Monday, February 14, 2011

CHUCK 4.15: Cat Squad - Reactions

Sexy, like a meow meow -- Property of WB
What did you think of this episode?  Also, my birthday is February 15th, what did you get me?

DISCUSS!

Princess Bailey is so cute! -- Property of LittleChuckFan

147 comments:

  1. happy birthday!

    I will get you a donation.

    kevin

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  2. Happy early birthday, Magnus. For your gift, I got you the ability to see Chuck episodes before regular viewers.

    Oh.. you already had that? Well poo. Just exchange it then!

    Anyway, awesome episode. Very fun.. lots of hotness to go around, and holy crap, a second mention of Sarah's mother. Outstanding. Can't wait for next episode.

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  3. Apparently it's your burfday so happy b-day.

    About the episode:
    Sarah/Ellie scenes were welcomed but felt a little... off... I hope Yvonne and Sarah's chemistry grows a bit better in the coming episodes.

    Other than that, it was actually a really perfect episode. Still felt quite old school CHUCK.

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  4. ohhhhhhhhhh.......This episode was AWESOMME!! cant wait till next week!!

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  5. Fun episode. Not quite the comedic romp that last week was, but fun nonetheless. My favorite parts were Sarah and Ellie getting closer and Sarah practically biting Chuck's head off.

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  6. Happy Birthday!!!!

    The episode was smokin hot!
    I love Carina I miss her so much but I was hoping to say something about Chuck and Sarah.
    Hey Crazy Shippers Sarah wore the ring in the whole episode... are you satisfied now????

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  7. Why is someone like Carina never given her comeuppance for being such a despicable person? Also, why is Morgan still in touch with her if he's so serious about Alex? When will Casey be a competent agent again who actually has an interesting storyline?


    X

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  8. Hahaha. @Nena: I'm sure that scene with her fixing her ring on her finger will be enough to qwell the crazy shippers for yet another week. Watch out, though. Next week introduces another female character! =P

    As for Carina.. she's just a playful girl, an I think Morgan tried to get in touch with her before Alex came along.

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  9. Anon @9:16PM

    1. Carina is someone everyone loves to hate. Besides, she has redeeming qualities. And she backed off.

    2. He's not. It was implied that he didn't continue trying to text her after calling out her name into the night d:

    3. Yeah, that's a good question. Casey was such an afterthought in this episode but whatever. Awesome's absenteeism was more evident, I thought.

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  10. Happy Birthday!!!! I wish you many Sarah belly dances.

    It was a pretty good episode to me. Was glad the blond girl was evil, she was really annoying. I felt the Carina/Morgan thing went on a bit too long. Loved seeing the different sides of Sarah. Really liked that Chuck is starting to understand he can't just fix everything for Sarah. I also agree with Michael about the Sarah/Ellie scene. It was off somehow and came completely out of nowhere considering I can't remember them sharing a scene all season.

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  11. "Awesome's absenteeism was more evident, I thought."

    SOMEONE had to watch the baby.... ;o)

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  12. Sarah's bringing the hot these last few episodes. I'm waiting for the 'net explosion of "OMG Sarah was in a white dress And we saw the ring!!!11!!one!one!1!"

    Another good turn by Carina in general but not as much for her to work with as "Wookie" and "Three Words". It felt like there should have been more--Sarah and Zondra actually seemed to have more. Maybe this just wasn't quite the right episode to feature Carina in.

    Was that actually Casey sharing his lady-feelings there?

    All in all a great time and lots of laughs but I think last week generally was a better episode and a better executed "returning guest star" turn.

    Cor

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  13. One thing bugged me. Beckman says the CAT squad is on lockdown until they identify the mole and then Casey immediately takes Amy with him to interrogate Gaez?

    I don't expect a whole lot of logic from the show, but that one really just hit the "idiot button" a little too obviously given Beckman's orders only seconds before. Amy really could have interrupted Casey's interrogation to the same plot effect.

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  14. This episode definitely wasn't as much fun as last week's.

    When a show turns into a program about wedding planning, I just get this feeling like it's winding down. Or maybe it should move to the Oxygen network.

    I also felt like there was something missing, but I can't put my finger on it.

    The "bonding" stuff between Ellie and Sarah didn't feel natural or real.

    This feels very wrong for me. I'm one of those people who usually loves every episode...to a fault.

    Let's say something positive: Josh Gomez was amazing, as he has been all season.

    But, even with Morgan falling in love, it enhances that "show's winding down" feeling for me.

    Maybe next week will feel better for me. I guess we saw in the preview what the "Love Machine" is.

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  15. Well i thought wasn't the best episode, yeah loved the hot girls, Carina should always be there imo. I didn't really buy the whole cat squad thing, i dunno, it didn't ring true to me. Lou Diamond Phillips was wasted here, his part was too small imo.

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  16. Oh and Happy Birthday Magnus! Whoever asked your age...that is just rude! BTW I loved casey's fist line, brilliant casey! I am looking forward to next week where it becomes apparant that chuck and morgan need seperate apartments!

