Chuck 4.04 “Chuck vs. the Coup d’Etat” Recap

If you missed the last moments of last week’s Chuck, “Chuck vs. the Cubic Z,” speed thee to this recap!

This week’s episode, “Chuck vs. the Coup d’Etat,” begins immediately following Chuck’s almost proposal. Sarah asks if Chuck is, in fact, proposing, but he assures her he is not. Both voice lame excuses before running out of Castle in opposite directions. The picture freezes as it is revealed that Morgan and Chuck are reviewing the video of the “proposal.” In a relationship made up of awkward moments, this is the most awkward moment in all of Chuck and Sarah’s relationship. What’s really torturing Chuck is the question: Would Sarah have said yes if it was a real proposal? Sarah, unfortunately, isn’t talking to him about the situation at all. Morgan asks Chuck a more important question: Would Chuck have been happy if Sarah said yes? “Maybe,” Chuck responds. What they need to do is talk about it, but Morgan points out that Chuck and Sarah may be the worst communicators he knows. Luckily, he has an idea. From the Buy More show floor, Morgan picks up a book by the famous Dr. Fred: 100 Conversations Before “I Do.” Chuck protests, saying that he and Sarah can’t talk about marriage after they just said they were going to take it slow. But what if he used in secret? Hmmmm…..

At their apartment, Devon is talking to Ellie’s stomach about all of the awesome things he and his baby will be doing in the future. Ellie mentions that her husband hasn’t actually said anything to Ellie for the past hour. She tells Devon that she is feeling “over-babied,” and would really like to go away, on a “babymoon” perhaps. Devon agrees that maybe they should go on a vacation. Meanwhile, down in Castle, General Beckman addresses Chuck, Sarah and a wheelchair-bound Casey. She tells them that Commandante Turrini, one of the Generalissimo of Costa Gravas’ main advisers and head of the Costa Gravan secret police, has been detected inexplicably in California. Chuck and Sarah are to go go the Costa Gravan embassy in Los Angeles to determine Turrini’s reasons for being in the U.S. Casey, despite his protestations, is ordered to stay in bed.

Outside the embassy in an observation van, Chuck tries to talk to Sarah about their relationship, but he can’t get out the words. He wonders what the big deal is — why can’t they talk about what happened? Sarah agrees, “OK, let’s talk.” Chuck says that Morgan gave him a book that details topics of conversation about one’s relationship. Sarah, a bit put off, wonders if Chuck wants her to read the book, but Chuck insists he will read it, and then engage Sarah in the conversations that arise from it. Chuck continues to babble, but he is cut off by General Beckman. Turrini isn’t headed to the Embassy. If he isn’t going there, Chuck wonders, then where?

There is a knock on an apartment door. When it is opened, it reveals Devon. The knocker is none other than Commandante Turrini. “Dr. Devon Woodcombe,” Turrini announces, “Costa Gravas calls once more.”

Chuck and Sarah rush back to Devon and Ellie’s apartment and find a number of Costa Gravan soldiers in the apartment. Sarah reaches for her gun, but Devon and Ellie quickly appear, in no apparent distress. Turrini says he has a video from Generalissimo Alejandro Goya. In a rather funny green-screened video, Goya tells Devon (and his “beautiful bride”) that in honor of Devon saving his life, he is inviting Devon and Ellie to fly on his private jet to Costa Gravas to enjoy their beaches and his palace. This is exactly what Ellie was wishing for, so she tells Devon that they should take advantage of the offer, as long as Costa Gravas is safe. Sarah assures her that the country is currently stable. “It’s very stable,” Turrini notes, “we have Subway sandwich shops!” (This was unabashed and rather funny BPP: Blatant Product Placement. The second of the night! See the end of the recap for the first one.) Chuck, sensing an opportunity, asks if he and Sarah can come along. It would be a great opportunity to relax, talk, and see Sarah in a bikini. Turrini tells them they are more than welcome to come.

