Please do yourself a favor and watch BSG and do it right , watch from the very beginning , starting from the mini-series on! You'll be grateful to everyone who ever told you to watch.

Good episode but a step down from the previous two installments - Predator remains the high point of the season so far.

Great character moments for TeamB especially Sarah and Casey. Sarah's plea to Forrest to take care of Chuck was her most vulnerable moment. Loved that everything she did after being terminated as Chuck's handler was motivated by her feelings for him. Sarah still largely expresses her feelings through acts carried out in the professional realm. Her support moment with Chuck at the end was an important step in her emotional opening up.

Casey was probably the best of TeamB - the way he stood up for Chuck and Sarah was awesome.

As for the episode itself, the mission was frivolous and lacked import without any tie ins to Fulcrum and/or the Orion/Intersect arc. Overall the suspension of disbelief factor on this episode really pushed the limit, even for Chuck, with logic lapses and story contrivances. This is the area which brings the episode down from the level of the previous two the most for me.

Agree that Beckman's capitulation at the end was too convenient a story contrivance.

The vault scene was hilarious.

You know, I have a sneaking suspicion that Awesome is gonna have flashbacks then remember bits and pieces and confront Chuck, who'll of course deny everything (badly). That will set Devon's curiosity in motion and he'll say alright agent Carmichael in Chuck's room & the TV will switch on. Then the jig is up! jmho

I would think that the main characters get beat up and shot at enough that it would be mighty handy to have a doctor they could call in the middle of the night...

"Awsome, Chucks been shot..."

I still have time to kick your ***! Loved it.

I enjoyed the episode immensely. It ranks up with DeLorean and Seduction as one of my favorites of the season. It had a great balance of suspense, humor, action, and character growth. It was also an episode that was accessible to new viewers, as knowledge of Fulcrum and Chuck's mission to remove the intersect weren't necessary to enjoy the plot lines and the Sarah vs. Chuck dynamic was recapped in the opening scenes.

It was refreshing that the show took a break from Fulcrum and Orion. After losing another band of operatives, and with Orion believed dead, Fulcrum testing its mettle against the Buy More black hole or Chuck going off on a wild intersect hunt would have been somewhat unbelievable. It's nice to know that while they're involved in an internecine war for control of the US intelligence apparatus the government loyalists are still concerned with little things like tracking down terrorist networks.

Casey came into his own in this episode. All the character development we suspected was going on was revealed in this episode after a brief infatuation with a feminine reflection of his old self. The gun cleaning scene was hilarious, although it may have been a little much for an 8-9 time slot.

Sarah cracks a bank vault in a couple of minutes while Chuck elicits the location of an important terrorist while under the influence of nitrous oxide and discussing the nature of lady bugs. Is there anything Sarah can't do with the possible exception of fixing a broken cell phone? Chuck's thinking like a spy.

I agree that Chuck's talks with the general were weak, but they were in accordance with Chuck's character. He's not to the point where he's going to assert himself strongly in front of the General, although I strongly suspect that point will be reached by the end of the season. The threat of the Bunker so close to Elli's wedding, and the General's ability to remove Sarah will keep him in line.

The General's capitulation was weak, but I see it as more of a face saving effort on her part than any response to Chuck's words. She brought in a new agent who came perilously close to exposing the asset on numerous occasions. Her lack of interest in the asset beyond the mission at hand resulted in Chuck falling into the hands of terrorists and would have resulted in his death had not the individual the General relieved of duty violated her orders. Chuck's weak protest just gave the General the cover to reverse her earlier poor decision without looking incompetent.

I agree. But I was happy with this one as well. The latter half of this season seemed to struggle, but with more episodes like this it will bring it home well.


While I was expecting a kiss this episode, they did very well with the emotional component without the physical action. The seperation was definitely what Chuck/Sarah needed to make them realize everything. Chuck started to become more vocal in his opinions. He always said them to Casey/Sarah, but now he is saying them to the General, and not caving when he gets the glare. He definitely appreciated Casey getting his back with the end conversation with Beckman.


