Strahovski, Sarah & Goodbyes
Posted under: Wow. I can’t believe the end has snuck up on us so quickly. Though I haven’t been able to keep up with Chuck as avidly as I once did, it does not make its graceful exit from television any less sad. It’s a sad day for nerds everywhere, and an especially sad day for us Yvonne Strahovski fans who have grown accustomed to a healthy dose of her awesomeness every week.
As much as we may not want to accept the end, it is upon us. We’re about to lose all of our beloved characters to television history, but as they say — all good things must come to an end. And boy was Chuck a good thing.
It was ultimately a story about family, and in a case of life imitating art, a family of fans have grown up around the show. We fans of Yvonne Strahovski joined over a common bond many years ago on Strahotski.com and now have moved to YvonneDaily.com. The good news is that while Chuck may be going off the air, Yvonne Strahovski is surely not going anywhere!
But enough of the sentimental stuff (for now), let’s get on to my very last review of Chuck — Episodes 5.12/5.13: Chuck Versus Sarah/Goodbye.
“Put Chuck Bartowski to rest… once and for all.”
Well that was a doozy. It was an emotional rollercoaster with laughs and tears. It was the end of an era. It’s hard to write a review for this final episode. It’s hard to separate the critical review of these standalone episodes with 5 years of the friendships I feel like I’ve built with these characters.
Chuck has largely stayed on the air because of a rabid bunch of fans — fans like us — who refused to let it die. These last two episodes were clearly written for the fans. I applaud the writers and crew for really throwing it all out there for us. They could have made the ending more mainstream, but instead they wrote an ending for the fans with endless references and throwbacks; with writing that gets at the heart of the show.
It’s clear to me from these episodes that the creators of Chuck have come to love us for loving Chuck as much as we love them for giving it to us. The final episodes might have been about Team Bartowski, but they were really about the fans, the creators, the stars — the worldwide Bartowski family.
“Loosen up that Leggy Blonde!”
For a show called Chuck, these episodes gave Sarah Walker and Yvonne Strahovski more to work with than most any other episode in the series. It was a beautiful night to be a Strahovski fan. Her performance as evil Sarah turning back into our Sarah was a masterful performance. It was Yvonne Strahovski condensing Sarah’s entire transformation over the course of the show in the span of two hours.
As much as I love Zachary Levi and Adam Baldwin, Yvonne Strahovski absolutely stole the show leading up to the end of the series. Chuck was clearly meant to be the heart of the show, but as love goes, in the end it was the fusing of Chuck & Sarah both that were really at the heart of it.
I’m not sure the writers set out to create a love story, but ultimately that is what Chuck became.
“I’m really glad we’re having this 3rd last mission.”
As much as I loved the Sarah transformation, it necessarily ended up detracting from some of the supporting characters. Casey and Morgan had some great stuff at the beginning of the two hours with their discussions about how things had changed, but then there just wasn’t enough time to really get as much of them as I would liked.
Morgan is always good for a laugh, and was able to get some jabs in but I sorta felt like Casey was too quick to turn against Sarah and then back to his old, ruthless spy life. I can appreciate the goal there — to remind us all where our characters started from — but it wasn’t done nearly as deftly with Casey’s story as it was with Sarah’s.
Still, I absolutely love what Casey and Morgan have built over the years. They were perhaps the most unlikely of friends, but Baldwin and Gomez really managed to convince me that they had a true bromance perhaps every bit as strong as what Morgan and Chuck had at the beginning.
Casey leaving to find Gertrude at the end would have been bittersweet if not for Alex. Knowing that Casey and Morgan will likely be linked by marriage in the future makes the whole dynamic permanent in a satisfying way.
“How many people are in my room right now?”
Chuck has always had a strong supporting cast. I was reminiscing about how one of my favorite moments in the first episode was the description of “Captain Awesome.” He was a throwaway character for some laughs. At the time, I half expected him to just disappear.
But Awesome stuck and together with Ellie formed a really strong support system for the show. The contribution of these two characters really can’t be overestimated. Without them, Chuck wouldn’t have had something to ground himself to. He needed them to always remind us that he wasn’t always a spy.
The ending for Awesome and Ellie wasn’t bad, but it was kind of random. I don’t have any problem with them moving away to Chicago for new opportunities, but it didn’t have the same character motivation that the other endings had. That disappoints me a little, but I can let it go.
“One word: Jeffster.”
What would a Chuck finale be without Jeffster? Those rascals have really managed to worm their way into my heart over the years. At times I thought they were annoying, or too detached from the main storyline, but they had staying power and I found myself lighting up as I started to realize that the only way to save Beckman was for Jeffster to once again take the stage.
