Okay, so maybe I’ve been hard on Chuck the past few weeks. I know I’ve been criticizing the show lately for not jumping on the TV bandwagon to create complex season-long story arcs, much to the dismay of all you Chuck fans. So I decided that this week, I would just sit back and — as PopWatcher Patrick said last week — enjoy the popcorn that is Chuck.
And it seems all you smarty-pants out there are right. Chuck is a lot more fun if you simply don’t think too hard. Save the theorizing and scrutinizing for Lost and Heroes. Sometimes a breather from excruciating mythology is all you need to enjoy a Monday.
But I’m not going to let Chuck off too easy. There still is one facet of the show badly in need of fixing, altering or just plain extinguishing: Morgan. I know some of you defend and enjoy Joshua Gomez’s annoying but big-hearted character, but his scenes have become so tired and predictable, that part of me is secretly hoping he either gets caught in the crossfire or gets punched hard enough by Casey to get amnesia and develop a completely different personality. And though I did feel a bit bad for the guy when Chuck chastised him for being immature, I couldn’t help but cheer over the fact that somebody finally gave Morgan a wake-up call. Not to mention the fact that Chuck has yet to dip into its untapped resources — Buy More employees Anna Wu, Lester, and Jeff have delivered some great scenes and one-liners in previous episodes. Why haven’t Chuck’s writers begun to develop their characters instead of settling for Morgan for comic relief?
Then again, for every Morgan, there is a Captain Awesome. How happy were you to see Chuck’s best character make his triumphant return — in a fig leaf, no less? The Captain once again appealed to his philanthropic side to help Morgan become a man. Who knew all it took was a tucked-in shirt? Though Morgan’s initial attempt to become a "tucker" made him appear more Urkel than Awesome, his dapper work attire later in the episode was definitely an improvement. Perhaps we can look forward to seeing a more mature — and well-coiffed — side of Morgan in future episodes? I’m crossing my fingers.
Now, onto the spy mission of the week. If we learned anything from last night’s episode, it’s that the CIA builds everything— cars, televisions, you name it — and manufactures it all so it canexplode, or make something explode, at a moment’s notice (wonder ifSarah’s CIA-made Princess Leia costume, pictured, can do the same?). But I guessthat’s to be expected when the super-genius who designed it all is alsoan unstable mental case. Chuck first met said mental case at the pierplaying a Guitar Hero-esque game with Morgan. Thanks to Chuck’scomputer/brain, he recognized that the gamer — named Laszlo — was adangerous fugitive who was on the run from the government. But initialconversations with Laszlo — and his use of a water gun to hold up ourtitle character — led Chuck to see the troubled outsider as a sort ofemotional doppelganger — a good-natured person who was forced to jointhe CIA against his will. And after Chuck learned that Laszlo wascorrect in his assumption that the title character’s home was wired byhis handlers, he decided to side with the new guy and introduce him tosome of the best Bond films ever (A View to a Kill — goodchoice, Chuck!). But a reintegration plan went sour once Laszlounveiled his evil ways by sharing that he sympathized with ChristopherWalken’s Bond villain. Chuck called for help from Sarah and Casey, butwas outwitted by Laszlo and his Nerd Herd car’s secret controls.Realizing that Laszlo was planning on ruining a perfectly goodHalloween party with a bomb, Chuck managed to catch up, defuse thebomb, and allow the CIA to detain Laszlo.
Though early on, it seemed like we were going to see someSarah-Chuck action, all the love in last night’s episode was saved forChuck and Morgan. Neglected by his best friend because of yet anotherspy mission, Morgan once again proved his loyalty to Chuck byattempting to interview for Buy More’s assistant manager position onbehalf of his pal. Sure enough, Morgan’s plan was for naught, ascorporate decided to hire Chuck’s second most annoying character —Harry Tang — as assistant manager. (Kudos to Big Mike for hisobservation that Harry has "the charm of a prostate exam.") But for asplit second there, I thought that Morgan’s inspired speech to thecorporate lackey would land him the assistant manager job. It certainlywould have been interesting to see Morgan suddenly have the upper handon his best bud. Even though Chuck was unable to live the dream ofbecoming low-level management, he still was able to salvage hisfriendship. After saving the partiers at the pier, Chuck proved hislove for his best friend by showing up at Ellie’s Halloween party todress up as a giant penis — ahem, excuse me, sandworm — with Morgan.Insert analysis of homoerotic subtext here.
