Chuck episode 5X03 picspam/recap
I don't know you, but I'm enjoying season 5 so far. Things are happening, the plot is fun and the characters' interactions are full of comedy golden moments.
And in this episode, Sarah goes back to be the straight "man." Not that she doesn't have funny moments (especially with Casey), but she seems the last sane woman in the kingdom in this particular episode. An episode, by the way, that I liked. For several reasons, but above all because we can have our original drinking game with more than one drink.
Yay!
The episode begins with Casey, Verbanski... and Sarah playing Cyrano. Or something similar.
You know, I could really go for some Blue Points right about now. [Wow, innuendos?]
Did you hear that? The target is yours. [Sarah is an expert in innuendos.] Ask her out. She practically just asked you out. [And she knows this, because it's what she did for two entire seasons.]
Blue Points are delicious. Especially with a little mignonette sauce. [And a nice Chianti *hissing sound*] Boy, that's the best thing the damn French ever gave us. [Uh... Casey... The Statue of Liberty?]
[By the way, Sarah's WTF face... priceless.] Come on, Casey
Well, it was great talking to you. [Casey, you're a chicken!]
No, wait! Just give a kiss on the cheek. Just let her know you're available and interested!
Sarah, if your obvious hints didn't work with Chuck until you had to actually say "shut up and kiss me," how on Earth did you expect Casey would take notice of what you said? Even if you're right.
It reminds me when I tried to help a classmate seduce a girl. It worked, by the way.
It's so funny seeing Casey and Sarah's friendship develop in this dysfunctional way. It's so like them. Of course they would stage a stalking operation with spy paraphernalia to win Verbanski over. It's only logical! Although Casey has a hidden motive...
So you froze up. It happens to the best of us. [Sarah, you didn't just freeze up, you practically became Mr. Freeze for two seasons.]
No, I didn't freeze
Then what do you call that?
Reconnaissance. [Semantics.]
Wait. You planted a bug on Verbanski? [Oh, no, you didn't!]
Mm-hmm. Piggybacks off her cell phone's Wi-Fi
That's a weird move, Casey
This way I can find out everything I need to before I ask her out
I'm pretty sure that's why people go on dates, [what? Nooooo...] to get to know one another. [This is advise from the expert on dates. Tip number one: don't bring a gun.]
Just do me a favor, don't tell Chuck and Morgan about it
Lips are sealed
A weird move? Yeah, because planting a bug on a picture or having a GPS on the watch of your loved one is oh-all-right. Also, tapping his cell phone and listening to his conversations with his girlfriend. "It was her job" just isn't excuse enough. Do I have to remind you when she stole Papa B's ATM card? Or when she overheard Chuck was going to propose and forced Morgan to tell her all his intel? Her history is full of "weird moves."
I really love this scene. As the founding member of the Sarah and Casey Can Hug Because They're Like Siblings Campaign I find the depiction of their friendship truly entertaining and fun.
By the way, I think that the reason why Casey doesn't want Chuck and Morgan to hear about this is because they would try to help, and that's a call for disaster. I mean, The first thing Morgan tells Beckman when he sees her after Chuck left the CIA is "Yo, Becky! What's up, baby girl?" Would you tell a person like this anything? Because yes, Morgan is acting more and more like a jerk an egocentrical prick a seventh grade child. He can't shut up even when Beckman meets Chuck in secret to offer him a job: capturing Mats Zorn, a rich guy with intel about the CIA that makes WikiLeaks look like child's play. I guess that that's the reason why Beckman ordered to capture him while she's much more subtle with Julian Assange.
Anyway, when Chuck comes back home, he meets Alex in the courtyard. She's worried for Morgan. Did I tell you that he's acting like a jerk a petulant child? Alex apparently has been dumped in her date with Morgan and she suspects he's seeing someone else. Yeah, his Ego. Chuck tries to calm her down, because he's nice and he trusts his friend.
But just in case, he doesn't tell Casey anything when he meets him and Sarah. Besides, Casey is busy.
Ooh, you got a wire up on someone, huh? Who is it?
Verbanski
Corporate espionage. [Sarah covering for him. LOL!] He's just sizing up the competition, that's all
Perving out on Gertrude. Weird move, Casey
I told you
Can we just bask in Chuck and Sarah's mind connection and her sing-song tone?
I like how every season the dynamics between the members of Team Bartowski are slightly different and still funny. They're always a full potential for laughs.
Unfortunately, the good vibrations among Team Bartowski dissapear when they see that *GASP!* Morgan is betraying them to work for Verbanski. How can he? Doesn't he have any kind of honor? Quick answer: no.
This, of course, upsets Chuck.
Hey, what are you doing? It's so early. [Did you just interchange the dialogue you had in the last scene of the previous episode?]
I couldn't really sleep, so I figured I'd head into the office early. [Office? You call the Buy More office? Or maybe you meant Castle?]
Well, why didn't you wake me? ['Cause that's kind of rude?] I mean, we could have talked about it. [Or had sex. That would have helped too.] I know what Morgan did hurt you.
I'm not, uh... hurt. I'm just angry. You know, the Intersect is an integral part of our business, and Morgan just sold it to our number-one rival
Morgan is also your best friend
I'm trying not to think about that right now
Take a #drink! And buy Sarah a pair of pajamas.
Troubled Chuck and caring Sarah, it's good to see that in this relationship the two partners "give and take" (call back to Joey in Friends.) Sarah isn't the only one who broods from time to time and needs to open up.
