Chuck vs. the Angel de la Muerte

I’m sorry, but as far as nicknames go, you don’t get much more bad ass than Angel de la Muerte. Then again you don’t get much more bad ass than John Casey, so I suppose it’s fitting.

Last night international espionage became a family affair when Devon found himself a little too close for comfort on one of Chuck’s missions. For me, one of the most important moments of all of last season was when Devon learned of Chuck’s life as a spy. Still in the dark about all the details, especially the Intersect, Devon has built up a fantasy world in which Chuck is out there saving the world on a daily basis. He’s not that far off from the truth, but before he became part of the action himself, I’m not sure Devon fully understood the life threatening circumstances Chuck found himself in pretty much every time he got out of the car. Devon just thought his life was….awesome. Chuck being dropped off by helicopters on a somewhat daily basis didn’t do anything to assuage Devon’s fantasies.

As I said during last night’s live chat, Chuck Bartowski has the world’s most sophisticated computer embedded within his brain, yet the most unbelievable part about Chuck for me is Ellie complaining that the spark had dwindled a bit since she and Devon got married.  Do you not have eyes, sister friend? How Ellie could go one night without sparks is beyond comprehension. But such are the ways of married life (or so I’m told). Both Devon and Ellie feel the need for a little excitement in their lives. Be careful what you wish for.

Athough I’ve yet to be bored watching Chuck, Sarah and Casey do their spy thing, it was refreshing to see Devon and Ellie get brought in on the action. The unsuspecting Ellie thought she was just out for a romantic evening with her husband. Little did she know she was rumba’ing on death’s door. Costa Gravas Prime Minister, Allejandro Goya – played to over-the-top perfection by Armand Assante – was quite smitten with the female Dr. Woodcomb. Devon’s fear for his wife mixed with jealousy was perhaps all the twosome needed to spice up their life.

Bravo to the writers for finally, finally getting Ellie out of the house. That girl is going to give herself an ulcer worrying about her little brother. If she only knew. And I can’t talk about Ellie without commenting on how stunning Sarah Lancaster looked last night. She was glowing in that beautiful gown, but she really lit up the screen with her bewildered and comical looks as she was forced around the dance floor by Goya.

Speaking of dancing, forget the Kung Fu moves, I like Dancing!Chuck. Chuck Bartowski was a bit more Charles Carmichael smooth on that dance floor. Twirling and spinning Sarah around like it was nobody’s business, all while staying completely focused on the mission and protecting his family. Not an easy task with someone like Sarah Walker in your arms.  In contrast to “Chuck vs. the Three Words” where Chuck was following around Sarah like a lost puppy, it was nice to see him take action and step it up without being distracted by Agent Walker.

Although the format was a bit cliched, I thoroughly enjoyed the simultaneous conversations that Ellie & Sarah and Chuck & Devon were having about the state of Chuck and Sarah’s relationship. It was a nice way to bring in the ongoing relationship angst into the fold without hitting us over the head with it. The first two episodes of the season were heavy on the Charah (sorry I couldn’t do it) Chuck and Sarah front, so I didn’t mind a bit of a breather.

While Chuck and Sarah always seem to be at the forefront of all the action, last night’s episode belonged to Devon and Casey. All too quickly Devon got stuck in the quicksand of the spy game. His wide-eyed enthusiasm at the idea of going on a mission and again when he poked around in Castle was reminiscent of Chuck not too long ago. It was fun to see Chuck take on the role of mentor to Devon. I’m sure on some level it was nice to have Devon see him in a new light. Unfortunately for all of Team Bartowski, Devon’s need to be awesome got the best of him and he sabotaged the mission and got Casey imprisoned by Communists. (Yup, sounds pretty much like Chuck back in S1). That’s a lot for his first day in the spy world. Wanting to do better by his brother-in-law, Devon found a way to help out within his own capabilities. Over the course of the entire episode Devon’s eyes were wide open to a new world, but nothing could have prepared him for Chuck suddenly becoming a surgeon. Who’s awesome now?

I know who’s awesome – Casey. For a man of many accomplishments, I’m not sure Casey had an honor greater than being known as Angel de la Muerte.  Being the mortal enemy of a Communist regime was the source of great pride for John. He was proud to be feared on that level. So to see him stripped off that because of a decision that Chuck made…well, we are lucky he didn’t smack our hero right upside the Intersect.

But it’s all fun and games until someone kidnaps Captain Awesome.  I remember watching the screeners and freaking out when Sarah showed up at Chuck’s door. Was Awesome dead? Would Chuck now live with the guilt for being indirectly involved  in the death of his sister’s husband? While I didn’t want to believe it, the words “budget cuts” swirled around my head. I’ve never run to the DVD player faster to put in the next disc.  And I think it was that kind of emotion that the writers were going for. Based on the reaction of those in our Chuck chat last night – mission accomplished. (Just a quick reminder that not everyone watches the promos so please don’t discuss the contents in the comments…thanks!)

A solid episode that delivered in big ways on many different fronts. It’s was funny, light-hearted, but with just enough kick ass to keep it interesting. And it only gets better from here.

Before I sign off, a few more random thoughts about “Chuck vs. Angel de la Muerte”

• Wondering how many of you noticed that no one stopped by the Buy More this episode. I personally didn’t mind. As much as I enjoy the Buy Morons I’m ok with getting my comic relief elsewhere, especially if that elsewhere is Awesome ending a press conference with “Es muy awesome” or Casey sporting a ‘stache.

• Devon shirtless, sweaty, riding a bike…in spandex. Was it my birthday. Ryan McPartlin, I’m sorry to objectify you but…wait, no I’m not.

• Sarah, Chuck and Devon, in their sunglasses and lab coats, were a force to be reckoned with. Quite the entrance. Did they learn that from Bryce Larkin?

• Greatest exchange of the night…
  Awesome: “You and what army?”
  Chuck: “Uh, that would be Sarah and her fists.”

• Wondering when Chuck scored an invite to the party? I didn’t hear Goya invite him along. Who does he think he is, a Real Housewife?

Thoughts on last night’s episode? How did it compare to the first two of the season? Any favorite moments to talk about? Something that didn’t work for you?