HEROES REBORN Rises From the Dead

Article originally published as HEROES REBORN Review on Seat42F.

More than five years ago, NBC’s Heroes ended their four-season run with a barely-begun Volume 6, “Brave New World,” and the words To Be Continued… Now, HEROES REBORN finally gives us that “Brave New World,” the title of its first episode back, as it begins a new Volume 1.

Because a number of years have passed since the events of Heroes, the new show can’t just jump right in. We get a series of flashbacks to introduce a number of the new players, as well as a huge, traumatic event that shakes the world. Then, the action picks up one year later, with the world living in fear of the Evos (what those with powers are called), and a fresh batch of heroes in hiding. The one man who may be able to usher them into a new era is the one who resisted attempts to change the world in the first place, and a familiar face.

Yes, Noah Bennet, a.k.a. HRG (for Horn-Rimmed Glasses), is the bridge between Heroes and HEROES REBORN. Having lost his estranged daughter, Claire, in the big attack, Noah (Jack Coleman) is trying to build a new life for himself. But HRG was never one able to sit on the sidelines, and as soon as Quentin Frady (Henry Zebrowski, A to Z) enters his life, it takes little prodding to get him back on track.

HRG is the perfect character to continue the story. He is involved with many of the heroes, but isn’t a hero himself. He also has history with The Company, which is very much a part of the new conspiracy and story. He is the relatable everyman, while also being the mysterious guy in the know. And his presence, a strong one in the new miniseries, is part of the reason that HEROES REBORN feels just like another season of Heroes.

Now, Heroes itself was a mixed bag, but in the early days, it was very good, and HEROES REBORN gets us back to those early days. There’s a lot going on that the audience doesn’t realize and must figure out. There is a high school student just learning how his abilities work. There are a pair of adorable Japanese geeks. There is a man who resists stepping up, but must in order to protect those he cares about. The Haitian (Jimmy Jean-Louis) may hold the answers. Mohinder (Sendhil Ramamurthy) is on the run from the law, presumably framed for something he didn’t do. So yep, pretty much the same stuff.

I mention Mohinder and The Haitian, and both are part of the two-hour premiere, sort of. They are not the only people who get shout-outs from the past, and I’m sure there will be others. One former player, in particular, has a surprising role in the second hour. But like Heroes, which introduced new players each season, HEROES REBORN keeps the world alive and growing, while bringing in fresh elements, with a bit more overhaul than previous new seasons.

There are a bunch of faces we’re seeing for the first time that are quite welcome. Tommy (Robbie Kay, Once Upon a Time) is the aforementioned high schooler who, like Claire, is hunted and must stay in the shadows. Kaye is a very talented young actor, and the perfect choice to continue this tradition. We also meet Luke (Zachary Levi, Chuck) and Joanne Collins (Judith Shekoni, The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn – Part 2), who have lost a son and seek revenge, as well as a mysterious man (Pruitt Taylor Vince, Deadwood), whose intentions are unknown. This grouping is the second big story, aside from HRG’s, that plays into the main mythology.

HEROES REBORN also needs a bit of humor, as Heroes had, and that’s where Miko (Kiki Sukezane, The Yokai King) and Ren (Toru Uchikado) come into play, serving much the same purpose as Hiro and Ando did in the first go-round. They’ll get involved with everyone else, eventually, but first they have their own quest.

Basically, HEROES REBORN re-creates what was great about Heroes, makes good use of its forbearer, and still manages to seem fresh and interesting. I hope this miniseries ends up being the start of another multi-season run, as the initial installments prove that the franchise has plenty of life left in it. As long as this time quality is maintained, perhaps partially by keeping the seasons shortened to thirteen episodes, as this one is, it would be great to get another four years.

HEROES REBORN premieres Thursday, September 24^th at 8 p.m. ET on NBC.

Chuck mostly wins "Versus the Goodbye"

     NBC's Chuck comes to an end forever with "Chuck Versus the Goodbye." The second hour of a two hour finale, "Chuck Versus the Goodbye," finds Sarah (Yvonne Strahovski) reluctantly allowing Chuck (Zachary Levi) and Morgan (Joshua Gomez) to help her hunt down Quinn (Angus Macfadyen, Californication, Braveheart), now that she knows he is a bad guy. Chuck still hopes to spark Sarah's memories of their time together, but those hopes are dashed when Chuck must use the last Intersect upload to save many innocent lives, rather than to restore some of those memories. In the end, Quinn is killed, and Sarah does listen to Chuck tell their story, though whether or not she feels anything romantically for Chuck remains a mystery.

     Talking of using the Intersect to restore Sarah's memories, well, photos and such that pertain to memories, is a little creepy. It's a plan that will reprogram someone's brain. Of course, Chuck has always explored such themes with a light hand, given that the Intersect computer, which is implanted into one's brain, is an important element throughout all five seasons of the series. And the fact of the matter is, when it comes right down to it, the Intersect ends up being used as a weapon that harms Morgan and nearly destroys Sarah. So Chuck does anything but promote such invasive technology. No matter how cool it appears to be.

     Chuck ends up being a love story, first and foremost. There is a villain that must be defeated in the finale, sure, and there is spy work that must be done. But heart has always been a central element, and never does that take more prominence than in the series finale. Much of the final hour is devoted to Chuck's feelings for Sarah, and his efforts to re-spark that romance within her. He wooed her once, over the course of several years. Even without her memories, she does return to him, even if she has excuses for doing so. So maybe Chuck can eventually get her to fall for him again.

     The ending of "Chuck Versus the Goodbye" is left open to interpretation, which is actually quite nice. There are some plot holes and things that don't flow well in the finale, which will be covered shortly, and trying to resolve Sarah's missing memories likely would lend itself to more negatives. To tie up that story so neatly at the end of two hours, when the damage appears so permanent, would be unrealistic and hokey. But to allow Chuck and Sarah to kiss, both hoping against hope that this magical expression of their love will restore what they lost, then fading to black without revealing whether it works or not, is perfect. Because, the fact is, whether Sarah ever remembers or not, she is already seeing the love in Chuck's eyes, and it will not take her long to make some new memories with him. They both appear ready for the challenge of starting over, so it is truly a happy ending.

