Chuck (season 5)

Chuck Season 5

DVD box cover
Country of origin United States
No. of episodes 13
Broadcast
Original channel NBC
Original run October 28, 2011 – January 27, 2012

The fifth and final season of the American action-comedy television series Chuck was announced on May 13, 2011. It included 13 episodes. The season premiered on October 28, 2011 and concluded January 27, 2012 with a two-hour finale.

Continuing from the eponymous cliffhanger ending of the fourth season finale, "Chuck Versus the Cliffhanger", the fifth season featured the series returning to its roots. With their new-found wealth, Chuck (Zachary Levi) and Sarah Bartowski (Yvonne Strahovski) own the fictional big-box store Buy More, as well as their new freelance spy organization, Carmichael Industries, which includes John Casey (Adam Baldwin) and Morgan Grimes (Joshua Gomez). Meanwhile, Morgan acts as the human possessor of the government database known as the Intersect, and Chuck is forced to act as Morgan's protector in the same way that Sarah and Casey were to Chuck in past seasons.

Production

Series co-creators Josh Schwartz and Chris Fedak expressed a desire to produce a fifth season of Chuck as early as March 2011, when it was revealed that the fourth season finale would be titled "Chuck Versus the Cliffhanger".[1] Fedak later confirmed that the episode, as the title suggests, would have a cliffhanger ending leading into the fifth season.[2] Despite a drastic decline in viewership, the series was renewed for a fifth and final season of 13 episodes on May 13, 2011.[3] The season was scheduled to premiere October 21, 2011[4] and mark the transition of the series' timeslot from Monday nights to Friday nights at 8/7c,[5] before being rescheduled to one week later, October 28.[6] It was announced on September 8, 2011, that series star Zachary Levi would direct the fifth episode of the season. Levi had previously directed an episode each in the third and fourth seasons.[7]

Cast

Morgan Grimes, who is portrayed by Joshua Gomez (pictured), had new importance as the human Intersect in this season.[8]

Series stars Zachary Levi, Yvonne Strahovski, and Adam Baldwin all expressed an interest to reprise their roles of former Special Agents Charles "Chuck" and Sarah Bartowski, and Colonel John Casey,[9] and an interview with Ryan McPartlin about the future of the series suggested he would also return as Dr. Devon "Captain Awesome" Woodcomb.[10] Chris Fedak later confirmed that Joshua Gomez would reprise his role of Morgan Grimes. The big-box store Buy More, which Chuck purchased in the fourth season finale, is also featured in the fifth season, with Mark Christopher Lawrence, Scott Krinsky, and Vik Sahay reprising their roles as Michael "Big Mike" Tucker, Jeffrey "Jeff" Barnes, and Lester Patel, respectively.[8][11] It was confirmed at the 2011 San Diego Comic-Con International that Sarah Lancaster would also reprise her role as Dr. Eleanor "Ellie" Bartowski Woodcomb.[11]

John Casey was given a romantic interest in Gertrude Verbanski, the head of Carmichael Industries' biggest spy competition, Verbanski Corp., said by Fedak to be "the best spy company in the world".[11] It was later announced that The Matrix actress Carrie-Anne Moss would play Verbanski.[12] At Comic-Con, Fedak revealed his desire for Linda Hamilton to return as Mary Elizabeth Bartowski.[11] It was later confirmed that she would appear in the final episode.[13] Brandon Routh returned to the series as Daniel Shaw, a villain that the team had previously defeated.[14] Angus Macfadyen appeared in the final four episodes as the series' final recurring villain, Nicholas Quinn.[15] Other recurring cast members include Bonita Friedericy as Brigadier General Diane Beckman, the head of the NSA and an ally to Carmichael Industries,[8] Mekenna Melvin as Alex McHugh, Casey's daughter and Morgan's girlfriend, and Richard Burgi as Clyde Decker, a CIA agent involved in a rogue operation to take down Chuck.

