Because One Page Is Not Enough To Hold All The Spoilers!
4.20 Chuck vs. The Family Volkoff
Writers: Amanda Kate Shuman & Nicholas Wootton
Director: Robert Duncan McNeill
Guest Stars:
Linda Hamilton, Lauren Cohen, Timothy Dalton, Mekenna Melvin and Kevin Daniels as Ellyas Abshire
Spoilers:
pictures:
Synopsis:
From Spoiler TV:
Guest starring is Ellyas, a mid 30’s African American. He’s a Somali Pirate type Badass Guerilla fighter who thinks he’s the toughest man on earth.
Needless to say, the only man he fears turns up and suddenly Ellyas changes his tone.
Thanks to Bundy for the pointer!
Promo:
4.21 Chuck vs. The Wedding Planner
Writers: Rafe Judkins and Lauren LeFranc
Director: Anton Cropper
Guest Stars: Gary Cole, Mekenna Melvin, Clare Carey, Lisa LoCicero as Daphne Peralta and Timothy V. Murphy as Mr. Klug
Spoilers:
We first met Sarah’s dad, Jack Burton, in the season 2 episode ‘Chuck vs. the DeLorean,’ and he comes back into her life in the 21st episode of season 4, which airs April 25. Burton, who’s played by Gary Cole (who’s currently recurring on ‘The Good Wife’), is a longtime con man who hasn’t changed his ways since Sarah was a little girl helping him out with his scams.
Oh, that’s fun!
And also from Mel at ChuckTV.net:
The wedding planner in question is one Daphne Peralta, a fashionable, fit, smart, sexy woman in her 30s or 40s who sports a New Jersey accent. She’s planning a wedding for the daughter of a Hungarian nuclear scientist, Dr. Klug, who happens to work for Iran. His sons, Bruno, Franz & Paulie are also nuclear scientists working for Iran. But wait…who’s the bride?
Casting news from Ausiello:
On the scoop front, General Hospital‘s Lisa LoCicero has been cast as Daphne Peralta, the titular, Jersey-bred adversary in this season’s 21st episode, “Chuck vs. the Wedding Planner.” (And though I say “adversary,” no, she is not from the spy realm.)
pictures:
Synopsis:
“CHUCK”
“CHUCK VERSUS THE WEDDING PLANNER”04/18/2011 (08:00PM – 09:00PM) (Monday) : IN ORDER TO CATCH A THIEF, CHUCK AND SARAH MUST ENLIST SARAH’S FATHER AND CON THE CIA — GARY COLE AND MEKENNA MELVIN GUEST STAR — When Chuck (Zachary Levi) and Sarah (Yvonne Strahovski) get conned out of their wedding money, there is only one man they can turn to for help — Sarah’s conman father, Jack Burton (guest star Gary Cole). Meanwhile, Morgan pressures Casey (Adam Baldwin) to face Alex’s (guest star Mekenna Melvin) mother. Ryan McPartlin, Scott Krinsky, Vik Sahay and Bonita Friedericy also star.
Promo:
4.22 Chuck vs. Agent-X
Writers: Phil Klemmer & Craig DeGregorio
Director: Robert Duncan McNeil
Guest Stars:
Spoilers:
@danielletbd of Examiner:
Though McPartlin plays the resident married guy on the show, he said that Awesome doesn’t really have any advice for his brother-in-law leading up to the big day. After all, there’s really no concern about cold feet because Chuck and Sarah have been together for so long that “it’s been such a long time coming that everyone is just like ‘Let’s make this happen already’!”
And Chuck plans to make it happen. The final episodes of the season lead up to a wedding and include the bachelor party, a bachelorette party, a rehearsal dinner, and of course, because this is Chuck, probably some terrorist threats along the way….
And Awesome is open to letting his wife explore her true potential, and maybe her true destiny. According to McPartlin, you can’t stand in the way of someone’s happiness: “The way that I approach the character is that if Chuck and Ellie don’t do this stuff, who will? This is not just to go and get their kicks by being spies, it’s actually to protect the world that my daughter is going to grow up in. He can say ‘Okay, there’s nobody else that’s really capable of it, obviously, that we’ve seen on this series that we’ve seen so far.’ It’s kind of like a calling that you just have to accept.” (read more on link)
TheOtherYvonne: Anything Chuck related would be great!
Hoping that Chuck will shed some light regarding the mysterious Agent X? Zachary Levi feels for you. “We will get answers on that,” he promises to us. “This is not the four-toed statue on the coastline of Lost! We’re going to answer some questions, people. We’re not just going to keep asking questions.”Brett in San Diego, Calif.: Gimme Chuck news! Maybe wedding related?
“The wedding is in the works between Chuck and Sarah (Yvonne Strahovski), but as one might expect from a season of Chuck, the things we are all working toward are impeded and interrupted for various reasons,” Zach tells us. The important word in that sound bite being “various.” But even more importantly, the bro-love between Chuck and Morgan (Joshua Gomez) is still intact. “The bromance is strong,” he assures happily.pictures:
Synopsis:
“CHUCK”
“CHUCK VERSUS AGENT X”05/02/2011 (08:00PM – 09:00PM) (Monday) : CHUCK’S BACHELOR PARTY GETS OUT OF HAND WHEN SOME UNINVITED GUESTS ARRIVE – RAY WISE GUEST STARS – Chuck (Zachary Levi) and Sarah (Yvonne Strahovski) put aside spy work to have a weekend of debauchery, but Awesome’s (Ryan McPartlin) plans for Chuck’s big night don’t go quite as expected. Meanwhile, Ellie’s (Sarah Lancaster) investigation into her father’s computer leads to a life-changing discovery. Joshua Gomez, Sarah Lancaster, Adam Baldwin, Scott Krinsky and Vik Sahay also star.
Promo:
Vodpod videos no longer available.4.23 Chuck vs. The Last Details
Writers: Henry Alonso Myers & Kristin Newman
Director: Peter Lauer
Guest Stars: Lauren Cohan, Mekenna Melvin, Ray Wise & Linda Hamilton
Spoilers:
Synopsis:
“CHUCK”
“CHUCK VERSUS THE LAST DETAILS”05/09/2011 (08:00PM – 09:00PM) (Monday) : CHUCK AND SARAH RACE TO SAVE CHUCK’S MOM IN TIME FOR THEIR WEDDING DAY – LAUREN COHAN, MEKENNA MELVIN, RAY WISE AND LINDA HAMILTON GUEST STAR — Chuck (Zachary Levi) and Sarah’s (Yvonne Strahovski) wedding prep includes one final detail: ensuring that the mother-of-the-groom (guest star Linda Hamilton) makes it to the ceremony alive. Meanwhile, Morgan’s (Joshua Gomez) responsibilities as Best Man include his most dangerous mission yet, as he faces Vivian Volkoff (guest star Lauren Cohan). Elsewhere, Ellie (Sarah Lancaster) tends to the last details of the rehearsal dinner and seeks help from an unlikely source. Adam Baldwin, Ryan McPartlin, Scott Krinsky, Vik Sahay, Mark Christopher Lawrence and Bonita Friedericy also star
Promo:
Vodpod videos no longer available.4.24 Chuck vs. the Cliffhanger
Writers: Chris Fedak & Nicholas Wooten
Director:
Guest Stars:
Spoilers:
Question: Any word on a renewal for Chuck yet? I hope to God that it comes back next season! —Archana
Ausiello: Let’s put it this way: Boss men Josh Schwartz and Chris Fedak are in no way, shape or form being subtle in expressing to NBC their expectation that the show will return. How unsubtle? The title of the May 16 season finale is “Chuck vs. The Cliffhanger.”
TVGuide Keck’s Exclusive:
TVLine’s Ask Ausiello:
Question: Since you are almost as big a fan of Chuck as I am, I need to know: What is your degree of confidence that the season finale can also serve as a satisfying series finale if NBC does the unthinkable and unforgivable? —Jeff
Ausiello: To be honest, my confidence level was pretty low. But then I spoke to exec producer Chris Fedak and it shot through the freakin’ roof. Despite the finale being titled “Chuck vs. the Cliffhanger,” Fedak assured me that the episode features “some fantastic resolution to a number of the stories that we set up this season.” But as has become something of a Chuck tradition, the final scene features a “cliffhanger component that launches us very much into [a possible] Season 5,” Fedak adds. What would such a season look like? “There were a number of stories that we’ve always wanted to do – even from Season 1 – involving who Chuck is as a person and as a hero. So [Season 5] would be an extension of that.”Question: In last week’s AA you mentioned that the Chuck season finale broke the bank, budget-wise. Care to elaborate? Do you know what was so expensive? —Jeremy
Ausiello: The mother of all action sequences, according to Fedak. “It’s set in the desert and includes a super motorcycle, lots of special effects and a truck getting blown off the road,” he says. “It has an element of Duel, which is Steven Spielberg’s first movie. There’s also an element of Road Warrior… and an ode to the television show Street Hawk, which I watched as a kid.”
EPKs posted by ZacharyLeviFan.com:
Synopsis:
“CHUCK”
“CHUCK VS. THE CLIFFHANGER”
05/16/2011 (08:00PM – 09:00PM) (Monday) : OPERATION BARTOWSKI RACES TO TAKE DOWN VIVIAN VOLKOFF AS SHE THREATENS CHUCK AND SARAH’S WEDDING – LINDA HAMILTON, LAUREN COHAN, MEKENNA MELVIN, RICHARD BURGI AND TIMOTHY DALTON GUEST STAR – Before he can kiss the bride, Chuck (Zachary Levi) must enlist his wedding party to take down Vivian Volkoff (guest star Lauren Cohan) and stop her from destroying the big day. When he turns to Alexei Volkoff (guest star Timothy Dalton) for help, the CIA sends its toughest agent, Clyde Decker (guest star Richard Burgi), to stop them. Yvonne Strahovski, Joshua Gomez, Adam Baldwin, Sarah Lancaster, Ryan McPartlin, Scott Krinsky, Vik Sahay, Mark Christopher Lawrence and Bonita Friedericy also star.
Promo:
amyabn
atcDave
Ernie Davis
Faith
joe
thinkling
Chuck This 
I’ve split the old Spoiler Page for S4.5 here, mostly because it was taking so long to load.
Please carry on!
Muchas Gracias Amigo!!!
Yall are Awesome ~ just say’
ALL HAIL JOE !
Looks like Sarah is a Kanye West fan.
“Should’ got that insureance, GEICO for ya money
If you ain’t no punk holla’ we want pre-nup
WE WANT PRE-NUP!, yeah”
The idea of a prenup is so out of left field. I go woth OD been there done that.
The bit about the pre nup sounds so odd. But if it is true I hope Chuck responds with you really don’t trust me with anything do you?
And First Fight not First Flight would be a good ep to show before that because it has Volkov and Mama B and not only does it has where Mama B betrays Chuck’s trust but it has that comment that Chuck made in the bank about Sarah only trusting people Beckman ordered her to trust.
I meant first class not flight
A 4.23 spoiler:
http://www.eonline.com/uberblog/watch_with_kristin/b232147_spoiler_chat_will_lexie_mark_get_back.html
One bit of bad news, it looks like Chuck episode 4.20 will run at 1:35 am Tuesday morning in the Detroit market. Not sure what we’re being pre-emptied for, but that looks like it’s shaping up to be a late night for some of us…
Looks like 4.21 (Wedding Planner) will be showing a week earlier than spoiled. Instead of the 25th, it looks to be slated for the 18th instead.
heres more i found on the schedule…
28 March 2011,
There will be no “Chuck” @ 8PM on NBC tonight. Here’s the upcoming Chuck schedule:
April 4 – 4.19: “vs. The Muuurder [R]
April 18 – 4.20: “vs. The Family Volkoff” [New]
April 25 – 4.21: “vs. The Wedding Planner [New]
May 2 – 4.22: “vs. Agent X” [New]
May 9 – 4.23: “vs. The Last Details” [New]
May 16 – 4.24: “vs. The Cliffhanger” [Finale]
That is what I had thought until last week when NBC released a synopsis for Family Volkov saying it would air on the 11th. The synopsis was posted by Uplink and is on the season 4.5 page.
Yeah DirecTV has 4.20 listed for 4/11 (well, 4/12 in the Detroit market at 1:35 am).
faith…any idea what the open week will be?
I’m guessing the week of the 25th. They’ll probably want to go strong on a 3 straight SEASON finale countdown.
The NBCUni.com site lists only two upcoming episodes: the First Class repeat on 4/4 and Family Volkoff on 4/11. FWIW. Clearly, nothing is set in stone at NBC…
Here’s the page:
http://www.nbcumv.com/mediavillage/networks/nbcentertainment/chuck/episodes
yeah who knows? if they run new on the 11th and 18th they have an open week. id rather see all 5 in a row. with what faith posted looks like they are going to leave an open week or just move the last 5 back one week and end on the 9th?
Well if there is a repeat on the 18th I hope its DeLorean. This re-airing of First Class makes absolutely no sense whatsoever. I certainly have no intention of watching except for the last 30 seconds to see if we get a promo. Airing DeLorean on the 18th would set up Jack Burton’s return for the next week quite well. I just don’t get what the thinking is for airing First class. There are about 70 other episodes I would rather them re-air than the start of the trapazoid misery arc.
Ditto all.
Deloreon or First Fight would definitely be best, Deloreon because of Papa Jack and First Fight because of the Volkoff reveal and Mama B’s seeming betrayal but leaving them a way to escape (which I think she should apologize to Chuck for the manipulation, the explosion and the Intersect blocking) plu it too had a relationship hurdle and if there is a prenup in ep 20 then the line about Sarah only trusting people that Beckman ordered her to trust would come into play since a prenup is like saying I don’t trust you and I think this won’t last.
“CHUCK”
“CHUCK VERSUS THE WEDDING PLANNER”
04/18/2011 (08:00PM – 09:00PM) (Monday) : IN ORDER TO CATCH A THIEF, CHUCK AND SARAH MUST ENLIST SARAH’S FATHER AND CON THE CIA — GARY COLE AND MEKENNA MELVIN GUEST STAR — When Chuck (Zachary Levi) and Sarah (Yvonne Strahovski) get conned out of their wedding money, there is only one man they can turn to for help — Sarah’s conman father, Jack Burton (guest star Gary Cole). Meanwhile, Morgan pressures Casey (Adam Baldwin) to face Alex’s (guest star Mekenna Melvin) mother. Ryan McPartlin, Scott Krinsky, Vik Sahay and Bonita Friedericy also star.
From NBC press release
That’s the first longer write up I’ve seen for the episode. I hadn’t realized Chuck and Sarah would have such a personal stake in this episode. I also didn’t expect the Casey/Kathleen thing to come back in this way; does that mean Alex has changed her mind about mom and dad meeting? It will be interesting to see.
1.Didn’t Morgan already pressure Casey to face Kathleen?
2. For someone who was raised by a conman and the CIA , Sarah certainly keeps getting fooled by people. And since it’s most likely her money , given her long history as a con artist and high CIA pay with no life to speak of then she would have had to be the one to sign the check.
3. I’d really for her father to ask what took them this long to get married and then check himself and say out loud he knew it was his daughter.
This sounds like a lot of fun. Although I wouldn’t want to be in the shoes of the grifter who takes Bridezilla Sarah’s wedding money. Also it’s on the 18th, I guess they wanted original programing for both the finale of Harry’s Law (the 11th) and the return of LOLA.
The finale of Harry’s Law is monday the 4th so there will be no new Chuck that day. There will be a new Event. I am surprised that they are airing the finale up against the NCAA finals so I expect it will have its worst rating yet.
BTW I’m really interested if the Morgan Casey conversation impacts his relationship with Alex. I’m hoping that it does because Alex has betrayed her father and Morgan I believe will want to defend his friend.
agree the return of LOLA is a two hour span. only reason i come up with is maybe they plan a pilot to air the following weeks?
Well the schedule is pretty much set except now for April 25th. Harry’s Law ends monday then LOLA takes its place for the remainder of the season. The Event airs its final episodes in a row after the 11th. Chuck needs to miss 1 week to hit the finale on the 16th. I expect it will be the 25th date. They could air something about The Voice which premiers the next day or it could be a repeat like Push Mix hopefully.
Gee, I wonder who gets conned?
Between this and the pre-nup, the relationship stuff is going to continue to be a tough slog this season.
here is another take on the write up. maybe c/s are posing as an engaged couple to get the bad guys mentioned in the spoilers in the first section. the wedding planner cons them out of cia money. they use her dad to con the bad guys like they did before. just a wild guess but who knows.
Lykaon over at Strahotski.com reports a rumor that Adam Baldwin will be leaving the show after this season. Has anyone else heard this?
I thought all three leads had a six year contract. Although its not hard to imagine where Adam Baldwin might see his role as diminishing for a potential S5 (much like Casey saw it!)
they do have 6 yr contracts. its not beyond the realm of possibility to allow an actor to leave especially if it cuts enough costs to maybe get the show another season.
Yeah I know, it is possible. But there comes a certain point where budget cuts are beside the point. And I would have guessed Adam Baldwin added more draw than he costs.
Of course, going into the fifth season they may figure the show is more about Chuck and Sarah than ever, and they can start reducing the others.
i agree but the article said he was leaving to pursue other venues. i agree his screen time has gone down this year so if he did decide to cut bait and run i can’t blame him.
“pursue other venues” is one of those euphemisms that can mean anything.
We did hear earlier that something terrible would happen to a character we love. Perhaps the much foreshadowed loss of an arm finally happens to Casey! He could get a medical retirement and exit from the show.
I’m still leaning towards April fools though. He’s too much a signature part of the show.
very well could be. again well just need to wait and see.
Sorry guys but I can’t understand why anyone would be taking this rumor seriously. If it was true and I had an exclusive source there is no way I would release it today. I would wait till tomorrow and the fact that they didn’t says to me it is total BS.
uplink i agree that it most likely a joke. the one small reason there may be truth to it is because not everyone plays joke today and if you do actually put out true spoilers the last thing you want to do is mislead you followers. it takes credibility from you even if it is a joke. still fun to talk about though.
I’m going with the April Fool’s thing, saw it this morning and presumed that it was the same as another that I saw that Sarah Lancaster is taking the title role in a show all about Lois Lane. It’s the day for strange stories, give it another day before taking it seriously.
Hum…
It *is* April Fools Day…
I’m just sayin’
true joe buts it’s still fun to talk about the possibilities.
Always, Army.
VV thanks. checked it out. sounds more like a done deal than a rumor.
Since today is April 1st I would wait a couple days before putting any stock in any rumors regarding this show or anything else.
Sage advice lucky girl!
One of the things I read said “something bad” (possibly killing aff Csey) will happen in Chuck vs the Eraser. There doesn’t appear to be an episode called that, making me doubt the whole story.
this is off ask ausiello by way of chucktv.net
Ask Ausiello – March 29
Question: Please, give us some Chuck scoop! Man, I hate this hiatus. —Ceci
Ausiello: Yeah, well, you may hate this next scoop more: In this season’s penultimate episode on May 9, “Something terrible happens to someone we love,” reveals EP Chris Fedak. In potentially related news, the show is casting the role of Clyde Decker, a “determined and remorseless CIA agent who will go to any lengths and spare no expense — or life — in order to keep the CIA’s secrets buried.” His nickname? The Eraser. Um, yikes much?!
So it’s whaqtever ep is scheduled for that date no telling what the title is.
Well, penultimate means second to last; so that would be 4.23. It might relate to the rumor we heard to today. But I’m inclined to believe today’s rumor was non-sense.
dave makes sense with the air dates of 4.23 on the 9th and 4.24 on the 16th. you may have been right before with the cliffhanger in 4.23 and 4.24 being the conclusion of it. well i think it was you that said that.
My mind is starting to go I think…I signed in to reply to Tamara and an hour later I’m just now replying 😀
Anyway, sounds like “Agent X” to me! Which would really make the dates off.
I still think Agent X is Chuck.
I agree Tamara, Agent X is Chuck. The Eraser will be a guest character in 4.23.
Sorry meant to be more clear. I meant I think the episode they’re talking about is “Agent X,” even though the dates should correlate with “Last Details.” I do agree that Agent X is probably Chuck, which means they’re going to try to erase him. I mean who has more secrets in his head than Chuck?
Except Faith penultimate really means second to last. That has to be 4.23.
Confirmed as an April Fool’s joke, Lykaon has posted that this was not true on his/her/their site. So Adam Baldwin isn’t going anywhere.
Thanks Herder, that’s good to know!
Or what Joe said. 🙂
All things considered, I’m hoping that this is just another case of me being a gullible twit.
what’s up with this pre-nup thing i’ve been hearing about, where did that come from?
Another blog site suggested that as the “relationship twist” that’s coming in episode 4.20. My guess would be, like most “twists” we’ve seen this season it will be played mainly for laughs.
If it’s true and I were Chuck I’d be insulted.
It’s not like he’s marrying her for her money. In fact as far as we know he has no idea how much she has.
His reaction at Sarah’s Bridezilla emergence seems to indicate that he’s thinking of how he’ll pay for part or all of it so it probably hasn’t crossed his mind .
i agree like the fight in seduction impossible.
I was trying to figure out if a pre-nup could be about something other than money, like a lineage or legacy thing.
At any rate, I agree it’s an insulting idea, which is why I figure if there’s any truth to it, it will be played purely for laughs.
What if the prenup is suggested by chuck? what if he understands that sarah is a private person and wants (out of love) to let her have the choice to keep somethings to herself? A prenup now would not stop her from opening up further and ripping it up in the future, no? What if it is played for 100% comedy and sarah is the one who gets offended (in a cute way) at chuck wanting to split assets? but it is not assets he will split but parts of themselves that should stay hidden? Is there an emotional journey to be had in this storyline? sure!
I always thought that after chuck and sarah were together then it would be happy ever after, but till this day chuck still does not know everything about sarah, but she has openened up enough subconsciously to tell chuck out loud that she loves him (even in front of casey) on multiple occasions and hold his hand when they walk and let him give her a foot massage (again in front of casey). So fans the bottom line is that it is a journey and this could be yet another stepping stone that chuck takes in order to give sarah something for now she needs deep down, a little of herself that should be kept to herself….I mean think about it, did anyone really mind when chuck said at the end of cougars that he did not need to know who sarah was? not really, because it was a beautiful moment….
I’m pretty sure it will be played for comedy whoever brings it up, I doubt it will be a big deal. I would expect it to come from Sarah just because she is the more clueless one about relationships; and I don’t see Chuck thinking about the marriage failing before its even started. Whereas I could see Sarah getting some wild idea that it might be a good idea. I’m 90% sure they’ll both figure out it’s a terrible idea before the end of the episode. Leave the pre-nups for people who think money is more important than family…
Or the suggestion could originate with Morgan, the source of all bad ideas.
That could work Herder, especially if neither Chuck nor Sarah like the idea, and both think the other wants it!
It’s going to be a family strife theme with parents and children, so I’ll roll the dice. In case of divorce Sarah wants Chuck to take full custody of any kids. (That means he gets Morgan too.)
Amen Herder, Amen….
Unfortunately Chuck has gotten all of his relationship advice, from Morgan…. hmmm, hasn’t Chuck had more relationships since the show started, than Morgan has had in his whole life?
Still~ although played for laughs, there’s always a slight sliver of truth from all of the Morganisms so far this season. So if there is to be a pre-nup [ and how many movies can that theme draw from?!!??] – I’m sure there will be a ying and a yang, concern and comedy… Actually it would be refreshing, if Chuck got his pre-nup advice from Ellie… just say’n : )
My idea for the prenup is that chuck realises that all his possessions and bank accounts are split 50/50 with morgan, now as they say bro’s before …….So Chuck says to sarah “look honey you are the love of my life, but morgan is my soul mate so no your place woman!” and this the needy, loved crazed girl on a husband hunt will just have to know her place! that is not shot gun, but in the back seat, oh yeah!
I hope you’re kidding. If not I strongly suggest staying single…
ROTFL! … Single and far, far away from the writing room!
I’m thinking that’s not going to be hard Dave lol.
Hummm… Well, Chuck tried that sort of tone in Seduction Impossible, Malcolm. That didn’t last long.
Contrary to what Roissy might say, it really isn’t the right strategy to follow with a leggy Valkyrie known to have a slight aversion to clothing. Chuck gets it right, usually.
S’ok. She still knows how to get what she needs from him, so it works both ways.
My suspicious is that the prenup isn’t about C&S at all. It could be about Morgan and Alex (remember the ‘Morgan Nuptuals?’) or about Big Mike and Balonia, or even about Casey and Kathleen!
Wouldn’t *that* be a hoot!
@Malcolm:
Welcome to the Way of the Life-Long Bachelor.
Normally, I give a speech at this point, but I obviously have nothing to teach you. Salute!
Yes I am joking, but my point is whatever the writers do, I seriously doubt that it will be played for angst…..I think it will be funny. I was just trying to over react like some people on this site….this season has been mostly played lightly, I have faith it will continue in the same vein….
From Josh Gomez:
http://yfrog.com/h760yjoj
Looks to me like they are at a wedding reception in a tent. 🙂
Looks more like an un-finished set! But truly, this is Ryan like we’ve never seen him before!
Thanks, Uplink.
I was thinking that it was the catering tent on site.
That is totally a wedding reception set. I think I see a flower arrangement.
SQUEE.
Yeah, I agree. 🙂 😀 … But is it on a private island with a cake flown in from Paris?
Are they filming 23 or 24 right now?
I thought there was a tweet from one of the Stunt guys… [David Castillo?] sounded like things are winding down… for most of the cast… so probably 4.24 will be ‘mostly’ done by next week – but I wouldn’t be surprised if they don’t have a top secret alternate ending up their “schleevees”… filmed under cover of darkness and dense fog… and then seal all the filming crew in a tomb until after May 16, so nobody leaks any of the news.
I think in Sepinwall ‘s interview of Zac about the Hulu poll, he said they were still filming 4.23.
It is craft services. Tent.
This should make you squee though. 😀
@olv #Chuck is filming at WB studios today, filming at 1100 N. Avenue 64, Pasadena tomorrow. http://www.coa-pasadena.org/
Have added the promo link to up top.
Promo breakdown via Sarge: http://bit.ly/dNRVUT
Not sure if anybody said it already but Matt Barber tweeted the first page of the Agent X script.
The episode is written by Klemmer & DiGregorio and directed by Robert Duncan McNeill.
Matt Barber just tweeted the cover of Last Details script.
Episode written by Henry Alonso Myers & Kristin Newman and directed by Peter Lauer.
Sounds good!
This needs it’s own thread. I am guessing Sarah scrapped the idea of the island. lol
@olv #Chuck is filming at WB studios today, filming at 1100 N. Avenue 64, Pasadena tomorrow. http://www.coa-pasadena.org/
SQUEEEEE!!!
Wait, Church? Never would have figured :D.
Oh my, Faith. You’ve been squeeeing all over the place lately! I loved the awards you posted on the NBC boards, btw. Very awesome! 😉
I think my eardrums were just pierced.
Joe, when can ChuckThis soundproof Faith’s office suite? I think it’s an OSHA issue now.
😉
Get used to it…there’s going to be a lot of that from now until after the wedding ;).
Thanks Joe! It was pretty cool. Had help on the Chucks.
Oh, I wouldn’t think of it, Ernie.
Faith’s SQUEEES are music to my ears. 😉
Heh! I don’t think the idea of booking an island for the ceremony ever got beyond the “let’s girl-talk this with Ellie” stage, Rac. 😉
But hey – I was ready to book my flight!
Is that the same church Jeffster tried to burn down? I would expect them to be banned.
DR is reporting that there is a funeral in the finale. Could that be why they are at the church as well?
A funeral makes more sense for the church; I see Chuck and Sarah getting married back on the beach.
But why would you have a funeral and wedding in the same episode. if Chuck and Sarah do not get married I am putting my whole Chuck Blu-ray collection up for sale on Ebay.
Of course that offer gets rescinded if there is a season 5. lol
LOL. Gotta love DR’s “ninjas.”
Here’s an old one from TVLine:
Been saying three wedding and a funeral since…when.
The Church could be for a funeral, could be a wedding. I don’t know if they took to location in Couch Lock…guessing they just filmed it on set.
The wedding could be before the funeral or there could be some time jump.
It really isn’t surprising to have a death but showing the funeral? That had to be someone pretty significant, no?
Could easily be a fake one a a la Couch Lock. Maybe Vivians to lure Volkoff out into the open. Maybe Chuck’s for the same reason.
A funeral … downer. If it’s Big Mike, do you think Jeffster will play at the funeral?
Several of us have guessed Big Mike … any other guesses?
if its true my guess would be ellie. SL is due sometime during the summer i believe. it’s not beyond reason that she would take time off to begin her family.
I think Ellie would be way to much of a downer, and summer is time off for them anyway. Devon’s more likely, but even that would be tough. I think Big Mike, or General Beckman are the most likely candidates.
dave i disagree on summer being down time. they would need to start filming over the summer to have episodes ready for september. they film about 6- 8 weeks in advance right? they would begin in july for a sept episode. that would be real close to her due date. it may be her choice to leave to be with her child.
my guess is based on a first time mother wanting to put her child ahead of her job. something i feel is important, maybe she does to.
They usually don’t start shooting until August. Also, Ellie has often been simply left out of episodes with no explanation; it wouldn’t be that big a deal just not to have her in for a few weeks until she’s ready to return to work. And the part of Ellie is small enough, I’m sure they could keep her on part time duty as long as she wants.
I just don’t see any way they could kill Ellie off and then go into a wedding. A real death would have to be a fairly minor character or fans (this means me) may not even want to see a possible S5.
Unless its all faked. There is the possibility “something terrible” is just an injury that leads to a fake death and funeral to draw out a baddie.
dave i agree with that. my point is and i said it before maybe SL does not want to return so soon. here’s a thought to frost the fans butts. ellie (insert any family member here) dies and they postpone the wedding.
Ooo Dave, I hadn’t considered Beckman. That would be quite a turn of events. The fact they said someone we love, eliminates someone like Vivian. Here’s my odds on the funeral in order of the safest to the most likely to bite the dust:
Never – Ain’t Gonna Happen – No Way – IMpossible
Chuck / Sarah. Duh! No Chuck, No Sarah = No show. Finale with either of them dead = bad for future paychecks for Schwedak.
Morgan (He’s too well liked by a large section of viewers and by TPTB and Zach)
Ain’t Gonna Happen – No Way
Ellie / Casey. Ellie is too important to mythology, not to mention all the fans. I would put Casey lower down the food chain, but if Morgan is safe, so is Casey. Remember, they’re the Odd couple. Plus, I just think he’s too important to the balance and dynamic of TeamB.
Clara. I doubt they’d go that dark. And Clara’s DNA is also important to the mythology.
Probably Won’t Happen
Devon. I just don’t see them offing Captain Awesome.
Possibles (still Least likely to Most likely)
Beckman
Jeffster
MamaB
Alex
Big Mike
we have been guessing there is a funeral for one on the chuck characters. what if for mission they just have to go to a funeral? you know like follow somebody to one. we may be making it out to be more than it is.
The something terrible happening to someone we love character could be Carina or Zondra, liked by the fans, close to certain characters, not one of the untouchables.
That’s true, Army. All we know is that something terrible will happen to someone we love in 4.23.
Based on that and the picture of the church, we started talking funeral. The church could be for the wedding (or for the first one that gets blown up … before the real one on the beach).
@Herder: I started to put them on my list, along with Jack Burton. It’s the “someone we love” part that made me think it will be a main character.
@Army: I forgot about the spoiler from DR (see Uplink’s comment) that says there will be a funeral in 4.24. He also said there would be no proposal in 4.13, but combined with the official word about something terrible, it’s probably true.
Thinkling, I like your list! Especially on Devon, probably not, but a remote possibility.
Thinkling… i know what DR said. he answered yes to there being a funeral in the finale. he never said it was a regular member. much like he said chuck and sarah weren’t together in 4.7-4.9. remember timly? the poster that went nuts over it? i’m just saying there is a funeral in it but may not apply to a person we care about.
Ok, Army, now I see where you’re coming from. You’re right, the two pieces may not fit together.
I really feel I should say this: DR is kinda weird and I don’t like his stuff much, but he’s consistently said this: He is never giving away a major plot point of the show. And he never has.
So if he says there’s a pre-nup, it’s not important and we know that because he’s told you a ZILLION times that he doesn’t give away big plot points.
So if he says there’s a funeral, it’s not important and we know that because he’s told you a ZILLION times that he doesn’t give away big plot points.
So chances are the funeral is the thing that happens in the church before Chuck and Sarah get married and the funeral is running late, thus making the wedding run late.
C’mon, folks, the SOURCE is on record telling you that stuff he tells you is not important. Pay attention. It’s the only thing he’s always been right about.
Well it would be funny and very Chuck-like to have to delay the wedding for a late running funeral.
Again, we do know something “terrible” happens the week before, but that could be many things other than death. I’m just worried Casey will finally loose his arm after all the heavy foreshadowing that’s had this season…
I’m pretty confident that no one from the regular cast (major or minor) dies. FT is completely right in saying that DR never gives away plot points – besides which, the whole season has been lighter in tone. Killing off a regular cast member would be too jarring when compared to the tone of the season as a whole.
Now, they could easily kill off Volkoff, or Vivian (hence the funeral), and something unrelated and “terrible” could happen to “someone we love” (which could just as easily be Jack Burton, for example) – but no one on the regular cast is gonna die.
I have a thought – the something terrible happening to someone we love could be Sarah losing her father because her mother killed him.
Or he could be shot at the wedding and there’s a funeral held but it was faked in order to protect him from his past until the people who tried to kill him are taken care of. Kind of an echo of the season 3 finale but with a happier ending because Papa B (for Burton) doesn’t really die.
There’s also the possibility that someone fakes his or her death to protect the family. If its tied into this Eraser agent coming up it would make sense.
Chuck, Ellie or Mary seem to be the most likely candidates if it goes that way and we know the Bartowski’s have a tendency to disappear if they think it will protect the people they love.
@FT: Thanks. I didn’t know that about DR. I’m not a frequent visitor of his site. Knowing that he doesn’t ever give away big plot points makes his spoilers less, um, agitating.
I’ll take your word on it, so now I’m thinking confusion, cross-over, and chaos between the funeral and the wedding. Sounds like a riot. There is bound to be an unforeseen connection between the two, with hilarious and dangerous implications. I’ll be amazed if there aren’t machine guns involved.
@Dave: Are you saying that Casey could become Colonel Hook?
@Tamara: Your Jack Burton idea would be a nice bookend to Subway. That might be a good call, just not the part about her mother killing him. That’s a bit dark.
Now the faked part could work really well. If there are bad guys after him, which there probably always are, then the combo funeral/wedding could really get dicey. Jack, presumed dead, watches from the shadows, as Casey walks Sarah down the aisle. Then Jack goes off to do con jobs for the CIA.
Or Jack could teach agents how to blend in and not get made as an agent immediately.
There’s a line from a movie or something (probably Diggstown) that a con man leaves town when he wants to.
Oh a funeral in the finale. Man that sucks. I wonder who dies.
Will Chuck and Sarah get married the same week as a funeral. That seems really morbid. What is Fedak trying to pull. lol
if its true my guess would be ellie. SL is due sometime during the summer i believe. it’s not beyond reason that she would take time off to begin her family.
Possible cliffhanger: we see the funeral but don’t know who’s dead. :p
It would not be a wise idea to try to potentially kill off a beloved character only to get cancelled.
The “something terrible happens” spoiler is for 4.23. So a funeral may be early in 4.24 while the wedding comes later.
or the funeral is instead of the wedding because sarah dies….
No chance. No Sarah, no show. Chuck and Sarah are the only characters it could never be (okay, Casey and Morgan are unlikely to ever be killed off).
Well you never know? it could be a fakeout or it could be a lost type thing where they are all in heaven!
I think you’re over thinking this Gwin. Chuck isn’t that kind of show (I mean not that obscure or metaphysical).
As a spy-themed action/comedy with no supernatural leaning (apart from Jeff’s ESP) I don’t see them trying to play “Lost”.
I think someone will die or nearly die in 4.23; and 4.24 will have a funeral (or faked funeral) early on before we get to the wedding. If the death is faked it could be anyone, but a real death I think could only be a minor character.
dave maybe not supernatural but they did bring back two people from the dead. i agree no sarah or chuck no show.
someone has suggested that the cliffhanger could be that this whole experience has been a dream and chuck wakes up at his buymore desk and sarah walks up to him…..vicky vale, vic, vic, vicky vale……do you think that chuck would have the cajones to actually make different decisions the next time round?
Wow. Fedak’s words are carefully chosen. “…happens to someone we love.” leaves it a bit open about who the “we” is that he’s referring.
It could be Fernando or (heaven forbid) Skip Johnson. It could be Mary Elizabeth. It could be Balonia, or any cast member loved by the crew.
If the quote refers to the larger Chuckiverse, then I myself worry that could be Big Mike.
But I have a bigger worry. When I replay, in my mind the awful moment when Emmett bought it, I realize that there’s one “untouchable” that I can’t 100% eliminate. Casey.
I don’t think so, for all the reasons stated (including the 6-year contract that we surmise applies to Adam Baldwin). But I see no guarantee there, and Emmett’s death reminds me that they are capable of a shocking surprise.
I’m consoled by the notion that “something terrible” /= “death”, and deceptions are the character’s stock and trade.
Something Terrible does not necesarily mean death. It could be serious injury for example. I agree they would be idiots to kill off Sarah or Chuck. I would also be furious if they killed off Morgan or Casey, actually I want to see Casey get a girl!!
I think that there are 2 possibilities for forshadowing: The bullet holes in Sarah’s dress and Casey trying to teach Morgan to withstand torture. I bet we could come up with some more.
You’re right Patty — doesn’t have to be death. Dave mentioned Casey’s arm. There have been three separate threats to separate Casey from his hand/arm this season.
And there have been a lot of bombs/explosions this season: Suitcase (1), Couch Lock (2), First Fight (1), Leftovers (1), Seduction Impossible (1), Cat Squad (1), A-Team (1), Muuurder (3). Some were disarmed or not used, other went kaboom. So, I guess something explosive would be par for the course.
I hope it’s not the bullet holes in the wedding dress … unless it’s still on the hanger when it gets the holes.
So I’ve been thinking about Agent X and have a WAG: It’s sarah.
Stick with me. First, we know Chuck Vs. Agent X essentially starts the season finale arc because the show has always done a three-episode finale arc: First Kill/Colonel/Ring in Season 2; Final Exam/Am. Hero/Other Guy in Season 3.0; Living Dead/Subway/Ring II in Season 3.5; and Balcony/Gobbler/Push Mix Season 4.0. Each of those arcs essentially start at the end of the first show in the trilogy. So that would make the reveal of Agent X at the end of 4.22 the start of things…
It then comes down to this: Are the showrunners going to invent new mythology with Agent X or revisit some existing mythology? My WAG, this time, is revisit.
So that means Agent X is someone we already know. It could be Chuck, of course, and it’s how Ellie learns Chuck is special and agrees to let him stay in the spy game. That sounds weak to me. It might be Ellie herself, which would explain why Mama B would try to interfere with the work. Possible and the cliffhanger is that Ellie saves the day by becoming an Intersect when everyone else is incapacitated after the wedding. But ending the show with Ellie saying, “Guys, I know Kung Fu” is weak from a storytelling angle. It could be Mama B herself, but I can’t see them going there with a guest star. Could be Shaw, since he’s the only other Intersect out there. Can’t see them going there for another finale arc.
So that leaves Sarah. And remember, Fedak is writing Cliffhanger and he did, after all, create the mythology. He may have always thought about an Intersect couple.
What if the mythology is spun this way: Papa B, as he was developing the original intersect, was also looking for suitable candidates. We know Bryce was chosen. Sarah was Bryce’s partner, so we can assume she was an Intersect candidate, too. Bryce and Sarah were tasked to oversee the Intersect project as the McGuffin at the beginning of Ring, another episode written by Fedak. There’s also stray bits Fedak can tie up from other episodes: the two Omaha references in Season 1, Papa B in Living Dead asking Chuck if Sarah is an intersect. Fedak can weave all this stuff together to suggest that the original plan was for Bryce and Sarah to be the Intersect Couple.
So in Cliffhanger, we have the wedding and the fun stuff a la Ring, but something happens that basically incapacitates everyone but Sarah, who’s been told along the way by Ellie that she was Agent X. To win the day, Sarah intersects, and the episode and season ends with the cliffhanger of Sarah saying, “Guys, I know Kung Fu!”
If the show is cancelled, we have Chuck and Sarah in fan fics forever as the new Intersect Couple. If the show is renewed, Season 5 could be about Chuck and Sarah as Team Intersect. Or the showrunners can walk Sarah’s Intersect back in episode 5.1. After all, A Team established that the laptop can now de-intersect people, too.
Alternately: Chuck deintersects during Cliffhanger so he and Sarah can have a “real life” out of the spy world. But then the big bad returns, Sarah has to intersect to save the day and “I Know Kung Fu!” becomes a flip on the end of Season 2. The Season 4 cliffhanger is the Season 2 cliffhanger, except that Sarah is the Intersect instead of Chuck.
Anyway, that’s my WAG on the final arc.
The neurological scan on the laptop showed a decidely male outline.So that leaves out Ellie, Sarah and Mama B. And Sarah probably already knows kung fu.
