Chuck: Bryce is a Tool

The ebb and flow of the relationship between central characters in a show is always a tightrope (the lessons of Moonlighting, among other shows,) so Chuck had a minor dilemma to sort out going into this episode. With Chuck and Sarah getting so chummy, how do you split them up in a way that the sexual tension can remain intact? The fix of choice for Schwartz and co. appears to be the method we'll just call BBB (Bring Back Bryce). Having actor Matthew Bomer a willing participant as the recurring relationship adjustment tool is a nice safety net for the show. Things getting a little too close between our favorite Geek and Spy couple? BBB! It's foolproof as long as they don't overdo it.

"Chuck Vs the Breakup" was another strong episode, even recognizing the Bryce methodology, and the season continues on a roll utilizing the second season formula. This week's baddie was played by former NY Giant great, Michael Strahan, who, in a minor twist, was a Best Buy Baddie (oh no... do I have two BBB acronyms now?) as Morgan's nemesis, mirroring Chuck's difficulties with Bryce.

The moments which betrayed both Chuck's and Sarah's feelings for each other was scored to The National's "Fake Empire," but it was the breakup scene that provided the best music moment. Bon Iver's "Skinny Love," a song explicitly about a break up, served as the perfect nearly sob-worthy scene where Chuck tells Sarah that they have no future. The song is cut to start with the specific lyrics "I tell my love to wreck it all, cut out all the ropes and let me fall," making it the fit the scene even more.

Meanwhile, where's your Huey Lewis at?

Playlist: Chuck - Episode 2.03
1. "Fake Empire" - The National
2. Latin big band song, Sarah and Bryce dance to
3. Morricone-like score
4. "Barracuda" - Heart
5. "Skinny Love" - Bon Iver

Previously: My Favorite Ass Man (Episode 2.02)