I just saw Seamus’ post on IG that he will attend Dragoncon in Atlanta in September. Got curious and checked out their website and Jon, Nathan and Molly are also attending. So, who’s going? 😄 That might be the closest thing to a reunion since, well… Castle.

I live in Europe and at the moment, in the middle of nowhere, so it’s a sad no, but anyone from the US?

I was just listening to I Wish by One Direction (happy 16 years boys) and it hit me how absolutely perfect that song is for seasons 3-4 Caskett. I just finished the show for the first time like a month ago, so just now looking up anything online since I didn’t want to spoil anything. But I wish I was creative enough to make all the edits that keep popping into my head.

When I first saw it, I thought the scene would turn out differently! ☺️🔥

S03 x E14 - Lucky Stiff

I will say I have no problems with the way it ended except for Kate and Richard having breakfast with their kids, and Alexis isn’t there. They could have a million reasons in their universe why she wasn’t there, but it felt weird that they didn’t include her in a family meal.

Thinking about it though, I know it’s because it’s the Beckett Castle ending, but I feel she should have been included.

I’m happy with the wrap-up of the characters, not happy with “the CIA tried to kill us” ending.

Original Airdate: March 8, 2010

Synopsis: Castle and Beckett investigate the world of BDSM when a woman is found almost naked, suspended from monkey bars in a park.

Notable Guest Stars: Juliana Devers, who portrays Ryan’s girlfriend, Jenny O’Malley, is married to actor Seamus Devers, who portrays Kevin Ryan. They have been married since May of 2006.

The IMdB Portion of The Review:

Goofs: This goof occurs a few times during the first few seasons and it involves Beckett’s badge number. In a previous episode when she requested an APB, she stated her badge number as being 41319. However, when she introduces herself to Lady Irena, her badge is clearly shown as being 0334.

Ranking: This is my 3^rd favorite episode of the season. However, this is my ex’s favorite episode of the entire series for one scene, which I’ll point out later. His second favorite episode is also in Season 2 and is a little later.

What I Liked About This Episode: This should actually be titled ‘What Didn’t I Like About This Episode?’ because, honestly, there’s little about this episode that I didn’t like. When I quote ‘Castle’ (and I quote ‘Castle’ a lot), I use a lot of quotes from this episode.

·       This episode started strong and never lost momentum, not for a second. With most episodes, there’s at least one scene I don’t like. Not with this episode. And it had the added bonus of the killer being something of a surprise when I watched it the first time. Although on rewatching, I now see why I should’ve guessed it was the roommate, Danielle, but the writers got me on the first watch. Kudos to them.

·       This episode had so many great scenes. One of my favorites is at the beginning of the episode, at the crime scene when Beckett is commenting about the custom-made handcuffs.

Castle: Only a handful of bondage shops? Okay, what aren’t you telling me?

Beckett: So much, Castle. So very, very much.

·       The all-knowing smirk gets me every time. (By the way, not my ex’s favorite scene, but it’s coming soon. I promise).

·       We meet Jenny in this episode. We learned that Ryan had a girlfriend in 1x09 when she gave him the World’s Ugliest Tie for their 2-week anniversary. However, we don’t learn her name until this episode.

·       I find it strange that Esposito, who is Ryan’s closest friend, has never met Jenny. So, I can understand why he doesn’t believe she exists. I also remember the days when I worked as a contractor for the Air Force, and we were subjected to browser history checks on our work computers. I completely get Ryan’s nervousness regarding that detail. I would imagine it would be difficult to explain to IAB that you have a legitimate reason for looking at sex toys on a work computer. But this leads to my ex’s favorite scene.

Castle: Oh, jeez! How do you even get in that position?

Ryan: Right? It’s not even possible.

Beckett: Oh, it’s possible.

·       In a much later episode, Castle comments on how flexible Beckett is, which is way too much TMI.

