(S02E11) Chuck vs. the Third Dimension

There’s something about 3D glasses that is so 1980′s.

When I first learned that Chuck would be promoting their show by adding a little 3D spice to the mix I had to know, who just has a pair of those lying around? Sure, there’s some viewers out there that my have saved their “My Bloody Valentine” pair, more as a souvenir, then in Monday night preparation, but I’m sure those people are few and far in between. Then of course there’s the die-hards. Those TV viewers out there that heard the Super Bowl and Chuck rumors and went running to their computers to order up a pair via EBay or by calling the number given in the press release, but honestly, how many people could that possibly be?

No, instead the greater number of viewers was left dealing with a blurry picture etched by that annoying 1980′s glow. I was among those people. Yes, I could’ve put the effort into obtaining a pair of glasses, but why bother? That’s what’s so great about television; it’s effortless. Sitcoms are available for your vegging pleasure. Why mess with that?

Now, after my 3D rant, I must admit that tonight’s episode of Chuck was a good one. No high caliber than usual, perhaps a bit lower for obvious reasons. However, I was impressed by their guest star, none other than Lost’s Dominic Monaghan. Not unlike his character Charlie on Lost, Monaghan played a rocker looking for a good party, almost oblivious of the real threat of the situation he was in. Not too original but affective in it’s humor and charm all the same. I’ll happily tune in once again, no doubt, but I’ll be excited to do it without the 80′s effect, thank you.

For those of you who also watched, what did you think? Glasses, or no glasses, I’m anxious to hear.

(S02E10) “Chuck vs. the DeLorean”

In tonight’s Chuck, when Sara takes a “personal day” Daddy comes for a visit. And Daddy knows best. Well, he’s supposed to anyway.

Teaching his daughter from a young age how to swindle and scam her way into riches, while Sara’s grown up and moved onto wiser plans, Mr. Walker’s still up to his old mischief. During this week’s surprise visit, Daddy Walker, played by seasoned actor Gary Cole, not only gets Sara caught up in some major trouble with Dubai royalty, but also her “boyfriend” Chuck and “con-partner” Casey (who should here on be known as Cop Face).

While the group got into some major trouble and a small amount of blood was spilled in the process, all’s well that ends well. The U.S. government now how the intelligence they needed on the sheik, but also Chuck has Mr. Walker’s approval (you know, if he should ever need it).

Full of funny quips, lasting pop culture mentions, and heck, there was even a DeLorean, tonight’s episode of Chuck pretty much rocked. One might even say that it was as good as a ride in General Lee.

(S02E09) “Chuck vs. the Sensei”

Not only were we able to watch Casey go face to face with his sensei in hand to hand combat, but we also met the Awesome’s in tonight’s episode of Chuck. Really, what could go wrong with that combination? Not much!

Setting the past few episodes sappy espionage love stories aside, tonight’s Chuck focused more on agent Casey’s past as a student and how his past hero would come back in an attempt to turn him over to the dark side. Obviously the sensei has never seen Casey cozy up to his picture of Nixon lovingly or body slam a villian in an attempt to show off his patriotism. This soldier is certainly not going down without a fight. Speaking of which, the Asian influenced fight scene was incredible. If I was more knowledgeable in such combat I might be able to give it a name, since I’m not let’s just call it “awesomeness.”

Speaking of awesome, Ellie’s future parent-in-laws are in town and if there’s one thing on their mind, it’s the couples upcoming wedding. Fulfilling most girls dream of beautiful gowns, extreme gifts and all of the little details in between the Awesome’s go a little over the top in their brash attempts to fill in for Ellie’s real parents. Captain Awesome was forced to fly them both home (on a plane of course) and it appears that we may just see Ellie and Chuck’s real Dad show up in a future episode, at least if Chuck has anything to do with it. Could Daddy be evil? I wouldn’t be surprised. Judging by the trailer for next week it looks like evil dad’s is pretty standard stuff for this gang of characters.

(S02E08) “Chuck vs. the Gravitron”

Thanksgiving Chuck-style wasn’t all that bad. Of course, a good helping of espionage was served. Chuck’s old girlfriend Jill poured on a heavy layer of deception. The combination platter was served to Casey and Sarah on a plate who then dug right in and chewed it all up with the refreshing help of Chuck of course. Though you have to admit, we all hoped he’d be able to enjoy at least one meal in peace.