     "Chuck Versus the Goodbye," as well as the hour preceding it, are full of nostalgia for Sarah and Chuck. Seeing Sarah back in her hot dog serving outfit, or the pair dancing heatedly, or diffusing a bomb with Casey (Adam Baldwin), is a wonderful treat, paying homage to the early days of Chuck, sometimes very obviously. With everything dark going on, this lightens the mood. It also helps viewers overlook the numerous flaws, as they are so moved by what is playing out on screen, that they forget about logic. A smart move here.

     Sarah and Chuck aren't the only ones who get the happy ending, either. Casey, after a brief slip back to the detached military officer he once was, chooses heart instead, and goes after Gertrude (Carrie-Anne Moss). Morgan and Alex (Mekenna Melvin) decide to move in together. Ellie (Sarah Lancaster) and Awesome (Ryan McPartlin) take promising jobs in Chicago, which will allow them to afford a big house, something they cannot do in L.A., even with their doctor salaries. Even Mary (Linda Hamilton) stops in for a visit, and General Beckman (Bonita Friedericy) gets to play a small role in the final mission (the final final final mission, long after the characters' stated final mission). So all the major characters are served.

     Big Mike (Mark Christopher Lawrence) is thrilled to see Subway purchase the Buy More, or rather, excited by the prospect of the delicious food that will go with it. Subway has done much to keep Chuck on the air for all of these years, so despite some blatant product placement, which actually goes well with the hip charm of Chuck, and the confusion as to why a restaurant chain would want to purchase an electronic store, it can be overlooked. Subway deserves a reward for its staunch support of the show, and saluting it in the end is well justified.

     Jeffster makes a final appearance in "Chuck Versus the Goodbye" as the duo (Scott Krinsky and Vik Sahay) performs "Take On Me," with orchestral backup, to stop a bomb from going off and killing Beckman and the audience. Their musical numbers have been an integral part of Chuck, and present for many important moments. Thus, it's fitting to see them one last time. Even better, the two are offered a recording deal in Germany, and complete their maturation that's been building in this fifth season. finally leaving the Buy More and heading on to bigger things.

     Now, for the drawbacks. The two hour finale is full of plot holes. Why does Quinn need to remind Sarah of Ellie's name after Sarah studies files on Chuck and his loved ones? How does Morgan gets Jeffster dressed and ready to perform so quickly? How does Casey know that Sarah has taken up residence in her old apartment? The list goes on and on. Chuck has never been the best written series on television, but the final two hours are some of the worst, logic wise. This is disappointing, after five great years. The fact that the wonderful depth of heart distracts fans enough to enjoy the episodes does not take away from the wish that a little more time had been taken to make the story make more sense. Ah, well. Nothing can be done about it now.

     In the end, Chuck deserves thanks and praise for the five years it touched, tickled, and entertained us. It will be sorely missed.

     Oh, and did anyone else catch that Chuck ends with Chuck possessing a newly updated version of the Intersect in his head? Awesome!


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Article first published as TV Review: Chuck - "Chuck Versus the Goodbye" on Blogcritics.

"Chuck Versus the Baby" emotional highpoint

     This week's installment of NBC's Chuck, "Chuck Versus the Baby," finds Sarah (Yvonne Strahovski) reverting back to her old habits, trying to handle a situation alone, and in secret. Chuck (Zachary Levi) does his best to be understanding, but when his intervention saves Sarah's life, she realizes that she's been wrong. Together, they set off to save Sarah's mother (Cheryl Ladd, Las Vegas, Charlie's Angels) from a very bad, ex-CIA creep (Tim DeKay, White Collar).

     The final season of Chuck has been phenomenal, even though this reviewer has not managed to write up an article each week. "Chuck Versus the Baby," however, will stand out even among the excellent grouping. It really delves into how Sarah has changed, and how her life has been enriched by being with Chuck. She was willing to give up everything for her job, once upon a time. Now she has friends and family, and her life is facing a crossroads. Her decisions to let Chuck in, as well as turning down Beckman's (Bonita Friedericy) offer to rejoin the CIA, are a big step for her, signaling that she is happy with the way things have progressed, and prefers a fuller life. It's heart-warming, and Sarah realizing her wrongness completes a wonderful, long-term arc. Plus, it isn't like she looks weaker than Chuck overall, because as Morgan (Joshua Gomez) says, she's usually right when they disagree. A small part for deceased CIA Director Graham (Tony Todd), tying the current arc into the series pilot, is also a welcome bridge.

     Just one question: is Sarah's hair in the flashback an intentional homage to Ladd's days as an Angel?

     Even better is introducing Sarah's mother to the group, and the character will have to return at least once more. Chuck is very heavily about the titular character's family, but thus far Sarah's only relation is a con man. With the introduction of Ladd's mother, Sarah now has a similar connection. It's also sweet for Sarah's mother, who worries about her daughter ever getting a real life with people to care about. A short amount of time spent near Chuck and Sarah's extended family reassured her that Sarah is well taken care of and happy. If tears are not in your eyes at this point in watching the episode, then you have no human emotions.

     Elsewhere in the episode, Ellie (Sarah Lancaster) and Awesome (Ryan McPartlin) intercede to try to repair things between Morgan (Joshua Gomez) and Alex (Mekenna Melvin). It leads to a fun little back story of Awesome's time as an A&F model, but more importantly, it wakes Alex up to the fact that Morgan is a good guy who made a mistake. Why she can't understand how his brain gets messed up by a computer is hard to understand, but it's forgiven when they reunite after she sees Morgan being caring towards Sarah's little sister. It's about time!

     Of course, not all of "Chuck Versus the Baby" is sappy, emotional stuff, as not every Chuck fan cares about those things. Some just want the action. DeKay's villain, so different from his USA Network good guy, delights. He is deliciously evil, well acted, and has a heck of a fight scene with Sarah in her mother's kitchen, as unrealistic as their fall through the wall may be. It adds adrenaline to the episode, and gives it an extra shove.

     The complaints about "Chuck Versus the Baby" pretty much boil down to the trailer NBC aired last week. The preview made it seem like Sarah had a secret child that she hid, which would have been a low down, dirty, ridiculous contrivance tossed in at the last moment. Instead, this week's entry is sweet, awesome, clever, and original. NBC made a huge mistake when putting together that commercial, and they should be ashamed of themselves.

