Romance was in the air this week on Chuck, and not in the way many fans expected—or wanted. See how well our hero and his handlers navigated new relationships and saved each other's lives with our report card for "Chuck vs. the Mask."
Spy Training: As it turns out, sometimes Buy More training is just as important as CIA stuff. This week's mission—which had Chuck's team stealing the Mask of Alexander—involved more computer work than fisticuffs. OK, there was a little of both. With Nerd Herd work at the forefront, Chuck did a whole lot on his own. It was great seeing a thoughtful, independent Chuck—one that prompted Shaw to reveal that Agent Bartowski will one day go solo.
Grade: B+
The Handlers: Casey took a backseat role this week, with Sarah and Shaw stepping it up. (In more ways than one; see below.) While I appreciate having Chuck on the rescuing side of things, I'd still like to see more competent handlers. What did Sarah and Shaw really do, aside from accidentally gassing themselves and making goo-goo eyes at one another?
Grade: C+
The Romance: "Chuck vs. the Mas" was really about the smooches. Chuck and Hannah finally kissed—I say "finally" as if real-life relationships ever progress this quickly—while Shaw amped up the flirting. I loved Chuck and Sarah's teary goodbye: These two do need to move on, as long as it's not permanent. Minor deduction for Sarah crushing on yet another spy. "I have a type" was a weak excuse.
Grade: A-
Ellie and Morgan: Awesome was absent again this week, so we got an Ellie/Morgan team-up. No, not in the way Morgan would like. I was intrigued by their sleuthing: Would they finally uncover Chuck's secret? But no, they instead discovered Chuck and Hannah macking at the Buy More and decided that explained everything. Really, Ellie? How could Chuck's new squeeze be responsible for your husband's wacky behavior?
Grade: C-
Guest Stars: I'm sure hardcore Chuck/Sarah fans hate them already, but Kristin Kreuk and Brandon Routh continue to warm my cold critic's heart. They're just so charming! And look, the show is actually giving Hannah something to do. Unrelatedly, it was nice to see the very funny Jim Piddock as a stressed museum curator.
Grade: A
The Buy More: For an episode with so much Nerd Herd-ing, there was surprisingly little action at the Buy More. I wouldn't have minded a break from Jeff and Lester, but what happened to their attempts to spy on Chuck? Also, has anyone seen Big Mike lately? I'm worried he may have gone the way of Emmett Milbarge.
Grade: C
Follow TV.com writer Louis Peitzman on Twitter: @LouisAtTVDotCom
I don't like Shaw or Hannah, they don't fit in the show at all and they are both weird, and I agree with Makrandpatil. I will absolutely stop watching if they don't get together!!!! They can't just string their audiences along, and have Chuck and Sarah both say they love each other and then randomly have them making out with new people!! It disgusts me and I won't have it!! I truly hope the writers of Chuck read all the comments on the net, because otherwise I'm writing them an angry letter!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
IF Chuck and Sarah don't get together I will scream!! This is the only reason i was so intrigued by the show.... I understand that it may be harder to make the show exciting if they are together, but i think if they are smart enough about it they can make it work... If I was the writer of the show i could make it work!!
What are you people 10 years old?Why don't you go back to the 4th.grade and have your fairy tales read to you by the teacher.If Chuck is to remain a popular show it cannot be predictable,life is not always predictable.Just sit back and enjoy the ride.
Unfortunately its just the way it works. Chuck and Sarah cant just be together because then there is no "omg will they be together!" stuff. But im not like the Shaw stuff, he cant act at all.
I will stop watching if sarah n chuck dont get together .. :( It hurts ..
Guys what was the last thing ?? IS Shawn the bad guy ?
I never expected Sarah to say "See ya Chuck" as cold as she did... the only thing she said to shawn when he started touching her back is YOU KNOW THIS IS GONNA BE TROUBLE! I mean what! and Chuck!! Is he a memory now! That easy!
I love Kristin/Hannah but I absolutely hate Shaw's character so I am hoping he doesn't last long!
I LOVE Kruek on this show. I want her to stay forever!
