(S01E10) "Pineapple."
So last week was the big bomb buster. Sarah kissed Chuck, Bryce came back from the dead, Morgan got a girl to touch him... pretty crazy stuff. Now, we get to see the aftermath of Chuck-nobyl and what it means for the future of Team Bartowski.
Quick note ... the above image is not actually from this episode but from two weeks ago. I chose a generic pic because NBC decided not to release promo photos for this episode for some reason. You think that they would be really willing to hype this episode, especially since it is the "defining" episode according to the trailer. But I digress.
Chuck has only impressed me more and more as the season has progressed. The wishy-washy stories from the first couple of episodes have finally given way to a larger, more cohesive plot arcs. I don't think I would describe the narrative structure as Scooby-Doo-esqe like I used to. Accolades aside, I wouldn't describe this episode as earth-shattering, but it was solid, marking the return of the much-missed action sequences.
The legendary Bryce Larking, ruiner of lives, is apparently still ticking, thanks to the efforts of the mysterious organization known as FULCRUM. Good short-term thinking on Bryce's part to convince them that the Intersect was inside of his head. I really hope we learn more about FULCRUM in the post-strike episodes.
Tommy (aka Scarface aka Lou Diamond Phillips look-a-like aka Anthony Ruivivar) was only knocked unconscious and could be released by his FULCRUM friends. If I remember Chuck's flash correctly Tommy was one of eight (it may have been ten) FULCRUM leaders recorded in the Intersect. It would be a disservice to viewers if they didn't explore the organization and why they wanted the Intersect at some point. Tommy also had the coolest line in the episode when he responded to Sarah's threat with, "Does it look like this is my first time."
On the other side of the story-coin, Buy More must deal with a monster almost as deadly as John Casey on meth: Black Friday. It is a little disappointing that the episode is one week behind, but I guess it would have been awkward to have it air 3 days before Thanksgiving, so 4 days after is a reasonable solution. A lot of other shows involving merchants, (can't really name any off the top of my head, The Office?), would have ignored Black Friday, but Chuck managed to use it as an advantage.
The Black Friday scene was hilarious, with Jeff and Lester hiding and Anna biting people's heads off. Big Mike running slow motion and sliding across a service desk will be an image forever ingrained in my memory. However, I think the more important thing to note is Morgan's development. Over the past couple of episodes, Mr. Grimes has stepped up and been there for the Buy More when Chuck hasn't. His leadership and calm, collected personality during Black Friday makes me believe that Morgan (and not Chuckles) will replace Harry Tang as manager. This will of course lead to an episode where Morgan abuses his power and his friendship with Chuck, but they eventually kiss and make up.
The Sarah and Chuck relationship-thing (or thang if you prefer) took a lot of turns and twists this episode. Ultimately, she will probably stay, but reinforce a professional relationship with Chuck (she doesn't want to get burned again). There was a nice bit of symbolism at the end there with Sarah having to choose between the old, sleek phone and the new, tech-y one. Small touches like that (plus great soundtrack selection) go along way in making a T.V. show go from good to great.
There was a lot of certifiably awesome action sequences in this episode. Scenes so awesome they would make Captain Awesome's head explode. The first really fantastic moment for me was when Casey shot Bryce in the chest again. Seeing Bryce's body fly 10 feet backwards was a great Thanksgiving dessert. I was secretly hoping that he was actually dead, just because I though it would be funny for him to have an anti-climactic ending.
The Oh Snap Award would clearly have to go to Bryce and Sarah's tag team take-down of FULCRUM agents. It was like synchronized swimming (only with a few more bloody noses). Although it was badass, and seeing Sarah run in slow-motion is always fun, wouldn't it have made more sense to shoot most, if not some, of those agents. You have guns ... use them (it's what the second amendment is for).