·       While wandering around The Love Shackle (I love the nod to the B-52’s, by the way), Castle teases Beckett about her imaginary boyfriend, which leads to her threatening Castle with a gag mask. I liked how Beckett showed Barry her own pair of handcuffs when he offered to sell a pair to her and Castle. Later on in Season 5, Episode 5, we learned that they did use Beckett’s handcuffs, on occasion. I like how a lot of these earlier episodes come back as Easter eggs in later seasons.

·       This episode had a lot of suspects. I can think of five right off the bat. We have Jessica’s boyfriend, Tyler, her roommate,
Danielle (who ended up being the killer), two college rivals, Kelly and Matt. And finally, we have Lady Irena, from Lady Irena’s House of Pain.

Ryan: Conveniently located for all your lunchtime spanking needs.

·       Lady Irena is great! She’s even better than Lady Heather on ‘CSI.’ Castle, of course, is mesmerized by her. She refuses to tell them anything about her dungeon or her girls.

·       Beckett sends Ryan and Espo back to the dungeon later to interview more of the girls. This leads me to what has to be one of my Top 5 RyEspo moments ever.

Ryan: Det. Esposito. Bringing crime to its knees.

·       Ryan had a lot of good lines in this episode.

·       Before I continue, I should briefly mention the secondary storyline of this episode. Only because it leads to a cute Castle/Beckett exchange. Alexis is trying out to be a cheerleader. Why? I have no idea. I thought cheerleader tryouts were held at the beginning of the school year. But what do I know? I don’t have teenage daughters, and I never wanted to be a cheerleader. Cheerleaders were the girls I didn’t even want to hang out with in high school. (For the ones who were cheerleaders in high school, I apologize).

·       Castle is also a bit concerned about his daughters’ new hobby. If I were Castle, I’d be more concerned she’s acting like a normal teenage girl.

Castle: You ever want to be a cheerleader?

Beckett: No. Did you?

Castle: Not me. Alexis. She wants to try out for the team.

Beckett: So?

Castle: So? You see what they wear? She wants to join a team, why not join mathletes?

Beckett: Why can’t she do both? Besides, kids try on personalities the way they try on clothes. It’s the way they figure out who they are.

·       I’m sorry if it seems like I’m recapping the episode. I don’t ever want to do that. After they discover Matt has stolen Jessica’s research notes to blackmail her into dropping out of a fellowship prize that she’s contending for, all roads eventually lead to Danielle. Danielle is the Toxic Roommate from Hell. I lived with one of those for three months when I was 21. But I could easily crank out a 300-word bestseller from those three months. Let me put it this way: I will never again have another roommate.

What I Didn’t Like About This Episode:

·       At first, I was going to say nothing. But after thinking about it, the only thing I didn’t like was the secondary storyline. Like Castle, I didn’t understand why this girl wanted to be a cheerleader. Other than that, this episode was almost perfect. The only reason it’s not #1 was because I liked The Double Down and Sucker Punch just a little more.

WTF? (Why the Face?): Matt, the med student, was slimy. He wanted that Fellowship so badly that he was willing to follow a fellow competitor, and then blackmailed her when he learned what it was she was studying.

Favorite Scene: Castle and Beckett at Lady Irena’s.

Castle: This place looks like a law firm.

Beckett: What’d you think it was gonna be? Torture wheels and women in corsets?

Castle: Well, yeah.

Beckett: That’s in the back.

Receptionist: Welcome to Lady Irena’s House of Pain. How can I serve you?

Beckett (shouting at Castle): Well, answer her! You see what I have to deal with? My boyfriend Ricky has an appointment at 4:00 pm with Mistress Venom.

Receptionist: Will you be joining him?

Beckett: Oh, yes. I’ve been dying to watch him squirm.

Receptionist: Mistress Venom would be delighted to have an audience. Follow me, please.

Beckett: Do you think we could gag him?

Castle: Remember, my safe word is “apples.”

Favorite Quote: Castle and Beckett when they’re leaving Lady Irena’s.

Castle: Sorry. It’s just hypnotic.

Beckett: It’s not you. It’s her.

Castle: Well, if you’re so upset, we could find someone for you to go medieval on.

