Chuck Versus the Cat Squad
Encyclopedia
"Chuck Versus the Cat Squad" is the fifteenth episode of the fourth season
of Chuck
. It originally aired on February 14, 2011. As a surprise, Chuck Bartowski
reunites Sarah Walker
with her old spy team, the eponymous "C.A.T. Squad", which includes Carina Miller (Mini Anden
). The squad flies to Rio de Janeiro
to face off against their nemesis Augusto Gaez (Lou Diamond Phillips
), but old grudges start to get in the way of the mission. Elsewhere, Morgan Grimes
' relationship with Alex McHugh (Mekenna Melvin
) is threatened by Carina's return.
-style voice-over
which reveals that in 2003 the CIA
had a Clandestine Attack Team (abbreviated to "C.A.T. Squad") which included Carina Miller (Mini Anden
), Zondra (Mercedes Masohn), Amy (Mircea Monroe
), and Sarah Walker
. The squad, Sarah later reveals, was disbanded after she found a hidden transmitter in the heel of Zondra's boot and accused her of being a traitor.
The sequence is then revealed to be in Morgan Grimes
' imagination, as he listens to Chuck Bartowski
describe the squad. After discussing Sarah's estranged family in the previous episode
, Chuck decides to surprise her by inviting the C.A.T. Squad to their engagement party. Morgan helps Chuck invite Carina, who contacts Amy and Zondra. Chuck tells Sarah, and she starts panicking, saying that she was a different person. Suddenly, the C.A.T. Squad arrives by helicopter and takes Sarah out to party.
When Chuck wakes up the next morning, he finds Sarah sleeping in a dress after attending several parties across the country. She reveals that the rest of the squad is sleeping in the apartment because they could not find a hotel. Before they awake, Sarah expresses her concern that they cannot trust each other after her accusations of Zondra. As the team leaves, Sarah's car explodes and injures Carina. Chuck flashes on a piece of the bomb in Carina's leg, discovering that Augusto Gaez (Lou Diamond Phillips
) was responsible for the bombing. At Castle, General Beckman reveals that Gaez, the squad's nemesis, is a terrorist-for-hire in an organization called the "Gentle Hand". The CIA orders the C.A.T. Squad to extradite Gaez so that he may be tried. Sarah worries that Zondra is working with Gaez, as she had earlier suspected. Meanwhile, Gaez is informed that the squad is coming and reveals that it was all part of a plan.
Sarah reunites with the C.A.T. Squad and infiltrates Gaez's celebration in Rio de Janeiro
, Brazil
. Chuck and John Casey
provide backup, while Carina and Morgan monitor the mission from Castle. As Chuck waits in the van, he reviews CIA files to flash on any intelligence to prove Zondra's innocence or treachery. The squad successfully infiltrates the party, but Gaez's men surround them and tie them up.
After Sarah declines Gaez's offer for the squad to join the Gentle Hand, he brandishes a gun and prepares to kill her. Sarah cuts through her binds with a hidden knife and holds Gaez at knifepoint. Sarah demands to know who the double agent is, but Chuck falls through the window before Gaez can answer. Although Chuck tranquilizes several guards and Gaez is taken into custody, Sarah expresses her anger that she does not know the identity of the traitor. With Zondra and Sarah suspecting each other of treachery, they begin a sparring match to settle their differences. After Zondra and Sarah convince each other of their innocence, they determine that Amy is the real double agent. Meanwhile, Casey and Amy interrogate Gaez, who denies all involvement with the Gentle Hand. Amy incapacitates Casey and attacks Zondra and Sarah with a bō
staff.
Amy releases Gaez and they knock Morgan and Carina unconscious. As Chuck arrives at the Buy More with the squad's luggage, Zondra and Sarah wake up and inform him that Gaez and Amy are coming up the elevator. With the Buy More locked down, Chuck crushes several CD
s and flashes to use them as throwing stars
. He manages to incapacitate Gaez, but Amy jumps on Chuck's back and wrestles him to the ground. When Amy tries to escape, Sarah, Zondra, and Carina stop her and take her into custody.
