In a fantastic moustache (for Chuck) and a red bob wig (for Sarah), the spies enter the location for the final runway show. They figure Sophia's dress will be backstage, but their way is
blocked by a couple of security guards. Chuck, clad in a pair of leather gloves, makes like an Italian designer and kisses the guards on both cheeks, while pressing his gloved hands against their necks. When he does, a toxin is emitted that knocks the two guards out, allowing he and Sarah to pass. They find a stash of dresses and eventually discover Sophia's sequined number. Sarah removes the dress she's wearing, leaving her looking absolutely stunning in her lingerie and a thigh-strapped knife (sorry, I digress), and puts on Sophia's dress. Before the two can make their escape (no doubt being delayed by Chuck's (and our) staring at Sarah's hotness), the previously knocked-out guards enter. Sarar runs through a door, but Chuck is pinne dbehind it when the guards start shooting. Chuck slams the door closed to protect Sarah, but she is not alone -- behind Sarah, Sophia draws her gun and asks for her dress back.
Meanwhile, Chuck is able to grab the bar off a clothing rack, but more henchmen enter, including Sophia's bodyguard. Chuck drops the bar, but flashes some martial arts weapon training. Before the bar hits the ground, Chuck kicks it up into two of the goons' faces. He retrieves the bar and takes out the rest of the henchman in a manner that would make Donatello proud, except for Sophia's bodyguard. He grabs the bar, tosses it away, and then grabs Chuck by the neck. Chuck pleads with him, saying that Sophia is a cold and distant woman who can't appreciate the bodyguard's love. With hi distracted by Chuck's words, Chuck takes his knock-out gloves and slaps the guard across the face, hoping that there is still some tranquilizer gas left in them. If there is, it doesn't work, as the guard then slaps Chuck across the face. He begins to choke Chuck again, but Chuck presses the gloves against the guard's face. This time, the gas works and wins Chuck his escape.
In the next room, Sarah is able to maneuver herself into disarming Sophia. The two begin an epic battle (seriously, this was one of the best Sarah fighting scenes on the show, next to only the Nicole Ritchie shower scene and the lady-assassin-in-the-car scene) that spills, at first, into the models' dressing room. There, the combatants use eyebrow pencils and curling irons to attack their opponent. Sophia gains the upper hand and kicks Sarah through a screen and onto the runway, in front of the gathered masses. Sophia pulls a knife from her boot, but Sarah's acrobatic skills allow her to knock the knife from Sophia's hands, stagger her foe, and eventually defeat her with a Jack Shephard flying punch. Bruised, beaten and back to blond (her wig had been ripped off), Sarah stands atop the runway. Chuck, who had entered during the fight, begins to applaud, as if the fight was all part of the fashion show. The crowd joins in, as photographers capture Sarah's triumphant moment. Sarah, doing her best catwalk impression, turns on her heel and "works it" off the runway.
The next day at Castle, General Beckman throws down a fashion magazine with a bloodied Sarah on the cover. Sarah assures her that her cover was not blown, and the General agrees. Sarah admits the mission was fun, but that it's good to be home. At his home, Devon has prepared a protein shake for Ellie. She appreciates it, but she's running out to the Buy More to return one of the numerous sleep machines Devon purchased. "No!" Devon yells to stop her, saying that since he bought the extra stuff, he should return it. She reminds him that they agreed to share familial duties, so she's going to go. She does, and Devon immediately calls Chuck. He warns his brother-in-law that Ellie is coming to the Buy More, and if she sees the new store, she'll never believe that Chuck is no longer in the spy game.
Ellie enters the store and sees the new attitude the new employees display, all of which she finds a little weird. Chuck intercepts her and tries to distract her, but Morgan steps in himself. When she points out that the new store seems a bit off, he assures her that he will have someone more familiar with the store help her. To the strains of Alice Cooper's "Feed My Frankenstein," all of the old Buy More employees (White-Boy 'Fro Guy! Kinda Fat Glasses Guy!) enter the show floor, led, of course, but a sunglasses-wearing Lester, and an open-shirted Jeff. Their slo-motion and wind-blown (thanks to Morgan) entrance is marred by the nerds all tripping over themselves, but Ellie thanks Morgan and asks Lester for some assistance. He tells her that they can't help, because they're on a break.
Later, General Beckman praises Morgan for his work, telling him that with the reintroduction of the old employees, the new Buy More is an airtight cover. She hands him a set of keys, telling him that he is the new Store Manager. He corrects her, saying that she means Assistant Manager, but she knows what she's talking about. Without more discussion, the General leaves. Morgan, excited for his new position, tells the employees that drinks are on him tonight! Actually, only well drinks, and, really, during happy hour. He asks Casey if he'd like to join them, but Casey says he has a mission. Morgan asks how can Casey make Burbank home if he never gives it a chance. Casey shrugs him off and makes his way toward the store's exit. He takes out his phone and makes a call. "Hi Alex? It's your father....Yes, it's good to hear your voice too."