I have a sense that Hannah is really a character that the writers are using for a plot line then planning to somehow write out of the show - too bad, she's a great addition to the story.
I do not trust this show and the every person that Chuck meets is a spy. At least he has not "flashed" on her...yet.
I love chuck :D
The Chuck and Sarah thing has gone on too long. There is nothing holding them back from getting together; yet, they fabricated some faux rules regarding their relationship and live by them. It's actually gotten to the point of annoyance. I wish the writers would Chuck blossom without Sarah but they won't. Chuck will jealous and be crawling back on his knees to Sarah the moment something "happens" to Hannah. And, something will happen to Hannah.
In the article, you keep refering to the fans 'not wanting' any change from the standard recipe as used for the last 2 seasons. Where do you get that idea? I'm glad Chuck and Sarah are over/taking a long break. It was time Chuck got a real(istic) love interest again (after the sandwich-girl in season 1). And I think the adition of Kristin Kreuk is amazing. Although I still don't get what Brandon Routh is really doing in the show, other than enabling the break-up for Sarah and Chuck.
I really like this show it is the perfect combination of action and intellectual humor. I can't believe that the network was going to pull the show. I am glad they decided to give it another shot. As far as character development I think they are evolving nicely. The tension still remians between Chuck and Sarah but the respites that the shows creators provide allow for more outets to character development. Remember in Season 2 Chucks old girlfriend came back for several episodes we found out in the end the depth for which Chuck cared for Sarah. I like Hannah's character, besides she is really hot.
I think this show should keep "chucking" along for many more seasons.
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I am very intrigued about who Hannah and Shaw are, but I'm not convinced Hannah is an actual spy. I'm interested to see who long this whole "we'll see other people" bit lasts.
i like chuck and hannah for now
I know that Chuck and Sarah can't be together right now...and I really like Hannah and Shaw. But that didn't keep me from crying when Chuck and Sarah admitted it was time to move on. I don't give it long, but it still breaks my heart.
I know everyone wants Chuck and Sarah together but they need to be patient. Chuck and Sarah are not ready to get together. As long as Sarah sees Chuck as weak they can't have a serious relationship.
I think Shaw is playing Sarah. He hates the Ring and plans to use Chuck somehow to bring them down. Sarah would not approve and he needs to get her out of the way. I don't think she will fall for it for long. I think Hannah works for Shaw either directly or indirectly. Sarah is not the only one with a "type".
Chuck and Sarah will never get old!!!
I don't want Chuck and Sarah to end up together.... He needs someone normal to hide things from to keep the show interesting.
They don't want Chuck and Sarah to be Dave and Maddie, . . not til the near the end. Though I could see them working out the two spies dating each other and not lose the chemistry (of the chase). They'd still have to hide it or be separated, but again, major producing fears, if you're two leads overcome the obstacle, does the audience feel its over (their viewership) on the courtship. Stretch it out, bring in diversions (new love interests), then remove said obstacles when it proves to be the right time (series finale) or writers who believe they can take it there and make it work? Sarah, Chuck and baby spy family?
A crossover with Smallville would be interesting. There should be more crossovers in general. Still, Chuck can't quite hang with the big guys without better control of the intersect. I'm kinda surprised that he gains knowledge on flashes and then somehow loses it.
"DC Universe crossovers The Chuckniverse" Chuck & Lana Lang and Sarah & Superman LOL
First, I'm a hard-core chuck fan and I have no problem with the other romance interests. Firstly because the "are they or aren't they" thing has been a theme for too long. Let's put it aside for awhile, especially for Chuck so he can have a real relationship. Secondly, I'm ok with it because you're right, both characters are charming and good looking. Let them hang around awhile more. As for the lack of Awesome, the Buy More and Big Mike, remember NBC said they were making some changes this season to cut costs. I'm guessing leaving some cast members out here and there saves some bucks. At least that's my assumption since nothing else seems to have been cut back. Chuck's still the most entertaining hour on television.
I hated it.. I always liked the magic between Sarah and Chuck.. Want to see more. this is a breakup, that shouldn't have happend....