What a delicious way to celebrate the holidays Chuck style. Or, perhaps I’m just hungry for my own upcoming Thanksgiving day feast. I know Morgan was in that frame of mind. He even went as far as dumpster diving in order to consume some of Big Sis and Awesome’s bird.

My favorite part of the whole episode occurred though when Big Mike returned to the Buy More after the alarm was accidentally tripped by those holding down the fort, Morgan, Lester and Jeff. With the fulcrum goons on the loose, Big Mike innocently helps take the Leader down with the help of Casey thinking that he was nothing but a plain pre-Black Friday store thief. Ooh, little do these Buy More inhabitants know. Like I said before, it’s only a matter of time before this awesomely big cat is out of the bag. I suspect Morgan will be the first one let into the loop, but the real question is, just how far can the knowledge spread before Chuck is viewed as more of a national security threat than an intelligence agent?

(S02E07) “Chuck vs. the Fat Lady”

Is there not anybody that went to Stanford that didn’t turn into a spy? I’m beginning to wonder after tonight’s episode of  Chuck.

I have to admit, tonight’s show just didn’t quite do it for me. It’s not that it was bad. I mean, I laughed out loud at Casey’s hi-C. I felt a sympathetic nod towards Sarah when she showed again and again how much she’s still into Chuck while still attempting to let him live his life with a “real” girlfriend. I even enjoyed the “Da Vinci Code”-esque clue solving during their mission to track down fulcrum messages.

However, I kind of guessed not that far into the episode that Jill and Chuck just weren’t meant to be, it was only a matter of time before the fact that she was a fulcrum member became a definite possibility and was then confirmed.

Additionally, the Buy More plot just fell flat. I love me some Tony Hale, but in all honesty, his character Emmett is just annoying at this point. Maybe my expectations were too high, but I’m so over boss man. If anything my hopes are that tonight’s conflict between Emmett, Morgan and Chuck turns into a step towards future plot development in which Morgan may actually learn of Chuck’s true identity. After all, it’s only a matter of time before that cat’s let out of the bag.

Fortunately, after tonight’s lackluster performance, the stage is set for some more action filled drama. This fan’s still ready and waiting.

(S02E06) “Chuck vs. the Ex”

Jordana Brewster guest starred on tonight’s Chuck and flipped every one’s world around. With a three episode arch planned for Brewster, don’t expect things to settle down anytime soon.

Playing Chuck’s college ex Jill, the lines of reality and a cover story quickly blur for Chuck. After flashing on Jill’s Boss, Barkowski is put on assignment to date Jill, yet again, not only opening old wounds, but also ultimately exposing him as a CIA agent. With their romance rekindled and the relief that truth often brings, it appears that Sarah has been all but forgotten. In a world where conversations are tapped and scenes are aired on a closely watched monitor, heart break stings that much more.

On the up side, due to Chuck and Jill’s excellent team work Casey is brought back from the brink of death after being exposed to a poisonous virus that only Jill knows the antidote to. In the meantime Sarah takes down the bad guy and exposes a double crosser, putting them all in danger. With two more episodes in the works, expect to see Brewster’s character used as a pawn in this CIA game of truth and deceit.

Just when you think Chuck and Sarah are finally finding their way, an ex walks in. And you know what? I’m alright with that. Every ex adds flavor to the pot, and between you and I, it looks like things are about to get spicy.

(S02E05) “Chuck vs. Tom Sawyer”

Okay so, not my all-time favorite episode of Chuck, but, not bad all the same.

Randomly enough Buy More’s somewhat creepy co-worker Jeff was the star of tonight’s episode. Beginning with a flash back to his glory days in 1983 when he was reigned a video game skill. Little did he know then that the infamous “kill screen” at the end of the game held the code that could control an actual space missile.

Flash forward and now Chuck is having his visions all over the place, quickly realizing that the future of the world rests on Jeff’s slumping shoulders. Eeks! We could all begin to breath easy though when Chuck flashes on a groupie’s t-shirt and realizes that the trick to beating the game is keeping time with the sweet, sweet electric melodies of Rush. (Personally, I’ve never heard this music before and will be happy never to hear it again… but, it did work with the video game vibe.)