Sarah and Zondra apologize and mend their friendship. Sarah asks Zondra and Carina to be her bridesmaid
s, and they accept. Later, Ellie Bartowski
hosts Chuck and Sarah's engagement party. Sarah thanks her and they discuss Sarah's strained relationship with her family. They agree to talk about it and inform Chuck later. Sarah then asks Ellie to be her maid of honor, which Ellie eagerly accepts. The episodes closes with a voice-over saying, "Aw, who says cats can't play nice? You never know, maybe we'll add another member to this squad," in reference to Ellie. Chuck watches from a distance and slowly smiles; the screen fades to black.
). However, it is revealed that he has been following her on the internet for some time, only to be ignored. When Morgan wakes up, he finds Carina lying naked in his bed. She attempts to seduce him, but Morgan resists and expresses his anger that she has ignored him for so long. He hurries out the apartment, only to find Alex, who reminds him of their breakfast plans. Morgan explains the situation and Alex agrees to reschedule, but suddenly Carina appears in a bathrobe, making Alex suspicious.
Morgan is later forced to watch an injured Carina, further tempting him. As Carina inquires if Morgan has expressed his love to Alex, Alex arrives in the Buy More
to take Morgan to lunch. Morgan explains his assignment, and they reschedule once again.
Morgan prepares to take Alex on an elaborate date, but Carina sabotages the date by rubbing lipstick on his collar. Morgan angrily confronts Carina, but she shrugs it off and asks when he will express his love to Alex, which he admits he must do. When Alex ends their relationship at Chuck and Sarah's engagement party, Morgan tells Alex he loves her and promises to be honest with her. This wins Alex back, and as they warmly hug, Carina apologizes to Alex, who interrupts her halfway through the apology and proceeds to tenderly kiss Morgan.
The episode received positive reviews from critics, though most criticized the predictability that Amy was the traitor. Eric Goldman of IGN
gave this episode a score of 8 out of 10, writing, "The opening sequence establishing the CAT Squad (Clandestine Attack Team, of course) was great – a lot of Charlie's Angels mixed with a voice over that was a bit more Hart to Hart, keeping in line that it was Morgan imagining this." Golmdan continued "For now, this was a fun installment, albeit not as inspired as last week."
HitFix writer Alan Sepinwall wrote, "We seem to be falling into a pattern with these bifurcated 'Chuck' seasons, wherein the original 13 episode arc wraps up, and then we get some fun standalones for a bit. 'Chuck vs. the Cat Squad' even had an opening sequence similar in style to the opening of last year's 15th episode, 'Chuck vs. the Role Models
,' this time with Morgan imagining Sarah's old team as the stars of a 'Charlie's Angels'-type drama (after last time he dreamed about Chuck and Sarah in 'Hart to Hart.')" Sepinwall concluded, "I'm sure the search into Sarah's past is going to turn into a big arc in and of itself, but for now I'm just happy to have some light, entertaining 'Chuck' episodes."
This episode was rated 8.9 out of 10 by the users of TV.com
Chuck (season 4)
The fourth season of Chuck was announced on May 13, 2010. Having initially ordered 13 episodes, NBC ordered an additional 11 on October 19, 2010 for a total of 24 episodes....
of Chuck
Chuck (TV series)
Chuck is an action-comedy/spy-drama television program from the United States created by Josh Schwartz and Chris Fedak. The series is about an "average computer-whiz-next-door" named Chuck, played by Zachary Levi, who receives an encoded e-mail from an old college friend now working for the Central...
. It originally aired on February 14, 2011. As a surprise, Chuck Bartowski
Chuck Bartowski
Charles Irving "Chuck" Bartowski is the main and titular character of the American fiction television show Chuck on NBC. He is portrayed by Zachary Levi.-Character profile:...
reunites Sarah Walker
Sarah Walker (Chuck)
Sarah Lisa Bartowski is the alias of one of the main characters of the fictional television show Chuck on NBC. She is portrayed by Yvonne Strahovski and is one of two agents assigned by the NSA and CIA to protect Chuck Bartowski after he unwittingly downloads the secret government computer known...
with her old spy team, the eponymous "C.A.T. Squad", which includes Carina Miller (Mini Anden
Mini Anden
Susanna "Mini" Andén is a Swedish model, actress, occasional host, and producer.She was born in Stockholm and began modeling at the age of ten, joining Elite Model Management when she was fifteen. She has been on the cover of many fashion magazines including Vogue, Marie Claire, Cosmopolitan and...
