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	<title>Film School Rejects &#187; Chuck Recap</title>
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		<title>TV Review: &#8216;Chuck&#8217; Goes 3D, But Loses a Dimension</title>
		<link>http://www.filmschoolrejects.com/tv/tv-review-chuck-goes-3d-but-loses-a-dimension.php</link>
		<comments>http://www.filmschoolrejects.com/tv/tv-review-chuck-goes-3d-but-loses-a-dimension.php#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 03 Feb 2009 03:16:10 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Neil Miller</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Chuck Recap]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[TV for Movie Lovers]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Adam Baldwin]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Chuck]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Dominic Monaghan]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Jerome Bettis]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Yvonne Strahovski]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Zachary Levi]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.filmschoolrejects.com/?p=31089</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[The world has learned a very important lesson this weekend -- 3D does not work well when applied to television viewing. Unfortunately, the distraction of 3D almost caused me to miss another great episode of the show I've come to love.]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<h2 style="text-align: center;"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-31091" title="chuck-212" src="http://www.filmschoolrejects.com/images/chuck-212.jpg" alt="chuck-212" width="580" height="280" /></h2>
<h2>Chuck, NBC, Airs Mondays 8/7c</h2>
<p><strong>Episode:</strong> &#8220;Chuck vs. the Third Dimension&#8221; (Season 2, Episode 12)</p>
<p>The world has learned a very important lesson this weekend &#8212; 3D does not work well when applied to television viewing. On Sunday night we watched as a series of commercials flash in front of our blurry blue and red eyes, hinting briefly at and failing to achieve that coveted third dimension. It was a clear sign that the medium just isn&#8217;t ready for in-home viewing, and should probably stay where it belongs for now, in theaters. So by Monday night it was clear that NBC&#8217;s ambitious 3D episode of <a href="/tag/chuck"><em>Chuck</em></a> was already at a disadvantage. I knew going in that it was going to be a painful experience, quite literally. And though my eyes were burning five minutes into the episode and my better judgment was telling me to take the glasses off, I kept them on. I was hell-bent on giving <em>Chuck </em>a fair shot in 3D.</p>
<p>Unfortunately, the distraction of 3D almost caused me to miss another great episode of the show I&#8217;ve come to love. We meet Chuck (Zachary Levi) where we found him, newly paranoid about the intentions of his pseudo girlfriend Sarah (Yvonne Strahovski) after witnessing her own private version of the Christmas Eve massacre. In this next episode though, there is no time for the sorting out of &#8220;feelings,&#8221; as a hotshot Brit punk Billy Idol wannabe named Tyler Martin, played by <em>Lost</em> star Dominic Monaghan, has come to town with a mysterious and deadly following. And as Casey (Adam Baldwin) and Sarah try and unravel the plot around the rocker, Chuck of course gets stuck right in the middle of the action. Meanwhile back at the Buy More, former NFL star Jerome Bettis guest stars as an ex-con who has recently been hired on by Big Mike. And unbeknownst to Lester, Morgan and Jeff, this new employee may be a lot more trouble than they planned for.</p>
<p>Despite being completely weighed down by the gimmick of 3D, this was actually another well-written episode of Chuck. Even though these episodes seem to match a clear formula &#8212; Chuck whines about being the Intersect, Chuck&#8217;s whining leads to him getting into trouble, Sarah saves the day &#8212; they win with genuinely fun performances from one of the best casts on television and a wit that is in the upper-echelon of today&#8217;s TV world. Season two has also found great success, as it does in this episode, with mixing in some great celebrity cameos. As well, the ebb and flow of the relationship between Chuck and Sarah continues to be interesting where it should be getting tired. It is hard to say how much longer the show&#8217;s creative team can keep that up without having to go in a new direction. But with only a few more episodes left in this season, I have a feeling that they will do just fine for themselves. Just no more 3D episodes, seriously. It simply doesn&#8217;t work.</p>
<p><strong>Up Next Week:</strong> While helping a depressed Morgan spy on Anna, Chuck flashes on her boyfriend; Jeff and Lester beg Ellie to hire them to play at her wedding.</p>
<p>Read More: <a href="http://www.filmschoolrejects.com/category/tv-for-movie-lovers/chuck-recap" target="_blank"><strong>Chuck Recaps</strong></a></p>
<p><em>What did you think of this week&#8217;s episode of Chuck?</em></p>
<h2  class="related_post_title">Related Reading:</h2><ul class="related_post"><li><a href="http://www.filmschoolrejects.com/tv/tv-review-when-its-spy-vs-idiot-chuck-still-wins.php" title="TV Review: When It&#8217;s Spy vs. Idiot, Chuck Still Wins">TV Review: When It&#8217;s Spy vs. Idiot, Chuck Still Wins</a></li><li><a href="http://www.filmschoolrejects.com/tv/time-to-catch-up-on-all-the-action-chuck-has-been-getting.php" title="Time to Catch Up on All the Action &#8216;Chuck&#8217; Has Been Getting">Time to Catch Up on All the Action &#8216;Chuck&#8217; Has Been Getting</a></li><li><a href="http://www.filmschoolrejects.com/tv/tv-review-chuck-26-chuck-versus-the-ex.php" title="TV Review: Chuck 2.6 &#8211; Chuck Versus The Ex">TV Review: Chuck 2.6 &#8211; Chuck Versus The Ex</a></li><li><a href="http://www.filmschoolrejects.com/tv/tv-review-chuck-24-chuck-vs-the-cougars.php" title="TV Review: Chuck 2.4 &#8211; Chuck vs. the Cougars">TV Review: Chuck 2.4 &#8211; Chuck vs. the Cougars</a></li><li><a href="http://www.filmschoolrejects.com/tv/tv-review-chuck-22-chuck-vs-the-seduction.php" title="TV Review: Chuck 2.2 &#8211; Chuck vs. The Seduction">TV Review: Chuck 2.2 &#8211; Chuck vs. The Seduction</a></li><li><a href="http://www.filmschoolrejects.com/tv/tv-review-chuck-21-chuck-vs-the-first-date.php" title="TV Review: Chuck 2.1 &#8211; Chuck vs. The First Date">TV Review: Chuck 2.1 &#8211; Chuck vs. The First Date</a></li><li><a href="http://www.filmschoolrejects.com/tv/tv-review-chuck-25-chuck-versus-tom-sawyer.php" title="TV Review: Chuck 2.5 &#8211; Chuck Versus Tom Sawyer">TV Review: Chuck 2.5 &#8211; Chuck Versus Tom Sawyer</a></li><li><a href="http://www.filmschoolrejects.com/news/zachary-levi-goes-nuts-for-chipmunks-sequel.php" title="Zachary Levi Goes Nuts for &#8216;Chipmunks&#8217; Sequel">Zachary Levi Goes Nuts for &#8216;Chipmunks&#8217; Sequel</a></li></ul>]]></content:encoded>
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		<slash:comments>3</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>TV Review: When It&#8217;s Spy vs. Idiot, Chuck Still Wins</title>
		<link>http://www.filmschoolrejects.com/tv/tv-review-when-its-spy-vs-idiot-chuck-still-wins.php</link>
