Chuck’s season (series?) finale was crammed with everything we like about the show: It was smart and funny; it had a lot of heart and action. Building the episode around Ellie’s wedding was a way to get all the main players in one place, including Chuck’s dad and Chevy Chase. (Chase’s Roark has turned out to be one of the best roles he’s had since Fletch, don’t you think? All season, he really tapped into his inner-S.O.B.)
In a way, I understand the not-so-hot ratings for Chuck: A show that juggles this many moods is bound to confuse a big mass audience. But for those of you who laser in on its mixture of wiseguy adventurism and surreal romanticism, this episode was a fine summing-up.
I’m not going to give out with the spoilers — oh, screw it, here’s a small one: I loved the final line, "Guys, I know kung fu!" — so you’ll have to talk amongst yourselves and debate the finer points.
I’ll limit myself to a few observations: I never thought I’d laugh at another "Mr. Roboto" joke again, but I did. I liked the reveal of what was going on inside Scott Bakula’s head. (Watching him made me nostalgic for Quantum Leap.) And Ellie made a great-looking bride (there’s something so eternally ripe about Sarah Lancaster, isn’t there?).
What about you? Do you think the Subway Save-Chuck campaign will work? Did you like this season-ender?
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I love this show! It is pure adventure, comedy and fun. I don’t want another hospital drama or realistic cop show or even another LOST (because LOST is the best and can’t be duplicated, just look at the mess that is Heroes) I just want a fun, time waste TV show. It makes me laugh, smile and enjoy a great hour of TV. We need more of these types of shows. There better be a Season 3! And 4 and etc…
There was so much goodness in this ep! I loved Awesome’s father’s line about “Sam Kinison and an Indian lesbian,” and Casey’s reaction to ActionChuck! If I have to buy 100 Jeffster shirts to keep this show on the air, I’ll do it! (I really do want one!)
That was a phenomenal episode of television! That set up so much for season 3. Here’s hoping for a third season.
i’ll leave it to “to be continued…” Let’s all have faith! I don’t want it to end.
That episode was ridiculous how great it was! NBC simply must bring it back for season 3, especially after the way it ended!
Loved it. Hopefully NBC doesn’t cancel it.
Please, let it be the season finale. The writing for the supporting characters is second-to-none. Jeff and Lester reciting the lyrics to Eminem’s “One Shot”? Brillant. And worth the whole series. Are you listening, NBC?
@Jay: rock on.
“What the Chuck”…great line…great show….dumb-dumb-dumb…if “they” don’t bring it back!
Oh my god, this was one of the best hours of TV I’ve seen! I can’t believe how the finale completely topped last week’s awesome episode, and that twist at the end? LOVE IT. NBC really needs to bring it back next season so we all can see how the new action plays out for all the characters we love.
Chuck me! Check out my live blog on another EW link (I only did the first 30 minutes to avoid spoilers for the West Coast Chuck-sters):
http://popwatch.ew.com/popwatch/2009/04/chuck-zac-levi.html#comments
This episode was fantastic and I have to say that Chuck is the most consistent show on TV. I think that anyone can jump in and enjoy this show. Especially now that the “game changing” element has occured. This was a difficult episode to jump into, just because it was the culmination of multiple story lines. I hope that this show does not get cancelled and that the Subway movement works. And please get this show out of the death slot and onto tuesday or thursday night.
oops…just watched it again. Quote was “Chuck me”…not What the Chuck….too funny
What an awesome season finale! I refuse to say the other “s” word. I was wondering how they would continue it since it seemed like they were wrapping up every story line, but wow! Way to twist the story and open up so many more options for Chuck, Sarah, and Casey! This show is so awesome and it would be a shame if they cancel it.
If NBC cancels ‘Chuck’ I will never watch that channel again.
Renew it for a third season & put it on Thursday with those shows, and if Southland gets renewed put it on Mondays.
Also, does anyone know where I can buy a Jeffster t-shirt? They’re thre best.
