Chuck Review: Chuck vs. La Bamba
February 16, 2011 by Mallory Elis
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Chuck. Chuck! I was ready to forgive you, welcome you back with open arms even, after last week’s fatimajor mess. You had the tools. You had a sexy time with crime fighters from Sarah’s past. You had Lou Diamond Phillips, the greatest guest star since Phil Hartman. You had a rival spy organization named The Gentle Hand, which is simultaneously my favorite and the grossest name ever. You had a recipe for, if not greatness, at least a shlocky good time.
But with the exception of a few standout moments – Chuck (Zachary Levi) flashing on the CD’s and using them as throwing stars; hungover Sarah (Yvonne Strahovski); Zondra and Sarah’s sparring match – it was so much less than it could have been. Part of the problem was another episode cramming its secondary storyline with too much Morgan the Bearded Wonder and too little Casey. I don’t know which writer is penning the Hirsute One as a stand-in, but his self-righteous speeches and tiresome girl troubles are a waste of B-plot. At least this week was light on the Buy More.
For another take on this week’s episode check out: Chuck Versus The Kitties Galore by Desiree Neall
Season 4, Episode 15: Chuck Versus The Cat Squad (original air date February 14, 2011)
Catch Chuck on Mondays at 8/7 central on NBC
Images courtesy of Adam Rose/NBC
Unfortunately, I’ve been disappointed with this season. I love Zachary Levi, but I’m getting sick of his puppy-dog look when he thinks he’s screwed up his relationship with Sarah. Lou Diamond Phillips was good, though I wish he’d had more screen time!