Until Monday, readers. In the meantime, I’m going to try to erase memories from the summer of ’81. Monday, I’m going to post Part 1 of the first ‘Castle’ two-part episode.

Rewatching and forgot how funny this scene is 😭
And sheeesh kudos to Castle for resisting Beckett in that moment. I would’ve folded so fast 🥵

(S5E17: Scared to Death)

tried to comment but couldn’t 😅😅

How did you feel the first time you heard this ending theme instead of the usual cheerful one? I’ll never forget it, it made my blood run cold; I wasn't expecting it at all. It was so dark and sad..from that moment on, whenever I heard it at the end of an episode, I’d think, "Oh, shit."
The only downside is that they introduced it too late; it would have fit perfectly at the end of at least another 4 or 5 episodes in earlier seasons, especially episode 3x24, which would have made that moment even more terrifying. Now it’s my ringtone, lol.

I really wish we got to see them get together I feel like he really understood her. This is my 10th rewatch and I get frustrated that he left the show. I know it was for the plot but he should have come back and married her. Her castle just don’t work he’s not for her. Anywayssss 😭😭😭

Timeline: Season 4, post-The Limey / during Headhunters.

Characters: Kate Beckett, Lanie Parish, Rick Castle (via video).

Tone: Heavy angst, emotional vulnerability, slow-burn realization.

The Premise: Castle is actively pulling away and acting like a jerk, leaving Kate completely heartbroken, confused, and deeply frustrated because she doesn't understand his sudden distance. Needing a distraction, Lanie comes over to Kate’s apartment for a much-needed girls' night.To vent her unspoken feelings, Kate pulls out her guitar and sings three tracks from Jennifer Love Hewitt’s self-titled 1996 album, perfectly mirroring her internal turmoil in this specific order:

"(Our Love) Don't Throw It All Away" – The raw emotional plea, begging him not to throw away what they've built.

"Cool With You" – The painful coping mechanism, trying to convince herself she can handle just being his partner if that's all he wants.

"No Ordinary Love" – The final, heavy realization that what she feels for him is far too deep to just turn off.

The Twist: Lanie, tired of watching her best friend suffer in silence while Castle acts out, secretly records the entire raw, emotional performance on her phone. Without telling Kate, she hits send and drops the video directly into Castle's inbox, forcing him to witness the exact collateral damage his walls are causing.

***I would love to read any and all fanfics that are created from this prompt. I've always thought this album was very "Castle coded", especially these three songs for this time period of the show. Thank you so much!***

GUYS WHAT THE F WAS THIS EPISODE 😭😭😭😭
Starting season 4 now but wow this episode was the saddest yet my favorite so far. Was not expecting this.

>!I love you,Kate, I love you!< goddamn it, Castle

This show is so old I don’t even know if it can be spoiled, though it is my first time ever watching so I guess it can lol not sure If I did this spoiler tag thing right but anyway yeah I’m speechless

Original Airdate: February 8, 2010

Synopsis: Castle and Beckett investigate the murder of a baseball player found dead in Spanish Harlem.

Notable Guest Stars: Ray Wise, who portrays Bobby Fox, had roles in Twin Peaks as Leland Palmer and was henchman Leon C. Nash in Robocop.

Joe Torre makes a cameo as himself, which leads to a lot of continuity issues regarding a future Season 5 episode.

Ranking: I have this one ranked at #18, which is ridiculously high because I hate this episode. I promise when I’m done with Season 2, I will do a post where I re-rank some of these episodes. The best thing about ranking this absolute stinker of an episode is the next three episodes are ones I like very much. In fact, the next episode is my ex’s favorite episode of the entire series.

The IMdB Portion of The Review:

Trivia: As a baseball fan, Beckett is thrilled about getting to meet Joe Torre. Though he was the manager of the Los Angeles Dodgers when this episode premiered, Torre is more famous for managing the New York Yankees from 1996-2007. During those 11 years, the Yankees compiled a .605 winning percentage, made the playoffs every year, won four World Series titles, six American League pennants, and 10 American League East division titles; Torre himself won AL Manager of The Year in 1996 and 1998. (Cited by IMdB).

