Chuck - Chuck vs First Class, S03E05

Although Chuck (Zachary Levi) seems to be getting better control over his flashes, and his flashes seem to get better control over a situation, it is a relief to know that the show continues to find hilarity in him and that he continues to be relatable.

In this guest star-heavy episode, Chuck goes on his first mission alone! And, as it turns out, he has to have a face-off with a big goon played by Steve Austin. Not a guy I would want to have after me.

But, despite getting punch in the stomach repeatedly, Chuck manages to defeat the big guy in a sword fight, thanks to the intersect. Later, however, though Chuck gets a hold of his nunchucks and is ready to defeat the guy again, the luggage in the plane's hold falls on Austen. And so, we get the reverse of what used to happen in previous seasons - instead of Chuck being helpless and saved miraculously, he is no longer helpless, but still is not always his own hero.

Other developments included Agent Shaw (Brandon Routh) confessing to Sarah (Yvonne Strahovski) that he too once loved a spy, and she died. Though, at first, he came across as all business, the mysterious agent is quickly becoming a multidimensional character. He is putting Chuck out in the field, and our hero is not failing him. Despite my thought after the premiere, that we had returned to the status quo, there is a lot of progress.

Chuck also met a girl on his way to Paris, the intelligent and lovely Hannah (Kristin Kreuk, aka Lana Lang from Smallville). At the end of the episode, she shows up at the Buy More, likely looking for work.

Poor Chuck, when he met Sarah, he had not been able to get over Jill for 5 years. Then, every time another possibility has presented itself, since, of course, he can't be with Sarah, something spy related has screwed it up for him. Will Hannah be a secret agent? Will she be dating a criminal? Or will she simply cause more stress on Sarah and Chuck's relationship?

Finally, my favourite part of the episode, Casey (Adam Baldwin) and Morgan (Joshua Gomez) teamed up to stop the insurgents at the Buy More. There is nothing that irks Casey more than disrespect for leadership and anarchy. Now the Assistant Manager's Lieutenant, Casey is keeping the boys at the Buy More in line! And it seems we will be able to advance past the distaste the other employees had for Morgan rising in the ranks.

Are you pleased with the developments in Chuck?