Five Chunks of CHUCK vs The Santa Suit

1. Christmas and CHUCK are through!!

I was really hoping that this would be the one totally happy CHUCK Christmas episode we never had; but alas it wasn't to be. Let's run through the other Christmas Episodes of CHUCK so far...

• Crown Vic (Season 1): Chuck & Sarah were dealing with the aftermath of Bryce resurrection and THAT KISS plus the stupid Lon Kirk fight; which ruined any chance of Chuck getting a kiss from Sarah under the Mistletoe! But we did have the brilliant Buy More Dancing scene which I re-enact every chance I get (Lucky you can't see me while I type... because I am doing it right now).



There ain't no party like a Buy More Party!



• Santa Claus (Season 2): My opinion on this episode has changed in the last year or so, initially I thought of it as a scary & chilling Christmas episode with Sarah executing Mauser and all (Silent Night will never be the same).  But after watching this episode more and more I totally agree Sarah had to kill Mauser, I totally get that. In many ways this action was Sarah's Christmas gift to Chuck; whilst not as shiny as a charm bracelet it did keep Chuck safe & with his family and not in a bunker. An act of love by Sarah just as touching as Chuck giving Sarah his Mother's Charm Bracelet. It may sound morbid or twisted but Sarah was willing take a life and bear the consequences because of her love of Chuck perhaps more so than her duty to the intersect project. What upset me with the episode though was Chuck's sudden fear and questioning of Sarah's character and then there was Sarah lying to Chuck... again with the crap communication skills. 



What to get the nerd who has everything... how about one less mortal enemy!



• The Leftovers (Season 4): Chuck tries to fix things with his Mom but only proceeds to pooch things up even further; putting Ellie & Devon in danger and forcing his Mom back into the clutches of Volkoff.  Not really the best way to spend Christmas, plus Chuck was in procrastinating phase of his marriage proposal plan and made us wait until after the CHUCK sabbatical in early 2011 to see his proposal. 

So in Santa Suit we get some really great action (Shaw getting his ass kicked!) but we didn't get a Christmas where Chuck & Sarah just enjoy each other and the company of friends to reflect on what occurred earlier in the episode. Instead we get Beckman interrupting during the middle of the Christmas party to tell Sarah that Shaw wanted to speak to her... what the piece of trash couldn't wait till tomorrow or the day after to speak Sarah? How many life sentences is he serving again?

All in all I thought the episode was strong, good even but I just felt the writing pooched up the Sarah & Chuck relationship parts of the episode. Sorry but in addition to getting the bracelet back for Sarah, Chuck totally would have got her a gift (probably in July).  The writing for Sarah in particular was off in the episode; but Yvonne's performance in isolation was still great.

I guess just as in real life nothing is 100% perfect; even Christmas on CHUCK... but Chuck Versus The Honeymooners is really really close to perfection!

The happenings in the episode does fit with my theory for this season's theme on CHUCK being that Chuck and Sarah will continue to find it extremely hard to build a "real-life" in the outside world as long as they continue as spies. I won't say a reckoning is coming, that is much too dark... but a shining epiphany perhaps?



Somebody needs to explain the taboo of re-gifting to Chuck



2. Casey & Beckman show a softer side at Christmas

Casey (aka Sugar Bear) gets Alex Mr Pippers "the preppy polar bear" plush toy, excellent choice Colonel! Though the bear does remind me just a little of the very spooky Teddy Ruxpin toy from the 80's. However just when you think Casey is starting to mellow on us... he breaks out of lockdown in Castle to help Morgan save Sarah (the best damn partner he ever had) despite being shot... FREAKING SHOT people!! John Casey is still in the top echelon of bad-asses.

Not to be outdone General Dianne Beckman was remarkable again this week showing loyalty and friendship to Chuck & company. Once again using her status with the NSA to get Chuck the required information and the Macau device to save Sarah. To think this was the same General who ordered Casey to eliminate Chuck the moment the NSA/CIA had a new intersect up and running. I love the dynamic of Beckman and Chuck working together both are master strategists who are quick thinking and ready to execute a plan in an instant.

