Do you think the world's intelligence agencies hire unattractive spies? On TV, at least, they seem to recruit strictly from the ranks of America's Next Top Model (maybe that's what Victoria will do now that she's out). In real life, you'd think that it would be advantageous for a spy to look utterly unremarkable. But not on TV. Which is a long way of saying: This week on Chuck, we meet another spy, and she's a hottie. Shocker!

I spy, with my little eye, something that begins with spoilers.

Our spy story this week involves Karina, a sexy DEA agent who's in town to steal a diamond from a big-time drug financier. Apparently one of the job requirements for being a spy for the DEA is an allergy to clothing -- seriously, the girl strips down at every opportunity. Granted, she's gorgeous, and if I had that body I'd spend a fair bit of time in my skivvies, but it does start to get old. One of these days, I'm going to write a spy movie where all the women run around in baggy pants and parkas, just for the hell of it.

Besides being an exhibitionist, Karina is a wild card, a loose cannon, an insert-your-cliché here -- she doesn't follow the rules! She likes to improvise! She could get people killed! Girlfriend's got some impulse-control problems, is what we're saying. We see this when she decides to steal the diamond on what is supposed to be a scouting mission. Chuck is the one carrying the rock, and when they escape the house, he has to decide whether to give it to Karina or Sarah. Let's see: Sarah's been saving your ass for the past three episodes, and Karina almost got you killed. But, she did try to seduce Chuck, and she told him that Sarah used to date Bryce -- something Sarah had denied, then admitted when he confronted her -- so Karina gets the shiny object. Bad move -- she's also got a remote-control jet-ski waiting underwater, and she uses that to make her escape. Sarah is pissed.

When Casey goes to get the rock from Karina (Sarah has to go to work at Wienerlicious, which, hee!) he ends up tied to the bed. Karina has slipped the rock to Morgan, who had a date with her the night before for the express purpose of making this plot development possible. God knows it was pointless otherwise. Chuck ends up finding the diamond in Morgan's stuff, Sarah ends up finding (and photographing) Casey tied to the bed, and the drug guys end up finding Sarah and Casey at the hotel. Karina initially says she'll just leave with the diamond and Sarah will fend for herself, but Chuck deploys his Puppy Dog Eyes of Nerdly Persuasion and convinces her to help Sarah out. There's negotiating, a girl-bonding moment that precipitates butt-kicking, and Chuck ends up accidentally mailing the diamond to addresses unknown. That address is revealed to be the offices of the Big Bosses, who are appalled but somehow also impressed. And Chuck ends up on another "date" with Sarah, where he begs her for one authentic bit of information about herself. While Chuck is out of earshot, she confesses that her middle name is Lisa.

The Good Stuff:

• Did I mention how much I love that Cake riff as the opening theme? Good stuff.
• Morgan's possessiveness of Chuck during the opening newlywed-esque game. He all but pees on Chuck's leg to mark his territory. (He even did well on the questions about Chuck's sex life.)  He's annoying, but it's funny and serves the story. 
• Karina and Sarah's impressive "We're just dumb cute girls" act when they're surprised in the diamond room by Hairy McBadguy. This bolsters my theory that they were recruited form ANTM.
• Karina's jet-ski, and Chuck's response: "How am I supposed to know that Karina has a remote control jet-ski? It's not usually an option in real life!"
• The Nerd Herd guys discussing Sarah and Karina: "She is too good for this store! Isn't there a nicer establishment where beautiful people can shop?"
• Chuck at the briefing in the beginning -- just doesn't get the whole "Shut up and stand still" protocol at these things.
• Chuck entranced by the penguin movie. Awww.
• Sarah's Wienerlicious boss. He's no Harry Tang, but he's got potential.

The Not-So-Good Stuff

• No Harry Tang. Actually, not enough workplace stuff at all, for my tastes.
• Look! A nearly-naked spy-girl! And Sarah's going to fight her in a teeny little robe! Yeah, yeah, I know, it's in everything, but it's getting old.
• The Morgan/Karina double date. It seemed spackled on there. Does Morgan have a contract that specifies he'll get at least 10 minutes of screen time per episode?
• Sarah denying she was involved with Bryce and Chuck getting pissy when that's revealed to be a lie. Again, that seems a bit forced.

Overall, good stuff. Not quite up to last week's episode, but it's difficult to equal the sight of Chuck doing the woman's part of the tango.

What did you think?

Comments

This actually happened this night, not last night like the webpage says!

gus | Oct 15, 2007 7:54:02 PM | #

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Under the bad stuff...Sarah denies having been involved with Bryce, not with Chuck.

Next...Morgan...ugh! I know he's supposed to be the annoying friend, but does he have to play the part soooo convincingly? I'm so tired of this character already. If he moved the plot forward at all, that might be different!

Lastly, I'd love to see a review for last night's "near-nudie" episode written by a straight male! I think we'd get a different perspective.

