“Chuck” hasn’t disappointed me yet, so I came into this episode with relatively high expectations. Given that this episode was the fall finale, anyone would expect fireworks, yet the end result was beyond that and extremely interesting. This season has been highly satisfying (not to mention the series as a whole), and to arrive at the midseason conclusion with this tragic exclamation mark in the Chuck/Sarah relationship was a stroke of brilliance on the writer’s part.
The episode started off with a bang, quite literally. A high-speed chase was in progress throughout Burbanks, and it ended up…ending…with a crash in the Buy More, and with the suspect holding hostage most of Chuck’s family and friends. This led to an amusing potpourri of hilarious events and interactions. When the suspect, Ned, was portrayed as an easy-going nice guy who simply wanted to spend Christmas with his family, I thought the table was set for a good, but not exceptional, episode of “Chuck.” Then again, things were not as they seemed.
For most shows, the twist of revealing a presumably good character as the villain can often be detected far in advance, and the time is spent wondering just when the character will reveal its true colors. In other instances, when a character is revealed as villain – it just seems improbable and it appears as though the writers had simply decided on a whim to turn a random character. An example of the aforementioned poorly done turn was clearly demonstrated on “Prison Break” with the apparent deception of Agent Self. Seldom is the twist of betrayal done well, and I felt that it was handled with near perfection with the hostage negotiator as a fulcrum agent. I honestly had no clue the negotiator was of ill intent before his arrival into the Buy More.
When the hostage negotiator had successfully removed both Sarah and Casey from the buy more, and he was threatening Chuck’s family – I realized how brave Chuck really is. Despite often being told to stay in the car (or van), Chuck always leaves to try and save his friends at great personal risk. However, I can agree that it was incredibly stupid to directly inform that he was the intersect to a Fulcum agent. Then again, I can’t say that I wouldn’t have done the same if my family were in danger…unless it was just my little brother – Kidding!
Concerning the subplot of team Buy More trying to overcome Ned, I thought it was especially heartfelt that the thrill-seeking Devon chose not to lead the assault on Ned for Ellie’s sake. But when Devon’s brilliant plan was finally implemented, I pity the fool that decides to hold the Buy More hostage on a sale day when Big Mike is working. Flawless humor! Props to Lester for the funniest moment of the episode when Ned delivered a clearly fake karate kick to Lester’s head that propelled the nerdiest nerd herd member flying through the air.
As for the tear-jerking conclusion, the episode implied that Chuck would never look the same way at Sarah again. On the other hand, I’m quite sure that Chuck has seen Sarah kill others before. In fact, the pilot episode ended with Chuck flashing on Sarah’s ring and seeing security footage of her taking out opposing individuals. Nevertheless, the scene was still horrific from Chuck’s POV, despite Sarah’s legitimate reasons for doing so. What made the scene stick for me was the nice little pause before Sarah killed the hostage negotiator, where the camera closed in on the bracelet Chuck had just given her.
Ultimately, I thought this episode was done perfectly. While “Chuck” may not have received the recognition it deserves, I still think it has set the bar high in the dramedy (Drama/Comedy) category. This program often reminds me of “Buffy” in some ways, as the writing and plot direction tend feel somewhat Whedon-esque. That is the highest compliment I can muster. I give this episode a rare 10/10 for continuing “Chuck’s” trend in consistent entertainment.