Their input into the finale was minimal before that scene, but it was an appropriate way to use them. I can’t think of a better ending for those two then to head off to become German superstars.
“Shut up; we’re saving you.”
Two other minor characters that got their just endings were Beckman and Big Mike. They were the rocks of their respective teams and mirrored each other in more ways than one.
Beckman could have no other ending than she did. She is and always will be the General. Having her saved by Team Bartowski one last time was a welcome treat, and it’s nice to know the team has an open invitation. Maybe we’ll get a made-for-tv movie one day of just one more mission!
Big Mike’s ending is hilarious. The writers deserve so much credit for turning their sponsorship from Subway into one of the funniest running gags in the show. It’s the sort of thing that newcomers probably roll their eyes at, while us long-time fans are laughing every time Subway makes an appearance. I think Subway should consider continuing to use Mark Christopher Lawrence as a Subway spokesperson in commercials.
I also want to give a quick shout out to Linda Hamilton making a return appearance. I didn’t expect to see her and her entrance was epic. I really wish we would have gotten to see Sarah’s dad as well in some small role.
“Find the porn virus – find it now!”
I loved all of the references in the last episode. It was like a flashback episode with far more cleverness than normal. I imagine there were references that I missed and have long since forgotten, but it was more than just writing. The set designers went out of their way to make sure there were props and clothing reminiscent of previous seasons.
Among some of the less obvious ones, I noticed Sarah’s jacket from season 1 and the Desert Eagle from earlier this season. The obvious ones were also tons of fun — it was great to revisit the White Room and Wienerlicious. It’s too bad the Orange Orange didn’t work its way in there somehow.
That sort of attention to detail is exactly what I mean when I say that these episodes were for the fans. Only we could possibly pick up and appreciate all of those references. It was a great trip down memory lane.
“You fell for me, Sarah.”
And now we have to discuss the ending. I imagine some people aren’t going to like it – they’re going to want to definitively know whether Sarah got her memories back. Is it enough for her to rebuild them and start over with Chuck, or does she really have to get them back to be the “old” Sarah?
It’s a tough question that I guess we’ll never know the answer to. But it’s good to end a series with a question – it will be the age old debate of Chuck fans for years to come. We will undoubtedly have believers on both side of the coin, and we’ll always have to wonder just how powerful that kiss was. It was certainly passionate.
From a character arc perspective, I like where it ended. The problem with the romance between Chuck and Sarah was always complicated because of where it started. By starting over, Sarah gets to really start with her guard down and I think that will only make them closer in the end.
At any rate, I think it was pretty clear that there are Baby Bartowskis in their futures.
It’s been a wild ride, guys, and though I wasn’t able to stick it out til the bitter end with Strahotski.com and writing reviews here, I’m honored to have been allowed back to see it all off.
Chuck is awesome. The fans are even moreso. Long live Buy Moria!
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here is my view on the ending, sarah did not get her memories back, however this is how i see it, chuck tells her “their” story and she laughs and cries and then they kiss, how powerful was it, who knows but she did remember some things and the big point is this; Chuck and Sarah remain together, #Charah lives and overtime Sarah would remember everything, their wedding, etc. I was extremely satisfied with the end and this is what I believe and as a Chuckfan4life
A special fan’s edition of the Chuck television series DVD set will be available this weekend. It cuts the last 10 minutes off of the season 4 finale and completely skips season 5. I can’t wait!
Wonderful review Josh, your best ever!
@Paul: Tsk, tsk. Not a fan of Season 5?
@Scott: Thanks. I wanted to make sure that my review gave Chuck the honor it deserved. It was a great TV show that really enhanced my life over the last 5 years. There have been some great times as a result of being a Chuck fan, and I’ve made some friendships that will last [hopefully] forever.
Bitter sweet. Chuck will live forever in our hearts. The last two epis showcased Yvonne’s prowess in acting. I think it’s safe to say she had it in her bag even at the beginning.
Well, that’s that. I’m a little conflicted at the moment with the ending, but I’m sure, once the loss of the show lessens a bit, I will get much better with it as I know how it goes afterwards in my mind.
Anyways, thank you Lykaon for having made Strahotski and given us all a place to gather and for supporting us here once we moved. It’s been an absolute pleasure having this experience with all of you.
Hear Hear Lyakon!
Reading your wonderful reviews has been a big part of the pleasure of being in this wonderful collection of fans over the years.
Thank You.
I joined the Chuck fan club a little late only because my son invented Strahotski.com and I had to see what had so possessed him. Chuck became a pleasurable part of my life, like a set of old friends or comfortable slippers. There is no doubt its absence will leave a void in my heart and life. As for the ending, of course Chuck and Sarah live happily ever after. Theirs was a true love and true love always overcomes all obstacles.