Tell me, PopWatchers, what did you think of last night’s episode? Doyou think Chuck will ever fully trust his handlers? Are you glad thatnext week will fill in the gaps about Bryce and Chuck? And, finally,what sandwich would you bring with you if were stuck on a desertedisland?
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How could you not mention the fact that Josh Schwartz threw a bone to all the people watching because they were O.C. fans with nod to Ryan running to Marissa on New Years from season 1, right down to the song and the dialogue.
Did anyone else catch that the scene when Chuck returns to Morgan at the Halloween party was a tribute/mocking of a scene from the OC with Ryan and Marissa at New Years? I expected them to kiss. Here’s the YouTube clip:
http://youtube.com/watch?v=Z1HfVho4L8M
Oops…great minds think alike!
haha yeah Janine, just beat you to it (shouldn’t have took the time to add that link)
Favorite parts of last night 1)Chuck calling Casey a big do*@#e. 2)Captain Awesome in a fig leaf. 3)Chuck sliding down the street in his seat with his seatbelt on! Least favorite: 1)Sand Worm. Huh?
I am really glad that people are starting to realize that this is a fun show and to just enjoy it! Sometimes it is a good thing to not have to think about a show!
I LOVED this episode! So many great parts, like the interaction between Morgan and Captain Awesome (Captain Morgan? ha!). By far my favorite part of the episode, though, was the OC reference at the end. As a huge OC fan, my ears perked up when I heard the song start playing at the end. I love when writers/producers share “inside jokes” with their audience. I thought it was a great touch, and I kind of hope they’ll incorporate more of that kind of thing into other random episodes in the future. (The Rachel Bilson episodes maybe??)
I think Morgan grew a little as a character in this episode, thanks to Captain Awesome, who was VERY cute with his “lend a helping hand” man speeches. I am, however, getting really tired of Chuck getting screwed over (and screwing everyone over) because of this damned secret! Last week Ellie was upset with him, this week Morgan almost had to party wormless AND now Chuck has to work for that low-life Tang. Do the CIA/FBI plan it so that Chuck only goes on missions when those close to him need him? He let down Big Mike, for the love of God! Come on!
Remember how Seinfeld, et. al, cringed and sneered whenever the name “Newman” was spoken. “Morgan” gives me that same vibe/reaction. Chucks’ little buddy (a Seth Green wannabe) ruins the show every week. If the character has to remain – at least get Seth Green to do it (right).
I was truly hating Morgan last night until Captain Awesome started training him on Mature Manly skills. Those were the most hilarious scenes of last night’s eppy! Tucker!! Then the ‘Gordon Gecko’ look at work the next day. Comic genius! I even found him vaguely attractive with the new hairdo. But I’m sure he’ll revert back to the annoying guy by next week’s show. Grrrr!
I’m looking forward to next week’s episode. Love the backstory.
BEST. PICTURE. EVER. I have to start watching Chuck again…I forgot how hot she is.
The homage to “The OC” was pretty hilarious. And I freaked out when I knew what it was right away. Oh Marissa, I miss your confused lezzie self
I loved this episode. Captain Awesome was…outstanding. They’re doing a good job slowly building Chuck and Sarah’s chemistry. I agree, less Morgan, more Nerd Herd. Next week’s episode looks…outstanding.
What made last night’s episode so great? Captain Awesome wearing a fig leaf. Enough said.
I loved Captain Awesome in the fig leaf. Thought Casey was underused last night but Chuck getting him back with starting a new sandwich conversation with Morgan was hilarious.
While many of you were were geeked by the OC pop culture references, I laughed out loud at Chuck defending his 2 man sea-cucumber costume as “Shai-Hulud” and that the “Dune” fans had been excited by that costume since the 8th grade. This was truly geek brilliance and totally in character. Chuck as a character is at his best when he embraces his geekness without embarrassment. Keep up the good work, “Chuck” writers.
captain awesome in the fig leaf made my friggin week (month?). nbc you may now resume showing the cia chick almost naked in almost every scence…for now
I thought Tang dressed like Yul Brenner in Westworld was hilarious.
How did i not find a Chuck TV watch sooner? I’ve been hoping for it & finally found it on the front page
Loooove this show! Now we need a not to the browncoats who love Casey! This is my favorite new show though I agree we need forward momentum pretty soon.
