[2x05] Chuck versus the Sizzling Shrimp

( Point by point impressions... are you tired of the stars yet? )

...I've got to say, I think this show is handling Chuck's secret double life, and the conflict it brings, amazingly well. To be blunt, much as I loved Alias for being a kickass little spyshow, this ONE episode of Chuck made me feel for Chuck and sympathize more with him than the entire first two seasons of Alias did for making me feel similarly for Sydney. Admitedly, a lot has to do with the fact that I never really liked Sydney all that much, because she was so very self-righteous, while Chuck is all around adorable and human.

But really that's it, isn't? However much Alias used to push Syd's life with Frannie and Will versus her spy life, and however much she claimed to be torn up about it, somehow it never seemed as palpable as Chuck being all torn up inside because a spy mission might make him miss the special made-up holiday he and his sister share. Intellectually, yes, he agrees that "national security" trumps all, but emotionally, not letting Ellie (and Morgan) down is equally important to him, and really that's what makes him such a great character. The show really DID manage to create an absolutely believable, ordinary guy that is thrust into really unusual circumstances. And although lots of shows these days are about that, for all its silliness, I think Chuck has
done the best job (and yes, that includes Heroes, much as I love the show).