Tuesday, March 2, 2010

Chuck You Tuesday - Episode 23 (ADULTS ONLY)



We Discuss CHUCK Versus The Fake Name.


ADULT LANGUAGE WARNING! DO NOT let your kids hear this.  No one under the age of 18 should listen to this.  And any who finds expletives and sexually explicit talk offense should avoid this one like the swine flu.  Everyone else, listen to it 500 times.

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119 comments:

  1. I would have to say to that epi. Holy Ship and What the Chuck? Moving on from there.

    I'd have to say at this point, I like Chuck a little bit less. It's been happening through this season, he seems to be a character in turmoil (I get that), but as of right now, I don't really care for his lack of firm stance on anything. Spy/no spy, family and friends/job. He's a bit wishy washy for me right now.

    Sarah's character breaks even for me. Where as I applaud her actually moving forward in an emotional sense, she likewise seems a bit unsteady, which is in character for her. I don't really leap on board with all of her actions but empathizing with what's going on, it's not too much of a leap.

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  2. I feel like you guys missed a bunch stuff in your analysis... eh. Especially at the end. Take a look in her eyes when Shaw says her real name again. There's a tinge of guilt in there...

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  3. I don't see guilt. That doesn't even make any sense. Why would a woman kiss someone right after feeling guilty? It would be the other way around.

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  4. I think she latches onto whatever is most normal, stable, comfortable. We all know she has deep emotions for Shaw, but when you are emotionally traumatized any normalcy and stability is something to latch onto. You do this until you can stand on your own again (real life), or in tv world until you realize that there is only one person that you can live without who will provide you with that stability. Chuck right now is not stable. He is like a reed in the wind when it comes to what he wants and stands for. This is what I think they were getting at, but it was a 6/10 on success.

    On the fourth wall business, could have done without it. I think they probably thought it was a clever and amusing way to temper the FU shipper scenes. It would have been amusing in like a webisode (maybe)..

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  5. Agreed. I see where they were going with it but I don't think they succeeded. Though, I think Zac and Yvonne were great. As I said in our podcast chatroom, this episode was the GLADIATOR of this series. It wasn't expertly executed but the actors all came to win. :)

    4th wall... seen it done so well on Supernatural.

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  6. I thought Casey was a bit odd. I don't know if the way they wrote it just seemed off for me, or if it was just the nebula they flew the ship into that painted everything in a strange light.

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  7. I really loved Yvonne's reaction when Chuck said Sam. You could see the oh no, in her eyes.

    The only part I didn't get was her reaction to Shaw punching Rafe. Maybe its because of how creepy he looked right before that. Obviously she didn't see it.

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  8. The name thing bugged me a lot. I thought Zachary Levi and Yvonne Strahovski were great in this episode.
    I'm looking to the Casey episode, as he is always awesome.

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  9. Well, after rewatching his scenes without the surreal perspective from first viewing, yeah his stuff was good (dang narrative tunnel vision).

    On those previous posts about the critics and how they loved it in general (excluding Mo), critics always eat up shock-value stuff. They love the curve-balls even if it doesn't work right. They, as critics, view things very differently. After developing a critical mind, much of tv, film, books (depending on your expertise) that media can get bland with there being so many overused tropes and plot lines.

    Remember they watch a lot more tv than the rest of us...and have to do it for a job. So many really just get entertained when something new comes along. It doesn't always matter if it fits or is well written. If it can suprise them, gold.

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  10. Great podcast. Laughed out loud a couple of times. Rachel is the star and her OMGs are priceless. After listening to the podcast and thinking about it, I don't know if I like or dislike this episode, it felt like something was off. Both Zach and Yvonne were great in this ep. Adam was brilliant as always.
    Shaw character is getting more and more ridiculous, i don't know if its because Brandon Routh is a bad actor or because of something else.

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  11. Great review as always. Overall I liked the episode more than I thought I was going to but felt there were a number of flaws much in line with what you discuss. I am baffled by some of the choices they made. On another show I might applaud some of them but not on Chuck, as I don't think the show fits or supports that level of emotional intensity. It's got darker this season but some of this was just too much.

    I'm with Mo Ryan's review on the Shaw/Sarah thing. It doesn't work and just feels bolted on because they'd paid for BR and they do love their love triangles.

    The name reveal felt like a case of at the time of writing they thought they might have only 13 episodes left so they had a rummage in the plot bin for what was left and wheeled out the name reveal whether or not it really made sense because if not now then when. Ultimately it was a waste no matter how people try and justify it.