Remember in season 1 and 2, when Chuck used to have breakfast with Ellie and Devon and they talked with him if he had a problem? Or in season 3 and 4, when Morgan was theone to talk with him (with few exceptions)? Now it's only Sarah. Nostalgia isnt always right :-)
Let's continue.
But before that...
This is personal and you know it.
We have a new addition, by the way. That penguin monstruosity behind Sarah (second cap of the previous colage.)
Do you know what other thing is a monstruosity? Morgan's new personality. He treats everybody like shit and he doesn't do his work in the Buy More. Not that he cares, because he's resigning for his new job. Also, he has frosted tips (bad ones. He looks like a "cool" character in the late 90s.) Chuck is angry with him. That doesn't seem so menacing. Casey and Sarah are too. That's more serious. Especially in Casey's case, because he wants to protect his daughter Alex. Or Allie, as Morgan calls her before breaking up with her. Is it any wonder that Casey tries to kill the Little Bearded Man? Sarah stops him.
What is worse is that not even Alex gives him permission to call Morgan, because she loves him. C'mon, somebody tell Casey that he can break Morgan's legs. It's best for everybody. It would also be good if we don't see many scenes with Mekenna crying. She's adorable and when she looks sad, I'm sad.
Clara Woodcomb is also a very adorable baby, and her dad is another lost guy in the parenthood world. Until he decides to go to the Buy More. I would hesitate to draw a baby near Jeffster, but Awesome is okay with it.
Meanwhile, Sarah and Chuck discuss about what to do with Morgan. Or rather, Chuck rants while Sarah tries to be the level headed one.
Something is wrong with Morgan. This isn't like him. [And it has to be you, Sarah, the one to point that out. Incredible.]
Oh, sure it is. His new powers... they pushed him to the Dark Side.
He doesn't have a dark side. [LOL!]
It's like middle school all over again. Like when Morgan grew his first mustache... full, thick, manly. Like a miniature Tom Selleck. [Did he have chest hair too? Because Tom Selleck's chest hair protruding from the collar of his Hawaian shirts is an iconic image too. Traumatic, but iconic.] Thought he was cock of the walk. Cool, sarcastic, mean. Made our lives a living hell for a few weeks. [Seriously? Ellie put up with his attitude without slapping him? Because I can't believe it.] That is, until Meredith Lester showed up
And she grew a mustache, too? [Heeeeh... I like Sarah's dry sense of humor.]
No, she did not, no. One day in gym class, Meredith snuck up behind Morgan and pantsed him in front of everyone. Exposed him for who he really was. [Somebody who wears underpants? Because he was wearing them, right?] We went back to being uncool by fifth period. And we went back to being friends by the end of the day. [The Power of Friendship!] That's it!
You're going to drop Morgan's pants?
Metaphorically, yes
I think this is the moment Sarah thought "I married an idiot."
As it happens, the fact that Chuck knows Morgan from a long time is clouding his judment. He should be more objective, but he can't. He brings something that happened in middle school, not realizing that precisely that should raise the alarm. It was middle school. Now Morgan is 30. That's anything but normal.
Of course, Sarah's attempt to get some sense into Chuck's mind doesn't work.
We finish Beckman's mission, we show Verbanski that Morgan's not as cool as he thinks he is, and...
And you'll be best friends by the end of the day? [You don't understand, Sarah. It's the Power of Friendship. The Power of Friendshiiiiip!]
Exactly. (Chuck realizes the safe is empty.) No, no, no, no, no, no, no
What, what is it? Oh, my God, what is that smell? [It wasn't me!]
Ed Hardy cologne. It's gone. The zip drive's gone
The little bearded bastard stole it. [Hi to you too, Casey.]
He stole our mission. He probably took it with him to Verbanski Corp. I can't believe... Morgan just pantsed us! [And what's the first thing he does? Reach for a gun.]
What are you two doing? [Isn't it obvious, Sarah?]
We're taking down our competition
This is the moment Sarah thought "I'm in an alternative universe." Followed by "I should stop watching Fringe."
Seriously, what was this? I know Chuck feels betrayed, but this is too much. He accuses Morgan of going back to Middle School, but I think he's the one who felt a regression. I begin to think that the Intersect did affect his brain. It's not such a crazy theory.
So let's show something that can wash this bad taste from our mouths:
The Chosen One
I had flashes of Labyrinth, you people.
For some reason (all right, the Hippocratic Oath) Awesome saves Jeff's life and diagnoses that carbon monoxide has damaged his brain (Devon, honey, not just carbon monoxide.)
Meanwhile, in Verbanski Corps, we see... Stock images! They're the same scenes they showed in episode 2. Their budget is really tight.
*Aheam*... Anyway... Carmichael Industries (formerly known as Team Bartowski) plan how to infiltrate the building, take the mission's specs and make Morgan feel a world of pain at the same time. Which would mean that maybe, they will meet Casey's girlfriend.
I can infiltrate. You two take down security
You sure that's a good idea? Well, I mean, you know, you and Verbanski. [In a tree...]
There is no me and Verbanski
Coming from the guy who put a surveillance bug on her
That was before she poached one of my team. That woman is dead to me
Liar, liar, pants of fire.
Our team tranqs some Verbanski men and put on their uniforms, which had different armbands, to differentiate between three different teams. That I guess had different missions. But can we stop there for a moment?