As to Omaha though, I’ve held the theory that Bryce knew about Project Omaha because he was an alternate on the project and that he only got onto the project because he took Chuck out of the running. He might have framed Chuck and knowingly advanced his career all the while telling himself that Chuck wouldn’t hack it as an agent and he was prtotecting him. A bit of self delusion if you will.Or it might be the other way around where he was acting solely to protect Chuck and any career advancement was strictly a side effect.
He also (unknowingly) hijacked the beginning of Chuck’s relationship with Sarah because they would have met then. Imagine what would have happened if Chuck had been able to influence Sarah earlier . Would she have killed Eve Shaw or would she have questioned why she was ordered to kill this particular woman and tried to arrest her the way Chuck tried with his red test?
They went out their way to show that Bryce and Orion thought they were looking out for Chuck when he got kicked out of Stanford. They just underestimated him like everyone else on the show.
@tamara:
I’m not a brain surgeon and don’t play one here. Could you tell us why you say the scan showed “a decidely male outline”? I mean, is there a way to tell?
As for all the detritus of the mythology (Bryce, Omaha, etc.), if they go the way I WAG, it’ll all be dispatched with maybe one line of exposition. The dots will be left for us to fan wank and connect. The showrunners won’t worry too much about cleaning up one-line references from Season 1. I just brought them up to show how writers looking back at episodes could pull new threads from old stuff.
As for Project Omaha, you DO know there is no Project Omaha, right? It’s not like the showrunners wrote its backstory and have been waiting for a moment to tell us about it. The mythology would be created on the spot, to fit the current episode. Believe me, Fedak hasn’t had a Project Omaha folder in his desk with a backstory. That’s not how TV writing goes…
FT, I’m not Tamara, but I noticed the same thing she did. The laptop screen displayed a body as well as a brain. The body, though suitable for prime time, was decidedly male. I have taken that to imply a male Agent X.
Now, they could ignore that aspect of the file, claiming that it was just a generic human form, like any standard anatomy chart; but I really thought it was intended to be the body of the actual Agent X.
There’s really no proof that Bryce was related to Project Omaha, and even less proof that Sarah was as well. It really is all speculation.
And even though Bryce was chosen to have the Intersect in Ring I, didn’t A-Team proved that the government just have no idea what they’re doing when it comes to the Intersect and its host?
They chose Bryce because he was a super spy who knew a lot about the Intersect, Fulcrum and the Ring. He was the logical choice, but nothing was mentioned about him having a special ability to handle the Intersect.
I think it was suggested back in Alma Mater that Bryce had also scored well on Professer Fleming’s test, which did seem to have something to do with Intersect suitability. There was also the “We’ll always have Omaha” line that Bryce said to Sarah in Nemesis, that may have refered to the project, or something else entirely. Until (unless) we get more direct information in the show itself I think its reasonable, but not provable, to suggest Bryce and Sarah met in the Omaha Project and both were considered potential Intersect candidates.
I think its unlikely they would go that route, but it is a fun spec. They have promised to up-end the status quo (I don’t recall the exact words Fedak used) and having Sarah as a new Intersect could certainly do that. I’d even buy the idea that her original association with the Omaha project means she was considered an Intersect candidate for quite a while.
But I don’t think she needs it. She seems to have most of the skills Intersect 2.0 brings to the table anyway (including seemingly infinite languages). I do believe the original intent allowed for a more couple themed show by this point, but I think Sarah/Yvonne’s popularity among viewers has surprised them a little and her role has become bigger than they likely imagined at the start. So I just don’t think they had any original intent to make Sarah the next Intersect; on the off chance it does happen now, it will be only because they get that many of us want more Sarah every week. Although as I indicated earlier, I think she has enough super-powers without outside help.
I think the more likely idea would be Chuck removing the Intersect to begin a normal life, and Ellie saving the day with the Intersect she just redesigned. Since the Intersect can be installed/removed quite easily now (so it seems) there’s no reason to think that situation would continue very long into S5, but would be a fun way to spin things for the finale.
I agree with all of that, Dave. Sarah doesn’t need an Intersect (Living Dead, Phase 3).
I wonder, as some of us have speculated before, if Ellie doesn’t find a way to integrate the Intersect into Chuck (Agent X) so that it would no longer be a separate entity, but part of him, and therefore not susceptible to interference or removal or emotion … just there. I keep thinking about the winning Chuck poster with the computer in his head unplugged. They said it was an Easter egg.
thinkling…i believe that CF said at one time that referred to the intersect-less arc they already did.
No I think Schwedak said that in the Sepinwall podcast before Balcony but after Leftovers. So they referred to it for what was coming. I think the question was, will we see Orion’s computer again or is all there was to it was giving Chuck the Intersect back. Something like that. And they answered that it would come back, and mentioned the SDCC poster.
How they could choose the poster in July in relation to a part of the season they hadn’t designed yet, though?
i took it as the inspiration for the arc. they saw it and used the idea. so you are correct it was chosen in july. they used the idea just like they used all those movies to make phase 3 and all the die hard / star wars references. take something from the past and use it.
forgot this. they have already had 4 times where the intersect didn’t work correctly or was removed. it would not surprise me if they trotted that mess out again.
Zondra is a bridesmaid and they were filming at the Church then this tweet can only mean one thing. Squee away faith.
RT @MercedesMasohn: Was back on the Chuck set today….so much fun to be with my girls!!! The boys weren’t too shabby either! 😉
Considering how much they made of Chuck’s wedding gift for Ellie and Awesome, quitting the Buy More and the beach wedding and reception, I suspect what ever Ellie finds/develops on the Orion computer will be her gift to him. Other gifts: from Casey his and her guns (Chuck’s can be a tranq gun), white water rafting tour from Awesome, Benihanna knives from Morgan, stuffed teddy bear (spy cam version) from Jeff and Lester and Subway gift card from Big Mike.
Perfect list Herder. Unless of course, Awesome gives a rock climbing adventure, so they can have a cliff hanger.
Given Morgan’s tendency to know no boundaries; I would expect something a little more daring from him!
Dare we ask for some examples?
Nudity when he was staying at Casa Bartowski.
I was thinking Morgan might give the sort of things a couple should only be giving to each other; that’s as explicit as I care to get!
I wonder what they’ll register for on the chuckandsarahwedding.com site. That part hasn’t opened yet.
Knife sets, lots and lots of knife sets.
Maybe Casey will give them a walker for after the honeymoon.
Here is the promo.
WOW!!! NBC got this one right!!!
“Chuck VERSUS THE HONEYMOONERS”
04/25/2011 (08:00PM – 09:00PM) (Monday) : Chuck AND Sarah GO ON A EUROPEAN ADVENTURE—While in Europe, Sarah (Yvonne Strahovski) and Chuck (Zachary Levi) realize they’re traveling on a train with Spanish spies. Even though they’re all alone, they decide to take on these rogue agents. Of course, this impromptu mission doesn’t go smoothly. Meanwhile, Beckman (Bonita Friedericy) orders her newest “unlikely” spy team – John Casey (Adam Baldwin) and Morgan Grimes (Joshua Gomez) – to track down the missing couple. Sarah Lancaster, Ryan McPartlin, Scott Krinsky and Vik Sahay also star.
That seems very fitting with the story that comes after too.
A Bartowski wedding in Pasadena!!
http://www.onlocationvacations.com/2011/04/08/a-Chuck-wedding-in-pasadena/
That explains the wedding and the funeral in the same church. Lol
It’s Plywood’s funeral. I tell you. 😛
thanks! looks like i may have got one right when i said above it may not be a funeral for someone we love! i hope so anyway…
Sounds to me like the funeral is how Volkoff will invade the wedding. Also they were shooting EPK’s at the church so it seems like they might actually promote it as a wedding finally. I have never understood why they did not embrace the wedding as there is nothing more promotable for sweeps than that to help ratings.
Thanks for the picture Uplink. And I totally agree about promoting the wedding.
Yeah, let’s hope they do this right! They don’t seem shy about what they’re up to now, ideally this will translate into much free publicity.
I would love to see them promote the final 5 as “A Fight to the Altar for Chuck and Sarah” Nothing would help ratings more than that I believe. It really is time to embrace it as we all felt it was coming anyway for the most part.
I will say that one possibility is that this will be the trap that is set to capture Volkoff but in the end there will be a wedding somewhere.
If they start promoting the wedding now, they might get the numbers they need.
Come on, Uplink…..get off that fence. Tell us what you really think! 🙂
Oops – that last should have been posted further down….
I’m trying to keep an open mind, but another machine gun wedding, don’t care for it at all. Man we had one of those for crying out loud.
mess. this is the show of constant do overs or as some call it call backs.
Wait, why are we so sure there will even be another shoot out? As far as I know we don’t know anything yet about how the wedding will or will not play out. And even if there is, I have no doubt the circumstance will be quite different than what we’ve seen before.
I agree with you, Dave. There may be a battle, but I would venture that it’s more a war of the mind (Volkoff clan vs. the new, extended Bartowski clan) than armed conflict. Volkoff likes his tiny weapons as much as his big ones.
Mess? Army? I really can’t say that things have been repeated *that* much. I mean, it’s more like the old saw “History doesn’t repeat itself, but it does rhyme.” Keeping an open mind is the right strategy, Mess!
joe really not that much? you are joking right? i am not saying there is anything wrong with it, i’m saying it happens all the time. check out each post and see how many time you see the words “good call back”. you are correct in one thing though they are not exactly the same. that does not mean its not a redo of another scene. it just means they changed the scene but it remains fundamental the same.
Well, I really mean it, Army.
Oh yeah, I see the things that are redone and revisited, but I can’t say that they ever truly seem like a copy to me. I’m sure if I thought about it, I could find an exception. But there (most) always seems to be a point to it, a twist or at least a joke worth making to those revisits.
Okay, granted, I have a high tolerance for those things, so I understand and accept disagreement. I would definitely call them on it if I thought they were cheating or just rehashing the same plot points for the sake of filling air time. Many shows use an episode that consists of little more than clips from previous episodes with a little narration to save time and money when necessary. That always seemed like a cheat to me.
But I haven’t detected that yet. So far, things like Chuck & Sarah dancing to recapitulate Bryce & Sarah dancing serve to show us something. Chuck using his intelligence to defeat both Shaw and later Volkoff is not a repeat because in one he overcomes the limitations imposed by his self-image, and in the other, the limitations imposed by being his father’s son. It may look the same because he breaks through his limitations, but plays fresh both times because he draws his strength from different sources.
Well, I see it that way, anyway. 😉
I’d agree Joe, even when they do “variations on a theme” its always with enough of a twist or change in situation that I’ve enjoyed it. Most shows that are on for any length of time repeat certain ideas, I think Chuck manages to be original in more ways than the vast majority of television I’ve ever seen.
To me the call backs often serve the purpose of showing how the characters have grown and how the story has progressed.
Off the top of my head, take the Pilot and A-Team (one of the most obvious). TeamB faced a very similar circumstance … Chuck diffusing a bomb by extraordinary means. But what’s interesting are the differences. And it’s the similarity that makes the differences stand out.
In the Pilot, there was no Team Bartowski. Casey valued Chuck about as much as navel lint. Sarah was open minded, but that’s it. Chuck was willing, but lacked the confidence he had in A-Team.
In A-Team, Casey treats Chuck like a brother in arms; and with no input from Sarah, trusts Chuck to diffuse a nuclear bomb, even though the Army Captain (also an Intersect) says it can’t be done. Sarah trusts Chuck without a second thought, kneeling down beside him, her knee resting on his (nice small touch). They are a real team. They work together, following Chuck’s instructions, without hesitation. After Chuck diffuses the bomb, Sarah kisses him. That’s way different from placing an encouraging hand on his shoulder. Seeing how they respond when facing a similar challenge shows how much they have grown on so many levels. Personally I think it’s a lot like real life.
As an aside, this thread, at this point, intersects with the House thread. I’m sure many people will disagree with me, and I may get flamed. But, I don’t think there’s a more formulaic show on television than House. Of course, it may have changed in the last three years, but I quit watching, because I saw no character growth. It seemed like the same story week after week, with different guest stars and a slight variation on a tired plot. No offense to House fans. I just got tired of the sameness.
Chuck is so much better … no comparison. Obviously a lot of people wouldn’t agree with me, but that’s my take.
You got it, Dave.
I must be getting old (or as Shakespeare would say, Olde), but even quality shows like NCIS and House seem to rehash – not plot points, but something akin to pacing and structure.
I swear, I can almost set my watch to certain touchstones in NCIS (I *did* set my watch when Monk reached certain critical marks!), and sometimes it seems that the only thing different about a given House episode was the name of the disease.
Oh, I exaggerate, but it really seems like it sometimes, except the characters had a different dance partner today.
joe here is what i mean. why did orion and mary come back? chuck was in trouble on both. 4 cases of the intersect not working or missing. 2 cases of chuck defusing a bomb in the last seconds. add to that 2 times where a bomb was going to go off. the times where sarah didn’t answer chucks calls. 2 times where chuck almost died in a building on beckman’s or cia orders. there are more. they are all slightly different but were used to move to move the plot along or create angst. but the events in the basic form are the same. thats the point i was making. i agree many shows do it especially police dramas because face it there are only so many types of crime. again the reasons may be different but the basic theme is the same.
Well, Joe, great minds think alike … and post at the same time, apparently. I’m glad I’m not the only one who sees House that way. See, I’m not crazy, at least not on Saturdays.
Army, you must lead an exhilarating life. I’ve done most things way more that twice. And for that matter so have all the shows on television.
I think Chuck has great variety compared to most shows.
thinkling i also gave up watching house but for a different reason. i brought up house because if NBC some how acquires the right to broadcast it they have one know very highly rated show. with chuck being on the bubble it make sense for them to cancel chuck and replace it with house. its one less pilot they have to develop for next year. it gets about 150k more per episode than any show on monday NBC has. rick and i have both said nbc is getting to the point of saying lets try this there. with house they know what they will get, a show that draws very well in a tough time slot.
Sorry, I have more thoughts on Chuck’s variety.
Chuck varies its pace and its tone. The plots are not formulaic, like House and other procedurals. I don’t know of any other show that brings the variation in tone and even genre within one episode, like Chuck does. In one episode, in one great story, you can have comedy, action, romance, and drama. The show turns on a dime with change left over. Look at First Fight, Push Mix, Masquerade, Cat Squad, and FBoE, just to name a few, off the top of my head. No other show does that. And, like I said, when they revisit a theme or a challenge it always accentuates the changes and growth in the show and characters.
thinkling, its not that i lead an exciting life. i made the comment that chuck re uses a lot of things over again. i also said there is nothing wrong with it. joe disagreed and said “Oh yeah, I see the things that are redone and revisited, but I can’t say that they ever truly seem like a copy to me.” i made it clear that they were not copies and tried to explain the basic premise of some are used a lot. i also pointed out in an example the police dramas use the same things over again. i fail to see how my view on a TV SHOW relates in any way to my life. i can not remember ever asking you or commenting on your life. why did you bring up mine? i’m not trying to be snarky or rude, i just feel that a persons life should not come up when talking about a TV show.
It was sarcasm, Army. The point being that most people face similar challenges and repeat things many times in life. It shouldn’t be surprising that TV characters do as well.
Hope it doesn’t seem like we’re ganging up on you now, Army. I mean, I know what you mean and I sort of vouch for your statistics.
But still, if Sarah refused Chuck’s call twice, what’s the alternative? Answer it? She’s done *that* a lot more than twice.
When all is said and done, it’s more than a little bit attributable to the limitations of the medium and the process of story telling.
Thinkling, you found the right word – formulaic. House certainly is, but it’s character driven (and sometimes it’s characters are as fantastic as Chuck’s)! So it can retain it’s charm.
I can think of other shows that are just as formulaic – Psych, maybe Burn Notice, Monk (was – past tense), WWE Smackdown… it’s pretty endemic.
thinkling, its not that the characters do the same things. that is to be expected. here’s what i mean again. why did orion come out of hiding? chuck was in trouble. why did mary come back? chuck was in trouble. two major players in chuck’s life were brought back for the same reason. they could not come up with a different reason for mary to come back? it was obvious she had freedom of movement.
from the middle of season three to 4.10 there was a span of 22 episodes. in 40% of those the intersect did not work properly. i see this as a big redo. now i grant you it was for different reasons but the basic theme, the intersect not working was there.
the one thing i fully agree with is that things repeat on TV. it doesn’t matter what show it is there is a basic formula that many drama shows follow. the lead characters rise from adversity to reach the top in their field.
many drama shows use the same basic premise for one or both of the leading characters. that is they had a lousy childhood or life changing event early on. the reasons include abandonment, abuse, death of parent and bad parental influences. i’ll list a few examples.
JAG Mac alocholic abusive parent (dad) mother left.
Harm father went MIA in Nam
LAO Benson child of rape alcoholic mom
CSI Katherine bad mom was a stripper
Sarah domestic abuse
Bones Bones abandoned by parents father is a killer
Booth alcoholic abusive father
Castle Beckett’s mom gets killed
Chuck Chuck parents abandoned him
Sarah mom not around dad a crook
the list goes on. the hero’s, to use ernies phrase, in all these shows are cookie cutter characters in the sense that they focus on an adult that had a lousy child hood and rose above it. they each battle with the affects of their past. most of the time it involves emotional insecurities. thats why to me i dont have to see their past, because in spite of it they achieved greatness in their chosen field. chuck used the same basic formula to define a character that TV has been using for years.
because i see this in Chuck does by not mean i don’t like it. i like chuck just not as much as some, lol. it keeps me entertained most nights i watch it. in the end TV shows repeat each other all the time, and sometimes it works out and sometimes it doesn’t.
I have to agree with Mess. I hope Cliffhanger won’t have 2 weddings and be too similar to Ring.
I agree that call backs and repeated situations have value and I don’t feel like we’re seeing the same thing over and over. But there are some stuff that are re-used too much IMO.
The unanswered phone call in Gobbler is the perfect example. We’ve seen Sarah do that what 3 or 4 times before, and it didn’t add much to the episode IMO. And they didn’t have to go there at all. They could just have Chuck and Sarah being enable to contact each other, and Sarah thinking it was for the best after her conversation with Mama B. But they chose to have this unanswered call, again. I disagree with you there Joe, the alternative isn’t Sarah answering the phone, but finding something else to illustrate that Sarah was distancing herself.
I don’t want to be overly critical but I do think that the show would be even better (even though it’s already awesome) if that kind of devices weren’t overused.
I guess I would have to concede some devices have been over-used. Crumby brought up the declined phone call which is an excellent example. I would add relationship angst in general, love triangles in particular; and various Intersect malfunctions to the list.
But I would also say Chuck feels so much more original than the VAST majority of what’s on television, that this strikes as a minor beef. A year ago I wouldn’t have called this criticism so minor, but Other Guy represented a significant turning point not only for the lead characters. The show has gone in a direction few shows have been willing to explore in recent years, and that simple fact has made some of the elements that are worn out or repetitive much easier to deal with. Add to that first rate comedy, and more serious themes of family and duty, and Chuck is really a unique show.
@alladinsgenie4u:
What an intriguing thought. Maybe the “something terrible happens to someone we love” line from Fedak about events in 4.23 was said sarcastically. They bring Shaw back long enough to have The Eraser take him out since Shaw would, by definition, be a loose end the CIA would want to clean up.
I’m not as down as most on Shaw, but you’d have to say it would be a hilarious “wedding gift” to the shippers if Shaw’s funeral takes place right before Chuck and Sarah’s wedding…
Or as Faith might say: SQUEEEEE! SQUARED!
Sorry but the best gift for shippers like me would be to never see his sorry ass on the screen again. And death is too easy for him. I’d rather just think he is rotting in some cell somewhere going mad and in excruciating pain from a Ring Intersect that is failing. Just like the pain I went through watching his dreadful performances each week.
FULL DISCLOSURE: If Daniel Shaw ever returns to Chuck, I have to buy dinner for 4 at Sweet Lucy’s Smokehouse in Philadelphia (and that doesn’t count what I’ll be eating myself).
As it stands with many fans now, if they ever see Shaw in the show again, they’ll just turn the channel and some might not ever come back. TPTB would have to rehabilitate Shaw to some extent first; there are very few things that would do that and the showrunners aren’t likely to do any of them.
Considering that even the mention of Shaw’s name has been avoided this season, I doubt we’ll ever see him again.
At least I hope not.
That last interview we saw with Fedak convinces me they know they screwed up and would rather not even talk about him again. I’m thinking, if he’s ever even mentioned again it will just be to say he died in prison. And even that seems unlikely to me.
BTW, the fact that the signboard doesn’t show a NAME for the funeral indicates that the showrunners don’t want you to know whose funeral it is. (I assume they KNOW a photo of the signboard would get out and may have even facilitated its leaking…)
So that means it’s likely someone we currently know: Volkoff (leaving Vivian as Michael Corleone), Vivian (a la Michael Corleone seeing his daughter die at the end of Godfather III), or Shaw … or I suppose it could be Fernando or Skip Johnson 🙂
I guess the tactical question is this: Do we know if Dalton signed on for more than the one episode? If he did, he’s the big bad for the rest of the year. If not, then it’s gotta be the lawyer or Vivian. Anyone know the state of the casting?
BTW, I like it being the “First Church of Saints.” Same beats as First Bank of Evil. Not as good as a Thermals song playing the first and last time we see Chuck at Buy More in Season 2, of course, but a sign that they are paying some attention to the small details…
I noticed that about the no name for the funeral, very funny! I’m thinking it still might be someone we don’t know at all, and just physical comedy getting the guests mixed up between the events. I wouldn’t think it could be anyone actually close to the main characters, or switching from a funeral to wedding would be pretty inappropriate.
@atcdave:
I SHOULD have said “may indicate.” You’re right, it could just be a random funeral. And if the funeral is someone we know, it will be a bad guy, not a good guy.
As for tone, well, you know, they went from shooting people in the reception room to bridesmaid room to ceremony room to Jeffster in Ring and kept the tone appropriate. They may be going for exactly that kind of tonal shift in Cliffhanger. They may get it WRONG, of course, but they did it once and this crew has proved they go back to the well of what worked before all of the time…
Ausiello: Yeah, well, you may hate this next scoop more: In this season’s penultimate episode on May 9, “Something terrible happens to someone we love,” reveals EP Chris Fedak….
Have we flogged this with speculation already?
~ Not only something terrible, but apparently there will be a funeral.
[ Doubt it’ll be Kevin Bacon… that would be more of a buffet]
Could somebody – with way more intelligence [ and time] make a brief summary of what we “know” heading into the Final Five?
Other than waiting [hoping] for a wedding –
what else are we so excited about?… I need to channel my focus here people!
20. We are going into the trenches with Volkoff [ again].
21. Chuck and Sarah have to fight fire – with fire to get their wedding money back.
22. Agent X – rears its ugly head … my guess is that we’ll see more of Chuck’s mom too.
23. Last Details… [ hope its not last rites for our show]
24. Then we explode waiting for the big Cliffhanger
didn’t know where to put this but we better hope this doesn’t happen…
NBCUniversal has given Fox an extension on the window of negotiation exclusivity. That ends April 15. If the two sides can’t come to an agreement, NBCUniversal will offer the show to competing networks, including, of course, the Peacock, which would likely be more than happy to take the series away from Fox.
You left off the name of the show Army! I imagine it is about House.
opps yep its house
Obviously that would take another prime time slot and might make it more difficult for Chuck. But, if Chuck and House both make it on the NBC fall line-up, it would be great news for the network. A lot of new viewers would end up seeing Chuck previews that run during House!
true but house airs at the same time. are you saying that chuck would replace house mid season or move chuck to 9? that would be good.
NBC could air it whenever they want. The schedules aren’t set in stone.
If I understand the gist of this thread, right now Chuck is sort of NBC’s Monday anchor, but if NBC gets House, that could change.
I honestly think moving Chuck to Friday at 8:00, whether on CW or NBC, could be a good move. I think Chuck would pick up (or retain) most of the Smallville viewers and have at least as good, or better numbers than Smallville. We may already have the Smallville viewers in our camp, but Chuck would be a way of keeping that viewership for that slot. Chuck could live there quite nicely for many more seasons. Plus, I optimistically (perhaps foolishly) keep thinking that the ratings paradigm (and all that means) will begin to change.
A little OT, but I have a question about the Nielson system. Does Nielson force viewers to watch live (or know if they are)? In other words, if Nielson viewers pause the show and skip commercials, are they still counted as viewing live?
Dave its true they can air when they want. here’s my point why we should be worried. this has been talked about long and hard. one thing keeping chuck on is NBC stinks on monday. chuck is the best thing going. now they get house, a powerhouse on monday. why would they not air house in its time slot? all its fans know when it is. why risk losing them by switching nights or time? that part makes no sense to me at all. now airing house at 8 and following it with chuck does. 2.5 men is done and it’s a comedy. chuck has comedy. chucks rating would go up i think because of the lead in effect. a good lead in show tends to raise the ratings in the show that follows it.
all that being said my gut tells me if NBC gets house chuck is done.
Thinkling I do agree Chuck could be an excellent replacement program for Smallville, I wonder if CW looks at it that way (I’ve even wondered if some of the confidence we’d heard in some circles come from some talks to that effect, CW picking them up if NBC doesn’t)
I have a co-worker who was a Nielsen viewer for a couple years, she says the Nielsen box ties into the DVR and they know exactly what your viewing procedure was, including skipping commercials, pausing, re-watching favorite scenes, etc. They also were supposed to “log in” in some way every time they watched TV to show who was actually present (all members of the household were previously reported to Nielsen, in addition to a guest option).
Army there is obviously some risk to Chuck for every show NBC has that is likely to perform better. But given that House has already bounced around the schedule several times during its tenure with Fox, I think NBC would know its a pretty solid performer where ever they put it. As such it could be a new anchor for Mondays, or elsewhere, and would be an excellent vehicle for promoting other network programming. We can only hope that would still include Chuck. I honestly think adding House to NBC’s stable would only slightly affect the math on Chuck’s future (just the same as any other well performing show in the line-up does).
dave you really are a glass 3/4 full 1/2 empty guy when it comes to chuck. (said as a joke.) there is no likely to perform better. it is a stone cold fact it does perform better by the tune of of over 2 in the ratings. any pilot or new show is a risk. house is not.
let me ask this. from a network standpoint not a personal one. all your new pilots are shot and slotted for next year. chuck is on the schedule as well. now you get house. what do you keep house or chuck?
my thinking is this. chuck is only on the bubble because NBC is trying to decide if it’s worth it to bring chuck back or risk another show in its place. that thought seems to be running well across the net as well as here. if they get house there is no risk. i may like chuck but i can’t see any reason (baring a move to another night) to move house to another night to keep chuck on.
Honestly I think the first thing you look at is any of your new pilots are having production problems, or are considered long shots; then those could be pushed back as mid-season replacements. Chuck is a known element. Granted not a great known element. But they know they can produce the show cheaply and on schedule with a minimum of drama and still have a certain audience.
I could easily see them choosing to run Chuck and House back-to-back on Monday night, especially since they currently have nothing that has worked in the 9 o’clock slot. I actually think that would be an outstanding situation.
FYI, the NBC boards are conducting an interview with Zac and Yvonne in the near future. They’re asking for your questions:
http://boards.nbc.com/nbc/index.php?showtopic=851569
If you don’t want to make an account, you can just send your questions to me. But I do recommend making an account if for just this one use.
Some of those questions are a little creepy! proceed with care….
Heh. It takes all kinds. All the more reason for us to get in on it and be the articulate, knowledgeable, non-stalker fans schnooks that we are 🙂
Everyone seems to be wondering whose the funeral for prior to the wedding. After many inquiries and a truly twisted mind, I discovered this:
Leonard Randall Collins, 58, passed away at his home last Thursday evening. Leonard, a well known and well liked local sheep farmer was very active in the community and known for love of chess which he taught to kindergarten children from the area. Friends of Leonard stated that lately he had become quite sullen and depressed. Many attribute his change in demeanor to the sudden lost of his small herd of sheep. Leonard was said to be distraught with the lost and never seem to regain his “spark”. News reports of the lost sheep referred to witnesses stating having seen a reddish coloured truck in the area of Leonard’s farm the day of the disappearance. In a truly bizarre twist, the witnesses also stated seeing the same truck later pick up 2 parachutists. Neither the truck, the sheep or the parachutists were ever seen after that day.
Leonard, you shall be missed.
Oh the tragedy of the sheep continues! Obviously this was all Volkoff’s doing, what a monster.
No, I’m not going to say it.
According to TV Guide House cannot be broadcast on NBC Universal.
???? I understand Fox currently has the broadcast rights, perhaps that’s all this means???
Why on Earth would a network not be allowed to reclaim the rights to a show it produces itself after the current broadcaster ends the contract? Or are they simply acknowledging that NBC cannot reclaim the rights without Fox terminating the current agreement? Perhaps NBC has only limited rights in renegotiating the contract. Very strange.
rich…the article i pull the info from clearly states…NBCUniversal will offer the show to competing networks, including, of course, the Peacock, which would likely be more than happy to take the series away from Fox. NBCU is different than NBC. if NBC gets the rights to air on NBC it would be on the same network that has the rights to air chuck.
Okay they have to bid on the show but committing to a show on year 8 seems risky.
they have the rights air it for however long. that does not mean they have to air it for eight years. i’m sure chuck was contracted for at least 6 years ( based on the initial contracts to the cast) if it indeed was. and it still could be canceled.
I think he meant that House is already in its 8th year and therefore somewhat of a risk.
could be thinkling, but a show that’s been on for 8 years and has ratings near or above 4 doesn’t seem like much of a risk to me. now one that’s been on for 4 years or less and has ratings near 2 does. house has better ratings right now than almost everything else on NBC.
what worries me is we KNOW chuck is in trouble. if NBC lands house it will spell big trouble for chuck. i feel chuck will do better than any new show they put on but if i were NBC i would rather put a proven show with a rating of 3.5 plus on versus a new show. if they do cancel chuck you can bet they will replace it with a new show. that’s all i’m saying.
Without putting too fine a point on this House/Chuck/ratings thing, I actually think it’s much simplier than people are saying: Chuck is down to 4.2 milion viewers in the key demo and it is dropping rather alarmingly. If it continues to fall in the next two episodes, it’s probably toast. There’d be no incentive for NBC to give a fifth year to a low-rated show that is now falling even further in the ratings.
Failing an uptick in the ratings, the only thing that would save Chuck is if NBC now has some sort of downstream profit participation. That’s been rumored and maybe explains why NBC is/will air two Season 3 episodes this year. Usually, networks don’t own the rights to use previous-season episodes. But we have no way of knowing about that.
As for Chuck having another season on another network, notably one owned by Warner, the question is why? While 78 episodes is on the thin side for current syndication purposes, any network interested in Chuck in the first place would probably take 78. The problem I see with this is that Chuck is dreadfully rated in reruns. It’s shown no ratings life at all. And when you add the woes that all serialized shows are now exhibiting in reruns, Warner giving Chuck a fifth season on its own network just to round our the syndication package seems a bad use of resources.
So I think we come back to the basics: If 20 and 21 don’t do well, NBC will probably pass. If it suddenly upticked it the sweeps, it might get a small additional order just as scheduling spackle. But without a jump in ratings somewhere, I think the show is done.
That’s a good point, FT. But the down-side risk for House, after eight seasons, is the high price cast (Hugh Laurie can command quite a bit, I’m sure) and cast turn over. Many fans had trouble adjusting to Jennifer Morrison’s comings and goings (and comings and goings) and Olivia Wilde’s slow dying, Amber Tamblyn’s departure and Kal Penn’s political suicide (not to be confused with the character’s odd demise).
Then there’s the question about the principal’s desires to move on to other roles. House has been overall an outstanding show. But it’s future is as cloudy as any.
good points joe. thing is they are just bidding for the right to air the show. it would be the same as chuck. WB absorbs all the cost of production and NBC pays to air it. here NBCU would get the cost and NBC rents to show. it seems like a win win for NBC or whoever gets house.
It’s interesting to see the subtle variations of what is coming tonight. The official synopsis says “Sarah throws Chuck a surprising relationship curveball”, nbc.com says she makes a surprising wedding demand, tvguide says “Sarah jolts Chuck with a relationship revelation”. I’m wondering if this isn’t a prenup issue (or if it is it is tied to the larger revelation) but rather an attempt to adress who Sarah really is and maybe even the name issue.
Joe, Ernie, Thinkling, Rick Holy, Liz, Faith and all of Chuck fans! First of all, Good Morning! Believe it or not, I have not whatched one episode of S4 of Chuck. But I have recorded all the episodes up to point on my DVR for my viewing pleasure during the Summer months ahead when S4 ends May 16,2011.
I have been seeing a few episodes titles of Chuck involving the Volkoff Organization! Episodes like the “GOBBLEN”, the “PUSH MIX” and the “BANK OF EVIL” where Team Bartowski along with mama Bartowski is having their hands full dealing with the Volkoff’ Family!
There maybe a mission or two where father Volfoff was hurt or killed! Now Vivian Volkoff (daughter) has thrust her way into spy world for revenge against Team B and mama Bartowski which bring me to tonight’s episode, Chuck vs the”FAMILY VOLKOFF’S”. The CIA has targeted Vivian for assassination, Chuck who met Vivian during a previous mission and who is helping her now not knowing that she’s Volkoff’s daughter out for revenge against Team B and his family. This is like the Hatfields vs the Mc Coys! It’s going to get real personal and messy and there may not be no winners in this situration. Just Spectulation!
P.S. who came up with the idea with past Chuck episodes revisited? who ever it is, keep doing that! Long live Season 5
From Sarge’s The Wedding Planner promo breakdown:
SQUEE. 😛
So we saw this photo of Josh Gomez and a tux and they were filming in a hospital yesterday. Apparently Yvonne was there in a gown to. So one must ask the question why is the Bartowski Wedding Party including Devon in a hospital where Devon is in scrubs? This either must be post wedding or perhaps someone was shot during the wedding and Chuck and Sarah never get married because of this.
I honestly wish I never saw that photo because now my mind is going olaces and knowing Fedak’s comments they are not good. I am leaning toward skipping the live finale and watching after I read the reactions if they are good.
There’s still one day of shooting, and they don’t shoot in order, which means that even if the wedding were interrupted there could be plenty of time in the episode for them to get married. This is Chuck, this wedding won’t go smoothly.
And they’re going to want people to watch if this wedding is happening or not. They’ll definitely play with this in spoiler land so we better get prepared. This is just the beginning of it.
The only reason that Devon would be in scrubs and everyone else in wedding atire is that someone from Devon’s family gets shot. So that leaves Mamma B, ellie, Chuck or Sarah. Sarah was seen in a gown so it’s either Chuck, Ellie or mama B. Either way if that is how they are going to play the wedding I have been waiting for out then I might just want to skip the live rollercoaster ride. The whole hospital scenario is not making me excited for the ep.
@Rich
What about this scenario: Chuck gets shot by Volkoff/Vivian. Devon operates on him and save his life. Chuck and Sarah exchange vows in the hospital. 🙂
OR
Chuck and Sarah gt married; Chuck faces Vivian/Volkoff; is zapped by an electric line and falls unconscious; is taken to the hospital; Ellie finally cracks open the laptop’s use; hooks it up via electrodes to Chuck’s brain and runs some program; Program starts updating slowly; end of finale. CLIFHANGER FTW!!. 🙂
Computer emergency!
Morgan could be coming from Alex’s graduation party wearing a suit which would explain why all others are suitless.
There is a photo from that day : the gown is not exactly accurate …
http://desmond.yfrog.com/Himg620/scaled.php?tn=0&server=620&filename=hg96.jpg&xsize=640&ysize=640
So Sarah gets shot. Excuse me why I throw up. Let me guess she is pregnant or was pregnant.
Funny I predicted that yesterday. So dissappointed in this show right now. Way to go out on top Fedak.
Rich no offense but you’re seriously over reacting. We don’t know anything about how things will play out.
It doesn’t have to be something that ruins the wedding.
Honestly they’ve let us REALLY hanging only once at the end of a season: Ring. Other Guy, Ring II and Push Mix wrapped up pretty much all the important storylines. Ring II had a cliffhanger but it was an opening to something else not a prolongation of the season.
Maybe you should give them the benefit of the doubt and curse them once you’re sure that they’ve blown it. It’s fine to be apprehensive, but why the hate?
Looks like Sarah may be Agent X or she jumps in fron of Chuck and takes the bullet for him.
Obviously Sarah gets hurt, bummer. But I’m still optimistic we’ll all be pretty happy with the episode. It is Chuck, you have to know the wedding won’t go smoothly. I like the spec of them getting married in the hospital; THAT, seems very Chuck-like.
Sorry my optimism is gone. This Chuck’s series finale. Sarah needing F&$)$( surgery. So let me get this right Sarah needs a heart surgeon and you think they might get married. If my wife/fiance had to get brought to the hospital for emergency surgery where her own brother in law has to operate then I am sorry but there will be no wedding. To tell you the truth I want nothing to do with a depressing finale. I am already bummed the show will be cancelled I don’t need my last scene is Sarah laying in a bed after being shot during her freaking wedding. Sorry but the fact they are even going here really upsets me.
What makes you think Awesome and Ellie will be Sarah’s doctors? Maybe they are in their scrubs because… they works there?
There can be time between the hospital and the wedding, or the wedding and the hospital. The entire episode doesn’t have to be one unique day.
You’re jumping to the worse conclusion for no good reason. Cheer up! 😉
one thing rich, we don’t know, might be as simple as an ultrasound, and ellie and awesome are in scrubs because they are at work and show up in sarah’s room happy & curious, as does born again ‘uncle volkov’ and grandma mary
or maybe sarah is the target of the weapon, and she is in the hospital to fake out the baddies that she is sick or dead – and this all happens prior to the wedding
or maybe she gets shot at the wedding, and the point of nearly 28 episodes of buildup to a wedding was simply to pull the wedding joy from the fans who love chuck and sarah in the interest of great drama and a cliffhanger – maybe jeffster can play the death march for the prologue – LOL?
who knows?
I’m actually kinda agreeing with Rich on this one. I’m very cautious of the final, very very cautious, so cautious even that I’m not sure if I’m going to watch it. I’m going to wait and see the fan reactions to it, if it’s depressing I’m staying clear of it, I won’t touch it with a stick.
This is immediately mid or post wedding. All the guys are still in tuxes. Devon and Ellie are no longer in formal wear. Sarah in a hospital gown Chuck still in his tux. This is not an ultrasound. 😦
I’m staying clear of it, I won’t touch it with a stick.
Hey Mess, no need to even poke the episode with a stick. All you have to do is watch it(cautiously and filled with equal parts anticipation and dread) . 😉 🙂
Casey is definitely not in a tux. I can’t tell for Chuck honestly. Morgan and Mary seems to have formal wear but that could just be mission related. Mary seems more CIA dressed than ‘my son he’s getting married’ dressed IMO.
I understand the cautious approach though. I just think it’s way too soon to jump to any conclusions.
They’re teasing us.
I fully agree with Crumby. They will never leave us hanging especially about the fate of Chuck or Sarah. IMO, the hospital scenes could be before the actual wedding (if it’s taking place). I have heard that scenes are not shot in order. As for the cliffhanger it will surely be a hook for S5 after wrapping up S4
That’s what Fedak said in the TV Guide Fan Favorite article. He said that pretty much everything will be wrapped up and that there will be elements to launch S5. If it’s something similar to Ring II, it’s fine by me.
To be honest, I’m also being cautious, and I am not certain they wouldn’t not go through with the wedding. But it really is too soon to worry about it, and I could never stay away from a Season Finale anyway. 🙂
i don’t know if this will ease any minds but here goes. DR has been pretty accurate in his spoilers. he gives the cliff hanger a zero. on another forum (not his own) the spec was made that sarah got shot and chuck was at her bed side (shortened it up). he said that would be 10,000 times better than what they have planned. now he could be wrong but i’m taking that as it’s not going to be sarah injured. being CF said it sets up next season, i lean towards pregnancy or illness.
I was thinking along the same lines as Alladins. Sarah could be the “character we love” who has something awful happen to them in 4.23; so 4.24 may start with her in the hospital and the big wedding will come later in the episode. There is no reason they have to film in order.
We have heard the S4 arcs will be resolved, the wedding CANNOT be left hanging. It absolutely will happen, I don’t have a doubt in the world. It is also true they like messing with us on these spoilers and leaks. I am sure that photo was posed/engineered exactly to generate buzz and excitement. (and would agree TPTB are more enamored of angst or negative excitement than I am, but I still think that’s exactly what they’re doing).
Why would Chuck be in his tux. Isn’t it bad luck to see the bride on her wedding day. Devon is a heart surgeon. Why would he be needed? Why are they in tuxes. Why are Mary and Volkof there?
We’ve seen Ellie and Devon in their scrubs plenty of times before and they never practiced surgery on anybody we know! Can’t they just be visiting in their work clothes?!
I don’t see any tuxes Rich. They are all in normal atire except for Sarah in a hospital gown. Pregnancy is certainly a possibility. Army I’m totally baffled by someone calling the cliffhanger a “zero” and saying Sarah being shot would have better. Does he mean the cliffie is boring? Or does he mean it is so awful being shot would have been better? Sorry, but I don’t really read other blogs anymore.
Not to mention that it could all just be a setup. Maybe Sarah isn’t injured/hurt/sick at all, they’re just faking it for some reason.