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  17. Also the lameness of the Chuck/Sarah kisses has gotten to the point where I can't believe they do anything but cuddle in bed. Sooo passionless.

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  18. If we go by leap years that makes you 48.

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  19. Why would I go by leap years? My birthday is the 15th not 29th.

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  20. I am glad Carina is going to be back for the marriage. It looked funny with the Chuck and Sarah situations. The whole Morgan and Carina thing at the end of the episode seemed forced.

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  21. One of my friends who was on set and saw one of the kisses told me the exact same thing magnus keeps on saying....do not blame the actors! it is a higher up problem!

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  22. I enjoyed this ep. I still love Carina to pieces (I wish they'd used her more) and Josh Gomez once again gave an outstanding performance. But I gotta say the spy plot was awful. I mean Casey interrogating the prisoner with a possible mole in the room, Carina pretty much missing everything while monitoring the cameras, and with all the spy upgrades in the buy more the only thing chuck could think to use was broken cd pieces. The writing just felt kinda shoddy. I love that they're developing the sarah/ellie relationship, but again the writing of their scenes together made them feel really stiff and forced. My only other complaint is chuck needs to dial down the spazzy just a tad. I get that chuck is chuck and I don't want him to lose his loveable nerd qualities, but even season 1 chuck knew when to play it cool. It seems like he's always either trying to force something on sarah or apologize to her and I hope now we'll get to see him just relax and play chuck the guy that brings sarah chocolate croissants and makes her laugh.

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  23. I'm not blaming anybody. I'm just saying if they said in the next episode they've never gone past 2nd base I'd believe them. I would rather they just not kiss at all in certain scenes because it sort of just spotlights what is lacking.

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  24. pro
    Yvonne Strahovski
    Sarah Walker in every way
    Hangover Sarah!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!.
    CAT Squad
    Morgan and Alex and Carina of course XD
    Cat fight
    Sarah and Ellie, a little forced, but okey

    contra
    Chuck himself in every way
    But because , are buddy Magnus have a birthday , I won't continue
    :)

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  25. Okay, just have to comment on the promo for next week really quick. First off, Sarah in an angel outfit. Maybe not quite as hot as the belly dancer outfit, but it has potential. Second, looks like Chuck and Morgan are going go their seperate ways. Shows a scene with them each holding either Han Solo or Chewbacca, in their rooms.

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  26. Sue that is way unfair! I mean some scenes like the last one with chuck and sarah required a gentle kiss because it was an intimate moment. I mean if they started to get hot and heavy it would have diluted the moment, I think some fans are just nitpicking for no reason at times. Yeah sometimes more passion is required I will complain but fans just complain about every kiss, it is getting ridiculous, come on people, go on dates!

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  27. I think 60% of the kisses this season are lame. 5% are hawt and 35% qualify as good.

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  28. You are on the East Coast, aren´t you? So I think it should be your birthday by now.

    Hope you are having a good one. :D

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  29. Thank you, awelle. I am having fried calzone for my birthday dinner so, unless it kills me, it should be a good one. :)

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  30. Oh, and I wish for the remainder of the season those numbers would be changed to 60% hot and 5% lame. I think they should make that happen in honor of your birthday. ;)

    ETA: A fried calzone is an awesome dinner. I just moved back somewhere where you can get those, but they sure are dangerous. Seeing as it is your birthday treat, I am confident it won´t kill you, though. :D

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  31. Gina - It is seriously not that big a deal, I just think alot of the kisses have been pointless. I just find it glaring because of how much they tend to sexualize the character of Sarah and yet tend to be quite prudish when it comes to showing any sort of heat between them as a couple. No need to get upset.

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  32. Happy Birthday Magnus!

    Liked the episode, didn't love it - but then again it was a "light/comedic" episode following one of the best "light/comedic" episodes in Chuck history so there was really nowhere to go but down a notch - funny thing it felt exactly like Chuck vs. the Role Models! ;)

    Zman

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  33. Happy birthday Magnus! Love your site and podcasts. Keep it up and stay awesome!

    -A lurker from the other side of the world

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  34. Great episode, I loved it. I don't really understand this talk about ''winding down'' etc. Each episode just makes me more excited about the rest of this season.

    Anyway great episode, enjoyed it more than last week's episode, in some ways.

    Melrache

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  35. Chuckfan808 I'm a die hard chuck fan. And willing to forgive certain holes in episodes. But I don't think this episode is going to help chuck's ratings. It reminded me of chuck vs the mask. Not in a shipper way. But the pacing of episode felt off. We all may be headed for heartbreak when the ratings are released tomorrow. Hope I'm wrong.

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  36. Happy Birthday Magnus,

    I hope you have a good one!



    Jason

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  37. Yeah, I'm not sure about all of Chuck's viewing audience outside of the crazy!Shippers and all that, but generally when you go on dates.. you don't want to just break out in a big, passionate make-out right there. Then again, maybe I'm doing something wrong?

    No, my thinking is since they're official and all of that built up sexual tension that got released after their first kiss in S1, or in the Colonel in S2.. that's not there anymore in S4, so we don't see those impromptu make-outs like woah. Yeah, that built up tension made their 'relationship' of sorts hotter, but there's something about a couple-kiss that makes me smile too.

