Chuck Versus the Break-Up
Encyclopedia
"Chuck Versus the Break-Up" is the third episode of the second season
of Chuck
. It originally aired on October 13, 2008. Chuck Bartowski
is overcome with jealousy when his nemesis Bryce Larkin
(Matthew Bomer), Sarah Walker
's ex-lover and partner, makes an unexpected return. Chuck and Sarah's growing feelings for each other are tested when their latest mission requires Sarah and Bryce to pose as an extremely affectionate couple. Meanwhile, Morgan Grimes
faces his own challenge at Buy More
when he must deal with a gang of bullies, the Mighty Jocks. Led by Mitt (Michael Strahan
), these bullies are the employees of a neighboring sporting goods
store, and they love to take over Buy More's home theater room to play sports video games
.
(Matthew Bomer) and Sarah Walker
kissing against a wall in Bogotá
, Colombia
. As they carry a briefcase, they are chased by Columbian criminals. After Sarah grabs the briefcase, Bryce is held at gunpoint. Sarah agrees to hand over the briefcase, but then shoots the man in the head. In present day, continuing from the previous episode
, Chuck Bartowski
arrives at Sarah's door wearing a white dinner jacket and carrying a bottle of wine and a single red rose. When she answers the door, however, she is not alone. She is with Bryce, Chuck's old nemesis and her ex-boyfriend. Chuck walks home, throws the rose away, and is given a pep talk
by Ellie Bartowski and Devon Woodcomb.
Chuck heads with John Casey
to the Orange Orange basement, enters Castle, and meets Sarah for a new mission. A Fulcrum
agent has stolen an update for the Intersect
from an NSA
facility. Bryce has learned that the English software engineer Von Hayes (Steve Valentine
) has been hired to decrypt the data on the chip. That night, Bryce and Sarah will attend Von Hayes' party and, much to Chuck's chagrin, pose as a married couple. Chuck will pose as a waiter and waits to flash. The microchip is hidden in the mansion, and Bryce and Sarah will search for it. Chuck learns that they will accomplish this by being "very affectionate". At the yogurt shop, Sarah tells Bryce that they should keep things strictly professional, Bryce cradles her hand. Outside, Ellie happens to walks by and see this, making her sad.
Bryce, Sarah and Chuck head to Von Hayes' party, where Hayes toasts
himself. In an attempt to flash, Chuck delivers a bottle of wine to Hayes' table. He accidentally spills wine on Hayes' lap while watching Sarah and Bryce dance in an uproariously seductive manner. He then drops a bottle of wine as they kiss in front of everyone. Hayes fires Chuck, but before he is escorted out Chuck flashes on the voice of a woman who asks Hayes if he has her microchip. It is revealed that the woman, Juliette (Bianca Chiminello
), is a Fulcrum agent who has killed a number of people, but her face is not seen.
When Casey orders him to head back inside to get a look at Juliette, Chuck hides under a table and watches as she shoots Hayes' bodyguard. Hayes panics and drops his keys. The microchip is not in his vault, as he told Juliettet, but on his key chain. Juliette hears Chuck talking to Casey and holds him at gunpoint. Hayes attempts to escape, but Bryce and Sarah see him. Sarah decides to save Chuck instead, leaving Bryce to go after Hayes, who escapes in his Lamborghini
. Sarah gets into a shootout with Juliette, who is driven away by a henchman. Before they escape, Juliette drops a grenade on the road. Sarah sees it and pushes Chuck away, injuring herself in the process.
The next day, Chuck visits Sarah in the hospital. Bryce loiters outside, incognito. Ellie watches on, appalled that Sarah's ex-boyfriend is acting like a stalker. Devon confronts Bryce, who admits to being her ex-boyfriend, but inquires to how serious Chuck and Sarah is. Awesome informs him that they are indeed serious and Sarah confirms that she is in love with Chuck.
Bryce confronts Chuck outside his house. Bryce worries about Sarah, who has left for a mission, and thinks that her feelings for Chuck will get her killed. Chuck assures Bryce that Sarah knows what she is doing. Meanwhile, a henchman shows up at the hospital and is directed to Sarah's room. Awesome gives flowers to Chuck, believing he has intercepted them from Bryce, when they were actually sent from Von Hayes to Sarah. Chuck talks to Hayes, who is scared and needs help, and confirms that he still has the chip.
