I finally finished my Chuck and Scarecrow and Mrs. King crossover story, titled Chuck versus the GRETA. Yay, me!!  However, I wanted to include some author notes and explain why I wrote this story the way I did. First, this story is probably a little darker then what I normally write. Hey, you go where your muse takes you. I don't think there is much angst, but be forewarned it deals with a not too pleasant subject matter of human trafficking.  Also, I thought it would be fun to 'play' with the GRETA's. I don't know why the writers introduced them and then dropped them, only to bring them back for one more episode in the second half of the season. I thought they could have been explored and used more in the series. Nevertheless, I understand the writers were limbo, whether or not Chuck was going to run for 13 episodes or more. (Glad we received 24). I also believe if the writers knew ahead the season was going to be extended, the arc (or over-arcing storyline) would have been clearer and not so choppy.  Stupid NBC! 

Second, the story can stand on it's own; however, there is mention that Lee and Amanda met Chuck and Sarah on vacation earlier. The narrative of their first meeting can be found in my story "Chuck versus the Weekend."  

Finally, I am having so much fun combining these two series together, I have started a third crossover story.  Whatever am I thinking? 

No, I’m not talking Wall Street; I’m talking the one million viewers who watch Chuck, who fall into the 18 to 49 age demographic. Every week, I look forward to a new episode and enjoy the antics of the Buy More, and the humorous one-liners from Casey--a man of few words, the amazing chemistry between Chuck and Sarah, and the comedy, action, espionage, science fiction, romance, all rolled into one amazing little television show.

I admit I had my doubts about season five. (Warning contains spoilers). I screamed at my television set when Morgan downloaded the Intersect into his head the end of last season. I believe the Intersect was not meant anyone other then Chuck and has been constantly proven throughout the series. I also hate how Morgan having the Intersect invalidates Chuck's very existence and the entire mythology of the show. In addition, I was worried this year was going to be silly, corny, and slapsticky and I did not and still do not like Morgan as the Intersect; however, the direction of the show has made some interesting twists and turns and I confess I am intrigued.

"Chuck versus the Zoom"  I enjoyed. It was great to see the whole gang back, and it was good to see the comedy return, season four had been so serious and I missed the charm and humor. The line about premature zoom was classic Chuck. I also had some serious fangirl moments. First, seeing Mark Hamill in the episode was great. I just love all the sci-fi, comics, and pop culture icons that appear sprinkled throughout the series. I also squealed when Sarah’s dream house, the cute little white house, with the red door and white picket fence, ended up being Amanda King’s house from Scarecrow and Mrs. King. Yet, another comparison between the two shows. I love it!

However, in some ways it was as if the writers were trying to recapture some of season one’s naïveté with a bumbling, spy in training, but instead of Chuck its Morgan—and it just doesn’t work. I also thought the fight sequences with Morgan were corny, as lame as the battle between Count Dooku and Yoda in Star Wars: Attack of the Clones.

"Chuck versus the Bearded Bandit" I enjoyed, too. It also got me thinking and wondering where the writers are taking us. I had to think back to the season finale. Who left those glasses for Chuck? I assumed General Beckman, but what if it was Decker and this was all part of his master plan. In addition, you can see how this is changing Morgan, so either the mythology of the show continues and only Chuck can handle the Intersect in his head or Morgan turning evil and ‘joining the dark side’ is what Decker hoped, after all, isn’t this what happened to Alexei Volkhoff, who turned from mild-manner scientist to evil villain? (Portrayed brilliantly by Timothy Dalton, by the way). I can’t believe Morgan sold out to his team and switched sides. I look forward to Chuck’s reaction over the news. He is the ‘worst handler ever.’ I am intrigued by Morgan forgetting Star Wars and Indiana Jones, a big part of who he is. 

I also liked the introduction of the character Gertrude Verbanski (Carrie-Anne Moss) as the leader of another rogue team of spies and competition to Carmichael Industries. Although, I don’t trust her and don’t like the idea she is supposed to be a love interest for Casey. I really think Casey needs to get back together with Kathleen, after all they had a child together, she now knows he is alive, and I think the few moments we have seen the two together on screen have been sweet. There were some great comic moments is this episode, I laughed out loud at the old Buy More commercial with Big Mike’s afro and the beta machine on sell for $2000 dollars. Ah, memories of the 80’s.

Chuck has had its ups and downs and the 'will they or won’t they'—no, not talking Chuck and Sarah, but NBC renewing the show. The writers strike, story arch, directional problems, constant risk on cancellation, all has affected the course and direction of the show.  However, I am excited about this season; I am excited to see how the show plays out now that Chuck and Sarah are married.  I am excited to see how being rogue spies incorporates into the new direction the show is taking and I am anxious to see Chuck get the Intersect back on his head, back where it belongs. I have enjoyed the ride and will be sorry to see all come to an end. 

Occupy Chuck!!

Once a year at our church, Primary age children (3 to 11) present the Sacrament program. The program allows them to display what they have learned throughout the year through song and speaking roles. There is nothing more adorable then watching little angelic faces pop-up from their chairs like clowns from a jack in a box, singing slightly off key. Of course, the children who are pitchy are always the ones who sing the loudest.

Every year, I look forward to the program. The Primary Presidency always puts together a great presentation and the spirit is always very strong. This year was bittersweet, because it was my youngest son’s last time, as Joey will be graduating from Primary next summer.

However, watching Joey climb up the stairs to the podium, before the program started, I was suddenly reminded of a cow being lead to slaughter. He hung his head, unenthusiastic about the whole thing. Then wore a frown the whole time he sat up there on the rostrum, purposely trying to hide behind the organ. Did not stand up and sing, nor even pretend to sing by just mouthing the words. No. The only time he did participate was when it was his turn to deliver his lines. He stood in the center of the stage, playing ‘air guitar’ or constantly check his imaginary watch, while making large over dramatic yawns. He then would walk up to the podium, deliver his line and go sit back down with a scowl on his face. *Facepalm*

Now I understand why some species eat their young.