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4-14: "Chuck Versus The Seduction Impossible" 2011.02.07  (recap)


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#1

Trini Girl

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Posted Feb 7, 2011 @ 8:55 PM

"CHUCK VERSUS THE SEDUCTION IMPOSSIBLE"

THE TEAM JETS TO MOROCCO TO SAVE ONE OF THEIR OWN -- JOHN LARROQUETTE RETURNS AS 'ROAN MONTGOMERY' -- LINDA HAMILTON AND MEKENNA MELVIN ALSO GUEST STAR -- In need of an exciting new mission, Chuck, Sarah and Casey are sent to Morocco to rescue Roan Montgomery. Meanwhile, Chuck and Sarah are at odds over their future plans. Back at home, Morgan prepares to meet Alex's mom, as Mary bonds with her family.



#2

The Done One

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Posted Feb 7, 2011 @ 9:03 PM

I heart General Beckman. I did not see that rocket launcher coming and apparently, neither did that woman.

This was classic Chuck and it's easily my favorite episode this season between that, the general tone, that cheesy Scorpions song, and the fact that there was no Jeffster.

#3

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Posted Feb 7, 2011 @ 9:05 PM

Do not screw with Beckman. Excellent episode for the General, she got to use a rocket launcher. I don't care what else happened with her, that was freaking awesome.

I loved Casey's reaction to the baby crying, and the wedding talk. This was also an excellent episode for Casey. He got to hide in a wall, again, got to seduce a girl, and took out multiple guards. It was also good to see him back off of telling Kathleen he was still alive, she is seeing someone else, so it was nice to see Casey let her have that.

And come on Ellie, tell Chuck to go back into the spy life. She admitted that she sometimes regrets telling Chuck to leave, so tell him to go back.

#4

tgrfan23

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Posted Feb 7, 2011 @ 9:06 PM

I feel a little weird even typing this, but General Beckman's kinda hot.

I'm a little sad for Casey, but he seemed okay with the fact that Kathleen had moved on. No chance in hell is that storyline done though -as long as Morgan and Alex are together, they have to resolve that at some point.

#5

Lyssanick

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Posted Feb 7, 2011 @ 9:06 PM

Info-flash!

Loved the episode, thought it had a lot of heart. I like that it was funny but had underlying deeper issues, from Ellie/Mary to Casey/Kathleen, without absurd spy plotholes, as has been usual lately. All in all, a great set up to season 4.2.

And LOVED Morgan's "What is she trying to do to me?"

#6

ReadIshmael

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Posted Feb 7, 2011 @ 9:06 PM

I was excited to see Roan come back anyway, but I forgot about the awesome side he brings out in Beckman. She was great this week.

How do Chuck and Sarah make fighting so adorable? I swear, they might be even cuter when they're pissed at each other than they are when they're happy.

#7

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Posted Feb 7, 2011 @ 9:06 PM

Holy shit that was awesome! There is too much to think of. I need to rewatch it a couple dozen times.

Chuck don't try to outseduce Sarah. You have no chance. But man, Sarah in the belly dancer outfit doing the dance. Amazing it only took a few seconds for Chuck to realize what Sarah was doing.

Hysterical that after Chuck calls her out on it, the next scene she is wearing a turtleneck

Beckman with a rocket launcher as big as her.

The whole ball and chain convo was great.

Beckman as a blonde then at the end with her hair down.

Poor Casey at the end.

Need to watch again.

#8

RaeleeBlue

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Posted Feb 7, 2011 @ 9:07 PM

I always knew that the General was secretly the most awesome character on this show. Glad to see that confirmed! It was nice to see her get her moment in the sun.

#9

Samurai

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Posted Feb 7, 2011 @ 9:07 PM

Ah, Roan is always good for a laugh. The 'Seduction Impossible' didn't really live up to its title, but it was a nice episode overall. Loved seeing Beckman get to use some weaponry (an RPG no less!). And Casey's attempt at a seduction was as hilarious as one could imagine...no wonder he got failed twice. I was a bit annoyed at Ellie's continued cluelessness (how can she still think Chuck's not a spy?), but it was nice to finally see Linda Hamilton emote a little.

