What I’m Watching: Chuck

Chuck: Season 4, Episode 6 “Chuck Versus the Aisle of Terror” (B+)

This is the kind of episode that would be considered a true diving point where the tension and mystery that has been building for the entire season comes to a head. It seemed almost too easy and smooth for Chuck to finally come face to face with my mom, even if there were guns pointed in all directions, attributable to both his mother and his girlfriend. I like the way the episode’s events unfolded, first painting her as a villain, then as an ally, then as a villain again, though not in Chuck’s eyes, as he saw her hauled away right in front of him by the woman he loves (Sarah). After everything, I just feel bad for Ellie, who has to be given hope by the thought of reuniting with her mother and then ultimately let down for reasons more complicated than anyone (including this viewer) can understand. Jeff and Lester proved oddly crucial again, as their deranged fright exhibit ended up turning the bad guy insane while the juiced-up Chuck managed to stay sane despite inhaling the terror toxin. I’m very much enjoying Casey’s newfound affection for Morgan, which features far more pleasant conversations between the two yet still maintains the same spy-idiot dynamic it had before. Morgan realizing the definition of the term “magnet” was quite entertaining, and I hope to see them on more missions together in the future. And kudos to the show for smartly reincorporating Big Mike into life at the Buy More as Morgan’s spiritual advisor.