). The squad flies to Rio de Janeiro
Rio de Janeiro
Rio de Janeiro , commonly referred to simply as Rio, is the capital city of the State of Rio de Janeiro, the second largest city of Brazil, and the third largest metropolitan area and agglomeration in South America, boasting approximately 6.3 million people within the city proper, making it the 6th...
to face off against their nemesis Augusto Gaez (Lou Diamond Phillips
Lou Diamond Phillips
Lou Diamond Phillips is an American film, television, and stage actor and director. His breakthrough came when he starred in the film La Bamba. He earned a supporting actor Golden Globe Award nomination for his role in Stand and Deliver and a Tony Award nomination for his role in The King and I...
), but old grudges start to get in the way of the mission. Elsewhere, Morgan Grimes
Morgan Grimes
Morgan Guillermo Grimes is a major character on the television series Chuck. He is portrayed by actor Joshua Gomez, and is the best friend of Chuck Bartowski....
' relationship with Alex McHugh (Mekenna Melvin
Mekenna Melvin
Mekenna Melvin is an American actress known for playing the role of Alex McHugh in Chuck, Angela in Three Rivers, and Stefanie Fife in Lie to Me. She also co-created and will be starring as Amber Hannold in Amber Lake, an independent film due for release in 2010.- Personal life :Melvin was born...
) is threatened by Carina's return.
Main plot
The episode begins with a Charlie's AngelsCharlie's Angels
Charlie's Angels is a television series about three women who work for a private investigation agency, and is one of the first shows to showcase women in roles traditionally reserved for men...
-style voice-over
Voice-over
Voice-over is a production technique where a voice which is not part of the narrative is used in a radio, television production, filmmaking, theatre, or other presentations...
which reveals that in 2003 the CIA
Central Intelligence Agency
The Central Intelligence Agency is a civilian intelligence agency of the United States government. It is an executive agency and reports directly to the Director of National Intelligence, responsible for providing national security intelligence assessment to senior United States policymakers...
had a Clandestine Attack Team (abbreviated to "C.A.T. Squad") which included Carina Miller (Mini Anden
Mini Anden
Susanna "Mini" Andén is a Swedish model, actress, occasional host, and producer.She was born in Stockholm and began modeling at the age of ten, joining Elite Model Management when she was fifteen. She has been on the cover of many fashion magazines including Vogue, Marie Claire, Cosmopolitan and...
), Zondra (Mercedes Masohn), Amy (Mircea Monroe
Mircea Monroe
Mircea Monroe is an American actress and model.Monroe's first professional acting job was in the New Line film, Cellular. Since then, Monroe has appeared in various films, and pilots for The WB and Fox, starred in the Fox show Drive, and guest starred on TV shows, including Freddie, Scrubs, and...
), and Sarah Walker
Sarah Walker (Chuck)
Sarah Lisa Bartowski is the alias of one of the main characters of the fictional television show Chuck on NBC. She is portrayed by Yvonne Strahovski and is one of two agents assigned by the NSA and CIA to protect Chuck Bartowski after he unwittingly downloads the secret government computer known...
. The squad, Sarah later reveals, was disbanded after she found a hidden transmitter in the heel of Zondra's boot and accused her of being a traitor.
The sequence is then revealed to be in Morgan Grimes
Morgan Grimes
Morgan Guillermo Grimes is a major character on the television series Chuck. He is portrayed by actor Joshua Gomez, and is the best friend of Chuck Bartowski....
' imagination, as he listens to Chuck Bartowski
Chuck Bartowski
Charles Irving "Chuck" Bartowski is the main and titular character of the American fiction television show Chuck on NBC. He is portrayed by Zachary Levi.-Character profile:...
describe the squad. After discussing Sarah's estranged family in the previous episode
Chuck Versus the Seduction Impossible
"Chuck Versus the Seduction Impossible" is the fourteenth episode of the fourth season of Chuck. It originally aired on February 7, 2011. This episode followed the intended season finale, "Chuck Versus the Push Mix", making it the first of an additional eleven episodes ordered...