Later, Chuck tells Casey that he has negotiated the return of the chip. Hayes will meet Chuck and Chuck only, and return the chip in exchange for full immunity and $4.5 million in unmarked bills. Meanwhile, the henchman dresses as a doctor and checks up on Sarah. As he prepares to inject Sarah, she sees that his name tag does not match his face, and attacks him, asking where his boss is.
Chuck and Casey arrive at train station for the meet, Chuck carrying a large duffel bag with the money, and Hayes carrying the chip. They botch the exchange, and Hayes flees when he realizes there are henchman in the station. Hayes runs up the train track, but is surrounded by the men, who hold him at gunpoint. Casey and Bryce arrive and begin a shootout. In the middle of the stand-off, Chuck arrives with the duffel bag and trades the money for Hayes.
While Casey retrieves the money, Chuck and Bryce take Hayes out of the station. Suddenly, Juliette take Chuck at gunpoint and Hayes again flees. Juliette demands the chip, and Bryce lowers his weapon, noticing Sarah in the background. Sarah aims her gun at Juliette and prepares to save Chuck as she Bryce in Bogotá, but finds that cannot take the shot. When Sarah panics, Casey shoots and apprehends Juliet, having retrieved the money and Hayes.
Back at Castle, Sarah admits to letting her guard down, but insists she can protect Chuck. Casey doesn't seem to hear. Chuck meets her outside and insists that they could never have a future together.
Later, Chuck goes into his bedroom and tries on sunglasses left behind by Bryce. Immediately, the glasses begin downloading the Interesect update into Chuck's brain, causing him to fall backwards onto the floor. Chuck closes the episode by expressing his hate for Bryce.
, newly-appointed assistant manager Lester Patel tells Morgan Grimes
to deal with the "Mighty Jocks", employees from neighboring sporting goods
store, who are upset over being kicked out of the Buy More video game room. Led by Mitt (Michael Strahan
), the bullies demand Sony
PSP
s, which Morgan nervously agrees to.
When the Mighty Jocks later start trouble while playing sports game
s in the home theater room, Morgan stands up for himself and pours a drink over Mitt's head. Anna enters, twirling a pair of camera tripods
like nunchucks and defeats Mitt. Casey does a background check on Anna, humorously wondering if she is agent material.
gave this episode a score of 8 out of 10, writing, "Some might gripe about stretching out any 'Will they or won't they' dynamic, but there's a reason it's such a popular dynamic in TV – it works! The danger is that if you simply have the agonizingly attracted to each other duo hook up, then what? No, you don't necessarily want to keep them apart for the entire run of the show, but putting them together too quickly can kill the sexual tension and the drama. For now, I like how Chuck is treating it."
Steve Heisler of The A.V. Club
gave the episode an A, writing "Just as Chuck giveth, Chuck can also taketh away. Last week we witnessed Chuck, infused with resolve by his love for Sarah, take a leap forward in his role as a spy (literally), and succeed gloriously. But here we are, one mission later, and things aren't going nearly as well. Where Chuck has flailed in the past by letting his Sarah fixation get in the way of his responsibility, here he fails–truly fails–as a result. It's a big step for the show, and it makes for the best episode yet."
Viewer response was also positive, with an 8.8/10 user rating at TV.com
. The episode drew 6.172 million viewers.
Chuck (season 2)
The second season of Chuck contains 22 episodes and was originally aired from September 29, 2008 to April 27, 2009. The season continues to focus on Chuck's constant struggle to keep his spy life and real life apart as he becomes more accustomed to being a spy. More background on the Intersect...
of Chuck
Chuck (TV series)
Chuck is an action-comedy/spy-drama television program from the United States created by Josh Schwartz and Chris Fedak. The series is about an "average computer-whiz-next-door" named Chuck, played by Zachary Levi, who receives an encoded e-mail from an old college friend now working for the Central...
. It originally aired on October 13, 2008. Chuck Bartowski
Chuck Bartowski
Charles Irving "Chuck" Bartowski is the main and titular character of the American fiction television show Chuck on NBC. He is portrayed by Zachary Levi.-Character profile:...
is overcome with jealousy when his nemesis Bryce Larkin
Bryce Larkin
Bryce Larkin is a recurring character on the spy comedy series Chuck on NBC. Bryce is the ex-college roommate and fraternity brother of the series' main character, Chuck Bartowski and was formerly partnered and once romantically involved with Chuck's CIA handler Sarah Walker. Bryce was responsible...