It was confirmed at the Comic-Con panel that Star Wars actor Mark Hamill would play a villain in the fifth season premiere.[11] Comedian Craig Kilborn also appeared in the season premiere as Roger Bale, a dangerous man who steals money from other dangerous villains.[16] Lost‍ '​s Jeff Fahey and Smallville‍ '​s Justin Hartley guest starred in the season's second episode, as Karl Sneijder, "the president and CEO of diamond giant Natal Jewelers," and his kidnapped brother Wesley, respectively.[17] The fourth episode featured The Office‍ '​s David Koechner and The Shield‍ '​s Catherine Dent as Crazy Bob, "a jolly Buy More manager," and Jane Robertson, another Buy More manager and "a close friend of Bob's," respectively. The two cross paths with Chuck and Sarah at the company’s Employee of the Year Convention.[18] The fifth episode featured cameo appearances by Community‍ '​s Danny Pudi[19] and Yvette Nicole Brown.[20] The sixth episode featured Rebecca Romijn as Robyn Cunnings, a cold, cunning CIA agent known for her abrasive interrogation technique who is a member of a rogue group which tries to frame Chuck.[21] Stan Lee portrayed himself in the seventh episode, encountering Chuck "in the most unexpected of places."[22] The eighth episode featured Cheryl Ladd as Emma, Sarah's mother,[23] and Tim DeKay as Kieran Ryker, Sarah's former handler.[24] The tenth episode featured Bo Derek as herself.[25] Mark Pellegrino returned in the final episode as a FULCRUM agent.[26] Fedak has stated that the writers intended to include various guest stars from past episodes in cameo appearances in the finale, but that it was not possible to include them all.[26]

Cast and characters

Main cast

Supporting cast

Episodes

No. in
series		 No. in
season		 Title Directed by Written by Original air date Production
code		 U.S. viewers
(million)
791"Chuck Versus the Zoom"Robert Duncan McNeillChris Fedak & Nicholas WoottonOctober 28, 20113X67513.42[27]
After Carmichael Industries' first mission–to recover a stolen vase from a vicious thief (Mark Hamill)–goes slightly awry, Chuck and the team go up against Roger Bale (Craig Kilborn), a man who steals secrets from other villains. Meanwhile, Chuck attempts to buy a new house for Sarah, and Decker (Richard Burgi) continues to hunt the team.
802"Chuck Versus the Bearded Bandit"Patrick NorrisLauren LeFranc & Rafe JudkinsNovember 4, 20113X67523.08[28]
Chuck and the team take the case of a man (Jeff Fahey) whose brother (Justin Hartley) has been kidnapped, but soon realize that things may not exactly be as they seem. Meanwhile, Gertrude Verbanski (Carrie-Anne Moss), a rival spy, attempts to woo Sarah away from Carmichael Industries.
813"Chuck Versus the Frosted Tips"Paul MarksPhil KlemmerNovember 11, 20113X67533.13[29]
Carmichael Industries attempts to track down a wanted fugitive while Casey reunites once again with Verbanski (Carrie-Anne Moss). Captain Awesome begins paternity leave with Baby Clara and, when it’s not quite as exciting as he expected, he is led to the Buy More.
824"Chuck Versus the Business Trip"Allan KroekerKristin NewmanNovember 18, 20113X67543.11[30]
At the Buy More Employee of the Year Convention, Chuck and Sarah cross paths with two Buy More managers (David Koechner and Catherine Dent). Meanwhile, Chuck pretends to be Morgan in order to catch an assassin code-named Viper tasked with destroying the new Intersect.
835"Chuck Versus the Hack Off"Zachary LeviCraig DiGregorioDecember 9, 20113X67553.66[31]
The team must turn to Verbanski (Carrie-Anne Moss) when they need help tracking a virus, forcing Casey to confront her once again. Meanwhile, Lester and Jeff's relationship is threatened by the arrival of a new employee (Danny Pudi) at the Buy More. Chuck revisits his past as a computer hacker.
846"Chuck Versus the Curse"Michael SchultzAlex KatsnelsonDecember 16, 20113X67563.22[32]
Chuck is framed for the crime of the century by a group of rogue CIA agents. One such agent is the cold and calculating Robin Cunnings (Rebecca Romijn), who is widely known for her torture techniques. Ellie and Awesome go on a date that quickly turns into a night full of action after a case of mistaken-identity.
857"Chuck Versus the Santa Suit"Peter LauerAmanda Kate ShumanDecember 23, 20113X67573.42[33]
Chuck and Sarah discover that the identity of the person trying to take down Carmichael Industries is Daniel Shaw (Brandon Routh). He escapes from prison, kidnaps Sarah, and holds her hostage in Castle in order to force Chuck to steal the Intersect 3.0 from the CIA. Chuck must face Shaw alone without the aid of the intersect.
868"Chuck Versus the Baby"Matt BarberRafe Judkins & Lauren LeFrancDecember 30, 20113X67583.18[34]
A chilling message from Shaw forces Sarah to revisit her past in Budapest when she fears her original handler (Tim DeKay) will try to harm her mother (Cheryl Ladd).
879"Chuck Versus the Kept Man"Fred ToyeCraig DiGregorio & Phil KlemmerJanuary 6, 20123X67593.26[35]
Chuck and Sarah try to determine the future of Carmichael Industries. Verbanski hires Casey and the team to go on a mission in South Beach. After an armament deal goes astray, can Carmichael Industries save their client? Jeff and Lester investigate an irregularity at the Buy More.
8810"Chuck Versus Bo"Jeremiah ChechikKristin NewmanJanuary 13, 20123X67603.17[36]
Morgan's intersect past causes Chuck and team run into Bo Derek on their final mission in Vail before leaving the spy business. However, former CIA agent Nicholas Quinn (Angus Macfadyen) has other plans. Jeff and Lester continue their investigation at the Buy More. Quinn captures Chuck and set a trap for Sarah and Casey.
8911"Chuck Versus the Bullet Train"Buzz Feitshans IVNicholas WoottonJanuary 20, 20123X67613.84[37]
Quinn smuggles the captured Chuck to Japan. Casey must make a difficult decision while Chuck and Sarah encounter Quinn on a Japanese bullet train. Sarah tells Chuck that she is the intersect, Chuck realizes Sarah's version is as defective as Morgan's was. Quinn's agents take Alex hostage but can Jeff and Lester save the day?
9012"Chuck Versus Sarah"Jay ChandrasekharRafe Judkins & Lauren LeFrancJanuary 27, 20123X67624.10[38]
Sarah, who's under the control of Quinn, is allowed to return, but with a secret. Ellie and Awesome get the opportunity of a lifetime by being offered jobs in Chicago. Chuck decides the Intersect must be destroyed and leads his team to the Government building. Sarah goes rogue and strands the team inside before blowing the building. Realizing Chuck switched glasses, Sarah threatens Ellie's life.
9113"Chuck Versus the Goodbye"Robert Duncan McNeillChris FedakJanuary 27, 20123X67634.31[38]