    Not to say I'm not hoping for super hotness with the next episode based on Sarah's outfit. >.> Powers that be? Make it happen!

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  38. Also, sorry for the double, Magnus, but Happy Birthday.

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  39. I agree with what the rating will look like tomorrow. I have a feeling it going to be low myself. Anyone notice though their not talk about it as much on the forms anymore. I think Chuck losing it appeal to people maybe. Maybe the Moonlight curse it real

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  40. EPISODE QUALITY AND RATINGS HAVE NO RELATIONS!

    I have said this a million times. How the hell would people know whether an episode is good BEFORE THEY WATCH IT?

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  41. This episode had beautiful women and that's a good reason for males to watch it and to raise a bit the ratings .

    Nicholas Wootton has written my least favourite episodes so far!

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  42. Someone's Google Fu is pretty poor. There's still plenty of discussion about the show going on. Happy bday Magnus.

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  43. Not much talk on NBC forums because of the new feature NBC installed: laaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaag!

    Zman

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  44. Since people are expecting poor ratings, the TV gods will be sure to make this the highest rated episode of the season. ;)

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  45. Why don't they show a tv sex scene like they did with chuck and jill but this time with chuck and sarah...that would definately raise the ratings.... a lot! I only say this because I read the above comments and it seems people are desperate for some heat.....some sexiness!

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  46. Because they are afraid too much heat with drive shippers crazy and explode their brains and they don't want to be responsible for all that death.

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  47. It would indeed explode their brains. Happy Birthday.

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  48. i loved this eppisod but i was just wondering were whas mary? was she on a mission? i just think its a little stupid tht it took so long to get her back and she wasnt even at there party. Or watever it was. jamie

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  49. Happy Birthday D.R. !

    Cat Squad was pure fun and a Chuck twist.
    Can't wait for next week.

    TS

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  50. Happy Birthday, Magnus! I wish you a great day!

    Now, to the episode: WTF? Did they just waste so much hotness (and I am a straight woman) and Lou Diamond Phillips on that plot? Really?

    THE GOOD:

    1) Josh Gomez was AMAZING. His "it's a trap" delivery was just so funny! (Carina's pushing him away was also priceless)

    2) Nice casting. The "cats" were well cast, so was Lou Diamond Philips.

    3) The Porsche explosion could have looked worse, so YAY.

    4) Close encounters, hahahahahahahahahahahahha.

    5) Finally mentioning the Woodcombes...they surely would have wanted to visit their grandchild by now.

    6) The "ropes down the helicopter" scene was just great.

    7) The "samba" music wasn't as fake as it usually is on TV, and the dancers were kinda dressed accordingly, though they did NOT know how to samba (but this is luckily no "So you think you can dance", so I will not complain);

    8) The opening scene ruled! Everytime we get to see what goes on in Morgan's mind is a treat! (like the Hart to Hart opening sequence on season 3);

    THE BAD:

    1) Awful, awful spy plot, even for Chuck standards;

    2) Ellie and Sarah's bonding seemed so forced...not natural at all...I don't know what went wrong there;

    3)Casey (who usually follows orders very precisely) bringing a possible mole into the interrogation room after Beckman told them they were on lockdown;

    4) Morgan already LOOOOOOVES Alex and says it several times....a bit rushed to me, but, hey, it's Chuck...Their interaction in the end also seemed forced...

    5) Who were all those dozens of people at their engagement party? They weren't Chuck's family, nor Sarah's, Chuck isn't in touch with his Stanford friends, Sarah had 2 friends there...Is the CIA hiring extras for spy-parties?

    6) Lou Diamond Phillips is just too awesome to be used in so few scenes. We didn't event get to feel his badassness. How can a super bad guy like him be beat up by Chuck soooo quickly?

    7) How many times has a Team B been knocked out by or threatened with some powder?

    8) Chuck would rather let a criminal (who knows him, his friends and family, Castle and where he lives) escape than have to hit a girl who is attacking him? Ok, it is Chuck, but come on! It's not like he is going to kill her and she could come back for his family!


    AND THE UGLY:

    1) Alex's dress at the party did not do her any favors, it looked like it was going to burst any second;

    2) Sarah's golden Vegas-escort dress was just an eye sore;

    3) Though they are hedious, it is nice to see that Morgan still has the same bed sheets;

    4) The invitation to the engagement party on Chuck's computer: soooo tacky!! Is he trying to top the ring box/red lego treasure chest?

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  51. No Jeff or Lester.
    This episode fails because of this.

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  52. I loved this episode just like old seasons. chuck was defenceless and sarah was confident...
    cats were hot!!
    happy birthday magnus!!
    12 february was my birthday can you give me any spoilers about governer for birthday present:)))

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  53. Thought it to be a good episode, but not among the best. However I laughed out loud when they introduced Zondra, "The Bitch".