The emotional journey Casey, Beckman and especially Sarah has taken since meeting Chuck is quite remarkable. It seems the adorable schnook's ability to heartwarm is undeniable despite the life & death situations he finds himself in.

On the other hand as the saying goes, "the more things change the more they stay the same". Casey can still kick-ass with the same grunt and swagger, Beckman is still as commanding and driven as ever and Sarah... well Sarah still loves to keep secrets (I usually don't comment on promos for the upcoming ep in these reviews, but I had to drop that in).



3. Jeffster come up big for Chuck

Who can stop the Omen Virus? Perhaps the Piranha could have handled it; but he had bigger fish to fry. Enter the world's wackiest & weirdest cover-band; they also happen to have some pretty leet (1337) programming skills. What other band could belt out a sweet cover of "Mr Roboto" yet still understand C++ computer language to tackle the Omen? Not many... if any, that's who! The bonus is they will work for Subway sandwiches & coffee... a whole lot of coffee. Chuck did have most of his assets frozen by the US Government so he needs to save money where he can.

"Unplugged" or "Plugged in" no other duo has constantly saved the day like these two but still have absolutely no idea that they were doing it!


4. She is Eleanor Woodcomb, and just like us... she hates Shaw too!

Put your hands up if you expected Shaw to be dead by the end of the episode? I definitely did, I can't remember hating a fictional character so much EVER!

OK so that lousy piece of driftwood didn't take a dirt-nap; but at least it was pretty cool that Ellie got to tee-off on Shaw upside the head! The guy killed her Dad and was about to kill her Brother so she swung for the fences and would have been justified to do more. Not many can take down the SuperShaw aka "The Man of Timber" but Ellie Woodcomb is a real Wonder Woman!

I must admit I did appreciate the symmetry with Ring II; Chuck is a pretty luck guy when you consider the two most important women in his life are willing to dish out severe head injuries with steel weapons to Shaw (or anybody threatening our favourite nerd).

I think we need to mention Sarah Lancaster who is such a brilliant actress and any chance she gets to make Ellie shine, she does so with aplomb. It is always cool to see the brother and sister bonding moments on CHUCK.




Saving me is a great gift El, but seriously... did you get me Arkham City on X-box?




5. Chuck saves the day, as only Chuck can

Chuck makes a plan, Chuck follows through and Chuck saves the day...that is just how that nerd rolls.

Chuck outsmarted Shaw that was a given; Shaw may be a great spy but in a battle of wits & smarts the contest is more one sided then the eternal battle between hammer and nail, Chuck is operating at a level above Shaw. However what was rewarding to see was Chuck kicking Shaw's wooden ass up and down the Buy More!! The push-ups and the heavy bag work paid off, so much so that for most of the fight Chuck was like a buzzsaw cutting though that lousy lump of lumber otherwise known as Shaw.

Eventually Shaw does get the drop on Chuck and resorts to pulling a gun on him; but one thing Chuck has that Shaw never will.... FAMILY that has his back! This time it was Ellie and many times before it has been Sarah, Casey and even Morgan.

Shaw never had what takes to beat Chuck; because you are never fighting just Chuck!! When you are with Team Bartowski... you never walk alone!

Despite the darkness of the episode, I appreciated the sentiment it delivered. Life can be hard and it can get difficult... complicated even; but if you are lucky enough the love of friends and family can see you through. After all it was Christmas and nothing beats family at Christmas!



Christmas with the family is great but it can be a little tiring

 PS: For me the lead up to the new year is often a time of reflection on the year's experiences (good, bad, happy and sad). But I just want to wish all you guys and gals reading this a happy new year! May 2012 bring you all the happiness & success I know each of you deserve. I hope you all have a blast on NYE and to see you all back here next year.

Bands of Charah: Playlist for Chuck & Sarah

Versus The Snow Patrol

Blogger's Note: It comes as no surprise to you guys that I obsess over many aspects CHUCK constantly, one area in particular is the music which I think is brilliant; I have yet to meet or speak to a fan of the show that doesn't agree. I am at the point now where I hear a song and think..."you know what? This song would be great on CHUCK!"