		<comments>http://www.filmschoolrejects.com/tv/tv-review-when-its-spy-vs-idiot-chuck-still-wins.php#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 02 Dec 2008 02:35:32 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Neil Miller</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Chuck Recap]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[TV for Movie Lovers]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Adam Baldwin]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Carl Lumbly]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Chuck]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Morgan Fairchild]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Tony Hale]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Yvonne Strahovski]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Zachary Levi]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.filmschoolrejects.com/?p=24383</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[It was just last week that we were talking about how we are glad to see the whole Jill storyline end, and it was also wonderfully comforting to see Chuck back in his old, spy skill-free ways. And it appears that this trend is going to continue...]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p style="text-align: center;"><img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-24386" title="chuck-209" src="http://www.filmschoolrejects.com/images/chuck-209.jpg" alt="" width="580" height="300" /></p>
<h2>Chuck, NBC, Airs Mondays 8/7c</h2>
<p><strong>Episode:</strong> &#8220;Chuck vs. the Sensei&#8221; (Season 2, Episode 9)</p>
<p><strong>Synopsis:</strong> Chuck (Zachary Levi) is still reeling from the discovery that his ex-girlfriend Jill was a Fulcrum agent and goes on a mission to take his mind of off his shock. Casey (Adam Baldwin) gets a shock of his own when he finds out that his sensei Ty Bennett (guest star Carl Lumbly), who taught him everything he knows, is now one of the most wanted rogue agents. While on the search for Bennett, it becomes clear that Casey may be too emotionally involved to continue with the mission. Meanwhile, Awesome’s (Ryan McPartlin) parents Honey (guest star Morgan Fairchild) and Woody (guest star Bruce Boxleitner) make a surprise visit to help Ellie (Sarah Lancaster) and Awesome plan their wedding. At the Buy More, Emmett (Tony Hale) reinstates the employee of the month contest, but Morgan (Joshua Gomez), Jeff (Scott Krinsky) and Lester (Vik Sahay) have other plans.</p>
<p><strong>Review:</strong> It was just last week that we were talking about how we are glad to see the whole Jill storyline end, and it was also wonderfully comforting to see <a href="/tag/chuck"><strong>Chuck</strong></a> back in his old, spy skill-free ways. Now that he&#8217;s through the woods, Chuck is back to using The Force, throwing around a little &#8220;Eye of the Tiger&#8221; and getting caught at just about every turn. And for any Chuck fan, this week&#8217;s episode is the start of a few consecutive episodes that will turn down the love triangles and Chuck-centric melodrama and turn up the geek. Did I mention that one of the upcoming episodes features both Gary Cole and a Delorean? Brilliant.</p>
<p>Also notable this week is the continued strength of the side stories from the aisles of the Buy More. Morgan, Jeff and Lester are now engaged in a full-on war with new Assistant Manager Emmett, played by Tony Hale. Hale has been a real sparkplug for the series, injecting the same quirk that many of us came to love when he played Buster on <em>Arrested Development</em>. His is just one of many solid performances, including the constantly underrated Adam Baldwin. Who is more of a badass than John Casey, really? And to find out that he was trained by Carl Lumbly, that only compounds the badass. This week did waste a potentially great guest spot from Morgan Fairchild, who played Awesome&#8217;s mom. The visit from Awesome&#8217;s parents seemed like a throwaway story at first, but as we see so often with Chuck, it is going to lead to a more interesting turn of events in the future, as Chuck is now on a path to find his father in time for Ellie&#8217;s wedding. But that is all still to come, lets just sit back and be happy for now that <a href="/tag/chuck"><strong>Chuck</strong></a> continues to be funny, continues to be geeky and has not lost its smarts. And that is all we ask, is it not?</p>
<p><strong>Up Next Week:</strong> Gary Cole guest stars as Sarah&#8217;s estranged father. Look out world, don&#8217;t do anything to anger the daddy&#8217;s girl.</p>
<p>Read More: <a href="http://www.filmschoolrejects.com/category/tv-for-movie-lovers/chuck-recap" target="_blank"><strong>Chuck Recaps</strong></a></p>
<p><em>What did you think of this week&#8217;s episode of Chuck?</em></p>
<h2  class="related_post_title">Related Reading:</h2><ul class="related_post"><li><a href="http://www.filmschoolrejects.com/tv/time-to-catch-up-on-all-the-action-chuck-has-been-getting.php" title="Time to Catch Up on All the Action &#8216;Chuck&#8217; Has Been Getting">Time to Catch Up on All the Action &#8216;Chuck&#8217; Has Been Getting</a></li><li><a href="http://www.filmschoolrejects.com/tv/tv-review-chuck-26-chuck-versus-the-ex.php" title="TV Review: Chuck 2.6 &#8211; Chuck Versus The Ex">TV Review: Chuck 2.6 &#8211; Chuck Versus The Ex</a></li><li><a href="http://www.filmschoolrejects.com/tv/tv-review-chuck-goes-3d-but-loses-a-dimension.php" title="TV Review: &#8216;Chuck&#8217; Goes 3D, But Loses a Dimension">TV Review: &#8216;Chuck&#8217; Goes 3D, But Loses a Dimension</a></li><li><a href="http://www.filmschoolrejects.com/tv/tv-review-chuck-24-chuck-vs-the-cougars.php" title="TV Review: Chuck 2.4 &#8211; Chuck vs. the Cougars">TV Review: Chuck 2.4 &#8211; Chuck vs. the Cougars</a></li><li><a href="http://www.filmschoolrejects.com/tv/tv-review-chuck-22-chuck-vs-the-seduction.php" title="TV Review: Chuck 2.2 &#8211; Chuck vs. The Seduction">TV Review: Chuck 2.2 &#8211; Chuck vs. The Seduction</a></li><li><a href="http://www.filmschoolrejects.com/tv/tv-review-chuck-21-chuck-vs-the-first-date.php" title="TV Review: Chuck 2.1 &#8211; Chuck vs. The First Date">TV Review: Chuck 2.1 &#8211; Chuck vs. The First Date</a></li><li><a href="http://www.filmschoolrejects.com/tv/tv-review-chuck-25-chuck-versus-tom-sawyer.php" title="TV Review: Chuck 2.5 &#8211; Chuck Versus Tom Sawyer">TV Review: Chuck 2.5 &#8211; Chuck Versus Tom Sawyer</a></li><li><a href="http://www.filmschoolrejects.com/news/zachary-levi-goes-nuts-for-chipmunks-sequel.php" title="Zachary Levi Goes Nuts for &#8216;Chipmunks&#8217; Sequel">Zachary Levi Goes Nuts for &#8216;Chipmunks&#8217; Sequel</a></li></ul>]]></content:encoded>
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		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Time to Catch Up on All the Action &#8216;Chuck&#8217; Has Been Getting</title>
		<link>http://www.filmschoolrejects.com/tv/time-to-catch-up-on-all-the-action-chuck-has-been-getting.php</link>
		<comments>http://www.filmschoolrejects.com/tv/time-to-catch-up-on-all-the-action-chuck-has-been-getting.php#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sat, 29 Nov 2008 20:49:49 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Neil Miller</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Chuck Recap]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[TV for Movie Lovers]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Adam Baldwin]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Chris Fedak]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Chuck]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Gary Cole]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Jordana Brewster]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Josh Schwartz]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Tony Hale]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Tricia Helfer]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Yvonne Strahovski]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Zachary Levi]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.filmschoolrejects.com/?p=24159</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Completely aware of how lazy I am for missing two weeks of Chuck recaps, I return with a big, geekirific update on all things Chuck -- including the show's ever growing bank full of geek cred.]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p style="text-align: center;"><img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-24171" title="chuck-recap-header" src="http://www.filmschoolrejects.com/images/chuck-recap-header.jpg" alt="" width="580" height="308" /></p>