     Chuck's (unfortunately) final season continues Fridays at 8 p.m. ET on NBC.

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"Chuck Versus the Frosted Tips" a high stakes game

     NBC's latest Chuck, "Chuck Versus the Frosted Tips," finds Morgan (Joshua Gomez) going off the deep end. He frosts his tips, quits the Buy More, dumps Alex (Mekenna Melvin) via text message, and steals a CIA freelance mission from Carmichael Industries to complete with Verbanski (Carrie-Anne Moss). Chuck (Zachary Levi) is ready to write off his best friend, but it's Sarah (Yvonne Strahovski) that realizes this is more than an ego trip. Sure enough, the Intersect is damaging Morgan, and he doesn't even remember who he is. Which means it's up to Chuck, Sarah, and Casey (Adam Baldwin) to save Morgan.

     Given the Chuck and Morgan's love of geeky trilogies, perhaps it comes as no surprise that "Bad Morgan" is presented as a three-parter. Sure, the story about Morgan and the Intersect is not yet ended, though it may be next week, but now Morgan's behavior can come back under control. He realizes what is going on, and is no longer actively working against his friends. Thank goodness for that.

     It's interesting that Sarah is the one who figures things out, while Chuck is ready to write Morgan off. This is explained away because Morgan had a similar ego trip in middle school that Chuck remembers. But Morgan's actions are hard to explain away through sheer arrogance alone. Sarah even goes to Ellie (Sarah Lancaster) for help when Chuck doesn't believe her. Perhaps it's a testament to how Sarah has grown to care for Morgan, or at least be sympathetic to the role Morgan plays in Chuck's life. Unexpected, and nice.

     Casey is the only one unwilling to overlook Morgan's behavior. This can be attributed to Morgan hurting Casey's daughter, Alex. Even after Morgan apologizes and gets himself back under control, Casey kicks Morgan out of his house. The key here seems to be Alex, and if Morgan wants to be OK with Casey, he had best make things up to Alex. This should be accomplished relatively easily, given Morgan and Alex's deep affection for each other. But it's cool that Chuck doesn't just move past the incident with no consequences, even if said consequences are minor.

     Verbanski is never really a clear villain for Chuck and company, even though she is a competitor. In "Chuck Versus the Frosted Tips," she moves from enemy to ally in short order. The key to this switch is her connection with Casey. It may have taken five years, but giving Casey a love interest softens him up, and adds some depth. Plus, it's humorous when Casey tries to apply spy techniques to a dating life. Also, going with a character like Verbanski, who may just be Casey's equal in many ways, keeps the plot realistic, and allows Casey to stay true to his character. It will be interesting to see how things progress with the two of them from here.

     Beckman (Bonita Friedericy) is back! It may be just be a small part, with her hooking up Carmichael Industries with a mission, and valuable information regarding Morgan, but it's thrilling to see her again. Her presence is missed, and hopefully she will be more heavily involved in the end game than she has been in awhile.

     Finally, there is another story that may have lasting effects. Awesome (Ryan McPartlin), on paternity leave, wanders into the Buy More, where he diagnoses and treats Jeff (Scott Krinsky). Turns out, all of Jeff's sloppy behavior and poor decision making skills stem from carbon monoxide poisoning. It does feel too easy that Jeff is cured by the end of "Chuck Versus the Frosted Tips." However, seeing Jeff clean up his act, which will surely drive Lester (Vik Sahay) insane, is an exciting development that hopefully will stick, at least for an episode or two.

     Don't miss the final season of Chuck, Fridays at 8 p.m. ET on NBC.

     If you like my reviews, please follow me on Twitter!

     Click here to read every Chuck review I've ever written.

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"Chuck Versus the Bearded Bandit" ponders what it means to be a hero

     In this week's Chuck episode, "Chuck Versus the Bearded Bandit," Sarah (Yvonne Strahovski) suggests that Chuck (Zachary Levi) be Morgan's (Joshua Gomez) handler. This is easier said than done, as Morgan begins to feel unfairly sidelined. Morgan's behavior becomes more erratic when the team's latest client, Karl Sneijder (Jeff Fahey, Lost), is revealed to be a bad guy, intent on killing his brother, Wesley (Justin Hartley, Smallville), whom he asks the team to "rescue." With Chuck unable to control Morgan, Sarah calls a competitor, Gertrude Verbanski (Carrie-Anne Moss, The Matrix), to help.

     What makes a hero? This is a question that Chuck ponders quite a bit over the years. Chuck begins the series as a geeky tech nerd, and slowly grows into a super spy. He remains a hero even after losing the Intersect computer from his head. Morgan, on the other hand, is clearly not a hero, even though he tries to act as one, just because he now has the Intersect's physical skills. Since they can both do the same things, why is one a hero, and one is not? What sets Chuck above not only Morgan, but virtually everyone else in his world?

     The difference in temperament between the two guys is the most likely avenue to explore to understand the distinction. Chuck is a genuinely good guy, more concerned with others than himself, and cool headed enough to take advice from his friends. Morgan is much more impulsive. He isn't bad, but he is normal, in his compassion for others. He doesn't have the same selfless qualities, nor the wisdom to use his powers in the way that he needs to best benefit everyone. In short, Morgan is a perfectly decent man, but he doesn't have the extra "it" factor that elevates Chuck. It's too bad that Morgan can't see that, while Chuck's personality does resemble those of comic book superheros, his own does not.

     Of course, it is obvious that Morgan is suffering from more than just his own flaws. Throughout "Chuck Versus the Bearded Bandit," Morgan, a self-proclaimed geek, misses references to Indiana Jones, Star Wars, and shows a lack of appreciation for Die Hard. This is very unusual for Morgan, as all of these movies are right up his alley, and he has been known to worship them in the past. Plus, he isn't as willing to listen to Chuck as usual.  Are these signs of a larger change, or is he just suffering memory loss? Is there some damage to the Intersect? Might the design of the program be tailored to certain people, or just specifically Chuck? Any of that could potentially be very bad.

