Chuck 3.13

“Chuck versus The Other Guy”

Now that I’m back enjoying Steak Tartare and a Pinot Noir from a café off the banks of the Seine, here are some thoughts on last night’s episode…

If you’re as obsessed about “Chuck” as I can sometimes be, you would know that this episiode was supposed to be the original season finale. For better or worse, it certainly felt like one. This episode felt rushed and reeked of budget cuts, which is bad, but it tied up loose ends and set up a new future for all the major characters, which is definitely good!

I did enjoy how the writers wrapped up the Charah relationship, choosing a quiet moment in the middle of the episode rather than the action-laden end. Instead of Sarah declaring her love for Chuck after he saved her in Paris, she did so in a calm manner in Chuck’s Burbank apartment, completely free of action movie clichés.


The comedy bits were funny as well. We all knew that Jeffster, Casey and Morgan would have their lines, but who knew that General Beckman had a sense of humor? Her hair in rollers and her use of the Clapper were priceless! And Morgan, horror of horrors, is now an official member of Team Bartowski!

Too bad the action scenes were limited. When Chuck faced off with Shaw at the episode’s climax, Casey took on the entire Parisian branch of The Ring solo -- off-screen! Perhaps with the appearance fees for the actor who played Shaw no longer an issue, the producers can put more money into the last six episode's action sequences!

Not a perfect episode by any measure, but for what it had to do as a turning point for the show, it was perfect enough!

My Favorite Line: “No -- we don’t do pranks!” so saith General Beckman!

My Coolest Moment: Casey defeated the entire Parisian branch of The Ring off by himself off-screen. How cool is that?

Charah Scene: “You’re still Chuck. You’re still my Chuck!” Sarah said as she admitted falling for Chuck during the very first episode three years ago. Awww...