(Matthew Bomer), Sarah Walker
Sarah Walker (Chuck)
Sarah Lisa Bartowski is the alias of one of the main characters of the fictional television show Chuck on NBC. She is portrayed by Yvonne Strahovski and is one of two agents assigned by the NSA and CIA to protect Chuck Bartowski after he unwittingly downloads the secret government computer known...
's ex-lover and partner, makes an unexpected return. Chuck and Sarah's growing feelings for each other are tested when their latest mission requires Sarah and Bryce to pose as an extremely affectionate couple. Meanwhile, Morgan Grimes
Morgan Grimes
Morgan Guillermo Grimes is a major character on the television series Chuck. He is portrayed by actor Joshua Gomez, and is the best friend of Chuck Bartowski....
faces his own challenge at Buy More
Buy More
Buy More is a fictional big box electronics retail chain in NBC's action-comedy series Chuck. The Buy More is a parody of similar chains, particularly Best Buy....
when he must deal with a gang of bullies, the Mighty Jocks. Led by Mitt (Michael Strahan
Michael Strahan
Michael Anthony Strahan is a former National Football League defensive end who played his entire career for the New York Giants; a career where he set the record for the most sacks in a single season and won a Super Bowl in his final year. He is currently a football analyst on Fox NFL Sunday, and...
), these bullies are the employees of a neighboring sporting goods
Sports equipment
Sports equipment is a general term for any object used for sport or exercise. Examples of sports equipment include:-Exercise equipment:Examples for exercise include swiss balls, weights, equipment for the gym...
store, and they love to take over Buy More's home theater room to play sports video games
Sports game
A sports game is a computer or video game that simulates the practice of traditional sports. Most sports have been recreated with a game, including team sports, athletics and extreme sports. Some games emphasize actually playing the sport , whilst others emphasize strategy and organization...
.
Main plot
The episode begins in 2005 with Bryce LarkinBryce Larkin
Bryce Larkin is a recurring character on the spy comedy series Chuck on NBC. Bryce is the ex-college roommate and fraternity brother of the series' main character, Chuck Bartowski and was formerly partnered and once romantically involved with Chuck's CIA handler Sarah Walker. Bryce was responsible...
(Matthew Bomer) and Sarah Walker
Sarah Walker (Chuck)
Sarah Lisa Bartowski is the alias of one of the main characters of the fictional television show Chuck on NBC. She is portrayed by Yvonne Strahovski and is one of two agents assigned by the NSA and CIA to protect Chuck Bartowski after he unwittingly downloads the secret government computer known...
kissing against a wall in Bogotá
Bogotá
Bogotá, Distrito Capital , from 1991 to 2000 called Santa Fé de Bogotá, is the capital, and largest city, of Colombia. It is also designated by the national constitution as the capital of the department of Cundinamarca, even though the city of Bogotá now comprises an independent Capital district...
, Colombia
Colombia
Colombia, officially the Republic of Colombia , is a unitary constitutional republic comprising thirty-two departments. The country is located in northwestern South America, bordered to the east by Venezuela and Brazil; to the south by Ecuador and Peru; to the north by the Caribbean Sea; to the...
. As they carry a briefcase, they are chased by Columbian criminals. After Sarah grabs the briefcase, Bryce is held at gunpoint. Sarah agrees to hand over the briefcase, but then shoots the man in the head. In present day, continuing from the previous episode
Chuck Versus the Seduction
"Chuck Versus the Seduction" is the second episode of Season 2 of the U.S. television series Chuck, first airing October 6, 2008. Chuck must go undercover to retrieve the Cipher from Sasha Banachek , known as the Black Widow...
, Chuck Bartowski
Chuck Bartowski
Charles Irving "Chuck" Bartowski is the main and titular character of the American fiction television show Chuck on NBC. He is portrayed by Zachary Levi.-Character profile:...
arrives at Sarah's door wearing a white dinner jacket and carrying a bottle of wine and a single red rose. When she answers the door, however, she is not alone. She is with Bryce, Chuck's old nemesis and her ex-boyfriend. Chuck walks home, throws the rose away, and is given a pep talk
Motivational speaking
A motivational speaker or inspirational speaker is a speaker who makes speeches intended to motivate or inspire an audience. In a business context, they are employed to communicate company strategy with clarity and help employees to see the future in a positive light and inspire workers to pull...
by Ellie Bartowski and Devon Woodcomb.