No, no, I mean it. Why is Sarah a redshirt? A Redshirt, the disposable third member of every landing party in the original Star Trek. Don't try to convince me it's meant to be Scotty or Uhura. This is a three members landing party, guys. You know what it means.
mumblemumblefanragemumblemumble
So... Casey enters into Verbanski's office while Chuck guides him and takes care of the security measures from the security panel. Unfortunately (or not), Gertrude finds him and they begin to... Emmm... fight. Fighting with undertones. Subtext and all. Chuck also gets to fight Morgan (but with very different undertones. Seriously, don't go there) when Chuck is called by one of the Verbanski men to the training field, as member of the Blue Team.
Chuck and Morgan have their face to face with Star Wars quotes, because even if Morgan has absolutely forgotten Star Wars, those lines are imprinted in every human being since 1977. I'ts a scientific fact!
Sarah and Casey (who has handcuffed Gertrude. Undertones become overtones) meet them before it's too late. Sarah tries to tranq Morgan, but he dodges the shoots a la Neo in Matrix (you know, for somebody who has forgotten about pop and nerd culture, he does a lot of nerd things.) I imagine Gertrude grimacing at this in the distance.
So Chuck has only one option:
Oh, really? That's what we're going to do here?
Pants you and let Sarah tranq you? Yeah, we're doing it.
This gets possible for Carmichael Industries to recover their plans about Zorn. Time for revenge! Bwahahaha!
But Sarah, that party pooper, doesn't see things so clear.
Guys, I think we should talk about Morgan and Gertrude. [Keep your lady feelings for yourself, Sarah.]
I told you, Walker, she's dead to me. [What are you, a mafioso?]
Well, then, how do you explain whatever that was in her office? Clearly, you still have feelings for her. [What? Nooo... They were merely fighting. You know, like you and... Cole. Very innocent and pure.] And you... I know what Morgan did hurt you, but you saw the way he was behaving. I really think it's time to admit this is more than just an ego problem. [But that would mean to deal with Chuck's ego, and he's not ready to do that.]
Pure seventh-grade Morgan
But what if it's not? What if Morgan needs help?
Sarah, he said that we're not friends anymore, so how am I supposed to help him now?
Chuck doesn't take betrayal well. Not even in the slightest. He becomes very irrational when he suspects somebody broke his loyalty. Consequence of his abandonment issues. He goes back to his childhood years, and to his childhood mentality. It's impossible, of course, but I shudder thinking the grudge he would have against Sarah if she betrayed him. Like... horror movie level of creepiness.
Sarah is usually more level headed, although I think she keeps her cool because her love and family life is all right, which makes her focus more and better in the problems. When she's at peace with her life, she's very sharp.
It's obvious she isn't going to receive help from Chuck, but it's also obvious that she must do something to save Morgan. It's time for... The Bechdel Test!
Is there something wrong with Morgan? [Aside from him being... well... Morgan?]
Well, I just... I-I feel like he's losing himself. I mean, why would the Intersect act so differently in Morgan's head versus Chuck's head? [Because Morgan is... how to say this... Morgan?]
Well, because it's a different program. [Meet Ellie Sherlock Bartowski.] Somebody modified Dad's original. Look, if you think that there's something wrong, you should have the CIA remove it. [Silly Ellie, since when does logic work in the Chuckverse?]
Yeah, I just don't think he's going to go for that. Like I said, Morgan is not acting like Morgan at all
Well, you need to try to get through to him
How? [Try a two-by-four.]
Well, you could try to appeal to his memory. You know, I've had temporal lobe patients who've responded to stories about who they were before the injury. It doesn't return them to normal, but it sort of helps them cut through the fog... [What does that mean?] in this case, the Intersect. Gives them a glimpse of who they used to be
Yes! A Ellie/Sarah scene!
Say whatever you want about season 2 being better and all that, but I've never seen so many female interactions as in seasons 4 and 5.
I think I like how Ellie is the expert in the Intersect. I didn't like when she was talking about the hardware, about the glasses, but her talking about the neuronal issues of the Intersect is something I see logical. I mean, that's a good function inside Carmichael Industries for her.
After asking Ellie for help, Sarah asks Beckman for more help. Her answer?
Morgan Grimes has the Intersect?
What? But you sent it to Chuck in the end of season 4... Ohhh... So you didn't. That's clever, writers, clever. Logical too. Because Beckman sending a CIA top secret device to Chuck was too much for the suspension of disbelief of many.
This new information must be told to the Dynamite Duo (AKA Chuck and Casey.)
Where you been, Walker? Zorn's not going to wait for us
I just talked to Beckman. It's about Morgan. The Intersect that he uploaded, it wasn't from her
What? Then, who? [Think, Chuck. Think.]
Decker or somebody else in the CIA. She doesn't know
Why would anyone want to hurt Morgan? [Seriously? Are you asking that question? Your sister is 1000 times more intelligent than you.]
You. [Thank you, Casey.] It was meant for you
I spoke to your sister, and Morgan's behavior is not his fault. It's the Intersect. Whatever was added to the program is destroying him. He's forgetting who he is
[Completely unnecesary flashbacks!]
Oh, my God, this isn't just seventh-grade Morgan. [About time to realize it.] I can't believe I didn't see this earlier. He was my best friend. Is my best friend. Sarah, we got to find him
According to Beckman, he's on his way downtown to the Marriott. [Wait. Beckman can track Morgan down and you can't? Carmichael Industries needs more gadget. Or more common sense. Whatever is more effective.]