     Bottom line, no matter what is causing Morgan to act like this, whether it's his own fault or not, or more likely, somewhere in the middle, this means danger and risk for the team. When word gets out that Morgan has the Intersect, and it certainly will when he behaves so recklessly, all manner of bad guys will come after him. Even when Chuck is careful, he faces villains, and Morgan is not being nearly so cautious. To get to Morgan, they will come through his loved ones, endangering everyone around him. So the implications of his actions and what he is experiencing are great and not good.

     At the end of "Chuck Versus the Bearded Bandit," Morgan approaches Verbanski about a job opening with her security company. Can she handle him better than his friends? There will certainly be less emotion involved, allowing for more objective decision making. Also, Verbanski can afford to have a substantial team around Morgan, forcing him to behave, and reigning him in physically when necessary. Carmichael Industries just does not have those kinds of resources. Most likely, Verbanski will send Morgan out on easy assignments, making him believe he is valuable, while all the time milking his Intersect for precious information.

     The ultimate determining factor on how Morgan is treated, now that his secret is out to at least one woman besides the central characters, is what type of person Verbanski is. She is a love interest for Casey (Adam Baldwin), who previously had a sexual relationship with her. Their attraction could be an opposites thing, where Casey is turned on by having sex with evil, something he shouldn't do. Or she could be a genuinely good person, and Casey just doesn't want commitment or to be tied down.His attempts to gather courage to ask her out imply the latter, and that he is a chicken in these matters, meaning that Morgan might be perfectly safe in her hands. Safe, but probably still used.

     On a bigger scale, will Verbanski mean the end of Carmichael Industries, a larger competitor shutting out the small fry? Or could Verbanski absorb Chuck's motley crew, offering them real employment. If she isn't bad, what would be the harm in considering working for her, rather than trying to run their own crew? True, she would have power and decision making over Chuck, Sarah, and Casey. But again, if she isn't up to no good, why would that matter? She also has resources, which they need.

     The plan to use the Buy More to finance Carmichael Industries is not going well, at least as of "Chuck Versus the Bearded Bandit." Business is down. Chuck asks Big Mike (Mark Christopher Lawrence) for help, since he ran the store for so long. Big Mike, in turn, goes to Captain Awesome (Ryan McPartlin). Awesome makes a great spokesperson, attracting all sorts of clientele as the new face of the store. But will this save be temporary, or will the increased business sustain for a decent period of time?


Don't miss the final season of Chuck, Fridays at 8 p.m. ET on NBC.

     If you like my reviews, please follow me on Twitter!

     Click here to read every Chuck review I've ever written.

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Article first published as TV Review: Chuck - "Chuck Versus the Bearded Bandit" on Blogcritics.

"Chuck Versus the Zoom" in final season premiere

     NBC's Chuck begins its fifth and final season with "Chuck vs. the Zoom." Chuck (Zachary Levi) is jealous that Morgan (Joshua Gomez) now has the Intersect instead of him. This makes him feel more useless on missions, and Chuck's not sure that he can make Carmichael Industries a reality without his talent. But their latest mission not only makes Chuck step up to be a hero once more, but also results in the group losing all of their funds when Clyde Decker (Richard Burgi) freezes their accounts. Now they will have to rely on the Buy More making a profit to save the day.

     The title "Chuck vs. the Zoom" comes from Morgan's nicknaming of his Intersect moment as a zoom, rather than a flash, as Chuck always calls it. This is kind of the straw that breaks the camel's back, so to speak. Chuck is already feeling powerless and useless. He grows jealous of Morgan taking the lead in their missions, despite his attempts to not let those negative feelings show. He feels like he can no longer save the day. Chuck's life as a spy begins with the Intersect, and he places a lot of importance on the computer that resides in his brain. Except, it no longer does. Morgan makes it his own, and that makes Chuck sad.

     Luckily, Chuck is much more than just the Intersect by this point. Four seasons in, he is a self-made man and spy. Even without the computer, he proves invaluable, saving the day as the team goes after Roger Bale (Craig Kilborn, The Late Late Show with Craig Kilborn), a sleazy investment banker. Chuck also has wife Sarah (Yvonne Strahovski) to build him up, as she is his wife for many more reasons than because he has a computer in his head for awhile.

     At the end of "Chuck vs. the Zoom," as Chuck wonders about his place on the team, Sarah says that he's their leader. When this becomes so is unclear, although it is part of a gradual process. When Chuck begins, Chuck defers to Sarah and Casey (Adam Baldwin) on everything. However, he steps outside of the rules when he thinks he knows better, and his presence demands theirs, as they are tasked with protecting them. Somewhere along the way, mostly beginning after Chuck gets the Intersect 2.0, and becomes more useful in the field, Chuck takes a more assertive role. With the founding of Carmichael Industries, and the departure of General Beckman (Bonita Friedericy) and government mandate, his position as the captain is solidified. However, if one has not thought about this subtle shift in power, one may be surprised at Chuck being the team leader. That is, until one takes a moment to consider the character's growth over the series run.

     Where is Beckman? She leaves the Intersect glasses after Decker suppresses the computer in Chuck, hoping Chuck will fix himself, though Morgan is the one that ultimately puts the glasses on. This means that while Beckman may no longer be their boss, she arranges for their next professional stage. So why isn't she there to help them along? Why isn't she a mole for them inside the government? More importantly, why is her face no longer in the theme song, having finally been promoted to main character for season four? It is extremely unlikely that the last has been seen of Beckman, but her absence is notable, and has this fan wondering heavily where she is and what she is up to.

     There are also a number of questions raised in this episode. Why is Chuck still on Decker's radar? What's the end game? Why does Decker want to destroy a tech geek who has his powers taken away?

     Morgan is adjusting well to being more integral to the team. His behavior is reminiscent of early Chuck, though as the comic relief, Morgan will probably never grow into the super spy that Chuck has become. Morgan's dance with Sarah is nothing short of hilarious, seeing him in shoes that should be filled by Chuck. Morgan even identifies himself as Michael Carmichael, a play off of Chuck's spy name, Charles Carmichael. That's OK, because it's fun to have a bumbling guy adjusting to skills he doesn't know how to use again. It brings a freshness to the series, and any focus on the comically brilliant Gomez is more than welcome.

