It's all about adding insult to injury, over and over again, this week on Chuck. There's hostage-taking, store-stampeding, shootings, illicit smooching, and more than a few harsh words exchanged. Plus, it's Black Friday at the Buy More, so you know things are going to get ugly.

Special on spoilers, aisle three!

Poor Chuck finally discovers that Bryce, his nemesis, is actually alive. To add insult to injury, (1) Bryce will only talk to him, and (2) Bryce makes him geek out with the Klingon-speak in front of his honey. Then, to add yet more potential injury to insult, Bryce takes Chuck hostage. When they escape to the elevator, Bryce turns chummy -- you knew I wasn't really going to kill you, right, buddy? Check had no such assurances. He's even less assured when Bryce takes him hostage again in the face of Tommy, a mysterious snarky bad guy (my favorite kind!) who wants Bryce back.

Bryce appears again when everyone is gathered 'round the Thanksgiving table, secretly asking Chuck to get Sarah. And if he could have kept from kissing her, maybe things would have gone more smoothly. But there was smooching, and Chuck saw, so he dropped a hint to Casey, and everything went to hell. After some running around, and some shooting (fortunately, at this point, Bryce always wears a vest), we get the whole story.

Bryce tells the spies that he's not really rogue -- he was recruited into something called Fulcrum, which was a secret intra-agency organization, and taking out the Intersect was a mission! By the time Bryce discovered Fulcrum was full of bad guys, it was too late -- he'd already destroyed the Intersect and sent things off to Chuck. The Fulcrum folks brought him back after Casey's (mostly) fatal shot, and Bryce told them the Intersect was in his head. They kept him alive until they could extract all that secrety goodness from his brain. And then, Bryce escaped. Now he just wants to turn himself into the CIA and spill about Fulcrum, but he doesn't know who to trust. Luckily, Chuck can help with that.

Sarah arranges a handoff in a public place with lots of people -- the Buy More on Black Friday. Chuck checks out the CIA agents, and declares them legit. But things aren't wheat they seem -- Sarah and Bruce's car is blindsided by a truck, and Tommy, my favorite snarky bad guy, is waiting for Chuck at the Buy More. Tommy has figured out that Chuck has the Intersect, and he's not afraid to kill everyone in the store to get to him.

But Tommy doesn't realize that Chuck has a secret weapon, and that weapon is Buy More emergency preparedness. He tells a panicked Jeff the Buy More safety word ("pineapple"), and chaos ensues. He and Casey end up hunkered down in the Home Theater room (where Casey has a hidden stash of guns, or course) while everyone else flees. Sarah and Bryce come back to kick some butt, but Tommy manages to get his hands on Chuck. Bryce asks Chuck something in Klingon -- and seriously, where's the Ferengi love? -- and Bryce shoots him, allowing Casey to take out Tommy. Of course, Bryce's question was "Are you wearing your vest?" Chuck was. Wise choice, nerdboy.

So Bryce is back in the good graces of the CIA-and he's given a lone-wolf assignment to mop up Fulcrum. He says something cryptic to Sarah upon his departure, which Casey figures is a code word of some sort. Back at her apartment, Sarah is packed and ready to go when her home phone and cell phone ring simultaneously. One of the callers is Chuck. The other is Bryce. Which will she choose?

Highlights, thoughts and odds and ends:

• The Buy More Black Friday subplot worked for me. I knew shopping the day after Thanksgiving was dangerous!
• I'm less enamored with the Morgan/Anna plotline. Anna is just too awesome for Morgan. I certainly don't buy that she'd turn into an irrational, jealous shrew over him. That said, I loved this exchange, chiefly for the strangled tone in Chuck's voice: Morgan: "She's got this crazy idea that I'm in love with Ellie." Chuck: "Cause you are?" Morgan: "Why does everybody know that?" Chuck: "Because that's what you tell everybody!"
• I loved Jeff's answer to Big Mike's question about what happens the day after Thanksgiving: "The tryptophan wears off and it's time for the liquor to kick in?" It's like he knows me.
• I really, really hope snarky bad guy Tommy lives and returns. When Bryce threatens chuck's life: "OK, I wouldn't want you to kill some random person -- I'd feel just terrible."
• Chuck when Bruce finds him outside the apartment: "Sarah and Casey are right inside. One girlish scream from me and they go into combat mode."
• Dear Bryce: Perhaps you don't want to pass judgment on Chuck's living arrangements of station in life, as you're the reason he got kicked out of school and didn't follow his dreams. Sure, I know you had your reasons, but still: Shut up. You live with your sister?
• I loved Captain Awesome trying to bond with Casey -- "Two words -- water sports." I don't think that means what he thinks it means.
• Bryce is hot and all, but Sarah is the worst spy ever to get all smoochy with him in Chuck's room. However, I did appreciate the shirtless moment. What? I never claimed to be a super-spy.
• Do we really need more orgasmic food moments? Really?
• Why does Casey not immediately aim for the head with Bryce?  Chest shots just don't kill him!
• Big Mike had the right idea on Black Thursday: "Don't let me down. This is the single most important day of our year. And my door is locked. Don't even think about knocking!"
• I completely sympathize with Jeff and Lester hiding under the counter. I'd never survive retail.
• For once, I got Morgan's purpose in this episode. All his awkwardness and saying the wrong thing at the wrong time to the wrong person finally turned right -- he made Bryce understanding what happened to Chuck, what he did to him. That made Chuck shaking Bryce's hand all the more sweet.
• I know it probably means I have seriously unsophisticated tastes, but Jeff getting beaned on the head and knocked out by flying products never stops being funny.
• Casey's fireman's carry of Chuck through the teeming Buy More masses made my little heart go pitter pat.
• Who knew Big Mike could move like that? His vaulting over the counter to try to stop the customer exodus was pretty darn impressive.
• Sarah and Bryce did really work well together. And they both had such shiny, bouncy hair during the fighting and running scenes!

Comments

First of, Morgan rules. secondly, Morgan rocks. and last but not least, Morgan for President! I love his character!

now that i got that off my chest...this was definitely the best episode of the season. I feel for Chuck though, it was bad form for Sarah to make out with Bryce in Chucks room. I hope Chuck makes Sarah work for his affection. Like maybe bring back the delicious Rachel Bilson? Lets hope!

Rob | Nov 27, 2007 1:04:30 AM | #

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If Bryce was going to call Sarah anyway, why did he bother with "We'll always have Oklahoma"?

Why would Chuck be wearing a vest? Using the same device twice in the same episode isn't cool... reminded me of the overuse of masks in MI3.

I feel bad for Chuck, but Bryce and Sarah make a much more believable couple.

AC | Nov 27, 2007 6:53:02 AM | #

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"Ooh. Pretty... NOOO! UGLY! NOOO!"

14/10 on the Levity Scale.

Baldwin's Casey is pure ice. Love how his interactions with Bryce and Chuck are to-the-point and matter-of-fact.

Guns 101: Chests are bigger targets than heads. A shot to the chest, vest or not, takes a man down. You may then close in and follow up with a head shot.

"...then the store would explode!"
"No Jeff. It's a trick! Noooo!" (ah, the geek drama)

(Gotta ditch the spell-check; Bruce is mentioned instead of Bryce twice.)

Love how the ending had both phones ringing once more after the scene went completely black. Total cliffhanger!

pakopako | Nov 27, 2007 7:24:49 AM | #

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Dang, something got cut off during the post:

(As Chuck's is pulling himself together, he sees Sarah) "Ooh. Pretty... (Casey steps in instead) NOOO! UGLY! NOOO!"

pakopako | Nov 27, 2007 7:26:20 AM | #

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Dang, something got cut off during the post:

(As Chuck's is pulling himself together, he sees Sarah) "Ooh. Pretty... (Casey steps in instead) NOOO! UGLY! NOOO!"

pakopako | Nov 27, 2007 7:26:34 AM | #

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AC: It wasn't Oklahoma, it was Omaha (as in a big city in Nebraska). Just to clarify. (Guess where I live...)

A better question would be why wouldn't Chuck be wearing a vest? He's the one of a kind (now) intersect. If he dies, they're pretty well screwed.

Loved the fight scene with Bryce and Sarah.

I'm also surprised that the reviewer didn't talk about Morgan's preening after the boss was about to tell him off for evacuating the store, only to have a "fireman" tell him that whoever evacuated the store is a hero. Priceless.

Yossarian | Nov 27, 2007 7:28:30 AM | #

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I thought Sarah was at a hotel and not at home and that was why he needed the code word. If she's at home, it's really time to get with technology and lose the outdated phone (even if it did allude to Bryce being the old and Chuck being the new).

I cannot say enough how much I love Zachary Levi and his excellent comic timing!