<p>Blame it on travel, blame it on all sorts of behind the scenes problems and technical issues &#8212; yet no matter how I spin this, the fact remains that I have neglected the <a href="/tag/chuck"><strong>Chuck</strong></a> beat for the past two weeks. I should be &#8212; nay, am &#8212; ashamed that I have not been here to recap for you two of the best shows we&#8217;ve seen from the <a href="/tag/chuck"><strong>Chuck</strong></a> team. I shall take my lashings, should you decide to deliver them in the comment area below, but I would like to make up for it in a small way by providing my thoughts on the past two episodes in one big recap. Also, we can tie these two episodes into some important news for the future of the series &#8212; a future that is still somewhat uncertain.</p>
<p>If there is one thing that we&#8217;ve loved about Chuck the character in the past, it is that he isn&#8217;t very good at all of this spy stuff. In fact, more often than not it is Chuck who is putting the mission in jeopardy by not staying in the car. But whether it is his geeky curiosity or his love for Sarah, Chuck has always gotten out of the car, into the way and ultimately into the hero&#8217;s seat. It is a formula that has worked wonders for show creators Josh Schwartz and Chris Fedak, succeeding on the shoulders of Zachary Levi&#8217;s lovable performances, Adam Baldwin&#8217;s quick wit and Yvonne Strahovski&#8217;s low-cut shirts.</p>
<p><img class="alignright size-medium wp-image-24170" title="chuck-recap-3" src="http://www.filmschoolrejects.com/images/chuck-recap-3.jpg" alt="" width="266" height="240" />In season two, however, fans have had mixed reactions to Chuck&#8217;s ever-growing aptitude for the spy game. We were led to believe that Superspy Charles Charmichael, as he likes to be called, was actually a decent spy rather than a tech supporter with an exciting night life. This might have been frustrating for some, but if you&#8217;ve been reading my recaps then you know that I was handling it quite well. The push-pull nature of Chuck and Sarah&#8217;s relationship was enough to keep my simple mind entertained.</p>
<p>For the rest of you, it has taken eight episodes of season two to get it right &#8212; and get it right they did. In episode 7, &#8220;Chuck vs. The Fat Lady,&#8221; we saw the emergence of Jill, played by Jordana Brewster, a love triangle wrinkle even more dangerous than when Bryce Larkin (Matthew Bomer) showed up earlier in the season. And of course, as we could have expected, Jill turns out to be a bad girl. Didn&#8217;t Chuck every watch <em>D.E.B.S</em>? Jordana Brewster is obviously going to turn out to be part of some secret scheme &#8212; and she&#8217;s going to look good doing it. And even though the episode did involve some Agent Walker as a call-girl moments &#8212; which I can&#8217;t complain about &#8212; it felt really lackluster, at least until the final moments. The show did shine, however, in the glory of one of its most entertaining side stories, brought to life courtesy of Arrested Development&#8217;s Tony Hale. My only hope is that Emmett Milbarge sticks around, at least for a few episodes.</p>
<p>And of course the final moments of episode 7 left us with what we had been hoping for all along &#8212; on one hand, it was apparent that Chuck was finally going to get laid. And on the other, he once again proves his lack of spy skills by falling right into the arms of a FULCRUM agent. And in this past week&#8217;s episode, &#8220;Chuck vs. The Gravitron&#8221; we were given a Thanksgiving treat &#8212; finally, Chuck goes back to using his geek brain to outwit an enemy, rather than doing all of that silly spy stuff. That, and the scene in which Chuck escapes from Leader (Patrick Killpatrick) by using The Gravitron at the carnival was pretty damn funny. Also, side note, we so often overlook the brilliance that is Mark Christopher Lawrence as Big Mike &#8212; he is just one of those characters that makes Chuck such a special show.</p>
<p><img class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-24169" title="chuck-recap-4" src="http://www.filmschoolrejects.com/images/chuck-recap-4.jpg" alt="" width="266" height="240" />As a Chuck fan from the beginning, I am very happy with the way &#8220;Chuck vs. The Gravitron&#8221; ends. On one hand, it would have been fun to see Sarah get to take out Jill, as Yvonne on Jordana action would be much more interesting to watch than the Yvonne on Nicole Richie we&#8217;ve seen in the past. But ultimately the writers are able to close the book on Jill&#8217;s storyline and leave enough room for her to make a return at a later date. More importantly, the final moments of episode eight show us that Chuck&#8217;s relationship with Sarah is still strong &#8212; something that will cause serious problems in the final five episodes of the season. If anything, these past two episodes have done well to inject some life into a show that was bordering on becoming a little stale, at least for some fans.</p>
<p>And as we look ahead, we see some exciting things on the horizon. For one, it was <a href="http://ausiellofiles.ew.com/2008/11/tricia-helfer-g.html" target="_blank">announced this week</a> that Battlestar Galactica hottie Tricia Helfer will make a one episode guest spot as a potential replacement for Sarah. She will play a sexy, by the book Agent who tries &#8212; much to the delight of Casey &#8212; to get Chuck in line and keep his relationship with Sarah from getting out of hand. This is exciting because, well, who doesn&#8217;t like a little Tricia Helfer every once in a while? I know I do.</p>
<p>But will the great cameos and continued geekiry of <a href="/tag/chuck"><strong>Chuck</strong></a> translate into a 2009 extension? That is a question that has been plaguing fans all week, ever since NBC&#8217;s <a href="http://www.imdb.com/news/ni0615313/" target="_blank">post-holiday schedule announcement</a> was curiously Chuck-less. Fans can find a little comfort though, as sources inside NBC are saying that <a href="/tag/chuck"><strong>Chuck</strong></a> will return in February. This is good, as the loss of both <a href="/tag/pushing-daisies"><strong>Pushing Daisies</strong></a> and <a href="/tag/chuck"><strong>Chuck</strong></a> in one season could be enough to drive me mad. Personally, I am still very much on the Chuck bandwagon &#8212; it is still filled with as much geek-infused fun and sexiness as ever, and it should continue on the same path as the second season draws to a close. We can only hope, though, that some of these future cameos can help drive those ratings up &#8212; because it is undenyable that <a href="/tag/chuck"><strong>Chuck</strong></a> is one of those poor, unfortunate shows on the edge.</p>
<p>One final thought &#8212; if any of you think that Chuck has lost its geek-cred, this season&#8217;s tenth episode is titled &#8220;Chuck vs. The Delorean&#8221; and it guest stars Gary Cole. Here&#8217;s a teaser picture from that episode:</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-24168" title="chuck-delorean" src="http://www.filmschoolrejects.com/images/chuck-delorean.jpg" alt="" width="580" height="308" /></p>