Big Joe | Oct 16, 2007 3:51:15 AM | #

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I actually loved last night's episode. The show is just plain fun and that is why I keep coming back. The spy in the bikini didn't bother me at all because I saw it as an homage to James Bond films. I thought that just upped the fun/campy factor. I could have used more Captain Awesome actually saying 'awesome' during the show. I am also loving the opening credits - fantastic!

VTRosebud | Oct 16, 2007 6:45:45 AM | #

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Chuck's own personal skill set is starting to get some play. He recognized the spy cameras because they sold them in the spy shop in the mall. He printed a mailing label for the diamond on a computer. I figure he just said that he did not know where he was sending it.
By the way, Karina concealing the diamond on Morgan - I read about that trick in a comic book in the early 60s.

Rudolf vonLuchen | Oct 16, 2007 7:33:48 AM | #

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This is definetly the best new show of the season. All the characters crack me up...they're great!

B | Oct 16, 2007 7:39:47 AM | #

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"Chuck" is definitely my favorite new show of the season. Of course, Sarah and Karina were fighting off bad guys in skimpy clothes -- just like those James Bond girls (as VTRosebud mentioned).

I agree that Morgan had too much screentime last night, while Casey (my favorite character) did not have enough. The guys got to see Sarah and Karina in their underwear, but us girls got to see Casey in a t-shirt and boxer shorts! :-)

Although I find this show to be somewhat similar to "Jake 2.0", the main difference is that Chuck did not acquire any superpowers (just the information from the database). This certainly lends to more comedic moments when Chuck has to fend for himself as an inexperienced field agent (this episode he was hiding under a coffee table while Sarah and Karina kicked butt). Fortunately, he has his Nerd Herd knowledge to help out on the mission, like defusing the bomb by sending a virus to the laptop.

My favorite quote from last night was Casey's remark to the bodyguard who was smoking: "Read a newspaper... from the '60s."

Paige | Oct 16, 2007 8:40:31 AM | #

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Morgan is better this episode. A lot more integrated into the plot (patsy for the new girl) which means he goes from being the key "annoying mascot" to "patsy plot device." This was a good episode for him. I hope he gets tossed around characters a lot (like Tang or the Goons last episode) because the way he talks inspires me to punch him if he gets on a pedastal for ten minutes (like what he almost did last episode to inspire the Herd).

The opening is funny and definetly fits the mood of the show.

Catrina actually being hit by the flying dish. Boo. Sarah was better than that.

I like the "girls in outfits" -- yes, it is shallow, but it doesn't seem that overdone YET. I will concede that this episode might have been more "Sweeps-centric" with three or four sequences of girls wiggling around (and one guy in clovers, and two guys sweating over a penguin movie), but I will say that they are acceptable (not to mention the pool scene) except for the one of Sarah changing into her waitress outfit.

You shouldn't do that to a main character unless you are in sweeps or are announcing that's the well you'll be visiting often, and there are better things she can be doing that would add more to her character. (And THEN you can strip her down.)

Guest stars can be as loose-moraled as they want seeing as they are just dropping by anyway.

Carey comic-hero liner of the night: "Told ya smoking was bad for your health."

pakopako | Oct 16, 2007 8:43:57 AM | #

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Just wanted to add that Casey looking at the limo then the SUV and smiling was a nice touch. (It's the little things... thank goodness for small favors!)

This episode Chuck was hiding under a coffee table... and hit his head at least once while under it. (Comedic GOLD I tells ya!)

pakopako | Oct 16, 2007 8:47:23 AM | #

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Good episode overall. It is still finding its footing and the right tone, but there seems to be some good potential there.

One thing that really bothered me though: The last scene where Chuck brings Sarah a pizza, he says that he know she doesn't like olives so there are no olives on the pizza. Cut to a shot of the pizza and THERE ARE OLIVES ON IT!!! I know this is very nit-picky but why even have that line? It is probably the same pizza being used in every scene so why not change the line to "I know you don't like anchovies so there aren't any anchovies"? Is the fact that Sarah doesn't like olives that big of a deal.

This just shows a lack of attention to detail and that bothers me probably more than it should.

Sean | Oct 16, 2007 9:23:17 AM | #

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I loved Jayne's part... I mean Adam Baldwin's part. Nobody plays hormonal-macho-brainless-butt kicking guy better. Nobody.

nisleib | Oct 16, 2007 9:28:37 AM | #

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Another enjoyable episode. Yeah, the new girl was dropping her clothes a lot, ( not that I mind), but she was suppose to be a vamp. Also, this is the second episode that Chuck didn't trust Sarah and it led to trouble; need to expand the story telling.

The end with the Pizza and "lisa" was nice.

jbw | Oct 16, 2007 9:34:27 AM | #

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What is with people. I love Morgan's charactor. He is not annoying at all. He reminds me of the sidekick in National Treasure, Riley Poole. I think it's Hiliarious. Quit picking on him.. I LOOOOVE this show.