However, the Bands of Charah blogs are a little different, they will focus on two songs from one band (or singer)...each of the songs describe the Chuck and Sarah relationship but one will be Chuck's point of view and the other from Sarah's!

Just like at their wedding; each had different vows to put into words the depth of love, honour and respect for the other. The choice of songs will reflect that, the songs may reflect how they've felt about each other now, previously or always...anyways if I do my job and write it properly; you will understand what I mean!
Ok so the first band to get the Bands of Charah treatment is Northern Ireland's own Snow Patrol, I could have chosen any number of Songs from the album "Eyes Open" in particular Chasing Cars and Open your eyes are both great songs but neither were chosen only 2 tracks could make the cut...I am so sure of the two songs I have chosen that I believe you could read the lyrics of both songs and instantly see Chuck and Sarah written all over them!


Chuck's Choice: Signal Fire
Album: Spiderman 3 Official Motion Picture Soundtrack

The Perfect words never crossed Chuck's mind...'cause there was nothing but Sarah!!

Right from the moment Chuck downloaded the intersect he found himself wrapped up in a world of lies, spies, death and mayhem...a world Chuck was not equipped to deal with! But through it all Sarah (and Casey) has been there to help him to deal with it and not freak out!



The only resolution and the only joy...Is the faint spark of forgiveness in your eyes


Early on Sarah realised just how different Chuck was from any other asset and more so than Casey she took it upon herself to make sure she guided him to safety on each mission. Sarah's investment in both the physical and mental well-being of the Human Intersect in the early days of Operation Bartowski saved Chuck more time I think then any other regular handler. It was of course not the Human Intersect who was Sarah's main concern it was Chuck the man..."her Chuck" but Beckman and Casey didn't have to know that!!

The world of lies, spies and national security can change people no matter how honest or heroic they may be...Chuck is no different; but luckily he's always had Agent Sarah Walker!




Hold me close, 'cause I need to guide me to safety


She is Chuck's "Signal Fire" and despite her willingness to do whatever it takes to takes to save the day she knows Chuck is not wired that way and she has ALWAYS been there to be his moral compass...like in Versus the Tic-Tac where Chuck could have easily killed the ring agents going after Casey's ex-wife.

In many way's Sarah's belief has made Chuck a better man... a great man even! Chuck will be the first to admit he couldn't do it without (his Signal Fire) Sarah holding him close and guiding him to safety.




Sarah's Choice: You're All I Have
Album: Eyes Open

This song just has primal urgency and passion that I associate with Sarah's love for Chuck...it is like Chuck's love has created a chance for Sarah to live the life she always wanted but never knew she could a have. After Chuck is her home...and always has been!

This song is about Sarah never wanting to lose this and the intense feeling of desperation that the thought of losing Chuck creates my favourite examples are Versus the Marlin and Phase 3. When this does actually occur; Sarah gets all fight and no flight...I mean bad ass does not even come close to describing it!! She tore up an entire freaking country for him and I can guarantee you no pita girl is safe... Sarah has no fear because Chuck is all she has and quite frankly she is not sure a life without him is a life she wants to live!




Just give me something to hold onto...


From what we can tell Sarah never had a great family life and whilst Chuck's family wasn't exactly perfect either he had Morgan, Ellie and Devon to lean on when time got tough...Sarah never had this luxury, she had the CIA. But now Chuck's family is her family and she has no plans of letting go...ever!

She knows how much of a gift and blessing both Chuck and his family (...HER family now too) are. Family is what you make of it and you will have to go a very long way to find one as loyal and committed to each other as the extended Bartowski (Woodcomb, Casey & Grimes) family; this for me was my favourite part of Versus The Business Trip.

These songs tell the story of why the Chuck and Sarah relationship is so great...epic even!!

 Sarah helped unlock Chuck's potential (and in many ways his true calling) as a hero and a leader; it was Sarah who always there to guide him along the way and we've lost count of the number of time she has saved him (physically & emotionally)!!