, Chuck decides to surprise her by inviting the C.A.T. Squad to their engagement party. Morgan helps Chuck invite Carina, who contacts Amy and Zondra. Chuck tells Sarah, and she starts panicking, saying that she was a different person. Suddenly, the C.A.T. Squad arrives by helicopter and takes Sarah out to party.
When Chuck wakes up the next morning, he finds Sarah sleeping in a dress after attending several parties across the country. She reveals that the rest of the squad is sleeping in the apartment because they could not find a hotel. Before they awake, Sarah expresses her concern that they cannot trust each other after her accusations of Zondra. As the team leaves, Sarah's car explodes and injures Carina. Chuck flashes on a piece of the bomb in Carina's leg, discovering that Augusto Gaez (Lou Diamond Phillips
Lou Diamond Phillips
Lou Diamond Phillips is an American film, television, and stage actor and director. His breakthrough came when he starred in the film La Bamba. He earned a supporting actor Golden Globe Award nomination for his role in Stand and Deliver and a Tony Award nomination for his role in The King and I...
) was responsible for the bombing. At Castle, General Beckman reveals that Gaez, the squad's nemesis, is a terrorist-for-hire in an organization called the "Gentle Hand". The CIA orders the C.A.T. Squad to extradite Gaez so that he may be tried. Sarah worries that Zondra is working with Gaez, as she had earlier suspected. Meanwhile, Gaez is informed that the squad is coming and reveals that it was all part of a plan.
Sarah reunites with the C.A.T. Squad and infiltrates Gaez's celebration in Rio de Janeiro
Rio de Janeiro
Rio de Janeiro , commonly referred to simply as Rio, is the capital city of the State of Rio de Janeiro, the second largest city of Brazil, and the third largest metropolitan area and agglomeration in South America, boasting approximately 6.3 million people within the city proper, making it the 6th...
, Brazil
Brazil
Brazil , officially the Federative Republic of Brazil , is the largest country in South America. It is the world's fifth largest country, both by geographical area and by population with over 192 million people...
. Chuck and John Casey
John Casey (Chuck)
Colonel John Casey is portrayed by actor Adam Baldwin on the television show Chuck on NBC. Prior to the episode "Chuck Versus the Tic Tac," he was partnered with CIA agent Sarah Walker to protect Chuck Bartowski....
provide backup, while Carina and Morgan monitor the mission from Castle. As Chuck waits in the van, he reviews CIA files to flash on any intelligence to prove Zondra's innocence or treachery. The squad successfully infiltrates the party, but Gaez's men surround them and tie them up.
After Sarah declines Gaez's offer for the squad to join the Gentle Hand, he brandishes a gun and prepares to kill her. Sarah cuts through her binds with a hidden knife and holds Gaez at knifepoint. Sarah demands to know who the double agent is, but Chuck falls through the window before Gaez can answer. Although Chuck tranquilizes several guards and Gaez is taken into custody, Sarah expresses her anger that she does not know the identity of the traitor. With Zondra and Sarah suspecting each other of treachery, they begin a sparring match to settle their differences. After Zondra and Sarah convince each other of their innocence, they determine that Amy is the real double agent. Meanwhile, Casey and Amy interrogate Gaez, who denies all involvement with the Gentle Hand. Amy incapacitates Casey and attacks Zondra and Sarah with a bō
Bo
-People:*Bo , name origin, plus people with the name*Bo , name origin, plus people with the surname**Bo , Chinese family names*Bo people , extinct minority population in Southern China famous for hanging coffins...
staff.
Amy releases Gaez and they knock Morgan and Carina unconscious. As Chuck arrives at the Buy More with the squad's luggage, Zondra and Sarah wake up and inform him that Gaez and Amy are coming up the elevator. With the Buy More locked down, Chuck crushes several CD
Compact Disc
The Compact Disc is an optical disc used to store digital data. It was originally developed to store and playback sound recordings exclusively, but later expanded to encompass data storage , write-once audio and data storage , rewritable media , Video Compact Discs , Super Video Compact Discs ,...
s and flashes to use them as throwing stars
Shuriken
A shuriken is a traditional Japanese concealed weapon that was generally used for throwing, and sometimes stabbing or slashing...