Chuck heads with John Casey
John Casey (Chuck)
Colonel John Casey is portrayed by actor Adam Baldwin on the television show Chuck on NBC. Prior to the episode "Chuck Versus the Tic Tac," he was partnered with CIA agent Sarah Walker to protect Chuck Bartowski....
to the Orange Orange basement, enters Castle, and meets Sarah for a new mission. A Fulcrum
Fulcrum (Chuck)
Fulcrum is the codename of a fictional hostile espionage organization on the television series Chuck. Fulcrum serves as the series' main antagonists up until the end of season two, though their specific goals beyond acquiring the Intersect have not yet been fully revealed.-History:Very little...
agent has stolen an update for the Intersect
The Intersect
The Intersect is a fictional secret technology appearing in the television series Chuck. Within the series, it is used to house and analyze large quantities of encoded data...
from an NSA
National Security Agency
The National Security Agency/Central Security Service is a cryptologic intelligence agency of the United States Department of Defense responsible for the collection and analysis of foreign communications and foreign signals intelligence, as well as protecting U.S...
facility. Bryce has learned that the English software engineer Von Hayes (Steve Valentine
Steve Valentine
Steven John Valentine is a Scottish actor, singer and magician who has performed on stage and screen, but is best known for his role as the eccentric Nigel Townsend on NBC's crime drama Crossing Jordan...
) has been hired to decrypt the data on the chip. That night, Bryce and Sarah will attend Von Hayes' party and, much to Chuck's chagrin, pose as a married couple. Chuck will pose as a waiter and waits to flash. The microchip is hidden in the mansion, and Bryce and Sarah will search for it. Chuck learns that they will accomplish this by being "very affectionate". At the yogurt shop, Sarah tells Bryce that they should keep things strictly professional, Bryce cradles her hand. Outside, Ellie happens to walks by and see this, making her sad.
Bryce, Sarah and Chuck head to Von Hayes' party, where Hayes toasts
Toast (honor)
A toast is a ritual in which a drink is taken as an expression of honor or goodwill. The term may be applied to the person or thing so honored, the drink taken, or the verbal expression accompanying the drink. Thus, a person could be "the toast of the evening," for whom someone "proposes a toast"...
himself. In an attempt to flash, Chuck delivers a bottle of wine to Hayes' table. He accidentally spills wine on Hayes' lap while watching Sarah and Bryce dance in an uproariously seductive manner. He then drops a bottle of wine as they kiss in front of everyone. Hayes fires Chuck, but before he is escorted out Chuck flashes on the voice of a woman who asks Hayes if he has her microchip. It is revealed that the woman, Juliette (Bianca Chiminello
Bianca Chiminello
Bianca Chiminello is an Australian model and actress best known for her role as "Jenavian Charto" in the Farscape miniseries and television series. Chiminello's breakout film performance is in the December 2008 release of David Fincher's The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, starring Brad Pitt and...
), is a Fulcrum agent who has killed a number of people, but her face is not seen.
When Casey orders him to head back inside to get a look at Juliette, Chuck hides under a table and watches as she shoots Hayes' bodyguard. Hayes panics and drops his keys. The microchip is not in his vault, as he told Juliettet, but on his key chain. Juliette hears Chuck talking to Casey and holds him at gunpoint. Hayes attempts to escape, but Bryce and Sarah see him. Sarah decides to save Chuck instead, leaving Bryce to go after Hayes, who escapes in his Lamborghini
Lamborghini
Automobili Lamborghini S.p.A., commonly referred to as Lamborghini , is an Italian car manufacturer. The company was founded by manufacturing magnate Ferruccio Lamborghini in 1963, with the objective of producing a refined grand touring car to compete with established offerings from marques like...
. Sarah gets into a shootout with Juliette, who is driven away by a henchman. Before they escape, Juliette drops a grenade on the road. Sarah sees it and pushes Chuck away, injuring herself in the process.
The next day, Chuck visits Sarah in the hospital. Bryce loiters outside, incognito. Ellie watches on, appalled that Sarah's ex-boyfriend is acting like a stalker. Devon confronts Bryce, who admits to being her ex-boyfriend, but inquires to how serious Chuck and Sarah is. Awesome informs him that they are indeed serious and Sarah confirms that she is in love with Chuck.