<p style="text-align: left;">In a word, &#8220;Yes!&#8221;</p>
<p>Read More: <a href="http://www.filmschoolrejects.com/category/tv-for-movie-lovers/chuck-recap" target="_blank"><strong>Chuck Recaps</strong></a></p>
<p><em>How do you feel about season two of Chuck so far? Are you digging the cameos and the love triangles, or do you think they should go another direction?</em></p>
<h2  class="related_post_title">Related Reading:</h2><ul class="related_post"><li><a href="http://www.filmschoolrejects.com/tv/tv-review-chuck-26-chuck-versus-the-ex.php" title="TV Review: Chuck 2.6 &#8211; Chuck Versus The Ex">TV Review: Chuck 2.6 &#8211; Chuck Versus The Ex</a></li><li><a href="http://www.filmschoolrejects.com/tv/tv-review-when-its-spy-vs-idiot-chuck-still-wins.php" title="TV Review: When It&#8217;s Spy vs. Idiot, Chuck Still Wins">TV Review: When It&#8217;s Spy vs. Idiot, Chuck Still Wins</a></li><li><a href="http://www.filmschoolrejects.com/tv/tv-review-chuck-22-chuck-vs-the-seduction.php" title="TV Review: Chuck 2.2 &#8211; Chuck vs. The Seduction">TV Review: Chuck 2.2 &#8211; Chuck vs. The Seduction</a></li><li><a href="http://www.filmschoolrejects.com/tv/tv-review-chuck-goes-3d-but-loses-a-dimension.php" title="TV Review: &#8216;Chuck&#8217; Goes 3D, But Loses a Dimension">TV Review: &#8216;Chuck&#8217; Goes 3D, But Loses a Dimension</a></li><li><a href="http://www.filmschoolrejects.com/tv/tv-review-chuck-25-chuck-versus-tom-sawyer.php" title="TV Review: Chuck 2.5 &#8211; Chuck Versus Tom Sawyer">TV Review: Chuck 2.5 &#8211; Chuck Versus Tom Sawyer</a></li><li><a href="http://www.filmschoolrejects.com/tv/tv-review-chuck-24-chuck-vs-the-cougars.php" title="TV Review: Chuck 2.4 &#8211; Chuck vs. the Cougars">TV Review: Chuck 2.4 &#8211; Chuck vs. the Cougars</a></li><li><a href="http://www.filmschoolrejects.com/tv/tv-review-chuck-21-chuck-vs-the-first-date.php" title="TV Review: Chuck 2.1 &#8211; Chuck vs. The First Date">TV Review: Chuck 2.1 &#8211; Chuck vs. The First Date</a></li><li><a href="http://www.filmschoolrejects.com/news/chuck-creator-to-helm-new-adaptation-of-bright-lights-big-city.php" title="&#8216;Chuck&#8217; Creator to Helm New Adaptation of &#8216;Bright Lights, Big City&#8217;">&#8216;Chuck&#8217; Creator to Helm New Adaptation of &#8216;Bright Lights, Big City&#8217;</a></li></ul>]]></content:encoded>
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		<item>
		<title>TV Review: Chuck 2.6 &#8211; Chuck Versus The Ex</title>
		<link>http://www.filmschoolrejects.com/tv/tv-review-chuck-26-chuck-versus-the-ex.php</link>
		<comments>http://www.filmschoolrejects.com/tv/tv-review-chuck-26-chuck-versus-the-ex.php#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 11 Nov 2008 03:44:12 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Neil Miller</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Chuck Recap]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[TV Reviews]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[TV for Movie Lovers]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Adam Baldwin]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Chuck]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Jordana Brewster]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Ryan McPartlin]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Tony Hale]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Yvonne Strahovski]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Zachary Levi]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.filmschoolrejects.com/?p=22301</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Chuck's former flame shows up in the form of Jordana Brewster, who brings with her a crazy biochemical weapon to town, forcing Chuck to fight both old feelings and terrorism at the same time.]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<h2><img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-22305" title="Chuck Versus The Ex" src="http://www.filmschoolrejects.com/images/chuck-206.jpg" alt="Chuck Versus The Ex" width="580" height="300" /></h2>
<h2>Chuck, NBC, Airs Mondays 8/7c</h2>
<p><strong>Episode: </strong>&#8220;Chuck Versus The Ex&#8221; (Season 2, Episode 6)</p>
<p><strong>Synopsis:</strong> <span class="indent">Chuck (Zachary Levi) runs into his ex-girlfriend Jill (guest star Jordana Brewster) while on a Nerd Herd call. In an attempt to save face, he lies to the girl who broke his heart and tells her that he is more successful than he really is. When Chuck flashes on Jill’s boss—a research scientist who may have developed a deadly bio-weapon, he, Sarah (Yvonne Strahovski) and Casey (Adam Baldwin) must find out if Jill is involved. Meanwhile at the Buy More, Big Mike (Mark Christopher Lawrence) nearly chokes to death, which leads company efficiency expert Emmett (guest star Tony Hale) to implement a mandatory CPR course taught by Captain Awesome (Ryan McPartlin).</span></p>
<p><strong>Review:</strong> Anyone who has been watching <a href="/tag/chuck"><strong>Chuck</strong></a> since the first episode knows that being a walking government super-computer is a really lonely gig. In fact, over the course of the last season and a half, many of us have been rooting for Chuck to get a little bit of lovin&#8217; &#8212; because hey, he&#8217;s a charming enough dude and he risks his life to defend the denizens of America, so why shouldn&#8217;t he get a little nookie. And though we&#8217;ve been rooting like crazy and the show sports one of the hottest ladies of the tube, Yvonne Strahovski, Chuck&#8217;s contributions to national security continue to go unrewarded. But all of that could have changed this week with the return of Chuck&#8217;s former flame Jill, played by the equally sintilating Jordana Brewster. Yet, like all things related to Chuck&#8217;s love life this is bound to end badly.</p>
<p>But I suppose we will have to wait until next week to see it all come crashing down, because for now ole Chuck appears to be doing just fine. And while Brewster&#8217;s presence could provide a few episodes of added tension, we can be sure that it will all work itself out. This is a really simple series that never goes too crazy from week to week, but it is fun &#8212; and as long as it continues to be fun, we have no reason to stop watching. As well, the show continues to show off one of the most aptly assembled casts on TV. Adam Baldwin kills it from week to week, Yvonne Strahovski is more than enough heat for the 9 o&#8217;clock hour on Mondays and Zachary Levi is the glue that holds it all together. Add to that some consistently solid supporting performances from the likes of Joshua Gomez and mid-season guest star, <em>Arrested Development&#8217;s</em> Tony Hale, and you&#8217;ve got yourself a well-rounded cast that never misses a beat. At least, they&#8217;ve missed no beats thus far in season two. It goes without saying that if you aren&#8217;t watching <em>Chuck</em>, you are missing something special.</p>
<p><strong>Up Next Week:</strong> <span class="indent">Chuck (Zachary Levi) and Jill (guest star Jordana Brewster) are enjoying the honeymoon stage of their rekindled relationship. The two lovebirds plan a weekend getaway but have to cancel at the last minute when Casey (Adam Baldwin) and Sarah (Yvonne Strahovski) inform Chuck that he is needed for an immediate mission to find corrupt agents in the CIA.</span></p>
<p>For more coverage of your favorite shows, check out the <a href="http://www.filmschoolrejects.com/category/control-freaks">Control Freaks Archive</a>.</p>