If more points would have been made towards the fact that Forrest's actions, while 'by the book' (supposedly, if it was then its a stupid book), risked Chuck's cover multiple times, and she could not control Chuck. As opposed to admitting that feelings are an asset, something you would think she would be reluctant to admit, if she used the reasoning that apparently only Agent Walker can control the emotional daliances of the asset, then it would have been more reasonable. If nothing else, Beckman would want to impose again that Chuck needs to work with the team, its not all about him, but then mention that Walker is better control of Chuck's bad behavior. Its both reprimand and acquiescense (spelling isn't my best), which you would think a politian/commanding officer would do. Admit they are wrong? Never. I have better ideas of how it could have gone, but it did serve its purpose, Sarah is back.

Complementing Forrest on the information that Chuck got, after their mission failed. He got captured and the bug was detected (who uses a constant broadacast bug for covert reconnaisance?), and it was his quick thinking that got the information, without torture. Since the bug was compromised, and we're assuming they weren't able to interrogate the physician within an appropriate time frame (before the terrorist would realize he was missing), it was the only source of information.

That's a pretty good summation of how I felt about it too. A decent episode...but falling well short of greatness. I could add a few things like Forrest's "what makes you think he's not already dead?" line to Sarah outside the vault and Sarah's largely non-chalant response - yuck. This ep just didn't click for me. And I sing Yvonne's praises as much as anybody, but she just seemed to be off her game in this episode.

Just finished watching this for the third time, another reason I think Awesome will figure things out is because the last thing he should remember about the bachelor party will be a figure in a red, long sleeve shirt (which was Chuck.....can I say FORESHADOW). Very possible that in a future episode, this red shirt will trigger a memory from Awesome and he is a smart guy, he will put 2 and 2 together.

I've scrolled back in the responses here, and admit, I may've missed a previous post already addressing this, but Chuck flashes when he sees Agent Forrest in the froyo shop. Wouldn't that mean she's part of Fulcrum?

I loved it. My favorite part was the vault. I can't wait to watch it again.

no, Chuck's flashes are not restricted to Fulcrum. he flashes on any intelligence that was put in the Intersect by CIA and NSA when the Intersect was built. his flash on Agent Forrest just means that the CIA/NSA has files on her.

Given that Sarah has seen Chuck fall off a building, blown up, absorb a Fulcrum intersect that killed or fried anyone else, and survive various other threatening situations I think it's logical the character might have gained a little faith in Chuck's ability to avoid death at least until help arrived. I think Sarah's determination showed confidence in Chuck and contrasted well with Forrester's growing panic.

To add to what ChuckNut said. If you remember in season one, Chuck flashed on Sarah's ring, Rohan Montgomery's file, etc... His first Fulcrum flash was Tommy when brice was brought back. He started getting more Fulcrum flashes as new infromation, and the DI was added. Also, the Fulcrum flasher are in red.

not entirely fulcrum intersect or Dark Intersect(DI) have a red overlay when he flashes, where as intersect flashes have no overlay, his flash on Agent forrest did not have a red overlay so his flash was part of the original intersect.

I also saw Sarah's lack of emotion over Forrest's statement that Chuck may already be dead as if she hadn't even considered the possibility. She WILL save Chuck, he CAN'T be dead, the alternative would be unthinkable. If they had Chuck unconcious in the room, and she was still wasn't making a sad face, then I would be dissapointed, but he quickly got up when he saw her.

I couldn't quite understand what the expression on Forrest's face was supposed to be when she saw them together. Realization of their bond? Confusion on why she would let Chuck talking to her/react to her like that? I didn't quite get it.

perhaps she was puzzled that such a relationship could develop between a professional agent and an asset? she's so robot-like (Casey pre-Chuck, as others have mentioned), that emotions don't exist for her.

Agreed. But I wanted so badly for Sarah to say, "Because he's Chuck." in response to the question.