Chuck has shown Sarah that she not only can have a real life with the man she loves... but that she DESERVES a real life with unconditional love and a family to boot! Chuck showed her the power of love and trust, why it is so special and how it can spur you on to greater heights.




Under your skin feels like home...


Together they have saved each other countless times and best of all the make each other a better people!  Without a doubt Charah is so much more than the sum of their parts; what they have is so brilliant I have created a word description in their honour... Reciprocally Awesome!!


ALERT: Moggy's Public Awareness Soapbox

PS: I also wanted to give a shout-out to all other Movember participants; congratulations on a job well done! With the month coming to the end tomorrow...I am definitely looking forward to shaving off my terrible excuse for a moustache!! But it was definitely worth it to raise awareness (and money) for such a worthy cause, men's health issues are not often discussed; issues like Prostate Cancer and Male Depression need to be talked about more often!

It is still deeply ingrained in the male culture (especially in Australia) that to suffer in silence is a sign of strength and to speak about you problems is to show weakness...but to me wanting to stick around with those you love no matter how difficult it may be takes courage!!

So guys out there get checked out and stay healthy or if you are feeling down...talk to somebody!!

You owe it to yourself and you it to those who love you!!

Five chunks of CHUCK

Versus The Business Trip

Bloggers note: At the very top of this post I want to give a shout-out and dedication to one of this Blog's best supporters Lianne (aka @breddgal); I really appreciate the kind words and this is the best way I could think to say thanks...much of the material I expand on in these posts begin from tweets and discussion with brilliant Chucksters like you!! I also can't let the opportunity pass without saying congratulations on your re-tweet from Nerd 01...Mr Zach Levi! Any of you fellow CHUCK fans reading this who don't follow her...you should! Because quite frankly... she is FRAKKIN' Aces!!  

A re-tweet from Zach...you better frakking believe it!!

1. Smoke and mirrors with the bait and switch


The group of Chucksters which I like to call the "one word review crew" are some of the coolest CHUCK fans in the twitterverse who like to come together at the end of each new CHUCK episode and use just one word to sum up our personal thoughts on the episode. It really is a great way to look back on each show and on the words of others I find myself re-watching these episodes to see what others see and it really is such a great experience.


If ever there was a Zen Master of Chuck it would be @dren-lla and his one word contribution for this ep was "shell-game" which is a great summary of how the episode played out. Business Trip was a really good episode but it seemed to get carried away with the bait & switch tactics, even to the point that some of the plot moves were telegraphed well in advance.  I like that this episode of CHUCK attempted to do something a little different...it may have fallen a little flat in this area by trying a little too much to engineer plot twists and suspense but this just one small facet of a good episode that got it right in many other areas!



2. Who needs normal?


One of the central themes of CHUCK versus The Business Trip is the yearning of Sarah and Chuck to be normal people and a normal couple but seriously can Chuck and Sarah every really be normal?

Chuck is a guy who had the intersect downloaded in his brain when nobody else could, he was willing to risk his life day in day out despite any spy train; not because he is crazy (but you could argue he is just a little bit) or fearless but because of sense of honour and obligation. Once he found out what failure to stop Fulcrum or The Ring meant he laid it all on the line...that ain't normal!

Sarah Walker (Bartowski) was raised partly by a con-artist Dad and spent much of the last half of her life as a CIA agent training, fighting, throwing knives, quelling rebellions, stopping terrorists and dancing with Mikael Gorbachev...that is just the fun stuff! In truth her character had to battle a lot of hardships and she is only just adjusting to a stable life with Chuck and his (and now her) family. Keeping an asset that important to the enemy alive for as long as her and Casey did is not normal; it really is pretty freaking fantastic!

Then I think back to the wisdom of Dren_lla's shell-game analysis, the show is presenting us (and Chuck & Sarah) with the question of what normal life is for them. They are doing it in a Socratic method of sorts; by asking all the questions and allowing themselves to come to the right conclusion in their own time. In time they will realise that the normal is really abnormal for them! Plus who in their right mind wants to be normal when they could be awesome...like Chuck and Sarah!