<p><em>Did you watch Chuck</em><em> this week? If so, feel free to discuss below.</em></p>
<h2  class="related_post_title">Related Reading:</h2><ul class="related_post"><li><a href="http://www.filmschoolrejects.com/tv/time-to-catch-up-on-all-the-action-chuck-has-been-getting.php" title="Time to Catch Up on All the Action &#8216;Chuck&#8217; Has Been Getting">Time to Catch Up on All the Action &#8216;Chuck&#8217; Has Been Getting</a></li><li><a href="http://www.filmschoolrejects.com/tv/tv-review-when-its-spy-vs-idiot-chuck-still-wins.php" title="TV Review: When It&#8217;s Spy vs. Idiot, Chuck Still Wins">TV Review: When It&#8217;s Spy vs. Idiot, Chuck Still Wins</a></li><li><a href="http://www.filmschoolrejects.com/tv/tv-review-chuck-goes-3d-but-loses-a-dimension.php" title="TV Review: &#8216;Chuck&#8217; Goes 3D, But Loses a Dimension">TV Review: &#8216;Chuck&#8217; Goes 3D, But Loses a Dimension</a></li><li><a href="http://www.filmschoolrejects.com/tv/tv-review-chuck-24-chuck-vs-the-cougars.php" title="TV Review: Chuck 2.4 &#8211; Chuck vs. the Cougars">TV Review: Chuck 2.4 &#8211; Chuck vs. the Cougars</a></li><li><a href="http://www.filmschoolrejects.com/tv/tv-review-chuck-22-chuck-vs-the-seduction.php" title="TV Review: Chuck 2.2 &#8211; Chuck vs. The Seduction">TV Review: Chuck 2.2 &#8211; Chuck vs. The Seduction</a></li><li><a href="http://www.filmschoolrejects.com/tv/tv-review-chuck-21-chuck-vs-the-first-date.php" title="TV Review: Chuck 2.1 &#8211; Chuck vs. The First Date">TV Review: Chuck 2.1 &#8211; Chuck vs. The First Date</a></li><li><a href="http://www.filmschoolrejects.com/tv/tv-review-chuck-25-chuck-versus-tom-sawyer.php" title="TV Review: Chuck 2.5 &#8211; Chuck Versus Tom Sawyer">TV Review: Chuck 2.5 &#8211; Chuck Versus Tom Sawyer</a></li><li><a href="http://www.filmschoolrejects.com/news/zachary-levi-goes-nuts-for-chipmunks-sequel.php" title="Zachary Levi Goes Nuts for &#8216;Chipmunks&#8217; Sequel">Zachary Levi Goes Nuts for &#8216;Chipmunks&#8217; Sequel</a></li></ul>]]></content:encoded>
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		<slash:comments>3</slash:comments>
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		<item>
		<title>TV Review: Chuck 2.5 &#8211; Chuck Versus Tom Sawyer</title>
		<link>http://www.filmschoolrejects.com/tv/tv-review-chuck-25-chuck-versus-tom-sawyer.php</link>
		<comments>http://www.filmschoolrejects.com/tv/tv-review-chuck-25-chuck-versus-tom-sawyer.php#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 28 Oct 2008 01:55:39 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Neil Miller</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Chuck Recap]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[TV Reviews]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[TV for Movie Lovers]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Chuck]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Josh Schwartz]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Joshua Gomez]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Yvonne Strahovski]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Zachary Levi]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.filmschoolrejects.com/?p=20713</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[The fate of the world rests on Chuck's mad videogame skills. Plus: Big Mike brings a new sheriff to the Buy More (Tony Hale guest stars).]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<h2><img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-20717" title="Chuck Versus Tom Sawyer" src="http://www.filmschoolrejects.com/images/chuck-205.jpg" alt="" width="580" height="310" /></h2>
<h2>Chuck, NBC, Airs Mondays 8/7c</h2>
<p><strong>Episode: </strong>&#8220;Chuck Versus Tom Sawyer&#8221; (Season 2, Episode 5)</p>
<p><strong>Synopsis:</strong> The fate of the world rests on Chuck&#8217;s mad videogame skills. Plus: Big Mike brings a new sheriff to the Buy More (Tony Hale guest stars).</p>
<p><strong>Review:</strong> If there is one knock that I have made on <a href="/tag/chuck"><em>Chuck</em></a> in the past, it has been that what started as a series that played to the geek crowd has often diverted attention to a relationship-driven and action-driven comedy. Not that any of that is an overwhelmingly bad thing, it just doesn&#8217;t always play with the show&#8217;s initial core demographic. But in this week&#8217;s episode, which features geektastic references to everything from competitive video gaming to anti-Microsoft banter, it all comes back in a furious onslaught of geek-driven hilarity.</p>
<p>Take for example a little bit of dialog between Chuck (Zachary Levi) and Morgan (Joshua Gomez):</p>
<p><strong>Chuck:</strong> <span class="entry-content">Do we carry any Rush CD&#8217;s?</span></p>
<p><span class="entry-content"><strong>Morgan: </strong>No need I&#8217;ve got them all on my Zune.</span></p>
<p><span class="entry-content"><strong>Chuck:</strong> You have a Zune?</span></p>
<p><span class="entry-content"><strong>Morgan: </strong>Haha, no I&#8217;ll get my iPod.</span></p>
<p>Talk about geek-cred. And when combined with a little bit of action toward the end &#8212; action that included Agent Walker (Yvonne Strahovski) and her gloriously low-cut shirt beating the hell out of guest star Faran Tahir, whose role as the sub-baddie in <em>Iron Man</em> has turned him into the defacto face of Hollywood terrorism. And speaking of guest stars, <em>Arrested Development</em> fans should be more than pleased to see Buster Bluth himself, actor Tony Hale popping up for what appears to be a recurring role. If this were a one episode guest spot, I would be calling his work as efficiency expert Emmett Milbarge underused, but thankfully it appears as if he might be coming back.</p>
<p>Overall, this week&#8217;s episode of <em>Chuck</em> is the season&#8217;s best, and quite possibly one of the series&#8217; best. The writing continues to stay sharp and within its bounds &#8212; keeping things simple and fun. As well, the cast continues to shine. Zachary Levi with the one liners and the classic Chuck charm, Joshua Gomez with the silliness and Yvonne Strahovski&#8230; well, she&#8217;s good in so many ways. It&#8217;s all good enough to have us all coming back for more next week.</p>
<p><strong>Up Next Week:</strong> Chuck returns in two weeks with the return of Chuck&#8217;s ex, played by Jordana Brewster.</p>
<p>For more coverage of your favorite shows, check out the <a href="http://www.filmschoolrejects.com/category/control-freaks">Control Freaks Archive</a>.</p>
<p><em>Did you watch Chuck</em><em> this week? If so, feel free to discuss below.</em></p>