My main nitpick is that they really don't have Sarah wearing the engagement ring on a consistent basis. In fact, I only saw it once (when she was with Beckman and Chuck getting briefed by a wall-bound Casey)...if you're going to put a ring on it, you might as well show it a little more, too.

Yvonne Strahovski in a belly dancer's costume...will be replaying that clip once it's up on Hulu. And they curled her hair for the first time in a long time. And no Chuck-fu since the Intersect-less episodes...interesting.

ETA: No need for the Buy Morons and Jeffster, so they weren't in the episode - that is how it should be done, show.

Edited by Samurai, Feb 7, 2011 @ 9:09 PM.


#10

Dalmatian90

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Posted Feb 7, 2011 @ 9:07 PM

Fun, mentally meaningless entertainment. In other words, good ol' Chuck :D

Highlights:

Morgan: You look a lot like your father right now.

Sarah belly dancing...my life is complete now. Chuck was downright coherent in that scene compared to my reaction.

Ellie: So tell me about this agent who kissed you awake on a mission...

Ma: He was a great romantic...and husband.

I think that's a bit about Pa's background not previously revealed.

#11

LightPhoenix

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Posted Feb 7, 2011 @ 9:12 PM

Ah, the rare double fake-out:

When I saw the belly dancer outfit, I immediately thought they'd put Sarah in one. So when she said at no point during the mission she'd wear it, I laughed at the semi-wall breaking. Then when she came out in the belly dancer outfit I was caught off guard, because she said she wouldn't do it. Well done show, well done.

Also, my favorite line was Morgan's "Of course you're in a wall."

#12

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Posted Feb 7, 2011 @ 9:15 PM

I thought the script was a bit hokey and not that great...

But I love this cast and they made it awesome. Yvonne and Adam in particular from the people we see all the time. Obviously Bonita Friedericy gets special praise. And Laroquette is great, just as he was last time he was on the show.

#13

MaggieElizabeth

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Posted Feb 7, 2011 @ 9:23 PM

It seems strange that with all the bad-news women in camouflage running around, Sarah doesn't get the chance to fight a single one of them. I found that disappointing. Normally I hate catfights -- certainly I hate the hair-pulling that goes on in the "you stole my man!" moments on so many (too many) shows -- but I like to see Sarah take down a femme foe, because they're not fighting over a guy; they're fighting over an idea, a principle.

But then, I have to admit, Chuck didn't get to do any fighting in this episode, either. Only Casey and... General Beckman!... got to take down any bad guys. And darn it, Beckman with a rocket launcher was an impressive sight.

At first the episode seemed a little too much like a "women making unreasonable demands on the men in their lives" festival, and I was very grateful to see it broaden out into something much more complicated than that. No "Chuck's right, Sarah's wrong," but instead both having reasonable concerns. Beckman may have been "wrong," but she saves the day.

Morgan, oh, Morgan... do you really love Alex? (Going over to the Wishlist thread before I go too far along this line...)

#14

Samurai

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Posted Feb 7, 2011 @ 9:28 PM

One thing that bothers me on second thought (and this has happened a bit this season...maybe it's because I'm watching it live instead of being removed from it, as I was catching up on the first three seasons) is that the writers seem to rush the storyline. Perhaps it's because they feel like they're under the ratings gun, but I feel like Roan being demoted to working at the Buy More could have been mined for some serious comic gold. Same thing with the seduction storyline - it was very nicely drawn out with Sasha Banichek (sp?) the first time around, but this time, it was over too quickly.

That doesn't detract from the overall fun episode, but I do feel that this episode would have been a lot funnier if it was written in the same manner as seasons 1/2.

#15

Codger

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Posted Feb 7, 2011 @ 9:33 PM

Chuck don't try to out-seduce Sarah. You have no chance. But man, Sarah in the belly dancer outfit doing the dance. Amazing it only took a few seconds for Chuck to realize what Sarah was doing.

