What I’m Watching: Chuck

Chuck: Season 3, Episode 7 “Chuck Versus the Mask” (B+)

This episode was quite thrilling from start to finish, beginning with that superb spoof of the classic scene from “Mission Impossible” with Shaw in the Ethan Hunt role. I’m spectacularly impressed by the incorporation of Hannah, which is done in a very legitimate way that allows her to take on a big part and be a central component of the action plotline without knowing it. I enjoyed the interposed shots of Chuck and Hannah and Shaw and Sarah packing up for their respective missions. The genuine anger and disappointment from Hannah when she realized that Chuck had been spending time with Sarah felt extremely real, and Kristin Kreuk is really giving this performance her all. I loved the way she asked Chuck if he could keep a secret and the way that he pauses and coughs nervously before he answers. Back to the other prospective couple, I’m extraordinarily excited about Shaw and Sarah. Their dynamic is terrific, and it’s really nice for Sarah since she hasn’t had this workplace romance too much outside of Bryce. The fact that Shaw got Casey coffee too (“black and bitter”) was very fun. Their conversation when they thought they were dying was excellent because it wasn’t overly sappy but it was still touching, and Shaw’s immediate heroic action upon realizing that the worst is over was superbly cool. Chuck’s line that if he had to see Sarah with someone else, it might as well be a hero was completely appropriate considering Shaw’s awesomeness. Shaw uttered the best line ever at the end of the episode: “Relax, Sarah, I’m the safest guy in the world,” and the cut to the very Big Brother-looking Ring Panel proclaiming Shaw’s death warrant was a terrific finish. Henri Lubatti was a stellar villain, as always like on “24” and “Sleeper Cell.” Casey’s disappointment about not being able to blow stuff up was great, and it’s good that he continues to be incorporated even when he hasn’t been given central plotlines since that Angel de la Muerte storyline. The supporting plot involving Ellie and Morgan was quite entertaining as well. Ellie’s failure to remember the secret knock was hilarious, and that scene where they both discovered Chuck making out with Hannah was amazing. The joy on the Ellie’s face contrasted with the hurt on Morgan’s was simply stunning. I can’t wait to see what happens next.