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  54. @jamie
    I noticed that as well, but assumed she was off being a superspy, although you'd think she could have stopped in to say hi. Also was it me or was there no Awesome in this episode at all? Even at the party? Was he standing in the background and I missed him?
    -OPD

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  55. Don't you think it wasn't suppose to be super natural and should have been a bit akward, because Sarah never really had a normal friend, so she is kinda reserved in such situations. It's like you want smooth sailing between those two, but this is exactly in Sarah character to be a bit akward around Ellie, especially during "real" interaction.

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  56. Happy birthday, Magnus. I hope you have a great day. I've been trying to send a little donation your way, but Paypal is being ornery.

    From above:
    "5) Who were all those dozens of people at their engagement party? They weren't Chuck's family, nor Sarah's, Chuck isn't in touch with his Stanford friends, Sarah had 2 friends there...Is the CIA hiring extras for spy-parties?"

    Thank you. I was about to bring that up. It reminded me of the birthday party in the pilot that was populated with all of Ellie's friends. It just didn't seem like a "Chuck" party.

    I realize they have budget issues and can't have all the cast in every episode, but the party didn't feel right without more familiar faces. Who were these people supposed to be?

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  57. Thanks, dkd.

    I have no idea who those people were. Maybe Buy More corporate? Ellie's friends? Some of Chuck's secret friends?

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  58. Also was I the only person who didn't think the Sarah/Ellie scenes seemed forced or awkward? I mean I get that its a bit odd because the Sarah/Ellie interaction on the show is so infrequent, but I thought both scenes were nice. Also I understood why, with the whole digging into the past issue, it was easier for Sarah to deal with Ellie, rather than Chuck who was being his usual overzealous self about it. And I liked that Ellie (who tends to annoy me because she is freaking out over something) was being fairly calm and helpful to Sarah. It was really great counterpoint to Chuck's way of dealing with it which was great I thought.
    Also happy B-Day Magnus!
    -OPD

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  59. I liked the Sarah and Ellie scenes. But I also understand why some people felt they were awkward. They have never spoken this way to each other before, or at least that we have seen.

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  60. I took the awkwardness as Sarah still being a bit intimidated by Ellie when it comes to "real world" things. Ellie is a mature, accomplished, self-assured woman. The perfect sister, the perfect wife and it appears to be that she is going to be the perfect mother. Sarah sees herself as none of those things.

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  61. I also liked those Ellie/Sarah scenes, even though I agree that they were awkward. But I also think that Sarah being awkward around Ellie feels kind of right. They obviously are quite fond of each other, though. I like that.

    And I already wondered last week which people Chuck would have wanted there for his big family wedding, because the family we ever saw him interact with is rather small and he hasn´t been shown to really have friends outside of Team B.

    I guess we are left to assume, that he is somehow in contact with some extended family, but the crowded party still felt strange, especially considering that the pilot introduced us to a Chuck whose birthday party was populated only with Ellie´s friends. And it was strange to not see MamaB or Awesome there.

    I hope you are still having a great birthday and it would be nice, if someone got you some better Chuck ratings for the occasion. ;)

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  62. Happy Birthday Magnus! Hope your having a great day, and getting everything you always wanted (besides Sarah and Hannah, because they are mine)!! ;)

    A quick question, a couple of weeks ago you said that 416 was going to be a fans dream episode. What exactly do you mean by that and since you have been pretty quiet about the episode lately, do you still feel that 416 will be that amazing?

    Thank you,
    AB

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  63. I doubt it is EVERY fan's dream episode. Just a dream episode for those who want some specific things to happen.

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  64. Can you clarify what those specific things are? ;)

    AB

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  65. Happy Birthday - [and many more]
    All the folks at the party seems OK - but where were the Buymorons???? they missed some huge comedy there. go figure..... Not sure how Chuck and Sarah have a big party without explaining who all these guests are...
    Thought that the Sarah - Ellie conversation was supposed to be awkward... its the first time we've ever seen them on that level. Sarah is making the attempt to open up - and its very uncomfortable for her... how else would it come across... she's reluctant.
    I'm almost dissappointed we didn't get to see Morgan sqirm on the hook a bit longer. The Carina - Morgan - Alex triangle would have been fun to watch.... and no - not necessarily all at once either - [ The show would not dare go near that]...
    Very good Episode, and I like the way its pointing all the characters toward their end of season 'destiny'... for lack of a better term.
    What did you think of " Pussy" line?... partly funny - partly shocking.
    ~ cheers

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  66. I like the episode last night.. idk why, but is love to see Morgan and Karina together.. I like him and Alex.. but Karina and him, would be like Sarah and Chuck.. I loved Morgan's loyalty.. But like I said I'd like to see Morgan and Karina together.. I guess bc I love Karina on the show&&bc from the beginning Morgan liked Karina, that's who he wanted, Id like to see Karina realising that its not just about having being a spy, like Sarah realized that Love doesn't make you weak.. and her chemistry with Morgan.. I loved how Sarah and Chuck fix things.. they talk about it, and an apology never fails..

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  67. hungover sarah for the win. that made the episode,that made up for the lame spy storyline

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  68. Happy Birthday, Magnus. Enjoy it!