He's tracking Zorn? Must have copied that zip drive
Little snake in the grass. [What, don't you like the Tea Party, Casey?] Right, it's not his fault
Guys, let's save Morgan
If we must
Poor Casey, nobody cares for his homicidal urges.
So, let me understand, when you had the plans about Zorn you didn't make a backup copy, but Verbanski did. No wonder Verbanski Corp has more success than you. What? It's true.
Carmichael Industries' plan is clear: they must catch Zorn, recover Morgan's personality and save Pan Am from cancellation in the process:
What they didn't know is that Morgan was coming with Verbanski, because they stole Carmichael's plan. Of course they did! If you already designed one why would they think in another one?
This means that Chuck must face Morgan while Sarah fights Gertrude and Casey takes care of the henchmen. I read in an interview that Carrie-Anne Moss was anxious with the action scenes because she's kind of a perfectionist and she didn't want to fail at them. Oh, honey, don't worry, you did great. I like her addition to the show.
At last, Chuck gets to make Morgan remember (his first moustache was used rightly). But not before Morgan goes all "loose cannon," threatening Zorn to shoot at his helicopter (and make everybody die in the explosion.) In fact, he shoots at the helicopter, which causes the oil that leaked to take fire when it catches a spark from one of the lights. I would say that this is as ridiculous as the urban legend that says is dangerous to have a cell phone on in a gas station, but I won't.
Verbanski and Morgan are caught in the explosion and remain in one side of the fire, with Chuck, Casey and Sarah at the other. What do they do? Chuck and Casey leap at the fire to save Morgan and Gertrude. Sarah doesn't. First, because she has a brain. And second, because this episode was written by Phil Klemmer, and Sarah in the background doing nothing is common with Klemmer (*cough*Vs. the Mask*cough*)
Fortunately, Chuck and Casey save their respective partners (how weird this sounds) and then, the best scene of the episode happens.
Shut up, Gertrude
No, not this.
Thank God
THIS!
Take a big #drink. Ah, like the old days, when it seemed that Sarah wanted to eat Chuck's face.
Although, now that I see this again. Two couples bonding in different parts of the scene... Didn't we see something similar in the episode that shall not be named? Phil Klemmeeeeer!
Anyway, Chuck and Morgan are friends again, Gertrude and Casey are in a "closer" relationship and Carmichael Industries has captured Zorn (who must be watching this scene completely flabbergasted.)
You're gonna be late
If I take the Smith and Wesson, it'll show her that I'm rugged and dependable. Maybe the Sig, she'll think I'm cool and sophisticated. [Sarah's first tip for dating: no guns.] I'll just take 'em both. [Whatever.]
So you're taking Verbanski to the gun range on your first date? [Then guns are allowed.]
Weird move, huh? [Yes.]
No, I think she's going to love it. [Also yes.] Well, good luck
Sure you don't want to tag along, follow in the van? [To play gooseberry?] I am wired for sound. [That's a weird move.]
I think this is a solo mission
Yeah. Thanks, Walker
Yiiiii! The Sarah And Casey Can Hug Because They're Like Siblings Campaign adores these little scenes between the two of them. Still, no hug. Disappointing.
But then this scene got better.
Is Casey wearing Morgan's cologne?
Unfortunately. What's this?
Courtesy of General Diane Beckman and the United States government. Our bounty money for Zorn.
Wow. That's a lot of zeroes. [You were rich two weeks ago, don't act so impressed.] That's just the beginning, honey. Carmichael Industries has a new lease on life
Wonderful
You can take another #drink. That's even more wonderful.
Chuck and Sarah being adorable without drama. I like it. I'm waiting for the moment hell's gonna break, but for now, I like it.
Just the opposite that happens with Lester about the new Jeff who doesn't sleep in the van anymore (apparently somebody who could take all the drugs in the world without suffering much consequences just needed to stop sleeping in the van to cure his brain.)
The New Jeff
I think that a sane Jeff is one of the scariest things I've ever seen.
On the other hand, Morgan is his usual self again. That's great. Casey expels him from his home. That's less great. Of course, Morgan must give our favorite couple about the news.
Well, okay, where are you gonna live?
I don't know, but that's cool. Jeff said that I could, uh, crash in his van. You know that he's not using it now. You know? So... Yeah, I'll be all right. You know, just till I get on my feet
[Chuck puts puppy eyes at Sarah.]
Absolutely not, Morgan. [You're weak, woman.] You're gonna stay with us.
Guys, I... I mean, after everything that's... I don't know what to say. [Thank you?]
Say you're gonna lose the frosted tips
Look, they have a dog a baby Morgan with them again. It's a family trait, if Ellie let Chuck live with her and Devon then, of course, Chuck will do the same. Sarah understands that. Although I hope he doesn't stay for five years. Hey, we should take like an advance that Morgan didn't ask to stay right away. Or stayed without asking.
But of course, the episode couldn't end so happily-ish. Since Morgan bragged he was the Intersect in front of everybody (and their mother), now the CIA knows about it and has sent a kill order against him.
Dun-dun-duuuuuuun!
PS: As I suspected I'm having little time (and some technical issues) to write my recaps. I could have jumped an eisode and reviewed episode 4 (a fan favorite) but I din't want to break the order. I promise I will try to write a recap of every episode. I just hope it doesn't take me too much.
