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Chuck Season 1 Episode Guide by Michal

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Video trailer that aired prior to the Pilot on NBC in the Summer and fall of 2007

1. Pilot (Original Airdate: 9/24/2007)

Written by: Josh Schwartz & Chris Fedak

Directed by: McG

Final Grade: A-

Episode Summary:

Yesterday I was making 11 bucks an hour fixing computers. Now I have one in my brain. The action – and fun – begins!

General Thoughts:

As long as one can accept the idea that Chuck can have a computer full of government secrets in his brain, there isn’t much wrong

with this pilot. (Well, aside from Yvonne Strahovski’s teeth, which are distractingly bad.) As with Josh Schwartz’s previous shows,

the show crafts interesting primary characters with Chuck, the poor guy who opened an email and ends up with government

secret in his head, along with the two people sent to protect him, CIA Agent Sarah and Casey who works for the NSA. Most of

the secondary character are also a blast and inlcude Chuck’s sister Ellie, her boyfriend Captain Awesome (because everything he

does is awesome), Morgan, Chuck beyond annoying best friend, and a motley crew of Chuck’s co-workers at the BuyMore.

The episode is not only able to balance the comedy with the action, but there are enough pop culture references to sink a ship.

Plus, Chuck is able to save the day using his own skill set and not just the information in his head. This is a thoroughly enjoying

episode and a great start for the series.

Quotes:

Chuck: Uh, you know, Sis, the thing is, Morgan and I don’t really feel like we’re fitting in…at my birthday party…’cause we don’t

know anybody, ’cause they’re all your friends, and they all happen to be doctors.

Sarah: Wow, I didn’t think people still named their kids Chuck. Or Morgan, for that matter.

Chuck: My parents were sadists, and carnival freaks found him in a dumpster.

Morgan: But they raised me as one of their own!

Ellie: Aces Charles. You’re aces!

Chuck: So yeah, I live with my sister and her boyfriend, Captain Awesome.

Sarah: No!

Chuck: It’s true though!

Sarah: So wait, you call him Captain Awesome?

Chuck: Yeah, wait till you meet him. Everything he does is awesome. Climbing mountains, jumping out of planes, flossing…

Sarah: I may have to aim my gun at you, just don’t freak out.

Casey: Don’t puke on the C-4.

Chuck: There’s nowhere I can run, is there?

Sarah: Not from us…talk to me, Chuck.

Chuck: Yesterday I was making eleven dollars an hour fixing computers. Now I have one in my brain and I can’t figure out why

Bryce did this; why he chose me. What are you going to do with me? What happens now?

Sarah: For now, you go back to your own life. We’ll protect you and you’ll work with us.

Chuck: And my sister, my friends, are they in danger?

Sarah: Tell them nothing to keep them safe.

Chuck: Don’t freak out!

Music:

“Cellphone’s Dead” – Beck

“The Missionary” – Brothers Martin

“Into Your Dream” – Foreign Born

“See the World” – Gomez

“Put Your Money Where Your Mouth Is” – Jet

“Any Way You Want It” – Journey (Chuck’s ringtone)

“Cobrastyle” – Teddybears featuring Mad Cobra

“For a Fistful of Dollars” – Ennio Morricone

“Full Chemical Gear” – Thomas Newman

“A Comet Appears” – The Shins

Yvonne Strahovski interview about Chuck Season 1

1.02 Chuck Versus the Helicopter (Original Airdate: 10/1/2007).

Written by: Josh Schwartz & Chris Fedak

Directed by: Robert Duncan McNeill

Final Grade: B

Episode Summary:

Can Dr. Jonas Zarnow remove the secret data from Chuck’s head? Not after the doctor’s car explodes, with Zarnow at the

wheel.

General Thoughts:

This episode has a great opening chase and the dinner party scene is awkward, comedic gold. It’s also fun to see Chuck once

again using his own skills to navigate through complications in his new life. The interplay between Casey and Chuck really makes

much of the episode work, even if mistrust elements of the plot seem a bit clichéd. Unfortunately, much of the episode feels like a

rehash of the pilot and there are some pacing issues.