Chuck's friends and family band together to take down Quinn. Sarah realizes that Chuck was telling the truth about their relationship, but believes she has to move on, as she can't remember any of her feelings for Chuck. Chuck offers his services for a final mission to take down Quinn and recover the final pieces of the remaining Intersect. Ellie informs Chuck that the Intersect can be used to reprogram Sarah's memories. Sarah and Chuck soon discover that General Beckman has the final key for the Intersect, but Quinn beats them there and plants a bomb under General Beckman's chair that will detonate if Beckman leaves her chair or the music ends. Morgan, Jeff, and Lester save the day, as when the last note of Antonín Dvořák's Symphony No. 9 fades away, Jeffster! plays A-ha's "Take On Me". Sarah apprehends Quinn and kills him, recovering the Intersect. However, Chuck has no choice but to upload the Intersect to open a case which contains the bomb. In the process, Sarah remembers that a pornographic computer virus can be used to destroy the computer and stop the bomb, as it did in the pilot episode.

After the final mission, the gang says its goodbyes. Beckman offers Chuck, Sarah, and Casey a job at the CIA, which they turn down. Casey hugs Chuck goodbye and leaves. Sarah also tells Chuck that she will leave to find herself. Casey tells Alex and Morgan that he is leaving to be with Verbanski. Alex and Morgan tell Casey that they are moving in together, which he approves of by giving them the keys to his apartment. Ellie and Awesome pack up their belongings for their move to Chicago, as Chuck reassures them. He leaves dejectedly, before Morgan gives him a pep talk to pursue the girl of his dreams and follow his heart. His instincts take him to the beach where he met Sarah at the end of his first mission. Sarah asks him to tell him their story, and he does in flashbacks. Finally, Chuck mentions Morgan's theory that a kiss will bring back Sarah's memories. Sarah looks back at him, and asks Chuck to kiss her. As they kiss, the scene fades back into black, which marks the end of the series, not revealing whether Sarah's memory was restored or not.