    Lots of good stuff as well, but it's a weird new world when I find myself thinking of Casey as the balanced, voice of sanity in the trio.

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  12. I like this episode. I thought it flowed better than most this season. I also think this was actually quite a pivotal ep (or a lead in to a pivotal ep).

    Chuck has always been the nice guy. Now to have Sarah say he was changing, and Hannah to come right out and say 'you're not a nice guy', would be shattering for him. He doesn't know who he is anymore. He thought he was making the right decisions and doing the right thing, he's going to start questioning that now.

    I also liked the Jeff, Lester, Big Mike convo, better than the Sopranos WTWT scene (although I liked Chuck in that scene). You got more of a build up to the Buy More one, and three guys standing around in aprons talking about hot woman then getting all sentimental - love it!

    In regards to Sarah in this ep, (awesome performance from Yvonne). They've been building the Sarah-wants-to-be-normal storyline since end of Season 2, and Sarah has been far more open and willing to talk this season than previously, but she's got no-one to listen! She and Chuck agreed to be friends, but she's been pulling away because of him changing, and he hasn't made any effort to bridge the gap (What happened to 'I love you'?) Shaw was there, he was all ears. I think there was a bit of awkwardness in this scene, (partly because of Mr. Wooden), I don't think Sarah wanted to be telling these things to Shaw, I think she wanted to be saying it all to Chuck.

    I can't explain her actions in the final scene. Maybe she was grateful, maybe she saw someone in a similar position (lonely), and made a choice to try and be happy with someone else if she couldn't be with Chuck. I don't think we'll ever find out what motivated her decision (we don't usually). But I do think we're going to find out a bit more about Alex Coburn!

    Can't wait for the next ep!!!

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  13. After wake up this morning, I was thinking about 308, and here it is:

    Communication issue with CS. Shaw got more in 4 episodes from Sarah than Chuck in 40+! That conversation with SS should have happened a long time ago but with Chuck! Unbelievable. Unbelievable.

    What's next? Sarah will ask Shaw to marry her? New PLI for Chuck is Casey's daughter?

    Everything is worse than what you expect. >:(

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  14. astral monkey, come back in 4 weeks and tell me it was pivotal. ;)

    I can talk about my overall problem with this episode in 3 weeks.

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  15. Tulio, I think the problem is that they used a character as her sounding board who isn't all that important and should have been established more, or better, as her sounding board. But hey, at least she has one and now we truly get to see Yvonne stretch her acting chops. So, for that, I am thankful.

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  16. Very disapointed. They use the excuse about asset, spy, break up, they don't talk, and now Sarah run to Shaw and do all of it? Wow. Ali is PRO.

    Nonsense. Unbelievable.

    They extended Shaw for what? CS will talk each other this season? Don't think so.

    8 out of 13 and what WE got? Nothing from CS. Great. What can be better?

    They knew that this could be the last season when they planned this, right?

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  17. Tulio, I think you are going to be surprised. :)

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  18. So do you think Shaw and Sam ate the leftover Chinese for breakfast? :)

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  19. And that crazy/insane shipper thing, maybe I'm one o then.

    What you think about the reaction for 308, was what you expected?

    I'm waiting for your text preview of 308 ;)

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  20. JC, there is a rule in moving pictures... if you don't show them waking up together, in bed, naked, and looking sated, then they did not do it. :)

    Tulio, you sound like one. But accepting your addiction is the first step to recovery. The reaction to 3.08 would have been much worse had people not been expecting worse. So, I think the reaction has been close to what I expected. The people who were not prepared for the worst reacted badly. The rest said it wasn't that bad or they enjoyed it.

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  21. Count me as one who enjoyed it.

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  22. just listened to podcast and just thanks for doing these! Even if I don't agree with everything being said, they are fun to listen to and hear other's points of view without being as insane as the NBC boards :D

    Anyhow, I don't know, maybe I'm watching a totally different episode than you did Magnus, but you just alluded to something coming up in a future episode that would change astral_monkey's opinion possibly. So maybe that's where I'm disengaging with what your view is, since you know what's to come.

    But yeah, I agree with pretty much everything astral_monkey said. Either way, you have said the upcoming episodes are awesome, so if this episode didn't let me down, I think it's only going way better for me, in the long run, for Chuck!

    Can't wait until next week!

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  23. Yep. My point of view is skewed by knowing what you don't. So, it will be interesting to see what you think down the line.

