Chuck Versus the Masquerade
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Episode 16
- "Felicia" by The Constellations
- "Love Insurance" by Mike James Kirkland
- "Immunize" by Pendulum and Liam Howlett
- "Send Me On My Way" by Rusted Root
- "Crinan Wood" by Alexi Murdoch
- "No Time for Dreams" by Last Days of April[1]
| "Chuck Versus the Masquerade" | |
|---|---|
| Chuck episode | |
 Chuck and Vivian | |
| Episode no. | Season 4 Episode 16 |
| Directed by | Patrick Norris |
| Written by | |
| Featured music |
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| Production code | 3X6316 |
| Original air date | February 21, 2011 |
| Guest appearances | |
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"Chuck Versus the Masquerade" is the sixteenth episode of the fourth season of Chuck. Although taking place on and around Valentine's Day, the episode actually aired originally on February 21, 2011, one week later. Valentine's Day is ruined when the team is dispatched to protect heiress Vivian McArthur (Lauren Cohan). John Casey is tempted by an offer from National Clandestine Service Director Jane Bentley (Robin Givens), and Morgan Grimes makes a big decision.
Former Volkoff Industries operative Boris Kaminsky embarks on a quest to find a key that unlocks a crucial part of Alexei Volkoff’s office, giving him control over the organization. He murders two of Volkoff’s former lieutenants in pursuit of this key. Kaminsky eventually tracks down the last remaining lieutenant, who claims to know the key's location. Although Kaminsky spares him, the lieutenant is later found dead by the CIA, raising concerns about Kaminsky's lethal determination.
Meanwhile, Chuck Bartowski and Morgan Grimes' Valentine's Day evening with their girlfriends is interrupted with a new mission from General Beckman. They are tasked with protecting Vivian McArthur, Alexei Volkoff’s potential successor, who is in danger from Boris Kaminsky. The team travels to England to apprehend Vivian and keep her safe from Kaminsky’s deadly pursuit. They learn Vivian is Volkoff's daughter, who has been kept in the dark about her father's dangerous exploits, to which Chuck can relate.
Sarah poses as a decoy for Vivian while Casey kills Kaminsky's mooks, while Vivian is confronted by Klaminsky himself. Klaminsky repeatedly asks Vivian for a "key" her father left her, which she knows nothing about. She ends up shooting him dead after he insults her. During the debriefing, Vivian comes to realize the "key" Boris was looking for is actually the pendant on her necklace, a gift from Alexei. She goes to her father's now-abandoned office, and finds a horse statue with a hold the pendant fits in, unlocking a hidden door.
Meanwhile, Morgan feels depressed as the "third wheel" in Chuck and Sarah's relationship, and considers moving out. Ellie and Devon can't sleep with Clara's crying. They find a recording by Jeffster that can calm her down, but they grow tired of the song after a while. Both subplots are resolved with Morgan donating his Han Solo and Chewbacca action figures to Clara's new nursery.
Production
It was announced in February 2011 that the episode would mark the first appearance of Lauren Cohan and Robin Givens in their recurring roles of Vivian McArthur and Jane Bentley, respectively.[2] It was originally to be titled as "Chuck Versus the First Mate". When Morgan looks through his old stuff before moving out, one of the earliest promotional photographs, released prior to the pilot episode, is seen, depicting Chuck and Morgan.
Continuity
- Clara Woodcomb is stated to be three months old.[3] However, if the date of the episode is Valentine's Day, this would have placed her birth near the events of "Chuck Versus the Leftovers".
- Clara seems to like the same music as her father; Devon mentions in "Chuck Versus the Push Mix" that his favorite band is Rusted Root.
Flashes
- Chuck flashes on gymnastics to unhorse two of Kaminsky's men.
Cultural references
- Chuck plans to watch Love Actually.[1]
- Chuck and Vivian both compare the masquerade to Eyes Wide Shut.
- Chuck directly quotes and cites Vivian Ward (Julia Roberts) in Pretty Woman.[1]
- Morgan uses Han Solo and Chewbacca toys as a metaphor for his friendship with Chuck.[4]
- The scene where Morgan gives his toys to Ellie for Clara's room alludes to Toy Story 3.[4]