     Casey is probably the least satisfied with their new arrangement. This is because Casey has a very strong moral compass, and working for the government, he trusts that, at the end of the day, what he is doing is right. Even when the series takes it a little far and brings him to the defense of Rush Limbaugh. Now they have to work for private citizens who hire them, such as the guy (Ethan Phillips, Star Trek: Voyager) who wants them to go after Roger Bale, who Casey takes an instant, strong dislike to. This is a problem, because if Casey offends potential clients, Carmichael Industries will have a hard time attracting new business.

     It appears that Ellie (Sarah Lancaster) is now officially on the spy team, too. She is only briefly in "Chuck vs. the Zoom," but she is shown in Castle, and the one scene she does have shows her consulting on secret spy technology, specifically, the Intersect glasses, with Chuck. Ellie is coming around to spying being a family business, but it's still surprising to see her work so willingly, without trying to talk Chuck out of his dangerous assignments. Hopefully, it will stop being strange soon, and she can become even more involved.

     It is both ironic and fitting that the Buy More will hold the key to Chuck's spy career. Lingering, sometimes on the edge, during the entire series, the electronic super store will now provide all of the funding Carmichael Industries gets to try to make a go of things. Of course, Jeff (Scott Krinsky) and Lester (Vik Sahay) threaten the business, up to their usual tricks. And with manager Morgan frequently out of the country and working in Castle, there is no one to keep them in line. Might this be a job for Beckman? Or maybe Morgan just needs to promote Big Mike (Mark Christopher Lawrence). He runs things pretty well in the earlier seasons.


     Do not miss Chuck, airing Fridays at 8 p.m. ET on NBC for a mere twelve more episodes.

     If you like my reviews, please follow me on Twitter!

     Click here to read every Chuck review I've ever written.

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Article first published as TV Review: Chuck - "Chuck vs. the Zoom" on Blogcritics.

Chuck in "Chuck Versus the Ciffhanger" for the final time

     NBC's Chuck is the little show that could, chugging along long after its been assumed dead, multiple times. With next season just announced as Chuck's fifth and final, last night's season finale, "Chuck Versus the Cliffhanger," should be yet another game changer for a series known for such. It does not disappoint. Fired from the CIA, and with the Intersect computer removed from his brain while trying to save Sarah's (Yvonne Strahovski) life, Chuck (Zachary Levi) also takes the time to repair the relationship between Hartley / Volkoff (Timothy Dalton) and his daughter, Vivian (Lauren Cohan). As a wedding present, the dangerous duo leave Chuck and Sarah an empire worth nearly $1,000,000,000! Who needs a career when you have money? Hiring Casey (Adam Baldwin) and Morgan (Joshua Gomez), Chuck and Sarah buy the Buy More and open their own freelance spy agency. And then Morgan gets the Intersect in his head.

     The end is near as soon as Agent Clyde Decker (Richard Burgi, Desperate Housewives) is introduced. Chuck may be able to get around Decker to save Sarah, dying after being attacked by Vivian, but nothing will ever be the same afterwards. Chuck has to cross too many lines to rescue his love, but it's worth it, because Sarah is the person Chuck is meant to be with. This is a plot that has been toyed with before, but "Chuck Versus the Cliffhanger" takes the love story to a new level, costing the pair everything to be together, and making it totally worth it. Those who doubted the actions of the characters on Chuck have consequences, this is the ultimate answer to that question.

     As such, next season, the series's last, will be drastically different. General Beckman (Bonita Friedericy) will remain in the cast, but in what capacity is unclear. Will she quit to work for Chuck? Offer them freelance government jobs? Will she finally do more episodes in person than on a computer screen? What is known is that she will no longer be the boss. Instead, Chuck, Sarah, Casey, and Morgan will have nearly unlimited resources and their choice of all missions. It's actually a new freedom, opening the characters up to live in a way they never imagined they could. The effect the money and power will have on them remains to be seen, but it's a guarantee there will be far reaching effects, and this new living situation will have a major impact on the final thirteen episodes.

     For four seasons, Chuck has slowly grown from uber-nerd, fish out of water into a super spy. Even without the Intersect computer, Chuck is a force to be reckoned with because of all his training and experience. Moving the Intersect into Morgan is genius because it resets the clock. Chuck gets to see just how difficult he used to be for Sarah and Casey to deal with. The powers will seem fresh and original in new hands. And Morgan will be even more involved than ever before, just as he has promised to pull back from the dangerous stuff for the sake of Alex (Mekenna Melvin).

     Chuck understands what Morgan is going through, he himself having had to lie and face tough decisions to keep his family safe. Not so long ago, Chuck promises his sister, Ellie (Sarah Lancaster), that he will give up the dangerous spy life in order to stay at home and be safe. Now that shoe is on Morgan's foot. What's more, with Alex's dad being Morgan's co-worker, it is not likely Morgan will be allowed to lie to Alex and keep his involvement secret the way Chuck has. Morgan will likely face a tough decision before long: Alex or the Intersect. Knowing Morgan, as much as he will enjoy his new abilities, he will make the right decision in the end, and that's Alex.

     It seems the threat Vivan and Alexei Volkoff pose is now at an end. With Alexei restored to his peaceful self, and father and daughter pursuing the quiet life, they are not likely to be a threat, though one hopes they will be pop back up before series end.

     Instead, Clyde Decker, as well as what he represents, will be Chuck's biggest worry. Decker tells Chuck in "Chuck Versus the Cliffhanger" that everything that has happened to Chuck is part of a master plan. Chuck has faced down a number of villains, and fought with his family and himself to be who he ultimately has become. Now Decker says that's exactly what he wants. Will Chuck find out who is behind everything and why? How will that impact Chuck's life going forward? What is the end goal of such a plot?

     Whatever Chuck faces, it is nice to know that the Buy More is secure. When Chuck turned more serious in the spy game, the goofy electronics store with its bizarre employees, including Jeff (Scott Krinsky), Lester (Vik Sahay), and Big Mike (Mark Christopher Lawrence), continued to be a grounding presence. No doubt, now that Chuck owns the franchise, he will be drawn closer than ever to the demented trio. They are not just comic relief, though, but also provide a tether to the real world, even when not appearing to live in it themselves. The Buy More is a quirky element that sets Chuck apart from any other series on the air, and it's a relief to know that will not be changing.

