Chuck versus the Goodbye (Series Finale)

So tonight, the SO and I finished Chuck, with the viewing of Chuck versus The Goodbye. The last episode of what was a pretty fun show to watch. Goofy at times, sweet at others, but pretty much always fun to watch.

A little disclosure. My favorite series finale, bar none, is the last aired episode of Babylon 5, Sleeping in Light. I seriously doubt anything will ever top that for me. Luckily, I don’t expect SiL from any other show, and I didn't expect it form Chuck. This is a good thing, because every other show would then disappoint me.

This wasn't the best episode of Chuck ever. Wasn't the most action-packed, or funniest. That's okay. It was heartfelt, and hit the emotional strings nicely. It seemed a bit meandering – I think the pacing could have used some work. But I think they blew their entire pacing wad in Chuck vs. Sarah, the previous episode. This was clearly a wrap-up episode, especially with the way they crammed in a bunch right in the last few minutes.

And that's about the only negative thing I have to say about the episode.

Now on to what I liked about it:

Jeffster saved the day! I was surprisingly worried that Jeffster wouldn't get another appearance before the show ended, and was quite pleased when they showed up. Especially since I really didn't see it coming. I enjoyed the fact that even though Jeff's mind cleared up, he and Lester were able to remain the best of friends (after a bump or two). I think it's clear that they are more dangerous now than ever before though. Luckily, all that danger is going to be in Germany where women and men will love them! For a moment, I thought Lester was going to decide to stay in the Buy More.

The Subway plug. . . New owners indeed. I hope Subway score a lot of extra business from Chuck, because they plugged the holy hell out of that franchise. Bravo on the final plug.

Casey's hugging of Chuck was terribly sweet. It felt like a genuine hug of affection between the actors, and I found it really touching. I also liked that they worked in Casey's dislike of the Russians into it. On the Right all the way to the end. Casey leaving, even though I understand why, made me sad. As did knowing that Ellie and Awesome were leaving (understandably). But that kind of thing always makes me sad.

Morgan's speech to break through to Casey was one of the character's shining moments I think (after banging Bo Derek of course). I love the development of that relationship in the show. I think it was very nicely done. I liked Casey's non-expressive expressions of emotion towards Morgan.  

I was incredibly pleased that, at the end of the day, Chuck got the Intersect back. It belongs in him. Will he keep it? Who knows? Taking on the Intersect again, in the face of forever losing the love of his life, in order to save others epitomized the character of Chuck. He was a hero. I think, even if the Intersect had never initially made its way to him, even King of the Nerd Herd Chuck would have found ways to be the hero that he was. I will say that I really liked Chuck's non-Intersect fight choreography.

I really did expect that a single magical kiss would somehow restore Sarah's memories, in a "Flash"-like flashback segment. I'm pleased they didn't go that route though. It was clear when she and Chuck were on the beach that while she might not remember the details, she still loved him (she just needed a push to access that feeling again). I had a short fear that they would pull a tonal shift on us, and Chuck and Sarah weren't going to work out. But I think it's safe to day that they will.

I've seen quite a few people who didn't like the finale because of something like the Sarah we've come to know and love being gone, or, more common, that it just didn't have the happy ending it should have had.

It ended with Chuck and Sarah, together on a beach, reconnecting, still clearly in love, even if her memories were gone. There was no threat to the world or to their safety. There were no villains lurking in the shadows. No "last mission" to go on. Just them finally being together without the weight of the world on their shoulders. The only obstacle in their path was a bright and shining future full of joy and love.

It was what they dreamed of happening. Maybe not the way they imagined, but it was what they wanted.

It was absolutely a happy ending, and one very appropriate to the show.

So endeth Chuck. . .

I’m going to miss this show. I offer thanks to everyone involved in bringing us five years of the lives and adventures of Chuck Bartowski, Morgan Grimes, Sarah Walker, John Casey, Ellie Bartowski, Captain Awesome, Big Mike, and Jeffster.