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  24. What do you think about the ratings last night? It had a 2.4/6.7 million (and the Bachelor finale had a ton of viewers), but House was a rerun (will be new next week) and there was probably a small Olympic bump even with minimal promotion...I'm worried by the numbers, but some others are pretty optimistic.

    I loved this episode BTW. One of my favorites this season. I was more surprised by what Chuck did than Sarah, that breakup scene was cold...but it worked for me because Hannah really called Chuck out on what he's becoming rather than just crying and walking away.

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  25. It is weird, I keep getting comments to allow and then I look for them in a thread and I see nothing. Are you all commenting in the right section? I have looked through like 10 different blog postings and can't find what I authorized. At least 5 comments have disappeared that way.

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  26. Hey magnus do we get any little moments of feelings between chuck and sarah in ep 3.09 and 3.10 or are they gone until 3.11 and will we watch 3.11 and wonder what was the point of 3.08 on some stuff in the story going by your comments?

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  27. Gwindor, I am not optimistic about those ratings. No one should be optimistic or confident about Chuck's chances of a 4th season until it is renewed. This is the time to push people to watch not when it is too late. NBC is NOT GOING TO SAVE THE SHOW TWICE.

    Anyway, glad you enjoyed it.

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  28. Do we get little moments of feelings? I will say this: from this point on, Sarah is a different person than we have seen for 2.3 seasons.

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  29. Listened to the podcast so sarah doesn't have a reaction to hannah and chuck breaking up. Also sarah is in the mindframe of being shaws girlfriend so that how it is in the next episodes and nothing between chuck and sarah.

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  30. From your coments does someting big happen between chuck and sarah in 3.11 because in one comment allude to 3.08 not being a pivotal episode and in three weeks talking about your overall problem with 3.08 or I'm completely offbase?

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  31. I think Sarah/Sam is working an angle with Shaw. The whole Sam thing is completely ridiculous because in the Cougar episode her high school classmates call her Sarah. This leads me to believe that there is something going on much deeper below the pure "shipper" aspect.

    I agree that all these episodes have lacked development, but when they were writing these episodes the season was only going to be 12 episodes. So they were trying to squeeze more into a smaller time frame. Granted, that philosophy doesn't really help the show, but I think it's going to play out into something deeper over the next 11 episodes. At least that's what I'm hoping...

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  32. Magnus, your response is going to bug me for the next 3 weeks! Thanks for that.

    You can make it up to me by having me on the podcast to discuss why I disagree with you (as I'm sure they'll be something I disagree with you on). I've been working on 140 characters or less since being put in limbo by AssHat at the NBC forums - starting to get stifled.

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  33. In Cougars, her high school classmates call her JENNY BURTON. And when they were writing this season it was going to be 13 episodes.

    Seriously, anonymous posters, at least signs your responses to me with initials or something so it makes it easier to respond. :)

    campusc0p, please no expletives in the future. Thanks. :) Kids read this site.

    astral_monkey, I will see if I can fit you into one of the podcasts. It may be a problem for the next few but how about for... let's say, episode 12 of this season?

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  34. Sorry Mag, delete my post.

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  35. A.V. my initials sorry magnus here was my last post.
    Anonymous said...
    From your coments does someting big happen between chuck and sarah in 3.11 because in one comment allude to 3.08 not being a pivotal episode and in three weeks talking about your overall problem with 3.08 or I'm completely offbase?

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  36. A.V. Oh and this one.

    Anonymous said...
    Listened to the podcast so sarah doesn't have a reaction to hannah and chuck breaking up. Also sarah is in the mindframe of being shaws girlfriend so that how it is in the next episodes and nothing between chuck and sarah.

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  37. AV, I can't tell you that. But my comment was more related to the significance of some things in 3.08 and how they either apply, or do not apply, to episodes down the line.

    I really can't answer your other question either since it is a spoiler. What I am willing to say is that the episode is very busy and Team B may not have much time to deal with each other on an individual level.

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  38. Thanks Mag. Retooled.

    I think the creators talked about how they wrote themselves into a corner with the finale of season 2. I imagine the combination of reduced budget/season length and that corner they started in with this season may have led to much of the strained writing. This probably also led to a lack of buildup in the season's storylines creating the confusion many feel.

    I agree with you guys from the podcast, episodes feel missing.

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  39. AV
    then how about same questin for 3.10

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  40. AV, I am not going to give a spoiler. :)

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  41. I was ok with the episode overall, yes there were bad moments (opening dessert scene was kinda cheesy) and I felt the fourth wall stuff was kinda overdone but ... overall it was ok.