And in this episode, Sarah goes back to be the straight "man." Not that she doesn't have funny moments (especially with Casey), but she seems the last sane woman in the kingdom in this particular episode. An episode, by the way, that I liked. For several reasons, but above all because we can have our original drinking game with more than one drink.
Yay!
The episode begins with Casey, Verbanski... and Sarah playing Cyrano. Or something similar.
You know, I could really go for some Blue Points right about now. [Wow, innuendos?]
Did you hear that? The target is yours. [Sarah is an expert in innuendos.] Ask her out. She practically just asked you out. [And she knows this, because it's what she did for two entire seasons.]
Blue Points are delicious. Especially with a little mignonette sauce. [And a nice Chianti *hissing sound*] Boy, that's the best thing the damn French ever gave us. [Uh... Casey... The Statue of Liberty?]
[By the way, Sarah's WTF face... priceless.] Come on, Casey
Well, it was great talking to you. [Casey, you're a chicken!]
No, wait! Just give a kiss on the cheek. Just let her know you're available and interested!
Sarah, if your obvious hints didn't work with Chuck until you had to actually say "shut up and kiss me," how on Earth did you expect Casey would take notice of what you said? Even if you're right.
It reminds me when I tried to help a classmate seduce a girl. It worked, by the way.
It's so funny seeing Casey and Sarah's friendship develop in this dysfunctional way. It's so like them. Of course they would stage a stalking operation with spy paraphernalia to win Verbanski over. It's only logical! Although Casey has a hidden motive...
So you froze up. It happens to the best of us. [Sarah, you didn't just freeze up, you practically became Mr. Freeze for two seasons.]
No, I didn't freeze
Then what do you call that?
Reconnaissance. [Semantics.]
Wait. You planted a bug on Verbanski? [Oh, no, you didn't!]
Mm-hmm. Piggybacks off her cell phone's Wi-Fi
That's a weird move, Casey
This way I can find out everything I need to before I ask her out
I'm pretty sure that's why people go on dates, [what? Nooooo...] to get to know one another. [This is advise from the expert on dates. Tip number one: don't bring a gun.]
Just do me a favor, don't tell Chuck and Morgan about it
Lips are sealed
A weird move? Yeah, because planting a bug on a picture or having a GPS on the watch of your loved one is oh-all-right. Also, tapping his cell phone and listening to his conversations with his girlfriend. "It was her job" just isn't excuse enough. Do I have to remind you when she stole Papa B's ATM card? Or when she overheard Chuck was going to propose and forced Morgan to tell her all his intel? Her history is full of "weird moves."
I really love this scene. As the founding member of the Sarah and Casey Can Hug Because They're Like Siblings Campaign I find the depiction of their friendship truly entertaining and fun.
By the way, I think that the reason why Casey doesn't want Chuck and Morgan to hear about this is because they would try to help, and that's a call for disaster. I mean, The first thing Morgan tells Beckman when he sees her after Chuck left the CIA is "Yo, Becky! What's up, baby girl?" Would you tell a person like this anything? Because yes, Morgan is acting more and more like a jerk an egocentrical prick a seventh grade child. He can't shut up even when Beckman meets Chuck in secret to offer him a job: capturing Mats Zorn, a rich guy with intel about the CIA that makes WikiLeaks look like child's play. I guess that that's the reason why Beckman ordered to capture him while she's much more subtle with Julian Assange.
Anyway, when Chuck comes back home, he meets Alex in the courtyard. She's worried for Morgan. Did I tell you that he's acting like a jerk a petulant child? Alex apparently has been dumped in her date with Morgan and she suspects he's seeing someone else. Yeah, his Ego. Chuck tries to calm her down, because he's nice and he trusts his friend.
But just in case, he doesn't tell Casey anything when he meets him and Sarah. Besides, Casey is busy.
Ooh, you got a wire up on someone, huh? Who is it?
Verbanski
Corporate espionage. [Sarah covering for him. LOL!] He's just sizing up the competition, that's all
Perving out on Gertrude. Weird move, Casey
I told you
Can we just bask in Chuck and Sarah's mind connection and her sing-song tone?
I like how every season the dynamics between the members of Team Bartowski are slightly different and still funny. They're always a full potential for laughs.
Unfortunately, the good vibrations among Team Bartowski dissapear when they see that *GASP!* Morgan is betraying them to work for Verbanski. How can he? Doesn't he have any kind of honor? Quick answer: no.
This, of course, upsets Chuck.
Hey, what are you doing? It's so early. [Did you just interchange the dialogue you had in the last scene of the previous episode?]
I couldn't really sleep, so I figured I'd head into the office early. [Office? You call the Buy More office? Or maybe you meant Castle?]
Well, why didn't you wake me? ['Cause that's kind of rude?] I mean, we could have talked about it. [Or had sex. That would have helped too.] I know what Morgan did hurt you.
I'm not, uh... hurt. I'm just angry. You know, the Intersect is an integral part of our business, and Morgan just sold it to our number-one rival
Morgan is also your best friend
I'm trying not to think about that right now
Take a #drink! And buy Sarah a pair of pajamas.
Troubled Chuck and caring Sarah, it's good to see that in this relationship the two partners "give and take" (call back to Joey in Friends.) Sarah isn't the only one who broods from time to time and needs to open up.