Casey, unfortunately for him, must remain at home. Worse, he has Morgan taking care of him by putting a large woolly blanket on him. The doorbell rings. Casey tries to get to the door first, but Morgan beats him there. He opens the door and Alex, Casey’s daughter enters. She throws her arms around Morgan, but then realizes her father is in a wheelchair: a worse condition than she was led to believe. With Casey literally in between Morgan and Alex (basic direction, but always effective), Alex asks Morgan if he had a chance to use the bratwurst recipe she gave him. He had, much to Casey’s deepening chagrin. Morgan quickly changes the conversation from hot meat to the video Alex brought. “Roman Holiday? No way. This is my favorite sick-day movie,” Morgan excitedly tells Alex. Casey has heard enough mutual sharing between the Bearded One and his daughter, so he kicks Morgan out. Alex says she has to get back to work, so she’s leaving too. She says goodbye to Morgan and Casey and heads out the door. Morgan tries to quickly follow after her, but Casey grabs his arm. “Why don’t you give her a five minute lead?” Morgan nods in agreement.

In their bedroom, Sarah is trying on a number of different bikinis (OK, I would normally stop here to comment on how absolutely incredible Yvonne Strahovski looked in those bathing suits, but that may just seem boorish and uninteresting to some, so I won’t. Then again, for those not interested in beautiful women in bathing suits, there was also a 12 foot tall statue of Ryan McPartlin’s rippling abs in the episode, so I guess it all evens out. Chuck: equal opportunity hot-body exploiters!). Chuck enters and is gobsmacked at how amazing his girlfriend looks, noting how he can’t wait for vacation. Sarah asks if he really is just looking for this to be a relaxing vacation. He insists that is all he wants, but they might have an opportunity or two to work on their communication exercises. Sarah assures, as she slinks up directly in front of him, “There are many ways to communicate.” Sarah leaves the room. With her gone, Chuck (reluctantly?) packs the D.r Fred book into his luggage.

Chuck, Sarah, Ellie and Devon arrive in Costa Gravas and attend a party at Generalissimo Goya’s palace. He wraps Devon up in his arms, thanking Devon again for saving his life. He then takes Ellie’s hand and begins to kiss it. And kiss it. And sniff it. “Ah, you are pregnant! There is nothing sweeter than ripe fruit!” Goya then introduces the group to his wife Hortencia, beautifully clad in a sweeping red dress. Goya whisks Devon and Ellie away, leaving Chuck and Sarah to start talking about their relationship. Chuck informs Sarah that he will need five hours a week for Morgan and he to get together to play Halo (BPP #3!). Sarah replies that she needs silence for thirty minutes before they go to bed. Chuck doesn’t think he can agree to complete silence, so they compromise that every other night Sarah will get her silent half hour. Their conversation is cut short by Goya getting everyone’s attention for an announcement. He tells the gathered party-goers that they are there to celebrate the hero that saved Goya’s life: Dr. Devon Woodcombe. With his proclamation, the Generalissimo reveals a 12 foot tall marble statue of Devon, clad in a stethoscope, and little else. Devon is awestruck, only able to say, of course, “Awesome!”

Chuck looks away from the statue and sees a sign for the “Palacio de la Gente” and flashes. His flash reveals that there is a Soviet weapons system hidden behind a red door in the palace. Sarah notices his flash, so despite his desire to keep the vacation going, he tells her what he saw. She wants to investigate, but Chuck tells her he can’t start spying around Ellie, when he told her he had quit. Meanwhile, Hortencia approaches one of the soldiers on duty that it is time to get their people in position. “Tonight our socialist dreams come true….Tonight our voices will be heard!” Tonight there is going to be a coup!

Sarah calls Casey and has Chuck relay him the information about his flash. Casey, having spent a lot of time in the palace waiting to kill the Generalissimo (including two weeks living in the walls of the palace), knows the building’s layout well. He tells Chuck and Sarah where they need to go, but Chuck isn’t so sure about this investigation. Perhaps they should just worry about the weapons at the end of their vacation. Besides, they need some diversion so they can sneak off. At that moment, Goya grabs a microphone and begins to serenade his wife with the strains of “Besame Mucho.” During the song, Devon studies his statute. He notes that, compared to the statue’s abs, he thinks he may have put on some baby weight. Ellie reminds him that they agreed that there would be no baby talk. On this trip, they are supposed to be just husband and wife. Noticing the look she is giving him, Devon asks if Ellie is getting a little hot and bothered because of his statue. She admits she is, as she beckons him to slip away with her. “Way to go marble me!” Devon tells his stone self, before giving the statue a pro athlete butt slap.