    I m fine with the name reveal and that whole scene, it gave Chuck clarity, I guess now there's gonna be some angst till Sarah gets her own clarity moment.

    Part of me hopes that we get some weird reveal about Shaw down the line, cause to me the guy looks creepy even when he's supposed to be looking seductive. And I hope that the 0 chemistry the Shaw character has with Sarah is actually planned. Else they really dropped the casting ball on that one.

    Overall I m not as excited about Chuck the show as I was 4 months ago ... season feels rushed and kinda I dunno randomly slapped together afterthoughts . Guess we 'll see how it plays out. Just hope they dial down the angst, it's really starting to bug me to the point I feel way too old for this show, and I m in my late 20s

    Chad

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  42. Chad, I am kind of with you on that assessment of the season, mostly because of the last two episodes. Thankfully, the next few seem to make up for all that.

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  43. Episode 12 sounds good. I'm on twitter under the same name if you wanna hit me with the details closer to the day.

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  44. AV
    Well I was wondering about 3.10 because shaw isn't in that ep and it is chuck and sarah helping casey out then I shouldn't hope for anything if she's in the mindframe of being shaw's girl.

    Also I feel that I'm being told chuck the character is getting darker rather than feeling it,characters stating out loud that he's changing rather than seeing it myself.It doesn't help that the last couple missions are mostly played for comedy so it's like okay he's darker because you're telling me that cool then.

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  45. AV, as you have already figured out, 3.10 is going to have those two together a lot. So, something is likely to be said by someone.

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  46. I thought the episode was pretty good, although it was painful I didn't think it was bad. I understood the reasoning behind the actions of what the characters were doing. Sarah saw how happy Chuck was with Hannah so she is trying to force a real connection with Shaw by using her real name. She is trying to create a bond that doesn't exist by giving up something superficial albeit important to Shaw. I don't want to get too much into it but I enjoyed it and thought this episode revitalized me for the season. It got me excited for the upcoming episodes.

    Oh and could you answer if Sarah is wearing pajamas in the "do you love me" scene? I got on the NBC board and people have been discussing it. :)

    TheLionKing

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  47. I don't think that is why Sarah did it. It was very important to her. Her change is the motivation for everything she does in the next few episodes. Sarah has changed. She isn't doing anything superficially.

    The "do you love me" scene is in the back 6 and really doesn't mean what you guys think it means.

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  48. AV
    When you say she changes will she be acting cold towards chuck in next three and will we notice anything dark about shaw. You say that there won't be any little moments between chuck and sarah so will there be any between sam and chuck.(rimshot)

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  49. Sarah/Sam... same person. So, I am not playing any word games. As for the rest of the questions, I do think it funny how so many fans dive right into the negative.

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  50. Haha, Mag I am wondering if you are continuing the "clues throughout" policy here in the comments or using chicanery to slightly mislead us. You are a cagey one, but I think I'm zeroing in on your style.
    (insert evil laugh)
    Good stuff either way.

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  51. AV
    You say she's a different person and now she's with shaw and all about being his girl in the podcast. So that in most people's makes us think negative things in terms of things with chuck and sarah.

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  52. campusc0p, I am a trained amateur. :)

    AV, because you are conditioned to expect the worst. I promise you, none of you will figure out what is going to happen with the whole relationship angle. It is NOT what you are expecting, positive or negative. The writers have done something really interesting here. I would have never seen it coming if I were in your shoes. It is kind of brilliant.

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  53. Sarah's change is what? That she wants to remember who she used to be? I m really not getting it. How can making out with Shaw, a spy, remind her of who she used to be or help her get back there.

    Oh meh ... I pretty sure I ll get bored of this arc pretty quickly. Loved the podcast though and agree on the overall flakyness of this episode.

    Jane

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  54. Jane, I am pretty sure you won't get bored of "this arc." :)

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  55. I've GOT it! Shaw knocks Sarah up, then Shaw walks out on her, then Chuck professes his undying love for Sarah (again) and offers to help her raise the child (a la Hodgins on Bones).

    We weren't expecting THAT!

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  56. I had some fun with paint this evening during a bit of free time. http://i48.tinypic.com/6sc1lv.jpg

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  57. SnowOwl, wow... you should write fan fic because that was horrible. ;)

    campusc0p, free time is nice. :)

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  58. Is that related to something they are supposed to have a connection from something in their past.

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  59. I'm intrigued about the whole relationship angle the writers seem to be going for. I'm actually very excited about everything that seems to be coming our way.
    There have been moments this season which I have felt a little suckered punched, but overall still excited.
    I think this episode was overall reasonably good.