RIP Chuck, Sarah, the Buy More and all of the other characters that made it the endearing show it became.
wow, Lykaon’s Mom, huh? Happy to see you here on our humble little site. You’ve got yourself quite the writer.
Lykaon,
thank you and to everyone here for the great reviews and fantastic info on Yvonne/Sarah and Chuck.
Season5 was different, in that the focus was not always on Sarah, Chuck, and the Intersect, as it was in this last ep.
Your review was on target. Agree that the random moving of Ellie and Awesome to Chicago was not required. Jeffster performing was great, but do not know about them finding out about Chuck being a spy.
The writers/creators did a great job wrapping the series up, and the
references, links, and flashbacks to earlier episodes and seasons
because fans remember is part of what made the show great.
Look forward to following Yvonne’s career here.
Dear Lykaon, Dear Chuck Fans
It has been wild and wonderful ride!!! Lykaon, thank You for creating STRAHOTSKI.COM, Your reviews were always extremely good, but todays is a master piece. Asses LYKAON. I will miss Chuck, but I think it was time to end. It is like sportsman who finish career on his top shape and with top results. I remember when I found out about Chuck during season 3. First 2 seasons I watched in few days (was so in LOVE with Yvonne). It was wonderful to have Chuck in my life. For all crew I wish all the best, especially to Yvonne (I can proudly say that she is from my beautiful country – POLAND). Hope for this 2 hour movie – “Chuck vs the last mission nr 4″. It was really pleasure to be one of great Chuck fans. I has never happened before and will never again in future. Chuck is the only one. Pozdrowienia z Polski. Wojtek
@sylas polan yvonne is an aussie,she was born in sydney. but anyways awesome show definitly my faverite show ever i wish it had more viewers so i wouldnt be talking like this,kinda depressed but im good. most said it wouldnt get a 3rd season so im happy it got to 5 and actually finished instead of just ending randomly. anyways thanks for the memoires and thanks again =) =(
but her parents were imigrants from poland so yeah shes sorta polish=)
Hello biggtedd,
Actually I know that she was born in Sydney, but her parents are from Poland, from Warsaw! She speaks fluently Polish – very good and clear, which is not so often, even Polish girls who stay longer in US speaks worse Polish than her!!! But that’s awesome Yvonne. So for me she is little Polish Girl. As far as I know she feels little Polish too. So sweet to hear that her parents call her “Iwonka” which is Polish for Yvonne.
Anyway, thanks for being Chuck family member like I am. Wojtek
I must say i was really worried about how its gonna change but seeing Sarah at the beach made me HAPPY..That is the very same place where they watched the sunrise after their 1st date, the very same place that chuck had planned a proposal until she found the plan in chuck vs phase three. All of her memories may not be back but the wienerlicious scene, irene demova…are just baby steps to her recorvering.Thats why she has chuck who will tell her the story behind those things.it will take some time for her to feel those emotions again but her asking chuck ‘tell me OUR story’ then she had tears after hearing it is not just out of nothing. She then tell him to kiss her, its because she knows they are in love and she wants to feel it. If she didnt believe it she wouldnt tell him ‘chuck,kiss me’. This may not be the end i was expecting but its satisfying. It just seems like an open ending that would continue some day. If only NBC would give them more episodes or CHUCK VS THE MOVIE… But whatever the ending, i’ll MISS chuck and sarah and I WILL ALWAYS LOVE THEM!
I’m so sad! Still can’t get over the fact Sarah lost her memory and Chuck never returns…
Chucking Out one last time
I did not know how much I really loved chuck until I watched the finale. Yes, there is a little scepticism as to whether it was a suitable ending, but nevertheless, could they have done it any other way and just as well? Imagine if somehow, Sarah would have gotten her memories back and run towards Chuck, thrusting her arms around him, exclaiming, “Chuck! I remember now!” That ending would have been a let-down compared to the one we viewed.
Think about it; that final kiss shows that Sarah is willing to give it another try with Chuck, and regardless of whether that kiss brought her memories back or not, Sarah fell in love with Chuck before; and eventually through their second try of a relationship, she will realise and see why she fell in love with him in the first place. They have their whole lives to fall in love again, and the strength of their relationship proves that it won’t be long before they are happily married again.
To add, yes, it will be a while before Sarah regains her friendships with everyone else like Casey and the Awesomes; but Sarah and Chuck will prevail, and eventually Sarah’s relationship with everyone else will prevail too. They will all regain their friendships over the course of time and share new memories. Everything will fall back into place – because as we know it, deep down in Sarah’s heart, a family is what she wanted; and what she wanted – and needed – even more than that is, Chuck.