I might have to put a big ole poster of Sarah in the shiny black catsuit/thigh boots and Sarah in the dancer outfit. You know, just to do an accurate analysis to determine which I prefer, using the scientific method. Although there's a lot to be said for sweaty, messy-haired Sarah in gym shorts and a ragged tee shirt, with her hands taped and punching the bag. I'll be in my bunk.

Poor Casey, getting pounded by the bed springs while Roan and Fatima are doing the horizontal mambo. Hee! And by golly, Roan DID pull off the impossible second seduction. And both worked just fine until the team got discovered and blew the deal.

SARAH: Chuck, if you sneeze we are officially the worst spies ever.
CHUCK: (Well, you know what he did.)

So much goodness in this episode. Casey really needs to work on his pickup lines.

Edited by Codger, Feb 7, 2011 @ 9:34 PM.


#16

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Posted Feb 7, 2011 @ 9:44 PM

I don't want to root against the woman whose village was destroyed, but I like that they finally admitted that the US Government has some enemies it earned, and the spy game is not all about peace, justice, and saving the world.

I think it's brilliant to explore Sarah's background more. They keep finding new things to challenge the characters. The "once they get together the relationship is boring" idea must have been created by people who have never had an actual relationship.

#17

Trini Girl

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Posted Feb 7, 2011 @ 9:47 PM

Great ep; even though things played out pretty much out exactly as I thought they would (and was unspoiled). Except Beckman and the rocket launcher--that was a hilarious surprise!

Lots of funny moments! Practice "no", everything Roan, Sarah one step ahead in the seduction games, and the turtleneck--hee!

Well looks like the writers used this episode to address questions/nitpicks about the season:
--Kathleen does NOT know about Casey
--Ellie will be able to handle Chuck being a spy (so just tell her already!)
--Orion/Frost backstory!

but it was nice to finally see Linda Hamilton emote a little.

Emphasis on "finally". This was the first episode I was feelin' her character. (We know Hamilton can act, so what was the problem before?) Speaking of that last scene, hopefully they're working their way up to Chuck telling Ellie. And it better be not be her finding out by mistake, 'cause that'd be lame.

Then when she came out in the belly dancer outfit I was caught off guard, because she said she wouldn't do it. Well done show, well done.

So I take it you didn't see the completely spoilery promo from last week.

Edited by Trini Girl, Feb 7, 2011 @ 10:12 PM.


#18

GreenPhoenix

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Posted Feb 7, 2011 @ 9:49 PM

Then when she came out in the belly dancer outfit I was caught off guard, because she said she wouldn't do it

Well, she wasn't on a mission anymore, so she did keep her word :)

I felt that Casey's secrets and subsequent plans to talk to Kathleen were for her sake, not his. I would think that despite the look he had at the end, he truly was happy for her, and that's good enough for him.

#19

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Posted Feb 7, 2011 @ 9:51 PM

I think it's brilliant to explore Sarah's background more. They keep finding new things to challenge the characters. The "once they get together the relationship is boring" idea must have been created by people who have never had an actual relationship.


Agreed. On a more serious note about tonight, I did appreciate the recognition of how alone Sarah is outside of the Bartowski circle. It's a big part of why she and Chuck are so different.

#20

SmallNatural30

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Posted Feb 7, 2011 @ 9:55 PM

CVtSI was one of the best episodes of the series, let alone the season.

- Not only did we get some Gen. Beckman backstory, but also got to see her with her hair down; literally. But color me somewhat confused... I know we've seen her - at least once - in a domestic situation with a man in a very close proximity that suggests she's in a personal relationship {the past ep where Chuck, or Chuck+Morgan, 'rang' her on video in her home bedroom while she was asleep, and a man was sleeping on the other side of the bed}. Does that signify she's either married or seriously dating someone? And if so, what's with all the romantic rondezvous'(sp?) with Roan in foreign locales over the years; or do we fill in the blanks and make the leap that the man in her bed was actually Roan??