. He manages to incapacitate Gaez, but Amy jumps on Chuck's back and wrestles him to the ground. When Amy tries to escape, Sarah, Zondra, and Carina stop her and take her into custody.
Sarah and Zondra apologize and mend their friendship. Sarah asks Zondra and Carina to be her bridesmaid
Bridesmaid
The bridesmaids are members of the bride's wedding party in a wedding. A bridesmaid is typically a young woman, and often a close friend or sister. She attends to the bride on the day of a wedding or marriage ceremony...
s, and they accept. Later, Ellie Bartowski
Ellie Bartowski
Eleanor Faye "Ellie" Bartowski Woodcomb, M.D., Ph.D., is the older sister of title character Chuck Bartowski on the television series Chuck. She is portrayed by actress Sarah Lancaster.-Biography:...
hosts Chuck and Sarah's engagement party. Sarah thanks her and they discuss Sarah's strained relationship with her family. They agree to talk about it and inform Chuck later. Sarah then asks Ellie to be her maid of honor, which Ellie eagerly accepts. The episodes closes with a voice-over saying, "Aw, who says cats can't play nice? You never know, maybe we'll add another member to this squad," in reference to Ellie. Chuck watches from a distance and slowly smiles; the screen fades to black.
Morgan and Alex
Morgan initially worries about having Carina and Alex in the same place, as their past relationship would threaten his relationship with Alex McHugh (Mekenna MelvinMekenna Melvin
Mekenna Melvin is an American actress known for playing the role of Alex McHugh in Chuck, Angela in Three Rivers, and Stefanie Fife in Lie to Me. She also co-created and will be starring as Amber Hannold in Amber Lake, an independent film due for release in 2010.- Personal life :Melvin was born...
). However, it is revealed that he has been following her on the internet for some time, only to be ignored. When Morgan wakes up, he finds Carina lying naked in his bed. She attempts to seduce him, but Morgan resists and expresses his anger that she has ignored him for so long. He hurries out the apartment, only to find Alex, who reminds him of their breakfast plans. Morgan explains the situation and Alex agrees to reschedule, but suddenly Carina appears in a bathrobe, making Alex suspicious.
Morgan is later forced to watch an injured Carina, further tempting him. As Carina inquires if Morgan has expressed his love to Alex, Alex arrives in the Buy More
Buy More
Buy More is a fictional big box electronics retail chain in NBC's action-comedy series Chuck. The Buy More is a parody of similar chains, particularly Best Buy....
to take Morgan to lunch. Morgan explains his assignment, and they reschedule once again.
Morgan prepares to take Alex on an elaborate date, but Carina sabotages the date by rubbing lipstick on his collar. Morgan angrily confronts Carina, but she shrugs it off and asks when he will express his love to Alex, which he admits he must do. When Alex ends their relationship at Chuck and Sarah's engagement party, Morgan tells Alex he loves her and promises to be honest with her. This wins Alex back, and as they warmly hug, Carina apologizes to Alex, who interrupts her halfway through the apology and proceeds to tenderly kiss Morgan.
Flashes
- Chuck flashes on a piece of the bomb in Carina's leg, discovering that Gaez was responsible for the bombing.
- Chuck flashes on marksmanship skills to tranquilize Gaez's men.
- Chuck flashes on ninja throwing stars to disarm Gaez.
- Chuck flashes on hand-to-hand combat to neutralize Gaez.
Cultural references
- The episode's introduction to the C.A.T. Squad parodies the opening sequences of Charlie's AngelsCharlie's AngelsCharlie's Angels is a television series about three women who work for a private investigation agency, and is one of the first shows to showcase women in roles traditionally reserved for men...
and Hart to HartHart to HartHart to Hart is an American television series, starring Robert Wagner and Stefanie Powers as Jonathan and Jennifer Hart, a wealthy couple who also moonlighted as amateur detectives. The series was created by writer Sidney Sheldon and produced by Aaron Spelling and Leonard Goldberg...
. - The "Clandestine Attack Team" is abbreviated to "C.A.T. Squad". There is also a TV movie released in 1986 called C.A.T. Squad, who stands for "Counter Assault Tactical (C.A.T.) Squad".