Home media release

Chuck: The Complete Fifth Season
Set details Special features
  • 13 Episodes
  • 3-Disc Set
  • English
  • Subtitles: English, Spanish, French
  • Sandwiches and Superfans: The Saving of a Show: A tribute to the World's Greatest Fans
  • Chuck Versus the Final Episode: An Emotional Visit Behind the Scenes
  • Scoring the World of Chuck: The Mind Behind the Music
  • Chuck: The Beginnings: The Flash That Launched a Hit Show
  • Chuck: Through the Years: The Journey from Nerd to Spy
  • Goodbye, Buy More: Time-Lapse Teardown of the Set
  • Exclusive Buy More Commercials
  • Extended Version of Series Finale
  • Chuck: The Future: Cast and Producers' Predictions
  • Audio commentaries on "Chuck Versus Sarah" and "Chuck Versus the Goodbye" by Zachary Levi, Joshua Gomez, Josh Schwartz and Chris Fedak
  • Declassified Scenes
  • Gag Reel
Release dates
 United States
 Canada		  United Kingdom  Australia
 New Zealand		  Japan
May 8, 2012[39] October 15, 2012 August 8, 2012[40] TBA

References

  1. ↑ Ausiello, Michael (2011-03-15). "Ask Ausiello: Spoilers on Glee, Bones, Castle, Fringe, Chuck, Fringe and More!". TVLine. Retrieved 2011-04-30.
  2. ↑ Moro, Eric (2011-03-25). "C2E2: Chuck S4 Secrets Revealed". IGN. Retrieved 2011-04-23.
  3. ↑ Hibberd, James (2011-05-13). "Official: NBC renews Chuck for final season". Entertainment Weekly. Retrieved 2011-05-22.
  4. ↑ Seidman, Robert (2011-07-06). "NBC Announces Fall Premiere Dates - Chuck,Grimm Premiere October 21; Early Premiere forParenthood". TV by the Numbers. Retrieved 2011-07-06.
  5. ↑ Andreeva, Nellie (2011-05-15). "NBC Unveils 2011-2012 Primetime Schedule". Deadline.com. Retrieved 2011-05-15.
  6. ↑ Sepinwall, Alan (2011-09-30). "NBC moves Chuck, Grimm premiere dates back a week". HitFix. Retrieved 2011-09-30.
  7. ↑ Nededog, Jethro (2011-09-08). "Chuck Star Zachary Levi to Direct an Episode on Season 5". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved 2011-09-10.
  8. ↑ 8.0 8.1 8.2 Sepinwall, Alan (2011-05-16). "Interview: Chuck co-creator Chris Fedak post-mortems season 4". HitFix. Retrieved 2011-05-22.
  9. ↑ White, Cindy (2011-05-14). "Chuck: What to Expect in the Season 4 Finale". Retrieved 2011-05-22.
  10. ↑ Pirrello, Phil (2011-04-04). "Chuck: Major Sh!@ is Going Down". IGN. Retrieved 2011-05-22.
  11. ↑ 11.0 11.1 11.2 11.3 11.4 Mitovich, Matt Webb (2011-07-23). "Chuck Scoop: Mark Hamill is a Force of Evil in Final Premiere, Plus Morgan's Training Video". TV Line. Retrieved 2011-07-23.
  12. ↑ Ausiello, Michael (2011-07-29). "Chuck Scoop: Carrie-Anne Moss to Recur as Casey's Romantic Foil". TVLine. Retrieved 2011-07-29.
  13. ↑ Masters, Megan (2011-12-02). "TVLine Items: Chuck Matriarch Returns for Finale, ABC Soaps Boss Scrubs Out and More!". TVLine. Retrieved 2011-12-02.
  14. ↑ "Chuck – Coming Up – Video". NBC.com. Retrieved 2011-12-10.
  15. ↑ Ausiello, Michael (2011-10-25). "Chuck Exclusive: Braveheart‍ '​s Angus Macfadyen Cast as Show's Final Big Bad". TV Line. Retrieved 2011-10-25.
  16. ↑ Ausiello, Michael (2011-07-28). "Chuck Exclusive: Craig Kilborn Spies Villainous Season Premiere Guest Spot". TVLine. Retrieved 2011-08-03.
  17. ↑ Ausiello, Michael (2011-08-09). "Chuck Scoop: Lost‍ '​s Jeff Fahey, Smallville's Justin Hartley to Guest Star". TVLine. Retrieved 2011-08-09.
  18. ↑ Ausiello, Michael (2011-08-31). "Chuck Exclusive: Buy More Convention Brings Out Stars of The Office and The Shield". TVLine. Retrieved 2011-08-31.