Bryce confronts Chuck outside his house. Bryce worries about Sarah, who has left for a mission, and thinks that her feelings for Chuck will get her killed. Chuck assures Bryce that Sarah knows what she is doing. Meanwhile, a henchman shows up at the hospital and is directed to Sarah's room. Awesome gives flowers to Chuck, believing he has intercepted them from Bryce, when they were actually sent from Von Hayes to Sarah. Chuck talks to Hayes, who is scared and needs help, and confirms that he still has the chip.
Later, Chuck tells Casey that he has negotiated the return of the chip. Hayes will meet Chuck and Chuck only, and return the chip in exchange for full immunity and $4.5 million in unmarked bills. Meanwhile, the henchman dresses as a doctor and checks up on Sarah. As he prepares to inject Sarah, she sees that his name tag does not match his face, and attacks him, asking where his boss is.
Chuck and Casey arrive at train station for the meet, Chuck carrying a large duffel bag with the money, and Hayes carrying the chip. They botch the exchange, and Hayes flees when he realizes there are henchman in the station. Hayes runs up the train track, but is surrounded by the men, who hold him at gunpoint. Casey and Bryce arrive and begin a shootout. In the middle of the stand-off, Chuck arrives with the duffel bag and trades the money for Hayes.
While Casey retrieves the money, Chuck and Bryce take Hayes out of the station. Suddenly, Juliette take Chuck at gunpoint and Hayes again flees. Juliette demands the chip, and Bryce lowers his weapon, noticing Sarah in the background. Sarah aims her gun at Juliette and prepares to save Chuck as she Bryce in Bogotá, but finds that cannot take the shot. When Sarah panics, Casey shoots and apprehends Juliet, having retrieved the money and Hayes.
Back at Castle, Sarah admits to letting her guard down, but insists she can protect Chuck. Casey doesn't seem to hear. Chuck meets her outside and insists that they could never have a future together.
Later, Chuck goes into his bedroom and tries on sunglasses left behind by Bryce. Immediately, the glasses begin downloading the Interesect update into Chuck's brain, causing him to fall backwards onto the floor. Chuck closes the episode by expressing his hate for Bryce.
Buy More
At the Buy MoreBuy More
Buy More is a fictional big box electronics retail chain in NBC's action-comedy series Chuck. The Buy More is a parody of similar chains, particularly Best Buy....
, newly-appointed assistant manager Lester Patel tells Morgan Grimes
Morgan Grimes
Morgan Guillermo Grimes is a major character on the television series Chuck. He is portrayed by actor Joshua Gomez, and is the best friend of Chuck Bartowski....
to deal with the "Mighty Jocks", employees from neighboring sporting goods
Sports equipment
Sports equipment is a general term for any object used for sport or exercise. Examples of sports equipment include:-Exercise equipment:Examples for exercise include swiss balls, weights, equipment for the gym...
store, who are upset over being kicked out of the Buy More video game room. Led by Mitt (Michael Strahan
Michael Strahan
Michael Anthony Strahan is a former National Football League defensive end who played his entire career for the New York Giants; a career where he set the record for the most sacks in a single season and won a Super Bowl in his final year. He is currently a football analyst on Fox NFL Sunday, and...
), the bullies demand Sony
Sony
, commonly referred to as Sony, is a Japanese multinational conglomerate corporation headquartered in Minato, Tokyo, Japan and the world's fifth largest media conglomerate measured by revenues....
PSP
PlayStation Portable
The is a handheld game console manufactured and marketed by Sony Corporation Development of the console was announced during E3 2003, and it was unveiled on , 2004, at a Sony press conference before E3 2004...
s, which Morgan nervously agrees to.
When the Mighty Jocks later start trouble while playing sports game
Sports game
A sports game is a computer or video game that simulates the practice of traditional sports. Most sports have been recreated with a game, including team sports, athletics and extreme sports. Some games emphasize actually playing the sport , whilst others emphasize strategy and organization...
s in the home theater room, Morgan stands up for himself and pours a drink over Mitt's head. Anna enters, twirling a pair of camera tripods
Tripod (photography)
In photography, a tripod is used to stabilize and elevate a camera, or to support flashes or other photographic equipment. All photographic tripods have three legs and a mounting head to couple with a camera...
like nunchucks and defeats Mitt. Casey does a background check on Anna, humorously wondering if she is agent material.