Quotes:

Chuck: Hi, my name is Charles Bartowski, but you can call me Chuck. Those are my shoes, this is my life. Its filled with spies, car

chases, computer-stealing ninjas and me saving the day

NSA General Beckman: Our most valuable secrets have been sent to an idiot.

CIA Director Graham: At least they weren’t sent to his friend.

Sarah: Okay, I’ve got hot dogs to fry.

Casey: And I’ve got some toasters to sell.

Chuck: Casey, Casey, Casey! No, no, no, no! No, no, no, no! It’s just a video game, okay?! Lives are not in danger and the

country is still safe!

Morgan: Wow. The guy’s been here 24 hours and taking the job way more seriously than me.

Chuck: That’s because he’s crazy.

Casey: Tell me something I don’t know.

Chuck: Casey, he’s got Sarah; we’ve gotta save her!

Casey: Brilliant deduction, Nancy Drew.

Casey: This is how this is gonna work. I’m gonna go over there, rescue Sarah, capture Dr. Zarnow, shoot anybody who gets in

my way. You, you’re gonna stay here.

Chuck: So in this plan I basically do nothing?

Casey: Yup.

Chuck: Let’s do this.

Sarah: I never asked you to believe me, I asked you to trust me.

Casey: This is how this is gonna work. I’m gonna go over there, rescue Sarah, capture Dr. Zarnow, shoot anybody who gets in

my way. You, you’re gonna stay in the car.

Chuck: So in this plan I basically do nothing?

Music:

“Gone Daddy Gone” – Gnarls Barkley

“Lust for Life” – Iggy Pop

“Challengers” – The New Pornographers

“Don’t Make Me a Target” – Spoon

1.03 Chuck Versus the Tango (Original Airdate: 10/8/2007)

Written by: Matt Miller

Directed by: Jason Ensler

Final Grade: B+

Episode Summary:

Two daring missions: foil a vicious arms merchant…and nail down the assistant manager spot at the BuyMore.

General Thoughts:

Between Captain Awesome teaching Chuck the girl’s part of the tango to the Bob Ross reference, this episode was destined to be

fun to watch. It was also nice to see the gang from the BuyMore take a more prominent role and pull together to try and prove

Chuck is assistant manager material. This episode marks the first appearance of Chuck’s alias Charles Carmichael. This show is

often the most fun when it places Chuck in classic spy scenarios, but without the suave skills and confidence.

Quotes:

Chuck: I’m sorry guys. And Anna.

Anna: “Guys” is fine, I don’t mind.

Chuck: No, it’s not right, we need to come up with something non-gender-specific. How do we feel about “team?”

Anna: “The little Nerd-Herders?”

Lester: “The Lesters?”

Jeff: “Chuck’s Stable of Hos?”

Casey: Don’t worry. You’re gonna be fine. Nothing’s gonna happen to you. Assuming you know how to tango.

Chuck: Seriously?

Casey: Oh, I don’t joke about your life.

Sarah: The idea with a cover is to keep it as simple as possible without revealing true personal detail. Any thoughts on a name?

Chuck: Charles Carmichael? Simple, dignified–

Sarah: Easy to remember, and not far off from–

Chuck: Graduated with honors from Stanford, runs a hugely successful software company, semi-retired, and is considering

entering America’s Cup.

Sarah: You done this before?

Chuck: Let’s just say Mr. Carmichael and I share a small kinship.

Sarah: How’s that?

Chuck: When I first entered Stanford it’s kinda where I envisioned myself being…by now. Except for the sailing part; I don’t really

know where that came from.

Music:

This episode marks the first time “Short Skirt/Long Jacket” by Cake was used over the title credits.

“The General Specific” – Band of Horses

“Santa Maria (Del Buen Ayre)” – Gotan Project

“Duettino – Sull’aria (from The Marriage Of Figaro)” – Hungarian State Opera Orchestra, Maria Pia Ionata, Patrizia Pace & Pier

Giorgio Morandi

“Slow Show” – The National

“Don’t You Evah” – Spoon

1.04 Chuck Versus the Wookiee (Original Airdate: 10/15/2007)

Written by: Allison Adler

Directed by: Allan Kroeker

Final Grade: B-

Episode Summary:
Chuck is just getting used to one hottie in his life when another pops up, on the trail of a fabulous diamond.