Nothing is as it seems. 😉
dave can’t say. he rated Orion’s brain hooked to a computer as a 2. even on his blog he said he hopes they change it. something along the lines of it could be flushed out in one episode or used to make next year more interesting. so you got me on that. if you look at past shows (not chuck) sick or injured main stars has been used. i don’t see how that can set the tone for next season though. her expecting could. i don’t want to guess at DR’s thoughts. people who post here post there as well and i don’t want any misunderstandings.
Crumby – So you are speculating a set up, hmmm. Could be great.
How about a whacky spec to lighten the mood 🙂
Volkoff takes control of Chuck’s Intersect remotely and as a result Chuck pulls the trigger on Sarah( Shooting Under Influence) 😉
Okay, as long as we’re all in the dark together!
Crumby you are completely right the hospital thing could purely be a set-up.
It also seems likely the hospital thing IS NOT related to a cliffhanger or hook, and sick/hurt Sarah is something that will be completely resolved by the end of the episode (including the possibility its all a fake/set-up).
If the hospital scene IS related to the cliffhanger pregnancy seems the most likely. I mean a chronically sick or dying Sarah does not seem at all like a “Chuck” sort of story (geez, we just lost a friend to cancer; a dying lead on a comedy doesn’t really work for me on any level!) She could be recovering from an injury or illness for a chunk of S5, but again that doesn’t seem like very fun story for a show like Chuck or a very compelling hook.
Dave i think all these negative reactions are hang overs from season 3. despite how people talk about trusting TPTB we can see they may not. the same reactions came out around during the Volkoff arc. many specs were negative there as well.
My speculation is: I have no idea, it could be anything.
But if Sarah were to be the “someone we love to whom something terrible happens” then yes a speculate for a fake thing. I don’t think they’d hurt Sarah, even if she is, she’d be find in the end. Fans would burn Schwedak’s houses if it wasn’t the case. 😉
They love cliffhanger that are related to the mythology of the show. It will probably be related to the Intersect or something spy related at least IMO.
Relationships are at the core of the show but it’s the spy story that moves things along.
i don’t know if this has been said or not. they may not have had access to the set they used until now. that scene could be from the beginning of the episode. remember that something happens to someone we love in 4.23.
what bothers me most is several posters on threads know what is coming, all have been secretive & rightfully so, but none of them have been outwardly happy, with words like just wait, you will love it, or best ep ever, or I am so excited for you all to watch?
The most encouraging news for me might be DR does not like the cliffhanger nor has he antagonized the fans of chuck and sarah so far with any 4×24 teasers – who knows, maybe the end is shipper friendly?
a far out there spec, the scene with sarah in a gown at the hospital is a flash forward 9 months as the cliffhanger?????
I like the flash forward idea Jason, end the episode with another child-birth. That’s exactly the sort of ending that annoy the heck out of the anti-‘shipper crowd.
her’s a wild spec. the final scene is in the hospital and sarah wakes up from a coma. it’s all been her dream. nothing ever happened, she never was a spy and is already married to chuck. chuck was the spy and she always wanted to join him in his job. while in the coma the desire to be a spy manifested itself. sets up season 5 where they have to train sarah to be a spy and she joins with chuck. that would be a wild twist wouldn’t it?
Honestly, a child isn’t exciting at all IMO. It’s fine for the end of the series, next year but not now.
Here’s another spec – the show’s creators like to put in little scenes mimicking those of previous Bond films. So, Chuck and Sarah get married and as they are driving away their limo is ambushed and someone (Vivian/new Nemesis for S5) opens fire injuring Sarah in the process. – there is such a scene in one Bond film, where Bond marries Tracy/Trish(someone, I cant remember the name) and as they are driving in their car the bad guys open fire killing Bond’s wife.
Oh if I had to guess this is something that happened with Sarah at the end of final details and the injury to Sarah wakens his questioning whether they should be spies or leave the business to avoid becoming his parents. In other words hospital scene is pre-credits and is to set up the rest of the story, it is simply shot last.
Why is Morgan wearing this if he is not coming from the wedding?
http://yfrog.com/h31dyiwj
Rich…same question but why is he the only one? none of the others are dressed like that. if sarah was shot do you think casey, alex, mama b and chuck would have changed first? point is there is no way of knowing whats going on from that picture. it could be anything. we are all making guesses just like you. i’ll wait to see what is up before i go crazy over it. heck it could be a pic taken before they filmed the scene.
Funny spec Army! No way, but funny.
Morgan is in a suit not a tux. He did not just come from a wedding. If Sarah were hurt at the wedding everyone else would still be dressed up.
Crumby I get that not everyone thinks a baby is a very exciting end, but that’s exactly my point. Apparently those who know what it is aren’t impressed. AND, those who know what it is are notorious anti-shippers. So something sweet and sappy sounds fitting.
I think the hospital coming early seems most likely. This may go back to the idea that the real cliffie is the end of 4.23; so 4.24 is the resolution of the cliffhanger. It may even lead to Sarah at the wedding in a wheelchair or some such.
I love the idea of Chuck and Sarah having another discussion of leaving the spy life for the finale. That way, if this really is the end, they can ride off into the sunset as a normal couple. And yes I know, that doesn’t entirely fit with some of Fedak’s earlier comments.
Dave…not to quibble but my son got married in Jan. his tux looked just like morgans, sorry.
glad you liked my spec, trying to lighten the mood! heres another, since morgan is in a tux maybe he was marrying sarah not chuck! its all been a ruse so sarah doesn’t get moved from morgan!
dave…sorry wrong button! to continue, it does fit fedak. if at the end of 4.24 they did leave it would allow them to try to convince them to come back using some means. no idea how but it could fit.
How about her suffering from memory loss, and to paraphrase Chuck, he has to win her all over again, and again. Assuming they’re lucky enough to get S5
I’m sorry Jason. It’s a fine line. I’ve chosen not to react to anything a certain way for fear of skewing any which way. Does that make sense?
I’ll say this though, I highly doubt we’ll be disappointed.
There is a photo from that day : the gown is not exactly accurate …
http://desmond.yfrog.com/Himg620/scaled.php?tn=0&server=620&filename=hg96.jpg&xsize=640&ysize=640
Wow that’s spoilery! How could they let that one go?!
Indeed it’s … so maybe it was mistake to post it…just be aware that there are big spoilers inside.
Well, this is the spoiler thread…
I would point out she’s in a hospital gown and NOT a bloody mess; which would seem to indicate a post-op recovery situation. Dalton is in the photo too, very interesting.
The bigger news, Dalton is in his Tuttle outfit. Hmmm
JC, I think Volkoff redeems himself, and Mary succumbs to his charm. He’s her date to the wedding. 😉
@Crumby
You know as much as I love Bakula I’d be OK with that.
It could be a situation like 2×03 where Sarah suffered some sort of concussion and ended up in a hospital gown. No need to get upset over some pic about which there is no context.
they could go the Ellie- marriage route again. One is curtailed and the real one happens at the hospital. 🙂
@Crumby – LOL at Volkoff being Mary’s date. He is halfway on the path of redemption already.
Too funny about Volkoff/Tuttle as the wedding date!
The photo is intriguing to look at. No one is dressed for a wedding (so it must be at least a day before or after). Sarah/Yvonne is wearing no (or “natural”) make-up, like she’s been in the hospital more than a day. Dalton is in his Tuttle tweed look, it really is tempting to think he’s done a complete turn around. I will never like the idea of hurt/sick Sarah, but I really think this will be fine. I expect great things ahead!
Per DR,
“Sarah is definitely in real danger.
Remember when I said the episode is not a wedding episode but a hero episode?
And when I said (somewhere) that there was an element of the episode that wasn’t the cliffhanger that I felt some people would definitely not like?
Well, they are related.
This from the link at Spoiler TV: Huge Spoiler photo…. cast photo…
this has to be a connection to the cliffhanger… dun dun daaaaaa…
http://www.spoilertv.co.uk/images/chuck/season-4/Set%20Photos/13th%20April%202011/hg96.jpg.php
Ooops, my bad – didn’t look at the other pics that were posted cuz the URL was different…. but there’s probably lots of copies poster hither and yon around the web already…. Still – its very very interesting…
Here’s a wild – ‘WHAT IF’… that I’ll just throw out there…
[ I’m in a ‘throwing it out’ there kinda mood]
What if – Volkoff is truly a Jekyll and Hyde? Split personality – dual persona?
Tuttle as the good MI6 guy… Volkoff the Evil ultimate bad guy…
I keep hoping for something more from the ISIS files and the top secret research work by one Mary Bartowski…. ~ just say’n
Volkoff suffers from Bipolar Disorder. Dun dun dun.
You’re thinking more along the lines of dissassociative identity disorder aka multiple personality disorder.
Not one person has come up with a plausible scenario where it would force me to watch live let alone promote it. Pretty much at this point the only way I am watching live is that someone can tell me Sarah and Chuck do have their wedding and reception and the wedding is not ruined by Sarah being shot, stabbed poisoned during her wedding. Because folks that is not what I have been waiting 4 yrs for and that is not how I want to remember this show. Call me Mr Grumpy or any other name in the book but if Fedak is playing fast and lose with the fans knowing this may be the end then it’s not for me.
Maybe it’s time for me to end my time with this show because I believe it is in fact making me crazy. Lol
There just isn’t anything that indicates that whatever the reason for Sarah to be wearing a hospital gown is something that will ruin the wedding, and even less something happening DURING the wedding.
The only thing we possibly know is that both events (the wedding and the hospital) will happen in the same episode.
For example, Alex isn’t there, surely she’ll be at the wedding right? The bridesmaids aren’t there either.
Rich, I’m giving you a timeout. Go to the corner and watch Honeymooners till your attitude improves. 😉
Then check out Yvonne’s conspicuously hidden left hand … and her waistline. Might not be what I think, it could be just the draping of the gown. Even if it’s not it could be a flash-forward or a dream. Point is Fedak clearly is aware of, if not behind this leak, and he seems rather pleased with himself. So does Yvonne for that matter.
Good point Ernie, they are all clearly having fun with whatever they’re up to. I think this is much ado about nothing.
They have done this like 5 times this season. Just wait ’til the day!
I’m jumping in really late, but I agree. Much ado about nothing. It’s going to be OK.
When I saw Volkoff at the hospital, I thought what a great twist it would be if he became a good guy and Vivian ended up the big bad. Some of you thought the same thing. Hope so. Bring him and MamaB both back as regulars in S5.
I noticed that the left hand is hidden, but we’ve noticed that before.
from what i have been reading else where this pic was not supposed to be released. i try not to read to much into “family portrait” type of picture. no offense dave but what would you have them do in a posed picture other than smile? i mean the dude has a lego buy more on his lap. i bet that’s not in the episode, lol.
i still think sarah in the hospital gown is left over from 4.23 and we spend part of 4.24 worrying if she is going to make it. i really can’t see why they do things like this because most rational viewers know they don’t kill off one of the stars because it changes the show to much. that’s just my opinion.
by the end of 4.24 all is well.
Army,
No way that this picture ian’t meant for release. Theyusually have a no photos policy on set, I believe. Why would a show as spoiler-phobic as Chuck pose for that if the intent wasn’t to release it? Not buying it 🙂
hey i’m just saying what i read. much the same as SWF girls released part of the script earlier this year. the guy is a blogger and it may have been done as a courtesy for personal use. you know to be shown after the episode airs? people do crazy stuff to get attention no matter what rules they break in doing it. you can bet his face has been viewed more times today than ever before. yes i am cynical, but people do crazy stuff for a few moments of fame.
Well the smiling does matter at least a little; I do have some experience with amateur theater, and if a scene is too dark or somber it will be reflected in the actors faces. Not only that, if this was some awful moment for the end of the series, they would not be doing light hearted PR work on set. They typically close the set for such things, especially if the actors and crew are expected to keep things quiet. Its all little stuff that leads me to think this is not such a big deal.
I still think the most likely scenario is Sarah injured at the end of 4.23 and recovering during the finale. I also think Ernie’s suggestion of a flash forward or dream sequence for the very end of the episode is possible too.
Agent X’s synopsis is out: http://tinyurl.com/3fnjb83
Thanks Crumby. I added it up top.
Here’s another theory as to the identity of Agent X. It’s Riley. He really isn’t Volkoff’s lawyer and he was controlling the communication between Volkoff and Vivian so he edited any mention of Riley out or he killed the real Riley and took his place.
Maybe Mama B thinks it’s Chuck and that’s why she tried to delete the files.
Yeah but she wasn’t deleting them she was “acquiring” them for Beckman.
So Ellie find out who Agent X is, and The Eraser go after that Agent X in Last Details?
Or maybe The Eraser goes after Ellie or Team B because they know too much?
Rich, Sarah was in “real danger” in 3.13, Chuck vs the Other Guy. It all worked out.
Promotional photos for Wedding Planner are on http://www.zacharylevifan.com/gallery/thumbnails.php?album=573
Looks like Morgan is in on the con to get the money back, so the team is Angel, Schnook, Cop Face and Magnet?
So that first photo, is that a young Jack Burton? if so do we get another flashback to Sarah’s youth, maybe some explanation of how she ended out between her mother and father.
Maybe this is why Sarah is in the hospital. http://bit.ly/hC8bk3
Is Chuck vs the Cliff Hanger Chuck’s phase three.
Sarah is in the hospital, and Chuck is in Russian Camos and he parachutes in?
Could this be Chuck’s hero moment, save Sarah and finally get married. Maybe all the chaos comes before the wedding not during.
Apologies for yesterday, thanks Ernie the timeout was much needed. 🙂
So I gather Rich and RAC are the same guy? Glad you’re feeling better today! That spoiler isn’t spoiling much, but I am thinking more that Sarah will be hurt in 4.23; but things will still turn out okay in 4.24. The bigger issue might be what non-spy is tortured (possibly killed) in 4.23 (this is sounding like a dark episode!). Assuming The photo that leaked yesterday represents the cast present and working on the finale, the missing non-spies would be Alex and the Buy Morons. The Buy Morons are only tangentially connected to the spy world, so I’m worried for Alex. There seems like a lot of potential fall out from anything happening to her; Casey, Morgan, Chuck, and Sarah all could end up questioning their career choices in the finale! The whole crew quitting together could be an amusing ending.
I know people want to see the wedding and all that but a big damn hero moment from Chuck is what the show needs more than ever. No indecision or anything like that, if Sarah does get hurt by whoever I want an angry and driven Chuck taking them down with no hesitation. Like Rich says Chuck’s own Phase Three on steroids.
Yeah like the Chuck who took out 10 armed thugs way back in Anniversary; it would be fun to see that Chuck take on the world to save Sarah (and maybe Ellie too).
JC
Angry and driven Chuck? Hmmm. Sarah gets shot and is MIA during a mission. Chuck steps up and rampages across Columbia playing UNO matches to the death and each time getting closer to where Sarah is kept captive. 😉
Agree so let Chuck have his hero moment then marry the woman of his dreams. I want to see both but will feel cheated if I don’t see an amazing wedding moment.
Another thing, Sarah getting hurt solves one of the problems they’ve had as writers the last two seasons. It sets up a situation where you don’t have to make one character look like an idiot or incompetent so the other can have their moment.
Well I don’t want to see that at all. Chuck already had is hero moment when he killed Shaw in Other Guy. Then he took him down pretty much by himself in Ring II to avenge his father. Then he arrested Volkoff and avenge his entire family, saving his mother and finishing his father life mission.
I really don’t need an episode where Sarah is fading in the background again. She’s a kiss ass spy too, and I wish they wouldn’t have to have her just sit around, or being helpless in order to show us that Chuck’s a hero.
I want Chuck and Sarah from Honeymooners. Kicking ass and taking names TOGETHER.
I know the show is called Chuck and blah blah blah, and I’m not asking for the show to be called Sarah, I just think the show is at its best when they are both at their best.
Opps JC we wrote at the same time. You pointing out my point. I guess we just don’t see the same solution to it! 😉
I would prefer chuck parachuting in to save his future wife than Sarah getting shot, stabbed at the wedding and Chuck and family nervously pacing. That’s way to Grey’s anatomy.
What about Sarah getting hurt saving Ellie, Mama B aka her family. Sarah can be a hero then you get the revenge of Chuck. I honestly don’t get what all the worry is about, I have a lot of issues with TPTB but one of their strengths is writing season enders; Ring, Ring Part II, Other Guy and Push Mix, these all rated highly in Ernie’s poll the other day. I expect them to wow us again.
I do agree with Crumby that the best show is both of them kicking butt together like in Honeymooners, and I hate when Sarah fades into the background sometimes. But I also like that they both can save the other on occasion. And I have a certain “it’s Chuck’s turn” feeling in the going epic to save their partner department.
Sorry, I really messed up my comment … starting over.
I’m standing by my former list
Schwedak did say “We will leave nothing behind …” So, based on that and the finales of the past and how crazy it would be to cliff hang the wedding, I am looking forward to a fantastic 23-24, including a great wedding.
I know I’m in a minority when I say that. But we’ve already had Other Guy, Ring II and Push Mix for Chuck’s hero moment. I don’t need one again. I want something new.
And for the record, my main problem with Ring II and Push Mix is Sarah. I’m not counting Other Guy because that was the point, Chuck was saving her.
Maybe they were great episodes but what I’m saying is: I’d find it better if they had a hero moment together for a change.
http://www.chucknielsen.net/… this sounds like such a great idea – I’m surprised that somebody form CTB hasn’t already started this compaign…
What are the odds of finding 15 or 20 more Nielsen boxes?
I have been posting that on twitter for ever. Never got a response. I also just posted it to Face book but I never use face book so we will see if I get anyone to bite.
The problem with this plan is, when someone gets a Nielsen box they sign a two year agreement with the company that specifically states they will not discuss their Nielsen status. So not only could it be difficult to find people this way, but once you do they’re in breach of contract, and could loose their box if the company finds out.
Nielsen does not want viewers bartering their services. That invalidates the system. I know, the system has plenty of issues regardless (like if their sampling really is representative), but Nielsen is not stupid about the ways their data could be even further compromised.
Our best bet is always to talk up the show and encourage everyone we know to tune in. Social networking sites are obviously fair game. I have recruited one new viewer, who I later found out was a Nielsen viewer at the time, so you never know (she no longer is, but no doubt her viewership is part of why we got S4!). Only 25000 Nielsen viewers sounds like a small sample, and it is. But chances are one or two of you who’re reading this right now know one. You probably DON’T KNOW you know one; so the point is, get everyone you can to watch. And let everyone know Chuck needs their support, if they watch multiple shows on Monday night watch Chuck live and get back to the others later (DWTS doesn’t need viewers, Chuck does!)
This spoiler pretty much sounds like 4.23 and 4.24.
http://www.tvline.com/2011/02/spoiler-alert-chuck-bosses-on-volkoffs-return-a-chucksarah-wedding-and-season-5/
This is the reason for my paranoia yesterday. And when I saw that picture I was like Fedak that rat bastard but he would be kookoo for Cocoa Puffs if he never got them married.
“FEDAK : I’m saying “maybe” because we’re working on that part of the season now. Things can happen between engagement and wedding. The Chuck/Sarah relationship is the cornerstone of the show and we’re not looking to break them up or throw too many problems at them. But you never know when cliffhangers are going to happen.”
alladinsgenie4u
No I mean she is sworn to secrecy what she saw filmed. She can’t even talk about it good or bad because Fedak asked her no to.
She could solve most of are debate but she can’t. Lol
This approach isextremely frustrating and it will be the first and last Fedak or Schwartz show I
Watch.
this is a comment on show runners. now i don’t think this apply’s to all of them but it gives you an indication of their mentality. in an interview with TPTB of castle he made this comment when asked about castle and beckett getting together this year. “i don’t think the fans feel they are ready for it yet, even though the shippers are screaming for it. i feel they need to go through something dramatic before they do get together. how does he know what the fans want? BTW they are killing someone off in the finale. it goes along with fedak saying the death part in the one interview. despite what we think of show runners being in tune with their audience, this kind of says the other don’t ya think? i mean the ratings on chuck dropped the episode immediately following a dark episode? now they are planning something dark sounding for 4.23/4.24. granted i think it will be ok at the end of 4.24 but why push something that cost viewers the last 3 times?
Jason props to you on calling the formula for the last 3 episodes being the same as the other 3 episode arcs this year.
Some of what they have to say is just to keep things exciting. If they admit “everything will be fine” it draws some of drama and excitement out of the show. But of course too dark turns off many people too, so the whole thing is quite a balancing act. On top of that, their emotional attachment to the characters is simply different than ours. I’m sure they love many of the characters they write, but angst and tension don’t really affect them when they’re looking at outcomes and big picture issues. It may make show runners seem clinical or detached in way; but entertaining US is supposed to be their JOB. It is likely impossible for them to completely understand the viewer’s perspective, that’s part of why I’ve always seen it as a duty and an opportunity to be clear about my opinions here. Across the Internet, on blogs and forums, we can provide a resource for them to gain insight into what some of their viewers are actually thinking. We know there’s limitations to that, those of us who post are hardly typical fans, but it’s one tool at their disposal to actually understand what viewers want.
dave i understand what you just said. and i agree with most of it. i know it’s their story to tell. my point mostly dealt with the “i don’t feel the fans are ready.” i don’t see how ANY show runner could know that. that falls under the notion of us knowing why a show loses viewers.
like you have always said a very minor part of any fandom actually posts their likes or dislikes about the show they watch.
dang no edit button! this should have been the quote, “i don’t think the fans feel they are ready for it yet, even though the shippers are screaming for it.”
Yeah army that is sort of a funny quote; he admits ‘shippers are screaming for it, but separates them from the bulk of the audience.
Now that said, I watch Castle and would tend to agree somewhat. For starters, Castle and Becket are not Chuck and Sarah. Right from the start, they were fun to watch together, but they were clearly not a good match (or “ready for each other”). Its been quite satisfying to watch a good, mature, and platonic friendship develop between them. But it still lacks some of the intensity and urgency that seemed to be present on Chuck. While I’ll always say Schwedak blew it big time by continuing Chuck’s wt/wt into S3; Castle has a different pacing and different dynamic, if it gets drawn out for a little while longer that’s probably fine with most viewers. I know I identify pretty strongly with ‘shippers here (and I’m always a bit of a softy on these issues), but I don’t see a need to push things in Castle.
Of course all of that is just my take on one specific show. I tend to bristle at show runners making comments like “give fans what they need not what they want” (Joss Whedon); that is professional hubris, period. It is a balancing act for them to look at viewer opinions and figure out what actually is best for the show, characters, and story. But they dismiss the wants of the audience at their peril.
Dave did you ever watch Friday Night Lights? I think they have one the best TV married couple ever. So great to watch a relationship like this.
I agree with you, Dave, on all points. Emotional attachment is the perfect word for it. It’s not that they don’t love the characters they create or portray. But their perspective and attachment is totally different. The better they do their job, the more real the characters are to us, and the greater the divide between our emotional attachment and theirs.
As for drama, they have to know their audience. I like some drama. I don’t want things to get too dark (like the misery arc). S3 went into the worst of all possible dark areas, damaging the lead characters and the central relationship. I don’t think they lost any viewers over killing off Emmett or Bryce or even PapaB.
Now that we know the darkness they are capable of, people are jumping at shadows. To make matters worse, as you said somewhere, TPTB like to promote with negative energy. It’s a shame. I hurts more than it helps, especially in the post S3 era. I think it wears people out. By contrast, I believe if they had taken the positive approach to promotion, they would already have S5 in the bag.
I think the rest of the episodes look exciting. If it’s like the final arcs from 2, 3.5, and 4.0, bring it on. It’ll be great. I don’t think a death (within certain limits) will drive folks away. Now, cliff hanging the wedding, that’s a different matter …
As for other shows and wt/wt, like you, I’ve been fine with Castle and Becket. Their friendship has be fun to watch, and the geometry has been mostly off screen. But I wouldn’t go past S4 with them. Same with Bones. I’ve been totally satisfied with their growing friendship. She’s just now getting to the point of being capable of something more.
Crumby I haven’t watched Friday Night Lights, but I have heard a lot good about it, and it is on my list to check out someday. I do love a well portrayed married relationship, it is often hard to find on television.
Thinkling I like the “jumping at shadows” line. We’ve seen some of that here the last couple days. We are often ready to assume the worst now when they plan tougher stories. Really too bad, it would be nice if we could all just get excited about these things; but TPTB dug quite a hole for themselves.
I am excited now, and agree they could write another character death and not really ruin anything. But I hope it doesn’t come to that. Its not like there’s any regular characters I actually WANT to see killed off!
I too think one more season is likely the limit for wt/wt on Castle, I have no opinion on Bones (I’ve watched it, but I’m not a regular viewer).
arrmysfc says…thinkling dave, i agree with the bones thing. i’m not vested in any couple on tv on any show. i watch bones and can’t understand TPTB. same with castle. they have several talks about why they can’t be together yet TPTB keep going at it. it makes no sense. like with chuck i just want them to either get together or stop making gaga eyes at it other. that applies to castle as well. i find that very annoying.
my opinion is probably from my past. when a guy asks a girl out for the first time, even after they may have met a few times they still have a lot to learn. i fail to see why couple on TV needs to be great friends or know so much about each other before they go out. any relationship is a learning process no matter how long they have been together. so make them more realistic and go through all the nervousness of real people and forget the waiting for two years to finally go out. that’s why i don’t follow couples, that and 90% never get together anyway so why waste my time worrying about it.
That’s why it works on Bones IMO. The character at the beginning of the show doesn’t believe in romance, and has no interest in pursuing a relationship. Friendship is completely fine for her, and Booth just think they aren’t compatible for those exact reasons.
Because of the way Brennan is “all reason, no feelings” etc., it makes sense for them to have to overcome that in order to even contemplate getting together.
[Spoiler alert for those that haven’t seen this season] It becomes more of a stretch now that they have both admitted at some point that they were ready to try. The way they handled S6 has IMO to lead to them getting together by the end of it. I don’t see plausible obstacles anymore (apart from those stated 2 episodes ago), and I really wish that the next step for them will indeed be to work on their relationship while dating.
When it comes to Castle, the reasons why they aren’t together could very well be worked on while they’re together. That’s why I agree that it can’t last much longer than S4. If it does it will either diminish the relationship or the characters (much like it did for Chuck in S3) because of artificial obstacles that aren’t making much sense and only have a plot purpose.
Army the most important thing to me in any show is being able to like and respect at least one main character. That’s usually a pretty short trip to being emotionally invested. It doesn’t always happen. I liked watching Human Target this last season, and liked the theme of a main hero with a murky past and much to atone for (well, I like that theme as long as the hero IS actually trying to atone for it; anti-heroes leave me cold). But it was more of a buddy show and there really was no romantic relationship of note. That’s completely fine with me. But if there is a central relationship and the characters are at all likable I will probably invest pretty quickly at least in how they treat each other. I love the friendship themes we’ve seen played out in Castle. Generally speaking I like action-adventure whether its spy, police, military, sic-fi, fantasy, western, historic, or whatever. But liking one or more characters and how they relate to each other is more important to me than any particular story element or thematic issue. So I get pretty excited about Chuck, Castle, and Burn Notice; while I quickly got disgusted with Battlestar Galactica and 24.
Much of my take is also a reflection of my own life. I value friendships highly. I’ve had many close friendships with women over the years, and my wife and I were friends for 6 years before we even started dating, and the last six months of our “friendship” all of our other friends were teasing about how together we already were. But we moved at our mutual comfort level and I’m pretty happy about how life has worked out. I find myself especially drawn to TV shows where I see relationship elements similar to what I’ve experienced. Good friends who learn they have to be together will get me every time; well, as long as there aren’t too many love triangles along the way! (nothing burns me up quicker, not sure entirely why.)
Crumby I agree with all of that. Chuck ran it a season too long. Castle isn’t in any trouble yet, but they are nearing the expiration date on wt/wt.
Army says. you guys are right in what you say. i just don’t care about the relationships. if they work together to get the job done i’m ok. provide me with entertainment and a good plot i’ll be a happy camper. when the WT/WT becomes the focal point i lose interest. i have real people that i see it happening i don’t need to see it on TV
@Crumby: I agree with you about Bones. They’ve gotten to the point that getting them together is on the horizon. I loved her self-analysis about strong vs. impervious. Perfect.
@Dave: I’m pretty much the same about shows. Character and relationships are essential for investment. Doesn’t have to be romance, even though romance done right is great. I watch shows occasionally, as fillers, that have interesting plots, but not particularly engaging characters; but I don’t get invested in those shows. And the characters need to grow for me to stay invested.
If you like British TV, I recommend Doc Martin (a dramedy about a top London surgeon, who moves to a small Cornwall town to be the GP, after developing a blood phobia) … way better than House, IMO. It’s on Hulu and Netflix.
Yeah, I usually don’t like procedurals, unless they give me characters and relationships that I care about and/or an overall story that is keeping things interesting (The Good Wife for example has everything of a procedural but there is an overall story that is really great.)
I like Bones because of the relationship and characters, and after 6 years honestly I don’t really care about the cases unless it involves personal matters or recurring villains.
For Castle, I found myself being really bored halfway through the last couple of episodes, and if they don’t spice things up either with the relationship or the cases, it will become too boring for me.
I found the romance and WT/WT really more compelling in Bones than in Castle. The obstacles they had/have to overcome really feel more genuine.
Castle is funnier though. 😉
@Thinkling:
“jumping at shadows”
“promote with negative energy”
I think you hit two nails on the head with that post.
So, Thinkling…when are YOU going to start writing?
I would read it.
I have a question about this promotion issue. I hear your argument for a more positive way of promoting the show, but what would you say to do that? Because if there is no sense of danger, issues to overcome, unexpected twists etc., it doesn’t seem really interesting. (It’s a real question not a pick at anyone or sarcasm.)
Crumby when I brought up the negative promotion thing the other day I was thinking of how they like to talk about dire events and relationship problems like they’re a selling point. I would consider positive promotion to be things like show glimpses of awesome stunt work, hearing about where they’re traveling to in upcoming missions, and maybe getting the occasional funny line or moment spoiled in a preview. The coming wedding is a perfect example; they still talk like they don’t want to “spoil” if its going to happen or not. Well, c’mon; people will be royally POed if it doesn’t happen, so go ahead and spoil a little bit like a shot of the bridesmaids at the church or everybody celebrating at the reception. The people who do care would be hugely excited to see it, while the people don’t care still wouldn’t care. They don’t have to spoil what obstacles they have to overcome to get married or even what Sarah’s dress will look like; but give people something to be HAPPY excited about instead of WORRIED excited. I think it would help ratings A LOT.
crumby, i agree with dave. if you are a casual viewer of chuck or one on the edge you would be more likely to tune in to see a wedding than sarah getting shot. its hard to promo suspense but easy to promo happiness.
i don’t think we will see the actual wedding. i think we will just see the i do if they do get married.
Exactly, Dave. Positive promotion to me means hype that there will be a wedding. That’s something to get excited about. People don’t want to be teased all season with a wedding that gets yanked at the last minute. I don’t think they’ll do that, but they still act like they might. That does not make people excited. It makes them fearful.
Don’t put the wedding at risk, but feel free to talk about danger and obstacles (not internal, but bad guy stuff). I like your idea about promoting stunts and humorous lines and any other good stuff. But they have one event that a lot of people have waited 4 years to see, and they promote it from a negative wt/wt angle. It borders on cruel, and it’s definitely counter productive. If they had promoted the wedding in a positive way, we’d already have S5 locked.
I do agree that obviously it’s best to be as you put it Dave, happy excited instead of worried excited (even though worry can be part of the excitement IMO).
But it also come to how fans interpret what they are given. They didn’t gave us bridesmaids pictures but we did get a church with a panel with the inscription “Bartowki wedding 4PM” or something like this. I’m not sure what the difference is. We also know that Mini Anden and Mercedes Masohn were on the set for the last days of shooting, so you have the bridemaids.
We know they’re are planning on the wedding, and the “may or may not happen” could just be interpreted as “a lot of things will happen, it won’t go smoothly, and Chuck and Sarah will have to overcome, like in every step in their relationship, a lot to get their happy day and make the wedding happen.”
@VV: promoting with negative energy was what Dave said earlier. Sorry, I should have been more clear.
Thanks VV.
Honestly Thinkling I’ve never interpreted it in “a negative wt/wt angle.”
All they said was it may not happen, they never said it was because C&S wouldn’t want it to happen. I’ve always interpreted it the way that there will be external obstacles getting in the way.
@Crumby:
Castle may be funnier, although I get some great laughs out of Bones, too. But I think Bones has better supporting cast. I could watch a Bones with Brennan and Booth gone for the episode. I don’t think I would with Castle.
@Thinkling I completely agree about the supporting cast. I love Castle’s mother (she’s hilarious), and his daughter to a certain extent, but Ryan, Esposito and Lanie aren’t doing it for me. (No offense to the actors that seem like wonderful people.) Their just really cliché and not at all interesting.
I’m not sure an episode without Booth and Bones would be all that interesting but I definitely think the supporting cast and characters are stronger.
Crumby, that’s what I meant. Maybe I should have said will it/won’t it. I never thought they meant it would be a C/S thing. But a canceled or postponed wedding for any reason would still be extremely disappointing and alienate fans. Ultimately I don’t think they do Chuck any favors by teasing that the wedding could be derailed.
Yesterday Zach and Yvonne were together for last time for S4 and possibly for ever. Fans are excited about the wedding so the first question comes up Yvoone did you get to pick your dress for the wedding. Answer who says their is going to be a wedding. That pretty much ends all talk about the wedding. Why would they ask anymore questions. They can’t ask them both
How does it feel to have your characters get married. So unless they have a secret interview that will not be released until after the show the fans will never know. As a fan why would you get excited for someything if theshow won’t embrace it. By not even talking about it they are removing all the bullets from their gun. Why even ask questions if all you will get is a standard answer. Don’t expect to be wowed by the ratings for 4.24 this approach is more a deterrent than a benefit.
But don’t you think there could be people that tune in because they’re wondering why the wedding wouldn’t happen?
If you know it will happen in 4.24 and it’s all you’re interested in, you’ll just watch 4.24, no?
Yeah Crumby I didn’t mean to suggest there was no place for the negative or stress inducing elements. But I do think in interviews and promotional material they tend to over-emphasize those elements. The result being that they often present a bleaker view of the show than what the actual show is. As Thinkling pointed out, with something like the wedding coming up I think the result is counter-productive. Four years in, the fans who actually care about the relationship are hungry for this, and too much teasing about it will only make people angry. The sign in front of the church and tweets from the bridesmaids were good moves; the ambiguous words of Fedak in a recent interview was not.
Just for the record, my confidence in what sort of episodes we’re going to get is very high. My concerns have to do with how things are presented in the face of falling ratings.
I would agree with Rich, that’s a VERY bad PR move. Again, I trust what we’ll see on screen; I do not trust the way they are promoting it.
The sign was not released by The WB that was a fan who drove by. I mean even Faith is stone faced about what she saw.so what’s to get excited about. No-one is hyping it. How can you interview your cast when you have them in person about a wedding that may not happen. I think it is safe to blame Fedak on these horrible ratings not solely but he shares some of the blame.
Honestly if S4 hasn’t been all about embracing the wedding, I don’t know what would be. They’ve given us a REALLY relationship heavy season. The proposal was really well done (IMO). Now they’re saying that of course there will be a lot happening, and things will get in the way (no kidding, it’s Chuck), and all fans can say is: they’re really not helping.
I just think interpreting everything in the worse possible way isn’t helping either.
Everything that is leached (even by fans) is controlled by TPTB. If they hadn’t want that picture to be released, fans wouldn’t have been able to take it. They go at length to preserve secrecy.
Maybe trying to draw back some viewers tired of the relationship focus of the season by not making everything about the wedding is a good thing.
Rich
I mean even Faith is stone faced about what she saw
You mean the Queen of Shippers is stone faced about the cliffhanger? Now I fear the worst. 😦 😉
I love this show but what I don’t like is it’s promotion. It’s all Fedak and I cringe and roll my eyes at every single interview he does. You notice the most succeasful shows embrace storylines and run with them. Chuck plays coy and fails to lets it’s actors promote anything. Not the engagement and certainly not the wedding. Does Fedak think the ratings will crash he actually promotes something positive. Lol
OK well, take Agent X for example. The Ellie bit could really be worrying and kind of a serious storyline.
Yet, they’ve been promoting the bachelor party, supposedly going to Vegas, getting lost in the woods. Exciting things wouldn’t you say?
hey all…i said said a bit ago that we probably wont see the wedding but here’s my take. there just is not enough time in the episode for what they have planned. my guess is based on another persons theory. we see a montage of sorts from the couples past then the camera pans to them saying i do, a pulls out to show the bridal party (if they go that route). there is the marriage, just like the proposal. nothing fancy just the result.
if it’s true that maybe why they have not promoted the wedding. who would not be mad if they hyped the wedding and that’s what ya got?
i don’t care about it that much but for those of you that do i would be ready to not see the actual wedding and just the results.
Crumby
supposedly going to Vegas, getting lost in the woods.
Who says getting lost in the woods isn’t worrisome? They could face all sorts of danger in the woods – badgers, foxes, hedgehogs etc. Now that I think about it some more, I am actually really afraid of what might happen in those woods. 😦 Damn, the negative publicity. 😉 😀
Alladins are you a Jeffster fan?
Alladins are you a Jeffster fan?
I don’t know the exact spoiler. Is is Jeffster who get lost in the woods? In that case, it’s good. Hope that answers your question.
Or is your question rhetorical and you are implying something? 😦
They said torture will be involved and it won’t be on a spy.
Scott Krinsky shot very late at night, until 3AM I think, the day before C2E2 in Chicago. They were filming the bachelor party. So my guess is Jeff will be tortured.
It will either be hilarious for those who like Jeffster or for those who don’t like them, they’ll just be happy he’s being tortured.
Excited, yet? 😉 😀
Army I couldn’t care less about ceremony and formality, its not my thing at all; I’m the kind of guy who wears jeans to church. But there a lot of people who go nuts for weddings. Wedding episodes always get better ratings, the industry is huge; its simply a publicity bonanza. I think they’re completely nuts if they don’t devote a few minutes to a wedding AND make it very clear its coming. Playing coy with it, or relegating it to an ending montage are bad ideas, and I think a huge number of fans will be disappointed if that happens.
Crumby
I am excited 😉 To see the comedic potential of Jeff getting tortured (because I am sure it will end up being funny)
So, Chuck et al get lost in the woods. That is decidedly funny.
Quick Question: If all the men are going to Vegas, where is Ellie throwing the bachelorette party? In Burbank? At Echo Park?
Crumby
I am excited 😉 To see the comedic potential of Jeff getting tortured (because I am sure it will end up being funny)
So, Chuck et al get lost in the woods. That is decidedly funny.
Quick Question: If all the men are going to Vegas, where is Ellie throwing the bachelorette party? In Burbank? At Echo Park?
One more thing: Is it just me or this particular chain of comments in this thread has become a bit unwieldy and cumbersome?
Goes back to my positive/negative thing. Getting lost in the woods is funny and could be a great preview. Jeff getting tortured, and likely driving his torturer completely insane is very funny.
Saying “something terrible happens to someone we love” is negative and not something I look forward to.
And yeah Aladdins this thread is getting VERY clumsy!
They seem to want to promote the bachelor party thing. I think they will. Let’s not forget it’s in 2 weeks, there’s still time.
I think Last Details will have some drama, and they want to keep the stake high. It’s a spy story, we need the sense of danger. Considering we know it’s very unlikely they kill major characters, only that kind of promotion really does make you wonder. And do see this as a mistake.
Also they might just promote the wedding after Last Details.
Maybe we need to have a speculation post between every episodes. Like we did last year. It would be less clumsy. I don’t doubt will have plenty of spec between now and May 16th…
I’m late to the party, as usual 😉 And I think I have a piece in the works re: being a shipper. So I’ll keep this short 😀
You have no idea Rich/Rac, haven’t a clue how hard this has been for me. I’ll speak to you, well everyone when the episode has been shown and I’ll hopefully clarify some things re: my reaction or lack of one. The thing is, as I mentioned before, it’s really hard for me to say ANYTHING, because whatever I say will have some sort of sway any which way or reveal things they don’t want revealed. I’m not DR, I don’t choose to tease or poke the shippers or non-shippers and the hungry masses of spoiler officionados (of which I am one). I don’t want to play the games, I care too much about the Chuck fans to do that. I choose to respect the wishes of the powers that be and I ask for patience. From the fans, from those that know me and my personality. I ask that you keep the faith on the show that we all love and fell for, and wait and see.
We talked a bit about this yesterday ;). The way they promote the show is not and have never been the show. We know that.
I don’t know the extent of freedom they gave the fan that was on set as it comes to pictures, or set visit. I do know that Chris Fedak told me not to reveal what I saw because and I quote, “twist” something or other. I could reveal my picture with Adam Baldwin, and with Zac Levi just as the fan in the recent pictures has revealed his sets of pictures (admittedly, the one in the hospital with Sarah in a hospital gown should have been banned) but I won’t. My reasons are as follows: there are all sorts of conclusions, rightly or wrongly that you can draw from mere images. Heck, I draw conclusions on the Chuck and Sarah pics that they have in their apartment so I know this personally. And I wouldn’t want to disrespect the wishes of Fedak and company. I will say though that I do think they’re going about this wrong. It’s not so much a personal affront that, *scoff* this guy can show a damning pic, but I can’t show mine? *scoff* I’m not that narcissistic 😉 but rather they choose to reveal to actual press that which is only slanted one way and not the other. I think it’s mistake and I’ve gone on record saying as such. They have essentially put any wedding (whether or not that will happen ;)) talks at this point (maybe this will change in the future) in a gag order, and that’s their choice, rightly or wrongly. I see the positive, there are still stories to tell so why focus on it right now, but at the same time I’m puzzled why they choose to focus on the death at this point in time. But again, just take a step back and wait and see.