Dani | Nov 27, 2007 7:43:54 AM | #

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Loved the bit with morgan going all bodyguard and carrying anna out of the store, but I'm not really a fan of their relationship overall. I'm excited see that Chuck got picked up for a full season, but I wish I knew how many more episodes they had left before the writers strike put's them in rerun mode. From the previews, next week's episode looks like the type that they'd make the last before taking a break for the holidays, so I wonder if that's it for the new ones or if there are one or two more left after that. Anyone know?

himespau | Nov 27, 2007 7:52:49 AM | #

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What about "I'm thankful that Bryce Larkin is dead, and not making out with my girlfriend in my bedroom right now." Classic.

Al | Nov 27, 2007 8:09:47 AM | #

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Another, funny episode the show is getting better and better. Happy about NBC picking it for a full season (writers!!!) if that happens.

The Buy More stuff was funny now you know what happens on the other side of those sales. So Bryce returns and he's just a big geek with a good karate chop with all that speaking Klingon. Since when does Chuck wear a vest?

Sarah was planning to leave town with Bryce, wow thats a bummer. That could push Chuck's 5 year plan back 10 years.

Finally, "PINEAPPLE"!!

jbw | Nov 27, 2007 8:36:53 AM | #

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HIMESPAU: This week's episode was number 10 (if you include the pilot). The producers said that they were able to finish filming the 13th episode in spite of the WGA strike, so that would leave 3 more new ones. And I think that it's 'AWESOME' that NBC has just given "Chuck" a full season order!

It seems like the writers for "Chuck" must have been "Firefly" fans because Casey totally acted as if Jayne Cobb were transported back to the 21st century! ;-)
I loved the parallel scenes of Casey protecting Chuck by carrying him to the theater room, while Morgan carried Anna safely out to the parking lot. Hey, who says chivalry is dead?

I really like that the writers did not make Bryce as evil as we thought at the beginning of the series. It seemed that Bryce was tricked into working for a rogue organization, and now he will try to bring them down. Great chemistry between Sarah and Bryce, even if I do feel bad for Chuck. And might I say, Matthew Bomer was looking FINE in the tuxedo last night!

Also, I'm glad that Ellie and Awesome had more screentime this week. Of course, Awesome tried to get Casey to join in on the 'extreme sports' -- he could tell that Casey was working out! Ellie is such a great sister to cook Thanksgiving for Chuck's friends, including the 'sweet' neighbor Casey.

Paige | Nov 27, 2007 8:41:47 AM | #

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Paige, thanks for the info. Good point about Ellie being a great sister. Where are all her and awesome's friends? Or maybe they all have families to go to for thanksgiving?

It did seem sort of a letdown for Bryce to come back only so briefly and without much point. I was against having him come back, but when he did, I was expecting him to have some huge impact on the show. Sure Sarah has to make a choice between him or Chuck, but other than that, it seems like he didn't do a whole lot for someone who caused the whole mess to begin with. Not wanting to complain too much though as it's still my favorite show currently airing new episodes on tv (though 30 rock gives it a run for its money).

himespau | Nov 27, 2007 8:59:12 AM | #

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Very nice to see the Mr and Mrs Smith homage in this episode. Nicely done. Guess they needed Bryce in there to get some good action scenes in.

I also think Chuck should make Sarah work for it. I love Chuck (the series) because it seems they give equal time to action and dialog and you gotta love that dialog.

RKM | Nov 27, 2007 9:02:00 AM | #

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Yeah, I caught the Mr. & Mrs. Smith reference in there, too. Nice touch. I was trying to think of something funny Chuck could have said there. Best I could do was watching them work together like they were in that scene and say, "Great, I'm Jennifer Aniston." (yeah, I know, lame, but I'm working on it)

Patrick Murphy | Nov 27, 2007 9:13:08 AM | #

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I love this show!! Morgan rules. How cool is Zachari Levi? NBC picked this up for a full season. Now I hope it does better in the ratings now that DWTS is over on Mondays! Long live Chuck.

Nick | Nov 27, 2007 9:15:25 AM | #

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I only have one complaint: Bryce asked Chuck "Are you wearing a vest?", when we all know that "Is today a good day to die?" would have been WAY more appropriate in Klingon!

J | Nov 27, 2007 10:22:54 AM | #

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We all know that if Sarah joins Bryce - the show is finished. I agree with a previous blog BRING BACK RACHEL BILSON - and let Sarah sweat it out
Does everyoner else agree ??