Remember in season 1 and 2, when Chuck used to have breakfast with Ellie and Devon and they talked with him if he had a problem? Or in season 3 and 4, when Morgan was theone to talk with him (with few exceptions)? Now it's only Sarah. Nostalgia isnt always right :-)
Let's continue.
But before that...
This is personal and you know it.
We have a new addition, by the way. That penguin monstruosity behind Sarah (second cap of the previous colage.)
Do you know what other thing is a monstruosity? Morgan's new personality. He treats everybody like shit and he doesn't do his work in the Buy More. Not that he cares, because he's resigning for his new job. Also, he has frosted tips (bad ones. He looks like a "cool" character in the late 90s.) Chuck is angry with him. That doesn't seem so menacing. Casey and Sarah are too. That's more serious. Especially in Casey's case, because he wants to protect his daughter Alex. Or Allie, as Morgan calls her before breaking up with her. Is it any wonder that Casey tries to kill the Little Bearded Man? Sarah stops him.
What is worse is that not even Alex gives him permission to call Morgan, because she loves him. C'mon, somebody tell Casey that he can break Morgan's legs. It's best for everybody. It would also be good if we don't see many scenes with Mekenna crying. She's adorable and when she looks sad, I'm sad.
Clara Woodcomb is also a very adorable baby, and her dad is another lost guy in the parenthood world. Until he decides to go to the Buy More. I would hesitate to draw a baby near Jeffster, but Awesome is okay with it.
Meanwhile, Sarah and Chuck discuss about what to do with Morgan. Or rather, Chuck rants while Sarah tries to be the level headed one.
Something is wrong with Morgan. This isn't like him. [And it has to be you, Sarah, the one to point that out. Incredible.]
Oh, sure it is. His new powers... they pushed him to the Dark Side.
He doesn't have a dark side. [LOL!]
It's like middle school all over again. Like when Morgan grew his first mustache... full, thick, manly. Like a miniature Tom Selleck. [Did he have chest hair too? Because Tom Selleck's chest hair protruding from the collar of his Hawaian shirts is an iconic image too. Traumatic, but iconic.] Thought he was cock of the walk. Cool, sarcastic, mean. Made our lives a living hell for a few weeks. [Seriously? Ellie put up with his attitude without slapping him? Because I can't believe it.] That is, until Meredith Lester showed up
And she grew a mustache, too? [Heeeeh... I like Sarah's dry sense of humor.]
No, she did not, no. One day in gym class, Meredith snuck up behind Morgan and pantsed him in front of everyone. Exposed him for who he really was. [Somebody who wears underpants? Because he was wearing them, right?] We went back to being uncool by fifth period. And we went back to being friends by the end of the day. [The Power of Friendship!] That's it!
You're going to drop Morgan's pants?
Metaphorically, yes
I think this is the moment Sarah thought "I married an idiot."
As it happens, the fact that Chuck knows Morgan from a long time is clouding his judment. He should be more objective, but he can't. He brings something that happened in middle school, not realizing that precisely that should raise the alarm. It was middle school. Now Morgan is 30. That's anything but normal.
Of course, Sarah's attempt to get some sense into Chuck's mind doesn't work.
We finish Beckman's mission, we show Verbanski that Morgan's not as cool as he thinks he is, and...
And you'll be best friends by the end of the day? [You don't understand, Sarah. It's the Power of Friendship. The Power of Friendshiiiiip!]
Exactly. (Chuck realizes the safe is empty.) No, no, no, no, no, no, no
What, what is it? Oh, my God, what is that smell? [It wasn't me!]
Ed Hardy cologne. It's gone. The zip drive's gone
The little bearded bastard stole it. [Hi to you too, Casey.]
He stole our mission. He probably took it with him to Verbanski Corp. I can't believe... Morgan just pantsed us! [And what's the first thing he does? Reach for a gun.]
What are you two doing? [Isn't it obvious, Sarah?]
We're taking down our competition
This is the moment Sarah thought "I'm in an alternative universe." Followed by "I should stop watching Fringe."
Seriously, what was this? I know Chuck feels betrayed, but this is too much. He accuses Morgan of going back to Middle School, but I think he's the one who felt a regression. I begin to think that the Intersect did affect his brain. It's not such a crazy theory.
So let's show something that can wash this bad taste from our mouths:
The Chosen One
I had flashes of Labyrinth, you people.
For some reason (all right, the Hippocratic Oath) Awesome saves Jeff's life and diagnoses that carbon monoxide has damaged his brain (Devon, honey, not just carbon monoxide.)
Meanwhile, in Verbanski Corps, we see... Stock images! They're the same scenes they showed in episode 2. Their budget is really tight.
*Aheam*... Anyway... Carmichael Industries (formerly known as Team Bartowski) plan how to infiltrate the building, take the mission's specs and make Morgan feel a world of pain at the same time. Which would mean that maybe, they will meet Casey's girlfriend.
I can infiltrate. You two take down security
You sure that's a good idea? Well, I mean, you know, you and Verbanski. [In a tree...]
There is no me and Verbanski
Coming from the guy who put a surveillance bug on her
That was before she poached one of my team. That woman is dead to me
Liar, liar, pants of fire.
Our team tranqs some Verbanski men and put on their uniforms, which had different armbands, to differentiate between three different teams. That I guess had different missions. But can we stop there for a moment?