Or just a "It's Chuck". But yeah, a line like that would have gone miles in my opinion.

Loved this episode. Only have one complaint: It went too fast!

As for Casey's chat with the General last ep: He wasn't covering for Chuck & Sarah, he wasn't lying. He was telling the truth as he saw it! Turns out he was right.

Nice to see they've water-proofed Chuck's watch. Guess they would after "Salami."

Okay, I guess I do have another complaint: the [expletive] previews for next week! Gave away a major plot point! I guess I'll stop watching them.

Oh! A third complaint! Sarah didn't kick Forrest's butt!

fenner, i didn't think the t&a was too bad and as a fellow parent, I understand your views, but I need to ask: don't you think the constant shooting, fighting and torture etc... is too much for the kids? I won't let my kids watch chuck b/c of that - plus most of the jokes are for our age group anyway.

I'm trying to get my work done so I watch last night's epi off the pvr again.

I'm a sucker for the 'nerd gets the hot handler' storyline. I do wonder what they'll do for a story if they do hook up charah for good.

cheers,
keebler

Great episode! Loved it!

After watching the episode for the third time, I believe Casey's line at the end "No its not OK, let him finish" was on of the strongest lines he has said. There is a lot packed into that one line that made Sarah shut up, made the General stop and listen, made Cylon bow in defeat, and allowed Chuck to make his argument.

you could say that it was casey's admission to his feelings toward the group. not only was it a nod to chuck but a nod to sarah as well. they're becoming a family.

Chuck has access to all intelligence files the govt. has, not just fulcrum agents.

I totally agree. It wasn't just what he said, but how he said it and who was saying it. When he stepped up for Team Bartowski, it became obvious that there was a good thing working with the Chuck/Sarah/Casey trio, and there was no need to mess with a good thing. If Casey is willing to step to the plate, you know it's something worth keeping. That's why I think when Casey said that, it was what convinced Beckman to bring Sarah back, not what Chuck said. Chuck's argument just gave her an excuse to do it without seeming like she was giving in.

I think Agent Cylon was pretty harsh on Sarah (getting her reassigned) because she doesn't care, and I think, because she doesn't understand. Casey might have once been like that, but now, as we saw, he respects Chuck and Sarah, and is going with what he feels is right, not what the NSA states is correct.

The lady-bug thing was so funny! The whole bank safe thing was just great, in fact. Injected some humour into the show by way of the spy-world, though I love the Buy More humour, most of my favourite humorous moments are from the 'spy' world, or the spy/Buy More interaction. I hope they continue to include this (like with Sarah and Lester in Season 1 when she jumped on the counter!)

I am a little upset at what happened with Ellie and Awesome. They're the one stable relationship in this show! It's really upsetting to see Ellie upset about something that Awesome didn't do! Why couldn't Chuck show her the video surveillance of Agent Cylon tranquing (sorry it's spelt wrong) Devon and just say that that they had an evil stripper!!

I think Trisha did a great job in her role, especially at the end when Chuck made his argument, she obviously saw the logic even if it wasn't the way she had been trained to operate.

And his comment, "What I was going to say earlier. I think you're wrong in your assessment. Agent Walker is a professional and the best damn partner I've ever had" was not only an affirmation of Sarah, but at least an implicit rebuke of Forrest and her methods. Coming from Casey (since would have to have seen his file prior to coming on board) that had to hurt.

Hmmm, if I remember correctly, Sarah keeps using the general and protocol as reasons on why she and chuck can't be together. After tonight's episode, can we say that that is out of the way and they can finally be together? Just wondering.. hehe

Great episode! Sarah really needs to step up to the plate now and show Chuck what he means to her. Yes, helping Chuck find his dad and constantly saving his life mean a lot, but a kiss, a touch like when they were in front of the trailer, or even an "I love you" would finally bring Charah to a whole new level. Chuck is already there, and now that Beckman knows, there's nothing holding Sarah back except herself.