<h2  class="related_post_title">Related Reading:</h2><ul class="related_post"><li><a href="http://www.filmschoolrejects.com/tv/time-to-catch-up-on-all-the-action-chuck-has-been-getting.php" title="Time to Catch Up on All the Action &#8216;Chuck&#8217; Has Been Getting">Time to Catch Up on All the Action &#8216;Chuck&#8217; Has Been Getting</a></li><li><a href="http://www.filmschoolrejects.com/tv/tv-review-chuck-24-chuck-vs-the-cougars.php" title="TV Review: Chuck 2.4 &#8211; Chuck vs. the Cougars">TV Review: Chuck 2.4 &#8211; Chuck vs. the Cougars</a></li><li><a href="http://www.filmschoolrejects.com/tv/tv-review-chuck-22-chuck-vs-the-seduction.php" title="TV Review: Chuck 2.2 &#8211; Chuck vs. The Seduction">TV Review: Chuck 2.2 &#8211; Chuck vs. The Seduction</a></li><li><a href="http://www.filmschoolrejects.com/tv/tv-review-chuck-21-chuck-vs-the-first-date.php" title="TV Review: Chuck 2.1 &#8211; Chuck vs. The First Date">TV Review: Chuck 2.1 &#8211; Chuck vs. The First Date</a></li><li><a href="http://www.filmschoolrejects.com/tv/tv-review-chuck-goes-3d-but-loses-a-dimension.php" title="TV Review: &#8216;Chuck&#8217; Goes 3D, But Loses a Dimension">TV Review: &#8216;Chuck&#8217; Goes 3D, But Loses a Dimension</a></li><li><a href="http://www.filmschoolrejects.com/tv/tv-review-when-its-spy-vs-idiot-chuck-still-wins.php" title="TV Review: When It&#8217;s Spy vs. Idiot, Chuck Still Wins">TV Review: When It&#8217;s Spy vs. Idiot, Chuck Still Wins</a></li><li><a href="http://www.filmschoolrejects.com/tv/tv-review-chuck-26-chuck-versus-the-ex.php" title="TV Review: Chuck 2.6 &#8211; Chuck Versus The Ex">TV Review: Chuck 2.6 &#8211; Chuck Versus The Ex</a></li><li><a href="http://www.filmschoolrejects.com/news/chuck-creator-to-helm-new-adaptation-of-bright-lights-big-city.php" title="&#8216;Chuck&#8217; Creator to Helm New Adaptation of &#8216;Bright Lights, Big City&#8217;">&#8216;Chuck&#8217; Creator to Helm New Adaptation of &#8216;Bright Lights, Big City&#8217;</a></li></ul>]]></content:encoded>
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		<slash:comments>2</slash:comments>
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		<item>
		<title>TV Review: Chuck 2.4 &#8211; Chuck vs. the Cougars</title>
		<link>http://www.filmschoolrejects.com/tv/tv-review-chuck-24-chuck-vs-the-cougars.php</link>
		<comments>http://www.filmschoolrejects.com/tv/tv-review-chuck-24-chuck-vs-the-cougars.php#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 21 Oct 2008 19:10:39 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Neil Miller</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Chuck Recap]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[TV Reviews]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[TV for Movie Lovers]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Adam Baldwin]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Ben Savage]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Chuck]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Joshua Gomez]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Nicole Richie]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Yvonne Strahovski]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Zachary Levi]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.filmschoolrejects.com/?p=19968</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Based on title alone, I would have though that this episode of Chuck had something to do with Agent Charles Carmichael going after a few aging, hottie super-spies. Sadly, I was wrong.]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<h2><img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-19979" title="Chuck vs. The Cougars" src="http://www.filmschoolrejects.com/images/chuck-204.jpg" alt="Chuck vs. The Cougars" width="580" height="310" /></h2>
<h2>Chuck, NBC, Airs Mondays 8/7c</h2>
<p><strong>Episode: </strong>&#8220;Chuck vs. the Cougars&#8221; (Season 2, Episode 4)</p>
<p><strong>Synopsis: </strong>San Diego, 1998: A teenage Sarah drives home from school. She pulls up to see that ATF agents have raided her home and are arresting her dad. She speeds off, crying, and goes to a wooded area where she digs up a box. Inside are bundles of cash with a note that reads, &#8220;In case of emergency. Love you, Daddy.&#8221;</p>
<p><strong>Review: </strong>Based on title alone, I would have though that this episode of <em><a href="/tag/chuck">Chuck</a></em> had something to do with Agent Charles Carmichael going after a few aging, hottie super-spies. Unfortunately, it is more about the continuing awkward push-pull in Chuck&#8217;s relationship with Sarah. On a good note, we do get to see what Sarah looked like in high school &#8212; and I must admit that even with braces and frizzy hair, I am still way hot for Yvonne Strahovski.</p>
<p>But enough about what took place after the show, lets talk about what happened during this week&#8217;s episode. We shall start with some appreciation for this week&#8217;s celebrity guest stars. As you might remember, this season has been all about bringing in some fun cameos to help keep things fresh &#8212; though, I would argue that things were in good shape, especially since they&#8217;ve found a way to balance the sometimes sappy Chuck/Sarah relationship with the ongoing battle between Morgan (Joshua Gomez) and Lester (Vik Sahay) at the Buy More. That has always been a key to this show&#8217;s success, the ability to not linger in the love story and to keep the antics of Morgan weaving in and out of the main storyline. It appears, at least up to this point, that they&#8217;ve found a great rhythm with that this year.</p>
<p>It appears that I&#8217;ve lost track of what I was talking about &#8212; back to the guest stars. This week we saw an appearance from Nicole Richie, who is only bested in the &#8216;worst f*&amp;king actress ever&#8217; category by her <em>Simple Life</em> co-star Paris Hilton. Thankfully she stays out of her own way, and ultimately ends up in one of the episodes more titillating scenes, in which she and Yvonne Strahovski duke it out in the showers. But, since this is network TV, the scene was still laking something. And I think you know where I&#8217;m going here. Also, we got a guest spot from Ben Savage this week, which was pretty funny. His appearance just proves that only someone like Cory Matthews from <em>Boy Meets World</em> could believe that Chuck was a bonafide Secret Agent Man.</p>
<p>Overall, this episode saw its share of action, which is always good; its share of Morgan, which is also pretty good, seeing as he really brings the hilarity; and it saw plenty of Chuck and Sarah awkwardly trying to deal with their budding love for each other &#8212; which is sometimes a bit annoying, but I&#8217;m willing to overlook that on account of the show&#8217;s continuing commitment to being very funny. If you aren&#8217;t watching <em>Chuck</em>, then you&#8217;d really better have a good excuse &#8212; because there aren&#8217;t too many shows out there, save for Ben Savage&#8217;s older brother&#8217;s show <em>It&#8217;s Always Sunny</em>, that are funnier from week to week.</p>
<p><strong>Up Next Week:</strong> <span class="indent">Life in espionage takes its toll on Chuck (Zachary Levi) and everyone is taking notice. Chuck tries to explain his unusual behavior to Ellie (Sarah Lancaster) and to the quirky Buy More efficiency expert Emmett Milbarge (guest star Tony Hale), but a new assignment only complicates things. After a global terrorist comes searching for Jeff (Scott Krinsky), Chuck is forced to socialize with Jeff in order to find out what role the oddball plays in the mission. Sarah (Yvonne Strahovski), Casey (Adam Baldwin) and Chuck are all shocked when they discover that the fate of the world and the prevention of World War III rest in Jeff’s hands.</span></p>
<p>For more coverage of your favorite shows, check out the <a href="http://www.filmschoolrejects.com/category/control-freaks">Control Freaks Archive</a>.</p>
<p><em>Did you watch Chuck</em><em> this week? If so, feel free to discuss below.</em></p>
