CHUCK: “Chuck Versus the Frosted Tips” – RECAP

Whereas last week left me feeling a little uneasy with Morgan’s development, this week’s Chuck really had me invested in what was going on between Chuck and Morgan. I was instantly in love with the idea of Morgan turning into a giant d-bag (now complete with the title inspiring frosted tips). It just felt like a jagged transition. But with that out of the way, “Chuck Versus the Frosted Tips” was able to take d-bag Morgan and fully run with it, delivering a wonderfully engaging hour.

Despite everything else that goes on in “Frosted Tips”; Awesome being at home with the baby, Casey stalking Gertrude, and Jeff sleeping in his van; the emotional core was the lifelong friendship between Morgan and Chuck. They’ve been together for so long and we’ve watched them be the best of friends since day one. Because they work so well together it became all the more painful to watch Morgan devolve into Intersect Morgan. Every trace of the little bearded man we’ve been endeared to is almost completely erased by the Intersect, and it was a no brainer Chuck had to remind him of their shared past.

Speaking of that shared past, Morgan apparently could grow a full mustache in seventh grade. Kudos Morgan. I still can’t grow a full mustache.

Once Chuck realized Morgan wasn’t just being pompous, and was having his brain destroyed by a Trojan Horse planted in the Intersect, I was rooting hard for the dynamic duo to fix itself. I didn’t really believe Morgan’s change would be permanent, but it was one of those moments where you choose to forget about the status quo because you’re so invested in what is happening on screen. Unfortunately when the time came for Chuck to help Morgan remember who he was, it felt too easy. Maybe it was just me, but it seemed like a bit of a stretch that one memory was enough for bring him completely back to his normal goofy self. I can let it go though. I’m not sure there could have been a better way to do it without dragging the whole ordeal through to another episode.

But enough about Morgan and Chuck. What about the other power couple in the episode, Casey and Gertrude? Their little scuffle at Verbanski Corp was laced with sexual tension, and probably the most overtly sexual the show has been since that one agent briefly replaced Sarah back in Season 2 (if you recall, she and Casey bonded while thoroughly cleaning firearms). I could not stop giggling the entire time. They had a sizzling chemistry and I was glad to see it acted on before the episode’s end.

The Awesome/Buy More storyline had very little to offer to the show, which came as no surprise. The only interesting bit was Jeff actually taking Awesome’s doctor advice and not sleeping in his van. I hope Jeff’s change is permanent, just so it can shake things up at the Buy More for a bit. Other than that, probably could have done without it.

The last item of note is the reveal the Intersect was not a gift from Beckman as originally thought. Whoever did give it to Team Bartowski obviously meant for Morgan’s d-bag issues to happen to Chuck. Right now all fingers are pointing to Decker, but I’m wary to say for sure it was him. There’s not enough information yet on what Decker’s plans are to start making wild accusations. I’m just happy Chuck delivered a satisfying episode after feeling so underwhelmed last week.