    Oh, and I am a Buy More lover, so I'm looking forward to "Jeffster".

    AC

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  60. AV
    Shaw and sarah they are supposed to connected by something in the past,that's what mel at chucktv said anyway.Mel said she was shocked!

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  61. Horrible is right hahaha; but only marginally more horrible than when that actually did happen on Bones this season. that show has really gone down hill. Talk about gross overuse of WTWT...

    Rewatched 3.8 tonight (with my wife; she missed the original airing as she insisted on watching the lame Bachelor). Liked it even more the 2nd time. Mega pumped for 3.9 and especially 3.10 (Casey is my favorite character on the show, followed closely by Sarah and Awesome).

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  62. I Watched again 308 and I have to admit, is very painful to see what happened with CS. My expectations were too big for this season. Each week, on Mondays I take a slap of the face. I'm close to knockout.

    I think I'm officially the most crazy shipper around here.

    One tear. Yeah. I know.

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  63. AV, I have been asked this question by other people before and I have no idea what Mel from ChuckTV was talking about.

    SnowyOwl, 3.09 is incredible. 3.10 just continues on with the greatness of 3.09.

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  64. I have a question for you Mag. Do you think that this season will make us more appreciative of prior seasons (maybe in a different light) as we hopefully will come to love this one? I am concerned I might have a similar feeling to the one I felt after I saw the new Star Trek movie.

    With its game-changing plot, I was a bit disappointed even though I liked the movie by itself. I felt like the movie basically made me feel all the old Star Trek was rendered void.

    I don't want to feel like this season was so game-changing that it will make seasons two obsolete. I hope it puts the first two seasons into a new perspective that I can enjoy.

    Just some random musings.

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  65. Stop spoiling Bones please!!! I'm still on season 4 and reading that Hodgens thing nearly killed me. Thanks, lol.

    Anyway, fantastic podcast! I agree with you about Sarah and her development although it did really upset me that she told Shaw her name. Honestly, I see that being a thorn in this shows side for a long time, it's one of the worst things they've done. If it had been something, anything else about her past, her moms name, her favorite song or some other stupid random tidbit that meant a lot to her, I wouldn't have minded as much. But her name, the thing that Chuck has actually been trying to find out for both of the last two seasons, that was a bit malicious.

    Anyway, love the podcast and Magnus, you are a genius for keeping the shippers at bay, LOL.

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  66. campusc0p, I have no idea how you will feel but if you are already thinking down that line, I am going to toss out a guess that you will find a way to feel that way if you really want to... and vice versa. :)

    Sweetheart5839, word. And thanks. :)

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  67. Do you do a Lost podcast?

    I have such a mancrush on Sayid after tonight. And I think I could just watch a show of Ben's reactions. The look he gave Sayid at the end of the episode was epic.

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  68. Sweetheart5839: Sorry for the Bones spoiler lol; but don't worry, it's not quite what you think (I guess). You'll see.

    Campuscop: I personally don't see any major continuity problems between s2 and s3 so far (other than some of Sarah's behavior I guess... but she DID get crushed by Chuck in 2.23/3.1...). Chuck's behavior isn't an issue for me; I don't have a problem with this evolution of his character; and the changed dynamic between Chuck/Sarah, Chuck/Awesome, Chuck/Casey has kept the show fresh for me.

    Magnus: Thanks for that other nice little ambiguous "the 'do you love me' isn't what you think", lol. Now I'm gonna be agonizing over that one until the back 6 haha (unless of course I get so distracted by the awesomeness of 3.9, 3.10 that I forget to agonize; hoping for that outcome).

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  69. JC, no LOST podcast... yet. And people need to avoid spoiling other shows in here. :)

    SnowyOwl, after 3.09 I think everyone will forget all about a few things. I think it is epic stacked up on top of epic. 3.10 is great and has a bunch of crazy good moments between team Walktowski (makes you see how the show could survive with just them). 3.11 is either going to be a shipper favorite or... not. You never know with those peeps. I can see it going both ways.