  19. ↑ Ryan, Maureen (2011-08-30). "EXCLUSIVE: Community Star To Stop by Chuck". AOL TV. Retrieved 2011-08-31.
  20. ↑ Chuck Vs. the Hack Off Imdb Credits Page. http://www.imdb.com/title/tt2034914/fullcredits?ref_=tt_cl_sm#cast. Imdb.com. Retrieved 2013-07-07.
  21. ↑ Gonzalez, Sarah (2011-09-15). "Chuck spies Rebecca Romijn for sexy, dangerous role -- EXCLUSIVE". Entertainment Weekly. Retrieved 2011-09-15.
  22. ↑ Sepinwall, Alan (2011-09-29). "Exclusive: Chuck gets comics legend Stan Lee to guest star. Excelsior!". HitFix. Retrieved 2011-09-29.
  23. ↑ Ausiello, Michael (2011-10-04). "Chuck Scoop: Cheryl Ladd Is Sarah's Mom!". TVLine. Retrieved 2011-10-03.
  24. ↑ Hibberd, James (2011-10-06). "Chuck Scoop: White Collar star to play Sarah's handler". Entertainment Weekly. Retrieved 2011-10-06.
  25. ↑ Gelman, Vlada (2011-10-18). "Chuck Woos Bo Derek, Body of Proof Hosts China Beach Reunion and More!". TV Line. Retrieved 2011-10-19.
  26. ↑ 26.0 26.1 Mitovich, Matt Webb (2012-01-25). "Chuck‍ '​s Final Mission Intel, Part 1: There Will Be Blasts from the Past". TV Line. Retrieved 2012-01-25.
  27. ↑ Seidman, Robert (2011-10-31). "Friday Final TV Ratings: No Adjustments for 'Chuck,' 'Grimm,' Nikita or Any Original + World Series". TV by the Numbers. Retrieved 2011-11-01.
  28. ↑ Seidman, Robert (2011-11-05). "Updated TV Ratings Friday: 'Blue Bloods' Higher; 'Grimm' Off 14%; Another Record Low for 'Chuck'; 'Fringe' Inches Up". TV by the Numbers. Retrieved 2011-11-09.
  29. ↑ Gorman, Bill (November 14, 2011). "Friday Final TV Ratings: 'Grimm' Adjusted Up; 'Extreme Makeover: Home Edition' Adjusted Down". TV by the Numbers. Retrieved November 17, 2011.
  30. ↑ Gorman, Bill (November 21, 2011). "Friday Final TV Ratings: CSI: NY dateline NBC adjusted up". TV by the Numbers. Retrieved November 25, 2011.
  31. ↑ Gorman, Bill (December 10, 2011). "TV Ratings Friday: 'Chuck' Rises, Still Crushed By Frosty; 'Grimm,' 'Extreme Makeover' Steady". TV by the Numbers. Retrieved December 10, 2011.
  32. ↑ Seidman, Robert (December 17, 2011). "TV Ratings Friday: Grimm, Chuck Edge Down But NBC Wins the Night in a Tie With Univision". TV by the Numbers. Retrieved December 24, 2011.
  33. ↑ "TV Ratings". Retrieved December 26, 2011.
  34. ↑ "TV Ratings". Retrieved December 31, 2011.
  35. ↑ Seidman, Robert (January 9, 2012). "Friday Final TV Ratings: 'Chuck' Adjusted Down; No Adjustments for 'Nikita' & 'Supernatural' + Cotton Bowl". TV by the Numbers. Retrieved January 10, 2012.
  36. ↑ Gorman, Bill (January 17, 2012). "Friday Final TV Ratings: 'Supernatural' Adjusted Up". TV by the Numbers. Retrieved January 18, 2012.
  37. ↑ Gorman, Bill (January 20, 2012). "TV Ratings Friday: 'Grimm' Jumps, 'Chuck' Hits Season High, 'Fringe' Flat, As 'Shark Tank' & 'Primetime:WWYD' Premieres Pace ABC Win". TV by the Numbers. Retrieved January 21, 2012.
  38. ↑ 38.0 38.1 Gorman, Bill (January 30, 2012). "Friday Final TV Ratings: 'Dateline' Adjusted Up; 'Shark Tank' Adjusted Down; No Adjustments For 'Chuck' Finale Or 'Fringe'". TV by the Numbers. Retrieved January 30, 2012.
  39. ↑ Lambert, David (February 1, 2012). "Chuck - Warner's Official Press Release for The Complete 5th and Final Season on DVD, Blu Reveals the Extras". TV Shows on DVD. Retrieved February 4, 2012.
  40. ↑ Ape, Mighty (July 9, 2012). "Chuck Season 5- Chuck - The Complete Season 5 (3 Disc Set) on DVD at Mighty Ape NZ". Retrieved July 9, 2012.