- Morgan references Close Encounters of the Third KindClose Encounters of the Third KindClose Encounters of the Third Kind is a 1977 science fiction film written and directed by Steven Spielberg. The film stars Richard Dreyfuss, François Truffaut, Melinda Dillon, Teri Garr, Bob Balaban, and Cary Guffey...
as he watches the C.A.T. Squad fly over Echo Park in a helicopter. - Sarah asks, "Who knew that Mikhail GorbachevMikhail GorbachevMikhail Sergeyevich Gorbachev is a former Soviet statesman, having served as General Secretary of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union from 1985 until 1991, and as the last head of state of the USSR, having served from 1988 until its dissolution in 1991...
could dance so well?" - Morgan and Carina lie in Star WarsStar WarsStar Wars is an American epic space opera film series created by George Lucas. The first film in the series was originally released on May 25, 1977, under the title Star Wars, by 20th Century Fox, and became a worldwide pop culture phenomenon, followed by two sequels, released at three-year...
bedsheets. - Gaez says that Sarah "doth protest too much", a famous quote from HamletHamletThe Tragical History of Hamlet, Prince of Denmark, or more simply Hamlet, is a tragedy by William Shakespeare, believed to have been written between 1599 and 1601...
.
Music
Songs listed by Alan Sepinwall.- "Turn It On" by Franz FerdinandFranz Ferdinand (band)Franz Ferdinand are a Scottish post-punk revival band formed in Glasgow in 2002. The band is composed of Alex Kapranos , Bob Hardy , Nick McCarthy , and Paul Thomson .The band first experienced chart success when their second single, "Take Me Out", reached #3 in...
- "The Parade" by Daniel Indart
- "Eu Quero Agora" by Josephine Bauza
- "Pra Rua" by Rio Funk
- "Rockers to Swallow" by the Yeah Yeah YeahsYeah Yeah YeahsYeah Yeah Yeahs are an American indie rock band formed in New York City in 2000. The group is composed of vocalist and pianist Karen O, guitarist and keyboardist Nick Zinner, and drummer Brian Chase. They are complemented in live performances by second guitarist David Pajo, who joined as a touring...
- "Belongings" by Clock Opera
- "Please Ask for Help" by TelekinesisTelekinesis (band)Telekinesis is Michael Benjamin Lerner, an indie rocker based out of Seattle who is currently signed to Merge Records. While on tour Lerner is joined by Cody Votolato from Portland, OR and Jason Narducy from Evanston, IL, as of August 2010...
Reception
"Chuck Versus the Cat Squad" drew 5.64 million viewers.The episode received positive reviews from critics, though most criticized the predictability that Amy was the traitor. Eric Goldman of IGN
IGN
IGN is an entertainment website that focuses on video games, films, music and other media. IGN's main website comprises several specialty sites or "channels", each occupying a subdomain and covering a specific area of entertainment...
gave this episode a score of 8 out of 10, writing, "The opening sequence establishing the CAT Squad (Clandestine Attack Team, of course) was great – a lot of Charlie's Angels mixed with a voice over that was a bit more Hart to Hart, keeping in line that it was Morgan imagining this." Golmdan continued "For now, this was a fun installment, albeit not as inspired as last week."
HitFix writer Alan Sepinwall wrote, "We seem to be falling into a pattern with these bifurcated 'Chuck' seasons, wherein the original 13 episode arc wraps up, and then we get some fun standalones for a bit. 'Chuck vs. the Cat Squad' even had an opening sequence similar in style to the opening of last year's 15th episode, 'Chuck vs. the Role Models
Chuck Versus the Role Models
"Chuck Versus the Role Models" is episode 15 of the third season of Chuck. Chuck and Sarah are assigned to train under Craig and Laura Turner , a married CIA team who, despite their impeccable record, hate one another. The Turners' stormy relationship forces Chuck and Sarah to wonder if they're...
,' this time with Morgan imagining Sarah's old team as the stars of a 'Charlie's Angels'-type drama (after last time he dreamed about Chuck and Sarah in 'Hart to Hart.')" Sepinwall concluded, "I'm sure the search into Sarah's past is going to turn into a big arc in and of itself, but for now I'm just happy to have some light, entertaining 'Chuck' episodes."
This episode was rated 8.9 out of 10 by the users of TV.com