No, no, I mean it. Why is Sarah a redshirt? A Redshirt, the disposable third member of every landing party in the original Star Trek. Don't try to convince me it's meant to be Scotty or Uhura. This is a three members landing party, guys. You know what it means.
mumblemumblefanragemumblemumble
So... Casey enters into Verbanski's office while Chuck guides him and takes care of the security measures from the security panel. Unfortunately (or not), Gertrude finds him and they begin to... Emmm... fight. Fighting with undertones. Subtext and all. Chuck also gets to fight Morgan (but with very different undertones. Seriously, don't go there) when Chuck is called by one of the Verbanski men to the training field, as member of the Blue Team.
Chuck and Morgan have their face to face with Star Wars quotes, because even if Morgan has absolutely forgotten Star Wars, those lines are imprinted in every human being since 1977. I'ts a scientific fact!
Sarah and Casey (who has handcuffed Gertrude. Undertones become overtones) meet them before it's too late. Sarah tries to tranq Morgan, but he dodges the shoots a la Neo in Matrix (you know, for somebody who has forgotten about pop and nerd culture, he does a lot of nerd things.) I imagine Gertrude grimacing at this in the distance.
So Chuck has only one option:
Oh, really? That's what we're going to do here?
Pants you and let Sarah tranq you? Yeah, we're doing it.
This gets possible for Carmichael Industries to recover their plans about Zorn. Time for revenge! Bwahahaha!
But Sarah, that party pooper, doesn't see things so clear.
Guys, I think we should talk about Morgan and Gertrude. [Keep your lady feelings for yourself, Sarah.]
I told you, Walker, she's dead to me. [What are you, a mafioso?]
Well, then, how do you explain whatever that was in her office? Clearly, you still have feelings for her. [What? Nooo... They were merely fighting. You know, like you and... Cole. Very innocent and pure.] And you... I know what Morgan did hurt you, but you saw the way he was behaving. I really think it's time to admit this is more than just an ego problem. [But that would mean to deal with Chuck's ego, and he's not ready to do that.]
Pure seventh-grade Morgan
But what if it's not? What if Morgan needs help?
Sarah, he said that we're not friends anymore, so how am I supposed to help him now?
Chuck doesn't take betrayal well. Not even in the slightest. He becomes very irrational when he suspects somebody broke his loyalty. Consequence of his abandonment issues. He goes back to his childhood years, and to his childhood mentality. It's impossible, of course, but I shudder thinking the grudge he would have against Sarah if she betrayed him. Like... horror movie level of creepiness.
Sarah is usually more level headed, although I think she keeps her cool because her love and family life is all right, which makes her focus more and better in the problems. When she's at peace with her life, she's very sharp.
It's obvious she isn't going to receive help from Chuck, but it's also obvious that she must do something to save Morgan. It's time for... The Bechdel Test!
Is there something wrong with Morgan? [Aside from him being... well... Morgan?]
Well, I just... I-I feel like he's losing himself. I mean, why would the Intersect act so differently in Morgan's head versus Chuck's head? [Because Morgan is... how to say this... Morgan?]
Well, because it's a different program. [Meet Ellie Sherlock Bartowski.] Somebody modified Dad's original. Look, if you think that there's something wrong, you should have the CIA remove it. [Silly Ellie, since when does logic work in the Chuckverse?]
Yeah, I just don't think he's going to go for that. Like I said, Morgan is not acting like Morgan at all
Well, you need to try to get through to him
How? [Try a two-by-four.]
Well, you could try to appeal to his memory. You know, I've had temporal lobe patients who've responded to stories about who they were before the injury. It doesn't return them to normal, but it sort of helps them cut through the fog... [What does that mean?] in this case, the Intersect. Gives them a glimpse of who they used to be
Yes! A Ellie/Sarah scene!
Say whatever you want about season 2 being better and all that, but I've never seen so many female interactions as in seasons 4 and 5.
I think I like how Ellie is the expert in the Intersect. I didn't like when she was talking about the hardware, about the glasses, but her talking about the neuronal issues of the Intersect is something I see logical. I mean, that's a good function inside Carmichael Industries for her.
After asking Ellie for help, Sarah asks Beckman for more help. Her answer?
Morgan Grimes has the Intersect?
What? But you sent it to Chuck in the end of season 4... Ohhh... So you didn't. That's clever, writers, clever. Logical too. Because Beckman sending a CIA top secret device to Chuck was too much for the suspension of disbelief of many.
This new information must be told to the Dynamite Duo (AKA Chuck and Casey.)
Where you been, Walker? Zorn's not going to wait for us
I just talked to Beckman. It's about Morgan. The Intersect that he uploaded, it wasn't from her
What? Then, who? [Think, Chuck. Think.]
Decker or somebody else in the CIA. She doesn't know
Why would anyone want to hurt Morgan? [Seriously? Are you asking that question? Your sister is 1000 times more intelligent than you.]
You. [Thank you, Casey.] It was meant for you
I spoke to your sister, and Morgan's behavior is not his fault. It's the Intersect. Whatever was added to the program is destroying him. He's forgetting who he is
[Completely unnecesary flashbacks!]
Oh, my God, this isn't just seventh-grade Morgan. [About time to realize it.] I can't believe I didn't see this earlier. He was my best friend. Is my best friend. Sarah, we got to find him
According to Beckman, he's on his way downtown to the Marriott. [Wait. Beckman can track Morgan down and you can't? Carmichael Industries needs more gadget. Or more common sense. Whatever is more effective.]