Casey instructs Chuck and Sarah to head down a hallway that should lead them to the red door. As they go, with drinks in hand, Chuck asks Sarah five words that describe him. “Brunette. Tall,” she replies. “What about charming, and interminably handsome?” Chuck asks before cutting himself off. They have arrived at the red door. With no key, Sarah grabs the cherry-laden toothpicks from their drinks and picks the lock. They enter the next room, but immediately find another door. They close the red door and get to work on the second door’s lock. All of a sudden, there is a very loud banging on the red door. Thinking someone is trying to barge in to capture them, Chuck begins to freak out, but the truth is much scarier. The banging is actually accompanied by some moaning. “Oh God, get me out of here!” Chuck pleads. Sarah throws open the door to find Devon and Ellie. Noting Chuck and Sarah’s presence in the small room, Devon comments, “I guess Costa Gravas makes everyone run a little caliente.”

Just then, gunshots ring out upstairs. Hortencia grabs a machine gun and sprays bullets into the air. Chuck, Sarah, Ellie and Devon reenter the main ballroom in time to see a soldier shoot the head off of Devon’s statue. Ellie tells Chuck that she knows she told him he shouldn’t be a government agent any more, but she really needs him to do some spy stuff right now. A soldier runs at them, but Chuck flashes his Chuck Fu skills, and disarms him. He flips the gun to Sarah, and the two spies dispatch a number of onrushing enemies. With the immediate danger gone, Devon remarks, “That was awesome, Chuck.” Chuck calls Casey, who tells them to make their way into the basement. He knows a means of escape there. They meet up with Goya and Turrini who lead them through the weapons control center. Sarah, as she passes through, snaps a few pictures with a lipstick camera. The group escape the palace and board the Generalissimo’s plane, heading for Los Angeles.

During the flight to L.A., Devon apologizes to Ellie that their babymoon went so horribly awry. He says that when they get back, they should head straight to Malibu and finish their vacation. Ellie agrees and cuddles up next to Devon. Chuck, admiring his sister and brother-in-law, notes to Sarah that Devon and Ellie are “communication all-stars,” and that he wants he and Sarah to be the same way. Sarah thinks that’s great and all, but they have a coup on their hands so they can’t worry about that now. Sarah figures that they cannot hide Goya at the Costa Gravan embassy without putting him in danger. In fact, there is only one person the Generalissimo trusts in L.A….the Angel de la Muerte, John Casey. When the group arrives at Casey’s apartment, Goya comments, “The wheelchair is not as intimidating as I hoped,” eliciting a classic Casey sneer. “Su casa es mi casa, no?” Goya laughs in reply.

At the Buy More, Morgan receives a text from Alex, asking if he’s up for a movie marathon soon. He’s freaking out over it (and the implications of dating Casey’s daughter), so he calls in the one man who might have some advice, Big Mike. He tells Big Mike that Alex is a really great girl, but that he’s afraid of being sent off to a black site by Casey. Big Mike simply asks if Morgan likes her, because if he does, than any injury is worth it.

Downstairs in Castle, as Sarah looks at the photos she snapped running through the weapons control room, she apologizes to Chuck that their vacation was ruined. Chuck says not to worry about it, because he still has a number of questions to ask Sarah, and the next few are about sex. Sarah seems increasingly wary of these questions and asks form where they came. As Chuck explains that Dr. Fred is a world-renowned relationship expert, Sarah catches a glimpse of the display of Dr. Fred’s book on the Buy More security camera. She zooms in to see the book’s title and that it is about marriage. Sarah is flabbergasted; she thought they had just talked about going slow. Why can’t they just be as they currently are? Chuck is listening, but catches sight of one of the weapons pictures. He flashes that the weapons system is actually for nuclear weapons. “What if ‘I do’ changes everything?” Sarah asks. “It’s nuclear,” Chuck replies. “Yes!” Sarah responds. “No, no. The weapons system…it’s for nuclear weapons,” Chuck informs her.