<h2  class="related_post_title">Related Reading:</h2><ul class="related_post"><li><a href="http://www.filmschoolrejects.com/tv/tv-review-chuck-22-chuck-vs-the-seduction.php" title="TV Review: Chuck 2.2 &#8211; Chuck vs. The Seduction">TV Review: Chuck 2.2 &#8211; Chuck vs. The Seduction</a></li><li><a href="http://www.filmschoolrejects.com/tv/tv-review-chuck-21-chuck-vs-the-first-date.php" title="TV Review: Chuck 2.1 &#8211; Chuck vs. The First Date">TV Review: Chuck 2.1 &#8211; Chuck vs. The First Date</a></li><li><a href="http://www.filmschoolrejects.com/tv/tv-review-chuck-goes-3d-but-loses-a-dimension.php" title="TV Review: &#8216;Chuck&#8217; Goes 3D, But Loses a Dimension">TV Review: &#8216;Chuck&#8217; Goes 3D, But Loses a Dimension</a></li><li><a href="http://www.filmschoolrejects.com/tv/tv-review-when-its-spy-vs-idiot-chuck-still-wins.php" title="TV Review: When It&#8217;s Spy vs. Idiot, Chuck Still Wins">TV Review: When It&#8217;s Spy vs. Idiot, Chuck Still Wins</a></li><li><a href="http://www.filmschoolrejects.com/tv/time-to-catch-up-on-all-the-action-chuck-has-been-getting.php" title="Time to Catch Up on All the Action &#8216;Chuck&#8217; Has Been Getting">Time to Catch Up on All the Action &#8216;Chuck&#8217; Has Been Getting</a></li><li><a href="http://www.filmschoolrejects.com/tv/tv-review-chuck-26-chuck-versus-the-ex.php" title="TV Review: Chuck 2.6 &#8211; Chuck Versus The Ex">TV Review: Chuck 2.6 &#8211; Chuck Versus The Ex</a></li><li><a href="http://www.filmschoolrejects.com/tv/tv-review-chuck-25-chuck-versus-tom-sawyer.php" title="TV Review: Chuck 2.5 &#8211; Chuck Versus Tom Sawyer">TV Review: Chuck 2.5 &#8211; Chuck Versus Tom Sawyer</a></li><li><a href="http://www.filmschoolrejects.com/news/zachary-levi-goes-nuts-for-chipmunks-sequel.php" title="Zachary Levi Goes Nuts for &#8216;Chipmunks&#8217; Sequel">Zachary Levi Goes Nuts for &#8216;Chipmunks&#8217; Sequel</a></li></ul>]]></content:encoded>
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		<item>
		<title>TV Review: Chuck 2.2 &#8211; Chuck vs. The Seduction</title>
		<link>http://www.filmschoolrejects.com/tv/tv-review-chuck-22-chuck-vs-the-seduction.php</link>
		<comments>http://www.filmschoolrejects.com/tv/tv-review-chuck-22-chuck-vs-the-seduction.php#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 07 Oct 2008 08:00:08 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Neil Miller</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Chuck Recap]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[TV Reviews]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[TV for Movie Lovers]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Adam Baldwin]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Chris Fedak]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Chuck]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[John Larroquette]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Joshua Gomez]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Joshua Schwartz]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Yvonne Strahovski]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Zachary Levi]]></category>

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		<description><![CDATA[Chuck (Zachary Levi) has to go undercover to try and seduce a woman named Sasha (Melinda Clarke) to get back the cipher that was stolen from Casey.]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<h2><img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-18313" title="Chuck vs. The Seduction" src="http://www.filmschoolrejects.com/images/chuck-202.jpg" alt="Chuck vs. The Seduction" width="580" height="307" /></h2>
<h2>Chuck, NBC, Airs Mondays 8/7c</h2>
<p><strong>Episode: </strong>&#8220;Chuck vs. The Seduction&#8221; (Season 2, Episode 2)</p>
<p><strong>Synopsis:</strong> Chuck <span class="indent">(Zachary Levi)</span> has to go undercover to try and seduce a woman named Sasha (Melinda Clarke) to get back the cipher that was stolen from Casey. He is shocked to learn that Casey (Adam Baldwin) and Sarah <span class="indent">(Yvonne Strahovski)</span> have been taken hostage by the woman after he has stolen the cipher and run.</p>
<p><strong>Review:</strong> Last week, I wondered aloud whether or not we are seeing the best of <a href="/tag/chuck"><em>Chuck</em></a> in the opening episodes of season two. And after two weeks, I can confidently confirm that one of televisions most fun and clever shows has never been better. Showrunners Joshua Schwartz and Chris Fedak have continued to keep it fun all while bringing out Chuck&#8217;s inner spy. And once again, we see get a little taste of rico suave Chuck, only to see his momentum gunned down in a final moments twist.</p>
<p>But that is just what we see on the surface in episode two. When we peel back a layer or two, we see the season two formula exposed. Each episode thus far has included a great cameo &#8212; last week it was Michael Clarke Duncan, this week it is John Larroquette as a formally legendary spy turned drunken lothario. As well, each episode has seen an increase in Chuck-driven action, in which Zachary Levi plays up the anxiety perfectly. In the past, it has been Casey and Sarah saving Chuck&#8217;s ass every time &#8212; in this new era, Chuck seems to be the one saving the day. I can&#8217;t tell whether he is getting better or they are off their game, but I suppose that is an intentional effect. And the final piece to season two&#8217;s puzzle is the push-pull love affair between Chuck and Sarah. Everything from Chuck&#8217;s 80s movie rock ballad daydreams to Sarah&#8217;s over the top outburst in the surveillance van are evidence that their relationship is bound to get more complicated &#8212; not to mention the little twist in the final moments of the episode. I&#8217;d say that will bring all sorts of new problems. In the end, Chuck is a series at the top of its game, and while other NBC shows have gotten off to a very slow start (<em>Heroes, Knight Rider</em>), it seems to be leading its niche as the primetime comedy to watch.</p>
<p><strong>Up Next Week:</strong> <span class="indent">Former New York Giants star Michael Strahan guest-stars as the intimidating bully Mitt. Chuck is overcome with jealousy when his nemesis Bryce Larkin (Matthew Bomer) &#8212; and Sarah’s  ex-lover and partner &#8212; makes an unexpected return. Chuck and Sarah’s growing feelings for each other are tested when their latest mission requires Sarah and Bryce to pose as an extremely affectionate couple. Meanwhile, Morgan (Joshua Gomez) faces his own challenge at Buy More when he must deal with a gang of bullies, from a neighboring sporting goods store in the strip mall called, the Mighty Jocks led by the fearful Mitt.</span></p>
<p>For more coverage of your favorite shows, check out the <a href="http://www.filmschoolrejects.com/category/control-freaks">Control Freaks Archive</a>.</p>
<p><em>Did you watch Chuck</em><em> this week? If so, feel free to discuss below.</em></p>
<h2  class="related_post_title">Related Reading:</h2><ul class="related_post"><li><a href="http://www.filmschoolrejects.com/tv/time-to-catch-up-on-all-the-action-chuck-has-been-getting.php" title="Time to Catch Up on All the Action &#8216;Chuck&#8217; Has Been Getting">Time to Catch Up on All the Action &#8216;Chuck&#8217; Has Been Getting</a></li><li><a href="http://www.filmschoolrejects.com/tv/tv-review-chuck-24-chuck-vs-the-cougars.php" title="TV Review: Chuck 2.4 &#8211; Chuck vs. the Cougars">TV Review: Chuck 2.4 &#8211; Chuck vs. the Cougars</a></li><li><a href="http://www.filmschoolrejects.com/tv/tv-review-chuck-21-chuck-vs-the-first-date.php" title="TV Review: Chuck 2.1 &#8211; Chuck vs. The First Date">TV Review: Chuck 2.1 &#8211; Chuck vs. The First Date</a></li><li><a href="http://www.filmschoolrejects.com/tv/tv-review-chuck-goes-3d-but-loses-a-dimension.php" title="TV Review: &#8216;Chuck&#8217; Goes 3D, But Loses a Dimension">TV Review: &#8216;Chuck&#8217; Goes 3D, But Loses a Dimension</a></li><li><a href="http://www.filmschoolrejects.com/tv/tv-review-when-its-spy-vs-idiot-chuck-still-wins.php" title="TV Review: When It&#8217;s Spy vs. Idiot, Chuck Still Wins">TV Review: When It&#8217;s Spy vs. Idiot, Chuck Still Wins</a></li><li><a href="http://www.filmschoolrejects.com/tv/tv-review-chuck-26-chuck-versus-the-ex.php" title="TV Review: Chuck 2.6 &#8211; Chuck Versus The Ex">TV Review: Chuck 2.6 &#8211; Chuck Versus The Ex</a></li><li><a href="http://www.filmschoolrejects.com/tv/tv-review-chuck-25-chuck-versus-tom-sawyer.php" title="TV Review: Chuck 2.5 &#8211; Chuck Versus Tom Sawyer">TV Review: Chuck 2.5 &#8211; Chuck Versus Tom Sawyer</a></li><li><a href="http://www.filmschoolrejects.com/news/zachary-levi-goes-nuts-for-chipmunks-sequel.php" title="Zachary Levi Goes Nuts for &#8216;Chipmunks&#8217; Sequel">Zachary Levi Goes Nuts for &#8216;Chipmunks&#8217; Sequel</a></li></ul>]]></content:encoded>