NJM | Oct 16, 2007 10:52:56 AM | #

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This show is definitely keeping my interest, although i think they would still be wise to make it a half hour show. There always to be some lag during the show just because its an hour. Can't say i mind the smoking hot chicks they keep finding though. Sweet Mercy where do they find all these chicks?!

steve | Oct 16, 2007 11:17:56 AM | #

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Maybe they should get someone to blog this show who isn't such a prude. Did you ever thing the reason all the women are hot and barely dressed is just another way this show is making fun of the spy genre?

dan | Oct 16, 2007 12:03:07 PM | #

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As the token "straight male" that Big Joe was hankering for, here I am, and this is my review. Of course gorgeous women are going to be recruited as spies, for the simple fact that most of the minions who work for the evil overlords of the world ARE straight men, and therefore must be distracted by said beautiful women before getting their asses slammed through windows and over balconies by said beautiful women and/or their semi-sorta-kinda hunky male cohort. Also, have you ever tried doing karate moves in a parka? It's like trying to slice cheese with a chainsaw. So, while I do agree that "chick fights" always seem to involve as little clothing as possible, there is a logistical reason for it, as well as the aforementioned-spurious one. And as dan mentioned just above this post, this is a spoof of the spy genre, for the most part, and so naturally, the writers are going to throw in as many stereotypical situations as possible. You don't want to see Dame Judi Densch (forgive if that's misspelled) wearing a thong and playing beach volleyball in a movie about Queen Victoria; that would just be wrong. Hence, women in slinkery outfits playing whack-a-mole on each other. Anyway, I'm still on the side of Morgan and his required presence on the show. As I've stated previously, the fact that Chuck keeps him around shows what a really decent guy Chuck is. Proof of this is the last scene of the episode, where he is all but begging Sarah to give him at least a tiny glimpse into her real world. He failed (sort of), but instead of getting all male and angry, he just shrugged it off and went to get napkins. That is why I like this show, and that's why I think Morgan will be on for the long haul. The day Chuck kicks Morgan to the curb is the day Chuck loses his soul. And that will be a sad day, indeed...

Dark Disciple | Oct 16, 2007 12:29:50 PM | #

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Aww I love this show! I'll admit though, last night's episode wasn't my fave. It bugs me how cliche it can be sometimes, not to mention how they think everyone wants to watch beautiful people strip down. However, I do L-O-V-E the witty dialogue with the satirical references to pop culture!

Laruen B | Oct 16, 2007 1:45:12 PM | #

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My recording ended before the end. The last thing I saw was Sarah saying her real middle name was "Lisa" then we went to commercials. Did anything happen after that or was it just the closing credits? Thanks in advance.

Rishi | Oct 16, 2007 4:39:30 PM | #

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Thanks for the catch, Big Joe -- I made the change.

Hey, I'm all for scantily-clad spygirls, but it gets a little old. One of my favorite lines from Alias was when Sydney yelled about how uncomfortable the stupid lingerie was (as she kicked the bad guy of the moment's ass), and I loved this quote from "Bionic Woman" -- "Yeah, and don't even get me started on how objectifying this whole "Bionic Woman" thing is." Just acknowledge that the constant clothes-shucking can be somewhat eyeroll-inducing, and I'm happy. The show's writers are smart, and I'm surprised they didn't take the opportunity to do that. Because yes, they're using the spy genre conventions, but they're also poking fun at them.

I also think Casey is too much of a professional to get caught by Karina getting naked a second time. And no, I have no idea who that actress was, but she was a lot of fun.

Rishi -- the episode ended on Lisa.

Dark Disciple: I certainly wouldn't want to see Judy Dench as Queen Victoria playing beach volleyball -- it's well known that Queen Victoria was more of a Naked Ultimate Frisbee fan.

I wondered how long it would take for the "prude" label to come up.

Sarah | Oct 16, 2007 9:57:08 PM | #

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The actress who played Karina was Mini Anden.

Rishi | Oct 16, 2007 10:58:49 PM | #

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Oh and thanks for answering my Q.

Rishi | Oct 16, 2007 10:59:14 PM | #

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I love this show. Keep bringing Karina back like an Anna Espinosa from Alias. Morgan's not that bad and Harry Tang is not that good, in my opinioni. He really annoys me when he is on screen. It always seems like he's yelling in my face.

Ron | Oct 17, 2007 8:58:32 AM | #

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The echo of Chuck to Jake 2.0 is obvious, as well as with Reaper to Brimstone. Both shows are banished, so I might as well embrace these newer models.

And speaking of models! *whew* I'd make a comment on how girls get Levi and Baldwin and we get the slinky girls, but I have to concede the unfortunate hair sweater villain. Bleck.

My favorite part was Chuck's plea to Sarah, and her crumbling whispery reply. If they mix in these emotional moments with the humor and spoof, this could be just as funny and engaging show as Reaper.

Long live Jake 3.0 and Brimstone Jr.!

Casper | Oct 17, 2007 9:34:35 AM | #

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Does anyone know what game they were playing in the last episode of Chuck? My husband and I have been on the hunt and can't find anything like it. Thanks

Ally Beals | Oct 20, 2007 1:08:27 PM | #

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Did anyone catch the "Blade Runner" reference on Morgan's bag? It was the "Tyrell Corporation" where the androids were made.

shum | Oct 21, 2007 5:28:04 PM | #

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