    The CAT-squad episode was fine but nothing more than that. Good and interesting setups to the next episodes, especially the bonding scenes between Sarah and Ellie. The CAT-squad story was somewhat simplistic but no problems for me there - a very funny vehicle for more Sarah back story and the Margon/Alex/Carina-triangle.

    But the "Chuck & Sarah issue of the week" was not good executed (or even written?). The general idea was very good but it was very uncharacteristicly for the show in unbalance. The standard pattern of setup-before-the-mission, mingling-during-the-mission and rounding-at-the-end was there but the setup was done in public (=in front of the CAT-squad) but the rounding was not done public and only private between C&S. So that was leaving Chuck as a kind of idiot in the eyes of the CAT-squad. If they don't come back to that later in the season then in my opinion they made a serious mistake. If they do come back on it, which I hope but don't expect, then I apologize.

    I had strongly the impression that the writer of CAT-squad didn't have a good feeling for the characters and their current development. I cannot imagine this was really the case but I have no other way to describe it. Especially in contrast to the range Balcony, Yuri the Gobbler, Push Mix and Seduction Impossible where Chuck's character was spot on - grown as man and spy while his original "nerd & somewhat clumsy qualities" still there - it seemed Chuck was too much back to its S1/S2-character. To bring back the S1/S2 atmosphere is very good but not with sacrificing Chuck's character growth.

    Sarah's character was more or less okay. Morgan was good, perhaps even a step too far in his development, he could withstand Carina too well at the end (but okay, that last thing is just a very monor detail and just my interpretation)

    Hopefully next week back on track with Chuck's character development. I am counting on it.

    Just my 2 cents. I love the show but I am not afraid to be critical at the same time.

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  69. I think they rush things with everything. I understand that and it's ok because the writers don't know if they get another season so they try to give us as much as possible in every episode

    Is there any chance to bring back Ali Adler? I really miss her right now :( just a crazy thought

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  70. 1.7 rating again.

    I wouldn't call that good news, no matter how much some will spin that. Especially when I expect ratings to drop more in a few weeks.

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  71. @Magnus: why do you expect ratings to drop more in a few weeks?

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  72. Why do you expect ratings drop more?? Is there any exciting act in future episodes?? volkoff or vivian or anything else? Please dôn't be so depressing!!

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  73. Happy B-day Magnus!
    Why do you think the ratings for CHUCK are going to go below a 1.7???? Does this mean CHUCK won't get a fifth season????? If so please tell me so I can go to NBC headquarters, burn down the place and then go and find and kill those morons who prefer to watch shows like Dancing with Stars instead of CHUCK. I'm going to go all Sarah on their a** if CHUCK doesn't get the fifth and final season it deserves. Man I sound crazy right now. lol
    And people stop complaining about the plot holes, or about Chuck and Sarah kisses, or about how things feels rushed. If your a real fan you'll just sit back every Monday, and enjoy the show because thats what is a show, a beautiful show. CHUCK is not real life peplz.
    Brittany

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  74. First of all, happy birthday Magnus!

    About the episode, for me it was a great missed opportunity, with a huge unexploited potential: especially Carina, that seemed totally out of place all the time, to single moments, like the Sarah hungover. But I guess that it is difficult to come after Seduction Impossible...

    Now a short question: do you expect the ratings to drop because of a seasonal factor (going to spring, new shows, etc...) or is it a prediction because you don't expect much from the coming episodes?

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  75. rich says

    there were two over the top cliche moments of Chuck's that I wish they would stop doing!

    the chuck falling through the skylight exactly when sarah was finding out who the mole was was super annoying and I could see it coming a mile away,
    and Chuck getting beat up by Amy after telling the audience: "yeah remember, I can't fight girls, wink wink" I felt like the writer was just taking mediocre scenes from previous episodes and adapting them for this plot and calling it an episode.

    It really did feel like the season 4 version of role models. But I definately enjoyed it overall. some great moments from casey, morgan, and between chuck and sarah.

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  76. rich says
    and "look at all the bad guys I just tranqued" really made me cringe.

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  77. People just prepare yourselves for this being the last season. Cause it is

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  78. Happy Birthday, Magnus!!

    I really enjoyed this episode. I was expecting a cat fight between Carina and Alex, however. Luckily for Morgan and everyone else involved that that didn't happen.

    Carina was awesome in this episode, but she was also a real jerk to Morgan and Alex.

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  79. Also looks to me that they going to cancel the whole Monday line up now. Everything doing bad.

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  80. MAGNUS!!!
    Happy B-Day!!!
    Chuck Fans from Turkey!!!

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  81. Happy Birthday Magnus and lets hope you are wrong and the ratings go up. I have a feeling it's because Timothy dalton is not on the show right now but if he is coming back then I have a feeling the rating will go up. Hopefully

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  82. Final overnight ratings:
    1.74 A18-49.

    But Men 18-49 at series low (1.63). In the past, male ratings were higher than female. This week, a slight rise in chick ratings to 1.84 salvaged the 1.7.

    The most serious issue is Men 18-34. 40% of them have disappeared since The Balcony episode.