These two a normal couple?...I doubt it!


   3. JEFFSTER...no more?


Wow...who would have thought after so long together something as minor as attempted poisoning could separate this duo!! I like the idea of the new calm, insight and frankly less-stalkerish Jeff; especially its impact on Lester who feels he has lost his best buddy in the whole entire world.

I guess for Lester he feels a little like Chuck did in the last couple of eps, he is slowly losing (or has already lost) his best friend. But a word of advice Lester...perhaps you should have taken a page out of the Chuck playbook and pantsed Jeff rather the attempting to poison Jeff (and others) with carbon monoxide!! That actually may have prevented the cops being called...

OK everybody if this is to be the last we see of Jeffster as duo, what's your favourite memory...no doubt many will say "Mr. Roboto" at the Woodcomb Wedding (Take 1) but for it will always be Jeffster kicking it old skool and unplugged with "Leaving on a Jetplane..."

Man... Peter, Paul & Jeffster sure has a certain ring to it!!

Jeffrey, get the turtle-necks...tonight we go unplugged!

4.Schwartz, shorts and long long legs!

Holy Smokes... Yvonne Strahovski turned the awesome dial up to 11 and blasted out the awesome amp and speakers!  Back by extremely popular demand came Nerd Herd Sarah...ready for any computer (or swimming pool) emergency.

This episode also has me reflecting on how awesome shorts are especially when worn so remarkably by one Yvonne Strahovski in the hotel and pool scene! Then I remembered...hang on I have seen similar short shorts stylings recently; it was Rachel Bilson on Hart of Dixie.

What do these show have in common besides impeccable leading lady fashion (to this fashion Luddite at least)? The answer is of course...Mr. Josh Schwartz!!

I am loving your work Schwartz...carry on!!

As long as Sarah Walker's legs looked in shorts, they looked much longer contorted in her Lotus Sportscar...yowza!! Maybe that is what Buzz Lightyear means "To infinity and beyond"...actually that would explain a lot!



Honey, you obviously didn't buy the Lotus for the  leg room



5. Semper Fidelis & family values

This was actually my favourite part of the episode...for me it went right to the core of what the whole show of CHUCK is about...family, loyalty and the devotion to those you love and the ideals you hold close to your heart. In fact, my one word review for the episode was "Devotion"...

• You had Chuck and Sarah who are devoted to not just making a life for each other but both are willing to risk it all for the safety of the other as Chuck and Sarah did in this ep (and every other ep!)
• Chuck was willing to become the "Human Target" and assume Morgan's identity so his bet buddy was no longer at risk of being whacked!!
• Devon is willing to forgo his happiness as a stay at home dad with Clara so that Ellie can spend quality time with her daughter and re-connect as mother and child.
• Perhaps the bravest and most faithful to his values as always was Casey; both he and Sarah knew for the team and most importantly the family to be safe the viper needed to be taken care of by any means necessary! Casey knows that the taking of a life is not something to be taken lightly especially now he is a civilian but he did it for the safety of his daughter, his partners and his best friends...

Why do they do all this? Because they are family, a family that is always faithful to each other no matter what!! Semper Fi for better or worse that is one of the things that I love the most about the show, it is a show about family that the whole family can watch...not many like that anymore! It is a topic I could go on about forever and it might be a theme I devote a whole post to in the near future...

My final thought on the Chuck ep is this...showing the CHUCK family at it's best right before Thanksgiving, the family holiday that means so much to those who celebrate the holiday in the US was a true masterstroke.

Family is one of life's great joys and we can never have enough reminders of how important family is to us all no matter how unconventional they may be. At the end of the day it is just great to know that there are people on your side willing to fight for you and we can all be thankful for that!

Till next time...stay awesome!!




Semper Fi...We got your back


Ps: You know where to find me on Twitter (@moggyvouk_82)...I would be happy to hear (and re-tweet) any of your CHUCK one word reviews!