Re: Chuck -3x16 -"Chuck vs. the Tooth"-Discuss/Grade <SPOILERS>
I enjoyed this one. Of course, I have yet to see an episode of Chuck that I haven't.
Given how Chuck has been getting rather settled in to being a spy, it makes sense that the Intersect is settling into his subconscious and all that information is beginning to affect his dreams. So I can buy him putting disconnected imagery together via the Intersect in his dreams. It's not really all that different from "flashing".
Casey was a gem in this episode. Him tranq-ing Morgan at the symphony was a LOL moment. And his beating Sarah to appealing to the doctor to see and help Chuck shows how much he has evolved from the handler waiting for the kill order of season 1. He's gone from merely tolerating Chuck to being one of his best friends and willing to do nearly anything for him. And losing none of his grizzled demeanor in the process. On top of that, he and Morgan are turning into one hell of an unlikely comic team.
And it is very ominous having the Ring use Ellie to reach her father. She's the weakest link of Chuck's inner circle, in that she's the only one still in the dark. I think she is going to have a big eye-opening moment in a couple of episodes, as she is going to have to find out the truth about her family. At this point, it is more dangerous for her NOT to know. And, boy oh boy, is she ever going to be pissed to find out she is the last to know that her father is a CIA scientist and her own little brother is an agent himself. When she finds out that Awesome has known for over a year now and that not only does Morgan know, but he is an agent now as well, there will be hell to pay in the Bartowski neighborhood. She's going to really be hurt as she has thought of herself as being more important to Chuck than that. She won't see it as her brother trying to protect her from all this big stuff happening around her, as Chuck has seen it the last three years. At least, not at first.
I loved seeing Anna Woo's return, but found it to be something of a waste. We all knew that Morgan has progressed without needing her to illustrate it. She could have been a much better use to the overall story than this. Maybe by having her new boyfriend fall onto either the Ring's or Team Bartowski's radar and using their past connection as a way in. Or she should have been in spy-school thanks to Casey. Something. This seems like such a waste. Although, it DID provide for just the right level of creepy from Jeffster.
In conclusion, I am giving this episode a Big Mike. Everything was great, it just didn't leave me with a "YEAH!" feeling as many other episodes have done. And with just three episodes left this season, I am leaving room for improvement and expecting to use it.
ETA: Make that two episodes. As it appears they are combining the last two episodes into a two hour season finale. And yes, season. Everything is pointing to Chuck being renewed for a fourth season at the NBC upfronts next Monday. My fingers are still crossed though until official word comes out.
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