General Thoughts:

The final Chuck/Sarah scene makes up quite a bit for this episode, but not enough to overcome the blandness of the clichéd

diamond stealing plot. The episode also could have used less Morgan. He is only good in small doses.

That said, the interplay between Carina, a DEA agent who is less than trustworthy, and Casey is fun to watch, but her interactions

with Sarah are less interesting with the except of when Carina reveals to Chuck Sarah’s past relationship with Bryce. It is

interesting to watch how secrets can easily break the tenuous trust between the members of Team Chuck.

Quotes:

Chuck: I need to ask you a favor, and feel free to say “no,” and by that I mean say “no,” but, uh, could you fix Morgan up with

Carina? Make sure you really exaggerate “no” so they can lip read it. They’re a little lame, but I think they can crack “no”.

Sarah: You know, that is a great idea.

Chuck: No, it’s not. “No” is the answer. You’re supposed to say…”no.”

Carina: Now, see that man over there? Payman Alahi: his house, his party, his diamond…for now.

Chuck: Are you talking about Señor Wookiee over there?

Chuck: How am I supposed to know that Carina has a remote control jet ski? It’s usually not an option in real life.

Morgan: Hey, Chuck?

Chuck: Yes, Morgan?

Morgan: You know what? If our relationships don’t work out… okay, ’cause we got each other, don’t we?

Chuck: That’s really, really sad.

Morgan: I know.

Chuck: I just wish I knew something real about you. Can’t you just tell me just one true thing? Just…just one thing, like…like

where did you grow up? Or…or if that’s too much, I get it. I get it if that’s too much. Or what’s your name? What’s your real

name?

(Sarah still sits quietly, looking directly at Chuck)

Chuck: Middle name. What’s your middle name? Can’t you just tell me your middle name? (pause) I’m gonna go and get the

napkins.

(Chuck walks away)

Sarah: (whispering) It’s Lisa. My middle name is Lisa.

Music:

“Fall Into Place” – Apartment

“Shy” – Matthew Dear

“Weird Science” – Does It Offend You, Yeah?

“Yea Yeah” – Matt & Kim

“Wild Girl” – Matt Pond, PA

“Gone Daddy Gone” – Violent Femmes

1.05 Chuck Versus the Sizzling Shrimp (Original Airdate: 10/22/2007)

Written by: Scott Rosenbaum

Directed by: David Solomon

Final Grade: B
Episode Summary:

While Chuck battles spies in Chinatown, Morgan is caught up in cutthroat competition at the BuyMore.

General Thoughts:

This episode serves and a nice reminder that first of all, Chuck and his flashes are not infallible and second, Chuck is still a nice guy

who wants to help his fellow man. Often Chuck is relegated to simply sitting by and being protected and so it is always refreshing

to watch him try and help someone even when Sarah and Casey refuse.

While Casey has a point, an “Evening with Morgan” does sounds like torture, the sales competition subplot was actually quite

amusing to watch. Plus Chuck and Ellie’s Mother’s Day in October is another thing to love about the show. Their relationship

seems so genuine and really adds to the show.

Quotes:

Casey: Dinner with you and Morgan? I’d rather Afghani warlords bleed me from my liver.

(Casey walks off)

Chuck:(to Sarah) He’s a happy person. I appreciate that about him. And he works hard

Casey: Stay in the car.

Chuck: That’s my four favorite words.

Chuck: Want a hotdog?

Casey: Huh?

Chuck: It’s an emergency.

Chuck: Listen, listen, they agreed to help if you would just defect.

Mei-Ling: What?

Chuck: It’s really not that bad here, you know. The Chinese food’s pretty good. Have you tried sizzling shrimp?

Mei-Ling Cho: Good, every warm body helps.

Chuck: Oh, no, I have plans with my sister. They are non-negotiable.

Chuck: Though I guess it is kinda my fault. You would be in this mess if it wasn’t for me. You obviously want to be with your

brother, just like I want to be with my sister. We’re like one big wacky transatlantic family. I’m in, but I have to be back by eight.

Chuck: (lighting the fireworks) Please, God, let me keep my fingers.