Through the course of the final episode, you do see clips of her regaining her memory, slowly but surely. Eventually all her memories of Chuck will come back too, it is just a matter of time. There is also the possibility that a new intersect will be created giving Sarah the opportunity to regain her all her lost memories of Chuck and her life.
I understand the disappointment – I feel a little of it too – but not of the way the series ended. The disappointment lurks in the fact that it has ended, and that our imagination is left to try and finish the story. It is the uncertainty of whether Sarah will ever love Chuck again like she did – I mean does – that leaves people upset. But how the scriptwriters wrote it, I feel, is that the story is almost starting over; beginning again, with the roles in reverse. Chuck says to Sarah, “Trust me,” and not the other way around like in the first episode. It feels like the story is left for us to complete and create the happy ending, in which ever way we see fitting. Contemplating the fact that Sarah and Chuck might not be together is inconceivable.
Whenever I imagine the possibilities of someone or something coming between the duo, I always feel sad and plan out the idea in my head. And in the end, somehow, Sarah and Chuck always get back together. I don’t think that even in the imaginary world in my mind, Sarah and Chuck won’t be a couple – their destiny is to be together.
But besides for the drama surrounding the finale, I think every Chuckster can agree – Chuck is a wonderful, heartfelt show. Every time I have ever felt sad, alone, confused; I would always watch a Chuck episode and suddenly all my worries would disappear. I don’t think the Chuck Cast and Crew know how much this TV series has touched our lives – how much it has touched my life.
So let us throw away all the regrets, disappointment and sadness that surround Chuck at this present time. Let us move past this dreaded aching moment and feeling that Chuck’s departure has left us with, and let us look back at the pleasant legacy of what Chuck has left behind. Because there is something that we will always share together – including Sarah – our memories.
#Goodbyechuck – May your shadow never grow less.
I agree with most of the comments here and will miss Sarah, Chuck and all the characters (maybe not Jeffster). My question is how will Chuck deal with having the intersect again, considering they plan to be out of the spy life? If he flashes on a bad guy, will he be able to just let it go, or hand the info off to Beckman? I would love to see a Chuck movie in the future. There is certainly enough fan loyalty, if not quantity. My thanks to Strahovski.com which I’ve enjoyed over the years, and YvonneDaily.com which I only learned about this season. You’ve been great.
I meant Strahotski.com!
Hmm… another Scott in Atlanta? Not me, the former Strahotski.com moderator, but welcome aboard! (And obviously we share a cool name, right?)
After reading Lykaon’s reviews, which were great, as always, and all of the comments, I have to say that it is amazing how Team Bartowski touched so many of us. I never thought I could feel this way about a set of TV characters, but, somehow, this group managed to get me to welcome them into my life as if they were family.
These last two episodes were very well done, in my opinion. The references to the show’s history were masterfully woven into the plot, giving the fans a tremendous dose of sweet memories. There are 2 – 3 specific references that I haven’t seen mentioned and wanted to point out:
The scene in which Casey gives Sarah the mission log. This is just like the scene from Chuck Versus the American Hero when Casey tells Sarah that it was him and not Chuck who killed the mole. In both instances, Casey is the one who takes the big step in getting Chuck and Sarah back together.
The final kiss. I can understand the disappointment in not knowing what happens, but think back a bit to before Chuck and Sarah were together for real. In one episode, Awesome asks Chuck how he (Chuck) and Sarah keep the spark in their relationship. Chuck’s answer is that he has to win Sarah over and over and over again. Now, think about Chuck’s wedding vows. He tells Sarah that he’ll just have to prove to her every day how much he loves her. To me, that’s what the ending is all about – fulfilling those prophecies. Even without remembering everything, Sarah is already being won over by Chuck and he is more than willing to prove his love to her all over again.
So, I say goodbye to these family members and thank them for giving me five great seasons of stories, love, fun, and adventure.
@Erin Macpherson
@caseythedog
Thank you both for your comments, Chuck has played a big part in my life during my challenging High School years. I love Chuck because it shows me that just because you are feeling down in the dumps that doesnt mean you should underestimate yourself. Chuck has also taught me that Love and Trust truly go a very long way. I was at first considerably concerned with the ambiguous ending of the series but after reading your two comments i realized that i must apply my lessons of trust and love to the very show i learned them from. We must trust that Sarah and Chuck get back together because in the end… thats what Chuck is all about… 1 nerd who turns his life around to get the girl. #goodbyechuck #utaughtmesomuch