     What will be changing is Chuck's relationship with his family. Ellie now not only knows what Chuck is up to, she also knows her family has always been involved in espionage. Despite her new baby with her husband, Awesome (Ryan McPartlin), Ellie probably will not want to close the door to that part of her history, especially with mother Mary (Linda Hamilton) back in her life. Look for Ellie to come into Castle from time to time to help out Chuck's new team. Especially with the plot of the master plan going back years, Chuck will need Ellie's help to decode what is happening.

     The last thing to expect from a final season of Chuck is a lot of closure. Many things happen in "Chuck Versus the Cliffhanger," but none take Chuck in majorly new directions that haven't been broached before. While the rules keep changing, the game stays the same. As Chuck goes on his final missions, look for a lot of tie-in to past seasons and events. Rather than a new unfurling of further net, the final season of Chuck should begin drawing the loops closer, making connections where there were none before. Given four years of brilliant writing, the odds are in Chuck's favor that the writers will be cooking up a genius ending. Do not miss it.


     Chuck will move to Fridays at 8pm next season, as it presents its final season on NBC.

     If you like my reviews, please follow me on Twitter! Click here for all of my Current Season Reviews.

     To buy Chuck DVDs and streaming episodes, please click here.

Article first published as TV Review: Chuck - "Chuck Versus the Cliffhanger" on Blogcritics.

Chuck Versus the Wedding Planner

     Although last night was NBC's Chuck's 21st episode this season, three more outings remain: Chuck's longest season to date. Not many shows get 24 episodes anymore. In last night's, "Chuck Versus the Wedding Planner," Chuck (Zachary Levi) and Sarah (Yvonne Strahovski) are swindled out of over $20,000 by their wedding planner. On advice from Sarah's con man father, Jack (Gary Cole), they use CIA resources to track down the woman, earning them both a suspension. But when Chuck flashes while looking at the planner's client list, General Beckman (Bonita Friedericy) doesn't believe him. So Chuck, Sarah, and Jack stage their own con to save the world and restore the two spies to duty.

     It is an absolute delight to get Gary Cole on screen in any capacity. Since it doesn't look like he will be returning for Chuck and Sarah's upcoming nuptials, it is awfully kind of the writers to build him into such a nice story, and provide a sweet moment for he and Sarah on the dance floor during a wedding reception. A con man with a heart of gold is still a con man, so he's just not that reliable. Plus, despite the fact that he so obviously loves his daughter, no one ever said Jack has a heart of gold.

     In flashback, we see Sarah's childhood. Her grandmother tells her father to stay away, and he reluctantly agrees. Young Sarah is heartbroken, and gives her daddy all the money she saved from the schemes they pulled together, hoping he will take her with him. He does end up disappearing, with the money, and without Sarah. While these bits are not particularly important to the overall series plot, as we already know the type of relationship the two have, but they are so well put together, it's easy to just enjoy them and not worry if they are necessary. And the actress playing young Sarah is adorable! Also, Jack leaving Sarah her money, of which he spent not a dime over the years, is a nice bookend, and solves the problem of Sarah and Chuck being hoodwinked.

     Of course, last time Jack showed up on Chuck, it is revealed that he has money stashed away for Sarah. Is that what his purpose is going to be? Every time Jack is on screen he is bringing money? Is this some sort of commentary on absentee dads?

     Parents are an important element on Chuck. Not one of Sarah or Chuck's parents are in the picture when the series begins. Chuck has tracked down both of his by this point, who happen to be spies, like him, although his father is now dead. Sarah's father has popped up a couple of times, but her mother has not been shown. Is it too much to hope for, that with three episodes left in the season, a suitably recognizable actress puts in an appearance? Or if not before the wedding, then next season? That may just be wishful thinking, and admittedly, I'm still hoping for a miracle resurrection of Scott Bakula.

     While Beckman's anger at Chuck and Sarah for misusing agency resources is certainly understandable, it stinks that she doesn't at least let them recover their missing money. After all they do in the line of duty, they should have just asked Beckman for help with the con woman, and she should have granted it. What good is having a job with such resources, and not getting to use them?

     This is not the first time Chuck or Sarah have crossed the line of professionalism. Both have used the tools of their job to hunt for Chuck's family, which ends up tying into their missions. While blind luck is probably partially to blame, Chuck must be given credit for good instincts. Not only did his hunt for mother and father help bring down bigger criminals, but the arrest of the wedding planner once again led to another mission. If we are to suspend disbelief and assume these are not coincidences, which is viable given the massive computer in Chuck's head, and its effects not completely all known or understood, Beckman needs to start learning to trust Chuck's actions, even when he himself doesn't realize a bigger motive.

     It is nice that Morgan (Joshua Gomez) and Casey (Adam Baldwin) assist in the faux wedding that Jack helps Sarah and Chuck throw. Morgan is, of course, Chuck's best friend, so he will willingly get involved in anything illegal if Chuck thinks it's best. Casey has been an obstacle before, but he has softened so much, and warmed up to the others, to the point where he barely questions them before lending a hand. It's a tight knit team built on trust, and they all realize they have something special here.

     Just because there are so many relationship movements in the episode doesn't mean that Chuck disappoints those looking for action. The wedding showdown, where the team has to stage an elaborate event, and then subtley take out not one, not two, not even three, but four bad guys is very cool! Comedy is mixed in with the action, such as Morgan rushing frantically into the backroom so that someone else can take down his mark. But fans who care more about the spy stuff than feelings should not be let down.

     No funny side plots with the Buy More this week. Due to a limited budget, Big Mike (Mark Christopher Lawrence), Lester (Vik Sahay), and Jeff (Scott Krinsky) only do certain episodes. (Sarah Lancaster's Ellie also sits this one out.) While it is a hallmark of the show to keep the CIA agents grounded with retail jobs, and also keep the more light hearted plots in for comic relief, it doesn't need to be every week. Buy More is not missed at all in this episode. Should it be missing for the next few, too, now that would be a problem.

     Devon (Ryan McPartlin) is the lone "side" main character that shows up, when he ends up catching Jack breaking into Chuck and Sarah's apartment. Did anyone else believe him when he said he could chase Jack down, even though he has a baby strapped to his chest? Classic Awesome! Devon ends up entertaining Jack for awhile, and while, like the flashbacks, not strictly needed, other than to let out to Jack know that his daughter is getting married, the two provide some of the most enjoyable moments in the hour.