I really liked Casey siding with his partners over Beckman. He is a professional and will not go against his commanding officer unless he truly feels that they are making a mistake he can't live with. Standing up to Beckman in defense of Chuck and Sarah was a major step forward for his character.

The rift between Ellie and Devon is being used as a reminder of just how much of a toll the Intersect is taking on Chuck's life. Sarah and Casey get to go home when their jobs are done, because it is just a job. Chuck doesn't even get paid by the government (as far as we know) and he can't clock out from the Intersect and go home. It's not a job, it's his life now. I realize that he will probably never get it out of his head (because the show would be over) so his only option is to join the CIA officially and finally tell his friends and family about his double life (while keeping the Intersect a secret of course.) I only hope Beckman will see this and approve Chuck to finally become Agent Carmichael for real.

And I am elated that Scott Bakula is back on TV and is guest starring on my favorite show! I absolutely loved him on Star Trek: Enterprise and think that he ranks right alongside Benjamin Sisko from Deep Space Nine as my favorite series captain.

btw, I think last night when he walked in on the dr and the terrorist on the table, it was only the 2nd time Chuck's double flashed? I think the other time was the vs the 'burbs?

yes, buymorechuck, that's what we're all wondering...


yes, i was surprised that Beckman didn't even ask Casey for his assessment of Sarah, given that the two of them are partners. but we all know to not look for plot holes because they abound...

Actually, in First Date, he flashed no less than 4 times in succession when he and Sarah were at the Chinese food place and were "surrounded".

On a different note, I'm beginning to think that Awesome is probably not a good candidate to learn Chuck's secret, it would be very difficult for Chuck and Devin to keep that secret from her and their marriage wont last long if it ever did get out. I think its just fun to have Awesome close to learning but NOT actually finding out.

I honestly don't let the plot holes affect my enjoyment of the show. I don't watch it to analyze every detail. I watch it to be entertained. Chuck, Sarah and Casey could be looking for the Easter Bunny and I wouldn't care as long as the core elements that make the show so great are still present.

He also flashed several times in a row in Best Friend when he first saw the Fulcrum agents at the car show if I remember correctly. It's been a while since I've seen that episode though.

A+, Allison Adler. Yes, Ms. Adler wrote this episode, and it was brilliant. She went the whole spectrum of emotions in 43 min. Amazing! From the opening, going from serious peril so quickly to slapstick humor (yes, I saw the would be 'kidnappers' as a nod to the Three Stooges!) to the heartfelt close of Sarah and Chuck at his dad's doorstep, Allison Adler hit all of the right notes.

Ms. Adler is definitely one of the best writers of the show, with "Cougars" and "Best Friend" (yes, she wrote them, too!) and now "Broken Heart", she's responsible for three of the most popular episodes this season. Others I think have also hit it out of the ballpark include the show's creators, Schwartz and Fedak ("First Date"), Matt Miller ("Seduction"), and Fedak alone ("Predator").


On the flip side, and a word of warning, though, watch out for Scott Rosenbaum. Sorry Mr. Rosenbaum, but he's responsible for "Santa Claus" and "Beefcake" (though, Miller worked on this episode, too), two of the worst episodes of the series, in my opinion.

This is one of the funnier episodes. especially the strippers scene. It had me cracking out loud. Did you see Chuck's face. Classic.

What do we need to do to get Yvonne a Emmy nomination? Talk about facial emotions that speaks volumes without really saying anything.

i was really hoping for a more together moment at the end. Why did papaB have to open the door at that moment. lol

Um... Actually the general did just that at the close of "Predator". Don't you remember her asking the Major, and his unflinching endorsement of his partner? That's when she requested all of the video footage that we saw at the beginning of this episode.

I get the feeling we're going to get a real kiss before the season ends haha.