That finale was awesome. (Not to usurp another character’s catchphrase or anything. *grin*) I loved the way they utilized the whole cast. As a corollary, I loved the interaction of everyone. I loved the mix of drama and humor. I even loved the resolution of the past storylines and the set up for the new storyline. I purchased a footlong from Subway, and I’m really hoping the show will be back, because it really will be a travesty if the show is canceled.
*fingers crossed*
Sam Kinnison and an Indian Lesbian ruining a wedding … classic.
I already decided that if NBC cancels “Chuck,” I will not watch anything on there. Yes, that means “The Office,” I shudder as I write that.
Oh, man…that was a pretty great season finale. Season, not series, NBC, if you know what’s good for you. And I think that you and Subway do! Also, excellent one-liners and reactions shots from Casey and Sarah. All-in-all “Chuck” is certainly one of the better hour-longs to come along in a while and is still better than 90% of what’s on TV. Come on NBC! Take a page out of your Office notebook and have some faith!
“In a way, I understand the not-so-hot ratings for Chuck: A show that juggles this many moods is bound to confuse a big mass audience.”
I’m thinking another factor is that a big mainstream Web site like EW.com is more concerned with giving us 15 Idol/Twilight updates a day than championing great, original shows.
Obviously, I’m not talking about Ken, because Mr. Tucker has talked this show up plenty in the past, but I just wish the EW staff would stop talking out of both sides of its mouth when it comes to pushing good shows/shoving certain things down our throat.
Went to Subway and got two $5 footlongs to support the finale of Chuck then visited my parents and convinced them to watch Chuck’s season finale instead of DWTS.
THe finale was dare I say it…awesome. When Jeffster came out w/ Mr. Roboto I burst into hysterics. Awesome glaring at Morgan then saying “Chuck asked you to do this? Okay.” One of the single most incredible episodes, not just finales, I’ve ever seen.
I’m watching it on Hulu again tomorrow.
And I think it’s incredible how the stars of the show have embraced the fans and the support of the fans these past few weeks:
Incredible. Hope NBC brings Chuck back for years to come.
Anyone catch the Back to the Future refrence?….when Lester was telling the orchestra members how to play the song he was about to sing it was like when Marty McFly before he sang Johnny B. Goode. Just thought I would throw that out there for those who like that stuff.
This show is so good and although I know the chances of it being renewed is slim, it would be a damn shame. It is so smart and so quirky.
If it does end, although I will be sad and upset, it ends on a semi-cliff hanger, which isn’t terrible. Yes, we want to see where this new ability takes him, but if it ends there it will be alright. Alot of loose ends were tied up.
If NBC is trying to save money and time they would have Heroes run for 14-18 episodes and Chuck for 14-18 episodes. I’ll take any Season 3 of Chuck at this point.
http://bsfactor.podbean.com
Chuck is just incredible television, I went to subway wearing my nerd herd shirt, and the people working looked at me like I was a moron, Oh well. I was kind of happy to see Bryce go, I look forward to seeing more Chuck (aka NEO) next fall…
Chuck was great! Third Season is going to be awesome!
The outcry this place will hear if Chuck gets cancelled. Tomorrow’s numbers will be interesting. With new House and Dancing with the Stars…we’ll see what happens.
http://tvdonewright.com/2009/04/28/tv-tonight-tuesday-april-28th-2009/
Chuck the best series on TV right now!!!
My word. That was a SEASON FINALE. If it doesn’t get renewed…then in Josh Schwartz’s estimation, all hell will break loose.
NBC would do well to put this in a time slot where households aren’t being dominated by nagging girlfriends and wives who just HAVE to see washed-up has beens twirl around a stage. Put it on a Wednesday or something, I can see it getting a lot more viewers.
I loved this episode- it was one of the best! I am still laughing and tears are running down my face. Chuck kung fu-ing those bad guys. Guys I know kung fu!!!!!!!!
“Chuck” Season 3!!! Make it happen, NBC!
Thanks for the awesome article, Ken!
I hope the “to be continued” is true. This is my favorite show!!!!!!!!!