting better each week. Loved the sentimental stuff at the end between Chuck and Sara. I agree with the below that Morgan is better in the Buy More setting then outside of work. I really liked the Bond-ian touches. Also loved the continually ridiculous lines Casey gets to say. Baldwin pulls them off perfectly. (“Smoking is hazardous to your health.”) I really think this is hte best new show of the season, at least of the ones that I have watched (and I’ve tried almost all on the big 4 networks). Well, this and Pushing Daisies. But Chuck probably has a longer shelf-life. They can say just about any secret is in Chuck’s head and it is totally plausible.
Another strong episode. And I agree that the chemistry between Sarah and Chuck has always been there but because of Sarah’s job and past relationship with Bryce, the actress was understandably reiging it in. It wouldn’t be believable to have the character be all-out flirtatious with Chuck when you consider both her repsonsibility to protect him and her newfound desire to stay strictly professional after Bryce.
And I thought that last scene was definitely well-done and quite moving on the part of both Levi and Strahovski.
And when Sarah was picking off olives on her pizza I knew Show was going to make Chuck bring her an olive-less pizza to show her how observant he is. Bryce probably never did that
Now that the characters and basic plot have been established this show is just getting better. This weeks ep was the strongest yet, shame about the lack of Casey though.
I love Casey. I was so hoping they were going to let him be funny–he was more muscle than comedian in the first episode. Adam Baldwin was FABULOUS as Jayne in Firefly and Serenity. He got some of the funniest lines. If you have not seen Firefly go rent it PLEASE. You will love Jayne.
I’ve only started watching Chuck and I think the show is really funny and great but I don’t know if anyone has mentioned this before but doesn’t the actor who plays Chuck look a lot like John Krasinski (Jim from the Office) I mean it’s like looking at a brown-haired Jim.. and that’s all I can think of when I watch the show. Is it just me?
so, so tired of Morgan. It would be such a relief if they really, really reduced that character’s presence. Preferably, off the show.
I don’t think the show will last very long if they focus so much on Chuck and Sarah “will they or won’t they.” At least give Chuck another option. The dude is hot, it’s unrealistic that chicks aren’t all over him (even if he brings up his ex-girlfriend all the time). I can’t wait for them to have her in an episode. I hope Chuck and Pushing Daisies don’t get canceled too soon.
Everytime I look at Chuck, I think Seth Cohen 5 years into the future when he is in his mid-20s
Forget there not being enough Captain Awesome or Casey… where the hell was Anna when the guys were talking about sex? She would have had the best line of the night, had she been there.
I still don’t think Chuck and Sara have very much chemistry. And my husband and I gave this episode a thumbs down. I know we’re supposed to have a willing suspension of disbelief, but there were just so many, “uhhhh, what just happened?” moments that we were really disappointed. Why did Karina want to sleep with Chuck so badly? The “oh, Sara, wants you; she just doesn’t know it yet” line was LAME. And since when does Sara have a boss at the Weiner Shack? She’s always been on her own before, like the store was a cover for her undercover ops.
To be the odd man out yet again, I really like Morgan. I think he’s funny and medium loveable. And I didn’t care for the “smoking is hazardous to your health” line. I know it’s been done somewhere else, and better; I just can’t think of where…
The episode was good. We need more Captain Awesome and Casey. Morgan is a great supporting character. I do not agree with the majority of posts that state his character should be reduced or axed. I do believe we should see some development of his character though. We should also see more of the Nerd Herd interacting with Chuck. It is going to me more difficult for Chuck to be away from the Buy More with his additional responsibilites both as a government agent and assistant manager. Looking forward to more episodes!
I agree, the actor playing chuck is definitely doing the John Krasinski (Jim from Office) expressions of widening the eyes to say “wtf?” Morgan is creepy
give chuck a full tv watch. it deserves it.
Karina was played by Mini Anden. I first noticed her during the English Telenovella “Fashion House” with Bo Derek and Morgan Fairchild. She’s great and a wonderful foil to Sarah. Would love to see her be a repeat guest on the show. Oh, and I think Karin and Casey had a fling of sorts except she left him in a very comprimising position….
and more captain awesome
Chuck has become my favorite new show of the season. The entire cast is so great, especially the winning Zachary Levi (although Joshua Gomez’s Morgan is starting to wear thin…please try to make him less annoying). It’s like a comedy version of Alias, which I stopped watching because it became too serious. Anyway, I hope it gets picked up for a full season.
Oh yeah, and my favorite line of the night from Casey: “Don’t you know smoking is bad for you? Pick up a newspaper…from the 60s.”
This show keeps getting better and better! Wow. Awesome chemistry, clever plot, funny…I could not be a bigger fan. Give Chuck a full TV Watch ASAP, and commenters, tell your friends and fire up your DVR’s…Chuck is the best new show of the season! Bravo NBC!
First, I would just like to thank you for being a kind, gentle reviewer/blogger and how much it is appreciated that you seem to be a fan of the show. Although funny, it seems a little uncomfortable and not funny that Morgan seems to think that he is Chuck’s girlfriend and not Sarah. I do laugh at him, but it isn’t as funny as I think the writers seem to think it is. I also missed the goofiness of Captain Awesome and wanted more of the dry John Casey involved. The ‘threesome’ of Chuck, Sarah and Casey is hysterical to watch and I missed them last night with the inclusion of Karina seeming to eliminate Casey’s screen time. It also doesn’t help that I’m a fan of Adam Baldwin and would rather watch him than some stick figure rival of Sarah’s (really didn’t care for Karina).
I agree with Dennis that Casey had the best line of the night. I wanted more Casey- he’s the best. I too am getting sick of Morgan- I like the other Nerd Herders better.
I would have to say that I was missing having more Casey in the episode. I mean, Adam Baldwin is just hilarious, and anyone who has seen Firefly would easily agree with me. And Morgan really is getting a little old.
I love this show! Basically I have an instant love fest with any show with a cast member from Firefly. And Zachary Levi is great as Chuck.