CHUCK: Chuck vs. the C.A.T Squad
February 15, 2011 by Kath Skerry
It’s not very often I wish I was a man, but I have to wonder if perhaps I would have dug last night’s episode of CHUCK a bit more if I was a dude. Can’t deny the hot girl quotient was off the charts and I loved seeing the return of Carina, but on the whole I didn’t love the whole C.A.T. Squad storyline. While there was an element of fun, it felt a little too cartoonish to me. I suppose it seems a bit ridiculous for me to say that I like a little more realism from CHUCK – I mean, the show is about a guy has a government computer in his head – but finding the real moments among the absurd circumstances helps to ground the show. While watching last night’s ep, too often I wondered if I was watching a companion show to NBC’s THE CAPE. Whoa, way harsh, Cher. I know, but it’s how I was feeling.
Sounds like I completely loathed the episode, but I didn’t. The C.A.T. Squad storyline was a bit predictable but there were parts of it that worked. The presence of Sarah’s friends gave her a new level of depth and allowed us to see a more vulnerable side of Sarah Walker. I thought it was truly touching when she asked the girls to be her bridesmaids. And when Sarah asked Ellie to be her maid-of-honor, I actually got a bit misty eyed. Just last week Sarah was worried that she wouldn’t have anyone representing her life at her wedding and now she’s got a wedding party. You know Mama and Papa Walker have got to be right around the corner, right? Let’s hope so.
This is the second episode in a row that seemed like filler. I have to give the writers a little leeway here given that they mapped out the season for 13 episodes and they had to be flying by the seat of their pants just a little bit. And despite the fact that ‘Chuck vs. the C.A.T. Squad’ won’t make list of favorite CHUCK episodes, I like that the writers took the risk to switch things up a bit. Here’s to hoping that things get a bit more focused next week so we can have a more focused storyarc for the remainder of the season.
A few more thoughts while I practice my upcoming duet with Mikhail Gorbachev.
- Hungover Sarah is kind of hilarious. Here’s to hoping the super-spy hits the bottle again soon.
- I’m a big fan of Morgan and Alex so I’m glad their tiff and momentary break-up didn’t really take. Carina is a beautiful woman, so I’m glad that Morgan stayed strong and loyal to the woman he loves.
- Am I the only one that thought that Alex could pass as Carina’s mini-me? (Oh and as I tweeted last night, I really think MeKenna Melvin could easily pass for Emily Blunt’s sister. Those two need to work together.
- Really loved the payoff with Chuck and the broken CD’s he used for weapons in the Buy More showdown with La Bamba. It took a bit too long to get there, but it was a fun makeshift weapon. I like how Chuck is manipulating the Intersect more for his advantage.
- Another Casey-lite episode. Didn’t we discuss this? I want MORE, not less Casey. Please take note.
Ok, that’s enough from me. If you loved the episode, I hope I didn’t bring you down. Use the comments to convince me to give ‘Chuck vs. the C.A.T. Squad’ another watch.
To be honest, all I could think was God I hope this isn’t what Charlie’s Angels is going to be like next fall! It was definitely better than last weeks episode, but it still seems off, they definitely need to speed up and decide where they’re going.
Did the very end not make any one go WHAT?!?!??! The narrator dude implied Ellie may join the spy fold!! I’ve been picking up hints, (or seeing thing that aren’t there perhaps!) about Ellie becoming a spy for a while, and I would totally love if they went there.
I absolutely hate that she supposed to not know that Chuck is still a spy, it’s a stupid plot-line that makes no sense and seems to get ignored whenever it’s not convenient!
Also, I agree, more Casey is always a good thing, so give him an episode soon!!
This episode may have felt like filler because it WAS filler. Normally, when you have a 24 episode season, you can have these types of story lines mixed in with the broader story arc. However, when you are limited to 13 episodes and have your arc drawn out and filming and you get an additional 11 episodes, you have to put he filler episodes in when you can.