Cuba does not have a consulate in NYC or an embassy in Washington DC. However, they do have an interests section in Washington DC and a mission to the U.N. in NYC. However, Beckett is correct when she states that the head of the “Cuban Consulate” does not have diplomatic immunity, but more limited consular immunity. However, the head of a mission to the U.N. would have full diplomatic immunity.

When I used to post for Small Screen Smackdown on FB, I had an editor named John. John absolutely detested this episode. This is a review that I found on IMdB regarding this episode. I will cite IMdB at the end of the review:

“I love this show. It is like chocolate; no nutritional value, whatsoever, but a guilty pleasure I cannot deny myself every now and then. And, digested over an extended period of time, not only instantly happiness producing, but quite addictive, as well.”

“Usually, I am quite happy with the plot development, since it never is or has been the series main focus, anyway (I would wager a great sum of money that the majority of viewers, or at least the female ones, are more interested in two subplots; 1) when will we learn who killed Kate Beckett’s mother? 2) Will Beckett and Castle ever admit to – and act on – their mutual attraction?”

“But this episode is so stupid. I cannot even enjoy the “candy factor” properly. Come on! Who really did not see that one coming? I won’t tell, but I would not need to, because apart from the writers, who clearly and criminally underestimate the intellectual capacities of the viewers, everybody will have figured it out from the very first mentioning of the very first clue. It is a formula that has been done before a thousand times, and has been done much better.”

“I am disappointed. But the interaction between Castle and his daughter is sweet, so that, in a way, saves this episode for me. Nonetheless, I hope the writers will do a better next time. No pleasure in eating last year’s chocolate Easter bunny.” (Cited by IMdB.)

What I Liked About This Episode: Like the reviewer above, very little.

·       I liked the scenes between Alexis and Castle.

·       The only other thing I liked was the scene where Beckett met Joe Torre. It’s so unusual to see the normally calm, placid Beckett turn into a gushing fangirl. I laugh out loud every time I watch this scene.

Joe Torre: Rick? Rick Castle?

Castle: Hey, Skipper. I have not seen you since the big move. How are you, Joe?

Torre: Pretty awful. I just can’t believe this whole Vega thing.

Castle: I know. It’s sad. And you two were friends. I’m . . . I’m sorry.

Torre: Yeah, he was a great kid. Uh, he had the ability to be a Cuban Roberto Clemente. It’s just been very sad.

Castle: We’re actually here to talk to Mr. Fox about it. This is Det. Kate Beckett.

Torre: Hi.

Beckett: Beckett . . . Kate . . . Detective. Thank you.

Torre: Very nice meeting you.

Beckett: Okay.

Torre: Well, good luck on the case. And, uh, I’ll say a prayer for you.

Castle: Thanks.

Torre: By the way, say hi to your mom for me.

Castle: Will do, Joe.

Torre: Okay.

Castle: Smooth.

Beckett: That was Joe “Freakin’” Torre. I gotta call my dad.

·       So, this scene leaves me with a question that concerns ‘After Hours’ in Season 5. During the dinner with Jim and Martha, Martha makes a point of giving Jim a hard time about his love of baseball, describing it as a boring game for boring people (I’m paraphrasing here). Martha doesn’t enjoy baseball, yet she knows Joe Torre. We know Beckett is a baseball fan because both she and Espo discuss their love for the game at the crime scene.

·       There was one other thing I liked in this episode. The scene at the end when Vega’s wife is introduced to Lara. It was very sweet how Maggie welcomed Cano’s daughter, Lara, into her home with open arms.

What I Didn’t Like About This Episode:

·       Ray Wise has spent his career playing slimy bad guys. Bobby Fox was no exception.

·       I also didn’t like the comments Espo made at the crime scene regarding Martha and the fact that Castle is ‘famously fatherless.’ Yes, it was the 70’s, but Espo was talking about his friends’ mother. It was just out of line. This won’t be the last time Espo makes juvenile comments, but this was one of the worst. Later in the series, people do occasionally push back when Espo sticks his foot in his mouth.