Faith, I imagine how hard this has to be to not say anythin. I have to say that I agree with you, it’s best that way. People will interpret ANYTHING one way or the other. I support you completely about this.
Don’t you guys think that they’re being secretive about the wedding because saying right now, “yes there will definitely be a wedding” would spoiled some fun from the upcoming episodes, especially Last Details?
The promo for Cliffhanger may promote the wedding after all. There’s still time.
I mean if some folks just tune in for the wedding, why does it matter that they say it will happen right now, or in a few weeks?
There is still some time and we may yet get some positive press. But right now it sure looks like a golden opportunity is being missed.
You are right Crumby that it may be more clear after 4.23. And right now us die-hards are likely the only ones paying attention anyway!
They’ve thrown a lot of fun things out there. Jack Burton and Kathleen. Bachelor and Bachelorette party. Agent X and Ellie’s involvement. Carina, Zondra, Mama B and Volkoff will return.
Let’s be excited about that!
TPTB have always been spoiler phobic, except what they want to release, occasionally there have been a few slips, the beach wedding pictures in season 2 and the picture of Zach, Yvonne and Brandon from season 3. Faith told us that CF had asked her not to reveal what she has said and I respect her honoring that request.
The template for these stories is tension and release, they hype the tension so that the release will be that much greater, if they said Chuck and Sarah will be wed and all will be sweetness and light then it undercuts all that they are telling as the story. Personally I’m looking forward to an exciting and fun story that has an ending that I’ll like very much. Think of the end of the season enders, Ring – Chuck and Sarah want to be together and both admit it, just not to each other, Other Guy – they get together, Push Mix – they get engaged, why would you expect something bad from Cliffhanger?
faith thanks for the restraint on the pics and info, even if i don’t like it. also thanks for almost confirming my post from the other day saying that picture wasn’t supposed to be released by that fan.
Seriously, all the guys from Chuck, captain, spies and buy morons, never making it to Vegas and getting lost in the woods? How can that not be hilarious?!
That does sound funny and would be an excellent thing to show in the preview.
i read some where its the girls that go to vegas (strippers are involved) and the guys go camping.
They didn’t say where the bacholerette party would be. They just said it wouldn’t go according to plan either.
For the record Jeff being the one being tortured is just my guess. Whatever they do, I’m sure it will be funny.
Hmm. Wonder if it will a reverse of Broken Heart (2×18) with a male stripper all over Sarah?
No I’m pretty sure it’s the Bachelor Party that was supposed to be in Vegas. I haven’t heard anything about camping.
crumby i knew i read there was camping…this was just posted…contians some spoilers as well, enjoy.
maryploppins613: Chuck Chuck Bo Buck…
…banana-fana fo…wait a minute. You almost got us with that one! No F-bombs here. Except for maybe one: freedom. As in, Chuck and Sarah’s last night of freedom with bachelor and bachelorette parties! “There’s some good action in the bachelorette party,” Yvonne Strahovski tells us. As for the bachelor party, the boys will be taking Las Vecas by storm! No typo there. Las Vecas is a campground, so prepare for some rustic male bonding.
heres the link….http://www.eonline.com/uberblog/watch_with_kristin/b237078_spoiler_chat_which_glee_babe_exits_show.html
hope this is new. read the comments below as well.
http://chucktv.net/2011/04/15/spoilers-chuck-vs-the-seavers/
The reason they are not promoting the wedding is that weddings don’t attract male audiences, which is what has been dropping. So they promote danger, mayhem and bachelor parties in hopes of getting some male viewers to watch. Men (generally) won’t come for a wedding episode.
Yvonne did not say “what wedding?” She said yes she did have a say on the wedding dress, but who said there’d be a wedding. That’s a different answer. Of course, there is a wedding, but it just won’t be the only thing in the episode. And she’s clearly been told not to spoil the alleged surprise. The wedding is a given. There is NO value in not doing the wedding now. It’s not a storyline that will have legs and it is a proven repellent of young male viewers, which the show desperately needs if it is to have a fifth season.
The stuff at the hospital is NOT the end of the final episode, either. It was shot last because the set (the hospital from Scrubs) was only available at that time. My guess is that it’ll be scenes at the beginning of 24. The “cliffhanger” from Chuck Vs. the Cliffhanger will be something that happens at the end of Last Details. More likely an injury to Sarah, which will be healed in time for a fairly traditional wedding.
The cliffhanger, such as it is, at the end of the final episode will be something that changes the mythology again. It will be a Fedak-style “cliffhanger,” in other words, something that sets up the next season, a la “I know Kung Fu” and the Orion cave. Again, there is no benefit to leaving any existing storyline unfinished. That kind of stuff does not matter to NBC (i.e., it won’t be a factor in a renewal) and the show has never left unfinished storylines at the end of any season.
I think there are only two real unknowns: The identity of Agent X (I think it’s Ellie, Sarah or Sarah’s mom) and why is Dalton dressed as Tuttle again in that picture.
Thanks for your input First Timer! Interesting about the availability on the hospital set.
The Dalton/Tuttle thing is intriguing. Makes me wonder if we’ll see a completely changed character at the end of the season, that would be fun!
I agree with a lot of that, and I really think that focusing too much on the wedding won’t help bring back the viewers that left this season.
Viewers that left last year, yeah sure, but the entire season has been about the engagement and the wedding. If they haven’t come back to see Chuck & Sarah together by now… How many times did Yvonne said, C&S were very couple-y, that she didn’t believe in the moonlighting curse, and that getting C&S together had worked for the show? She said it again in the last TV Guide interview. It’s enough info on the relationship front.
Let’s promote something else.
By the way, I should say that we may be overthinking Agent X. The identity may be as simple as as hitherto unknown CIA type (say, the Eraser from Last Details) who has the Intersect. Agent X may not factor at all in the game-changing mythology alteration at the end of 24. After all, they did not tip the “kung fu” or “Orion Cave” moments in advance. So no reason to assume they would plant the seeds of Season 5 in a Season 4 episodes.
I’m officially out of opinions now… 🙂
Well, I guess not TOTALLY out of opinions…
I also find it interesting that Mekenna Melvin isn’t in the hospital picture. I don’t find it surprising that Jeffster and Big Mike are not there; they wouldn’t logically be involved with a hospital scene that involves Sarah. But the Alex character knows the spy set up. If she wasn’t involved in shooting on the hospital set, it could be that SHE is offed in Last Details. (She would be a loose end by CIA standards, after all…) That would also allow them to inject some pathos into the show (ie, a tragedy for both Morgan and Casey) without messing with the wedding dynamic. I could see the Alex character being deemed acceptable for elimination…
I think Agent X will have everything to do with the Eraser and what happen in Last Details, and also probably what happen in Cliffhanger. But the twist that will launch S5 will be something new.
The only way the Norseman is the least bit interesting is if Agent X is a Bartowski. I’m still going with Chuck, because of the male body-type scans on the lap-top, and because he was Patient X. And because of Ellie’s foreshadowing, “Do you think dad had the Intersect project up an running in this Agent X?” Yup.
If Chuck is Agent X, Vivian can wipe out all of the Bartowski’s with one pull of the trigger: MamaB, Ellie, Clara, Chuck, and even Sarah (if she’s pregnant). That makes the weapon a real threat. Otherwise it’s just a cool prop for Chuck Versus the Family Volkoff.
I could be wrong, but that’s my guess.
Good observation, FT, on the Alex absence.
dont forget carina and zondra either. just remember what faith said about that picture, lol. they may have completed filming their parts or were not available for the picture. it may not mean a dang thing who’s there or not. then maybe everyone that’s not there got whacked. massive explosion in 4.23 killed em all! just funnin ya all.
Would the Norseman really wipe out and entire family? I mean they do share DNA but not all of it. Surely it’s more precise than this, no?
My bad. I just rewatched the scene and Volkoff did say “a target or a family of targets,” so I guess it would be possible to wipe out Bartowskis.
dude i said i was funnin ya! all these posts about a death i don’t see were gettin to me, lol. i just looked at the picture and said, huh sarah got hurt or pregnant. then bam all sorts of folks are killed off, lol. just wanted some fun here.
LOL. Well I think it’s safe to say that Bartowskis probably won’t all be eliminated. That would be an awkward launch to S5… 😉
Unless Chuck becomes the Casey and Morgan show?
I didn’t mean that all or multiple (or even one), Bartowski’s would be killed. I just meant that if Vivian targets Agent X with the weapon, which is what she said she would do, it only matters if Agent X is a Bartowski. Why would we care about Agent John Doe from Toledo? If Chuck is Agent X, the stakes would be incredible, because all Bartowski’s would be at risk, including Sarah (if she were pregnant). None of them has to die. It’s just a great scary scenario.
I know what you meant Thinkling. I was just teasing Army.
I agree with you, the stakes would be huge. It works if Papa B was the Intersect too. Takes Mama B out of the picture but there’s still Ellie, Chuck and Clara.
I disagree about the “Why would we care about Agent John Doe from Toledo?” since the show is still about saving the world and all that. It could actually be a nice change if it wasn’t all about family business.
thinkling i have been on board with chuck being agent x from the start so im with you. now the point i don’t agree with is the weapon targeting chucks family. heres why. it works on DNA right? so for her to target chucks family she would need either chucks ellies or mary’s DNA. she could get that sure, but she would need to KNOW one of them is agent X. she does not know who agent X is. because we find out doesn’t mean she does. there would have to be a DNA match for the weapon to work. now if she finds out in say 4.22 or early in 4.23 that one of them is agent X i’m on board with it, but for now its to early to call.
One thing, Beckman said “we’ve never even heard of Agent X” so relate Patient X to Agent X is kind of a long stretch.
@thinkling:
I guess Chuck is the default option for Agent X, although I would find that an overblown way for Ellie to find out. And there’d be no drama in Agent X being the only person Volkoff feared because we’ve already seen Chuck beat Volkoff. But, hey, it’s not like this show hasn’t beat dead horses before.
The one thing I would NOT factor into the equasion is the Patient X reference from Helicopter. The show just doesn’t roll that way. A one-off reference from three seasons ago isn’t likely to be paid off now. This, after all, is a show that used Project Omaha and “We’ll always have Omaha” within three episodes of each other and that was a dead end. This is a show that used Lisbon within five episodes of each other and did nothing with that.
This, after all, is a show that suggested Orion needed a watch governor in Season 3 even though when we met him in season two he wore a very conspicuous wrist computer. Their willing to stick with mythological “certainies” is, um, lame at best.
crumby this show pulls stuff out when it needs to. morgan suddenly knowing and being a master of yoga is just one example. they just did a redo of the bomb from the pilot as well. so for them to flush out something old is no surprise. my guess is orion knew (from last year we saw him down load when 8) about chuck and they were his brian waves. he may have had them labeled chuck when he started but when he found out chuck was an agent he changed the name to agent X. the work was still the same but now chuck was protected. remember he planted the LT before he died.
someone said that the big cliff hanger was not c/s not married or a life in the balance, but a change in the mythology of the show. some one else said maybe chuck was more involved in the spy world than he led on.
now add those 2 up and this sounds good. chuck was involved with his dad at some point making the intersect maybe even an agent. hence agent X. not working for GB or CIA but a more secret part of one of those. he has been hiding this fact from everyone. its a game changer and sets up season 5 don’t ya think? he has already taken over orion’s legacy.
how did that smiley get there? it was supposed to be an 8! chuck was 8, lol. that was nuts…
My point was, Orion didn’t have any connection to “Patient X” from Helicopter. So I don’t see why it would be related.
And Chuck hidding stuff from everyone would only be a downer. Plus it doesn’t make any sense. The guy would have been playing everybody, not really Chuck-y.
However Orion knew his son was special, so it makes sense that Chuck would be Agent X.
heres my stab at it. orion had to have been following chuck for some time. he could hack into anything so why not change that as well. as for that guess something like that is out of the box thinking and could rate a 0 for a cliff hanger, lol. i need to put out some weird stuff, maybe then i’ll get one right!
I had just been assuming Chuck was Agent X, but he didn’t know it. Orion may have embedded programming in the Intersect that could be of special use against Volkoff, so whoever became the Intersect agent would have become Agent X.
Of course I still wouldn’t be surprised if it was Ellie or Sarah either. Ellie could have received a download during her “research” and doesn’t even know about it yet. Likewise, Sarah could have been given a special program back in her “Omaha” days with Bryce.
But my first guess is still Chuck.
They also said that something terrible would happen but they never said someone would die.
i think thats coming from the sign that has a funeral listed above the bartowski wedding.
Fedak specifically did not rule out a death. Which of course means nothing, but it does leave open the door for someone getting offed. I suggested Alex the other day too, for the same reason as above; she’s missing from the group photo.
We don’t know anything, this is all pure speculation.
Another interesting thing is that we don’t know anything about Vivian. Lauren Cohan is supposed to have two episodes left right? So she’ll be in Last Details and Cliffhanger.
don’t know if this was posted yet but here’s promo 2 for 4.21.
http://zacharylevifan.com/wordpress/?p=9289
Chuck has always been very sadistic about spoilers. For instance , we thought Chuck hitting plywood would be a sign of something good, not the precursor to Chuck getting strangled and Sarah’s brain going awol for most of the season (it didn’t completely come back until the end of Ring 2).
My vote for Agent X is split 3 ways. If it’s a good guy , it’s Papa B or Chuck. If it’s Papa B, then it was an alternate identity that he used to harass Volkoff and others. This identity would live on when he was dead as Orion.(since he said he’d had to die several times) . This also means that if Vivian finds something that has Agent X’s dna on it she could wipe out Chuck, Ellie at the least depending on how far the Norseman hits.
If it’s a bad guy , Riley has my vote. We only have his word that he’s Volkoff’s lawyer. He could have been the one getting the messages through from Vivian to Volkoff and back (not directly) and thereby deleting any mention of himself.
One other thing that I’m interested in discovering is: what’s special with Agent X? Is it just about the Intersect, or is there something more behind it? Because the government wants to know about it, they seem kinda lost with all of this. It’s new data.
And why was Volkoff afraid of him but Mama B never heard of it?
Unless Mama B is agent X and has a version of the intersect like Orion did, dum dum dum.
Why couldn’t Sarah be Agent X? It would be a really cool callback to The Omaha Project,
Oops, nevermind. That would involve some past mythology actually having some relevance in later episodes.
Agent X will be Chuck.
Agent X will be Chuck.
Dang!! And here I thought that Agent X was a fancy name for a new clone of one of the sheep from 4×07. 😉
Because the scan on the computer had a male body outline .
JoeCBJ… my thoughts, all i know is the ohama project was military and chuck was selected for it. bryce made reference to we’ll always have omaha. it was never fleshed out they were one in the same. bryces line could be a call back to a Casablanca, originally “We will always have Paris” where the couple just spent time together. they do like movie call backs.
you need to do a lot of inferring to draw the conclusion they worked on the project. could they have sure, anything is possible, same is it’s possible they never did. (i think i’m right about these being the times it was brought up and how.)
@Joseph (can’t be Joe) – Actually, to be fair to the show, you shouldn’t forget Helicopter where Chuck was, I believe, designated Agent X during the Zarnow examination. Which far predates any mention of Project Omaha in Season One.
So technically, if Chuck IS Agent X, then an argument could be made that the show is simply following its own longstanding mythology. Not that I think that’s what’s actually happening, mind you. But just saying.
I’m pretty sure it was patient X.
It makes sense for them to have worked on Project Omaha otherwise why use Omaha, it’s not the only city in America?
My theory was that Bryce knew about project Omaha because he was a potential candidate for it . He could have been in contention or been an alternate that didn’t quite make the cut because of his scores but was close enough to be brought in if someone got sick or killed. Otherwise he really shouldn’t have known about a project that was presumably so hush hush.
Then , by getting Chuck disqualified by framing him he inadvertantly ended up taking Chuck’s path away from for years both as an agent and with Sarah.
for what its worth…Paul 80 over at TVBTN posted this in that fan campaign thread…
Posted April 16, 2011 at 9:37 AM
” Chuck wraped filming on April 14. We are doing a soft wrap, covering all sets, returning rentals that are not nailed down, star trailers, lights, working trucks, etc.
Now we wait until up fronts on May 16. My prediction is, Chuck will get 10 eps order and not be on in September. It will be replacement for a failed new show or be aired January 2012. Thanks to all the great Chuck fans . ”
found on DR’s blog.
That wouldn’t be my first choice, but at this point any additional order would be good news!
Is a “soft wrap” usual? Or does it have different implications?
Yeah, I’d much rather have a bigger order, even for Friday night.
well a soft wrap from what gather is usual if a show continues, unlike NOF where they tore all the sets down pending cancellation.
DR confirms his sources say WB thinks it’s a go but disputes the amount of episodes saying the poster may be wrong. it sounded like he was hinting at more. with DR ya never know but he is usually right. he also made it clear that even if WB thinks it’s a go, NBC still needs to sign off on it, if they do. it was just better news than in the past.
That is hopeful sounding.
Hopeful is good!
thinkling sorry this is a guess but a soft wrap leaves the large sets in tact for later use (what the guy said) i think a hard wrap would be tearing down of the major sets to be reused else where. my theory..why would you leave sets up if the show is canceled or tear them down if they are to be used again. i could be wrong but it makes sense.
I think you’re exactly right army. I believe sometimes sets are saved for more historic and sentimental reasons (supposedly much of the opera house set from the 1925 Phantom of the Opera is still being kept under wraps at Universal, simply because it was a beautiful set); but usually if the sets are being preserved it means they’re expected to be used again.
dave, thinkling… well DR just predicted a new season with 11-13 episodes airing in the fall. in caps he said get your hopes up…
i know he tweaks fans with certain spoilers but he does seem to have correct information with them. i also believe he is a fan. sounds like things are looking up. i’ll still wait for NBC though before a do a very small happy dance for you guys, LOL.
I’d agree about a small happy dance. I’ll save the big celebration for when we hear official good news. But certainly someone who often has the inside scoop thinking we’ll get it is worth at least a happy jig!
jigging out, as we speak.
Positive promotion ahead ;):
Wedding con:
http://www.examiner.com/tv-insider-in-los-angeles/chuck-vs-the-wedding-planner-shows-sarah-as-you-ve-never-seen-her-before
http://www.tvline.com/2011/04/matts-inside-line-scoop-on-a-chuck-first-parenthoods-season-finale/
Bachelor and bachelorette parties fun:
http://www.tvguide.com/News/Chuck-Sarah-Wedding-1031982.aspx
So the wedding is definitely out there, and the fun too!
Some excellent material there Crumby, Thanks! Its good to see some Chuck promotion out there. And it looks like we’re going to get a very interesting Sarah Walker episode tonight!
It’s not all drama and death, after all! 😉
Yeah, thanks, Crumby. The tone of the article does sound like the wedding is not in jeopardy, though we will have some bumps getting there. Not C/S bumps but external bumps. I’m fine wit that.
I am really jazzed about Wedding Planner. Should be great.
I loved Yvonne’s take on where things should head … more funny stuff and Mr/Mrs Smith stuff. That sounds like as much an admission as we’re going to get that the wedding has happened.
The tone was less certain about S5, though. Hope the recent leaks or predictions that Army found are right.
thinkling…there is a video floating around where they say they cant release any info on the episodes. i’m guessing their thoughts aout the renewal are the same. so they just don’t act to much one way or the other, lol.
Army here is the video. I love Zach and Josh going off on their lost tangent. Lol
Exposé!
Thanks for the vid Rich!
Is that Zac trying to get a episode centered on Fernando and Skip Johnson in S5?! 🙂
Latest spoiler from EW: http://bit.ly/f1CWiD
I would like to see some more Community or Chuck spoilers. — Becca
Sure thing! Would you like spies with that? On the night before Chuck and Sarah’s rehearsal dinner, something terrible will happen to someone we love (an incredibly important member of Operation Bartowski), and it will force the team to confront their greatest enemy: the CIA. “Chuck’s team will find themselves facing a CIA agent who’s tougher than Bentley, Beckman, and Shaw combined,” executive producer Chris Fedak teases.
So, CF finally mentioned the rotten Plywood, clubbing him as a tough agent along with Beckman and Bentley. Wonder if they will feel insulted if they somehow got to know it. 😉 Regarding the tough agent – Wonder if he is recruited by Vivian and as for the member of Team B being in danger, can we guess that to be Sarah? (hospital gown)
Sorry, forgot to add in the requisite name field.
BTW, is there any other scoop on this supposedly/allegedly tough agent. I heard something about some Eraser a while back.
opps… it also confirms my thoughts that the leaked hospital picture is from the beginning of the finale not the end. unless of course she’s still in the hospital at the end.
Isn’t 4×23 about Chuck and Sarah on separate missions across the world. I am guessing they wrap up their individual missions and come back home before the rehearsal dinner. As per the spoiler something terrible happens before the dinner – so, what about an assassination attempt on Sarah providing a lead in to the finale.
genie… heres my guess. the spoilers have chuck in a foreign country (ive seen pictures of him in a different country’s mil uniform) but they can’t figure out if sarah is in korea or korea town in LA. i’m betting she is still in LA. the eraser was described as a person who cleans up CIA mistakes. my guess is similar to yours. chuck is out of the country and the CIA puts out a hit on sarah, wounding her and chuck returns just in time to see it happen. then he goes on to kick butt at the end of 4.23 or 4.24 or both.
Army
the spoilers have chuck in a foreign country (ive seen pictures of him in a different country’s mil uniform) but they can’t figure out if sarah is in korea or korea town in LA. i’m betting she is still in LA
I thought that the spoilers specifically said that C/S are on the opposite sides of the planet. So Korea could actually be Korea and not Korea Town. Even if Sarah gets injured, I hope she gets well soon (time is fluid in the show). I want to see both C/S taking down the bad guys in the finale and making it a thing of urgency so as not to delay their wedding. (if it happens)
heres the one i read…
SadieJezierski: Chuck scoops!
Episode 23 is called “Chuck versus the Last Details.” Our favorite engaged couple are putting the finishing touches on their big day while working on opposite sides of the planet: Chuck’s going to be running a mission in a Colombian prison, while Sarah’s off somewhere speaking Korea”so she’s either in North or South Korea or, well, maybe just L.A.’s Koreatown. Will our favorite spies make it to the altar in time? We’ll probably have to wait until the last possible minute to find out, but does anybody doubt that the long-long-long awaited Chuck-Sarah union is going to be amazing and completely worth the wait?
note the line…maybe just L.A.’s Korea-town.
Army – Thanks. That little detail about Korea Town Slipped my memory. Must be the long term effects of brain bleach. 😉 🙂
Probably meant that Sarah would be in Korea (N or S), but Yvonne and cameras would be shooting in Korea Town 😉
thinkling, could be. i don’t see zac shooting in a colombian prison either. i still go with chuck away, sarah home working on the rehearsal dinner. chuck arrives to late to prevent sarahs injury. there are pics of him in a mil uni and parachute in front of a building. again just my take but i think thats his attempt to prevent what happens.
Yeah it sure seems like Sarah is the one in danger. That’s sort of good news, because we know she’ll be fine, makes it less likely anyone will be offed.
To me, that makes the burning question; will TeamB continue to work with the CIA? They keep talking about turning everything upside down. Wouldn’t be an intriguing end to have teamB and the CIA completely at odds at season’s end.
Back in S1 & S2 we got a little sense of Chuck being in some peril from the government, while Sarah was the one who stood in the breach and protected him from both sides. It would be interesting now if some sort of breach came about, we might see all of teamB go rogue.
genie… i think this is the one you are thinking of…When the “eraser” character was first revealed, they described him as a “determined and remorseless CIA agent who will go to any lengths and spare no expense — or life — in order to keep the CIA’s secrets buried.”
maybe they target ellie because of the lap top. sarah takes the bullet meant for her and chuck goes batcrap crazy.
Oh yeah Army, that would be a good way to get a crazy determined Chuck; the two most important women in his life both threatened!
I like that they come back to that threat that could be the government. It adds to the stakes. Although, they need to be careful with it. In season 1 & 2, Chuck had been thrown into the spy life against his will, so we were on his side when he fought the government. However, now that he chose that life, what is fighting the government about really needs to be a good reason.
Obviously, if they’re trying to kill someone from his family or thrown them underground or something like that, they can’t let that happen. But when Chuck was fighting Bentley in A-Team it didn’t really come out as anything virtuous to me. Sure Bentley was a jerk to Chuck, but was she wrong?
I don’t know if they’d really go to that ‘rogue’ scenario. There was already a lot of speculation about that last year with Orion’s message but they didn’t go that way. It could be a go twist though, and they could come back to a ‘middle ground’ situation quickly enough in S5 if they did that.
It’s also interesting that Orion didn’t trust the CIA much, but Mary doesn’t seem to have that problem… until the Intersect project threatens her family?
@Dave. Yeah, Sarah being the one hurt probably rules out death, unless two someone’s are hurt.
I think it would be very interesting to be at odds with the CIA. I have trouble imagining where they could go, if they stayed that way. Even TeamB is no match for the US Gov.
Diane pretty much threw the glove at Mary’s feet in The Family Volkoff. If the CIA gets too possessive of the Orion legacy and all those involved, there will be big trouble.
Thinkling it is hard to imagine how that could go very long. But its hard to imagine any sort of good resolution with a cleaner being sent for Sarah (or Ellie). I think 4.23 will have us pretty wound up!
the latest cliff hanger info that i have been able to gather is the change in the Paradigm of the show. best guess so far is chuck was more involved than he led on.
ellie hurt seriously by the eraser, but not dead, sarah waiting for the baddie in the hospital in ellie’s place maybe? This would explain sarah lancaster’s role next season due to pregnancy leave?
Who knows really, just a wild guess
jason would be a good one but in the picture that came out ellie and devon are in scrubs, sarah is in a hospital gown.
Dave, all true. They would have to clean house in the CIA. Still I can’t wait to see the new paradigm.
And I’m pretty wound up now!
thanks and yep i agree sarah is the one.
Look at the guest list. That’s hillarious. It would be great to see Schwedak at the wedding. I am going with Wedding #1 getting derailed. Lol
http://yfrog.com/hs75gqwj
So we’ve got a bunch of balls in the air and more coming into play shortly:
-Ellie is making progress with the Orion Computer
-The CIA wants her to make progress with the Orion Computer
-Mary and Chuck do not want her involved in spy stuff
-there is an Agent X
-Vivian Volkov has it in for Chuck
-Vivian Volkov has a DNA tracking weapon
-her lawyer is very untrustworthy (big surprise)
-there is a character called the Eraser to be introduced
-it would appear that Sarah gets injured at some point.
How does this all fit together? my speculation is that finding out who Agent X is causes Ellie to want out of the spy world, the CIA is less accomodating and threatens to ship her to a deep dark hole so she can work on the intersect, sort of like Lazlo.
Chuck and/or Sarah either screw up or see something they should not see in their seperate missions in Final Details. In any event there are now trust issues between the Bartowskis and the CIA.
The result is that the Eraser will be moving against Chuck, Sarah or Ellie or some combination of them. By now the CIA should know that you can’t move against Chuck without taking care of Sarah (she will kill you), she is injured by the Eraser either defending herself or Chuck or Ellie.
At the same time as the CIA is going after part of the Bartowskis Vivian is going against all of them too, aided by her evil henchman of a lawyer. The end is that Chuck can’t trust the good guys or the bad guys, cue creepy music like at the end of the pilot when he is flashing on Sarah’s ring.
herder that’s pretty much what i think is going to happen with a few subtle changes.
I like the way they have brought all the separate stories together. It all comes down to Ellie’s work on the Orion computer [ that the CIA wants badly], and Agent X -[Who Vivian believes is a real threat].
My guesses????: would be that Agent X is either Mary – or Chuck.
But before we get to that, Mary takes the Orion laptop and makes a run for it.
Basically protecting Ellie from the CIA- and the identity of Agent X.
So the search for Mary B continues –
[I expect Volkoff there someplace as well.]
Chuck would want the Norseman to find his mom – so that brings Morgan out front and centre – because Vivian won’t consider ‘the magnet’ much of a threat… and at this time Team B won’t have any clue about who Agent X is either… ha ha ha.
Then the CIA sends in the Eraser to clean up the whole mess, and retrieve the Orion laptop. Fasten your seat belts, the final 3 episodes are going to be the greatest 126 minutes of Chuck ever!
hmmm – I wonder if Carina could be the CIA eraser… naaa – they couldn’t do that to us, could they? 🙂
What if Agent X is actually Ellie? That would set up S5 with Ellie joining the “firm”?
Don’t you guys get it? Morgan is Agent X. The ultimate weapon of distraction.
I like the way they have brought all the separate stories together.
I do too, Gringo and Herder. Funny – just today I started looking over episodes from last month – Muurder in particular – and I noticed how much in advance some key things were laid down. In this case, the first Agent X pointer.
All of us here sort of knew to expect something in advance, if only because we knew the title of 4.22 a while ago. If we hadn’t, my gut says the suspense and wondering would have been marvelous!
As it was, we sort of spoiled ourselves a bit. Not badly, but a bit.
I think that’s one of the reasons I love re-watching so much. I give myself a chance to forget some of those musings and just let the story unfold a a more natural pace. It really comes across well that way.
I’m almost too excited and – I think “expectant” is the right word – the first time I see an episode. I find myself thinking too much about it.
Hard not to! You’re musings on Agent X strike me as excellent, Gringo. Really exciting – isn’t it?!
“CHUCK VERSUS THE LAST DETAILS”
05/09/2011 (08:00PM – 09:00PM) (Monday) : CHUCK AND SARAH RACE TO SAVE CHUCK’S MOM IN TIME FOR THEIR WEDDING DAY – LAUREN COHAN, MEKENNA MELVIN, RAY WISE AND LINDA HAMILTON GUEST STAR — Chuck (Zachary Levi) and Sarah’s (Yvonne Strahovski) wedding prep includes one final detail: ensuring that the mother-of-the-groom (guest star Linda Hamilton) makes it to the ceremony alive. Meanwhile, Morgan’s (Joshua Gomez) responsibilities as Best Man include his most dangerous mission yet, as he faces Vivian Volkoff (guest star Lauren Cohan). Elsewhere, Ellie (Sarah Lancaster) tends to the last details of the rehearsal dinner and seeks help from an unlikely source. Adam Baldwin, Ryan McPartlin, Scott Krinsky, Vik Sahay, Mark Christopher Lawrence and Bonita Friedericy also star.
Taken from: SpoilerTV http://bit.ly/i4TYeR
Although the profile for Agent X on Orion’s laptop looks like a male – could it be that Mama B is Agent X and her life is threatened by Vivian?
Morgan vs Vivian – Aha! The A-plot of the week. EMS FTW!! 😛
Ellie seeks help from unlikely source – Jeffster?
That’s a far more exciting synopsis than I would have guessed from some of the spoilers we’ve seen. Gee, this might be fun!
No kidding. This does sound so fun!!!
Kristin Newman, enough said lol.
wow nice promo. ellie finally finds out. devon for some reason takes the orion laptop camping and there is another intersect, the first one lol ( i think based on ellies reaction). now that could be agent X. promo looks good maybe the ep will be as well.
Ok – What a fantastic promo… just raised the anxious level for next week by three notches easily!
1. So Chuck is not Agent X… [Maybe its Jeff Barns] wouldn’t that be a howl?
… its gotta be someone we know…
2. Sarah, “Is that a gun?”
3. The laptop gets brought to the bachelor party?
4. How long does it take for Monday to get here?
if it’s any of the buy morons or morgan i’ll be saying peace out for the show. that’s just to much to over look.
Maybe it is Morgan’s Dad. 😛
Seriously, I think it has to be someone of Chuck’s parents’ generation, and it coluld be anyone Chuck’s Dad could reasonably have known.
Jeff would be perfect as Agent X.
I just hope that they actually show who opens the door instead of leaving us hanging until the beginning of the next ep the way they did with the introduction of Papa B as himself.
Another interesting take would have where the person who opens the door isn’t Agent X but someone who can tell us that it was Papa B who lived there .
And one thing I wonder . is it really Volkoff who was afraid of Agent X or is it Riley and he told Vivian it was Volkoff to get her to do his dirty work for him? And since we see Riley going after the laptop , how did Riley know about it at all much less know that Awesome had it on the camping trip. Is there a CIA leak and did they use the bugs planted by Bentley to find it’s current location?
I’m with you on the Riley track. I think he could be the puppet master.
Yeah, Patty, to be intersected before Chuck, it would have to be his dad’s generation.
Jeff’s the only possible Buymorian that it could be if it is a BuyMorian. They’d know where Big Mike lived because he lives with Morgan’s mom so there would be surprise at the address.And he is the oldest , possibly even older than Big Mike. It’s hard to tell with the pickling.
Maybe he’ll turn out to be a relative of Chuck and Ellie’s we haven’t seen before.
Gotta be Frost, just has to be. Why if its anyone other than Frost I’ll… I’ll… be mildly surprised.
Added promo up above.
thanks
opps its in spot for 4.23 not 4.22.
looks fantastic … can’t wait! Thanks Faith.
Sorry about that. It’s fixed now.
And while I was at it, I added a couple of details and spoilers from today’s press samplings.
I’m thinking its Frost. Wouldn’t it make sense that Orion would have made her into the ultimate weapon before letting her loose on a deep cover mission?
You know whatever we guess this week will be wrong!
Yeah, we probably will be wrong. I just hope it makes more sense than the Ring Elders 😉
What Thinkling, you don’t think Agent X will just be disposed of by trapping him (or her) in a stairwell?
It wasn’t the manor of their capture. It was that they were total nobodies that we’d never heard of. They looked like a nursing home tour that got lost.
Really liking this promo. First the final ending of Clueless Ellie!! Its about freaking time! Second we already knew there was an Intersect before Chuck, it was Stephen, (Ring 1). The parties look hysterical! Who is Sarah talking to on the phone with the strippers around her? Chuck? And who is behind that door? Agent X? The Enforcer? Bryce? Stephen? Hmmm can’t wait!!!
But also had to say I loved seeing Honeymooners again. It really is as close to perfect as TV ever gets!
Agent X is the real Gregory Tuttle, who is of course being played by Timothy Dalton. My first post because this is the first time I think I know where the writers are going.
Well hey VickyJay welcome to the blog! Never be shy to post your comments, its what makes this stuff fun.
So if Volkoff was terrified of Agent X does that mean he’s schizophrenic? That would be a funny twist, and maybe not too shocking since we already know Volkoff is nuts!
Hey VickyJay. Welcome, and feel free to post often, even when you don’t have a clue where the writers are going. We all do. 😉
It’s funny. I actually had that same thought, especially after seeing TD in the Tuttle sweater in the hospital pic. Wouldn’t that be a worthy twist! Or maybe there are two of them.
Only problem with Tuttle, is that Volkoff is back in prison… unless he is the evil twin brother… and Tuttle has just recovered from a nasty gun shot wound in the chest 🙂
Volkoff could have impersonated his twin at will to suit his purposes, meaning that when Tuttle was shot it was Volkoff, not the real Tuttle.
I do wonder why TD is in the hospital pic in his Tuttle sweater. Could mean only that he was chilly and put on a sweater.
Somehow I do think we’ll be hearing from Tuttle again. Not sure if Volkoff is just bonkers or if there really are two of them, but me thinks Tuttle will be back.
Yeah, and they could be doppelgangers. It would have been a great way for Volkoff to move about undetected, impersonating his doppelganger.
My crazy theory is that Volkoff turns out to be Orion’s brother and was the original candidate for the intersect, and that connection will be the tie in to the DNA tracker story. Vivian’s line about Volkoff being afraid of Agent X blows a hole in the theory, but I’m sticking with it for now. Any other Bartowskis as Agent X just seems too obvious for me.
Ah, but who told Vivian that her father was afraid of Agent X? Probably Riley, who wants to take over the entire evil empire, and knows Agent X, Volkoff or his twin, is the only one who could stop him.
That’s how I would explain Vivian’s line.
I’m pretty much just throwing out wild ideas. When we found out it wasn’t Chuck, it became an open field. So I’m going for bizarre, just not so bizarre that the field includes anyone from the Buymore. 🙂
I think you’re right – there’s going to be a twist involving Riley somewhere. I think your scenario is where they’re heading.
Yeah if Volkoff and Orion were related, it suddenly opens the possibility the DNA weapon could take out all Volkoffs and Bartowskis. Riley would be the one to benefit.
So if Chuck isn’t the first human intersect then who is, it should be a person of Orion’s generation, older than Chuck. Someone who is a threat to Volkov and in the espionage business. Remember this is intelligence flashes not skill flashes, Papa B himself had an intersect.
Likely Agent X’s:
-Mama B
Less likely Agent X’s:
-Riley
-Bryce
-Langston Graham
Longshots:
-Kathleen
-Beckman
-Volkov
-Big Mike
-Vivian
Although I think it is Mama B, the fun in speculation is the longshots, Kathleen would be a twist in the Casey story, Beckman would be fun for the betrayal, Volkov as a result of betrayal or blackmail, Big Mike as a means of continuing the Buy More and Vivian as an unknowing intersect like Chuck having the alpha intersect and being an experiment.
Big Mike would be so funny it makes my brain hurt. Do you think he could flash on the entire Subway menu?
oooh…. but maybe its a 20 year out of date Subway menu. What a twist!
Any reason you left PapaB off the list, Herder?
I think I’m going with Volkoff or his twin, who looks suspiciously like Gregory Tuttle.
I figured that Papa B was dead, not just mostly dead, put him on the longshot list. Yes, I know I included Langston and Bryce who are mostly dead in the list but not Papa B but that was a personal evaluation.
I kind of think Bryce and Graham are dead, too. That’s why I wondered why you didn’t include the entire population of dead people. 😉
Oh on the longshot list I had meant to include Mother Walker, put that in the list of things to explore next year.
chuck had the intersect when he was a kid (chuck versus the ring part 2) so whoever has the intersect cannt be bryce or someone young…it has to be somone older…so mama b or a family member of chucks who is older then him….just a thought…
I think we only have to count from Chuck getting the intersect in the pilot. As far as I can tell only Chuck knows he got one as a little kid.
I can see Jeff as a failed intersect, they have already established in Tom Sawyer that at one point he was almost as smart as Chuck. I have always seen him as where Chuck could have ended up if he was not as morally upstanding as he is. Burned out and an alcoholic and unable to attract girls. But I have difficulty imagining Jeff as an agent at any point in his life! He seems to lack any understanding of what is going on around him. Of course they could claim it is the cover he is using to avoid being killed by the CIA for knowing too much and not being useful anymore. Still not buying it though!
The idea that there are 2 Volkolfs and one is the real Tuttle is really cool though. Rily could be manipulating Vivian to wipe out the whole family so he can then take over. That is a real fun idea! Also the idea that they are related to the Bartowskis would also be fun.
well here’s my 2 cents. i’m in the camp of beckman or tuttle (long shot). here’s why. a couple months ago i posted a spoiler that had the old seaver house getting destroyed in 4.22. it contained pictures. the door they approach in the promo looks like the door from that house. if i remember correctly it was a large expensive house. it would have to be owned by someone with money. that would rule out the buy morons. the only 2 i can figure owning the house would be tuttle or beckman. this of course is based on the fact i don’t think the house is in burbank. they need to travel a distance to get there. orion did know beckman as well.
for the life of me i can’t find my old post but i’m so i’ll put it here.
http://chucktv.net/2011/04/15/spoilers-chuck-vs-the-seavers/
Patty and Army, pretty good guesses. You seem to have been closer to the truth than most of us.
herder, i forgot about that one, lol. seems i actually had a bit right, lol.
Super exciting promo!
Chuck telling the truth to Ellie! Yeah! Sarah being there too! Double yeah! So they do learn? 😛
The bachelor/rette parties are gonna be a blast!
And Agent X might not be so predictable after all…
Also just because Ellie doesn’t seem to think it’s Chuck in the promo, it doesn’t mean it isn’t him.
Can’t wait!
YES. Agree, Crumby about the truth party being hosted by both Chuck and Sarah … and Sarah’s soft, “you have to tell her the truth about you.”
It would have been even better if Devon had been there, but at least we know that Ellie and Devon do talk to each other off-screen, which isn’t always the case with Chuck and Sarah. 😛
Totally agree. I love the fact that it’s Sarah, not Morgan who encourages him to talk to Ellie . Whew!!
Morgan is still in Castle when they tell Ellie though…
It’s OK that Morgan is there. I honestly enjoy some of his participation in missions. It’s just those episodes when he’s all things to all people that I like less. They found a better zone for him lately. I think his annoyance level has gone down dramatically since he moved out of Casa Bartowski. Oh, and now when he gives advice, he’s channeling Casey. Too funny. I’m enjoying him more of late.
I love the clip of Ellie being led into Castle. So she’s being clued in on everything in a really big way. Since it ties in with her work and is so much bigger than just being a spy, maybe she won’t be too upset.
Oh, and the one little piece they showed looked a little like Morgan was helping Chuck do tricks for Ellie. I’m sure it’ll be better than that, though.