“Costa Gravas is nuclear?!?” General Beckman explodes at Goya via video conference. Goya admits that there are a number of nuclear missiles hidden in the jungles of Costa Gravas, most of which are aimed at U.S. cities, but they are from the past. He has no intention of harming the U.S. Besides, two keys are needed to launch the missiles. He shows the one around his neck (which Turrini eyes widely – a gesture noticed by Casey). The other, well, he gave that one to his wife. Beckman orders Casey to continue watching Goya, while Chuck and Sarah are told to head back to Costa Gravas to get the other key from Hortencia.

Goya steps outside into the courtyard to smoke a cigar, followed by Turrini and Casey. He comments that it is funny that for all of those years he and Casey tried to kill each other, but now Casey is his protector. Casey agrees, saying that he didn’t think this is how Goya’s life would end up. In 1991, he wrote a report that found someone close to him would take him down, instead. As Casey explains the report, Turrini seems to get more and more nervous. Before Casey can finish, Turrini pulls a gun on Casey, who in turn aims his. “Don’t make me shoot a man in a wheelchair,” Turrini tells Casey. Slowly (and much akin to Westley at the end of The Princess Bride), Casey rises from his wheelchair, “Better?” Laser sights immediately focus on Casey from the surrounding Costa Gravan troops, which Casey laughs off. Goya steps next to Casey while the two men square off, and hits Casey over the head with a flower pot, knocking him out. He apologizes to his savior, and turns to Turrini. Casey’s blood flows in his [Goya’s] veins, so if Turrini promises to let Casey live, Goya will go with him back to Costa Gravas.

Roused by Chuck and Sarah, Casey plunges a hypodermic needle into his leg; he is going to Costa Gravas with them. They are to reinstall Goya as the leader of the country, and secure the nuclear missiles. The team arrives in Costa Gravas, and crawls through a tunnel leading into the palace. Meanwhile, at the Buy More, Dr. Fred is signing his book. Morgan approaches him and asks how is he supposed to know if it’s right to ask someone out. Before he can get a sufficient answer, Big Mike whisks Morgan away, hurt that his “son” would go to another man for advice. All Morgan needs to do is kiss her, and see if “smooth jazz rises up from your soul!” He leaves Morgan to ponder whether he even likes smooth jazz.

Back in Costa Gravas, Hortencia is attempting to film a video announcing the coup, but her husband keeps interrupting. This is exactly why she has staged the coup in the first place! She has been very unhappy in their marriage for a long time. To make matters worse, Goya wouldn’t go to marriage counseling, because “we have to do everything your way.” They start arguing, and Goya is able to grab the pistol off Hortencia’s belt.

Observing the standoff from their tunnel, Chuck wonders if they are all about to die because of a love problem. Chuck bursts into the room and says he just wants to mediate the dispute. Sarah enters, too, to help. She and Chuck are trained in these types of situations. Further, Hortencia is right about Goya. Hortencia explains that once they moved into the palace, everything changed. The rebel who led a revolution and loved her passionately disappeared. “So, change was bad?” Sarah pointedly asks. “But you do still love each other,” Chuck quickly follows.

Turrini, having heard enough proclamations of love, and Chuck and Sarah’s bantering about their own relationship, says he is just going to kill the Americans and Goya himself. Chuck flashes some Chuck Fu, chops the gun out of Turrini’s hand, and throws him into Casey (who had entered the room), who puts Turrini in a choke hold. Sarah continues, telling Hortencia that love doesn’t have to change. Goya agrees, saying that his love for his wife has never died. He asks if his wife will help him lead the country together. Hortencia lowers her gun. Will she get an official role? “You’ll be Secretary of State!” he replies. There is much rejoicing, so Sarah slyly grabs Hortencia’s nuclear key from the control panel. The nukes are now in U.S. custody.

At the Buy More, Morgan makes a pro and con list for dating Alex. He is interrupted by her arrival in his office. Morgan, tentatively, admits there has been a flirtation between the two, but he’s not so sure…well, Dr. Fred says…, but before he can say anything more, Alex kisses him. She pulls back and tells Morgan that she likes him. Morgan is shaken. He stammers, saying that there are steps to be taken, and questions to be asked before they can start anything. With Big Mike watching outside the office, Alex appears crestfallen. She begins to leave. The dulcet tones of Al Green Lewis LaMedica crescendo as Morgan finally says, “Oh, screw it!” He grabs Alex’s arm, spins her around and lays a big kiss on her. Big Mike walks away, triumphant.

