Monsters of Television

At least no one dropped “Smokin’!” during the episode.

Although there was a lot of smoke to be had. A lot of conversations to be had, too. The episode focused a lot on relationships rather than on Chuck’s being able to stand against The Ring. And, in this age of a more mature, more progressed Chuck, the stakes are a little higher and the web a little more entangled. Yes, this is a storyline they’ve fallen on before (Chuck hooking up with a sassy brunette) but this time Sarah gets an chance at some action, too. And, let’s face it: it’s high time. She’s been holding out for three years while “training” Chuck, staying (more or less) true to him while simultaneously avoiding physical romantic entanglement (though that can be debated). Bryce, Chuck, Cole. By now her hormones are so charged up that they’re probably standing next to her, six feet tall wearing pink sweatpants and waiting to breakdance.

Yes, that’s from The State. Sadly, I couldn’t find a clip.

So hookups all around as the phantom of “Chuck vs The Three Words” seems to fade away. The team prepares Chuck for a big move (that I’m not quite sure where they’re going to go with) and we get that Chuck and Sarah moment we’re used to seeing by the Fountain take place in the sterile Castle environment, fitting for the conversation. There are some things on the horizon, some big things, that, really, the Olympics are just impeding. Freaking snow.

Also, how bad a friend can Chuck be to Morgan? I mean, outside of constantly lying to him, neglecting him, and implicating him into a constant barrage of danger, now this, too? As much as Chuck whines about Morgan being his best friend and his family being important to him, dude really only looks out for number 1. No love for the bearded man. But how funny is it to watch Ellie and Morgan have some scenes together? It’s great to see that relationship grow a little bit. I mean, these are people that have known each other for years. And, even though Ellie has been grossed out by him, he’s still like a little brother. It’s good to see Chuck explore some of the other relationships that have been neglected.

Lastly, when people stand in front of the shadowy Ring Council, does anyone else get reminded of Mork from Ork?