Yeah Thinkling, I personally enjoy Morgan most of the time, and they have used him well lately IMO. I just couldn’t stop myself from teasing Alladins about him! 😉
I just couldn’t stop myself from teasing Alladins about him! 😉
Ha! You have picked my sore spot. 😉 *truth be told – I have been working various spells on a Morgan voodoo doll after 4×13* – it’s already working – aren’t we are seeing less of him now – but I have yet to figure out a spell that puts an end to his relationship advice. I am lacking an external ingredient called Chuckster’s Maturity. 😉 🙂
I hope Agent X isn’t related to Volkoff.
Isn’t that enough of a coincidence that the agent that went undercover into his organization – and stole his heart 😉 – was Orion’s wife, creator of the Intersect, and somehow connected to Agent X, the only person that he’s afraid of?
I hope they keep the connection at Agent X/the Intersect were both valuable and threatening to Volkoff, master of all things evil. That’s enough, no need to add another personal drama on top of everything.
Crumby
I am on board the theory that Timothy Dalton will play a double role. He may turn out to be Volkoff’s brother.
Ellie and Devon do talk to each other off-screen, which isn’t always the case with Chuck and Sarah.
Can you really blame C/S? Between CIA missions and “plowing” missions they don’t have the time to talk. 😛
Well Ellie and Devon are both super busy doctors with a baby… “They’re like communicators all-stars.” 😉
That was a funny line: Chuck mooning over their communication skills and Sarah worried about what to do with a homeless dictator.
Just think how far Chuck and Sarah have come since then.
Well, wherever this is leading… we need to start thinking in terms of parallel lines, errr parallel stories again… they always try the same story theme across one or two or three levels. [ Subtle emphasis on ‘try’]
There must be a connection thread between [Vivian, Volkoff, the Norseman, ] into the other story: [Agent X, the intersect project, Ellie, the orion computer, Mary, and the Eraser]
Maybe the Orion laptop and the Agent X files was just an invention to bring Ellie into the spy world, and learn the truth about Chuck??
[ I hope there’s more to it]
~ that would make a parallel between Volkoff grooming his daughter to take over the Empire, and Orion leaving his work for Ellie to complete… and Jack Burton leading his daughter into a life of one adventure after another.
by the way – Devon is already introducing Clara to a life in medicine!
I keep hoping there is some significance to the Project ISIS files, and Mary’s experimental research… maybe its just me…
So exciting!
This is from Mel of ChuckTV talking to the guy that makes the promos:
Thanks for the link, Faith. It just gets curious-er and curious-er.
Who’s behind the door? Does Agent X survive? Is Agent X part of S5? Will LH and TD be back next year?
The season finale is one of the most expensive? Hmm. Well, weddings are expensive. And blowing things up would be expensive. And having the full cast plus guest stars in the episode would be expensive.
I hope part of of what Ellie finds out is her finding out what happened at her first wedding and that Jeffster really only was part of the disaster.
I also wouldn’t mind her finding out about Bryce framing Chuck to “protect” him and saying that’s the dumbest thing I ever heard. (or does she already know about that?)
Or finding out about Sarah wanting him to run away with her and never see his family again in Prague especially since you know from her behavior in the Honeymooners that she didn’t expect him to disappear when she told him to go all out to get Sarah. (and how great the fight scenes in the Honeymooners when they were cuffed together)
I’ll consider it good if we even get her knowing about the wedding that wasn’t though.
That’s some really exciting stuff, can’t wait!
faith thanks for the link! unfortunately it made me care less about seeing the episode than before. i was hoping against hope it was new blood. ah well what are you going to do right? suck it up and move on. although a real good twist would be if it was eve. but that’s just me hoping for something original and not tied to the team or clan.
Reading all the speculations about who could be, or could not possibly be Agent X ~ is like watching the scene from Princess Bride as they discuss/deduce which goblet holds the IOCAIN powder – clearly! 🙂
Hey I’m positive it’s Mary unless I’m wrong.
Interesting speculation – I wonder if once we are told who it is – will there be some obvious ‘tells’, or will agent X come out of the clear blue – I enjoy such things more when the writers leave some bread crumbs along the way
as far as I know, most theories of who agent x is are not rich with supporting bits of evidence shown on screen – my guess is not exactly full of support either, but I am going with Devon – based on it appeared to be a man from the screen on ellie’s computer, Devon has been a little odd about Ellie’s research project, first trying to help it, then stopping it, then sort of supporting it again, he got the computer working in the first place & Devon brought the computer along on the camping trip which seems out of place, plus, can anyone really be that incompetent as a spy, unless maybe he is faking it – my guess – Devon, final answer.
Jason: I think they did give us some tells, at least as I was seeing it. The “cards on the table” conversation in Family Volkoff between Beckman and Mary eliminate them because both said they’d never heard of Agent X. We know it’s not Chuck, Casey or Sarah or Ellie.
Who DOES know about Agent X? Orion, Vivian Volkoff and (she says) Alexei Volkoff, who felt he was the most dangerous agent. We know it’s not Vivian. We know it’s not Volkoff. It could be Riley (who may have been the one feeding Vivian the information).
But I think the writers are doing a switchback and we’ll get Timothy Dalton as the “real” Tuttle or some other character. (Fedak said Agent X is someone we know, but he didn’t say if it was a CHARACTER or an ACTOR we knew.)
So my theory is this: It’s Dalton playing Tuttle or some other character that will tie the Bartowski and Volkoff families together. That gives you another way to use your big guest star for the season and opens this possibility: If Tuttle/Volkoff and the Bartowski clan are in some way related, it allows the end of season twist to be Vivian getting a Intersect. That would set up a Season 5 story arc of two intersects battling it out over the course of the season.
That’s my fevered idea after watching this show for four years and thinking (wrongly, probably) that I have a idea this time of where it is going.
vicky – I like the way you think – hope it is something like that
VickyJay – I think you’re dead right. My original theory was Volkoff as PapaB’s brother who was the original Agent X until something turned him bad. That explained too why MamaB/Orion were so desperate to take him down over all those years. Vivien’s line about Volkoff being afraid of Agent X punctured the theory somewhat, but that could still be explained away.
Agent X as Tuttle works equally well. We didn’t see what actually happened to him after all. Don’t know if they’d still go the “related to PapaB” road if Tuttle and Volkoff were 2 people, but they certainly could. Leaves open the possibility that Vivien’s Norseman could potentially take out her father, her uncle and her cousins!
Not sure I can see Vivien coming back for S5 though. I’d love to see Dalton come back next year as an intersect, either as the big bad (Volkoff) or as Tuttle.
@Vickey
I think you are right about Tuttle/Volkoff but I am not sure we can conclude much based on the Mary/Beckman conversation. Both of them lie as a matter of course, so either or both of them could have been untruthful. I suspect Mary may know or guess more than she admits. I really like the idea that the Norseman will target both families due to some sort of relationship that neither is aware of. I also think that Riley is manipulating Vivian to get her to target “Agent X”in order to take out the Volkoffs at least.
I think you’re right, Patty, I think Mary knows more than she’s telling. Doesn’t she always? And I think Agent X is the real Tuttle. It would allow both LH and TD to return next season, and it would add texture and complexity to the back story.
It started with the question: what’s the most bizarre twist they could do with Agent X? Volkoff. But seeing TD in his Tuttle sweater morphed the idea to Tuttle who is a) a real MI6 agent who looks like Volkoff, or b) Alexei’s brother, or c) both. Probably (c).
That’s my final theory. So, yeah, Vicky, I agree. I think that’s where they’re headed. And I think it’s pretty cool if they are. Pretty soon we’ll know if we’re right. 🙂 I can’t wait.
I kind of think the fact that Beckman and Frost were seen using each other’s first names and doing “cards on the table” was the way of the writers telling us that it was a genuine “no secrets” convo…
As for Tuttle, what I’m (trying to) work out is how they square the First Fight line from Volkoff: “There is no Tuttle, Charles.” Of course, they may just ignore that line because, well, they’ve established that Volkoff is crazy, so…
I say Agent X is the very awesome Dr. “Woody” Woodcomb. Unless it’s not.
My totally off the wall mythology speculation takes “someone we know” in a rather broad sense that some, or one of the characters has a past history with Agent X. In that context consider the following. Everybody seemed pretty confident Bryce could handle an intersect, and Orion was pretty confident he could trust Bryce, a CIA agent, to watch over his son. Bryce was also pretty familiar with Orion. There almost seems to be a history there. So I say Agent X is Bryce’s father. He and Mary were partners before she married Stephen. She may or may not know he was intersected, or that he used the moniker Agent X. The “what did you do Stephen?” could refer to her surprise at him intersecting someone she knew, or not. He and Orion worked together and were both intersected at some point. Chuck of course knows him from when he and Bryce were best friends at Stanford and Ellie likely met him at some point in that period. Sarah met him when she and Bryce were partners.
Or not. 😉
Ed. Almost forgot, he may or may not be Ray Wise and he may or may not have gone rogue to take over Volkoff Industries. I’m still holding out for Woody however.
I have not seen this particular portion of this zach, josh, yvonne interview b4, the last minute or so talks about the season finale, sounds very positive, earlier they talk about a musical chuck
http://www.tvrockstars.com/chuck-will-there-be-a-chuck-musical/
And we have a synopsis. Check it out up top. IMO it’s fairly spoilery so read with caution 😉
Thank you, Faith. That pretty much means there’s no “Tuttle” as Agent X on Monday night. Dalton playing two roles at once ain’t happening.
Now I have NO idea who Agent X is. This spec stuff is hard. 🙂
Thanks, Faith! You’re on the ball!
I don’t think anyone knows who Agent-X is, VickyJay. Well, Orion knows. He’s not talking!
This is getting exciting.
Thanks a lot, Faith. 🙂
” When he turns to Alexei Volkoff “… why do I think that they have taken liberties with the term: ‘turn’…. I suspect things go sideways in a big way 🙂
Anyone notice/suspect its interesting that we still don’t have a synopsis for “The Last Details”?… wonder if they still have to give it their own last details?
There is one, I’ve just lapsed on adding it up top. 🙂 But I’m going to do that right now.
Sarah’s is incapacitated for a good portionof the finale. Yup that hospital scene was real. Well there you go. For that reason alone it loses 2 points. So the best it can get is a 7/10. If there is no wedding they lose another 5 points. For some reason I have not been excited for cliffhanger. If they end on ambiguous cliffhanger then it will lose another two points.
In order of anticipation. Agent X, Last Details and Cliffhanger in that order.
Yeah, that’s mentioned in Magnus’ latest podcast. He doesn’t usually give away major plot points, so I was surprised he let that one slip – unless he’s just winding a certain section of the fanbase up. And that’s not unheard of either. FWIW I’m inclined to take it at face value. It sounds pretty risky at first blush, but deducting points before you’ve seen the episode isn’t being very fair. I’m going to wait to see what happens before I prejudge things.
he may like winding a certain group up. but he is right about what happens. he has never been in favor of the cliff hanger. he did give it a zero.
Of course he hasn’t liked most of this season either, so it may be good news for me!
After him doing it like 4 or 5 times I stopped paying attention to his spoilers. Last year I figured out too much from his hints, this year he just seems to like to get folks worked up about Chuck and Sarah’s relationship.
I see no point in making an opinion before I have seen it, thou I can’t say Sarah being out for most of the episode really intrigues me.
@atcDave
He has stated on numerous occasions that this has been the most fun season for him.
It’s like Other Guy, Ring II, Push Mix all over again. Minimal Sarah because either she is doing nothing or is in danger. It’s becoming a trend and it’s really irritating. I can’t believe why they are so reluctant to have a scenario where C/S together save the day/world on a regular basis and specially in the big finales – wonder why one has to look either stupid or be incapacitated by injury/confinement.
genie…i can only venture a guess. they gave up on the relationship angst. the biggest way to ramp up the drama after that is put one of the main characters in danger. sarah just fits in the rotation at this time. that had chuck in danger in phase 3 then casey hurt in push mix so it’s sarahs turn in the finale. ( i didnt get the sense sarah was in danger during the volkoff arc cause mary was there and she had contact with the team).
i missed most of last year but from what i saw sarah was in danger from shaw in the other guy, then chuck had his time during ring 2. if casey had his moment before those episodes it fits the pattern. just like the arcs. first ep sets it up, bad stuff happens in the second and it gets resolved in the third.
I stand corrected Eric.
This is looking like the negative energy thing we were talking about a couple weeks ago. They’ve got us not really looking forward to the end now…
Where did you learn that Sarah is incapacitated for most of the finale? I find that hard to believe.
So, is Clyde Decker the Eraser?
If it really happens (Sarah incapacitated) – I can see what happens in the finale. Chuck is worried and he doesn’t leave Sarah’s side at the hospital at all. Enter the man of the hour, the one with solutions to all problems, the one who is probably Agent X – MORGAN GRIMES, who steps in to save the day, wedding and the world. 😛
*takes minute amounts of Snark Soothner* 😉 😀
While I’d agree I don’t like the sound of the spoiler, I’m perfectly willing to give them the opportunity to tell the story their own way at this point (they’ve really earned it with an outstanding season!)
Fedak did say in an interview that all story arcs for this season would be resolved, and the “cliff hanger” would be set up for S5. So I take that to mean the wedding will certainly happen, even if Sarah has to be wheeled in a wheelchair!
DR said a lot more than what big kev said. none of it would be welcomed here so i won’t say.
They are entitled to do whatever they want it’s their story but for various reasons I am not anticipating this episode. I should be invested in the wedding I just can’t. I agree with what Magnus said about expectations and I feel that if I expect something it will never come to fruition. An incapacitated Sarah and a wedding that is doomed from happening already makes me apathetic. It’s not my love for the show is gone but something is missing to get me excited.
Do you think that maybe the “Cliffhanger” is actually referring to the previous episode? For example Sarah gets badly hurt in #23 and at the start of #24 she is in the hospital. That would mean that Chuck would have to resolve the “cliffhanger” of the previous episode (stop those responsible for Sarah’s injury so they can get married safely) hence the title “Chuck vs the Cliffhanger”.
I think as far as Sarah getting hurt that is exactly right. But I do think there will be a sort of cliff hanger in the end too; but more about providing hooks for S5 than anything that’s currently going on.
yep but the hooks revolve around sarahs condition during the episode.
Maybe Agent X has some sort of connection to Sarah or the hook deals with some unknown potential Sarah has?
I have been more or less ok with the show since 3×12’s hero episode, it still does some really stupid things and often gets way too serious for my eye, given how ridiculous most of the cast is as actors, but casey has gotten his share of lumps lately, and now its sarah’s turn, they are the only two TPTB can hurt, the only two dramatic actors on the cast, the other regulars are comedians.
Seems like sarah will not be in 4×24 much at all, maybe after chuck saves the day a time warp of 3 months will occur and the wedding will happen – I would think TPTB have more respect for the fans than to wheel her near dead corpse into the church for a wedding – LOL.
for those who don’t like fun chuck, roll up your sleeves & enjoy, morbid, miserable chuck is on the horizon for you to relish & opine about for the summer months and beyond…. what’s that smug phrase that really smart people use when taunting … QED?
OK – seriously – 4×24 and near dead or dead sarah probably is going to be ok in the end, assuming that the series doesn’t end that way – yikes!
Ah Jason, you cynic 😉
Just give me a juicy story, smothered with comedy, seasoned with Chuck and Sarah and a twist of drama to top it off and I’ll be happy. Wedding or not, for me it’s always about the story. If the story’s good, the specifics will take care of themselves.
I agree with Patty and Dave. My spec … there will be a wedding. It will be great.
They said they would leave nothing behind. The wedding would be a pretty big something to leave behind. Yvonne said that it would be a good ending, but also a good beginning for a S5. There’s no way a dangling wedding would be a good ending. Plus, even though the answers were cagey in the interview, the mood was high and happy and light. Based on all that, I’m fairly confident in a wedding, and a good ending with hooks for a great S5.
I refuse to deduct points before I see it.
For the record, I don’t trust a certain prognosticator, as far as I can throw him. He swore the proposal, if it happened, would be pushed to the back 12. He aims to inflame, so I am happier if I ignore him.
I look forward to what ever happens, I’m sure it will be a fun ride. They haven’t really disappointed me yet regarding the finals, thou I usually like the penultimate episode more than the actual final.
As for DR say what you want about him, but his spoilers are usually pretty accurate. As for the proposal he only said that it was postponed, which is was. They had originally planned to have a wedding in episode 13.
ez actually they were supposed to elope in push mix.
Seriously we don’t KNOW anything. For all you know it could turn out great. Maybe she is in the hospital for real reasons, maybe it’s essential for and relevant to the plot? The plot that as a whole entertains? Dare I say, epic?
Or maybe she’s in the hospital like in Truth.
Either way, I’m anxious to wait and see.
I’m with you, Faith. I still trust in Chuck’s greatness and anticipate it to the fullest in the finale.
Thinkling, Faith:
I’m not concerned with how they handle it so much as the fact that they keep recycling the same basic idea. They seem to feel that the only way to make Chuck the hero at the end of a season (or the possible end of a series) is to incapacitate Sarah. They did the same thing in Chuck Versus the Other Guy. And as FirstTimer pointed out a couple of threads back, they recycled the “bad guy underestimates Chuck and blunders into speaking his own demise” routine in Ring II and Push Mix.
Not cool, as Devon might say.
On the other hand, the wedding is a given. No way they don’t wrap up that storyline. That’s a stone lock. Don’t know why anyone questions that.
I wouldn’t presume to try to dissuade someone’s opinion/POV, that’s personal. But I do see what you mean about same idea. My view is, if it’s done well and done in a way that makes it fresh and new, what’s wrong with that?
Think of it this way, all I kept hearing about before Other Guy was that Chuck was too weak, whiny, he’s such a girl (btw apart from the whiny, I don’t get that because well, that’s partly why he’s lovable! lol), well he had his big hero moment and he saved the girl. I don’t really know how you can fault the writers for that when they so clearly backed why she was unable to save herself, and save herself she would have had she not been incapacitated.
Then you fast forward to Push Mix where they were a team. Chuck was down but he wasn’t defeated. Chuck still had his big hero moment and Sarah the same. She saved MamaB. Chuck took down the baddie. He couldn’t have done that without Sarah.
In Push Mix even with Chuck in the chair, it still took all he had to save himself. If he doesn’t fight mentally, if he gives in, it doesn’t matter if Sarah razes Thailand, it’s all for naught. It took all of the both of them to fight, to fight to live, to be together. I thought the writers did a good job showing that.
At least that’s how I see it but to each his/her own.
Simplifying it takes away the content and that takes away the punch. It’s never as easy as, “great, Sarah’s weak” and “great, Chuck needs rescuing,” there’s more to the story and the story is what makes it work or not work. My 2 cents.
A lot of this Faith, is just S3 hangover again. We’ve seen how badly TPTB can botch things, and now almost expect them to. I will withhold judgement until I see the episodes; I’m more cranky about how things are being promoted than any actual negative expectations.
In that case Dave, my bad.
I’m of the camp that one “mistake” (I say mistake with respect to people’s POV about it, not whether or not they did—clarifying for Ernie ;)) shouldn’t outweigh 3 seasons of awesomeness. But like everything else, my opinion :D.
I’m on record saying I have faith in these guys because they’re the ones that made me fall in love with Chuck to begin with. Which is not to say I’m biased, if you know me and read me, or for that matter remember how I was last year, you’d know I’m far from biased.
Faith,
I think you missed my point a bit. I think they WILL execute it well and put some twists on it. As I said, the execution does not worry me too much.
But going to the same two plots to end seasons (underrated Chuck saves the world from talkative bad guy or Chuck rescues disabled girlfriend) raises questions for me about how much there’s left in the creative tank. Especially since they have to do a season-ender TWICE a year because of the uncertainties of the ratings.
How about they throw in a Chuck & Sarah save the world together plot for a finale once in a while? Or let Casey be the hero once? Or maybe even try Colonel’s structure again: Each part of the team contributes somewhat equally.
Think about it this way: In the just 13 months, we will have had FOUR season/series enders: Other Guy, Ring II, Push Mix and Cliffhanger. And just two plots. That’s going to the same wells quite often for the taste of most viewers.
VickyJay, you have to go back to what the show is about. The show is called Chuck, so in finales Chuck will have his big hero moment.
Even in Ring pt. 1 Chuck was the last hero standing…even through all the times that Sarah saved his bacon, Casey saved them all, even Morgan (sorry Alladins) in Couch Lock, the show is called Chuck and as such he’s going to be featured as the hero when it comes to finales. Which is not to say they don’t have them working as a team, if you look back they’ve done that enough times, but rather when there is high noon, there is only one fastest gun in the west.
As for the creative juice of TPTB, that’s extremely subjective and as such, I’ll just say ok. I disagree, but you’re entitled.
faith…you do know something, as you were there. i’ll take you word on what you say. i agree that anything they do should be essential to the plot. that”s a given. if the whole point of her being out of action is just so chuck can have his hero moment it makes it less meaningful to me. as for it being epic well that’s up to the viewer to decide. much like the epic last 10 minutes of push mix didn’t rate as high as they made it out to be.
i’ll just wait and see how it goes and hope it’s better than the last arc ending episodes. maybe the twist will entice me to watch again next year.
I would definitely rather see Sarah in on the epic climax than sidelined; but again, I expect to like what we get regardless. I just wish they’d be spoiling us with cool news instead of stuff that gets half of us going “oh brother.”
dave i am on board with you on that. give us something to look forward to not dread. again the problem is how they plot out the arcs. has the middle episode in the middle of any of them been happy or airy? no and the final one only has good stuff at the very end. agent X may be the best of the three for all we know.
we think sarah gets hurt in 4.23. will chuck go nuts like sarah did to get the bad guy or will he take the “chuck” approach to do it? i’ll bet it’s the latter. while it may fit chuck best, him kicking butt and taking names would be more exciting than yarn and pictures on a wall.
Maybe she is pregnant and the Norseman, targeting the Bartowski’s hits her due to the unborn child. Assuming that the wedding takes place and the baby survives I would actually like that.
Chuck & Sarah apart for most of 4.23 and Sarah incapacitated as the cliffhanger for 4.24?
Shall be intriguing to see how the remaining episodes play out and the subsequent reactions.
I can’t help but think that the way they are handling the wedding is a missed opportunity. AtcDave and I have found that you can get viewers who left the show in S3 back if you can just get them to give S4 a chance. The problem is that what little advertising we do see is aimed at current viewers only, with little or nothing to intrigue prospective viewers, and nothing to draw back viewers that we lost last season. And we need to get some of them back.
The damage done by S3 is ongoing. First, it wore down the fans to the point where many just don’t have any patience with angst-driven plot lines. Even critics like Matt Roush who like Chuck have said they’re worn out by the “huffing and puffing” of S4’s first 13 episodes.
Second, the fans who were driven away during S3 didn’t fall off the face of the earth, they’re still out there and many of them bad mouth the show if given the chance. I have heard at least one former fan say something like the following at every convention I’ve been to since June of 2010:
“Chuck? It used to be a great show, before they drove it off a cliff.”
“Chuck? I really liked it at first, but season 3 *&%$@!.”
“Chuck? Don’t bother.”
I think that there are so many ex-fans doing this that it constitutes a headwind of bad press, bad word-of-mouth that the show has to fight against. This is all the more devastating because NBC simply will not promote the show.
I think they need to push the wedding; it doesn’t have to be the only thing they advertise, but a 15 second promo is more than enough time to hit two notes: the wedding and the bad guys. Promotion of a wedding will reach some of the ex-fans and with any luck, some will tune in. And if they tune in, we’ll get them back.
I know: if, if, if. Part of the problem is that the damage done by S3 isn’t going to be fixed by waiting out disgruntled fans or TPTB’s habit of doing damage with a 10lb sledge hammer and repair work with a wet cotton swab. If we do get a S5, we still need people to watch it.
More Chuck, please.
the problem with promoting the wedding is there needs to actually be a wedding. you can’t promote a large elegant wedding and have the thing get blown up (we know it will, it’s the shows way) and give a JP type thing. that would anger the fans you tried to get back. who would turn in if you promoted a JP type of wedding? i feel they are doing the best they can with how they plan to end the season. an arc conclusion and possible wedding.
You just hit the nail on the head. They will ruin the Bachelor/bachelorette parties, Rehearsal dinner and we can all predict the wedding to. Why as a fan would you invest in a wedding that was doomed from the start. I hear Chuck fanssay of course there will be wedding chaos it’s Chuck afterall. Since when did this show become predictable?
So Cliff Hanger is Chuck’s Phase Three. Why do we need to see this again. Wasn’t Other Guy and Push Mix different versions of Chuck’s phase three and different versions of this. I guess the title Phase Six seems appropriate.
Know what I find funny? This entire season’s preached family, togetherness, and getting everyone back together again, and it’s been great. Yeah, we’ve had some major misses as far as the standalone episodes go.. but it’s been made up with epic awesome moments like the latest ep between Sarah and her dad, or earlier with some Ellie and Sarah bonding. It’s all been awesome. Know how you can end a season full of awesome moments? End on a completely sour note.
Obviously we don’t know much about Ep 23 and 24 thus far, outside of a few spoilers dropped here, and a synopsis there.. but if they really go the route of splitting Chuck and Sarah apart as a team during most of it, and then putting Sarah in the hospital for the bulk of another episode.. that’d be just beyond silly. Sure it could be a nice setup for a next season, but how do we know there will even be a next season? Ratings haven’t exactly lit anything up. I know ‘ratings don’t matter’ as far as it goes right now, but really; don’t TPTB have to be smart about this and go the safe route?
Meh. They won’t, and stuff’s already wrapped up. I’m going to watch, but I never hype myself up for a new episode of.. pretty much anything, because I find if you do that, it will never live up to expectations. I just think if the series ends with this season, and our last remaining moments of “Chuck” are about a cliffhanger, possibly involving Sarah and a will she/won’t she ‘die’ thing, then it’ll be regarded as a lot of movies are regarded when they have terrible endings; awesome rides, but crap at the end. I hope that doesn’t happen. I know Magnus has said that he gives the cliffhanger a 0.. but here’s hoping it’s not nearly that bad.
See I kind of see it as something as simple as what kind of show is Chuck. Chuck is light-hearted, full of heart and often unrealistic. It’s its charm.
There are some universal truths it will always (probably) keep: Ellie will never cheat on Awesome, same for Devon. Chuck won’t “die” (I think you can assume the same for Sarah…not sure about Casey.
It’s been pointed out to me by Crumby that last year all the talks by the fans centered on Devon being killed. Didn’t happen. Instead we have PapaB. I’ve spec’d three weddings an a funeral since…? But my spec involved MamaB dying. I no longer think that but in general I stick to a similar theory. If there’s death it won’t be the Chuck, Sarah, etc. Because well apart from their 6 year contracts, that isn’t the show Chuck is. But I do agree with the criticism about the spoilers that they choose to reveal. I think I’ve ranted on that enough, I won’t repeat it. 😀
Faith, i agree with you on the deaths. c/s won’t die. now the caveat, would they leave the season with the impression that sarah died? that’s the ultimate question. they could easily bring her back next year, so to end with the appearance of her death could be done. for example had the season ended after the gobbler or fear of death we knew they would be ok. we’d have to wait till next year to find out for sure. i think that’s what has people concerned. with next year in doubt, what happens if they go that route?
Yeah, while it can be simplified like that and a blanket statement about ‘they wouldn’t dare kill off characters that have long contracts’.. it won’t stop them from putting them in situations where they *may* die, and we wouldn’t know unless a Season 5 comes around. As previously stated, Season 5 is still way up in the air, so wrapping up a season like that would be a terrible, terrible thing to do, you know?
As for the truths, I don’t think we have to worry about Ellie or Awesome ever cheating on one another, but one of them possibly dying off? Who knows. And I did think if someone had to die this season, it’d be MamaB, but then I thought.. “Would they really kill off both of Chuck’s parents in back to back seasons?’ It’d be in bad form, but then again.. I’m not a “Chuck” writer.
Anyway, I know you’ve ranted a ton today, but I just felt like I had to come in and say something on the other side of things, and bring levity to the situation. I don’t find myself being a blind fan, thinking everything’s going to be a-ok, and things will always be okay, even if a character has a contract. As army said, they can end the season with the impression that a character died, or maybe have them (Chuck and Sarah) disappear off screen. Something of that nature would be a terribad choice for a season finale. Imagine if the season did end on Gobbler. How do you think the fandom would flip out by the final scene of Sarah ignoring Chuck’s call? I for one looked at the situation as contrived angst and nothing more, but a bulk of the fandom (especially heavy shippers) were up in arms about, “OMG WHY SARAH DO DAT”.. so stretch that out for months while we wait for a S5 confirm. It’d be pure hell, Haha.
Anyway.. enough outta me.
Army, I think as stated these guys have a predilection for doing things. The show never ends at Gobbler, or Colonel for that matter (:( ) they always end at Push Mix, or Other Guy, Ring PT 1. In none of these have they ever pulled something so out of character for the kind of show it is.
I do think they could pull a Casey in peril because even though Casey is part of Team B he’s not Chuck or Sarah. But even that’s a long shot. I mean long.
faith agreed they are nothing if not predictable. i should have clarified a bit. i was thinking along the lines of a mix between couch lock and balcony. the last synopsis has an agent out to stop them from getting married i think or they mean or stopping vivian. i think sarah is the target. she get hit (shot or whatever) they need to fake her death making the hospital secnes fit as you said earlier. she and chuck get hitched (maybe) after she “dies”. the only ones that know are chuck sarah and GB. it leaves the rest with the illusion that she died. hence the funeral rumored to also be in the episode. we the fans know but the rest believe she died and chuck has to carry on with out her. the CIA moves her away to somewhere else to recover. i figure they used it in bones why not on chuck. this sets up a season 5 of them trying to find out who in the cia ordered the hit on sarah. i hope that clarifies my last post.
I think the biggest fear for most of us is ending on a dire note for either Chuck, or Sarah, or their relationship. Given that this may be the end, I think the leads and their relationship needs to end on an up note. Now I honestly believe they will. I can imagine quite a few other things I might dislike; I can imagine a few things I would love. But as long as those three main issues are acceptable everything else is secondary.
I don’t think I’m blind, I’m not completely overruling all long shot scenarios, I’m just saying the kind of show it is, there are certain lines they won’t cross. It would be out of character for the show.
Chuck isn’t Dexter, it’s not even Grey’s Anatomy. Outside of cast members vocalizing their desire to leave I don’t think they would purposely kill anybody off or hint at such a thing and leave that as the last image for the fans (cliffhanger or not).
I know they have gone on record that just like previous finales they tie up some lose ends and yet leave enough for a season 5 story. I’m puzzled why some seem to forget that. As discussed with VickyJay, season 5 is subjective…some think they don’t have enough for a season 5, others dislike the way they might end things. Might being the operative word. I’m fine with that, to each his/her own.
One final thing I will say is…Chuck is also a drama. Although it’s not Terms of Endearment, they have on several occasions pulled their own set of dramatic twists and turns. But look back on the kind of drama they’ve ventured to in the past.
As a Sarah fan first and foremost, I think her dying…or the threat of her dying is perhaps one of the most devastating things they could do. Would I like it? Hell no, but as a viewer I would consider that to be the most dramatic thing they could pull, because I do identify with her so much. Do I think they will go there, even the threat of it? Said enough about that.
Would they leave the season with the impression that Sarah died?
In a word, Army … NO. In two words … NO WAY. In three words … NOT A CHANCE. In four words … IT AIN’T GONNA HAPPEN. In five words … NOT IN A MILLION YEARS.
Really, spinning these way out theories that directly contradict everything that Schwedak and Zac and Yvonne have said is not helpful. Your gloomy predictions for Push Mix were wrong. In fact, no season has ever ended in such a fashion, so it seems futile to go down such a dark path and put a damper on the last few episodes of such a fun season.
Dave I don’t disagree with that. I feel for the fans that want a happy, closed ending. I’m the kind of viewer/reader that want the ending spelled out for me. I like being told, preferably with pictures/video/epilogue where the couple/characters end up in 5 or 10 years.
But the thing is, these guys aren’t me. They’ve always maintained that they prefer an ending where you will have to imagine where they go from there. They’ve stated this several times. We were a breath away from never returning after season 2, and they still would have ended it the way it ended up. That’s just the way it is. I’ve given up getting frustrated about that. But even that has its solace because the endings they’ve chosen, although open-ended in my opinion have never been objectionable.
thinkling nice of you to notice! did you also see my clarifying statement? as for my guesses i try to base them on whats put out. for example the picture with sarah in a gown, TPTB comment that some one we love gets hurt. neither of these is really happy. why would i base a guess about something that’s happy when everyone here mostly agrees the released spinets are gloomy? to me that makes no sense. i merely asked a question would they do it. that’s why i clarified it.
I’m also a fan of the ‘closed ending, show an epilogue of what happens years in the future’ sort of guy too. That’s why I liked the last episode for “Scrubs”.. because while that didn’t literally happen, you could figure that it did.. and no, I don’t consider the season after that as the ‘last season’.. that was just a travesty, but a whole different fandom, and a different discussion for another day.
Anyway, I like having these discussions with people, because sadly, people I associate with don’t watch “Chuck” so I can’t have these discussions with them. I do hate that I seem to be sort of doom and gloom, but I just like being realistic about things, yanno? I still hope for the best for the show and how it wraps up it’s season, and hope for a S5.
I won’t delve into the ‘will Sarah die’ or any of that anymore since I’ve pretty much brought out everything I think about the option, so no need going back over it again. Not here to change anyone’s mind, only to share my opinion.
And I didn’t mean you were blind, yo. Was just a generalizing for some out there that are way, *way* worse than the folks here over at ChuckThis. As in those that are like “Zomg, like.. yvonne and zach should totally be a couple gaiz’ sort of people. They scare me completely, Haha.
thinkling… also i forgot to add. did you read any of my other previous posts where i stated em-pathetically that sarah would be hurt but everything would work out in the end? i stated that idea to dave at least 5 times during the last couple weeks. i don’t mind being criticized for things i say, it’s part of the game. what i do mind is when previous posts that agree with the majority go ignored when i post one from the other side. there is always two sides to every coin. this one just happened to be another opinion. same as push mix. i posted some good ones there as well. i don’t recall anyone being right on theirs either.
They have been frank about bumps along the way, but it’s been clearly stated that they won’t leave any s4 story line dangling. Yvonne said that it would be a good ending, should they not get a s5, but that it’s a good beginning for a s5, as well.
That’s the kind of endings they do. They tie up the major story lines and give an intriguing prologue for the next season. The end of season cliff hanger has always had to do with the mythology, and is very forward looking. I’m sure that’s how it will be again this season.
All that adds up to the strongest likelihood of a wedding and C/S in a good place.
*Group hug!* “Awesome” 😀
😀
Ditto the “group hug”. My guess is Thinkling hit on exactly how it will be.
Yeah, I agree with thinkling. It’s more likely we’ll get an emotional wrap-up as far as the Sarah/Chuck/other characters go, and mythology. With S2 to 3, we got Chuck and the Intersect 2.0. With 3 to 4, we got the lead in for Chuck’s mom.. so who knows what 4 to 5 (?) will be.
Army, you said, There is always two sides to every coin.
I’m sorry for belaboring the issue, but the statement is misleading. If by that you mean any theory is as good as any other theory, that’s not true. It’s true that there are two sides to every coin, but in every realm, there are things that will never be on either side of any coin. The US will never mint a coin with Castro’s image, on either side. Chuck won’t end the season/series with Chuck or Sarah dead, or feared dead, or with Chuck and Sarah in a bad place.
The spoilers and teases have been spiked with drama and scary things, but they are spoilers and teases, and we know that TPTB like to make us worry a little. (I would promote the show differently, but I’m still confident they’ll give us a satisfying ride, including the end.) If you pay attention to the past finales and the things that have been said in candor, we have every reason to believe that there will be a wedding and C/S will be all good.
I came to the blog to read the latest fun specs and found worry-gone-wild. When people read the blog I want them to leave going, wow that’s a show I want to watch … not why bother anymore.
What am I saying? Flip any coin with confidence. I predict there’s a wedding on both sides. The difference is in the details. 😀
(As for no one being right about Push Mix predictions, that’s not true. Many of us consistently stood by our predictions for a happy ending. In fact, in the midst of all the post Gobbler upheaval, I pretty much nailed it (see my Bottom Line inthis post).
The only reason I bring it up at all is to give people hope. There’s plenty of fun twists and drama to speculate about, as well as happy stuff, without inventing horrible endings that have practically zero chance of happening. … But maybe that’s just me.
@Thinkling,
I completely agree that I don’t think the show will leave C/S in a bad way for the finale, despite what may be teased or speculated, because that’s just not the way this show rolls. But let’s face it, they could show us footage of Chuck and Sarah exchanging vows, and this fandom would still find something to worry about! Worrying about nothing seems to be part of the job description 🙂
They will be married that’s for sure. I just have a feeling they will shoehorn the wedding in at somepoint. Fans have been waiting for a wedding forever and now it gets thrown into an episode that may be overpacked to begin with. I have been waiting for this for quite some time but if they are going to try to fit it in then my excitement is not as the high other finales.
@kev / think – even I am pretty confident that things are going to be ok, but I do think sarah is going to be the sacrificial lamb again in order to allow the dramatic payoff at the end of 4×24 between chuck and sarah, to give chuck his moment yet again, after totally emasculating him all season long (except for dribs and drabs and 4×13)
My spec on the wedding is it’s going to be really quick, seconds rather than minutes – think roswell’s finale wedding rather than the ring 1 in chuck.
Somehow seeing sarah’s bullet riddled body hanging on for dear life at some point in 4×24 preceded by a scene of jeff and lester have a vomit eating or a booger shooting contest and followed by a 5 minute scene of morgan doing something inane (like the yoga scene thru the laser security system with sarah, mama b and chuck watching in 4×13) – that is what gets me.
I loved alias, liked 24, I can handle drama, if the show is mostly dramatic, but the notion of hurting sarah in some way shape of form for another finale, it sucks. Hurt someone else for goodness sakes – kill morgan – you can always bring him back in season 7 or 8 – muuuuaaaahhhh.
But like thinkling said, I agree, it is going to be ok.
I’m a bit more optimistic I guess. I think there will be plenty of wedding – at least as much as Ellie/Awesome. I take your point about Chuck’s big damn hero moment though – if I think about it too much it’s certainly predictable. But I think the finales (both half and full season) have been uniformly excellent, so I’m going to enjoy this one and not worry too much if I can see some of the joins.
And you know me – it’s all about the story, so as long as that’s up to snuff, who does what isn’t going to bother me as much as some.
kill morgan – you can always bring him back in season 7 or 8 – muuuuaaaahhhh.
Jason, I like the way you think. 😉 🙂
@genie – thanks – I try
@kev – interestingly – many of us who bicker over many things about chuck still more or less enjoy the same eps for many of the same reasons – I wonder if 4×24 will be such an episode?
I’m sure it will, Jason. Marlin, Ring, Other Guy, Ring II, Push Mix – I’ve enjoyed them all, and I have no doubt I’m going to enjoy this one too. Let’s just hope we get good renewal news before the episode airs!
My two cents worth on Chuck and season finales (or “13s” that might have been finales!); they have always been a fun ride and satisfying. My only beef is that they often make it all about big Chuck heroic moments that give Sarah less to do. I make no bones about saying I’d rather watch Sarah in action. But of course I like rooting for Chuck too; and I haven’t actually been upset with any finale episode yet. It sounds like both my favorite and least favorite aspects of the finale trend will continue. That’s fine, I expect to have a great time!
@Big Kev … If only there was money in worrying, we could sponsor the show. 😉
I understand the feelings about a lack of balance on the finales with Chuck and Sarah. Whereas I really love to see C/S fighting their fights together, saving the world together, I’ve thoroughly enjoyed all the finales (and 13’s).
Ring was balanced and probably what most people would like to see … Chuck and Sarah working more together.
Other Guy wasn’t balanced.
Ring 2 was fine until they left Sarah handcuffed for the last fight. I understood why they needed for Chuck to take down Shaw by himself, but Sarah handcuffed (No knife? No lock pick?) was a little lame. She did get to knock Shaw up side of the head with a pipe, though, so that was cool.
I thought Push Mix was OK on balance, in spite of the fact they weren’t together. They both had a job to do, and it wouldn’t have worked without both of them doing their own jobs. Sarah saved Mary, which was what she set out to do, and I liked that whole dynamic. Chuck took down Volkoff in a great Chuck-like plan.
They tempered the separations by the fact that in the middle of their being separated (in both Gobbler and Push Mix) they had some time together in some pretty strong scenes. So I’m curious to see how they deal with it in Last Details and Cliff Hanger.
Spoiler? Anecdote? (sort of) for Chuck vs Agent X
Thanks to Faith for the heads up and link on Twitter. Get ready for some icky scenes involving the male strippers come Monday night. 🙂
Check out the complete article from The Examiner http://exm.nr/mz0wre
And here’s an extract that really matters 😉
“There was some inappropriate footage that I saw of this bachelorette party with guys in banana hammocks, and I don’t want to speak for Yvonne Strahovski, but I think one of the guys brushed up against her cheek with an inappropriate body part,” McPartlin was quick to highlight.
Um, really? That doesn’t sound like something Ellie (Sarah Lancaster) would plan! But yes, both Lancaster and Yvonne Strahovski herself confirmed the wild evening events.
“I was on a chair, so my head was level with these four dudes– with their genitals. It was horrifying!” Strahovski laughed. “I was speechless after, but I did create a ten-inch rule that one guy in particular did not abide by. He was very close to my shoulder; he felt the need for contact on the shoulder.”
