What I’m Watching: Chuck

Chuck: Season 4, Episode 16 “Chuck Versus the Masquerade” (B+)

I don’t think I’ve properly praised the musical score on this show in at least a few weeks, and therefore it’s certainly worthwhile to take a moment to acknowledge just how awesome it is and how much it amplifies and enhances the enjoyment of the show. There was plenty of musical accompaniment all the time back when Chuck, Sarah, and Casey were fighting against the Ring last season, so it’s nice to see a good return of the anthems that make the missions considerably more exciting. I liked the Valentine’s Day plans that both Chuck and Morgan had, even if they didn’t quite pan out as expected. The sprouting of Sarah’s wings was a perfectly executed moment, and it was amusing, in addition to being particularly ineffective, that she tried to befriend Morgan in order to try to get him not to move out of the apartment. I loved seeing Casey’s reaction, and hearing his follow-up questions, to the sight of his daughter and Morgan both blindfolded and engaging in some true bonding weirdness to deepen the intensity of their relationship. The presence of Volkoff’s daughter provided an interesting backdrop for some of the major action, which the show managed to pull off very well aesthetically with the horse stables and the rather creepy field where Sarah’s horse was ambushed. In many ways, this actually felt like a nice throwback to something like “Alias” where the characters didn’t mind getting dressed up – in both masquerade and equestrian styles – and having a blast while trying to complete a mission.