In Costa Gravas, U.S. troops secure the nuclear weapons. Chuck glances at one of the control panels and flashes. This system was purchased from Volkoff Industries. He asks Goya about Volkoff and whether he has any knowledge of Frost. Goya says that the purchase was codenamed “Project Beacon,” the same operation Heather had mentioned days before. Also, he did know of Frost; she was Volkoff’s “kept woman.” He warns Chuck to proceed with caution — these are people Chuck doesn’t want to find.

Back at home, Chuck finds Ellie in the courtyard. She tells him that he is very good at the spy stuff; he seems to come alive because of it. She knows that he gave up a lot when he stopped being a spy, but with the baby coming, and Chuck being her only family, they just can’t keep secrets from each other. Hearing Ellie’s earnestness, Chuck blurts out that he is looking for their mother. Ellie asks why. He responds that they need to know the whole truth. Maybe their mother had to go. Maybe she was forced to leave. Maybe there’s another side to the story. “What if there is no other side?” Ellie tearily asks. “What if our mother is exactly who we think she is?” “Well,” Chuck replies, “we’ll find that out too.”

Sarah lies in bed next to a sleeping Chuck. She asks if he is still awake. There is no reply. “Can you hear me?” she asks. Again, closed eyes and silence. “I love you, Chuck. Nothing’s ever gonna change that. And if you asked me for real, then my answer would be yes.” She turns over to fall asleep. The camera closes on Chuck’s face, as a smile slowly grows across it.

Commentary

While not the funniest episode of Chuck ever (i.e. jokes per hour), I thoroughly enjoyed it. Call me old-fashioned, call me what you will, but I really liked the sweet, romantic air to this week’s show. Last week’s cliffhanger had to be dealt with, and I thought it was handled nicely. Communication is a common issue in relationships (I can attest to that!), so it makes sense that after Chuck and Sarah had just spoken about taking it slow, and then the “proposal” happened, communication problems would be at the fore. I’m not sure the Dr. Fred book had to be introduced, as the communication issue was paralleled in the Morgan/Alex, Goya/Hortencia, and Devon/Ellie stories, but it wasn’t overly distracting, so it’s a wash. There was just a nice, sweet air to the hour that allowed Chuck and Sarah’s relationship to grow without overblown histrionics.

Of course, there was also the big reveal at the end that Sarah would say yes to Chuck’s proposal, and Chuck actually hearing it. Thank God he did! I would have hated to have had the artificial roadblock set up that Chuck where he would have to continually try to suss out whether Sarah wants to marry him. That’s the kind of plot that plagued most of Season Three, so I’m happy it didn’t happen here.

As far as the return of Generalissimo Goya, I thought it was great. I loved the idea that the country wanted to celebrate Devon, and the statue was probably the funniest gag on the show in a long time. Armand Assante gleefully amplifies the “characterness” of Goya, but it never feels overdone to me. If there is a way to have him back a third time, I’m all for it.

I mentioned last week that I am willing to forego Jeff and Lester for more Devon and Ellie, so the former’s absence didn’t bother me. How can it when any scene where Zachary Levi and Sarah Lancaster talk alone is so perfect. It was common among the commentariat in Chuck‘s early seasons to note that Levi and Lancaster had better chemistry than Levi and Yvonne Strahovski. In my opinion, that is no longer true (Levi and Strahovski currently sizzle), but there is still something very electric (not in a sexual way) between Levi and Lancaster that I love seeing on screen. More of this please!

So, overall, I had a good time with “Chuck vs. the Coup d’Etat.” What did you think of the episode? Would you welcome a third visit from the Generalissimo? Are you looking forward to more Morgan/Casey interaction regarding Alex (you know I am)? When do you think Chuck will ask Sarah to marry him for real? In episode 13? Before that? Leave your questions, comments and theories below or in our Chuck Forum. Also, be sure to check out some more opinionating on this week’s episode in Brittany’s review. I’ll be back next week with another recap. Until then, I’m off to buy an awesome minivan…the Toyota Siena, safest family auto in its class (BPP!!).

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