He's tracking Zorn? Must have copied that zip drive
Little snake in the grass. [What, don't you like the Tea Party, Casey?] Right, it's not his fault
Guys, let's save Morgan
If we must
Poor Casey, nobody cares for his homicidal urges.
So, let me understand, when you had the plans about Zorn you didn't make a backup copy, but Verbanski did. No wonder Verbanski Corp has more success than you. What? It's true.
Carmichael Industries' plan is clear: they must catch Zorn, recover Morgan's personality and save Pan Am from cancellation in the process:
What they didn't know is that Morgan was coming with Verbanski, because they stole Carmichael's plan. Of course they did! If you already designed one why would they think in another one?
This means that Chuck must face Morgan while Sarah fights Gertrude and Casey takes care of the henchmen. I read in an interview that Carrie-Anne Moss was anxious with the action scenes because she's kind of a perfectionist and she didn't want to fail at them. Oh, honey, don't worry, you did great. I like her addition to the show.
At last, Chuck gets to make Morgan remember (his first moustache was used rightly). But not before Morgan goes all "loose cannon," threatening Zorn to shoot at his helicopter (and make everybody die in the explosion.) In fact, he shoots at the helicopter, which causes the oil that leaked to take fire when it catches a spark from one of the lights. I would say that this is as ridiculous as the urban legend that says is dangerous to have a cell phone on in a gas station, but I won't.
Verbanski and Morgan are caught in the explosion and remain in one side of the fire, with Chuck, Casey and Sarah at the other. What do they do? Chuck and Casey leap at the fire to save Morgan and Gertrude. Sarah doesn't. First, because she has a brain. And second, because this episode was written by Phil Klemmer, and Sarah in the background doing nothing is common with Klemmer (*cough*Vs. the Mask*cough*)
Fortunately, Chuck and Casey save their respective partners (how weird this sounds) and then, the best scene of the episode happens.
Shut up, Gertrude
No, not this.
Thank God
THIS!
Take a big #drink. Ah, like the old days, when it seemed that Sarah wanted to eat Chuck's face.
Although, now that I see this again. Two couples bonding in different parts of the scene... Didn't we see something similar in the episode that shall not be named? Phil Klemmeeeeer!
Anyway, Chuck and Morgan are friends again, Gertrude and Casey are in a "closer" relationship and Carmichael Industries has captured Zorn (who must be watching this scene completely flabbergasted.)
You're gonna be late
If I take the Smith and Wesson, it'll show her that I'm rugged and dependable. Maybe the Sig, she'll think I'm cool and sophisticated. [Sarah's first tip for dating: no guns.] I'll just take 'em both. [Whatever.]
So you're taking Verbanski to the gun range on your first date? [Then guns are allowed.]
Weird move, huh? [Yes.]
No, I think she's going to love it. [Also yes.] Well, good luck
Sure you don't want to tag along, follow in the van? [To play gooseberry?] I am wired for sound. [That's a weird move.]
I think this is a solo mission
Yeah. Thanks, Walker
Yiiiii! The Sarah And Casey Can Hug Because They're Like Siblings Campaign adores these little scenes between the two of them. Still, no hug. Disappointing.
But then this scene got better.
Is Casey wearing Morgan's cologne?
Unfortunately. What's this?
Courtesy of General Diane Beckman and the United States government. Our bounty money for Zorn.
Wow. That's a lot of zeroes. [You were rich two weeks ago, don't act so impressed.] That's just the beginning, honey. Carmichael Industries has a new lease on life
Wonderful
You can take another #drink. That's even more wonderful.
Chuck and Sarah being adorable without drama. I like it. I'm waiting for the moment hell's gonna break, but for now, I like it.
Just the opposite that happens with Lester about the new Jeff who doesn't sleep in the van anymore (apparently somebody who could take all the drugs in the world without suffering much consequences just needed to stop sleeping in the van to cure his brain.)
The New Jeff
I think that a sane Jeff is one of the scariest things I've ever seen.
On the other hand, Morgan is his usual self again. That's great. Casey expels him from his home. That's less great. Of course, Morgan must give our favorite couple about the news.
Well, okay, where are you gonna live?
I don't know, but that's cool. Jeff said that I could, uh, crash in his van. You know that he's not using it now. You know? So... Yeah, I'll be all right. You know, just till I get on my feet
[Chuck puts puppy eyes at Sarah.]
Absolutely not, Morgan. [You're weak, woman.] You're gonna stay with us.
Guys, I... I mean, after everything that's... I don't know what to say. [Thank you?]
Say you're gonna lose the frosted tips
Look, they have a dog a baby Morgan with them again. It's a family trait, if Ellie let Chuck live with her and Devon then, of course, Chuck will do the same. Sarah understands that. Although I hope he doesn't stay for five years. Hey, we should take like an advance that Morgan didn't ask to stay right away. Or stayed without asking.
But of course, the episode couldn't end so happily-ish. Since Morgan bragged he was the Intersect in front of everybody (and their mother), now the CIA knows about it and has sent a kill order against him.
Dun-dun-duuuuuuun!
PS: As I suspected I'm having little time (and some technical issues) to write my recaps. I could have jumped an eisode and reviewed episode 4 (a fan favorite) but I din't want to break the order. I promise I will try to write a recap of every episode. I just hope it doesn't take me too much.