What I’m Watching: Chuck

Chuck: Season 4, Episode 20 “Chuck Versus the Family Volkoff” (B)

I’m sad to be appearing to lose faith in this show since I’ve always been a staunch supporter of it, especially after Chuck and Sarah officially got together as a couple. For starters, and this should be obvious from my episode grades, it’s nothing like some other shows such as “Desperate Housewives” or “Smallville” which have almost completely lost me, winning me back only occasionally and briefly. Instead, it’s just a bit less engagement with the storyline. I still like seeing my favorite characters, but I don’t feel that their current overarching plotlines are as strong as they’ve been in the past. Namely, Volkoff, his daughter Vivian, and normal Mama Bartowski just aren’t as awesome as Shaw, the Ring, or a number of the episodic villains we’ve seen over the past few years. It’s still a whole lot of fun, and I particularly like how the music continues to be incorporated excellently into the show. The relationship drama also works rather well, and it’s sweet to see Chuck attempt to write a prenup that necessitates a promise never to get divorced or stop loving him. It’s fun to see Casey try to step into his role as a father, awkward hug at all, and I’d love to see him get some romance if Alex’s mother finds out that he’s alive. Alex is definitely a great character, and I’d love to see her showcased more on the show, and maybe even involved in some sort of mission since it’s always fun to bring in the fringe characters for the action.