- Kinda got a weird "you're my mom, and I love you... but back off!" vibe from Ellie when she was telling MamaB to be a grandma and stop hogging Clara (imv). Also the bit about "go keep being a spy" seemed a bit wtf. You haven't seen her for however many years because she was off doing it, but yet are trying to send her out the door ASAP. Loved Mary's "uh... not quite" avoidance look when Ellie told her Chuck quit being a spy because she asked him to.

- So now we finally see why Kathleen McHugh has remained in offscreensville for 99.7% of the time. Little bit disappointed that Alex didn't tell Morgan the real reason she didn't want Casey to see/talk to her mom though. Cool to see Casey in such easy acceptance of the situation though. Has to be harder then hell for him, but is still ok that Kathleen is happy (or at least appears to be). Kinda weird that Kathleen or Morgan have never met though, seeing as Alex/Morgan have been dating - if not seriously - for at least all of this season.

- Speaking of Casey, he is just plain badass. Shooting 5 enemies while behind a wall, with just an eyehole and gunhole to work with & an arm trapped. Jack Bauer kneels and prays at the John Casey Shrine. Loved the look on his face when he called the dungeon door guard 'fat', and realized he was just gonna have to do what they all wanted him to do anyways; tranq and explosives.

- If Sarah's wedding!angst was not a setup to introduce her mom and/or sibling(s), as well as bringing Jack Burton back, I know absolutely nothing about clues while watching a television series. Went 'huh' with the tad bit ominous notes the episode faded to black with, after Chuck's "... get to know the family... and the real Sarah Walker." comment.


Since there was no Jeffster and other stupid Buy More gimmicks; one flash again and it being an info-flash in this hour, have to give it a high-A on the grading scale.

#21

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Posted Feb 7, 2011 @ 9:59 PM

Thinking back on the episode. Loved the intro with Trio wanting a bad guy.

Beckman's reaction to Sarah suggesting that Roan was off grid with a woman.

I loved callback to Casey being in the wall. Also they had Laurence of Arabia in the background.

#22

SmallNatural30

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Posted Feb 7, 2011 @ 10:06 PM

And no Chuck-fu since the Intersect-less episodes...interesting.


Actually, there weren't any fight-flashes last week in "Chuck Versus The Push Mix" either. Just a single info-flash, like tonight.

Edited by SmallNatural30, Feb 7, 2011 @ 10:07 PM.


#23

Trini Girl

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Posted Feb 7, 2011 @ 10:32 PM

It seems strange that with all the bad-news women in camouflage running around, Sarah doesn't get the chance to fight a single one of them. I found that disappointing.

I'm thinking there was no budget left over for stunts after building the "Morocco" sets, "Berlin" sets, Morocco scenes special effects, and belly dancers. Speaking of the budget, I think we're overdue for shameless Subway plugging.

I think it's brilliant to explore Sarah's background more.

I was hoping for this ever since we found out this season would be about Mama B.

Went 'huh' with the tad bit ominous notes the episode faded to black with, after Chuck's "... get to know the family... and the real Sarah Walker." comment.

I hope they don't make it too bad. We've already had both Chuck's missing parents turn out to be rogue spies, and we already know her dad is a con artist, so I hope they have her mother be slightly more normal.

Seems like TPTB are committed to a wedding happening:
Chuck and Sarah's wedding site.

Edited by Trini Girl, Feb 7, 2011 @ 10:33 PM.


#24

Dalmatian90

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Posted Feb 7, 2011 @ 11:10 PM

her on video in her home bedroom while she was asleep,


I believe there was also a scene with Beckman on video from her kitchen and some guy shuffling to the fridge in the background. No head shown though. I'm terrible at remembering what episodes what scenes are in to look it up though :)

Edited by Dalmatian90, Feb 7, 2011 @ 11:12 PM.


#25

The Done One

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Posted Feb 7, 2011 @ 11:32 PM

The former was from "Chuck Versus the Other Guy" and the latter was from "Chuck Versus the Tooth."