At their apartment, Devon is asleep, but Ellie is wide awake. She gets up, and goes into their closet to retrieve a box. Inside she looks through family photos of her and Chuck as children with their parents (great job by the production team of fusing together pictures of young Scott Bakula and Linda Hamilton. The pictures looked very real.). Clearly, Ellie is missing her parents as this new phase of her life begins.
Chuck enters his bedroom to find empty suitcases, a full closet, and Sarah in only underwear and one of his shirts (man, were they giving us "Super Hot Sarah" tonight, or what?). As Chuck begins to protest about her unpacking only when she feels comfortable, she stops him, and tells him just that. It's always been hard for her to root her life, but she wants to do it with him. Chuck spies a picture of the two of them in her suitcase. She tells him that she always keeps it there so no matter where she is, she is remembered that Chuck is her home, and always has been. Chuck embraces her, and playfully thros her down on the bed. He apologizes for his concern, but Morgan had told him that stupid thing about every relationship's Achilles Heel being discovered when everything seems to be going right. She assures him he has nothing to worry about. As Chuck spoons her, he murmurs that maybe Captain Awesome is right after all -- marriage, a baby...maybe he and Sarah are next. Chuck smiles at the idea, but what he can't see is Sarah's seeming terror at that prospect.
Commentary
OK, now that's what I'm talking about! What a great episode of Chuck! Whereas I had some reservations about the show's return last week, I thought it was back in fine form this week. First off, the whole gang (save Big Mike) was back, so the inherent comedy found in Devon, Jeff and Lester really brought the funny quotient to a higher level. Second, as I mentioned above, this episode contained one of the best fights of the series, with Yvonne Strahovski, Karolina Kurkova, and their stuntwomen doing some very strong work. One of the great aspects of this show is how they work the action sequences into the comedy and drama, and it was done very well here, as usual. Third, I thought Ellie's relation to the mother story was introduced well. It makes sense that a woman would want her mother present when she's going through her first pregnancy. Eventually, Chuck is going to have to let his sister know that he is looking for their mom, so bringing up this thread here allows the creators to make that revelation to Ellie later, without it being shoe-horned in. Yes, I found it a bit odd that Ellie and Devon were only talking about her mother, and not her father's absence, but that was saved by Ellie looking at pictures of the both of them at the end of the episode.
Another thing I really enjoyed was the simply the structure of the episode. It would be easy for the show to just do "Chuck hunts for his mother" episodes until he finds her, but having a stand-alone episode with a Villain of the Week works, for me, early in the season. Yes, Sophia worked for Volkoff, which is connected with Mary Elizabeth Bartowski, but nonetheless, Mary was never seen, and wasn't the thrust of the plot. Kudos to Chuck for daring to do that with only thirteen scheduled episodes.
If I had any fault with what was truly a great episode (besides not landing the Greta joke again. I mean, why is the Greta character even in this world? It's been two episodes and there's been no payoff so far. It leads me to believe that something is being left on the cutting room floor.), it's that the whole "Sarah can't lay down roots" story seems very reminiscent of all the "Sarah can't commit to Chuck because she's a spy" stories from last season. This isn't to say that the story wasn't executed perfectly, because it was. It's just, to me, I found it to be treading over ground covered before. It actually made the plot discordant with the dialogue -- Sarah is saying how much she loves Chuck and how committed to him she is, but she can't unpack her belongings. Yes, there is the physical need for a spy to be able to run at a moment's notice, but the whole thing seemed like one note in a chord was a step too low, making the sound a bit off. Again, the plot was still executed very well, and I think the introduction of Sarah's concerns that maybe Chuck is moving a bit too fast could hold some great potential. The couple obviously (maybe not obviously?) needs roadblocks in their relationship to keep dramatic tension. Thankfully, these roadblocks won't be of the "other lover" variety, but rather real life concerns about the speed with which a relationship advances.
So, that's what I have for "Chuck vs. the Suitcase." What did you think? Did you enjoy this episode as much as I did? Was Chuck back in fine form for you? Do you agree or disagree with my Commentary? For another analysis, be sure to check out Brittany's review here. Also, word has it (thanks Ausiello!) that former The Daily Show contributor Rob Riggle will be guest starring on this season's eighth episode, not as another Greta, but as a possibly crazy CIA agent brought in to help Chuck improve his own spy skills. What do you think about this bit of casting news? Please leave your questions, comments and theories below or in our Chuck Forum. I'll be back next week with another recap. Until then, I'm off ot decide between an Ergo and a Baby Bjorn.
Thank you so much for your recap. Those of us living abroad really appreciate a well explained recap.
No problem, that's what I'm here for!! Glad you enjoyed it, and thanks for reading!
No problem, that’s what I’m here for!! Glad you enjoyed it, and thanks for reading!