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		<title>TV Review: Chuck 2.1 &#8211; Chuck vs. The First Date</title>
		<link>http://www.filmschoolrejects.com/tv/tv-review-chuck-21-chuck-vs-the-first-date.php</link>
		<comments>http://www.filmschoolrejects.com/tv/tv-review-chuck-21-chuck-vs-the-first-date.php#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 30 Sep 2008 01:44:43 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Neil Miller</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Chuck Recap]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[TV Reviews]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[TV for Movie Lovers]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Adam Baldwin]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Chuck]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Joshua Gomez]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Michael Clarke Duncan]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Sarah Lancaster]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Yvonne Strahovski]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Zachary Levi]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.filmschoolrejects.com/?p=17309</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Chuck and Sarah finally have a real date--only to be disrupted by a menacing new operative, Mr. Colt (Michael Clarke Duncan).]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<h2><img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-17312" title="Chuck Season 2 Begins" src="http://www.filmschoolrejects.com/images/chuck-s2e1.jpg" alt="Chuck Season 2 Begins" width="580" height="300" /></h2>
<h2>Chuck, NBC, Airs Mondays 8/7c</h2>
<p><strong>Episode: </strong>&#8220;Chuck vs. The First Date&#8221; (Season 2, Episode 1)</p>
<p><strong>Synopsis:</strong> Chuck and Sarah finally have a real date&#8211;only to be disrupted by a menacing new operative, Mr. Colt (Michael Clarke Duncan).</p>
<p><strong>Review:</strong> The second season of <em>Chuck</em> begins where the last one left off, with plenty of awkward tension in the relationship between Chuck (Zachary Levi) and Sarah (Yvonne Strahovski). I&#8217;m I the only one that wants to see this thing happen, for Chuck to hook up with Agent Hottie? I don&#8217;t think I am alone in saying that I once again feel bad for Chuck &#8212; the man needs to get some. But for the foreseeable future, it appears that it won&#8217;t be coming from Sarah.</p>
<p>But I digress, despite my feelings about Chuck&#8217;s need for companionship, something that is never going to be resolved, it is worth noting that the premiere of season 2 was a lot of fun. Infused with a lot of the same quirk that made the series such a fan favorite last season, episode one saw the evolution of &#8220;Charles Charmichael&#8221; the spy, a man who is becoming more confident in his own spyness. Of course, it is easy to become confident when you believe that you will be set free rather than assassinated on date night by Casey. Either way, Chuck&#8217;s spy antics could be a shadow of things to come &#8212; a season of Chuck&#8217;s growth into his own super-spyness.</p>
<p>Ultimately, the silly, fun series created by Chris Fedak and Josh Schwartz has maintained that which makes it great &#8212; its unique quirkiness and never-ending pursuit of Zachary Levi one-liners. And if they can maintain that, and combine it with some fun cameos &#8212; like Michael Clarke Duncan in the premiere and John Larroquette in the episodes to come &#8212; I think that Chuck will have no problem being an easy Monday night choice for anyone who longs for the days when the light and funny sitcom was commonplace. Also, not to be overlooked &#8212; reference to &#8220;Thunderdome&#8221; and music by Huey Lewis and the News are always going to make <em>Chuck</em> a winner.</p>
<p><strong>Up Next Week:</strong> <span class="indent">Emmy Award winner John Larroquette (<em>Boston Legal</em>) guest-stars as the legendary debonair spy Roan Montgomery and Melinda Clarke (<em>The O.C.</em>) guest-stars as a sultry but dangerous female spy known as the Black Widow. Chuck (Zachary Levi) must go undercover to retrieve the Cipher from the Black Widow. But in order to get close to his target, Chuck must learn the art of seduction from the suave and sophisticated Roan. Unfortunately for Chuck, Sarah (Yvonne Strahovski) and Casey (Adam Baldwin), Roan is no longer the world’s greatest spy. Meanwhile, Morgan (Joshua Gomez) offers Captain Awesome (Ryan McPartlin) some advice for a romantic night with Ellie (Sarah Lancaster), and Lester (Vik Sahay) struggles to gain respect at Buy More as the new assistant manager. Jeff Krinsky, Julia Ling and Mark Christopher Lawrence also star.</span></p>
<p>For more coverage of your favorite shows, check out the <a href="http://www.filmschoolrejects.com/category/control-freaks">Control Freaks Archive</a>.</p>
<p><em>Did you watch Chuck</em><em> this week? If so, feel free to discuss below.</em></p>
<h2  class="related_post_title">Related Reading:</h2><ul class="related_post"><li><a href="http://www.filmschoolrejects.com/tv/tv-review-chuck-24-chuck-vs-the-cougars.php" title="TV Review: Chuck 2.4 &#8211; Chuck vs. the Cougars">TV Review: Chuck 2.4 &#8211; Chuck vs. the Cougars</a></li><li><a href="http://www.filmschoolrejects.com/tv/tv-review-chuck-22-chuck-vs-the-seduction.php" title="TV Review: Chuck 2.2 &#8211; Chuck vs. The Seduction">TV Review: Chuck 2.2 &#8211; Chuck vs. The Seduction</a></li><li><a href="http://www.filmschoolrejects.com/tv/tv-review-chuck-goes-3d-but-loses-a-dimension.php" title="TV Review: &#8216;Chuck&#8217; Goes 3D, But Loses a Dimension">TV Review: &#8216;Chuck&#8217; Goes 3D, But Loses a Dimension</a></li><li><a href="http://www.filmschoolrejects.com/tv/tv-review-when-its-spy-vs-idiot-chuck-still-wins.php" title="TV Review: When It&#8217;s Spy vs. Idiot, Chuck Still Wins">TV Review: When It&#8217;s Spy vs. Idiot, Chuck Still Wins</a></li><li><a href="http://www.filmschoolrejects.com/tv/time-to-catch-up-on-all-the-action-chuck-has-been-getting.php" title="Time to Catch Up on All the Action &#8216;Chuck&#8217; Has Been Getting">Time to Catch Up on All the Action &#8216;Chuck&#8217; Has Been Getting</a></li><li><a href="http://www.filmschoolrejects.com/tv/tv-review-chuck-26-chuck-versus-the-ex.php" title="TV Review: Chuck 2.6 &#8211; Chuck Versus The Ex">TV Review: Chuck 2.6 &#8211; Chuck Versus The Ex</a></li><li><a href="http://www.filmschoolrejects.com/tv/tv-review-chuck-25-chuck-versus-tom-sawyer.php" title="TV Review: Chuck 2.5 &#8211; Chuck Versus Tom Sawyer">TV Review: Chuck 2.5 &#8211; Chuck Versus Tom Sawyer</a></li><li><a href="http://www.filmschoolrejects.com/news/zachary-levi-goes-nuts-for-chipmunks-sequel.php" title="Zachary Levi Goes Nuts for &#8216;Chipmunks&#8217; Sequel">Zachary Levi Goes Nuts for &#8216;Chipmunks&#8217; Sequel</a></li></ul>]]></content:encoded>
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