TM #315 - Jingle

[nerdherdchuck]

Christmas Eve was not supposed to be a nightmarish day. It was supposed to be a day spent with loved ones. But last Christmas Eve, Fulcrum denied Chuck his peaceful holiday by holding everyone he cared about hostage.

Of course, Chuck and his handlers didn't know right away this was a Fulcrum agent. For some time, they thought he was just a down on his luck guy who snapped after being let go from his job. That was a nightmare enough. Chuck didn't know if he or those he cared about would make it out alive.

He decided to give Sarah her present early - a charm bracelet that was once his mother's. She thought she didn't deserve such a gift, but Chuck insisted. He gently placed it on her wrist, the charms making a faint jingle as he did so.

In that moment, it seemed like Sarah wasn't just his handler. In that moment, she was his girlfriend.

That moment, sadly, was a fleeting one.

Muse: Chuck Bartowski
Fandom: Chuck
Word Count: 166

Comments

[powered-otaku.livejournal.com]

Awww, this is so bittersweet. Poor Chuck!

[nerdherdchuck.livejournal.com]

Yeah. I thought that episode, Chuck Versus the Santa Claus, was pretty bittersweet for Chuck. It looks like he and Sarah are going to spend Christmas together and leave the spy world behind for a day. Then everything happens at the Buy More and especially that scene where Chuck sees Sarah shoot the Fulcrum agent...it all just shatters him.

[powered-otaku.livejournal.com]

Yeah, that's a rough episode for him, considering the way it ended. I'm glad that she eventually came somewhat clean about it.

[nerdherdchuck.livejournal.com]

Yeah, me too. And the way they addressed Chuck's worries was interesting with the nightmare and all in the next episode.

[powered-otaku.livejournal.com]

But I could see Chuck being worried. After all, he has no idea of what she's capable. He knows that she's got a whole past that he has no real knowledge of. He's finding out more, but still it's like pulling teeth to learn anything. That's the problem. Their relationship really isn't even. She knows everything about him; he knows little about her. It'll be interesting to see if the new Intersect will have more info about her.

[nerdherdchuck.livejournal.com]

Exactly. And that's why I thought it was perfect to show some of that fear in the nightmare sequence.

It's understandable, especially in the beginning, why he couldn't know anything about her. But hopefully he'll learn more either through the new Intersect or by Sarah opening up.

[powered-otaku.livejournal.com]

It would be nice. After all, it isn't realistic for them to be on such uneven ground now that he's got the spy upgrade version of the Intersect. I have to admit I would like to see more of her and Casey's pasts.

[nerdherdchuck.livejournal.com]

Yes and no. The new Intersect itself will have glitches where it won't always work right so Chuck will still be helpless at times.

But yes, I definitely would like to see more of Sarah and Casey's pasts. Actually, I'd like to see more of Casey's. At least meet one of his parents like we finally got to meet Sarah's dad.

[powered-otaku.livejournal.com]

Glitches are to be expected. After all, even after having the first Intersect, I'm sure that Chuck's neural pathways are going to balk at all this new information. Also, I wouldn't be surprised if the pathways established from the first one aren't completely compatible.

I can imagine Casey's parents - either they're just like him or they're the complete opposites.

[nerdherdchuck.livejournal.com]

That's an interesting thought. I'm not sure the writers will go that route though. I've heard in the Comic Con panel that some of the issues with the new Intersect will be because the new one was built for Bryce so it won't quite be compatible for Chuck's brain. That and Chuck's emotions effect what the new Intersect does at times.

I think Casey's mom may be. I remember one episode where he calls her and says, "Mom, it's Johnny Boy..." Makes me think Casey's mom is a bit on the doting side. *lol*

[powered-otaku.livejournal.com]

Although, if they've come up with the fact that part of the problem will be neurological, it would only make sense that it could also be Chuck's own brain interferring. And his emotional state would always have an effect. After all, he's not like the others. He hasn't had a lot of practice controlling them.

[nerdherdchuck.livejournal.com]

Right. And while they've mentioned that the new Intersect was meant for Bryce, it seems the emotions thing is the issue, not so much the brain compatibility...at least, so far.

[powered-otaku.livejournal.com]

Well, if I'm not mistaken, isn't Chuck smarter than Bryce? Just that Bryce was a bit more compatible for the spy game?

[nerdherdchuck.livejournal.com]

I think Chuck is. I'm not sure if there's anything canon wise to say that's true though.

But yes, Bryce was more compatible for the spy game.

[powered-otaku.livejournal.com]

Oh, definitely, Bryce was a lot more compatible to the lifestyle. The fact that he could do what he did to Chuck proves it.

[nerdherdchuck.livejournal.com]

Exactly.

[powered-otaku.livejournal.com]

They keep going on about "No more, Mr. Nice Spy," in the commercials, but I don't think Chuck couldn't be cold like that. Or he'd only manage it for a mission. I can't see him being like that for a long time.

[nerdherdchuck.livejournal.com]

I think how they meant the "No More Mr. Nice Spy" is that Chuck can fight back now. (At least, sometimes, when the new Intersect works right.)

But I can't see Chuck being cold either. On a mission, sure, as part of a cover maybe, but not actually cold.

[powered-otaku.livejournal.com]

No, he's way too nice to ever be that cold.

[nerdherdchuck.livejournal.com]

Yeah and I don't see them changing his character that much.

[powered-otaku.livejournal.com]

Which is good. I like Chuck just the way he is.

So does Hiro.

[nerdherdchuck.livejournal.com]

Me too. :)

I admit, I haven't watched Heroes in awhile to see what they've done to Hiro though.

[powered-otaku.livejournal.com]

They just got the tumor out and he got to have a swordfight with Adam.

[nerdherdchuck.livejournal.com]

Awesome, they brought Adam back? I'm kinda surprised, since David is on 24.

[powered-otaku.livejournal.com]

Only for the episode. Hiro "killed" him this time.

[nerdherdchuck.livejournal.com]

Ah, I see. Still, good he was back at least once.

[powered-otaku.livejournal.com]

Oh yeah, it was great to see him.