Cultural references
- Von Hayes' nameVon HayesVon Francis Hayes , was a Major League Baseball player from 1981 to 1992 for the Cleveland Indians, Philadelphia Phillies, and California Angels...
is an homage to the outfielderOutfielderOutfielder is a generic term applied to each of the people playing in the three defensive positions in baseball farthest from the batter. These defenders are the left fielder, the center fielder, and the right fielder...
who played twelve seasons in Major League BaseballMajor League BaseballMajor League Baseball is the highest level of professional baseball in the United States and Canada, consisting of teams that play in the National League and the American League...
with the Cleveland IndiansCleveland IndiansThe Cleveland Indians are a professional baseball team based in Cleveland, Ohio. They are in the Central Division of Major League Baseball's American League. Since , they have played in Progressive Field. The team's spring training facility is in Goodyear, Arizona...
, Philadelphia PhilliesPhiladelphia PhilliesThe Philadelphia Phillies are a Major League Baseball team. They are the oldest continuous, one-name, one-city franchise in all of professional American sports, dating to 1883. The Phillies are a member of the Eastern Division of Major League Baseball's National League...
, and California AngelsLos Angeles Angels of AnaheimThe Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim are a professional baseball team based in Anaheim, California, United States. The Angels are a member of the Western Division of Major League Baseball's American League. The "Angels" name originates from the city in which the team started, Los Angeles...
. - Lester tells Morgan to "sweep the leg", referencing The Karate Kid, where Sensei John Kreese (Martin KoveMartin KoveMartin Kove is an American actor who has appeared in feature films and television series.-Film appearances:His best-known roles may have been on the 1980s hit CBS television series Cagney & Lacey as Detective Victor Isbecki and in the 1984 hit film The Karate Kid as Cobra Kai Sensei John Kreese...
) gives Johnny Lawrence (William ZabkaWilliam ZabkaWilliam Michael "Billy" Zabka is an American actor, screenwriter, director and producer. He is an Academy Award Nominee for Co-Writing and Producing the film, "MOST." Zabka is best known for his villain roles in several iconic 80s films, such as his role of Johnny Lawrence in 1984's The Karate...
) the same advice to defeat Daniel LaRusso (Ralph MacchioRalph MacchioRalph George Macchio is an American actor, best known for his roles as Daniel LaRusso in the Karate Kid series, Bill Gambini in My Cousin Vinny, and Johnny Cade in The Outsiders. He is also known to American television audiences for his season five recurring role as Jeremy Andretti on the...
). - Von Hayes comments on the little amount of leg room in a LamborghiniLamborghiniAutomobili Lamborghini S.p.A., commonly referred to as Lamborghini , is an Italian car manufacturer. The company was founded by manufacturing magnate Ferruccio Lamborghini in 1963, with the objective of producing a refined grand touring car to compete with established offerings from marques like...
. - At both the beginning and end of the episode, Bryce asks Sarah "Do you got it?" referring to the kill shot on two different villains. Sarah responds "Yeah, I got it," to which Bryce answers "Take it." This is a direct reference to a scene featuring Kevin CostnerKevin CostnerKevin Michael Costner is an American actor, singer, musician, producer, director, and businessman. He has been nominated for three BAFTA Awards, won two Academy Awards, and two Golden Globe Awards. Costner's roles include Lt. John J...
and Andy GarcíaAndy GarcíaAndrés Arturo García Menéndez , professionally known as Andy García, is a Cuban American actor. He became known in the late 1980s and 1990s, having appeared in several successful Hollywood films, including The Godfather: Part III, The Untouchables, Internal Affairs and When a Man Loves a Woman...
in The Untouchables. - Chuck imitates Sean ConnerySean ConnerySir Thomas Sean Connery , better known as Sean Connery, is a Scottish actor and producer who has won an Academy Award, two BAFTA Awards and three Golden Globes Sir Thomas Sean Connery (born 25 August 1930), better known as Sean Connery, is a Scottish actor and producer who has won an Academy...
's accent and says, "Carmichael, Charles Carmichael", referencing James BondJames BondJames Bond, code name 007, is a fictional character created in 1953 by writer Ian Fleming, who featured him in twelve novels and two short story collections. There have been a six other authors who wrote authorised Bond novels or novelizations after Fleming's death in 1964: Kingsley Amis,...