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     It is finally time for Casey to come clean to Kathleen (Clare Carey). This arc took a huge leap forward this week when Kathleen catches a glimpse of the supposedly dead father of her child at the Buy More. Following him, at first she thinks he's just lying to their daughter, Alex (Mekenna Melvin), about being a hero spy. Then she sees him in action. Baldwin insists in a recent interview that Kathleen and Casey will not be picking up their romance where it left off, at least not this season, but that seems a shame. These two have wonderful chemistry.

     Now that Casey is out of the bag, does that mean he can be more actively involved in Alex's life? No more sneaking around? That would be a breath of fresh air, as Casey has become very important to Alex, and it's visibly wearing on her that she has to keep two sides of her life separate. Casey is a good father who realizes that, which is why he tells her in the previous episode not to lie to her mom. While there may be some resistance on Kathleen's part to Casey being around, he did leave her and lie to her after all, Casey is a genuinely good man. The sooner Kathleen sees that, the better for the show.


     If you like my reviews, please follow me on Twitter! Click here for all of my Current Season Reviews.

     Chuck airs Monday nights at 8 p.m. ET on NBC.

Article first published as TV Review: Chuck - "Chuck Versus the Wedding Planner" on Blogcritics.

Does Chuck belong on the A-Team?

      We didn't have to wait very long to see what Jane Bentley (Robin Givens) is up to: she is heading up a new Intersect program! I was wondering what the rest of this season of NBC's Chuck is going to be about, and now I have my answer. Bentley is turning other agents into new Chucks, tweaking and downloading the computer program into more heads. Anyone else see a creepy parallel to Dollhouse and its series finale, where brains could be taken over remotely? Scary stuff!

     Bentley's operations are revealed when Sarah (Yvonne Strahovski) and Chuck (Zachary Levi), bored at not getting any missions, spy on their own teammate, Casey (Adam Baldwin), steal his hand print, and break into the new super-secret lair within Castle. They are as surprised as viewers may have been to discover Chuck's father's laptop and two new Intersects. It seems the Greta program has a deeper purpose, as two Gretas (Stacy Keibler and Isaiah Mustafa) have already been loaded with a tweaked version of the program. Sarah and Chuck are reduced to B-Team status, picking up a puppy, while Casey and his new co-workers do the dangerous stuff. Until Casey gets both teams together, the Gretas screw things up, and Chuck has to save the day.

     Keibler and Mustafa were welcome to see again, though I wish the other Gretas, Olivia Munn (Perfect Couples, The Daily Show With Jon Stewart) and Summer Glau (Firefly, The Cape), had been included. I know both of the latter ladies have busier schedules than the ones used, but I still want to see more of them. I was disappointed that the Greta conceit seemed to be abandoned last fall after only four Gretas, so it's nice to know there is a larger plan, and the possibility for returns.

     Even better, I like when the Gretas are relieved to get the computer taken out of their heads. It gives a small insight into what Chuck deals with, having been the Intersect for four years now. Early in the series, we used to see Chuck struggle with what was going on, and for awhile, he was even experiencing pain from the cpmputer. I'm glad the show took time to remind us that, as easy as Chuck makes things look, being the Intersect is no walk in the park.

     That being said, I am completely enthusiastic about Chuck taking control of the program. Next week, Chuck will be training a number of other possible Intersect candidates. We've gotten to see Chuck as a spy, and now a new side will be revealed as he becomes a leader and a teacher. I have no problem with new Intersects coming into the equation, as long as Chuck remains the best. After all, this reminds Chuck's bosses just how valuable he is.

     As to what Bentley will do next, that is anyone's guess. She steals the laptop and takes it to Ellie (Sarah Lancaster), hoping that a Bartowski will be able to figure out the programming, as Bentley cannot. I assume, based on what we've seen of Ellie's interaction with the device so far, Chuck's sister will be able to help Bentley, albeit without knowing what Bentley is really wanting. Is this Ellie's reintroduction to the spy world? And how will Bentley use what she finds? I think Bentley is bent on taking back the Intersect training program, and she is willing to cross some lines to do it.

     Ellie and her husband, Devon a.k.a. Captain Awesome (Ryan McPartlin), flirted with the spy world earlier in the series, but have been away from it for awhile. Their main interest has been in raising their baby daughter, and that provides some comedic moments. Even put together, successful doctors like the two of them have trouble taking care of an infant. It is sweet, sweet justice that the only sounds that will keep their baby quiet are those of Jeffster, the amateur band formed by Jeff (Scott Krinsky) and Lester (Vik Sahay), two almost subhuman Buy More employees. They played baby Claire into the world, and now she is drawn to them. Best. Development. Ever. How soon til they babysit?

     I like that Casey gets some focus this week, as he sometimes doesn't get enough plot for my taste. There is never any doubt in my mind that the Colonel is still loyal to his old partners, as we had seen a couple of week's ago Casey's refusal to leave Burbank. I understand why he feels like a third wheel and wants a new, independent assignment. Bentley is right about Casey's talents being wasted. However, Casey is happy with this group, and happiness sometimes means more than career aspirations. Casey has always put career first, but he's never had such strong reasons not to. I predict even more drama, as I think Casey will soon be revealed to his daughter's mother, whether he wants to be or not. Will that give him another reason to stay, or push him away?

 

     Morgan (Joshua Gomez), too, is showing more of a striking out on his own individualism streak, allowing much personal development. While his screen time may have been limited this week, the last few episodes have found him finding a new apartment and getting pretty serious with his girlfriend, Casey's daughter, Alex (Mekenna Melvin). And this week, Morgan stands up to Chuck and Sarah, showing off the spine he has been slowly growing. They are unable to get any information from him about Casey's activities, which they assumed would be easy enough. Our little Morgan has become a man!

 

     One of the current best shows on television, Chuck airs Monday nights at 8 p.m. ET on NBC.

Article first published as TV Review: Chuck - "Chuck Versus the A-Team" on Blogcritics.

For an alphabetical list of all of Jerome Wetzel's Current Season Reviews, please click here.

 

For frequent mini-reviews and occasional TV news, follow Jerome on Twitter.