That O.C. homage was all I could think of after the episode, too. Well done, Josh Schwartz.
The preview for next week’s episode looks great. We should finally get some insight into the Chuck/Bryce/Stanford enigma.
Pretty much any scene with Morgan is torturous. How is it this guy still has a job when he’s leaving in the middle of his shift to go hang out at the pier? I did like his scenes with Captain Awesome though. Hopefully this means the character will finally grow and won’t be as painful to watch. And they should put it in the actor’s contract that Captain Awesome needs to be shirtless in every episode.
* from kitty forman (t70s show): what’s wrong with tang… every young boy needs tang.
* from chuck show: harry tang? nobody likes harry (hairy?) tang.
* someone needs to call standards and practices – i think one slipped by the censors.
I actually thought last night’s Chuck was one of the better episode’s of the season.
It’s true that Morgan can be annyoing, but at least we got lot’s of CA in the process.
The spy mission was sorta fun with all of the gadgets. This is popcorn, afterall, and it’s a lot more fun to believe that everything Chuck owns is now a spy machine.
Only thing I could cry about is not enough enough Yvonne Strahovski in the last two episodes. I know, I know.
The name of the show *is* Chuck, but I love myself some Strahovski. Then again, that’s why I started a fansite based on her at:
http://www.strahotski.com
I think the show can continue to be good if it sticks it to its strengths like the potential romance between Sarah and Chuck, as well as the antagonistic relationship between Casey and Chuck.
Leave Morgan in the background, and good things will happen imo.
Can someone tell Captain Awesome that Halloween is every day until Dec??? THANKS. Mmmmm….. figs.
I’m surprised that you didn’t mention two of my favorite parts of the episode. 1) That the crazy young genius who burns out is named Laszlo–a la Real Genius, and 2) the entire Chuck running to the party scene was a hilarious send up of the infamous New Year’s Eve kiss scene in Josh Schwartz’s other show, “The O.C.” right down to the soundtrack, the slo mo and Zach Levi doing his best Ben MacKenzie–see the original: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z1HfVho4L8M
Captain Awesome in a fig leaf – OMG – haven’t seen anything that good since McSteamy came out of Addison’s hotel shower. In fact, I’m still smilin’
I loved the way how Chuck is torturing Casey but continuing the sandwich conversations. Love it.
Morgan is OK in moderation – kind of like perfume. Too much and its sickening. Not enough and you miss the subtle notes of their relationship. I personally find Morgan 10000000 times less annoying than the goofy sidekick Sock on Reaper. Now there’s a cheap smelling knock off of eau de gym locker circa 8th grade if there ever was one (nothing against the actor – just the character).
Man, it was a great episode last night. The first one where Morgan wasn’t a complete tool for most of it. I liked the scenes between him and Ellie too…and man, as a character, Captain Awesome just rocks. Not so hot on the fig leaf though.
Awesome episode! Captain Awesome rocks, and I love him working with Morgan. Great action, terrific story – between Heroes and Chuck I would say NBC rules Monday AND Thursday nite. Best new show on TV, bar none. And can we get a real full TV Watch please?!
To the poster who commented about Sock on “Reaper”…I totally agree. I was so annoyed by his character that I dropped the show. It just wasn’t good enough for me to tolerate his sucking the life out of the show. As for “Chuck,” there’s more than enough coolness to keep me around for more, despite Morgan’s antics.
I like this show a lot – so nice to not have everything thing be so heavy
Morgan is annoying – but he is so much more like us than we are willing to admit, which is why he is so annoying. (those some of us who get the Sandworm reference – from the 1984 film Dune, Morgan strikes a little to close to home, come on you know it)
I was kinda let down later in the episode when we see Ellie as Eve and her costume was not as small as the Cap’n (Just Kidding)
I hope to see more of Ellie and the Cap on this show. Sarah Lancaster is a great talent, and one of TV’s most beautiful women who never gets the press, been loving her since she was Lisa the gift shop girl on Scrubs and Madison on Everwood.
speaking of beautiful women – Yvonne Strahovski will enter geekdom’s collective fantasy in her Leia slave girl costume.
did anyone else notice the nice little josh schwartz joke he left in this episode with finley quaye’s dice playing as chuck runs back to morgan at the halloween party a la ryan running back to marissa to the same song in the season 1 new years episode?