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  83. as I said yesterday,
    I wish to you a Very Very Happy Birthday

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  84. In regards to ratings in the future, there is no time of year that is easier to get good ratings than in the dead of winter(like now). As Spring, approaches, people watch less TV. Less TV watching = lower ratings.

    If Chuck can't get more than a 1.7 in the winter, it's going to be very hard to get it in the Spring when people go out more, particularly the demos they need most to rebound--like Men 18-34.

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  85. I guess men have lost interest in Chuck... or, should I say, Chuck's ability to get Sarah. He has her. They are bored.

    So, the lesson is: never put your romantic leads together.

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  86. sucks for them.. look at all the sexiness we have had!

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  87. rich says
    If the cost of Chuck and Sarah getting together and getting married is the loss of a season, or maybe just 13 episodes, I would have it no other way.
    I think this season would make a great last season.

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  88. Just more proof that men are dumb.

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  89. IMO, it's not just that the leads are together, it's the focus on wedding planning. Chuck and Sarah were together for quite a while before the young male ratings started to dive.

    It's after the ring made its first appearance, that it started. I guess that marked when Chuck really had her.

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  90. But it seems JS other show is in trouble as well, Gossip Girl tanked to 0.7 or so. Everything was down yesterday...which unfortunately don't help Chuck.

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  91. magnus said
    "SPLIT THEM UP!"

    rich says
    I'm game, for a few episode long arc. just get them married by the end of the season.

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  92. New "save Chuck" campaign:

    SAVE CHUCK! Kill Sarah!

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  93. Wow magnus is even calling it quits sounds like to me. I sorry even if Chuck and Sarah where not together we still be getting the rating we are getting now. Everything down. Even Harry Law not doing good.

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  94. "Wow magnus is even calling it quits sounds like to me."

    OMFG!!! IT IS OVER!!!!!111one

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  95. Wow it even sounds like Magnus is calling it quits. I dont think it has anything to do with Chuck and Sarah being together or apart. Everything down. I still think no matter the outcome of the Sarah and Chuck ship we still be getting the ratings.

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  96. No! Kill Chuck and Sarah, and re-name the show Jeffster. Change the genre to faux reality with Morgan as their manager. It'll be gold Jerry, gold!

    I would watch that.

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  97. To me it over cause you opinion mean more than anyone else. You like the end all of end all with Chuck man.

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  98. rich says...
    cmon that person isn't a native english speaker, they might not understand your sarcasm.
    But yes, there are plenty of other fans out there saying that.

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  99. I am not calling it quits, you nutjobs. I am just saying that the ratings will likely drop more. When I call it quits, you won't have to guess whether I am or not. I will make it pretty obvious.

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  100. Well i am. Their no way with the rating Chuck will get a season 5. I see comcast dumping everything

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  101. Well, now that our resident expert and insider, Anonymous, has said so, I guess we can just make it official.

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  102. They don't have to kill off Sarah to salvage this. They can have Chuck wake up to find that everything since episode 311 is a dream.

    Shaw is still alive and he has to win her all over again...except it's harder this time.

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  103. I still think that outlaw, the cape, the event, maybe outsourced, law and order los angles, chase and community up on the bubble with similar ratings chuck could survive if an agreement can be reached between nbc/comcast and wb on lowering the licence fee to next to nothing. 100 episodes and that is all she wrote would be a fine way to go out, if not...we got 65 episodes more than the brilliant terriers....we are lucky.

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  104. magnus or anyone else, what is the easiest way to find out who wrote an episode?

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  105. How much weight does that rewardtv survey have? Obviously it doesn't have as much as the actual ratings, but I'm wondering if it does at least count for something, since it's run by Nielsen.

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  106. I like the number 78 - same as original Trek, would somehow seem fitting! Really 4 is a great number of seasons and they have done all they really need to do to the show. I don't want to see Sarah popping out babies and making Chuck pancakes in the morning and then running off to Russia to shoot bad guys. Have the wedding, give them the walk into the sunset and call it "perfect". It's the way I see it. Besides I am so done with Chuck fans bellyaching about bracelets and rings and "Chuck not being a nerd anymore" shoot me now! As far as guys being morons? I am uniquely qualified to buy into that. :)

    Zman

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  107. Easiest way to find out who wrote an episode? Pay attention to the opening credits.

    -Sarah's hangover

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  108. "Easiest way to find out who wrote an episode? Pay attention to the opening credits."

    - The pause button might prove helpful in that regard.

    Sincerely,

    Chuck's watch

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  109. Yes, many things were off with this episode, which generally felt rather poorly executed. Personally, I find the whole "Chucks large family" compared to Sarahs lack thereof, quite hilarious. Chuck has one sister, her husband, their baby, and his mother. And one friend - Morgan. By what stretch of the imagination is that a large family-friend base?!? It makes the whole issue laughable. If they'd played it as she helped chuck to reconnect with his mother and he wanted to do the same for her, it may have been believable, but as it is it's a bit lame. As was the whole engagement party. No Buymorians at the engagement party was nothing short of sacrilege.


    They just didn't have it sorted this episode and it showed. And inwont even mention Lame Cheek Peck #127....

