Chuck versus the Ring

by Jenn Kim

As I’ve come to the wisdom of my late-20s, there are a few absolutes I’ve discovered about myself. First, I’m irrationally attracted to plaid and the pairing of graphic tees and blazers (except when worn by Roommie); second; I have “unique” taste when it comes to choosing my TV/film boyfriends (I still maintain that Giovanni Ribisi is a really good actor whose weirdness is totally charming and quirky); and finally, if NBC cancels Chuck, I’m going to lose my $h!t. Seriously.

Admittedly, I wasn’t in love with Chuck‘s season finale. Maybe it was the high expectation for the culmination of a great season. Maybe it was my desperation to see something amazing that would magically save the show. Maybe it was the fact that Ellie and her bridesmaids all had on completely different dresses at wedding Numero Dos, and I couldn’t help but think that new dresses for an impromptu “sorry I ruined your first wedding but I’m going to throw you the REAL wedding you always wanted here at this beach” were unnecessary during these hard economic times. Regardless, it felt like the writers were literally pelting bricks of information at us, leaving welts of disjointed dialogue and rushed scenes.

Actually upon reflection, that seems kind of harsh. Chuck still provided us with tons of exciting, fun moments, not to mention serious plot advancements: Ted Roark, after magically escaping a government explosion, is captured by the CIA after he crashes Ellie’s wedding and threatens to kill her for the intersect. Jeffster! gives another amazing performance that has me humming “Domo Arigato” and practicing the robot all night. Chuck throws all his money into a Round Two wedding for Awesome and Ellie after Round One ends with a Jeffster! induced sprinkler shower. Bryce Larkin returns and has known all along that Chuck’s dad is Orion. Chuck’s dad also has an intersect in his head. A group more dangerous than Fulcrum emerges, and the leader kills Roarke and a bunch of marines. Sarah chooses to stay with Chuck rather than go off with Bryce on the new intersect assignment (YAY for Chuck). New Bad Guys want possession of the new intersect and consequently kill Bryce Larkin. Chuck, finally realizing that he’s got the makings of a hero after all, decides to take matters into his own hands and says good-bye to his short-lived normal life by downloading the new intersect in his head. Oh yeah, and he single-handedly takes down all of the New Bad Guys because the new intersect gives him crazy fighting skills. (He knows Kung Fu).

It was a lot to digest in a short amount of time. I guess technically it wouldn’t be a terrible series finale (Chuck becomes a badass CIA superspy, finally feels worthy enough for the girl, and the two live happily spy after), but damn it, I want the chance to see Chuck out in the field. Would he still be socially bumbly and sweet with such a high set of skills? Would Sarah and Chuck finally enter a legitimate relationship? Would Casey return to the team? Would the writers actually turn Ellie into an interesting character?

I want to know. I want more Chuck, and I definitely need more Jeffster!.

•    “I am a FLAMING heterosexual.”
•    “See? Guys can hug.”
•    I didn’t realize it was bad luck for a bride to see her brother before she got married.
•    Scott Bakula: still looking pretty damn good in a tux.
•    “Why are you letting Sam Kinison and an Indian lesbian wreck your wedding?” (I had to google Sam Kinison.)
•    “Screw it, I have an intersect in my head.”
•    OK I never loved Bryce (he was so boring and tool-y), but that was kind of a lame send-off for Mr. Amazing Superspy.
•    Rumor has it that Chuck will most likely get picked up for a third season. I certainly hope so, especially because I’d really miss writing for it here.
•    Get your Jeffster! shirt!

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About Jenn Kim: When she’s not questioning her decision to enter lawyer-hood-dom, Jenn enjoys stalking celebrities and getting over her totally rational fear of zombies. She also idolizes Joss Whedon, and is crossing her fingers that Nathan Fillion and NPH will accept her friend requests.

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