Eleven episodes isn’t really enough to create much of a story, so you have to work within the limits the network gives you.
I liked this episode alot and think it did some good things toward the mini Sarah Walker back story. More Casey backstory/centric episodes would also be welcomed.
Last weeks episode I loved and it might be one of my favorites. It has certainly had the most quotable lines of any in recent memory.
Chuck
The show runners said that 4.14 and 4.15 would be filler aka focus being stand alone episodes
Good points on review. Aspects at times felt forced and bit out of sequence. This is a Wooten episode and IMO been weakest of new writers. Speculation on my part procedural experience and not sure he has a grasp on showing A&B stories in way to convey what he wants to say. I enjoyed this episode best of all done so far. What I have liked is that he can provide some great emotional interaction with the characters. Saw a lot more of that with all main characters. it was like they didn’t have him focus to heavy on showing strong A&B stories and instead focus on emotional interaction of cast.
he does seem to reuse similar themes (having Chuck force his concern on Sarah and have him apologies later) though I did like Ellie and Sarah finally call him out on it I think these last two episodes set the stage for more Sarah back story to come. It wasn’t best for me nor was it my worst this season. Sorry if this isn’t making much sense
chuckster54
I’ve seen quite a few comments today from female fans saying that the CAT Squad must have been “some sort of guy thing” or would’ve been more enjoyable if they were men. I’m a girl, and I loved it, so I don’t know what that says about me.
I don’t recall the narrator implying Ellie would be joining the spy world (I’ll have to rewatch the end to check for that now!) but I feel like there’s a degree of inevitability there. I don’t really see her going on missions and things like that, but I wouldn’t be shocked if she somehow gets sucked into the spy world someday.
In regards to the narrators implication, I actually thought it leaned more towards the idea that Chuck & Sarah would have kids. Maybe a little kitten to add to the cat squad.
Yeah, the writers said that the first two episodes of the back eleven would be fillers, so I wasn’t expecting much heavy plot stuff from this episode, which may be why I wasn’t as disappointed. I also LOVE Sarah-centric episodes because I love her character so much, so that might be part of why I liked it…I dunno. I’m also really excited by the hints that after dealing with the history of Chuck’s parents in the first half of the season, we’ll be dealing with the history of Sarah’s parents in the second half. And yes, hopefully we can get more Casey. I really miss him.
I completely agree with everything you just said. The storyline was ok, but I also love the more real moments of the show. I love that Sarah and Ellie are becoming closer and I was so happy for Alex and Morgan. Lastly, I think my favorite part was hungover Sarah. The things she said and her mannerisms were hilarious! I just can’t wait for next weeks episode. Looks so good.
Just one observation..
“Clandestine Attack Team Squad”? Team….Squad? Bit of an oxymoron…
Otherwise still loving the show but agree that we need more Casey!
I knew that Amy would be the traitor in the group… they were playing up Zondra being all bad a little bit to hard. No one is really THAT perky… but it was nice to see Sarah’s old gang, though. And I will say that as a DISH Network customer the HD quality could not be beat. And as an employee I can tell you that DISH has more HD channels than any other provider, and the price is great too.
I knew that Amy would be the traitor in the group… they were playing up Zondra being all bad a little bit to hard. No one is really THAT perky… but it was nice to see Sarah’s old gang, though. And I will say that as a DISH Network customer the HD quality could not be beat. And as an employee I can tell you that DISH has more HD channels than any other provider, and the price is great too. Should check it out. Looking forward to seeing Sarah’s family appear in time for the wedding. (sorry for any double posts)
Well, I’ve got to say that I really LOVED this episode. And yes, maybe because I’m a male and my eyes were having their birthday. But I loved how Carina wants Morgan and he’s finally gotten over her. Although Carina could’ve spoken to Alex about how Morgan really loves her… Missed that part.
But all by all, I LOVED IT woohoo.
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