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  110. ok, on the ratings: I believe Chuck is a very underestimated show. People just don't seem to realise how good the show really is though I agree that some episodes this season are a little off in terms of what Chuck essence has always been about, if you know what I mean. Don't know if it has to do with the new writing and the fact that they still need a little bit of understanding on the show's dynamic.
    On the kisses: some I agree that they should remain lame. However, many times I go like: "Come on give me a real kiss!" because in some scenes a smooch is just...off..weird some how. But for now I can handle it xD

    On your birthday, Dear Almighty Lord Magnus:
    Happy Birthday!! Sorry for the dealy but I've been wawy from here and twitter for health issues ;)

    Thank you for always giving me some spoilers to think about and for being a major reason why chuck has been renwed (believe it! :D)

    Sincerely,
    Cláudia

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  111. I agree with Ruby about how odd Chuck's "Large Family wedding" fetish is when he has never been shown to have either a large family or a large circle of friends. Even his sister really wanted the small wedding on the beach and I can buy her having a larger circle of friends than Chuck.

    Of course, there are all those "secret friends" that showed up at his engagement party and all looked like accountants. :-)

    If Chuck had friends we haven't met, I would have expected them to look like gamers and computer hackers. But, that's just me.

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  112. In regards to Reward TV:

    It's owned by Nielsen. The purpose is to do "engagement" research and sell the results to clients. It's not known how many clients purchase the research. Engagement research tries to determine not how many people watch the show, but how much they pay attention to the show AND the commercials AND the product placement.

    Chuck supposedly gets good scores, according to the few published articles about the results.

    It doesn't hurt that fans participate, but it doesn't have a baring on cancel/don't cancel decisions.

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  113. That last kiss.... the thing is she said he was perfect and he said I will stick to those things that make me pefect and she smiled, but only half a smile, it was like she wanted to actually smile at what he said a bit longer because it was a nice moment but then she suddenly realised...oh crap in the script I have to give him a kiss....so it is like the kiss was not at the right moment sort of and that is why I think it seemed off...do you guys know what I mean? afterwards when she kept on smiling at him after the kiss that felt more genuine, sometimes kisses can be lame if they are not put at the right moments in the script. Like suitcase, great kiss because it was the right moment in the script, same with gobbler and balcony, I think it is down to the writer in the end of the day!

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  114. It would not suprise me if on their travels around chuck-spyworld, chuck made more friends then either casey or sarah. Bryce liked him, so did cole and even shaw in other guy did not want to sell him out. So I buy that most of those people could be his friends from around the world, he is just a likable person.

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  115. Beth, it is not up to the writer if a kiss is either executed a certain way or edited a certain way. And as for your other point, perhaps if this was a high school play... but it isn't, so no. No professional actor gets that confused.

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  116. Then how come when rafe, lauren, ali, matt miller or kristen newman do a script the kisses generally come off much better, the emotions of the characters come off far more genuine (except fake name) and the episodes feel far more deeper? I mean if the material or pacing of the material does not feel right can we not tell that actors (as much of a professional as they are) are not feeling it?

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  117. Beth, I don't even know what you are saying to be true. But if true, perhaps that is because those writers are put on episodes where the producers want the kisses to have a bigger impact on the audience. But it mostly comes down to what happens on set and in the editing room. Writers don't usually act, direct, shoot, or edit the episodes.

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  118. Enough said, thank you very much magnus for your feedback and time, it has been very informative. One day I would love to know how certain writers material pretty much always gets translated into a better episode via editing, acting, directing, etc. Must be a happy coincidence.....

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  119. I do so love passive aggressive people...

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  120. I don't find the episodes boring. I've always known that Chuck is more than just a spy show, obviously. The plot of the show has been focusing more on the relationship since the middle of season 3. Can't say I really mind them together and I certainly don't think the general fact of them being "together" is hurting the ratings. It just seems like it's too much of the show now. Being shoved down our throat scene after scene. Producers, writers, editing, etc are all catering to the crazy shippers.

    The relationship stuff (in any show) should be a secondary part of the show to the major plot. In this case: spying, intersect, character past reveals, etc. I almost feel like this computer in Chuck's head isn't really a big deal anymore. Everyone should have one, you're not cool unless you have a super computer in your noggin'. Plus, the Volkoff arc went too long and the resolution was too flat. They do that all the time on this show.

    Crash

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  121. You know in a way (I am a fan of chuck and sarah, not a shipper or crazy shipper) that once chuck and sarah got together and they spent a few episodes exploring the new relationship dynamic they would ease up a little. I would love just to have scenes where music plays and he is just bringing her breakfast in bed or smelling a rose and giving it to her, or kissing her on the cheek before going to bed or them at the vegetable market talking about music, tv, movies, rock climbing (anything, everything), them at a bar by themselves on with friends, etc. Where these scenes take 2-3 minutes of an episode and then they concentrate on the missions and story. By doing that they show that they are happy and that there is intimacy and romance but it is not too forced and too much....as Sepinwall said to Fedak, "Can't chuck and sarah ever just be happy?"

