CHUCK: ‘Chuck vs. the Balcony’

“I happen to like two buck Chuck. Great bang for your buck.”

Unlike the fine bottle of red with a stable on the label and the stork on the cork, six weeks without a new episode of CHUCK isn’t something that gets better with time. In fact, it became increasingly more difficult to face a Monday without CHUCK as the weeks went on. To say I was thrilled to have Chuck, Sarah, Morgan and the rest of the Buy More gang back tonight is a bit of an understatement.  I’m glad that I stayed far away from spoilers because I didn’t realize that so much of tonight’s episode would center around the impending engagement of Sarah Walker and Chuck Bartowski. Bonus!

No doubt at all that Chuck “likes it,” but he just wasn’t able to “put a ring on it.”  You can’t really blame the guy though. He gave it his best. And it really wasn’t his fault. Between Casey’s bad timing, international terrorists, old wine, and Sarah being arrested for treason, Chuck was rock-blocked at every turn.

Talk about not being able to catch a break!  First Chuck’s DeLorean-esque proposal plans were outed by his bestie, then super spy Sarah and her major proposal issues made him scratch the multi-layered engagement event. Finally, when literally all the stars were aligned, and everyone (including Sarah) was hell-bent on setting up the perfect proposal, General Beckman decided to pull Sarah in and send her undercover as a double agent in Volkoff’s organization. I know, I know, perhaps the CHUCK writers should have stayed away from that television cliche.  I mean, seriously, how many times have other TV proposals been thwarted by espionage and SWAT teams? Geesh.

How can I be so lighthearted after such a heartbreaking episode?  Well, I trust that the folks in the CHUCK writers room know what they’re doing.  Yes, this is another set back for Chuck and Sarah, but look at the reason why they are going to be separated and you’ll see it’s all for love.  Sarah loves Chuck so much that she is willing to put her life on the line to save his mother.  When you think about it, a diamond just doesn’t quite cut it when we’re talking about that level of love and commitment.

So Sarah is going undercover and she’ll have to prove her loyalty to Volkoff and his fraternity of felons.  As for Mama Bartowski, I’m thinking it’s going to be hard for her to hide her true intentions with Sarah Walker watching her every move. Good.  I’m kind of over Mary’s wishy-washy ways. It is time for Sarah to expose her for whoever she really is.

Fantastic return of CHUCK. The wait was too long, but well worth it in the end. Great acting, distinct chemistry and the perfect combination of action, romance, comedy and Jeffster.  So glad we’ve got another new episode in just a week. That’s the way it should be.

A few more thoughts about tonight’s episode of CHUCK while I rewind my DVR and listen to Zac Levi’s faux British accent over and over again.

• Perfect use of The Bearded One tonight.  Morgan felt every bit the super spy but he wasn’t weighed down by his ineptitude. He was the ultimate wing man to both Chuck and Sarah. For a spy, he really sucks at keeping a secret, but as a friend you can’t do much better.

• Chuck has really raised the bar.  We’ve seen him fight off multiple bad guys at once, but doing so whilst holding a delicate glass of red wine and never spilling a drop? He’s deadly and sophisticated.

• Wishing we saw more of Casey as Chuck’s personal man servant.  Just how rich does one need to get a man servant?  I’m not asking for me…a friend wants to know.

• Casey certainly is more open to showing his sensitive side these days:  Helping with the proposal. Giving Chuck sage advice on choosing the right woman over the right moment.  I’d like to see more of this side of Casey. Perhaps in scenes with his daughter, Alex…  Remember her?  Where is she?  Are she and Morgan still dating? Inquiring minds want to know.

• Only Lester can screw up a Canadian arranged marriage.  But let’s face it, the relationship would have never worked.  That girl just wasn’t good enough for a guy who sings Whitesnake covers while wearing boxers and leather pants. JEFFSTER! JEFFSTER! JEFFSTER!

• GENERAL BECKMAN: Pierre Melville, a French radical turned terrorist, is also searching for the nanochip.
  CHUCK: One of Volkoff’s men?
  GENERAL BECKMAN: Not every criminal works for Alexei Volkoff, Chuck.

Here’s to hoping a marital miracle is on the horizon. (I mean a real horizon and not the hideous, budget-conscious green screens they use on CHUCK. Seriously, blech.)

It’s been so long since we’ve talked CHUCK. You’ll indulge me in chatting about tonight’s episode, won’t you.  Thoughts on the proposal gone wrong? What about Sarah going undercover to free Mary? Do you think Mary really wants to be rescued? Was I the only one jonesing for a glass of wine after this episode? Talk to me fellow CHUCK fans!

In case you missed it, check out GIVE ME MY REMOTE’s interview with CHUCK Executive Producer, Chris Fedak. He talked to us about Chuck and Sarah’s relationship, gave a bit of scoop concerning Baby Awesome, and shared his thoughts on whether a fifth season is possible for the little show that could.

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