's traditional introduction.
Music
- "Fake EmpireFake Empire"Fake Empire" is a song by Brooklyn-based indie rock band The National from their fourth studio album, Boxer. The song was released in June 2008 as the album's third and final single.-Production:"Fake Empire" was written by Bryce Dessner of The National...
" by The NationalThe National (band)The National is an indie rock band formed in Cincinnati, Ohio in 1999 and currently based in Brooklyn, New York. The band's lyrics are written and sung by Matt Berninger, a baritone... - "Ode to JoySymphony No. 9 (Beethoven)The Symphony No. 9 in D minor, Op. 125, is the final complete symphony of Ludwig van Beethoven. Completed in 1824, the symphony is one of the best known works of the Western classical repertoire, and has been adapted for use as the European Anthem...
" by Ludwig van BeethovenLudwig van BeethovenLudwig van Beethoven was a German composer and pianist. A crucial figure in the transition between the Classical and Romantic eras in Western art music, he remains one of the most famous and influential composers of all time.Born in Bonn, then the capital of the Electorate of Cologne and part of... - "GuaglioneGuaglioneGuaglione is a Neapolitan song with music by Giuseppe Fanciulli and words by Nicola "Nisa" Salerno. It was the winning song at the IV Napoli Song Festival broadcast by radio in 1956. The song's title is Neapolitan language slang which translates to "street bum", "urchin", "back street boy", "corner...
" by MachitoMachitoMachito , born as Francisco Raúl Gutiérrez Grillo, was an influential Latin jazz musician who helped refine Afro-Cuban jazz and create both Cubop and salsa music... - "BarracudaBarracuda (song)"Barracuda" is a song written and recorded by the rock band Heart. It was released as the first single from the band's second album Little Queen .-Reception:...
" by HeartHeart (band)Heart is an American rock band who first found success in Canada. Throughout several lineup changes, the only two members remaining constant are sisters Ann and Nancy Wilson. The group rose to fame in the 1970s with their music being influenced by hard rock as well as folk music... - "Skinny LoveSkinny Love"Skinny Love" is a song by American indie folk band Bon Iver. The song was released as single in the United Kingdom on 28 April 2008. It was the first single released from their 2007 debut album For Emma, Forever Ago.-Birdy version:...
" by Bon IverBon IverBon Iver is a Grammy nominated folk band founded in 2007 by American indie folk singer-songwriter Justin Vernon. It includes Michael Noyce, Sean Carey, and Matthew McCaughan. Vernon released Bon Iver's debut album, For Emma, Forever Ago independently in July 2007. The majority of that album was...
Critical response
"Chuck Versus the Cougars" received positive reviews from critics. Eric Goldman of IGNIGN
IGN is an entertainment website that focuses on video games, films, music and other media. IGN's main website comprises several specialty sites or "channels", each occupying a subdomain and covering a specific area of entertainment...
gave this episode a score of 8 out of 10, writing, "Some might gripe about stretching out any 'Will they or won't they' dynamic, but there's a reason it's such a popular dynamic in TV – it works! The danger is that if you simply have the agonizingly attracted to each other duo hook up, then what? No, you don't necessarily want to keep them apart for the entire run of the show, but putting them together too quickly can kill the sexual tension and the drama. For now, I like how Chuck is treating it."
Steve Heisler of The A.V. Club
The A.V. Club
The A.V. Club is an entertainment newspaper and website published by The Onion. Its features include reviews of new films, music, television, books, games and DVDs, as well as interviews and other regular offerings examining both new and classic media and other elements of pop culture. Unlike its...
gave the episode an A, writing "Just as Chuck giveth, Chuck can also taketh away. Last week we witnessed Chuck, infused with resolve by his love for Sarah, take a leap forward in his role as a spy (literally), and succeed gloriously. But here we are, one mission later, and things aren't going nearly as well. Where Chuck has flailed in the past by letting his Sarah fixation get in the way of his responsibility, here he fails–truly fails–as a result. It's a big step for the show, and it makes for the best episode yet."
Viewer response was also positive, with an 8.8/10 user rating at TV.com
TV.com
TV.com is a website owned by CBS Interactive. The site covers television and focuses on English-language shows made or broadcast in the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Ireland and Japan...
. The episode drew 6.172 million viewers.