As Faith said on Twitter, Yvonne needs Hazard Pay for going through situations like these 🙂
To be honest this guy who set off this meltdown sounds like a real wind up up merchant and ass! I mean he has already admitted that people call him comic book guy, i.e. he is a loser. He has information on the show and he uses it to hurt people’s feelings and shake their faith in the show just so he can feel important. You guys feed his hunger for power and validation by freaking out on what he says, so what if sarah is not much in the finale, chuck was barely in phase three and you guys loved that episode. This show maybe for some fans as much as sarah as chuck but the show is named chuck and considering this season has been a major sarah season and not chuck season! why can’t he have an episode to be a hero! Man just look at what fringe has done to peter, he is not in half the episodes! and when he did get that one thing this season that made him important (the doomsday device) at the last minute they gave olivia all the glory! so fans at least when it is about chuck sarah is in the episode! you are not losing out as much as peter has! not in the slightest! Also to that guy who is a loser, do not worry about him!
Robbie Duncan McNeil interview. Translated.
http://translate.google.com/translate?js=n&prev=_t&hl=en&ie=UTF-8&layout=2&eotf=1&sl=auto&tl=en&u=http%3A%2F%2Fmysj.de%2F32052.html
Howdy Yall –
I tried a quick check – and I don’t think anyone has posted this link to some pics from the Agent X episode tonight:
http://www.spoilertv.com/2011/04/chuck-episode-422-chuck-versus-agent-x_29.html
– nice pics – but not much different than the promo
surprisingly quiet on the promo / interview / spoiler / blog posting front or has the info released caused the fan base to be quiet – things like someone you love is going to be hurt, photo’s of sarah in a hospital garb, thoughts of a nasty cliffhanger on a show ready to be cancelled, the real yvonne complaining about strippers crossing into her personal space, teases putting a 23 episode wedding march in question, if the intent was to create a buzz, that strategy so far has been a fail …. seems to be straight out of the marque de sade playbook – although I guess some people like that sort of thing? I sure hope someone in the know starts saying something at least somewhat positive sounding to get people excited enough about the last couple of eps to maybe cause at least a little spike in viewership – if these last couple of episodes are going to be good, give fans some info to cause celebration and commotion, it has not done the show any good having everyone talk about how good eps are after the fact!
There are a lot of press regarding the bachelor/bachelorette parties that’s going to be in tonight’s episode. Apart from that I heard of only one instance of an actual promo being shown.
Thanks for posting that Faith (and Peter!) It’s always interesting to watch their interplay.
But I still think it’s a bad idea to play coy about the wedding.
True, but having seen Yvonne tease about it in a couple of interviews, there’s no doubt in my mind it’s going to happen.
I don’t doubt it will happen either, I just don’t get why they aren’t trumpeting it.
I agree. I think they’d get better milage with another vehicle.
I will say, though, if they must tease, Yvonne is much cuter at it than Schwedak. No surprise there.
CHUCK: “UNLIKE ANYTHING ELSE ON TV” http://www.nbcudirect.com/
Most interesting comment was Yvonne’s : ” we’re supposed to tease that out” about the will they or wont they make it to the altar situation. Tells me that fans that are worrying – and you all know who you are – heck, we ALL know who you are – should just stop and enjoy the show you love.
peter – I agree with the snipet being positive. Fans worrying is not the problem, the promotion of the negative for upcoming eps to ratchet up the angst, as opposed to the promotion of the positive to ratchet up excitement is what bothers me …. anything those fans you are pointing out that ‘everyone knows about’ could be trumped by one positive fedak comment …. why not try it at this point??? What good has come from promoting from the angst POV for the show????
Ditto all that Jason, and I’d take it a step further. With plenty of “wedding mania” right now I think they’re really foolish for not taking advantage and overtly promoting the coming event. They could show pictures of a decorated church and guests while teasing what the bride will wear. I get that most 18-35 males couldn’t care less; but my wife is nuts for that stuff and she is no less a part of the key demo than any young male.
Even more so Dave, a lot of women decide what goes on the telly. I’m lucky that my girl likes a lot of the same things I do, and I’m not bombarded with soaps, but appealing to women can bring in a lot of men in that way as well. It’s like in hospitality, when you have parents eating at a restaurant with their kids, make the kids happy, because the parents will return.
Exactly right rev. I’m lucky in the same way, we like similar shows. But while I’m watching the action and stunt work, she’s getting excited over set and costume design.
I’m not trying to sound all gloom and doom. i get promoting the wedding is a good idea. i just look at the obvious. if they promote the wedding they have to tell you what episode it’s in. how many people will keep tuning in each week if they don’t get what they think is coming? i’m not talking the i will watch no matter what fan. i’m talking the i may want to check it out again fan. next, how will promoting the wedding help the next two weeks? this week they are promoting the parties, which they should because it seems to be the main focus. that alone should clue people in there is going to be a wedding. who know knows how they do next week. if they tell the viewers which episode the wedding is in it only affects that episode. sure the finale may be higher but they need to bring up the next two as well.
the biggest mistake was trying the doom and gloom approach they took with the someone is in danger or hurt…fill in the rest.
i’ll wait till all the episodes air before condemning them. there may be reasons they promoted this way.
Wild speculation for tonight and beyond, Agent X is a real agent, he is the lawyer Reilly, but he is an evil agent. He has convinced the CIA that he is on a long term burrowing into Volkov Industries(ala Frost), but in fact he is taking it over for his own purposes, to replace Volkov with him self and Vivian as the figurehead to be the magnet. Oh and there is some family connection with Bartowski as he was given the intersect without the CIA knowing it way back in the day.
Team Bartowski realizes that and tries to stop him, getting on the CIA’s bad side for interfering with one of their star agents. So team Bartowski end out fighting the supposed bad guy – Vivian, the real bad guy – Reilly, and their own side the CIA.
WOW!!! Can this woman be any more perfect? I guess she does get to wear the wedding gown!
http://www.tvguide.com/news/kecks-exclussives-chuck-1032596.aspx
A Chuck baby would be great to see.
this line is worrisome…”The wedding has been something we’ve been building up to, but this being Chuck, that doesn’t mean everyone will survive until the ‘I Do’s,'” warns series co-creator Chris Fedak.
A baby? They want the ratings to slip even further?
Yes Paul, they are trying everything to make sure of that. How did you know?
That’s kind of obvious 😛
Gorgeous right? Radiant even.
Well, if they’re thinking a Chuck baby next season it seems pretty likely everyone will survive until the “I dos!”
Wow!
Enough said.
http://zacharylevifan.com/gallery/displayimage.php?album=576&pid=51684
OK – that is what I call quick response, I asked for something fun, positive, and boom – that – stunning – sarah cleans up rather well for not being a ‘girly’ girl
Yeah, no doubt! That DOES count as positive promotion!
I don’t think they were ever NOT going to promote anything positive (at least I hoped not)…just that a time and a place. With multiple episodes leading up to it, they wanted the focus (I’m sure) to still be on some of those episodes and its stories. My beef was why release the photo of the hospital gown weeks before that should ever be out there, but I guess that’s partly the fan’s fault.
Chuck and Sarah drama will always be the main draw, they know it and so should the fans by now. Sure they’ll talk up Agent X, Vivian and the Eraser but they know what gets the fanbase attention and that’s the wedding. At the end of the day those are teasers that get buzz about the show and might increase ratings.
Faith, “they” didn’t release the picture in the hospital gown. It surfaced on twitter & was posted by a fan set visitor. So, seems to me the only “negative” thing that is being said by official channels – or as Yvonne said in the interview ” we’re supposed to tease that out” – is WT/WT get to the altar. Come on, it’s Chuck. That’s what they do.
And I agree, there are two episode left before this picture becomes real. Significant things are going to happen – Ellie apparently is clued in, Agent X is apparently revealed and we get the set up for the finale. Sorry, still too soon to talk about or officially promote a wedding – but boy, did a lot of people talk about it the last few days.
Relax, enjoy the show you love! You may not get to do that next year.
Peter I think there’s been a lot more negative than that. Starting with all the “something awful will happen to someone we love” talk and later saying that it will involve torture and possibly death. Well, we know they’re not going to kill off Sarah; but to me that is what I mean by negative energy. The actual previews and synopsis this time around have been good. Its mainly the interviews with Fedak that I think have been misguided. Hopefully the more widespread promotion will get better as we get closer to the finale. But more than half the Chuck fans I know IRL are women who simply do not get excited over the ominous and dark stuff (and BTW, I’m completely with the women in that regard; I would much rather be happy excited than worried excited). But apart from previews, the photo that surfaced today of Yvonne in the wedding dress was the first thing I’ve gone out of my way to show to my wife; and guess what, she got excited about it.
You’re right Peter. “They” didn’t release it, the fan/blogger did. Even the press who were there that same day as the fan withheld certain details…(I was told that they were asked to hold up on certain spoilers and details until closer to the date)…and continue to. For the most part.
See that’s one of my pet peeves, I trust legit sources for that reason.
Dave, this IS Chuck. Fedak goes out of his way to throw misdirection wherever he can, but really, how much has even been in the media? Did anyone really think they were just going to play out the final episodes as a comfy trip to the altar? The season has been a big gift with a huge bow on it for the fans of the romance & relationship, and we have watched the ratings drop like a stone.
Now before anyone gets the wrong impression, I watch Chuck because I am invested in the characters and I like the fact that the show premise is built on relationships. I am not a “shipper” in the classic sense, but how the character interact with each other is important to me. Just don’t want to get mis-labled.
So there are a couple of interviews where the “someone we love” comment came out. Is that all it takes to wash away this away? A die hard fan already knows that they aren’t going to kill Sarah, but I don’t doubt she will be in danger and isn’t that a typical way to promote on TV. The torture comment refers to Agent X and it’s done to someone in a non-spy role at the bachelor party, not the wedding, and considering they have so much else to reveal in that episode, it’s probably the easiest thing they could. We aren’t going to get a full episode of wedding – and for that I am glad. And the episode is three weeks away so again, why promote it?
I’m sorry Dave, I honestly don’t understand. With all that we have been given this year, and taking the ratings drop into consideration, don’t you think that something else needs to be done?
But again, I am just going to relax and enjoy – and hope I get to to it again next season.
In reality peter no one is worried about Sarah dieing, I’ve seen no one claim that she would, the problem is that people don’t want to invest four years on a journey that ultimately ends with no destination because of a cliffhanger. People invested four years in watching Charah, if they would end it by not having a wedding because of some cliffhanger while the show’s future is in the balance that doesn’t go down well. Same goes for action in the wedding episode, again no one minds, people mind it when it is used to do another interruption where it isn’t necessary, or when they do a repeat of the awesome wedding, or when they use it to postpone it till season 5 when we are far from certain we are getting one.
Well put rev, thank you.
Rev, I appreciate your comment and the way you phrased it (very much). Honestly, I’m not sure how I will feel or what I will do if that were to occur. But that really isn’t what my comment was about. I’m referring to “all the negative promotion” revolving the final episode. A couple of interviews where Fedak says “if they make it”? It just seems to me that people get very worked up about what they perceive is being said and as a result what they expect will happen. Makes for a lot of negative energy posting. I’m curious what you thought of last nights promo because honestly, it got me more interested and heightened my anticipation level for the next episode. It certainly did not hype the wedding.
I know there is still a lot of people who haven’t forgiven the show for S3 – and that they took it very personally. Maybe I just have more faith- what can I say, I am a forgiving guy. I don’t think the cliffhanger ending has anything to do with whether or not Chuck & Sarah get married so I’m not letting other peoples speculation influence me going into these last two episodes. I think people will enjoy it more if they just have faith and go along for the ride. Maybe my faith is misguided – could be. But I’m not going to dwell on that now because it hasn’t happened yet. I’ve found I enjoy things more when I look at all the good that has happened rather than focus on what negative could be.
I respect your point of view – I won’t embrace it. I suspect there are many who won’t embrace mine and that’s okay. See, I haven’t invested nearly as much time as the people who conceived of this story line, write, act, film, direct, edit and produce it. Tearing them down before I get to see their work serves me no purpose. They have given me hours of entertainment and if these are the last two hours I get to enjoy, then I plan on doing just that.
Peter, interesting POV and I do understand where you are coming from. I will quibble with you on one point before I state the rest of my opinion. You made in an earlier statement the comment that the gift to the shippers of season 4 was responsible for the ratings decline. I would content that that is a very simplistic view of why they have dropped. Just as those that say that Daniel Shaw and the trapezoid was the reason the ratings declined in season 3, it is never just 1 reason and never just 1 issue. There are many many factors and those that say it wasn’t a factor are just as incorrect as those that say it was the only one.
I work with ratings daily in my real life and we look at a large number of factors to why broadcasters share of the market is shrinking. But the fact of the matter is that it is shrinking on an overall scale and at an alarming rate. We really don’t talk that much about increasing overall ratings but more in terms of increasing our slice of the shrinking pie. We can have lots of discussions about the many factors in terms of a show like Chuck but the fact of the matter is that the love affair with the shippers is a factor but it is not the only one. So I would take issue with that statement.
As far as your point about last nights promo goes it also has me very excited about the next 2 weeks. I AM a shipper but I have no worries at all about there not being a wedding. I am absolutely convinced there will be one and to quote Yvonne “its satisfying”. But I don’t want a happy stroll to the altar. It just wouldn’t be Chuck. These 2 characters that I love need to fight to get there. That is at the heart of their story. They have always had to fight for each other and when TPTB decided to turn them away from that in season 3 the show suffered greatly because of it.
I am perfectly willing to let Fedak tell his story this time because I think I have a great idea of where its going. But I am in no way worried that it won’t get there. Just like I was in no way worried about the proposal in 4.13. With that episode I was rewarded handsomely for that faith and I am certain I will be again.
Uplink, let me clarify and correct quickly – I did not say that the S4 ‘gift to the fans’ was responsible for the drop in ratings, just as I will never say that S3 was responsible for the drop. I did say this season has been a gift for the fans. I probably should have ended the sentence there and stated that even with that gift that so many have wanted, we have watched the ratings drop.
I don’t question your work with ratings. I have read your posts on the decline in viewership etc and have no quibble with it. I take no issue with the fact that there are multiple factors involved – something I have pointed out when looking at ratings of repeats.
The fact of the matter is though, ratings have declined over the course of the season. With the S4 they have given us, I can’t see why any “shippers” would abandon ship this season. Last night, after all the interview chatter about strippers and not the wedding that fed this discussion, and a promo that was admonished for being too spoilery – Chuck had an uptick in the ratings and the demo.
I realize this probably isn’t a discussion for the Spoiler Board and I am sorry for taking up so much room and time. I’ll stop now.
Peter we welcome the discussion, this has been a good one. You did hit on a very important point earlier about having faith in the writers. I do, most of us here at ChuckThis do, and many of our commenters clearly do. But S3 did a lot of damage to that trust. TPTB had not regained my trust until First Fight. Many other ‘shippers and casual viewers had different feelings and experiences with when they were able to believe in the direction and tone of Chuck for this season. There are clearly many out there who aren’t over it yet. Given how long it took me to get past the season of my discontent I am very sympathetic towards viewers who aren’t quite there yet. THAT is why I am very aware of the tone of interviews and promotional material.
I was also very excited about the preview we saw last night, and eagerly await 4.23.
Right with you, Pete. There will be a wedding. Sarah won’t die. Those are givens. Everything else is just Fedak doing what any storyteller would do – trying not to give away the end of the story. They may reveal more the closer we get, but for now there’s a lot of story to tell before we even get to a wedding. Let’s promote that first and then see what they promote for the wedding. Makes sense to me.
Peter,
My reply above was in reference to your first comment. If anything, I agree even more with your second. Perfectly put.
Chuck vs the Final Details 4.23 – the promo really amps the tension!
I wonder if Casey’s comment tonight about poison in the tea – was a clue… Anyone else catch the closing sequence in the promo, “I already have” As Sarah sips her wine… then the Dr.’s Woodcomb running to someone’s aid? Just wish they hadn’t included a pic of Mary B at the party too.
I’ve added the promo up above. And the promo breakdown courtesy of Sarge is here.
I wonder if Casey’s comment tonight about poison in the tea – was a clue… Anyone else catch the closing sequence in the promo, “I already have” As Sarah sips her wine…
Agree. Looks like foreshadowing, now that we have seen the promo for 4×23. Question is will the episode end on a cliffhanger with Sarah being rushed to the hospital or kind of like will she be admitted to the hospital and Chuck gets ready to go after Vivian (or something to that effect)
Another thing that’s been rolling around in my head after watching last night… in 4.22 during the Winterbottom tea party… Amazing that both Chuck and Casey were very very cautious, yet it was Sarah that was most trusting… taking a sip of tea first… We have expounded endlessly about character transition over the past seasons…. Chuck has become increasingly suspicous, while Sarah has embrassed the essense of trust and acceptance at face value.
Yep, and apparently we will be treated to yet another reference to wine. How many times have we seen wine as an important element this season?
With Chuck’s ratings, it seems TPTB are partaking heh.
I think we should have had a ” PLOT” poll… one where we could place our ‘bets’… [ not real money of course] ~ I wonder how many would have picked Volkoff as the real Agent X? And I’m pretty sure nobody would have added the CIA ISIS project twist! That was great story telling!
Now of course we have a sprint to the finish – as we move closer to the Wedding!
Between what was revealed last night in 4.22 and the leaks in the promo –
I think we have a small idea of what’s ahead… just can’t wait to finally watch…
actually I can’t wait to do the big Season 4 rewatch from start to finish!
surprisingly many people here did pick volkoff. i had it between volkoff (well tuttle)and beckman. that part wasn’t hard. given orions age it had to be an older character and there are so few on the show.
Yeah, it was kind of cool that we were all over it. But I really loved the story that made Volkoff Agent X. That was fantastic.
The way they did it was great. I suspected it was Volkoff’s twin. As soon as Ellie explained the personality over write concept it all clicked! Much better that what I had imagined because it explained so much that seemed to be left hanging! I annoyed the heck out of my family by outlining it immedietly! 😛
New spoilers TVLine. I added it up top too, but it’s always good to visit the direct site anyway. It helps their site hits and pays their bills.
Oh, wow! I don’t know who might remember this, but Ausiello’s reference to the movie Duel has me stoked.
I remember when I first saw it (and that was long before I knew who Stephen Spielberg was). It stars Dennis Weaver in an almost one-man show, in a battle against a truck. Well, the truck has a driver, but you’d never know it. It was almost as if the truck itself was his (inhuman) nemesis. No dialog and completely mesmerizing.
I was at a party the first time I saw it, and I recall people were not paying much attention at first. That didn’t last long. At one point I realized that everyone was absolutely riveted even though they had come in in the middle. It was that good.
You know i’ve seen alot of worry since the picture of the crew with Sarah in a gown. But something has bugged me after the last ep that really makes me think Ellie will the one something terrible happens to. Dunno why to be honest but dunno if anyone else noticed but it u can see the Baby Bump on Sarah Lancaster ( As she is pregnant is real life). The fact that she is makes me believe it will be Ellie as her baby must not be due till later this year then she will be on Leave while a possible Season 5 is being filmed.
I dunno. I think they need Ellie for the rest of the story. I get the impression that TeamB is now a 5 man team, and they are all pretty safe.
Plus the horrible deed is in 4.23, and Ellie is in the 4.24 piture, in her scrubs, alive and well. At least I think that’s what I remember.
That Ausiello Spoiler sounds great. How in the world are they going to fit all that plus a hospital, parachutes, a wedding. It sounds more jam packed than Ring. Should be interesting to see how they pull this one off.
I’ll be excited to see a big budget action sequence! I was kind of thinking that day was past for Chuck.
someone help me out here please. take this line from ausiello…involving who Chuck is as a person and as a hero. how much more can we learn or need to know about chuck and how many more hero moments?
Well he did say it was a continuation of the show’s theme since season 1. So I would guess it means they want to keep telling the story they already are!
Also in the episode:
A funeral.
Getting Volkoff out of jail. (There was a pic of Casey in a prison guard outfit)
Morgan doing something with the Cat Squad girls that required Josh to need a stunt double.
It certainly is a lot.
Something from EW Spoiler Chat:
Jemjoven: What more can you tell us about Sarah’s gorgeous wedding dress? #Chuck
Like we said before, Yvonne Strahovski definitely had her say in the wedding dress that hopefully fans will get to see her walk down the aisle in. Yvonne also told us she isn’t always keen on running around in skintight clothing, so we’re betting the dress will be more girly/traditional and less spy-esque. Only thing we know for sure: Sarah will look beeeautiful.
Faith, whether she’s in a dirty jump suit sporting a shiner from Smooth Lau or in a dress with a fat lip from La Ciudad, Sarah looks beautiful! 😉
An LA Times blogger is reporting that Smash is a lock for an NBC pick up. Also my girl Kat is being singled out for a “breakout performance”. 😀
So we have one down for Pilots. Hopefully we will hear word about Chuck soon.
this could be good news or bad for chuck. if it gets season 5 its great news. bad if it’s used on pilot shows to replace the ones doing bad.
http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2011/05/04/comcast-to-spend-200-million-more-on-nbcs-primetime-schedule-than-ge-did/91505
It’s irrelevant to Chuck.
They aren’t going to pump more money into a 5th season show that’s always been on the bubble.
The money will be spent on pilots and promoting new shows.
there are 2 trends of thought on that i suppose. the first is what you just said. in that case they would simply cancel chuck.
the second is the old axiom, to make money you need to spend money. chuck is the best thing going on monday for NBC. putting more money into a show equates to a better show in the long run. the more important point is the promoting of the show. more promo time would result in more viewers, which means more income from ads.
i have said before that i think chuck has already been renewed. but this news could still help in that decision if it hasn’t already been made.
This is TV marketing 101. The longer a show has been out, the less responsive it is to advertising. It’s most responsive when it’s brand new because people haven’t formed an opinion on it. The longer it’s been on, the more people have either positive or negative opinions.
Think of it this way. If you aren’t already watching a show that has been on for four seasons, how much advertising would make you start watching it?
If Chuck is renewed, it will be because NBC finds it profitable. Part of the reason it may be profitable is because they don’t need to spend money marketing it.
NBC’s future does not rest on Chuck getting another 0.1 or 0.2 added to its rating. It rests on developing real hits like The Voice seems to be turning into.
very true. they do need to develop more and better shows. i also agree that NBC/WB will only renew chuck if they can make a profit. even if it relies on the pre selling for syndication. the pilots for next year have already been budgeted for in some cases paid for or filmed. so the money would not go to that. the 200 mil would go to shows that are scheduled air after the fall schedule is announced on the 16th. making it better for chuck by raising the amount they can spend per episode. more money better quality more locations etc etc.
as for promoting a show it does have an effect. some of chucks better numbers come in the fall where promos run during football. there are still people that don’t know chuck is still on or that the premise has changed.
don’t get me wrong i don’t think chucks numbers will ever get back to season 2 levels but to the beginning of season 4 it’s possible. they need to get the word out better.
the bottom line for NBC is it’s in the tank for viewers. they have one or two shows that draw. like you said pilots and new shows draw better. by promoting shows like chuck during those shows will touch more viewers. some that may primarily view other networks. having a new influence of money offsets the time taken from the ads they have to sell during those shows. i focus on chuck because the blog is about that show but it applies to all shows on NBC.
If Chuck is renewed, I don’t think NBC will pay any more for it than they have been. If they do pay more, it would be a piddly amount just to cover inflation.
I don’t think it will get any more promotion than it got this past season.
I have noticed that the problem is widesspread. After a hiatus many people have no idea that their show is back on. I have a friend who loves the Event only knew they were coming back and replacing Chuck that one week after I told her.
My daughter has a friend whose online ID is “Captain Awesome”. She asked him if he liked Chuck. He thought Chuck had been cancelled after a long hiatus and was shocked to know it was still on. At that point he had missed about 3 episodes.
If they don’t fix this they are going to continue to lose money on all of their shows!
here is my suggestion – give chuck a fall 13 episode series ender, announce it, stick to it, thank the fans for their support, and start to leak ‘casting’ roles for various chuck members in new NBC pilots – morgan starring as a suschi chef, Yvonne as the star of the “Yvonne Strahovski show”, which is rumored as a remake of the mary tyler moore show, etc, etc, etc – will leave fans in a good mood, will give chuck a nice neatly tied up end, and will be great for the stars of the chuck show – you do it in the fall, so the cast members can hook up with pilots
i watch the news at 1800 on an ABC affiliate. every day between 1820 and 1830 they show the nightly prime time schedule. they ad a small bit about each show. it takes about a minute and is done by the news anchor while the schedule is shown next to him. i don’t know if NBC does the same thing but it seems like a cheap way to reach the fans. if NBC doesn’t do this it would be worth a shot.
Army my guess would be that’s more of a choice made by the affiliate. In the Detroit market WDIV does announce the prime time line-up during the 6 o’clock newscast; I think its a common practice. It is in the local affiliates best interest simply because a certain portion of the primetime advertising goes to the local market, but I don’t believe it is required.
well that’s depressing.
They do this on wwbt at some point during the local news. It is just a list before a cut to the commercial though, nothing about the shows. They need to cross advertise with other NBC properties like SciFi and USA where potential viewers are to be found!
Yeah Patty, USA especially would be a good place to find new Chuck fans. Especially if they emphasized the fun and humor of the show, Psych is almost a perfect match for Chuck.
Great video Chuck cast discusses hiatus plans, will show come back?
http://m.youtube.com/#/watch?desktop_uri=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fwatch%3Fv%3DK0G0ru_Qu4Q%26feature%3Dshare&feature=share&v=K0G0ru_Qu4Q&gl=US
Rich, is this the right link? I’m getting a YouTube page with links to 4 videos on it, none of which seem to be Chuck related. Help!
Hope this helps
http://bit.ly/jXYAJS
Ah, thank you, Genie. That helps.
Oh yeah, they sound like they’re ready for a vacation. 24 episodes (isn’t that, like, 12 or so full length movies?) is a lot of work.
We should really look back on S4 and think of it as two complete seasons too – they’ve done that much.
that back drop was the same as a video they released a while ago. do you think they did them both at the same time? just wondering.
Sorry,
I posted the wrong link. This head cold is making me all loopy.
When did JG get married? Gasp. NOOOO!
Easy now, Faith. Don’t hyperventilate on us! We’ll find out.
Yeah, if it’s any consolation, it was news to me too.
The cat is out of the bag on who gets injured.
http://exm.nr/moyWFp
I didn’t see any indication there of WHO, but the poisoning bit was news (or at least confirmation). Previous photos make it seem highly likely the poisoning victim is Sarah. (hey, this is the spoiler page!)
How can you have a finale with your co-star out of commission for most of the episode. What are they going to do patch her up so they can wheel her down the aisle. Lol
What in the world made Fedak think this would be a good idea. SWFG are going to flip the freak out!!
rac, it’s easy. in phase 3 chuck was down most of it. in ring 2 the second hour chuck was down most of it. granted casey is not as big as the others but he was down in push mix. why does this come as a surprise? or is it because sarah is the one that’s down for the count? it’s not the first time they did this. it’s how they do it a good bit of the time. one of the big three is out of it in one way or another.
Chuck was only down for a small part in Ring 2 . And this time around it’s the season finale – Sarah is more important than Casey.
2 Reasons why this is different.
1. This is the finale. Sidelining what may be many peoples favorite character is a bad idea. This is not episode 9.
2. They are supposed to get married. She is on her death bed and then what jumps out gets her dress and runs to the wedding. If you are poisoned to almost death you postpone the wedding for a few months.
Iwhat is the urgency of them getting married. By poisoning Sarah and making her fight for her life they are cheapening the wedding. It’s like they are throwing it in as a check in the box.
It sounds incredibly tense and exciting to me. Chuck needs to operate without his safety net in order to save his safety net’s life. And that safety net happens to be the woman he wants to spend the rest of his life with.
I can think of no more poignant way for a series about a hero’s journey to end.
my bad on ring 2. thats true im not taking away from sarah or chuck or casey. in the ending episodes even the .5’s as they have been called, one of them has been down for some reason or another. that can’t be argued. i spec’d earlier on this thread it would be sarah because they used chuck and casey already this season. the show is called chuck, so to have him down is crazier than sarah. would it hold as much drama if it was anyone else but sarah? we may not like it but having sarah hurt is a better way for chuck to be a hero than anyone else on the show. i think that’s why they went that way.
RAC – Don’t take this wrong but you always think of the worst case scenario. 🙂 Cheer up. Time is very fluid on Chuck There is no indication that Sarah goes to her wedding directly from the hospital or on a wheelchair. For all we know a lot of time passes before the wedding and Sarah’s recovery.
NewHere – It’s not about Chuck operating without his safety net. It’s about both C/S taking on the bad guys in the climactic part of the season. Both being heroes. Together.
“If you are poisoned to almost death you postpone the wedding for a few months. ”
Perhaps they do. Haven’t you ever heard of a time jump in the middle of an episode?
They had a 3-month jump in 401. They fast forwarded through a month of Chuck being tested in “Chuck vs. Fear of Death”.
Then again, maybe you are right and the wedding doesn’t happen in this episode. 🙂
I can see that but by doing this the same episode as the wedding diminishes the wedding. Wouldn’t someones life be more important than “I hope we can get to the church in time”?
Rac, i understand your points. it comes as no surprise to me they went this way. i have said for a while we would not see the wedding, that’s why they did not promote it. they will be married i think by the end. we have thought for a while now the ending would be chock full of goodies. a wedding takes up a lot of time in the episode to do it right. why they chose this way is confusing, but it is their show.
as for the half season and ep 9, i feel they are treating this as the end of the vivian arc same as they did ep 9. i think when they planned this episode they did so with every intention of having a season 5.
I won’t even hesitate to say Sarah is my favorite character on the show, so I’m not overjoyed at the thought of her being out of action. But I don’t think it needs to be a big deal either. They’ve all taken turns having their big hero moments (even Morgan!), and the usual pattern is it’s Chuck himself in the finales. My first choice would be Chuck and Sarah saving the world together, second choice is just all Sarah. But like I said, I can handle it being Chuck’s turn; and I still expect to have a great time these next 2 weeks!
i sort of don’t care, as big a shipper as I am, I no longer care, I got a great season from fedak. If fedak wants to write what may be his last episode ever without sarah, I hope that works out for him.
More than likely, all the initial gloom will lead to a satisfying end, somehow I wish that would excite new viewership, but if anything a large segment of the viewership seems disenfranchised over the end as more details emerge.
The problem that many see chuck as a warm romantic comedy, and when fedak gets all alias on the fan base, a pretty large segment looks for that chuncky chicken soup and a trip to the bathroom, as did yvonne whhen she filmed her college humor video.
Oh well, 2 more episodes, I hate to admit, I am very ready for chuck to be over.
RAC, you and I, and many others at this site would have likely enjoyed an entire episode devoted to the wedding. We love these characters, both the warm and sweet moments, and the laugh out loud funny moments. And I would have been perfectly happy with an entire episode of warm, sweet, and funny.
But we all know that just isn’t how TPTB see this show. They see the action adventure as the show’s signature theme. So the ONLY way they will do a wedding is with chases, explosions, and gunfire. They’ve already been bragging up this finale as the most expensive of the series and are very excited about their stunt and effects work. I say, sit back and enjoy the ride. I’m positive we’ll get to that wedding and have a great time doing it.
Come on guys this is Chuck. People get poisoned all the time, sweat a lot, take the antidote and jump up ready to take on the bad guys!! Maybe they are going for some sort of counterpoint to “Truth” when Ellie was poisoned!
dave i agree with many here wanting an all wedding episode. i would argue one point and it’s a minor argument. how TPTB see the show. i think they saw this season as the year of fluff. not that it’s a bad thing. this season has had far more fluff and stuff than action. everything revolved around the couple and family. action and adventure came in second to that or was because of it. as faith said they are nothing but predictable. all major moments like engagements, weddings in the past have had issues. like you said it’s chuck. maybe that’s why the disinterest in the final 2 episodes. people believe they are not going to see the wedding they want. this is not the first place i have heard folks say they are less than interested. to me that’s a bad sign for a show that needs all the interest it can get.
I’m with you (Patty) and Thinkling on this one. We’ve seen Sarah in a hospital gown twice before (once disguised as Ellie) and both times she kicked some Fulcrum butt. Casey was near comatose and manhandled a Volkoff agent.
They like to ramp up the tension and release it quickly. I plan to get excited, but not to worry! 😉
Right Patty! Exactly!
“NewHere – It’s not about Chuck operating without his safety net. It’s about both C/S taking on the bad guys in the climactic part of the season. Both being heroes. Together.”
We’ve seen that before. It’s just an ordinary episode if the stakes aren’t raised to a high level. I agree that it’s fun to see, but it doesn’t have that extra ooomph that fighting to save someone who is very important to you has.
I think we may see Chuck and Sarah working together in 423 when they have to rescue Chuck’s mom. 424 needs to take it to another level.
It sounds exciting but IMO they should have held the wedding for a different ep. Seems like way to much story crammed into one ep. Sorry I am critical by nature. I know that if my fiance was poisoned I would not try to make it to my wedding. Lol
I hope they use a time jump and please do not get married in the stupid hospital.
I’m 90% sure they won’t do that RAC. There will either be enough time or Sarah will make a miraculously quick recovery (sky high constitution you know!) and there will be a proper church wedding.
I agree, Dave. I’m optimistic about all of it. It’s going to be awesome.
I think Sarah should be on her deathbed and they put her dress over her. They exchange their vows in the hospital and minutes after saying “I do”, Sarah dies. For real.
So, in the end, Sarah marries the love of her life with her dying breath as Chuck promises to go on and save the world without her.
Incredibly romantic. I’m sniffling as I wrote it.
The stuff at the church is Sarah’s funeral and memorial.
The stuff at the church is Sarah’s funeral and memorial.
Wow! What a fun scenario!! Way to spread the excitement. 😛
Someone’s trying to be a buzzkill…
Hey,
I just saw Jane Eyre last week.
Hey NewHere, that’s how a lot of good fan fiction gets written; you have a promising start (or end?) there… To a story I would never read… (!)
No worries. I don’t read or write fan fiction.
I can’t stand it.
I think the Sarah wedding picture that has been released is part of a Chuck dream and in the real wedding she wears the dress that they showed her trying on earlier in the season.
Could be, Judy, but I think that’s the dress (the released piture). I think the bullet holes forced her to go shopping, and she ended up choosing something a little different. Ellie said she had chosen an expensive dress. The Castle wardrobe dress was nice, but it didn’t scream expensive.
There are some comments at DR’s site that “redacted” is poisoned. Now from all that we have heard that seems to me to be Sarah that gets poisoned at the rehearsal dinner. This actually makes sense to me. Vivian would have made her point and Sarah can recover from the poisoning in time to make it to the altar in time. Also it gives them the chance for both the retrospective of their 4 year story he is teasing I believe and for Chuck to have his hero moment to save the woman he adores once again.
Actually that has been leaked here:
http://www.examiner.com/tv-insider-in-los-angeles/with-two-episodes-left-will-chuck-and-sarah-make-it-down-the-aisle
found this on another forum. up loaded by RAC2873.
new from TV guide….last detail spoilers.
http://www.tvguide.com/News/Chuck-Wedding-Hamilton-1032845.aspx
Thanks Army, some good stuff there.
Thanks Army. This extract caught my eye:
No mission on Chuck, however, would be complete without some personal Bartowski angst. “It’s also a test for Chuck because rarely has he had to deal with a disagreement between his mom and his fiancée,” Fedak says. “In this episode, that is a central part of it. Not only is it Chuck trying to save his mom, but also trying to navigate the waters of the mother-in-law/fiancée relationship. Not fun for them, but funny for us.”
Aha! The dreaded word (angst) returns. Maybe Sarah is pissed at Mary for going on a mission, getting captured and consequently ruining the week-off that C/S had (the week-off that C/S were maybe planning to spend in bed) 😉
But wait Chuck need not fear a disagreement between his mom and fiancee. After all he has Morgan to turn to for valuable and life changing advice. 😛
Sneak peek from tonight!:
http://www.tvline.com/2011/05/chuck-first-look-chucksarah-wedding-drama/
Now THAT was laugh out loud funny. I’m sooooo excited!
I am so jealous right now. The clip won’t play at my location. 😦
I just saw it, “I’m going with Chuck” – AB gets all the good lines (at least when Morgan’s not around)
TV line has a short clip from tonight’s episode.
http://www.tvline.com/2011/05/chuck-first-look-chucksarah-wedding-drama/
That’s a very funny clip.
Based on tonight’s promo.
I am throwing this out there.
1. That wedding is not the real wedding. It is Sarah’s or Chuck’s dream wedding. Now we know why they have a Funeral and Wedding so close together.
2. The Cliff Hanger comes after Chuck and Sarah are married. They are in the Limo, you can see the sign and Chuck gets a message. “I am betting that Sarah is pregnant”
That is why Chuck says Oh Boy! It also leads into Fedaks comment about telling the story about baby Chuck.
I reckon you’re gonna be pretty close. There’s a fake funeral to draw out Vivian, and then a wedding. Then a pregnant Sarah 🙂
Personally I love the idea of a baby! I was hoping that they would do a time jump and make Clara a walking talking toddler for Chuck, Sarah and Casey to interact with.
I really don’t think that Sarah’s pregnant. If this was really filmed as a final episode, maybe.
But, since it’s supposed to launch Season 5, no way.
They can’t have pregnant women going on missions and they certainly would never sideline Sarah for an entire season. Look at the way some fans responded to her being sidelined for one episode.
I don’t take Fedak’s comment seriously.
They could do a time jump to near the end of her pregnancy. Just like they skipped “Spy School” and “Chuck and Morgan go Rogue Looking for Mama B” in seasons 3 and 4.
Maybe Chuck and Sarah get burned by the CIA. But I can see Chuck freaking out by Sarah being pregnant.
I could easily see a 9 month, or 1 year skip. Maybe they would do a couple episodes so they can have some extreme hormonal humor, then have a big time jump…
I don’t know, I’m not thrilled with the kid idea so soon; but its far from the worst thing they could do.
I know chuck has followed the outline of alias in several ways. I could easily write a couple thousand word essay on the parallels. What would be cool for me would be a skip forward to complete alias season 6 (which did not happen), season 5 ended with a skip forward, the wt/wt retired, married with a little girl and a baby boy.
Would love to see chuck season 5 start with col casey character visiting to request CS’s help on a mission – would love to see CS haul the family in the toyota to aunt ellie or uncle morgan and aunt alex’s houses, and off Mr and Mrs ‘Smith’ / ‘Charles’ / Barkowski go to take down the bad guys. Having the kids slightly grown up would give Yvonne and Zach (as well as awesome, ellie, morgan, alex, casey, and mary) chances to be so funny.
I do agree Jason that could be very funny. I would rather they wait before jumping into the kid stories, but there’s no doubt super spy parents at the PTA meeting could be a good source of humor.
with all the sci-fi stuff going on, how about, they can’t find a way to keep sarah alive with out damaging her brain so they put her body in stasis and load her mind into chuck? that way when they find a cure they can load her back. we get to hear her say something to chuck at the end causing the Oh Boy from chuck.
dave – that would be fine if chuck had the luxary of waiting – I honestly don’t think there is any waiting to be done, if renewed, chuck probably will be the lowest rated program on network tv to get renewed, much like s3’s rush to consummate, and s4’s rush to wed, I think if s5 comes our way – I think fedak and schwartz will throw the kitchen sink at things again – since fedak brought up the baby, I am taking him at his word, he actually has been somewhat accurate in those types of end of season statements
So my spec about Sarah being put in ice to save her seems accurate.
nice pic and thanks. maybe we have a reverse rehash of an episode here. it’s phase 3 in reverse. instead of chuck dreaming we have sarah doing it. where chuck was losing everyone he loved, sarah is gaining everyone she loves. chuck is the one who goes rogue to save her instead of sarah going rogue to save him. he does say in the promo he would do anything, same as sarah in balcony.
here’s the article to go with the pic.
http://www.tvguide.com/News/Look-Chuck-Romance-1032891.aspx
this is a bit spoilery, don’t think anyone has posted it yet:
http://www.tvsquad.com/2011/05/10/chuck-finale-set-visit-interviews/
Also, WARNING, a pretty big clue in the promo, if you haven’t seen it or read about it, I would assume some sight, maybe NBC will show a screen shot of it, but slow down the last few seconds of the promo, and look in the background.
I don’t suppose you’re referring a “Just Married” banner?
the bigger ? might be what caused chuck to say ‘Oh boy’ – like maybe sarah saying ‘chuck, don’t freak out, but while I was in the hospital I found something else out ….. I’m …..’
I really wasn’t that spoiled I can’t beleive that they would be dumb enough to hold the wedding over to a purely hypothetical 5th season!
FWIW jack at TVBN predicts chuck and outsourced get 13, LOLA and event out. saw it on another blog.
I could live with 13!
yep, just trying to pass on any good news i find.
that Jack guy has been right most of the time, if not every time, I think he called the 3×13 romance thing very early in season 3, and at least one of the renewals ahead of time too?
Honestly, I think Chuck would do fairly well with 13 eps seasons. We always tend to nosedive in teh back half of the season. Keep the seasons short and focused.
I understand that they want 22 at least for syndication, so if we don’t tank in the first part I could see an additional order.
If they advertised properly I think the show would do better all around. It seems to me that one of the things killing Chuck (and other network shows) is poor advertising. That and the stupid hiatases (sp?). When I was a kid I always knew when my shows would return if they were pre-empted. They also did not go off for long periods of time, only a week or two at most.