I guess my point sarahlovesme is that its a great show without the T&A or violence being excessive.Its also in a time slot when our family would watch TV together and if it becomes too questionable then it won't be watched by us as a family.This would not be in the shows best interest.There is a reason DWTS is highly rated, its as offensive as watching bad dancing can get and it offends very few.The whole stripper scene could have been taken out, toned down etc and the episode would still have been good. I think they have grabbed as many 18-35 year old males as they are going too with the sex sells matra.I'm not totally against either a little skin or violence being shown, as long as its not to overt which is subjective I know. I just hope in the quest for ratings it doesn't go overboard with either.My wife and kids do like the show and it would be a shame to not be able to watch it with them.

I'm curious about the look that passed over Sarahs face when the door opens - it's almost as if she recognizes the person on the other side and it's not such a good recognition. ( sorry if someone said this earlier I only skimmed)

good catch



She almost did. That is not good imo. For their love to be exiting some seasons to come it needs to be forbidden. It almost points towards no season three . God, now I'm going to have nightmares.



PS. Oh my god! What's up with the ratings?! 5.6M!? I was hoping for 7M+, based on how good last week's episode was. Not good.

I don't remember her saying that Sarah and Chuck could be together. Chuck said they have feelings for each other, and Beckman 'admitted' that feelings may be assets not liabilities, however I'm not sure if the show would choose to say that admitting the feelings of an asset compared to the compromised nature of the agent would be allowing them together. Considering the lectures given to Chuck by Beckman and Forrest, it didn't seem like Sarah was getting in trouble for being compromised. I don't think they think she is compromised, at least not completely. I am interpreting the situation that Beckman is realizing that Sarah is considering the opinion of the asset, his emotions, as considerations in her decisions. Not full blown, Sarah will go against orders, compromised.

Again my comprehension of this is based on the fact that the General, wanting to use Chuck in the war against Fulcrum, believed that a firmer hand was needed in handling him. To replay my own metaphor yet again, she was trying to use two sticks to control a horse, instead of one stick to keep the horse moving, and a carrot to show him where to go. From what I understand of horses, taming a wild horse is mostly about making the horse want to cooperate, not forcing it to. If you try and force submission, the horse will try and buck the system, with Chuck's intelligence and abilities, you will have some injured trainers/consequences until you bring him under submissive control.

It definitely seems to be a military understanding of the situation. If Chuck was a soldier, or was there by his own volition (he is WILLING to help, but he didn't CHOOSE to help), then Beckman would only have to have his handler there to keep him in line, as he was motivated. But Chuck's motivation, while noble (he is willing to help with the greater good), is motivated by emotion. He isn't driven by duty. He does want Sarah, he wants to protect his family and friends, he doesn't want bad things to happen to anyone, which is a major factor that I believe will come into play when and if Chuck gains the opportunity to rid himself of the intersect. Of the government, the only person who makes Chuck WANT, is Sarah. She will be there, probably, mentioning the fact that getting the intersect out his always what he wanted and probably even encourage him to get rid of it, Casey maybe as well. Then Chuck will make the decision, he will choose the spy life. He will choose to retain the intersect, to help everyone he is able, not just his immediate friends and family.

It's DWTS. I honestly don't think the quality of the shows is going to make a difference, the number of viewers is going to remain relatively constant. That damn show is gobbling up everybody's viewers. But maybe Chuck will get a boost from DVR viewings.

DWtS, takes alot of the random viewers. From a hand poll of my class, 25% of the students who watched Chuck said they didn't enjoy Chuck as much anymore after [Beefcake]. (I encouraged them to start it up again with [Lethal Weapon], saying that it got better.)

that will probably be a given.

Something that didn't make sense to me, how could casey implant the bug into the whatever? He took Awesome's key card and put it in, right? Well if Awesome was the surgeon, when did he get in to do the surgery? He would have needed his key card to do so. He was at the bachelor party at the time. Plot hole...

Could do it after bringing him home at 4 am. Awesome didn't realize it was missing until he woke the next morning.

A nice episode.
Chuck totally wasted was hilarious.
The colors. The colors. Wheee....