What I’m Watching: Chuck

Chuck: Season 3, Episode 8 “Chuck Versus the Fake Name” (B+)

Ah, it’s so sad to see Hannah go so soon. This was one of her best episodes yet, and it was great to see her meeting Ellie and introducing Chuck to her parents. It’s a pity that Chuck decided that he could no longer lie to her and needed to end things before she really got hurt. Her appearance, even though it’s now sadly in the past, was great while it lasted. Jeff and Lester formulating about how Chuck was able to get Hannah was amusing, and Big Mike crying when he heard Jeff talk about how Chuck’s eyes shine so brightly whenever he sees Sarah and blaming it on the onions was enjoyable. Chuck getting into character was a real treat, and he did a spectacular job of enjoying it greatly. Actually pulling out Casey’s tooth was a brilliant and unexpected move, and Casey’s surprising delight because it was one with a cavity and therefore saved him a trip to the dentist was an entertaining way for him to react. The casting for the guys who Chuck had to work with while impersonating Rafe was perfect, and it was awesome to see Tony Sirico and Louis Lombardi, both veterans of “The Sopranos” in the roles they were born to play. Seedy Johnny Messner was also a great choice to play Rafe. Casey really came through when he took Rafe out when he was about to take out Sarah, and that was one really tense moment when it seemed like she was gone. Obviously she wasn’t going to be dead, but it did serve as a pretty big scare. Who would ever have guessed that her real name was Sam? I’m happy for her and Shaw, but what bad timing given Chuck’s breaking breakup.