Chuck 5.06 ‘Chuck vs the Curse’ review: What’s in his PANTS?

Tonight’s episode of Chuck revisited some all too familiar territory. Chuck is afraid that he may have to leave his family to keep them safe, while subsequently they’re in danger, and meanwhile Awesome and Ellie decide they’ve had enough of domestic life and want to live like spies for just the night.

That last one, in particular, has been done three times by now. In fact, the respective episodes in seasons three and four even featured the same guest stars to bring about the. exact. same. story.

But I commend writer Alex Katsnelson (who, according to IMDb wrote “Chuck vs the Muuurder,” which also felt like a different show… more on that later) for actually making this installment quite refreshing. In fact, I’m prepared to say this is possibly my favorite episode of the season thus far.

Well, before I say that, I do have just one, tiny issue: The Omen starts wiping data, really? This is just something Chuck (the show) cannot handle. I don’t see how they can conceivably tell a story of the world’s information being erased… and in supposed seconds. But there’s half a season left, so they better know how. Thankfully, that was just the last thirty seconds or so.

So despite that last momentary groan-inducing moment (with all the stock video), I was very pleased with “Chuck vs the Curse” for one reason, really — it was just fun, at times it may have even felt like an entirely different show. There was truly no real mission of the week or anything like that, it was just telling a story of a date night gone wrong. Plus, General Beckman saying “Just like old times” warms my heart. As does Alex and Morgan having the kind of relationship Chuck and Sarah couldn’t. As does Sarah getting mad at Chuck and then not being able to stay in that state for too long.

But most importantly, I love Alex/Alan for not making the Woodcombs complete idiots. Ellie realizing the kind of situation she was in (the entire time, truly) and using brain and wit to figure out an exit strategy was a huge relief. And in many ways, this was really Awesome and Ellie’s episode. They were amazing trying (keyword) to kick ass and take names, tugging on their ears, and — finally! — having Ellie get ready in slow motion. But since she borrowed Sarah’s dress, it appears it’s Sarah’s wardrobe that makes things go in slow motion. I fully support Ellie burrowing more of her clothes.

However, regardless how much ass they can kick, it wasn’t enough and Chuck had to come in and save the day… except that he didn’t. Chuck’s loyalty to his family has been a theme since episode one of the series, but his smarts have been evolving exponentially since then. Hiding The Omen is something season one Chuck would have done. Hiding The Omen and have a clear plan, considering all possible outcomes: that’s season five Chuck… yet he was missing in this episode.

At least Robyn didn’t use The Toy.

And so here we are. A half season and seven hours of Chuck left. We still don’t know what Dekker’s plans were (or are since people are still doing his work), we don’t know how Chuck is going to fix the world’s data beginning to erase, and how Shaw works into a longterm arc (if at all) is beyond me. But even if this episode didn’t propel much of that arc, I’m saddened with each minute knowing that this is just a step closer to never having new, fun adventures with this gang.