Of course back then we always had the TV Guide open to the page for that day. It told us what was on and what was coming up. Nothing has ever really replaced in terms of a good source for all the stuff on TV.
Promotion is always a concern, Patty. But I’m sure those network execs. know it’s a different world now. There’s still NBC competing for dollars with CBS and NBC, but now there’s also Fox, Warner Bros, CW, ESPN, OWN, MTV, TMC, Lifetime, all the 24 hour news stations, C-SPAN…
And it’s worse than that when the competition is for eyeballs and advertising dollars. They must be looking over their shoulders at the InterWebs too. How to make a buck in that arena in the 21st century? Must be tough!
Getting 22 episodes brings Chuck to an even 100, which has been sited as the benchmark for syndication. But that’s only a guideline, I hear. It’s not a hard and fast rule. They can bring the show to syndication (which means more $) with 91 or even with 78 if they want to.
Added: Just realized that I should emphasize this. The fans are the show’s biggest asset because they’ve (we’ve!) been promoting the show, cost free and well (thank you very much!) for years. NBC has no real need to put massive amounts of advertising into it unless they believe they can attract new viewers. That’s hard for an established show.
I would love 13 more … and then maybe close out the mythology and begin the epilogue for the back 9 and seasons 6 on. 😉 🙂
I hope whoever Jack is that he’s right.
well don’t know if this is good or bad for chuck, TVBN has posted harry’s law back, event out and wonder woman gets picked up. not announced yet but from a trusted source. so far jacks been right. on a side note fox went nuts with the ax, lol.
The wait is killing. What about the rumor from Jack at TVBN two days ago that Chuck may get 13 episodes. Any idea if his assumption is based on something he knows or is it just conjecture on his part? 😦
supposedly from what i read he predicted early in season 3 chuck was picked up and has been right most if not all the time. like i said however it’s just what i read in different places. so i would take it as he is a good bet at being right, but i would still wait before getting to happy, lol.
In response to a question about Chuck in the comments of their latest post, TVBTN say what they’re hearing “isn’t any good” – but there aren’t enough details to confirm. Twitter was in meltdown last night as Fox swung the axe and some stuff started to dribble out from NBC.
I’m still holding out for one final order, announced in one hit, and Matt Miller and Ali Adler to come back for a swansong.
Yeah, I know. I’ve been on the good stuff tonight 🙂
opps not event, LOLA sorry typo…
Paul 80 works for the show and he feels the show will be back for a schedule band aid in Feb 2012. But this is just his guess.
Here are his post(s)
Paul 80
Posted May 10, 2011 at 9:56 PM
CHUCK has been a band- aid show for NBC. Last season NBC bought 12 eps and planned to air it in Febuary 2011, but as we all know things played out poorly for NBC new shows in September that they rushed CHUCK on the air in November.Then they order another 12 eps, because they no backup.
My opinion only, but it looks like same as last year, wheeling and dealing over licensing price till last day. CHUCK will get 10 eps purchase and be schedule for Febuary 2012
Then his reply to someone:
Paul 80
Posted May 10, 2011 at 10:29 PM
@Julia
I am sure your right. Things get a little foggy after four years and 78 eps. But I do remember there was no plans after the 13 eps, until NBC’s shows crated.
My opinion about CHUCK being a band-aid show is still the same. Wil know on Friday , not soon. My guess.
Dave…this may answer why they are not promoting the wedding…
exec producer Chris Fedak says fans shouldn’t assume those two crazy kids will end up getting hitched in Monday’s finale. “Just because we may’ve shot something at a church doesn’t mean [there’s a wedding],” he teases. “Once you see how our season finale works there should be a degree of doubt. It’s structured in such a way that we don’t know if Chuck and Sarah are going to get together in the end.”
taken from…
http://www.tvline.com/2011/05/ask-ausiello-spoilers-on-glee-smallville-chuck-private-practice-house-and-more/#more-215682
In other news, CF tries to be a wisea** . Wait! That’s nothing new. 😛
Aww, come on Alladins, I don’t think he’s being wise. 😉
I can’t think of a better way to scare off viewers, especially live viewers. This … “Once you see how our season finale works there should be a degree of doubt. It’s structured in such a way that we don’t know if Chuck and Sarah are going to get together in the end.” … makes me almost as nauseous as Pink Slip.
Army,
Don’t drink the Kool Aid! There’s going to be a wedding – actually there’s going to be two.
Here’s my 2c on Fedak and the way he promotes the show.
Chuck is now essentially a Romcom. Look at trailers for Romcoms. They never show the last scene when the protagonists get together, do they? They show the obstacles, the bit where the ex-boyfriend shows up and the bit where her best friend hates the new bloke and tries to split them up. They never give away the ending in the movie trailer even though we all know how it ends. This is just Fedak not wanting to give away the ending to his story. He’s a storyteller – why is he going to tell you how it ends?
If they wanted to promote the wedding they should have written it for the middle of the back half – but once you make it the basis of your season finale arc, you can’t promote it without giving away your story.
I know a lot of people are going nuts over this, but given the way they’ve structured the back half, I’m really not sure what else they could do.
Kev…it matters not to me if they get married or not. i passed on the show 2 weeks ago. that’s the one thing i never cared if i saw or not. i’m just putting up stuff that folks here might be interested in. like the wedding. the point you just made is valid. people have been saying for a while a way to get viewers is to promote the wedding. like you just said he’s telling a story and doesn’t want to reveal the end. i suppose we said the same thing but in a different way. if your trying to draw people in with the hope of a wedding you better produce one. well that’s my take anyway.
That just really proves no matter how good of a writer or show runner someone is they still can be a complete doofus about promotion. I think his comments cost us as many viewers as anything that ever actually happens on the show.
dave i agree, lol. i would save the tar and feathers till after the episode airs. he may be boxed in and have said all he can. if there is no wedding, which they have said all along might be the case, what can he say? that’s the one thing he has been constant about since they got engaged. i have not heard them say one time there will be a wedding. it’s the fan base that has been the ones saying there has to be one and citing all the reasons, such as the wedding site.
you guys here and on other sites may not like the results, but that might have been the plan all along. to hold the wedding off. they may get married in the same vein as they got engaged, with the final scene is just them saying i do, and fade to black. who knows at this point? i would just sit back and enjoy what they give you and see what happens.
Well, I think its safe to say if 4.24 ends without a wedding I’d have to take back every good thing I’ve said about him. A wedding and fade out like they did the proposal would even be acceptable, but for an episode that may well be the series finale, leaving any doubt is a terrible way to treat devoted fans.
Now I do get that they don’t want to spoil much; and I can see where a strategy may be to show the dream wedding all week, while insisting there may be no wedding. So that when we see the dream wedding for what it is, it leaves open the possibility for the rest of the episode that things might not work out.
But again I think that’s horrible promotion. I think talking up a wedding and satisfying finale, and talk about Chuck finally growing up and getting some satisfaction from his insane adventures, would draw back many viewers who have had other priorities for a while. I seriously think a well hyped wedding would be good for 200 thousand extra viewers (or more). Its easy to document that wedding episodes often do well, and draw outside media attention to a show (it would be a great way of getting some of the “free” publicity that always goes to Dancing with Has-Beens).
As I’ve said, I think Fedak is being far too coy for his own good. We’re missing what should be a golden opportunity here.
dave don’t take this as an argument because it’s not. i fully agree that a hyped up wedding would draw in extra viewers like you said. the problem comes from is there a full complete wedding in there or is it like the push mix proposal? many people expressed their displeasure about how the Balcony messed up the proposal, and yes push mix finished it and it was satisfying. if you play up the wedding and don’t deliver one the viewers may not react like you. they will expect a full wedding, not what we may get or none at all. if you draw people in with the promise of a wedding you need to give them one.
if they had hyped push mix as the engagement episode but didn’t have the balcony air with all the missed chances, how would most fans reacted to the small bit at the end? would they have accepted it like they did or been upset? it’s a hard call but i think it would have been more negative. for what they have planned i think it’s a tough call.
in my opinion hyping the dark elements of the episode is nuts. go with the big chuck moments if you have to but stay away from will sarah make it. some how i think this episode looks better on paper than it will play out. they claimed the last 10 minutes of push mix was the best ever. i saw very few posts anywhere that reflected that statement. they rated it high just not as high as they lead us to believe. i think it will be a satisfying ending. as someone else said a satisfactory grade in school is a C. for the fans here i hope it’s much better than that.
I’m okay even with a “C”. I just hope it isn’t an “unsatisfactory” ending like Sarah’s health still in question or the wedding being delayed past the end of the episode. Now I actually think there is very little chance of that happening; but I think mostly along the same lines you said, that they’re making a mistake in hyping the more dire possibilities when more fans would make a point of tuning in for a celebration of the show and characters they love. Now you do bring up the possibility of things being okay in the end, but with very little screen time devoted to a wedding or together time. That actually might explain a ho-hum reaction we’ve gotten from some who are in the know. And that would be a case where more than just the promotion was screwed up (but again; not a major malfunction, just a tepid episode). Given how much joy this show has given me over the last few years (especially this season!) I’m okay with the occasional tepid episode, as long as they don’t screw things up!
OK. More on this topic. (Things are so crazy here post tornadoes.)
Dave I am with you, and thanks for saying this, Well, I think its safe to say if 4.24 ends without a wedding I’d have to take back every good thing I’ve said about him. That gets my ditto and then some. I agree with all you’ve said about promotion, and I hope that’s all it is.
I have been trying to reconcile the assurance that fans will be satisfied and it is a good ending of S4 and a good beginning to s5 with the quote from above: Once you see how our season finale works there should be a degree of doubt. It’s structured in such a way that we don’t know if Chuck and Sarah are going to get together in the end.
I hope Big Kev is right, but that’s the worst Kool Aid they’ve tried to sell this season. If Fedak means that by the end of the finale, there will still be doubt about the wedding and Chuck and Sarah getting together in the end, I want my time back.
However, Dave turned a light on at the end of the tunnel … that Fedak probably means that as we watch the finale, we will wonder if the dream wedding is all there’s going to be … we’ll worry about Chuck and Sarah making it to the altar. I will be OK with that as long as they make it to the altar and there is a satisfying real wedding. Personally, I hope they don’t think a spectacular dream wedding will suffice, only to show us Chuck and Sarah running through a shower of rice after their real wedding. They did that already with the proposal. It would not be cool at all for the wedding. My 2c.
It’s really never a good idea to foment dread and anxiety about your season finale. If they have a great wedding, they should be promoting it … not to the neglect of the spy story (I get that), but a wedding would draw in more viewers and excite the fan base. If they don’t have a wedding worth promoting, then they have screwed up … big time. You don’t spend 22 episodes building to a wedding of two such loved characters and then yank it or under deliver. That would make the season’s main plot and the excitement about the C/S wedding all for nothing.
In the end, that’s why I think they will have a real wedding, even if it is less spectacular than the dream one. I hope it will be truly satisfying.
I think I just talked myself off the ledge … whew.
Yeah Thinkling I’m pretty sure they have to deliver. Fedak’s comment really suggests we may not be sure if they are ending with another dream wedding or something. I’m sorry, but at this late date that is just idiotic talk. I think Chuck fans fall in two major camps; one group just completely doesn’t care about the wedding, so drawing the story out further is of no interest to them. The other group is very excited and is unlikely to appreciate such an “artsy” twist. Either way I see no gain in drawing this out further.
I’m somewhat concerned that we’ve heard such conflicting thoughts on if the finale is “satisfying” or not. But I’m still mostly optimistic and looking forward to Monday night!
An ep of chuck is approx 42 minutes, if you think of that as 6 7 minutes session, here is my spec:
1 – the first 7 will review stuff and get sarah to the hospital, maybe end with chuck’s vow
2 – then chuck forms a plan to get a cure, while ellie / awesome work to save sarah
3 – Team B is getting no help from CIA, contact volkov for help, sarah is dying
4 – Team BV strikes, gets in deep trouble, the eraser comes for morgan, sarah, ellie, awesome, etc – awesome and morgan take out the eraser, sarah is dying even worse
5 – Team BV wins, sarah should now be dead, but her ‘dream’ wedding keeps her going, ellie can’t understand why she is still alive – sarah that is
6 – chuck cures sarah, the loose ends get tied up in the ‘very satisfactory manner’ that the actors have spoiled, series ends with a twist, very likely in the scene where chuck replies to someone or reacts to something – ‘Oh Boy’ – maybe it is a boy – LOL
Most everything Fedak has teased has been extraordinarily negative, even I can’t blame him for that assuming everything wraps up positive, but I will repeat, the notion of sarah being harmed is dramatic, but is not epic, certainly not awesome. Interestingly, no actor, possibly even no reviewer, set visitor, etc has left the set going that was incredible, the best we have heard is things will conclude satisfactorily ….. in school that mean a C, or a pass in a pass fail course, given we have had 78 eps of chuck sarah’s unforgettable story, that saddens me a little bit, the wedding should have been something remarkable.
I blog that last comment, only in the light that will be the standard I hold this episode to, it needs to be a top 5 ever from this shipper’s POV to satisfy me …. I don’t think I am alone. Fedak has lowered my expectations the way he should, now it is up to him to deliver a knockout blow for Chuck awesomeness – we will know soon enough.
I have thought the wedding dream was Chuck’s but it would make a fitting “callback” to Chuck’s “dreams” when his mind was being erased during “Chuck vs. Phase 3”—and we know how the writers love their callbacks. Ha!
Considering I only saw one day out of a 7 day shoot (granted they filmed all day and I was privy to minuscule details not seen by my own two eyes)…
“that was incredible”
Good enough? 🙂
I still stick by my, I can’t say anything of fear to skew one way or the other, but IMO “that was incredible” isn’t a stretch at this point in time. 🙂
now that does indeed sound awesome – as I would have to think my standards for what would make the grade as an A+ 4×24 ep and Faith’s probably are not that far apart … I wish the promo philosophy would be to emote joy over the show from the showrunners, rather than snarky one-upsmanship they seem to relish – oh well – matters not at this point, at least for this season, the fans chuck has are the fans chuck has
Well Faith given you’re as much of a ‘shipper as I am that is encouraging.
But as Jason said, I’ll never understand why they choose such a cagey interview and promotion strategy when I think joy and celebration would draw in more viewers. Especially former viewers who could maybe be enticed to check things out again.
*spy high five* on the promotion.
But on the plus side look what I found:
“UPCOMING EPKs: Chuck (Season Finale)”
from the EPK website. I’ve been told they’re no longer showing the EPKs to the public straight from the site, but I sent off a note to the NBC boards admins to see if they can reach out to NBCUMV and open them up. Or at the very least post these ones at NBC.com. They’ve done so in the past so here’s hoping! At the very least, I expect to see some of these stuff on extra, or access hollywood.
Thanks Faith.
Whenever Fedak speaks I need a pep talk to cheer me up. 🙂
Me, too RAC.
Faith, you’re my hero!
@atcDave:
Dave, I couldn’t agree more. This has been a constant since the start of the 3rd season. It is so bad, (and so consistent) that if you were to tell me that Chuck’s marketing (or optics, or imaging or promotion or messaging or whatever) was run by their competition, I’d be tempted to believe you.
And I think the way they handled the wedding is a huge lost opportunity, for exactly the reason you stated: they could have gotten some of the old fans back.
Isn’t that what they want? More viewers? Sheesh.
I hear ya, peeps. Every GOLDEN opportunity to draw more fans to CHUCK has been blown. It’d be one thing if “blowing it” was a one-time deal, but it isn’t. It’s been consistent.
The “day after” the Superbowl episode with the 3D stuff was a great opportunity – and what happened? A REALLY weak episode. One blown chance.
Then the Subway Campaign was a golden opportunity, which although it brought Subway on board in a major way, it wasn’t “used” significantly to promote the show in ways that it could have been. Another blown chance.
Season 3 was promo’d and hyped ALOT – you can’t say NBC didn’t really do their part – they did. And what happened? Well, let’s just say S3 was a blown opportunity and leave it at that.
Now, the Wedding is another chance to hype something – instead it’s a repeat of the “will they/won’t they” crap of seasons past. It’s another golden opportunity and they’re blowing it. Interviews with TPTB NEVER, NEVER “help the cause.”
One thing I believe is that the world owes you nothing – and TPTB certainly owe even us – some of the most die-hard, fight for the show, defend it (even during weak story arcs) on various blogs, eat the frickin’ sandwiches, buy the DVDS/Blu Rays, buy the NBC store CHUCK merchandise, twitter, tweet, Facebook, do RewardTV, vote for CHUCK in all these on line polls, send post cards, email and do all the other things TPTB ask us to do – nothing, either.
BUT ………. it WOULD be nice if they could get a little more professional in how they handle interviews and even in how they address the fans through various media outlets. Instead, they just keep blowing it. Honestly, it just boggles my mind.
Now I’m sure SOMEONE is going to jump to their defense, that’s fine. We’ll agree to disagree. But at least for me, every time I see on any of the CHUCK sites I follow something about an interview with Schwartz or Fedak, I just cringe. Do I thank them for the show? You bet. I have – in all the ways I listed above, and with a hell of a lot of $$ spent on “things CHUCK.” But the truth is that they just don’t help things. Not that they’re not TRYING – I believe they are – but even though they may be “big boys” when it comes to putting a TV program on the air, they’re still little kids when it comes to many of the other things that come with being “TPTB.”
Now, it looks like we’re getting a Season 5 – and I’m thrilled. I’ve already posted on TVBTN, addressing “the haters” who just couldn’t wait to start raining on CHUCK fans’ parade. But I can’t see this going past a 5th season. They’re blowing or have blown this wedding opportunity by playing the same old games.
rick…i agree with you on blow chances, in a way. i think NBC itself is responsible for the lack of promotion. that was driven by no money. hopefully with comcast dropping 200 mil into promotion of it’s prime time shows that will change.
the interviews i agree as well. these are fairly young guys by TV standards ad it’s their first time in the big pond. i don’t think they realize that they are addressing an older more experienced audience. JS still talks like he is addressing his CW/WB audience. younger fans seem less likely to listen or dig into what is said. the scary thing about it all is if they get notice that this is the last season, will they do what they want like in season 3 or will they stay the course of season 4?
the best thing JS/CF can do is keep their mouths shut and let the show speak for itself.
Not just the show, all of the actors have done a very good job representing the show and getting fans excited. Ironically, its just the writers, who you would think would be a little more aware of the power of words, who seem suffer from foot-in-mouth the most.
Faith, I saw your comment about the EPK’s and am not sure anyone else posted but you can find them all here: http://zacharylevifan.com/wordpress/
Looks like they included the interviews too.
They are Flash, so you Mac guys be sure & update to the latest 😉
So many people are looking at Chuck – as a man on a mission in the cliffhanger –
but I also hope we get an extra large scoop of the CATS! Zondra and Carina will both be back… lets hope they are part of the ‘team’ that needs to extract a pound of flesh after what happened at the rehersal dinner. I can see both those ladies easily motivated by revenge!
They show up twice in the promo, first at the (dream?) wedding and later in some sort of take down along with Chuck, Casey and Morgan. It looks like they are in on the mission that Chuck goes on to get Vivian or at least her henchmen.
some hot off the press info on renewal, not a definite, but does go thru the pilots and makes a guess about chuck – read at your own risk – no razors close by!
http://www.variety.com/article/VR1118036823
thanks, but it keeps asking me to register. any idea on how to get around it?
Maybe clear your cookies? I got no such request.
i was using firefox, switched to explorer and it was fine. who knows, lol. but thanks!
You make it sound bad Jason! They did say Chuck looks good for a 13 episode order. They also mentioned producers should start receiving official notifications tomorrow; if I remember correctly, last year a tweet from someone with the show is how we all knew a few days ahead of up fronts that the show had been renewed. So hopefully we’ll get the good word Thursday or Friday again.
@dave – I was channeling my inner chris fedak
Well, Cut that out!
EPK are here. Sarah looks amazing.
http://tinyurl.com/6y9esez
OK that doesn’t spoil anything but it is cool to watch.
Just saw the rest which are really awesome. They do spoil a little. I also think I have pretty much figured out what will happen (except the season ending cause of the”Oh boy”). If you are generally good at filling in the blanks on Chuck you may not want to watch the “sneak peeks”. The interviews are fine though.
Yeah, if you watch them all, they are spoiler-y. Me thinks the one labeled #1 puts the real wedding in jeopardy.
I’m not sure where the “Oh boy” fits in either. Four more days and we will know.
That was my first thought but then everything clicked and I came up with a scenario that accounts for all the little things that had been niggling at the back of my mind.
OK, spill it. That way you can say I told you so later. 😉
Hartley loved Mary but she chose Stephen. That is why Volkoff loved Mary. Mary has always cared deeply for Hartley which is one reason she stayed and never assassinated him.
Ellie and Chuck will restore Hartley after they spring him (as Volkoff) from the Eraser dude. He will agree to help them.
After they get the stuff to rescue Sarah (cool spy mission) Mary will, probably with Beckman’s help, take the blame for the rogue mission, clearing Chuck. Then she and Hartley will take the ID packets Casey had and ride off into the sunset.
Chuck and Sarah will marry and after they get into the Limo to go on their honeymoon Chuck will get the shocking news that makes him go “Oh boy!” (Cause Papa B is so cool, even when he was Sam).
I am uncertain what will happen to Vivian in the long run though.
Good job, Patty. That really works. (I totally agree about Hartley crushing on Mary). Hartley (alive and well and full of dangerous secrets) would still be in danger, so it does make sense that Mary would go to protect him.
You said (Cause Papa B is so cool, even when he was Sam). I’m missing something on this one??
In Quantum Leap, which starred Scott Bakula, every episode ended with a tease for next week. Scotts character, Sam, would look around, take in the situation and say “Oh boy!”. He actually managed to convey a lot with those Oh boy’s, kida like Casey with his grunts.
I love your scenario Patty, except I was sort of hoping for some “life on the lam” fallout to continue into S5. But I agree its likely to have a tidy resolution. I’m feeling unimaginative, but the only “oh boy” I can really think of would be Sarah saying she found out she was pregnant. We may still learn something that’s unforeseeable at this point, or it could be a “bolt out of the blue” sort of thing.
Thinkling the “Sam” comment is reference Scott Bakula’s character from Quantum Leap, Sam Beckett. “oh boy” was his typical first response when seeing where his latest jump had landed him.
Ah, OK. There are some pretty big gaps in my pop culture knowledge. I often identify with Sarah. 😉
A while back people were speculating a funeral. I have no idea how they would fit one in. I guess that’s off the table now?
I don’t know which way Vivian will go either. It would be nice for her to realize the truth, but in light of all the other stuff, she has become less important somehow.
Maybe Hartley left somthing of Volkoff’s in Chucks hands. After all who else can be trusted with scary stuff?
I kind of like the pregnancy guess better, with a time jump to limit how long Sarah is out of action though.
Sorry Thinkling, looks like we tag teamed you there on TV trivia. I don’t think of Quantum Leap so much these days, it was a great show let down by a stupid and depressing finale.
Yeah. The only thing I liked about the finale was Al got his girl back. I really loved the show though, never missed it.
That’s OK. I need to hear things twice sometimes 😉
Chuck and Sarah on the lam would be sort of fun. I just can’t figure out how they escape from the hospital and still have a wedding.
I am definitely open to some out of the CIA box scenarios for Team/FamB, though. That could include MamaB and Hartley, too. I think you could do good stories indefinitely.
Yeah I can’t make a scenario on the run work with what we know. I could imagine Chuck sneaking into the hospital to give Sarah the antidote, and after a miraculously quick recovery them running for it together. But then how do we fit in Chuck’s “oh boy” in the car with the “just married” banner?
I think Patty’s resolution is far more plausible, and it allows for the return of Mary and Hartley.
seems simple to me – the ‘chuck only’ rogue mission is early in the show, the gloom and doom part (and all the associated take sarah and run. But the rogue mission becomes a full team takedown by the end (the scene we have been spoiled with the whole wedding party wielding guns) – they fix everything with or without a real compelling explanation why (we’ve seen this many, many times) – and are free and clear with the CIA – chuck gives sarah the antedote – and we have a perfect ending – they get married (whatever that means in Fedak’s crazy universe) drive away with seemingly everything resolved and on cue “Oh boy” & cut ….. to season 5
Yeah, that could work, too, Jason. I wonder if that means GB will get to attend the wedding?
http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2011/05/11/reports-chuck-to-be-renewed-by-nbc/92205/
Wow! Citing multiple sources!
here’s another…
http://www.tvline.com/2011/05/breaking-chuck-spies-season-5-pickup/
Everyone, we have rumors about Season 5 that are officially unofficial. And that’s very cool.
But we should not meddle in the affairs of network execs., “for they are subtle and quick to anger.” – uh, we really should wait for official word.
It’s not quite a done deal yet, but be optimistic. Be very optimistic.
Officially unofficial is very well put. Even being on multiple sites this could all be sourced from one rumor.
But of course, I’m unofficially very happy right now!
DR’s source who said weeks ago it was being renewed confirmed it. he never releases things unless he is sure and he has a posting on it. as many times as he has been right, i’ll go with that, lol.
Okay, forgive me if this link has been posted already.
This is the most reputable source I can think of right now.
http://www.tvguide.com/News/NBC-Renews-Chuck-1032971.aspx
You know what I said before? I think we’ve moved from officially unofficial to unofficially official. Please continue to breathe!
WAAHOOOOOOO 🙂 😀
I said BREATHE, Thinkling! 😉
Iuuupyyyy!!!
I’m breathing … really. 😉
I guess I should save the official hoot for the official official status, huh?
Iiiuuupyyy!
(apparently Windows eat my post, so if you see it twice, I’m sorry!)
I’m breathing – but I’m also getting ready to start DRINKING!!! Just happened to return from the store after having bought 6 bottles of my favorite POLISH beer (in homage to Yvonne, of course!!).
Like you, I’ll wait to “pop open a bottle” until the news is “officially official,” but right now they’re in the fridge getting colder and colder !!! 🙂
If we get the renewal, we will have “shocked the TV world” AGAIN!!!!
CHUCKAHOLICS Rule!!!
Put up the ZacharyLeviFan BTS videos up top. Take a look, “again and again, and again” if you’re so inclined.
Whoo … chills!! Thanks Faith.
seems to be a pattern, fedak says something, then zach and yvonne have to go out there and rally the troops, in the 2 minute interview with the faux bride and groom, I don’t think Yvonne could have looked happier – me thinks she may be the biggest shipper in the fandom
let me add, I am glad they finally put something out there about the actual ‘drama’, the fight vs the CIA, vivian, the eraser, etc ….
one of the mistakes fedak made is making the final about trying to make fans miserable about the thought of no wedding, he should have tried to make fans excited about the ‘big’ obstacles chuck needed to overcome as an action hero, while the clock is running out on him … the wedding should be frosting, not the main course. I blogged several weeks ago, the wedding should have been in 4×21 or 22, this miserable ‘death’ of sarah plot could have worked just as dramatically on the blushing bride as on the bride to be.
I agree with all of that Jason. Especially the way to talk up a show! Geez, it shouldn’t be that hard to figure out…
Jason i agree. i did not plan on watching the cliff hanger. those two videos about chuck going rogue got me, lol. so i’ll tune in. interesting take on the wedding as well. it has been said many times here chuck is predictable to a fault. that can’t be argued i don’t think. none of the big events that should be done in one swoop have been done that way. it’s always explained as “it’s chuck”. something has always come up to mess it up. i may be in the minority here but sarah being close to death ramps up the drama. something that has been missing most of the year.
i feel that not giving the fans (not me, i’m in the group dave brought up. i don’t care about the wedding. their together so i’m good) the type of wedding they would like to see is poor judgment. i’m with thinkling about a push mix type wedding. that seems less than satisfactory to me (well for them). the dream sequence wedding is not the same as the cut off proposal.
despite the fact i am rather cold on the show, to rob you guys of that big moment is not good. i’m with you guys on this one.
On promo, I agree with you guys. They have awesome spy stuff planned. I’m as excited about the story as I have ever been. Mary, Casey, and Chuck working together to save Sarah, especially Mary, after Sarah sacrificed so much to save her. Going against the CIA … possibly having to run. The resolution of Hartley/Volkoff (I hope he sticks around as Hartley!) It looks awesome. So, instead they try to play wt/wt about the wedding. Dumb.
Love your comments, Jason about Yvonne and Zac rallying the fans and Yvonne’s happiness.
Army, we agree. I do think Sarah’s fight with death is dramatic, and it really raises the stakes on Chuck’s mission. (I don’t know if I think it’s good to put her in a coma for most of the finale, but that’s a different issue.) I know they won’t kill her, so it is good drama. Obviously I also agree with your agreement about the wedding. 😉
Group hug.
Include me in the “group hug” thing, please. And does anybody remember the name of that guy who taught motivational speaking? Was it Zig Zigler or something like that? Anyway, I’d be willing to buy a few more Subs to put into a joint account for Zig (if it IS him) to sit down with TPTB and tell them how to do the “talking” stuff right!
But as Archie Bunker would say, “Youz guys” are right again. TPTB insert foot (feet) in mouth (mouths). Cast member interviews appear to extract feet from mouths and clean up the mess.
JS and CF, we LOVE you for bringing us CHUCK – but stick to what you do best – and let the cast members do the interviews – PLEASE!!!!!
I do hate that it seems Sarah is out of most of the episode at least in a kick ass capacity but I’m still expecting a typical Chuck finale. Plus I noticed in the promo breakdown the scene in which Team B is having a showdown with whom I’m assuming is Decker and seeing not only Chuck, Morgan, Casey and Mama B but also Carina and Zondra (let the action commence!!!!) Man I can’t wait…….is it Monday yet?
That is one of the things that I am looking forward to, the expansion of Team Bartowski to take in Carina and Zondra. I am disappointed that the lack of an expanded wedding might not leave time for Jeff and Lester to hit on Carina and Zondra, I could see another removal of Lester’s underwear without him removing his pants as in 3-D, one of the best gags in a lesser episode.
Yeah, I love it when they all work together, and the cats will be a great addition. It will be fun for them to get a look at the real Chuck, not just Sarah’s doofus bf.
Any time Mary and Casey have to work together is entertaining. Even that has mellowed some since they have something in common … wanting to protect their kids and the ones their kids love.
I could get used to the expanded team/famB 🙂
I think Carina and Zondra did get to see some of the real chuck in Cat Squad when he was trapped in the Buy More with Amy and Gaez, except we never got to see their reaction (hoping that’ll be one of the deleted scenes on the DVD)
Right Lappers84. I forgot about that. I still think it will be fun for them to see more … and us to see their reaction.
promo #2 is out – I saw it on zachlevi site – this is probably the promo I would have made, only 16 seconds, only a few from 4×24, but what a story a few seconds can tell:
http://zacharylevifan.com/wordpress/
Okay seriously that’s the trailer they need to be running this week, A LOT! Including on the Today show and Nightly News.
Love the song too, they played this promo during Community tonight.
don’t discount the fact that morgan is the minister. my guess its the dream one. sorry if i broke any bubbles…
That’s a pretty fantastic 16 seconds. The music is the same as the last scene from Wedding Planner.
Maybe … or maybe not. 😉 Some counties in California also have a “deputy for a day” program that allows non-clergy friends and relatives to officiate at a wedding.
It will be a shame if it’s not real, because it’s probably exactly what many of us want to see.
it looks like the same bit from the first promo only just a bit longer. we all thought that was a dream, well kinda. i’ll wait and see. for you guys that want the wedding i hope both promo’s were the real wedding.
the words printed just prior to the wedding clip – ‘it’s really here’, almost seem directed at the ‘dream theory’, and the announcer is definitive with his comment at the end, ‘the chuck and sarah wedding monday on NBC’ – of course, anything is possible, but this promo seems specifically targeted at promoting a wedding, not ratcheting up ‘dream’ angst – we will see I guess
I don’t even care (which wedding it is), that was never my point. I want them to promote the wedding, which they now seem to be doing. That they are apparently only releasing footage from the possible dream wedding is secondary. I don’t care what it looks like, I just want it to be out there that they’re getting married.
Hope you’re right, Jason. If you are, the squeee’s will be ear shattering.
And thanks for that tidbit Thinkling, maybe Morgan really will officiate.
I just noticed my previous reply looked awfully rude towards Jason! Not my intent at all. I only meant to say it doesn’t matter to me which wedding they promote.
Jason, I didn’t catch that, “it’s really here.” Pretty funny.
@dave – I agree with what you said – I too am happy they promoted a wedding especially in such a sure manner … if it is a dream, then they rented the church & shot film for a day, brought in the whole cast, the cat squad, etc to perpetrate a hoax on the fan base & now on the Community show fan base, just does not seem consistent with some of the things we’ve been told about the finale.
matter of fact, if 4×24 isn’t the ep I want, I think I’ll just use the 16 second promo as my finale … splice in a little here and there, along with the quantum leap ‘Oh boy’ ending, and everything would be A+ ….. for now, I’m going with ‘It’s really here’
Yeah, I’m pretty sure it really is here. But I do wonder if we’ve even seen a glimpse of what it will look like. I think there is a chance the whole hoax is that there is no dream wedding. Although the one clip shows Sarah thinking wedding plans while poisoned, which would suggest that is exactly where her head is at and easily segue into the dream.
The more I think about possibilities it seems the less we really know.
I’m going out on a limb and betting my Costa Graven Pesos that what we’re seeing is real. I also think it’s possible that the “real” wedding will be intercut with some other sequences, and we’ll wonder until the end if it is real or not. Then we will know that it is real.
They are unlikely to do an uninterrupted wedding sequence, so that’s my spec. And I could be so wrong. That’s why I’m only betting 1 week’s salary of my CG pesos. 😉
Guys, that promo is AWESOME!
I’m really happy that we’ll get to see this finale knowing we’ll get 13 eps to close the story right 🙂
And… in spanish because I don’t know the word in english… That promo left my eyes a little “llorosos” (watery?)
Hi, Lola. I’m glad to meet you!
Yes, watery is the right word. “Teary” is often used too. We’re all going to be feeling a kind a sweet sadness for the coming season.
I’m liking the idea of a movie in a few years, though. 😉
Hi Joe, Thanks!! Nice to meet you too 🙂
That’s a good idea, a movie could be nice. As long as it has all the original actors… Otherwise it wouldn’t be so great. As fun as the “Dukes of hazard” was (for a tv movie), it wasn’t the same 🙂
In the promo Sarah and Ellie look especially emotional…..great moment for both of them..I mean emotionally happy…tears of joy…I think that the wedding is real. I mean how can it not when the longer promo shows chuck in the back seat of a car that has just married on the rear window! So…do you really think that they would have a dream sequence and then flash past that to chuck and sarah in a wedding car? no..not really…so prepare to squee!
I have no doubt they will get married, although we’ve heard spoilers about a dream wedding. That makes me think we may see a dream wedding early in the episode, and a “real” wedding later. It has also been suggested that all the material we’ve seen released so far is “dream” wedding (is Morgan really officiating?). I would assume then the “oh boy” in the car is from after the real wedding.
Obviously, that is all guesswork; we will know in a couple days!
Dave,
I agree that people have leaked stuff about a dream wedding…but one has to think rationally..the fact is they do not have the time in the episode or the budget to do two different wedding sequences (one real and one in a dream) because they would have to be different weddings or what is the point? I mean would sarah really dream of a wedding that looks exactly the same as the one in reality. They do not have the time in the episode also…they have to cure sarah, rescue volkoff, deintersect him, take down vivian, take down decker the eraser, etc, etc, etc…and then there is the wedding and then there is the cliffhanger. So to all fans…I put a lot of money on there being only one wedding and it being real. The dream part in my best estimation would be that it is THE dream wedding for sarah…everything she imagined one day she would never get and so on…
You may be right John. But in the interest of saving time and money I could see the rationale for using the same set, costumes, and staging for both; that is, Sarah as the bride WOULD know what everything was supposed to look like. They’d even had their rehearsal already. So she may have simply dreamed that everything went perfectly, except for some odd reason Morgan was officiating. Then later we get a brief glimpse of the “real” wedding just see everything looks the same except for a real pastor.
Now, as was pointed out yesterday, apparently friends can officiate ceremonies in California; so perhaps there is only the one, Sarah’s Real “dream” wedding. We will know in a couple days!
Dave I do not think chuck is that complicated…it will be simpler and I think it will be linear…sarah in hospital, then chuck goes after volkoff and then decker and then wedding and then cliffhanger. I would actually think spending a few moments in sarah’s mind would be great because it would make the emotion of the situation that much more beautiful but nah it will be more straightforward I think.
My guess is Sarah is dreaming about the wedding at the start then (Dum Dum DA) she notices that Morgan is the preacher and realizes it is a dream, sort of like when Lester turned up in bed with them in Phase 3.
Later the real wedding will be very similar, but with a regualr Priest (hay the should have tapped Father Rick for a guest spot!) and no fainting Sarah in Chuck’s arms.
Chuck dreamed about Sarah in 1st person. He was looking at her through his eyes.
Why would Sarah dream about her wedding in 3rd person. She is a guest at her own wedding? Wouldn’t she be dreaming as the bride looking at CHuck not through a another perspective?
You know people dream in the 3rd person all the time, I believe its considered quite common.
I’m adamantly standing by with “we don’t know”. I could see it happening with or without a dream wedding sequence.
The only I’m sure of is that in the end they will be married.
I kinda hope that isn’t the real wedding, because now we already sort of know what to expect. Having said that, might be kind of funny for Sarah to tell Chuck that while she was in a coma she had a dream of the wedding and they re enact it exactly like the dream…….yeah I know completely out of left field but you never know
OK I am going to try to post this link but I am not sure how to do it. It is a comic a co-worker passed on to me (he knows I love Chuck). It is the Working Daze comic for today on comics.com.
http://comics.com/working_daze/?PerPage=10
It worked! 😀
Heh! Clearly, we’ve successfully completed phase one of our mission to take over the world, Patty. And that comic is proof that we’ve entered into the main-steam subconscious.
The Donald never knew what hit him.
He probably wouldn’t give up his show. He’s too fond of the attention.
That was very funny! Thanks for the link Patty.
Love it, Patty. Thanks
LOL that’s great. If you don’t mind I’ll share it on twitter & boards.
😀
Here are a couple of links from twitter:
Linda Hamilton Interview
Cliffhanger Pictures
Have fun with where these fit in 😛
Dreeeeeeeeeeeeam.
Good interview. It makes me happy that everyone always talks about how much they love doing Chuck. Of course you don’t expect anyone to say a job was terrible; but people guesting on Chuck often seem effusive in their praise, and happy and willing to come back. I just like reading that.
There’s way too much consistent praise of Chuck cast and show (from a work standpoint) for it to be polite platitudes. I love hearing that, too. I hate to invest in a wonderful story and characters, only to find out that everything behind the scenes is unhappy or mean, or that nobody really likes each other. So, I love that the Chuck set is Chuck-like.
the pictures don’t seem to fit in without conjuring up yet another dream sequence – here is a shipper’s interpretation to fit them in – how about these pictures are the cliffhanger – and are set into the future – in them sarah tells chuck she has news for him (the first photo with his arms crossed), she tells him, then he grabs her in seeming surprise (the second photo) – the news could be most anything – but just could be that chuck better be ready for Team B’s newest member
What is happening in those pictures?? OK that has got to be a dream sequence
Chuck and Sarah in pajamas. This has to be a dream. This episode is already crazy.
Yes, I think so too. I think it’s Sarah dreaming of practicing their vows.
Given those pics, here’s a scenario that I would really love: Sarah, fighting for her life while everyone who loves her fights to save her, is dreaming of getting ready for the wedding … that’s what she’s fighting for, her future with Chuck. She dreams about all the lead up to her wedding, like practicing vows with Chuck in their pj’s, getting dressed with Ellie and the cats, going over ceremony details with Morgan (her best-friend-in-law and deputized officiate). Then the dream gives way to the real wedding … the one we’ve been seeing in the promos. That would be awesome.
…and it would be a callback to Chuck vs. Phase 3
Hope your right Thinkling, that could be a really good scenario. Especially as it spaces out all the drama in between.
Right, Lappers, the dream would be inter-cut with all the other action and hospital visits and ministrations. At some point, the wedding stuff will be real and not a dream, and we would see the real wedding and the “oh, boy” in the limo.
exactly what I was thinking that at some point in the episode the dream scenarios suddenly become reality and all the build up actually happened after her recovery leading to the wedding. Though maybe its more straight forward than that……but we shall have to wait and see……damn I’m too hyped, being a UK viewer I download the episode on Tuesday morning but I can never sleep on a Chuck Monday, and this finale will be no exception
Lappers84:
Chuck airs at 1 am in the UK, so if you are up you can watch it live. Now I do not know if it is illegal to watch it via the link below (and if it is please delete my comment ChuckThis because I mean no disrespect to your site) but I am not sure since I was given it by a spoilertv forum user:
http://www.tvpc.com/Channel.php?ChannelID=294
So if you hit that link then it will let you watch live. You can also go to fastpasstv.com and watch it there 5 minutes after the episode has aired, it streams and so you do not need to download.
Good Luck
It’s wise to be suspect of their legality. My personal opinion (which is worth exactly what you just paid for it!) is that since these stream and aren’t downloadable, it should be fine, especially if the commercials come along with it.
But the legal rig-a-marole with the Internet and copyright being what it is today, I can’t endorse it. the NBC site has it available only a few hours later, so if you really need to, it’s available there on-line before you’ve started your day.