As a side story, Arrested Development’s Tony Hale guest stars as a corporate member of Buy More sent down to their store to whip everyone into shape. With private movie screenings, an arcade game festival and of course, the usual Buy more antics, he definitely picked a bad week.

Don’t count Tony out yet though. He may not have had his moment to shine in this episode, but as it was announced that he was being made into Buy More’s newest Assistant Manager, he should be sticking around for at least a few more episodes. Just enough time to make Chuck’s life at work a disaster from the sounds of it.

Like I said, tonight’s episode was OK, but definitely nothing to write home about. As for next week, election fever will be taking over NBC, so you’ll have to hold tight for a little while longer till your next fix. With an old girlfriend promised to take over the plot, I’m sure it will be well worth the wait.

(S02E04) “Chuck vs. the Cougars”

The star’s continue to shine.

On tonight’s Chuck both Nicole Richie and Boy Meet’s World’s Ben Savage guest star with equally excellent performances.

Ever the high school nerd Savage’s character comes into town with ex-cheerleader wife in toe played by Richie recognizing Sarah as their high school classmate Jenny. When Chuck flashes on the husband he takes delight in the fact that through their upcoming mission to learn who is blackmailing the nerd for his weapon plans, he’ll not only look like the best gosh darn secret agent out there, but also learn more about Sarah’s past.

Turns out Savage was never the threat. Instead Richie’s character turns into one kick-butt solo agent looking to wreak havok for her own personal good, inspiring one heck of an awesome girl fight with Sarah at their high school reunion.

If we’ve learned anything during our own time at the School of Chuck, it’s that our agents know their stuff. In other words, Sarah kicked butt and was then promptly named Reunion Queen (or something of that sort).

I loved this episode. After having caught a few episodes of The Simple Life, I have to admit that I didn’t exactly have high hopes. Of course I’ve always loved Savage, but even he has dropped off the radar enough not to thrill these days. What I got though proved otherwise.

This actor and heiress turned actress were fabulous. Besides which, who doesn’t love a show jam-packed with corny 90′s hits and spy missions? Mmm-bop

(S02E02) “Chuck Versus The Seduction”

Pour me another dirty martini and order me up another excellent episode of Chuck. The “asset” has turned into quite a spy proving his worth yet again to his protectors Sarah and Casey.

In tonight’s episode the team recruited guest star John Laroquette’s character to teach them the ways of a “black widow” enemy who is holding the much sought after cypher. Played by Melinda Clarke of The O.C. fame, the very serious black widow offers a nice counterpart to Laroquette’s Agent Montgomery character a man just as famous for his playboy style as his spy intellect.

The action of the show flowed easily between the spy’s mission, Ellie and Devon’s romantic trials as well as Buy More’s Patel take over, all containing perfect punch lines and outrageous humor. My neighbor’s probably heard my spontaneous laughter from down the hall.

As the show winded down with Montgomery’s parting lady wisdom and the fateful knock on Sarah’s door we’re left with the knowledge that Bryce is back yet again. So what happens when the best friend turned rival who turned Chuck’s life upside down shows up at Sarah’s door? I don’t know but I can’t wait to find out.

(S02E03) “Chuck vs. the First Date”

Season 2 of Chuck started off with the main character’s world turned upside down. Literally.

Screen star Michael Clarke Duncan performed an excellent leading guest role as the resident bad-guy for the day. With a revolving door of characters just like Duncan’s I’d think it must be hard to leave any lasting impact, but, perhaps on his known name alone, Duncan does a good job of going after Chuck while still remaining a fan fave.

Unfortunately for Chuck, a bad guy isn’t the only thing ruining his world during this premier episode. After being taunted back and forth with the knowledge that another intersect computer was created and could replace the info-packed intersect currently lodged into his brain, Chuck starts planning ahead for a normal future with a real career, college and even perhaps a bit of solid romance. Yet, first with his previous protector Casey assigned for his assassination, then only to be saved from sudden death by the blow-up of the new intersect, Chuck’s dreams of normalcy never stood a chance.

Bad for him, but lucky for us. I don’t know about you, but I can’t wait for some more action-packed Bartowski missions. And I’d be lying if I didn’t admit that in the case of Sarah the spy and Chuck, I’d be pretty happy if love really did conquer all.

Chuck Bartowski continues to reign as the nerd we love to watch. So watch on NBC Monday viewers, this season’s just starting to blow up.