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!!