Geraldocat | Nov 27, 2007 10:31:39 AM | #

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I agree with GERALDOCAT -- it's pretty obvious that Sarah won't be joining Bryce. They couldn't just write off the female lead this early in the season.

I guess they could add another person to the love triangle of Bryce/Sarah/Chuck, but I think Bilson's character might not fit. After all, Lou already knows that Casey and Chuck are undercover agents (although she thinks they work for the FDA), and the NSA might not approve of her background (Lou was the girlfriend of a weapons smuggler). I'm sure that Schwartz and Company can bring on other good actresses -- how about the lovely Autumn Reeser (Taylor Townsend)?

Paige | Nov 27, 2007 11:38:00 AM | #

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Since Anna has already proven that she can kick it with the big boys, I think they should hook her up with Chuck, if only for an episode, just to see how Sarah would react. While Ellie is just too sweet to be much of a rival for Anna, Sarah would give her a run for her money, and the potential Spy-vs-Spy moments could be quite hilarious. Especially if Anna wins (and wouldn't Morgan's heart explode if that happened...). Anyway, this was a messy episode, but in a good way, since there was so much going on that I had to go back and watch the episode again to make sure I didn't miss anything important. My father (who actually watched the show for the first time last night) howled at their use of Klingonese as a form of secret code, but it didn't make him love the show (my father has odd tastes, which means that I might be adopted). I agree that "Today is a good day to die," would've been appropriate, but I would love to see the Klingon dictonary to see exactly which word(s) translates as "bullet-proof vest." And besides which, would a real Klingon ever wear something like that? Never mind, this isn't the Trekkers website, *sigh*. Damn genes, anyway. To return, this was yet another great episode, and I am so, so happy that NBC found their brains that they locked in an abandoned men's room somewhere back in 1984 and renewed Chuck. True, we may not see the back nine episodes until next July, but at least we'll always have Omaha (actually, Oklahoma would've been a good reference point, too...especially if it involved the Broadway show and Bryce singing "Oh What a Beautiful Morning," but I digress...).

Dark Disciple | Nov 27, 2007 12:29:10 PM | #

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Who else liked Casey's Cosmo?

Bill | Nov 27, 2007 2:45:32 PM | #

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Best...Episode...Ever!
You guys picked off every great line, nothing more to say. But I am sure there's no Klingon word for "vest"!

Michelle | Nov 27, 2007 4:33:48 PM | #

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There's something about sad poignant geeks - kinda gets me right here, ya know? I mean, he's doomed! (to never get the girl and always be second best!)

Michelle | Nov 27, 2007 5:11:43 PM | #

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Great episode!! Especially loved the "girlish scream" comment Chuck made to Bryce. This show keeps getting better and better!

Billy | Nov 27, 2007 7:58:32 PM | #

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Casey rules, hands down. Love that guy.

He was also the voice of Superman in the Doomsday movie. I just might be starting to become an Adam Baldwin fan.

Houston Pops | Nov 28, 2007 6:05:39 AM | #

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absolutely the best one yet! I love the Morgan and Anna relationship and i think Morgan is great! Clearly, Bryce and Sarah were made for each other and even Chuck can see that. I'm sure we'll see him pop up again down the road especially since we still don't know the story about how/why Bryce stole Chuck's girlfriend in college. i suspect she may also have been a spy. The orgasmic food scene between Morgan and Ellie was just one of the great moments in this episode. They could have probably made this a two parter with all that was going on and spent even more time at the Buy More and the the Thanksgiving dinner.

steve | Nov 28, 2007 6:11:04 AM | #

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Adam Baldwin is essentially playing the same character as Jayne from Firefly - he just doesn't have a Mal to slap him around.

Chuck was likely wearing a vest because he was initially going into a danger situation. I'm sure his handlers would have insisted he wear a vest as a precaution. Bryce, as a trained agent, would suspect that if he was not sure. That seems reasonable.

The one comment I loved that I've not seen her yet was when Casey pops the guns out of the table, Chuck goeas, "You keep those in there, any kid could find that".

sac | Nov 28, 2007 7:08:02 AM | #

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Love this episode.

But I really think the only reason why Chuck is wearing the vest is because he wanted to try it... You know, pretending to be a real spy and all.
The way Bryce looks at Chuck holding the vest after the scene where Casey shot him... He knows Chuck too well (they used to be great friends after all). He knows he won't resist the temptation to try and wear it!
At Buy More, he only asks him if he's wearing it to make sure.

| Nov 12, 2008 11:59:45 AM | #

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