Some of my other favorite moments of this episode include:
- I really like that Chuck speaks Klingon. I think it really round out his dorkiness factor and shows just what level of nerd he is. There are nerds who can name the Star Trek series and captains. There are nerds who can tell you the plots of those series and maybe cite specific episodes. And then there are nerds who speak Klingon.
- Morgan and Anna's sub-story was really cute and I am glad that they are together (for Morgan's sake). The sequence where Morgan was eating Ellie's sweet potatoes and she was enjoying his enjoyment of them almost made me roll of the coach. I think Anna's craziness will make for good side-stories of Morganna in future episodes.
- Captain Awesome has been underplayed since the "Tango" episode, but he really stole the show with his exchange with Casey. Who grabs another guy's arm in the middle of dinner to compliment his physique? Captain Awesome ... that's who. Two guys, one boat ... men just being men facing down their fear of death on the wild whitewater rapids of California.
Doctor Who panel - Comic-Con Report
NBC's Kings panel - Comic-Con Report
The Dharma Initiative wants you - VIDEO - Comic-Con Report
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
11-27-2007 @ 12:05PM
Carolyn said...
Loved, loved, loved this episode. The only thing - Their portrayal of Black Friday had nothing on the real thing!
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11-27-2007 @ 12:15PM
aj said...
Chuck Rocks!!! I love this show because it is so fun and light-hearted. It is a great contrast to all of the heavy procedurals that are clogging up the air waves.
I'm glad for the full season pick up after the strike.
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11-27-2007 @ 12:22PM
Robin Torres said...
pineapple
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11-27-2007 @ 12:28PM
vasu said...
did anyone else find it awesome that Anthony Ruivivar's character was chasing Matthew Bomer's character just like in Traveler?
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11-27-2007 @ 12:29PM
aj said...
Maybe Chuck could look less frightened when he "flashes".
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11-27-2007 @ 12:45PM
adam.levermorerich said...
As much as I loved this episode for all the Chuck, Sarah and Casey bits, I thought Jeff (Scott Krinsky) had some of the best comedic moments in the show. His pratfall when Morgan swung the megaphone around into his face had me and my wife dying of laughter.
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11-28-2007 @ 7:23PM
Karen said...
Yes! I replayed that scene about 5 times straight before proceeding. Then getting hit in the head with a crate by Anna and then getting hit by the thrown megaphone itself? Man, I'm not usually a huge fan of that kind of physical comedy, but the actor totally sold it for me.
11-27-2007 @ 12:58PM
khamel said...
another great episode. not as good as the last one but im really liking this show more and more. glad it got picked up for the full season, would have been a shame if it got canceled.
bad guys only use guns when you have a gun in movies. if you dont have a gun they somehow decide that they dont want the HUGE advantage and fight you hand to hand (or foot to face). thats why sarah shooting the gynmanist was great, it was almost too realistic.
im getting rachel bilson withdrawal though. i might have to turn on the soap network and watch a rerun of The OC (i cant bear to watch the Last Kiss again - terrible movie).
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11-27-2007 @ 12:58PM
Rikoff said...
Isn't it Bryce Larkin? I don't think he has a "g" at the end of his name.
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11-27-2007 @ 1:36PM
Michelle said...
@ vasu - Thank you, I was trying to figure out who Bryce Larkin was, but I hadn't remembered to look it up yet....Traveler! Interesting how when the actor is playing a rogue spy, he seems so much hotter =)
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11-27-2007 @ 1:58PM
David said...
This was a fantastic episode, I thought. I love the way they have a "spy show" while, at the same time, making fun of spy shows!
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11-27-2007 @ 2:26PM
Tom said...
I'm loving the show but also looking forward to a serious dial-back in the Chuck-Sarah department. Its just getting awkward to watch especially since we all know they can't really get together (or at least won't for at least a few seasons)
Aside from that I have to say I'm enjoying the show more and more. Morgan and Casey initially bugged me but now are some of my favorite characters, the Buy More staff have really turned into a comedy force (especially with the over-done Harry Tang out of the picture), and who doesn't love Captain Awesome and Ellie.