Music:

“Sister In Love” – Envelopes

“Private Eyes” – Hall and Oates

“Women’s Wear” – Daniel May

“Lake Michigan” – Rogue Wave

1.06 Chuck Versus the Sandworm (Original Airdate: 10/29/2007)

Written by: Phil Klemmer

Directed by: Robert Duncan McNeill

Final Grade: B+

Episode Summary:

Meet a geeky government agent whose brain I crammed with secret information. Hint: It’s not Chuck.

General Thoughts:

So, it turns out Chuck doesn’t have it all that bad. Well, at least compared to Laszlo, a guy who’s brain is also important to

national security. While it is unfortunate that Chuck missed his assistant manager position – and the chance for better medical –

Chuck at least still has a modicum of monitored freedom. It is interesting to watch Chuck grow more uncomfortable with his fake

relationship with Sarah.

Meanwhile, it is things like “Mystery Crisper” and the Halloween costumes (i.e. Captain Awesome/Ellie as Adam and Eve &

Chuck/Morgan as the sandworm from Dune) put the show into another level awesome.

Quotes:

Captain Awesome: (in costume) Yo, Chuckster, guess what I am?

Chuck: You’re naked?

Captain Awesome: I’m Adam. You know, like Adam & Eve, Adam? Wait till you see my snake.

Chuck: I don’t wa…I don’t wanna see your snake.

Casey: You! What do I have to do to get timely intel out of you, Bartowski?

Chuck: Look, I briefed Sarah last night, alright?

Casey: Aww, bet you did, slugger.

Chuck: I thought we were all supposed to be part of the same team here, huh? Team Chuck?

Casey: We are, but I’m starting to feel like the guy that always gets picked last. I don’t like feeling like Team Chuck’s little fat kid!

Chuck: Do you have any idea how violated I feel right now!?!

Casey: You feel violated?!? No, no, no. My ears feel violated, ‘cuz they have to listen to you and that moron Morgan yammering

on for four hours about what sandwich you’re gonna take if you’re stranded on a desert island.

Music:

“All Right Now” – Bad Company

“It Takes Two” – Rob Base & DJ E-Z Rock

“The Weights of the World” – The Editors

“Dice” – Finley Quaye

1.07 Chuck Versus the Alma Mater (Original Airdate: 11/5/2007)

Written by: Anne Cofell Saunders

Directed by: Patrick Norris

Final Grade: B+

Episode Summary:

Why did Chuck get kicked out of Stanford? What’s the real story about Bryce? A visit to Palo Alto reveals all.

General Thoughts:

After years of believing the worst, Chuck’s discovery of the truth about his former friend Bryce Larkin and why Bryce had Chuck

kicked out of Stanford comes as an interesting plot twist. Bryce is a fascinating character and while he only appeared in one

episode, his presence is a constant since he is the reason Chuck has the Intersect in his head. The more Chuck learns the more

complicated things get, especially with the discovery that he’s in the Intersect.

Harry Tang is simply grating and his promotion to assistant manager makes watching scenes in the BuyMore somewhat painful.

Although it was nice to watch Morgan get one up on Tang. All in all, Chuck’s triumphant return to Stanford and the truth about

Bryce made up for a quite a bit.

Quotes:

Chuck: You didn’t offer to kill Harry for Anna, did you?

Casey: No. Why? You want me to kill him?

Chuck: No. No, just curious.

Hippie: Plant a Stanford tree, they’re a renewable resource for you children’s future.

Casey: Oh, so, you want to save the environment, huh? Take a shower, hippie!

Chuck: Nice job blending in with the crowd. Who are you rooting for? Death?

Casey: Hey, leave the quips to me.

Casey: You’re looking for this?

(Hands Chuck his old student ID from Stanford)

Chuck: You stole my ID?

Casey: I borrowed it to reactivate it. Sorry I couldn’t wipe the idiot grin off your face with photoshop.

Bryce: I disagree. It’s 1999. The next millennium belongs to the geek!

Music:

“For the Girl” – The Fratellis

“Trendsetter” – Goose

“Maneater” – Hall and Oates

“Don’t Look Back in Anger” – Oasis

This entry was posted on Monday, June 29th, 2009 at 5:34 pm and is filed under Chuck, Episode Guides, TV. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.