Chuck Surpasses Awesomeness

     I realize that the title of this article is a bold statement. It is also one I am willing to stand by. So far in the fourth season, Chuck (Zachary Levi) has found and rescued his mother, Mary a.k.a. Frost (Linda Hamilton), wooed and proposed (multiple times) to Sarah (Yvonne Strahovski), who last night appeared to say yes, and brought down one of the most notorious criminals of all time, Volkoff (Timothy Dalton) and his organization. As General Beckman (Bonita Friedericy) told Chuck when he asked to borrow a van, and I'm paraphrasing here, 'After what you've done, I'll send you by chopper!'

     This season of Chuck has felt like a helicopter ride in a storm, swinging around wildly, but thrilling at the same time. The show, frequently on the verge of cancellation, has packed much plot into a handful of episodes before, most notably at the end of season two, and it felt rushed. This time, however, it feels anything but. It's perfectly plotted out, brilliantly executed, and a hell of a good time. Last night's episode, "Chuck Versus the Push Mix", seemed like a season finale, but the best part is, it wasn't! There's still more Chuck to come!

     In true Chuck fashion, last night's big episode did not end in a spectacular fight, though there was plenty of action. Instead, the final moments were Devon a.k.a. Captain Awesome (Ryan McPartlin) declaring his newborn baby girl 'awesome', and Sarah accepting Chuck's proposal. The proposal was particularly neat, as the viewer could hear only the floor waxing machine, not the words. We've heard them before, recently, so we didn't need to again. We've seen Chuck and Sarah grow together. And it felt absolutely perfect for him to ask now, and for her to say yes. It also felt like a private moment, as everyone but the two of them, including viewers, were excluded to some degree. Super sweet.

     Some shows worry about jumping the shark when they put their two romantic leads together. Series put it off for years, tossing one obstacle after another in their way. Chuck did that, too, but after three and a half years, the perfect amount of time, in my opinion, they tossed caution to the wind and went for it. Chuck and Sarah's relationship informed every episode of the season, to its credit. It has really worked, adding a fresh element. More importantly, Chuck never felt like her equal until now. After taking down Volkoff, he more than proved he deserves her.

     Timothy Dalton has been delicious in every episode, and I hate to see him go so soon. I hope the writers will find a way to bring him back. The final showdown was pitch perfect, with Chuck playing on Volkoff's weakness (jealousy), and the stand off being much more talk than fight. Chuck manipulated Volkoff into saying the words he needed to use Chuck's father's computer virus to steal Volkoff's computer system. Not only that, Chuck played it uber cool. When Volkoff told Chuck he'd need an army to escape the cabin, I just knew Beckman and the army were on the other side of that door. When they were, I had to clap out loud in excitement!

     Chuck began the show as a geek, thrust into the spy life purely by circumstance. After four years, two computers in his brain, both of which have been removed and blocked for periods of time, two secret lairs, uncovering family espionage secrets, gaining and losing a parent, finding the other, friends and family being brought into and taken out of the loop, a variety of happy accidents, intense CIA training, and countless international missions, Chuck is a full fledged spy. Where will he go from here? With Volkoff, the season's Big Bad taken down, that question applies doubly.

     Of course, the show has never really been just about Chuck. There is a slew of supporting characters, and almost every one got their due in this episode, too, save Big Mike (Mark Christopher Lawrence), who must have been taking the night off. The best supporting character moment goes to Jeffster's (a band consisting of Vik Sahay's Lester and Scott Krinsky's Jeff) cover of "Push" as Ellie (Sarah Lancaster) gave birth. They got into the hospital, broke into the sound system, and delivered their best performance to date. It was so wrong, it was hilarious. So glad they made it as long as they did before security arrived to escort them out.

     For some reason, Jeffster, as much of a joke as it is, always kicks an episode up a notch. Many times in a show, you just need a good musical number to raise the scene to an entirely higher level. Chuck has figured out that allowing two incredibly geeky losers access to the musical equipment to give a live performance, along with an unhealthy dose of delusions of grandeur, is better than just running a track. I agree one thousand percent, when said duo is Jeff and Lester. I assumed the pair would disappear when the show got serious about the spy stuff, but keeping the Buy More scenes has allowed the series, and the character of Chuck, to stay grounded. Kudos.

     Not surprisingly, Morgan (Joshua Gomez) also got his due. With Chuck now soaring in skills and abilities, the show needed someone to be the new, I mean old, Chuck, capturing that earnest enthusiasm, but without the talent to back it up. I'm sorry; I may have angered fans by implying Morgan has no talent. He sure does, as evidenced by his laser dodging dance last night, another highlight of the episode. But it never feels like Morgan's accomplishments are entirely intentional. He sure tries hard, though! Which is why he such a beloved character. It's interesting to see him grow, as Chuck did, as their paths will surely be quite different.

     I guess what was surprising was that Casey (Adam Baldwin), always part of the central spy trio with Chuck and Sarah (now often a quartet with Morgan), spent most of last night in a hospital bed. It shouldn't have been that surprising, after his near-fatal plummet in last week's episode, but it felt odd to not have Casey involved on the mission. Instead, the writers focused on a strength Casey has been steadily developing: connecting to people.

     When we first met Casey, he was a rough and tough, seemingly emotionless soldier. Casey has lightened up considerably, and not just to his teammates, Chuck and Sarah. He has become a devoted father to Alex (Mekenna Melvin), and a mentor (and hopefully, before long, father-in-law) to Morgan. Casey had fine, emotional moments with Alex, Morgan, Sarah, and even Devon last night, sort of becoming a heart in the series. It's not Casey's traditional story, but it is very welcome.

     What will the rest of season four hold? Obviously, new bad guys. But also Chuck and Sarah planning a wedding, Ellie and Devon learning to be parents, and Jeff and Lester getting into trouble. I don't want to count my season five chickens before they hatch, but I feel better about the show's chance this year than any before. It is a fantastic series, and definitely deserves to be on the air. Much praise to NBC for sticking by it when it dangled near cancellation, multiple times. A few more shows like Chuck, and the network might not be #4 any more.

     Chuck airs on NBC Monday nights at 9 p.m.


Article first published as TV Review: Chuck Surpasses Awesomeness on Blogcritics.

For frequent mini-reviews and occasional TV news, follow Jerome on Twitter.