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  122. rich says
    i humbly disagree that the volkoff arc went on too long. Flat resolution? yes. but, as we all know, it hasn't been resolved yet.
    I totally hate that they are ignoring the intersect. like really? it gets taken out, mary's explanation is "I didn't want you to follow me" and then it gets put back in, mary "knows everything there is to know about the intersect" etc, and now we are going to just forget about that and focus on all the relationships... tres disappointing if you ask me.

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  123. Happy belated birthday Magnus. I hope there was much cake.

    Re: Chuck - can Chuck stop saying 'Hey, I get it, I understand' when he's CLEARLY got different issues to Sarah and doesn't really get it, despite his good intentions.

    It would be nice if he stopped saying that he understands so much, and starts showing it a little more. However, his 'I deserved that' and promise to stop helping did show he learned. Ish.

    Sarah has friends :) This makes me happy.

    The Morgan/Alex 'drama' (if you can call it that) was a little petty, but watch-able. The Cats weren't exactly as I'd imagined... but they were fun. AND we get a guarantee of more Carina sometime in the future! Well, should the wedding be the season/season 5 happens and we get the wedding then. Ok, maybe it's not a guarantee, but it's a start.

    BTW was Carina using a walking stick to trap Morgan in Castle? Fantastic.

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  124. Oh yer, and I'm not sure if it was here that it was stated, but the car that was blown up was a Porsche Carrera S- Sarah has always driven a Porsche Boxter S.

    If I recall rightly, they reference it as being Sarah's car later in the ep - so - Puh-Lot Hole!

    Ah well, at least it was the only one in the episode.

    :D

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  125. I got to say one thing.... chuck! Dude! Stop grovelling man! You are very good looking, you have an intersect in your brain that let's you do anything and you dated Hannah! Come on! Start putting Sarah in her place! Slap her on the bum if she misbehaves! I really do not like how some of the writers are allowing chuck to be treated this season!

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  126. Some of you need to remember this is a TV show. It is not real.

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  127. Yeah it is not real, so they can write anything they want to, so how about making chuck awesome and sexy like a meow meow! Why did Sarah not stick up for chuck in front of her ex team.... Chuck is alright, not much of a catch, he can, t take on Amy and gaez, etc, etc! Does everyone forget that chuck is the one that figured out that Amy was the mole, casey said the whole CIA looked at files 10 times and could not figure out what chuck figured out. Also chuck has taken out three major criminal organisations in 3 years. Chuck is awesome and everyone should know that and bow down and testify! Oh and the cat squad chased gaez for years and could not do what chuck did, enough said

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  128. @Ruby
    You're wrong. Sarah always drove a Carrera 4S, check out vs. the broken heart at the end. Only the rims are different. :)
    Also Sarah Walker would never drive a chick car like a Boxter S. ;)

    BTW, really breaks my heart that the Porsche's gone. Bummer. :(

    Andy

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  129. Ok Magnus I get your point ! Chuck has such an aura about him, he is charming and charismatic, it is just a shame that the writers take this route that is all. Nevermind I love chuck the character too much maybe.

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  130. rich says
    I think at the dinner table the writer missed the golden opportunity for Chuck to be confronted with parts of Sarah's past, to have the cat squad telling a couple of old stories of Sarah being emotionless, doing crazy things, and Sarah not liking that Chuck is hearing about that side of her.
    They kinda sorta did it with the "shots of snake blood" but not really.

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  131. Ooh you're right, my bad - how embarrassing! I've more car respect now - I guess she had to spend all those spy checks on something... I wonder if they're clearing the way for her to get a Prius as part of the new 'domesticated' Sarah storyline...

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  132. Cheques. Not Checks.

    Double embarrassing.

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  133. Americans write "checks" not "cheques". Triple embarassing?

    -Sarah's hangover

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  134. No, not this time, for I am not American. We prefer to spell words in the correct English fashion.

    :P

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  135. The origin of the word cheque is French.....just saying:)

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  136. I suppose it's not just "crazy shippers" anymore but crazy Chucksters in general but I see the appeal. On a personal level I am a photographer, writer, and cinema nut so I look at a show or a movie in a different way. I can always appreciate a great plot, acting, dialogue, and obviously the way something is shot is very important to me but I toss that all aside with Chuck because the "appeal" of the whole is far greater than the actual parts and quality of the show itself. I've seen very few things ever that have such a pure and simple allure as Chuck. It's a show of total and pure fantasy set in the framework of the reality most of us are familiar with. That coupled with the extremely likable characters and the hearty emotionalism tends to suck you in. My wife always tells me after a hard day of work "I want to live in Chuckworld!" All of that makes it an easy show to really love. I admit I think about Chuckworld more often than I probably realize. Before Chuck my favorite show of all time was BSG but it's not a place you'd ever want to visit. I never would want to experience anything in that dark dank universe! But if I could totally live in Chuckworld Burbank and hang with those people, it has that sort of magic to it. It's right up there with walking into Cheers and ordering a beer from Sam Malone, or partying the night away in Rome with Marcello, or living in a small Paris apartment next to Amelie. :) I guess in the end I cannot blame people too much for obsessing about the details of Chuckworld.

    Zman

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  137. well put zman, well put.

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