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  70. M-A-L: I'm surprised you didn't go farther into the Chuck vs. Shaw fight scene... It was brutal.
    This was Chuck's moment to slide down that slippery slope - and embrace his dark side.
    All the crazy outta control circumstances - all the stress and confusion should have boiled to the surface. Shaw would still clean his clock -
    but Bartowski needed to throw himself into the fray. What started as a play-fight in front of the bad guys - should have quickly escalated into something on a much more personal level between Shaw and Chuck. Especially after Shaw's line," You had your chance - and you blew it..."
    Wow - that's personal... they fought - but Chuck didn't really react emotionally to the fight at all. What kind of man lets that one slide under the carpet. We needed to see some raw emotions.
    Would have worked nicely - as Shaw kicked his butt. End point would still be in the same place. No flash Chuck - but we'd have some supporting evidence for his pain and anquish.
    The Sarah and Shaw name thing makes sense to me.
    Here are my theme song ideas for this EP.
    Sarah - Queen - I need somebody to Love
    Chuck - U2 - With or without You

    I'm sorry to see Hannah leave - especially under those circumstances.... maybe she'll make a return as an evil villan bent on revenge.

    Really looking forward to the rest of this season

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  71. Judi, I just didn't care that much about the Chuck Vs. Shaw fight and I think if you believe Chuck should have fought harder that you have not been paying attention to the show for 3-seasons. Chuck is NOT a badass fighter except when he is the Intersect. Also, he is a good guy. He was FAKING IT when he said Shaw stole his girl. He is not mad at Shaw in that moment. He is more upset with himself.

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  72. Magnus, I disagree. It may have been a "cover fight" for the most part, but for a moment, the point he said "You stole my girl, Sam" (which IMHO was a dig a Sarah, because he didn't have to word it that way) to the point where Shaw goads him, it was real and it was about Sarah. And Shaw (who we've already seen seems like the jealous type) knew that.

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  73. Chuck isn't mad at Shaw. He is mad at himself. And you will see it in the next few episodes. So, you may want it to have been personal but it wasn't. It was as Chuck said, fake for the mission.

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  74. I think the episode was well crafted actually ... they had Sarah in introspective mood pursuing a relationship with Shaw, yet managed to throw in enough "silent" moments where whatever Sarah did could be interpreted as her pining for Chuck. Kept the shippercrowd happy. I mean people are typing up 1000 word essays on whether Sarah looked at Chuck before the Casey fired and what it meant etc :)

    With regards to the name, Chuck could have gotten the name if he really wanted it at vs The Cougars. He chose not to get it, I don't really think it will affect him that much

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  75. I don't think anyone will say the name "Sam" again for the rest of the series. ;)

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  76. Chuck may have said Sam as a slight, but also as an indication that the room is bugged, and the bad guys are listening in.

    When Chuck was talking to the mob guys about Sam being "his girl", he also seemed more confused and disappointed than angry. Of course, this may be due to my finding hints that fit Magnus's comments.

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  77. Magnus,
    Is there anything to Sarah leaving Castle by herself after the dinner scene? Because when we see her again is when I noticed the biggest change in her "perspective". Thanks and great podcast. RB

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  78. According to you, the name reveal is to balance the Prague Chuck's refusal to run away? From the writers' point of view, I mean. Like saying, ok now Chuck and Sarah are even. Or it is just a way to wake up Chuck and make him realize what he is loseing?

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  79. Nobody, it existed to show that Sarah is in a different place and that it explains why she makes the choices she makes down the line. I can't say more than that. Or, I won't until at least two weeks from now. :)

    RB, nothing that is shown in the next three episodes. But I am sure we are to think she made some emotional decisions either going out or while out. I wish we had seen it, though.

    Viridis, there you go. It was all an indication that he had heard and that they were being watched. Chuck was just being a good spy. It was Shaw and Sarah who took it personally.

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  80. You know nothing on this show has ever really bothered me character wise. But from what your saying about the name reveal and the idea that Chuck doesn't call her out for it. That just might kill the Chuck character for me.

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  81. I like Chuck (character) a little less this season, but mainly because of the indecisive card they used:
    I don't want to be a spy/I do
    I want you to run away with me/I don't
    I am pretty sure I will like him more again in the future episodes.
    I do however wonder what my reaction will be as Sarah is opened up. Will I still enjoy watching closed-book Sarah? I think I will, just contemplating.

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  82. JC, sure sounds like hyperbole. I don't take kindly to hyperbole except for the sake of comedy.

    campusc0p, Sarah is still Sarah. But her moral/emotional compass is pointing in a different direction now. You will better understand what I mean in 3.10 and 3.11 (and on). I do get the feeling that if Chuck decided he no longer wanted to be a spy, that she would happily quit the business and leave with him. But will she still close up at times? I am sure she will. No one changes much that quickly. :)

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  83. AV
    Hmm you 3.11 will be a shipper favorite or not something happens that people may think is good but bad for C&S or we see she still has feelings for chuck but still have to wait for whatever reason?