Really the biggest complaint I have right now is that they have so much strength in the show that it makes it necessary to leave people out of individual episode. Unless you have a big thanksgiving dinner combined with a big buy more sale in which some fast paced fight scenes happen you just can't fit everyone in.
Finally, this...
You have guns ... use them (it's what the second amendment is for)
Is an NRA slogan in the making. You just can't doo much better than that.
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11-27-2007 @ 3:14PM
jaerisk said...
wow tvsquad update yo
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11-27-2007 @ 4:26PM
Christopher said...
I know right! Anyway another good episode of Chuck.
11-27-2007 @ 3:52PM
horsenbuggy said...
I have said since the beginning that Jeff would turn out to be a scene-stealer. I just had no idea that Lester and Anna would be as good as Jeff. I love Anna and Morgan together.
I LOVE that Bryce speaks Klingon. Seriously. Here's a dude that just seems too cool to bother with that level of geekiness. But he took the time to learn it because his friend was interested in it. The more I learn about Bryce, the more I genuinely like him. He's a much better friend for Chuck than Uncle Morgan (even though I love Morgan). I sincerely hope that we haven't seen the last of him.
I loved how Chuck told Casey that Bryce was in his bedroom with Sarah. And then I loved how he immediately regretted it.
That scene with Sarah and Bryce kicking butt was very awesome. I hope seeing how Bryce handles all the "spy stuff" will help Chuck be less "scream like a girl"-y.
How sad was it when Morgan told Bryce what a jerk Bryce Larkin was?
I totally didn't forsee the Pineapple or Klingon pay-offs coming. Good job to the writers (who need to get paid for online distro).
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11-27-2007 @ 4:16PM
MosquitoControl72 said...
That was klingon? I missed that.
I hadn't watched this show since the second episode or so. Or, at least, I'd only watched two previously, including the pilot.
It is refreshingly light and enjoyable. That will help and hurt it with me. It will be something I can pick up at any time and run with, but it won't be something I feel compelled to keep watching.
Then again, the few shows I feel compelled to keep watching I will either download or watch on DVD rather than deal with commercials and cliffhangers...
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11-27-2007 @ 6:16PM
Dan said...
At least this show wont be cancelled like Journeyman (amongst MANY other good shows over the years). Hot girls, funny storylines, some good action and now, a developing arc that compels me to watch from week to week. I liked the little jab at The University of Pennsylvania when Bryce said "No, I went to Penn, but I'll take that as a compliment." It's a clever show, geared towards intelligent people who are nerds that like action and hot chicks.
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11-28-2007 @ 12:15AM
procrastinator said...
Oh yeah, this show has hit a great stride, I'm curious to see where things go now that the Bryce thing has somewhat wrapped up, I too would love to see him again... And I am delighted that this is picked up for a full season even with the strike potentially limiting that...
And yes I too went on a bit elsewhere about my delight with Chuck:
http://procrastinationchronicles.com/2007/11/27/whats-up-chuck/
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11-28-2007 @ 12:34AM
Evan said...
OK, was this like the "Traveler" reunion episode? First it was Bryce Larkin/Jay Burchill, then it was Tommy/Borjes. Did they get a bulk discount or something?
Note: I'm not complaining. I actually really enjoyed their characters both in this show and in Traveler, but I thought it was interesting.
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11-28-2007 @ 1:21AM
Tigre said...
This was a great episode. My favorite part was when Bryce drugged Chuck and Sarah found him he said "pretty lady" (or something like that) and then when Casey leaned over him he said "ewww, ugly", lol. My other favorite parts was Morgan eating the casserole and sweet potatoes, Morgan with the megaphone (both times he used it), and Chuck snitching on Bryce's location.
I really like how it ended but the next week preview pretty much gave away Sarah's next move. So it kinda spoiled what the ending was trying to achieve... atleast that's how I see it.
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