And it may be just about the time Faith gets to watch in California too, give or take! 😉
If only we could watch the NBC stream from overseas. Unfortunately none of the legal sites (network sites, hulu, netflix, amazon, itunes, etc) lets you watch if you’re outside the US … not even the promo clips from NBC like the one embedded on our S5 page (Jeff’s vision).
I’ll be mum about the alternatives that folks ferret out, but there aren’t any legal options overseas that I know of.
Thinkling I think that if you download hotspot shield (totally legal) and run it then you can watch all the nbc material. But Hulu is on to this and still can block that. But it works on nbc.com
Thanks, John. Good to know.
Thinkling are you going to do an episode review of last details? I really enjoy your analysis…and there was a lot of beautiful moments to look at. I would not mind doing one with you if you would like to…
Hey, Amrit, thanks for asking. I would like to do a review of Last Details, maybe even Agent X, too. At this point I’ll wait until after the finale, though.
Here’s the thoroughly OT explanation of my relative silence: Our town (Ringgold, GA) was one of the towns hit hard by the tornado outbreak that ravaged the south on April 27th. For the last two weeks I’ve been heavily involved in disaster relief efforts. It’s been an all-consuming task that left little time or energy or gray cells for anything else.
Things are settling down a little now, so I have some time (and gray cells) for the blog again. 🙂
I use a private torrent site to watch Chuck a couple of hours after the live airing. Kind of disappointed Hulu doesn’t allow for UK viewership, might then be able to watch it live.
did you not even look at my above link Lapper? it totally works!
Thanks man, I’ll definitely try it out tomorrow night 🙂
did my usual morning google on chuck, much of the article is a repeat, but in the middle is some stuff from zac about the wedding, I found it very interesting, and it puts into perspective what the wedding might mean creatively to the showrunners. This may be obvious to near everyone else, but it struck me, zac pretty much is on the inside with fedak and schwartz, he is not guessing at this stuff, he knows. Second, he sure talks about the wedding as if it is done, not as ‘if it happens’, but that is not the main point of my posting this.
http://tv.ign.com/articles/116/1168197p1.html
“Levi also commented on the challenge the writers faced when coming up with a wedding scenario that stayed away from the typical TV tropes. After all, Chuck isn’t a typical TV show.
“I think they handled it the way that we always handle it on Chuck,” he said. “It’s not another comedy, it’s not another drama, because we’ve never been any of that. Like, how do you do a wedding on a show that’s not comedy, but it’s also not a drama, but it’s also both of those things and it’s also action and mystery and all that nonsense? So I don’t know. It’s a crazy roller coaster of love. And I’m going to stand on that.” “
Tell me Chuck does not get de-intersected again? New Canadian Promo.
This finale seems to keep getting better and better by the second 🙂
let’s hope not. they have gone to that well way to many times already and for me it’s run dry.
rac at this point for finale’s to the dramatic mini arcs, I just hope the show does not get ruined too much, the problem is the dramatic stuff can hurt the show in two ways, first it does something so stunningly stupid that it sucks the fun and romance out of the show and second, it does something so illogical and senseless that those who remain who like drama go WTF (the latter has been the case more and more in season 4) …. anyhow, at this point it is what it is
If he loses the intersect, I don’t think it’s “going to the well” again as much as ramping up the drama of the hero’s story. The last time Chuck lost the intersect, he failed, got another agent killed, and got himself captured. Even Sarah said he wasn’t a real spy.
That would set this dramatic situation up nicely. At a time where failure means Sarah dying, losing the intersect would add an element of stress and tension that is necessary for what is supposd to be an epic season finale.
If it does happen that way, I can’t wait to see this.
i disagree. at one point between mid season three and mid season 4 he lost the intersect or it didn’t work correctly 40% of the time. that’s not a small amount of episodes. i think 40% is going to the well to many times.
If he does lose the intersect again it won’t be like last time. In FOD he was basically on his own, but now he has backup and plus the stakes will be far higher for Chuck. Personally I sense the finale will be a cross between Push Mix and Phase 3 (may I add 2 great episodes)
well i hope you get what you want then. i just don’t feel using the same stick with variables is great writing, but that’s just me. if your ok with them playing with the intersect to ramp up even more drama that’s cool. i would just prefer something more original than something they keep using over and over. sarah near death ramps up the drama. when you trot out something that has been used over and over and over it just gets old, like the WT/WT.
I’ve always thought getting rid of the Intersect is a good way to go. Especially if Chuck can now show competence as an agent without it. Time to throw away the crutch!
I’d love a whole season without it. Let Chuck be smart while Sarah (and Casey) are his muscle.
dave… i guess if you want to completely change the fundamentals of the show this is the year to do it. you can break up chuck and sarah, kill a major character, have all the female leads pregnant and you don’t have to worry about ratings. it should be interesting to see where they go.
Actually I see it more as getting back to basics. I’ve just always seen the 2.0 as a silly gimmick. We’ve seen Chuck be dangerous with a tranq pistol and no flashes, he can throw a puch without flashing, and he can plan and run an operation without the intersect. Some of this has been true since 2.01, but certainly the last few weeks he’s often been the practical mission leader.
Don’t worry, they’ll never go that route. But way back towards the end of S2 I had really hoped they would for while (long about Predator through Dream Job).
I just much prefer the idea of Chuck as a problem solver and planner. I’d be happy to never see another martial arts flash again.
N-H: Yes, I agree, and don’t forget the fabled ComiCon poster with Chuck ” Un-Plugged”…
My guess is that they finally reveal that indeed Bartowski does have a spine, Intesetinal Fortitude, and well, pardon my Galic – a set of Balls; [that any bovine breeder would be proud of.]
Its gotta be the final peice in the hero journey…
– he started out as the nerd with the girl’ish scream, stay in the car, all freaked out – [ AKA Mr. Tumbleweek / jellyfish] – progressing slowly but surely up the evolutionary scale to a fairly competent guy – that has needed both his team and the intersect as a set of crutches….
I think its long past over due time to take off the training wheels Bartowski!!!
Ok, who am I kidding… its not like he’s a real spy [ giggles]
All of Ellie’s work on the Orion laptop has got to be worth more weight in the show, rather than, just the reveal that Volkoff was Agent X…
That laptop re-intersected Chuck – my guess is that Ellie can make him Bigger, Stronger, and Faster!!!
Has anyone placed any bets on what the big Cliff Hanger will be?
Intersect or no Intersect I would like to see Chuck take on more of a leadership role.
I agree with that Patty, although I would add I think we’ve seen that happen some in the back part of S4 anyway. He’s already the practical leader quite often, and he is coming to get more respect from his team too. Just continuing that course would be perfect.
Even if he does not have the intersect…what makes you think that by next season a few months have passed and he could basically learnt off screen all the martial arts he needs? I mean he is basically only losing the intersect for half an episode or a whole episode and part of the episode is a wedding so what is the big deal? Also if they are in trouble with the CIA would it not be good if chuck were not the intersect…they might let chuck go without a bullet in his brain….
I don’t see a big deal either way. They’ve had some fun with the Intersect and its kind of a signature part of the show at this point, its unlikely to ever really go away for long. I’m far more interested in the characters, humor, and fun stuff along the way than I am in details and mythology.
I’m not sure I want Chuck to lose the Intersect. As you said it’s a signature part of the show, but it has evolved. I like the idea that someone tries to take it and fails. Maybe they even succeed in taking the Intersect container, but the Intersect itself has integrated with Chuck’s brain in a way that’s more neurologically compatible (thanks to Ellie).
Then I’d like to see the information part remain, with a way of updating its database. Last, I’d like to see him have to work out to develop the skill sets that the Intersect embedded in his brain. … Sort of a happy medium between the way it works now and not having it.
That depends thinkling if Chuck is still in the CIA, maybe that is the cliffhanger, they have all been burnt! or terminated (contracts that is)! then maybe not having the intersect will not be a big deal if they all work at the buymore as employees only.
Oops hit send to early! what if chuck has to go against the CIA (as per the sneak peeks indicated) to save sarah’s life and the only way out is for them to not be spies anymore. Would that bother anyone here? considering how badly the CIA keeps on screwing with chuck and Team B, I do not have a problem with them having a clean slate. I mean the CIA wanted to kill chuck multiple times, ordered shaw’s wife’s death, caused papa b and mama b to abandon their children and kept chuck and sarah apart for 3 years. I am not too fond of them and would not care if they did not work there anymore, goodbye jack!
OK, James, I’m listening. If that happens what are they going to do (not work at the Buymore!)? Are they going to be spies like PapaB? Are they going to get normal jobs and move to the suburbs? Are they going to work directly for the President? If they are going to be spies and do great things (and I’m sure they could come up with a purpose in such a venture) then would Ellie design a whole new type of Intersect more suited to their life on the lam as rogue Bartowski spies?
I’m not being sarcastic. I just wonder where you see the story going if they are suddenly burned, ex-CIA. Spin us a story.
I love the burned ex-CIA theme, but I don’t really see it working on the show. It could put Chuck and Sarah on the run away from the rest of cast (and sets…) Maybe if the show were getting a complete relaunch and Zach and Yvonne were the only cast members they were keeping.
But its such a radical change in direction, and since the current thought seems to be that S5 will be about wrapping things up; I just don’t see them going off on such a sharp angle.
Someone was speccing a couple days ago about Mary and Hartley taking the new IDs and disappearing; that makes sense to me.
Well why cannot they work like papa b did? They could have normal jobs but I just know that they have to have the buymore due to product placement and whatnot. So I see them working there on some basis and being spies on their off time doing missions. Or they could work in the buymore and work privatly for blackwater or someone like that. I mean I just do not see how they are going to be not out of the CIA after they mess with the CIA in such a big and irreversable way. I mean the CIA sends out their toughest agent to protect or kill volkoff or transport him, for chuck to kidnap volkoff (canadian promo) there is going to have to be a lot of finessing be done to make it all work. As sepinwall says the new status quo has him gagging for season 5, what is the new status quo then?
James, Dave made the point I was trying to reconcile, that the story of burned ex-CIA agents on the lam could be done and could be interesting, but it doesn’t seem to fit with current mythology. “Seem” being the operative word.
So, spitballing, I guess it could work if Team/FamB had to discover and go after someone in the CIA that somehow ties into the whole Bartowski/Intersect story. That could be interesting and very exciting. Logistically, though, it would be difficult. Who equips them? How are they paid? The normal jobs idea doesn’t work too well, because if they are burned ex-CIA on the lam, they can’t hide at the Buymore. They would have to discover a cache of cash and get the heck out of Burbank. Bye-bye sets.
If they were merely fired and not burned (which would work if Mary is the scapegoat and she and Hartley disappear with the fake ID’s), they could stay in Burbank and be a ghost team going after the root baddie in the CIA (someone who’s been after PapaB all along, maybe sabotaged the Intersect project and set in motion the whole Hartley/Bartowski/Intersect plot). They would be bankrolled by the president or some secret government benefactor who is on their side. GB would be their handler. To allow Mary and Hartley to come out of hiding and unite their family (again), they would have to bring down the corrupt element in the CIA, thus ending the entire Intersect/Bartowski/Agent X cycle. Then and only then could Team/FamB walk away from it all. That leaves an opening to an epilogue type series that could go in different directions, like a few years later, with Chuck and Sarah raising their family and the president calling them back into service (new setting … no Buymore … same Team/FamB cast).
Getting back to the original question, though, if they followed that type of scenario, it seems like the Intersect would be invaluable. If Chuck and Sarah and TeamB went up against the CIA next season, I would think Chuck would need all the Intel in the Intersect to fight them. It could appear, at the end of S4, to the CIA that Chuck has been unplugged, when in reality Ellie’s modifications relocated it and made it more neurologically compatible with Chuck’s brain. Enemies think it’s gone, but it’s really a more integral part of Chuck’s brain than ever.
Sorry, that was long.
Well I like the private benefactor or president funding them! What if when they turn Volkoff back into Tuttle, er sorry, Hartley he decides to donate money to Chuck and Sarah as a way to fight the CIA (I mean he would have the most motivation conidering how they ruined his life). I mean I can see Sarah being on board with this considering it looks like they are going to let her die. How is that for loyalty? All those years she worked and they would not even allow her access to Volkoff to get the antidote. So my guess is they buy the Buymore and run missions with what money they have left or they if they have no money left then they use the profits to fund their extra curicular activities. I know this is way out there but it could work. As for the intersect problem if Chuck does not have it, I suppose that is something I do not know how they will get around unless it goes into Sarah or Casey’s head. I do not know about you but in the Chuck world ( I am sure in real life the CIA are a lot more honourable then how they are portrayed on the show) the CIA have burnt Team Bartowski one too many times I think. I know the show normally sweeps that under the rug but I am hoping that they do not for once and work they try something else. Like working privatly for Blackwater or like Michael Western style justice in helping private citizens.
The only way this sticks is if he loses it for good. Constantly re-intersecting is getting old. Go into S5 no intersect then. I say they try to de-intersect him but can’t with this version. That would be awesome.
try and fail is ok by me. going into season 5 with out the intersect i’m not sure about.
Actually army I agree with you, I doubt they’ll go with the ‘Chuck loses the intersect’ storyline again because it is a recycled plot, yeah it’s probably a case of they’ll try to de intersect him but fail. That’s the point of promos though, ramp up the excitement. Also keep in mind some of the scenes in the promo are usually thrown out of context along with some of the dialogue.
Losing the Intersect for good would sort of mess up the who;e dynamic of the show.
Probably this is the way he finds out how to fix Volkoff. It has been hinted that the kiddie interect was a personality changer. If he can now hit girls Vivian is in trouble!
I would like to see Chuck able to take out and put in the data/skills Intersect at will. He really needs a data refresh from time to time at least!
Agreed Patty. They’ve only done a refresh once that I can remember (breakup), so that is a necessary feature. I do sort of hope that whatever Ellie did to it, makes it tamper-proof.
chuck moves to friday at 8. seems like NBC is going after DWTS putting the voice against it. they redid monday completely.
http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2011/05/15/nbc-2011-12-primetime-schedule-announced/92597/
Nice, at least we don’t have too long a wait for the new series 🙂
one good thing about the fall airing is there should be no breaks. so by winter break it should be over. it seems to flow better when done with no breaks.
We’ve got what? 19 weeks until the start of season 5. How could that in any way be bad?
This is all good. Very good news. Even better if Chuck is able to do good on Fridays, make NBC WANT another season of it!
if we can manage to wrangle another 6 million viewers, why not? 😉
Historically there just aren’t very many viewers available on Friday nights, so this is a long shot. But at least it’s a shot! Networks often shuffle off cheap or doomed programming to waste away on Friday nights; but the good news is that means there just isn’t a lot of competition. If we can keep our core audience, and maybe add in some of those displaced Smallville viewers (okay, many are probably Chuck viewers already anyhow), maybe we can make waves in a weak slot.
Is that even a remote possibility?
Thinkling it sounds like the official answer right now is no. But I’ve seen so many shows where details and circumstances changed so series finales became “to be continued…”
If Chuck’s numbers are actually GOOD on a Friday slot; if too many other NBC shows tank; or even if WB decides they really want the show on CW or something…
stranger things have happened.
I guess to be fair I should add it’s unlikely. They say the show is ending at 5.13, so we have to view that as the most likely scenario.
in one interview the comment was made if they got 10mil viewers they would think about it. good luck with that on friday.
Again army I wouldn’t take that literally. It only means they are unlikely to change their mind. But unlikely and won’t aren’t the same thing. Just as the decision to grant a S5 was not based solely on ratings (or even mostly on ratings!), a possible decision on a back-order may be influenced by other issues.
Given the problems NBC has had filling their schedule in recent years, I’d say we have a 20% chance of seeing episodes past 5.13 (yes, that percent is a SWAG).
oh i know but it needs to happen real early. i’m betting ep 13 is a concluding ep set in the future to show how everyone’s life turned out. thats a guess of course but i can see them doing that. either that or an ep that ends it for good. with either of those it would be hard to add on. like i said i doubt it but it would need to happen early in the season because most eoisodes will be shot and written by the end of oct.
Yeah army, the farther the season goes with no change the less likely a back order is to happen. I think by Comic Con we’ll have a better sense of how they’re approaching the season. It will be interesting to see how definitive they are about the end in July. I’m sure there will be key words and phrases we’ll all pick up on that will clue us in some on if things will be open ended or absolutely ending. And of course, if they do a hard wrap after filming 5.13 we’ll know its most likely all over.
dave – I really like the show and see it most times same as you, but the show is over after 13 eps, the pres of NBC said so, s the likelihood of 10 million on fridays is slightly lower than schwartz coming down from mt zion (is that the right mt?) with a 2000 year old stone tablet inscribed that the Lord is a Chuck fan and commands a back 9 followed by a season 6.
Agree next season is the last season and no more. I am sure when Fedak pitched season 5 to NBC they were told by the WB to end it. Even Fedak is excited to complete the story. WB had to basically give away 13 epsso they could see syndication. Why would they give away 9 more episodes. I am sure that the WB told them end the show after 13. People signing petitions etc are only wasting time. NBC wants 13 WB wants 13 Fedak is ending the show at 13 and I am sure the actors want to move on so they can get jobs in the spring and may even get a pilot for the fall.
Just like Lost so does Chuck. Lets all accept embrace and prepare for a great 13 ep sendoff. All this bargaining is just many fans being in denial that this is the end. We should all be greatful that tomorrow is not the end. Nope our characters get to go out on their own terms. I wouldn’t have it any other way.
You’re way to sure Jason. I’ve seen SOOOO many shows come back from a supposed demise. I agree its unlikely, but its not over until its over. I remember TJ Hooker switching from NBC primetime to CBS latenight (before they had Letterman); I remember Battlestar Gallactica being cancelled and coming back as Gallactica 1980 with only one member of the original cast; and I remember many shows changing networks. Chuck may be a good candidate for such a second life because of the enthusiastic and activist fan base the show has.
Again its not likely; but in television “guaranties” are worth very little, and history isn’t written until it happens.
RAC its not denial to say I always want more Chuck. I’m not even talking about lifting a finger to do anything for more episodes at this point. I’m just saying, reality is these things are NEVER set in stone. Star Trek even came back from the dead after almost 20 years.
There is still so much unknown at this point. The biggest being what the ratings and reaction to S5 will be. Exactly what jobs the cast and producers are able to line-up matters too. Obviously HOW things end at 5.13 is yet another issue.
I agree 100% with enjoying the 13 episodes of S5 we are likely to get (although I would point out, there’s even a chance of that being foreshortened for reasons aren’t yet aware of too). I would say almost 80% chance that will be the end of Chuck forever; and expect to enjoy every second of it. But predicting the future, even when business and contracts are concerned, is NOT an exact science.
I’d like to think that, given a chance to go out on top of their game, it might be easier to bring them back for a full length feature movie in a couple of years, too.
That’s one I’d pay bucks to see in the theaters!
Yeah Joe that is certainly a scenario that works for me. Or like SG-1 that did two full length direct to video movies after the series ended. Or Rockford Files, EIGHT feature length movies in the 1990s, starting 14 years after the series ended!
Honestly, I really hope that they keep it to one order. I would have been fine with 22, but I’ll take 13. I don’t want to see more story contortions and things tacked on because they suddenly have to write more episodes. The way any series ends is one of the very most important things, and I think it’s really important that they get to know in advance when that needs to happen, and to have that end date set. I think that certainty will improve the quality of both the ending specifically, and of the season as a whole, and I’ll take quality over quantity, any time.
Yeah I never get that Kev. Another good episode or 20 can always be written with a good crew, and apart from the S3 misery arc I’ve been pretty happy with all things Chuck.
My previously listed examples are excellent. Of the two SG-1 movies, one was wrapping up loose ends and they did it very well. The other was a stand alone of the best sort, as good as any episode of the series.
All eight Rockford Files movies were well done on every level; which is exactly what we expect from first rate writers and actors.
Although Chuck is slightly more serialized than Rockford Files the difference isn’t huge. I would expect the same sort of first rate entertainment from any later revisits that we got the first time around.
I don’t get why there’s so much resistance from some commenters on the idea of later episodes or movies. Is there some popular series disaster I’m unaware of? Obviously Smallville went on about 7 seasons too long, but it was never as good a show as Chuck. Magnum PI probably shouldn’t have done their last season, but it was hardly a disaster. I’ve seen sit-coms that continued after they were no longer funny, and there’s certainly other shows I gave up on; but to me Chuck is no where near out of gas, I think it could likely work for another decade.
Is this the crowd that was happy when The Beatles broke up?
@Dave,
A lot of it just comes down to the differences we’ve talked about in terms of the sort of TV that you like. If you like episodic TV, then absolutely, there’s no fixed end point for Chuck.
Episodic TV has just never been my thing, especially in ultra-long, US season formats. Why watch 24 episodes when you know the essential formula and story is going to be the same? I’d just pick the consensus best 6 and watch them, saving myself a lot of time, and knowing that I haven’t missed any story developments in between. I can stand a UK 8 season format of standalones, but 22 or 24 episodes of ” them just isn’t my thing.
From a story point of view, in terms of connected backstories and mythology, I think Chuck is almost at the end of the road of stories that they have left to tell – but that’s completely a personal thing, and I completely see the logic of those who have a different point of view, derived from their own persoective of what they like and why they watch.
More practically, I think the ratings make their own irrefutable argument that this should be the final season, as does the natural desire of Zac, Yvonne et al to move onto other things. Everything has a natural end point – it just seems to me that story, ratings and career factors point to this being exactly the right time to end things, on the show’s own terms. That’s something that not many shows get to do.
I can understand most of that Kev, I think another difference is; as I’ve said more than a few times, to me the show is about the characters. I know others (you? I don’t recall) have said story is key.
I guess it stands to reason if I’m mainly interested in the characters that I’m always ready to spend more time with them. While those who are interested primarily in story will be ready to move on when the current set-up seems exhausted. Although I would mention I’ve seen shows (SG-1) that have managed to completely re-invent themselves more than once and create a fresh set of challenges and issues when the previous story was nearly played out.
My other thought is that I’ve only seen the NBC rep comment on letting the actors and crew “move on.” Usually that’s a euphemism for being fired. Do we actually know any of the cast and crew want to move on? Last I remember, they were all asking us to save their jobs. Now I would believe Zach and Yvonne may have other opportunities (Yvonne signed for a romantic comedy a couple days ago), but I wouldn’t try to speak for what they want until we hear from them (even then comments may be more political and about not burning bridges than completely candid).
kev…i agree with you to a point. there is a lot of story telling that could be done. checking out each of the boxes that were in orion basement before it went boom. the thing is with these writers, just my opinion, they have reached their creative peak. i think there are two ways of looking at call backs as it were. some folks love it and think it’s great, i think it’s the writers inability to think up something new so they use something that already worked and changed it around. but views are correct to a point. i agree with you on the ratings thing as well. there is no denying people left the show for some reason.
dave i agree with you as well. for someone that just likes spending time with the characters it could go on as well. just make it another seventh heaven and there you go. all family interaction with a little action thrown in to keep it interesting.
the problem with both ways ways is the fracturing of the remaining fans. the fandom is split now as it is. going one way or the other would definitely doom it if there was a chance for renewal after next year. i think this is for the best. it lets them tell the story they want and they have a end point.
dave your comment about the beatles strikes me as funny. people have different likes and dislikes that’s just how it is. granted some folks just say they want chuck gone to anger fans like you and those here, but some have actually started to not care about the show. i’m one of them. maybe it’s because i missed out on the misery arc of season 3. my last point of reference is season 2. this season is way below that so i am no longer driven to watch it. it’s just we like different things the show has or had to offer. for me it’s not there any more. for you it is, and i’m happy for you.
either way there are more stories to tell. it just depends on their personal preferences. i hope next season brings you just what you want to see and it ends in a way that gives you closure.
Army…. I don’t think its a matter of Creative Process…. actually they are very creative! – its more a matter of execution and timing. They have done an excellent job of creating very endearing characters – and wonderful relationship interactions… but this show isn’t Friends or Cheers.
There is another setting – or these other layers. On the one side there is the Spy world – that seem to constantly clash with our logic, reasoning, and expectations. On the other side is Chuck and his family and friends…. and Sarah………. [ long pause]
~the thing that ties them all together is the Intersect.
Good ideas never get beyond the level of just being a good idea.
[ And that’s much much better than working with bad ideas]
How many times have they introduced a great character that we never see again? Or a cool spy gaget? Or all the fancy gismos that were installed in the new Buy More, or, or, or, and, and, and…. well – we all know its never going to happen.
The show is about people and relationships… the main characters in particular… the other details are insignificant in comparison.
gringo…your partly correct about the characters, ad what you said about the gadgets supports what i said. they can invent them but never use them again. why? i’m not saying they are bad writers, and i do believe that not having a set group has caused problems for them. i’ll give 3 examples to sort of explain what i mean. first, the lack of the intersect working for 40% of the episodes between mid 3 and mid 4. two, in 3 consecutive episodes we had 4 count downs to death, three by bomb and one by machine guns. three we again have the mystical time travel to europe do a mission and get back.
the best episodes for me this year have been the stand alone ones. again that’s just me and i am by no means trying to change your opinion of the show in any way.
Army – I hope you don’t think I’m challenging your opinon… in a way I partly agree… but at some point, we have to enjoy, and celebrate the show and its ‘style or flavour’ for what it is… its not exactly a comedy – nor is it exactly a drama – well, its not alot of things… What it is = Chuck! I think that too many people have gotten too frustrated because they have tried to apply too many rules, or constraints, or expectations… choosing to dwell on what TPTB have missed, or not done… rather than enjoying their ideas + pop culture references + music selections = all things they use as tools to move the characters along in the story. And that priority is important… I think, its more about characters than even about the story [ although its hard to make that separate distinction]…. what I mean: I can imagine, they could take Sarah and Chuck into any direction… you could drop them into any other TV setting or situation~ and they would still be highly entertaining… the Buy More, and CIA could easily be replaced by a hospital, or a police show, or a crime lab… whatever.
Its just a vehicle, or environment where the characters exist . Of course having the Intersect = works better in the CIA spy world, than perhaps if Chuck had only ever stayed at an electronics super store. ~ just say’n
gringo…no worries. it comes down to personal choice. i’m not into the relationships per-say. i don’t ship any tv couples. as long as they don’t get in the way of the meat of the show i’m fine. during seasons 1&2 i didn’t get the feel they did, now it’s all about that. so not for me. if i enjoyed that type of show i would watch CW and the shows there. i said many times this is the season for those that like all the character interactions and what goes with it. i’ll tune in to see the big twist. the last part of this season has been like watching a bad movie, you don’t really like it but you want to know how it ends. i’m sure we have all been there.
Gringo I agree entirely with all of that. A lot of fan fiction has been written with that very idea; you can drop Chuck and Sarah in a completely different setting and still have a lot of fun (Chuck vs. The Frontier or Walker’s Eleven come to mind).
That also goes back to what I said earlier about my interest in Chuck being far more about the characters than the story.
dave i agree with the FF thing. the same can be said for any couple. once you take them out of the “real world” as long as you keep the characters basically the same it will work. i enjoy the AU ones more than the “real world” ones.
That will certainly be sufficient time to do a Chuck marathon 1-4 🙂
You mean Seasons 1, 2, 3.5 and 4. 😉
I’m willing to force my way through most of 3 naturally skipping through Mask and Fake Name (I’ll rewatch Honeymooners a couple times to scrub the dirt of 3.0 out of my brain) then go through 4 🙂
If chuck does lose the intersect tonight, I do get it. Fedak wants chuck to have his heroic moment without the intersect, to show he is a man who can save Sarah based on his own wit, or with a combination of his friends and his own wit.
I am not sure how I feel about chuck without the intersect other than for a moment here or there …. in a way, the intersect is THE mythology (not my favortie word, maybe I should say THE ‘thing’) around which the show is based – kind of like superpowers for superman -in superman kryptonite moments do come and go, but by and large, for the show to be superman, he needs those powers. I think the intersect sort of works the same way in chuck.
I agree with that Jason. That’s the best analogy … superman and kryptonite moments. I always groan when they take away superman’s powers, but I get why they do it. The Intersect is a part of Chuck and “Chuck.” It can evolve and develop in interesting ways, but it is the core piece of the mythology part of the story.
Dave, I missed this before, but it’s a fair point!
I think the batting average of movies that are spawned from TV shows has been mixed at best.
There have been some winners, certainly. Serenity comes to mind. But there’s quite a few that have left fans wanting. Think Sex and the City. Even the Star Trek movie franchise has been hit and miss. I mean, for the longest time it was “See the odd numbered Trek movies and skip the even.” (or perhaps the opposite, depending on your tastes).
If there’s resistance showing up, I’d opine that it’s because too many shows stay around past their prime, then they go to the theaters and have two sequels too many!
Yeah, Hollywood is like that.
I always appreciated J. Michael Straczinski saying from the start that Babylon 5 was going to be a five season arc. Done. He (and Harlan Ellison) still got pushed around by the studios and the networks, but they made a valiant attempt to be story-tellers first and TV show producers second.
I think I’ve seen that here too, with Schwartz and Fedak. Less publicly perhaps, and more towards the “producer” end of that spectrum, but also more successfully.
Although even Straczinski did a later series spin-off (Crusade) and multiple B5 movies.
I do get that there have been plenty of bad TV show movies, but there also have been many good ones. And given the ratio of quality to garbage we see with Chuck I like the odds going forward.
And as I mentioned, some like SG-1 and Rockford Files have struck gold with every outing. I think a big part of what improves the odds is original cast and at least some of the original writers. And unless they kill off Chuck or Sarah, I see no mandatory reason for this series to ever end.
I liked Crusader and still have no idea why it was cancelled. I know Firefly was cancelled because a lot of potential viewers had no idea that it was on. (me included, at least I had heard of Chuck).
SG1 was so good that I paid for showtime to see it (no other reason!) Of all the shows with an end I liked it best. At the last moment the team walked through the Gate on another mission and that was the end! You can imagine that they are still out there protecting us from bad aliens!
I hope they leave the team alive and still working to protect us from terrorists and over the top villains in some capacity!
Yeah Patty I agree with all of that. At one point they were talking about another SG-1 movie in the works. I think that’s off the table for now, but yeah they left it completely open so they can make another anytime there is interest in doing so. That was my favorite series for many seasons; they handled so many things well like re-inventing major arcs, replacing loved characters, and striking that perfect balance of adventure, drama, and humor.
Chuck is a bit funnier, and the on-screen talent is even better; but in many ways the shows “feel” similar.
Chuck going back to it’s Season 1 roots for S5. Anybody know what that means?
no idea. but there are some good specs under faith’s last post in another thread.
has anybody seen this??
Click to access Chuck.pdf
somebody posted it on the nbc boards and I have no clue what to make of it 😐
Oh, I really wish I hadn’t read that. To anyone else who is curious…there’s a huge spoiler that may come to light in tonight’s season finale. Do not read until after seeing the season 4 finale.
sorry Sniderman should have warned about the potential spoiler. I’m still unsure whether it’s real or not
Mythology spoiler aside, it also means HUGE changes for the writing staff (again) with Miller and Adler returning as exec producers. For just 13 episodes, that’s surprising as all get out.
Thanks for that warning, Sniderman.
And don’t worry, Lappers. In this thread, everyone should know that spoilage is possible (and even likely).
Buyer beware!
Okay, that’s pretty funny. Not what I was expecting, but we’ll see. It might work.
If you want to avoid spoilers that has a big one. I can see why other bloggers have had a tepid response, it doesn’t really excite me. But it still might be fun.
Looking at it again I think there’s a high likelihood its just bogus. Morgan’s name is wrong! And there’s a lot of spoilers in there if its real.
We’ll know tonight. That’s the kind of reveal that would 1. explain the “Cliffhanger” episode title and 2. point us in the direction of Season 5’s arc. It would also explain that “Season 1 feel in Season 5” tease we’ve heard. Back to basics again, as it were.
yea – I had to look at it twice to get it – I’ll just throw in 2 other comments:
1 – it likely is the twist if true or the cliffy, but it has zero affect on chuck or sarah or marriage or anything chuck or sarah – so shippers, this is a non event
2 – unless you have no self control – like me – don’t read it – if it were so stunningly stupid, you might not even take notice
Love and marriage … lock and load. Love it.
Other than the MG obvious, the phrase that caught me was now that Chuck has the money, the resources, the brain, and the girl So maybe the Intersect is an actual part of Chuck. Anyway that whole sentence is intriguing to me. The other M bomb … meh … could be OK. Did you notice Sarah’s left fist? 😀
Yeah Thinkling I noticed the fist!
Jason hit it right, sort of a non event for ‘shippers; but that’s GOOD!
I’ve been mostly okay with Morgan this season, I only dislike the advice giving Morgan that Chuck often foolishly listens to.
Making him a bigger part of the team and missions could be fun. A (minor) problem with Chuck is he’s become less interesting in some ways as he gets more competent, and some of his “comic relief” on missions is actually not appreciated by many viewers (especially whiny/wimpy Chuck). So getting Morgan more involved restores some of that comic element without damaging a character we want to love and relate to.
dave – my 2nd thought was better than my intital one, might be worth a try – if so, for those who love serious, dramatic chuck, this’ll probably be bad news, I would assume the twist means season 5 is going to be a ‘small’ joke, I mean comedy, sorry about that – I just can’t help myself
Dave, agreed about Morgan. And it’s been so much better after he moved in w/ Casey. That whole dynamic has worked well imo.
As you said, it could restore the comedy without regressing Chuck. Also, if Morgan is going to be Casey’s partner (and settle the issue of protecting his daughter’s idiot boyfriend), this would be a way to let him progress in the spy world. Otherwise, there’s no place for him to go spy-wise. It stretches the “special brain” concept, but the Intersect is always evolving.
@Thinkling – I disagree. It’s not evolution but reverse evolution. Next thing we know (at the end of S5) that the Intersect can even be downloaded in monkeys.
*takes some Snark Soothner immediately* 😉
ok wow. if it’s true, which i believe it is, how dumb is nbc for putting it out, and second thank goodness it moved to friday and ratings don’t matter. as jason said its bad news for guys like me.
Aladdins I think that’s exactly what this is a test for. If it would work on Morgan then indeed any monkey can handle it, leaving actual human agents free to do important government paperwork.
I really wouldn’t be so down on the little bearded buffoon. Josh is a reasonably capable actor who has already shown he can handle some drama quite well. I thought the action sequence from Last Details showed perfectly how Morgan can be used in a mission setting that is both tense and funny. As many have been complaining all season, Chuck is ready for better things. Let Morgan be the team’s killer monkey.
I expect it will free Chuck and Sarah to be a great team together. Casey will be Morgan’s keeper. I do hope we get the three musketeers together some, too though. Plus, we don’t know what Intersect he uploads.
Alladins, I thought of you when I read it. We may have to come up with another product just for you. I’ll get R&D on it right away.
Josh is a reasonably capable actor who has already shown he can handle some drama quite well.
This is not about Josh and his acting chops. This is about a secondary nay tertiary character being given more importance than the titular character.
I thought the action sequence from Last Details showed perfectly how Morgan can be used in a mission setting that is both tense and funny.
Morgan as the Magnet is funny and serves its purpose. Any more and it is the highway robbery of other characters screen time.
As many have been complaining all season, Chuck is ready for better things. Let Morgan be the team’s killer monkey.
Chuck was ready for bigger things at the end of Season 3. Do you really think the writers will have more development for him in S5, now that a game changing event is going to occur.
And what is “better things” for Chuck – sitting in the van and monitoring a Morgan mission? There is one thing I fear the most – Chuck and Morgan becoming left, right and center and Sarah and Casey fading to the background.
I am exaggerating here but my fears are not unfounded. 😦
No your fears are not unfounded, but I’m hoping this would mean Chuck as more of an equal team member and occasional leader; without so much of the panic and freaking out stuff that he should be past.
If we get Chuck as a capable professional it leaves us lacking some in comic relief, which would likely be Morgan’s new role.
Don’t get me wrong, my primary interest is always in seeing Chuck and Sarah together as the a-team. I’m just not too worried yet about what may happen with Morgan. They’ve mostly balanced things well this season, and hopefully that will continue.
Chris Fedak has an interview with Sepinwall coming out tonight. I quote, “I’m going to post both my review of the episode and Fedak’s explanation for some of the things that happen in it.”
Mo Ryan has an interview today (after 4pm eastern time) with Chris Fedak as well. That should be coming out sometime tomorrow, or the next day.
faith – are u excited for today? I am. I think u said u like smallville, a s5 ep spec I’d love to see – like clark was jorell in the 50’s and met lana, was used to tell the jorell – grandpa kent backstory – would love to see sarah be mary, chuck be orion, and morgan be winterbottom to tell that backstory in an ep like the smallville one – guess that took on even more meaning in the past hour or two – LOL
LOL. I’m very excited Jason. I have a couple of Chuckaholics coming over (by that I mean they weren’t friends before Chuck and the boards) to watch the finale with me tonight so they’re going to handcuff my spoiler fiend tendency unfortunately but considering I saw part of this episode filmed…heh heh.
As for Smallville, I love Smallville and I remember that episode, Relic. It would be interesting to see that considering the parallels, and lol Morgan.
https://twitter.com/#!/moryan/status/70237918614134785
Hmmm, perhaps we do see a faked funeral for Sarah without us knowing for sure if its faked?
“For fans, Act4 of tonight’s S4 finale will be difficult. I want to plead w/ them to stick with us into Act5.”
?!?!?!?!
Am I do understand that if we HADN’T gotten a Season 5, tonight’s episode would have ended in a way that would have torqued off the audience? I hope I’m reading into this, but I’m planning on watching the episode with an air of “This may have been the last one forever. What final scene were they planning on leaving us with?”
Whoops. Misread. I read “Act 4” into “Act 5” as “end of Season 4” into “Beginning of Season 5.” So the toughness occurs in tonight’s episode in the final act. Got it.
sniderman – I am guessing there are 6 acts to a tv show, act 4 is going to be season 3 misery at its finest, act 5 will save the day. I think Fedak could have announced the winning of world war 2 over Germany and left the Allies feeling they lost …. I don’t like his penchant for misery, but I think tonights ep is going to be ok, until he astro-projects into some universe for the epic ending where seemingly shaw, and now morgan are the only leading men available and only Fedak seems to be able to either visit or understand – geez – end of rant.
Why write and produce tv that is so cringeworthy that you have to ask the fans to keep watching?
Hasn’t Chris figured out yet that this fandom is perfectly capable of working itself into a state of near psychosis without any help from him?? 🙂
Bummer about the spoiler release from NBC. Major fail. I haven’t seen it, so hopefully the reactions are exaggerated. Either way, I’m happy to watch the episode before jumping to conclusions.
Maybe there’s something in the prematurely (not!) released spoiler that will help fans hang on through whatever happens in act 4. Think about it. 😉
@Thinkling,
Who knows? Still think it’s depressing that people need to have the structure of a Chuck finale episode explained to them. There are twists. Things look bleak. Things get resolved happily. Cliffhanger sets up S5. In this case I think Chris should have just kept quiet.
In fairness to Chris Fedak his comment and Mo Ryan’s tweet is reactive and not proactive. This will come clear once one actually reads the piece and of course sees the episode.
In the meantime, don’t freak out ;).
Joe, Erine, Liz, Faith, Rick Holy and Chuck fans!
Less than 4 hours until the Season 4 finale of Chuck vs the “CLIFFHANGER”
Chuck and Sarah’s wedding day and the Volkoff’s Family/Organization is back and they’re high on revenge!
The Volkoff Family reminds me of Jason Vorhees on Friday the 13th. When you think they’re dead, they just keep coming back! It’s called the cliffhanger for a reason. Who’ll live? and who will die? Don”t be suprised if Chuck and Sarah won’t get married unitil Season 5. Just speculating!
P’S. View S3 on my blog at http://www.bernardthisblog.blogspot.com
my personal opinions on the 13 original episodes will spark up some debate’s during the summer after S4 is complete. Fight of S5
Good blog Bernie, really gives a bit of perspective on the horror show that was season 3.0
i don’t know if anyone’s posted this yet, but it was an interesting read and makes me even more psyched for season 5:
http://www.tvline.com/2011/05/chuck-season-finale-post-mortem-executive-producer-fedak/
That is a fun interview; is it September yet?
I know, right?
I hope the ratings go up and someone takes notice. I have loved Chuck past, I have love S4 more, and I am so stoked about Hart to Hart meets the A-Team.
lucky schwartz didn’t give the interview, he probably would have said hart to hart meets the dos equis man, just to jack everyone up. I have been critical of fedak as a spokesman for promoting episodes in the show, but he gave a wonderfully positive post season interview last season, and if this seasons proves to be as it appears, he did it again. I would guess he is going to be the guy (if anyone does) who will give us all the straight scoop on season 3 someday, probably shortly after the final ep is over and everyone has moved on. I know the FNL’s showrunner discussed his season 2’s shortcomings the week after the final of FNL’s season 5 aired, I found that most interesting – as I would to hear fedak’s (as well as anyone elses) take on what he tried to do and what he think happened in chuck s3.
Love the username!
this is really long, about half way thru, robby duncan mcneil is interviewed, if you have been liking what fedak has said about season 5, my guess is you will really enjoy mcneil’s comments, one thing, since he does not know either at this point, he is sort of free to guess right with the fans. The other thing, he talked about 4×24 quite a bit, which again was pretty enjoyable. I thought Mel did a great job interviewing him:
http://blip.tv/chuckpodcast/090-oh-boy-robert-duncan-mcneill-interview-5184507