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  84. I wonder in the next episode (3x09), will Sarah/Casey play important role to what will be happening or is it all about Chuck/Morgan.

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  85. AV, I guess you will find out in a few weeks. ;)

    Kisku, yes. ;)

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  86. If I misinterpreted what you said about the reveal my fault.

    And kill the character was too strong. I would say more like losing alot of respect for the character. Is that better :)

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  87. JC, not really better. People love to draw lines in the sand and then have to stick to those things because they said them. How about you just enjoy the show until you don't and then stop watching? Personally, I don't think there is one thing that could make me dislike any character. However, a series of choices by the writers could make me stop watching the show. I came close a couple of times. But 3.09 may have pulled me back forever... man that is an awesome episode.

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  88. AV
    Great non answer for me and Kiku. :)
    When you say choices by the writers do you mean past eps this seaon or some future eps?

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  89. What if Chuck and Sarah actually want to quit with the spy world. Sarah said she doesn't know who she is anymore. She wanted to quit in episode one, probably now more then ever. But she doesn't because of Chuck. Now, after episode eight, Chuck could rethink everything. He knows now that Sarah doesn't really want him to be a spy. He saw that is impossible for him to live a real life in the real world. To keep ther real world and the spy world separated he has to lie, and he has to act as a jerk sometimes (as he did with Hannah). Maybe Sarah will tell him that she is thinking to quit, in episode ten. And who knows.

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  90. AV, past episodes. There is something in a future episode I could see driving some people crazy but since I know where it is going, I only recognized it as something that will certainly cause a reaction.

    TS, I think they have established this season that Chuck wants to be a spy very much and will not give that up. Sarah is willing to be a spy to be near him but they can't be together because she is one of his protectors/trainers. So, speculate on that. :)

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  91. Even if I disliked one character, there's still enough that I do like to keep drawing me back in. If that ever changes I won't whine about it, I'll just change the channel. Its just a TV show.

    But it wouldn't be a good TV show if people's opinions on the characters didn't change. I don't see the problem with losing respect for a character. If something in the upcoming episodes addresses my problem, then depending on the reasoning my opinion could change. I'm not stubborn. If its never mentioned again, well then my opinion won't.

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  92. Sarah will get an intersect too and they 'll be Mr and Mrs Intersect for season 4

    Seriously why are you people soooo anxious about knowing now where it will go. It's gonna go a certain way, either enjoy the trip and watch or ... don't. Personally I find Chuck entertaining inspite of the OC angst, so I ll watch.

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  93. AV
    You mean ep 3.11 right or 12&13.

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  94. "Sarah is willing to be a spy to be near him but they can't be together because she is one of his protectors/trainers. So, speculate on that. :)"

    Please, I'm blind, I did not see it.

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  95. You know, I think the time of the excuses for not being together is over. Chuck was the asset, he needed protection. I could understand that. But now Chuck is a spy. Ok, next episode he won't flash^^, but when that moment will pass, he will be a real spy. The best. So Chuck and Sarah have no more that kind of excuses. The thing that can separate them, again (if they'll get closer in next episodes^^), is the fact that the Intersect should work alone (even if Bryce had a team ready). So they could be physically separated.

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  96. TS, you know the writers will always find something to keep them apart. If it isn't the job, then it is someone else... or something else... or a misunderstanding. This is just how it goes.

    Look, Chuck and Sarah are not going to be together until probably... season 7 (or so Zac has said). So just get used to it (teehee). ;)

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  97. he's not a spy till he passes ... the final exam ;)

    Till then he's still an asset

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  98. AV
    That little laugh at the end is your knowledge of future eps coming out to play?

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  99. See? This is why I continue to write here. I like your answers^^.

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  100. Sarah quits the CIA. That's my guess until I'm proven wrong next Monday.

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  101. I am going to say the shippers will love that Chuck and Sarah actually go on a real date in 3.11, the dinner in promo to celebrate Chuck becomming a spy. It gets blown all to hell with the Ring and the date gets ruined.

    They are free to be together but they are interupted again. Hence the frustration but they have two episodes of them wanting to be a couple but the mission comes first. (hot or cold) ;)

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  102. Interesting speculation on 3.11. Completely wrong but very interesting. :)

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  103. Yeah I guess there will be nice moments between the two in 3.11 but I'm not naive enough to think it's going to be rosey as above described.