#26

SmallNatural30

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Posted Feb 8, 2011 @ 12:56 AM

Seems like TPTB are committed to a wedding happening:
Chuck and Sarah's wedding site.


Wow. Nice, unexpected, surprise.

Nothing says "we're committed to a storyline" from show runners like making an actual website promoting said storyline.

#27

looseleaf

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Posted Feb 8, 2011 @ 3:32 AM

I find it funny that the "Seduction Impossible" didn't refer to Casey (he semi-successfully seduced the guard) or Roan (two times!) but to both Chuck and Sarah's simultaneous attempts to seduce each other. Seduction conundrum = (mathematically) impossible!

I think it's brilliant to explore Sarah's background more. They keep finding new things to challenge the characters. The "once they get together the relationship is boring" idea must have been created by people who have never had an actual relationship.



Agreed. On a more serious note about tonight, I did appreciate the recognition of how alone Sarah is outside of the Bartowski circle. It's a big part of why she and Chuck are so different.


I loved how the seriousness and poignancy of Sarah's past was weaved successfully in such a fun, meaningless episode. It was heartbreaking to hear that Sarah's reluctance for a big wedding was because of her family and past, something she can't escape from no matter who she marries, and the final scene suggests that it is still painful/sad for her to think about them. Perhaps there is more to Sarah than just being a con-man's daughter - we haven't explored her mother's backstory yet. Or her maternal relatives.

Hopefully, the rest of the season will expand on that properly, including Mama Bartowski's life now, and Casey and Kathleen. Seriously, when Alex gets married, who's gonna walk her down the aisle if he continues to avoid her Mom?

#28

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Posted Feb 8, 2011 @ 4:12 AM

I liked this episode. It avoided some of the problems that have plagued this season. It put Chuck, Sarah, and Casey together on a mission for a change, and it also managed to make Chuck and Sarah's relationship issues relevant to continuing storylines instead of just stealing plot ideas from Friends. Unfortunately, Chuck is still incompetent, and Sarah's journey is still being emphasized more than Chuck's.

But overall, a decent episode. And that 80's flashback was full of win.

My main nitpick is that they really don't have Sarah wearing the engagement ring on a consistent basis.

My fanwank is that she doesn't want to lose or damage it on a mission.

#29

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Posted Feb 8, 2011 @ 4:24 AM

Chuck let Sarah's dad go in the Deloreon episode right. Maybe he will come back for the wedding and General Beckman will co-op him for her merry band of misfits. I mean if Brice Larkin can go under cover as Neal Caffrey con-man extraordinaire who now works with the FBI (a crossover made in heaven!) why not Sarah's dad?

Alex is a nice girl and I love the whole Morgan/Casey dynamic that has incurred due to Morgan and Alex's relationship but I miss Anna. Anna was awesome! Casey deserves some happiness in his life. Forget Karina...let's hook him up with Anna! He could become her "sensei" and teach her everything that Chuck and Morgan are too nerdy/clumsy/silly to get.

And speaking of Karina. If you consider that every time you have sex with someone you are also having sex with everyone that person has slept with does that mean that Casey and Morgan have slept together in a weird, icky, roundabout way?

#30

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Posted Feb 8, 2011 @ 4:36 AM

Was it just me, but at the very beginning when Team Chuck has just realised that they really need a mission... Just that nervous look on their face, the inability to take what was probably just some harmless prodding; it smelt like they have just a little tiny bit of Combat stress reaction/PTSD. Not a full blown case mind you, but they were showing some of the symptoms.

Loved seeing Beckman get to use some weaponry (an RPG no less!)


It's actually more like a shoulder fired recoiless rifle, a la 84mm Carl Gustav probably with a Rocket Assisted Projectile round. *geek out* What can I say? The more you know right? :D

but I like that they finally admitted that the US Government has some enemies it earned


Her accent was pretty thick there, but I'm pretty sure she said that the stripmining was done by a conglomerate. Big business does not always equal government.