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  104. Magnus, what are your feelings about the character of Shaw at this point in the season? I had really high hopes in the first couple of episodes he was in but lately he seems to have morphed into just Superspy Love Interest Mark III, and easily the dullest of the three at that. What makes it frustrating is Shaw sucks up screen time from other characters who I find a lot more interesting, and I'm not just talking about Chuck and Sarah. It's probably not helped for me that I think Brandon Routh hasn't brought much to the part bar being obviously a very good looking man. Problem is I'm straight and male so he lives or dies by his on screen charisma and it just ain't happening for me.

    Does he get any better in the next few episodes? Surely they have to get around to filling in his back story at some point.

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  105. I loved Shaw in 3.04 and 3.05 but now that love affair is over. I think he has almost become a McGuffin. Though, at least we get a payoff to him being there. Otherwise, he is a character that could have come in for 3 episodes and been more interesting.

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  106. AV
    Like Rachel suggested in the podcast of shaw being like george michael's girlfriend anne,can we refer to him by the nickname maeby came up for her BLAND.

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  107. I have offered this comment elsewhere on the Net, but I think Routh playing the charisma-less Shaw is brilliant. He is a red herring, or as Magnus said a MacGuffin.

    If Cole returned or Shaw is completely Bryce 2.0, then we shippers may wonder if Sarah may really be attracted to Cole/Shaw. However, thanks to the utter lack of chemistry, I'm assured that Sarah's actions are due to her internal conflicts and worrying over Chuck, not due to any particular interest in Shaw.

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  108. People should listen to Viridis because that is about the closest thing to accurate anyone has gotten here without being actually accurate. :)

    Well said. Whether you turn out to be right is up to the gods but at least you are using some critical thinking skills and I dig that.

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  109. AV
    I think magnus means shaw helps things come to a head betwen chuck and sarah but the PTB stretched his stay for too long where it doesn't make sense to have him around. Good critical thinking?

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  110. BTW, Magnus, I don't suppose you could confirm or deny whether Morgan's leadership seminar is related to Fulcrum recruitment practices?

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  111. Viridis, I take back all the nice things I said about you earlier.

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  112. :-P D'oh, I guess I just crossed the line from critical thinker to conspiracy theorist.

    Is this a bad time to bring up my suspicion that Shaw secretly took a prepared antidote to Cyclosarin and poisoned Sarah in order to fake having emotions in a near-death moment? ^_^

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  113. AV
    This from latest ausiello a snippet about ep3.11.
    So that's why they're seemingly having dinner together. Maybe they're on their fake date and old feelings start coming back up or not whatever. Bad at guessing anyway.:)

    "The following week, Chuck and Sarah go out on a stakate (that’s a mash-up of stakeout and date)"

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  114. Sometimes people are bad at guessing.... and other times they are good at it. And sometimes they guess the right answer but for the wrong scene.

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  115. These conspiracy theories are funny. I have no creativity, but no matter, I can hardly understand this painful season for the shippers.

    I read in twitter (chuckdotnet), 4 characters that are leaving Burbank, anyone have any idea what it is?

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  116. Tulio,
    Jeffster are going on tour with Morgan as band manager and Big Mike as Security...duh.

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  117. Yes but they are spoilers. I know and Magnus sure does but the intrigue must remain. I think I understand more about 3.11 and Chuck's final test. For some reason I think he is going to fail and not be able to be with Sarah. However this is a good thing...

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  118. M-L-A: regarding the fight between Shaw and Chuck
    [ sorry life got in the way of our conversation- Judi : )]
    I have been watching Chuck this season...his life has completely unravelled.
    Being a spy has cost him a chance at happiness with Sarah...
    [for now anyway.]
    Being a spy is taking a toll on his relationship with Ellie ... and even more so with Morgan.
    - and as we've now seen - Hannah has been shattered too.
    He's constantly confronted with the ramifications of Chuck as the Spy Guy Vs. Chuck as the Normal Guy.
    Especially when he hasn't quite measured up as the Spy he wants to be.
    He's hooked on the adrenelin and the allure of greatness that comes with saving the world...
    but at the same time he can't manage the costs.
    That's why I was hoping we'd see the inner turmoil surface in the fight with Shaw.
    Rather than rational self doubt regarding his inadequecies I thought it would have been entertaining to see some raw emotion
    outta our boy...
    Chuck Bartowski does not resort to violence to solve his problems... so a knock down drag out brawl with Shaw is outta character -
    but still - it'd be nice to have a window into his soul at the moment.
    Actions speak louder than words. Cheers

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No flaming, baiting, trolling, expletives, or racism allowed. And NO DISCUSSIONS of the actor's personal lives ever.