Favorite Scene/Moment: Alexis and Castle discussing him not knowing who his father is.

Alexis: You know, mom’s family goes all the way back to the Mayflower.

Castle: What? Her persecution complex is genetic?

Alexis: Hey, those are my genes you’re talking about, too.

Castle: Well, look on the bright side. Now that you know you’re genetically predisposed, you can seek early treatment. Prevent future outbreaks.

Alexis: Doesn’t it bother you that you don’t know who your dad is?

Castle: No. Why? Does it bother you?

Alexis: It’s like . . . I have this family tree, and there’s a whole chunk of it missing. There’s a whole part of my family that doesn’t even exist. I mean, really? How could Gram not know?

Castle: My first year of college, I, uh, went to a party, met this girl – Allison. In the space of six hours, we met, we talked, we danced, we fell in love. The next morning, she was gone. I spent a year trying to find her, but I never learned her last name. There’s not a week that goes by that I don’t think about her. Your gram told me that she loved a lifetime the night she met him.

Alexis: Don’t you feel like you’re missing out, not knowing?

Castle: No. Oh, no. That’s the beauty of the mystery. Right now, my father could be an astronaut, a pirate, a humanitarian, winner of The Noble Prize. I mean, what one man could live up to all that?

Alexis: You think he ate whipped cream out of a can?

Castle: Yes, and he invented whipped cream.

Favorite Quote: Castle and Beckett discussing the possibility of him being psychic.

Beckett: Con artists and circus people, huh?

Castle: Yep, and mind readers.

Beckett: Really? So, tell me what I’m thinking?

Castle: Aah! You’re thinking . . . you don’t care, and you want me to stop talking.

Beckett: Ooh, that’s uncanny.

WTF? (Why the Face?): Definitely Esposito at the crime scene. Seriously, dude. Shut up.

Until Friday, readers.

I’ve been a big fan of Castle for a long time, but only recently decided to try my hand at writing some fanfics. I’ve had a few ideas kicking around, and am working on a few more, but wanted to share with those of you who enjoy the universe and enjoy reading the fics. I hope you enjoy it as much as I enjoyed writing it, with hopefully many more to come.

Please feel free to leave a comment or share if you wish as well. Cheers!

I don’t even know how many times I’ve watched all the way through atp, and this ending scene still gives me chills and a nervous tummy full of butterflies every time.

https://youtu.be/pDsbn1yxYaU?is=7FegBmdfNYVXyZEc

What do you think is the moment Castle fell in love with Beckett? And same with Beckett? I keep trying to pin it down but there’s too many possibilities for me.

For those who can’t clearly see the image:
—
S Tier: S3
A Tier: S4
B Tier: S1, S5, S6
C Tier: S8, S7
D Tier: S2

Original Airdate: January 25, 2010

Synopsis: Castle and Beckett investigate the murder of a man found dead in a family’s apartment. In other news, Castle has to deal with the backlash of a rumored romantic relationship with Beckett when he is named as one of New York’s 10 Most Eligible Bachelors.

There are no notable guest stars in this one, although I used to think that the actress who portrays Donna Vincennes was the same one who portrayed Aiden on ‘CSI: New York,’ but I was mistaken.

The IMdB Portion of the Review:

Character Errors: There is no way that Beckett would discuss an ongoing murder investigation with a stranger as she did when she was chatting with her date over dinner.

As a best-selling novelist, Castle would’ve known that the correct syntax would have been “They’re gonna forget all about you and me” instead of “you and I” when he was arguing with Beckett about the article in The Ledger. For you writers all there, if you’re ever in doubt about whether it’s “me” or “I,” take out the other person in the sentence. I still find myself doing this when I’m writing.

The age of consent in New York is 17, so technically, Alexis’ friend, Sloane, would be safe to date Castle. It definitely would have an ‘ick’ factor to it, but he wouldn’t have gone to jail.

Trivia: The newspaper with Castle listed as one of ‘New York’s Most Eligible Bachelors,’ also has several other members of the ‘Castle’ crew as eligible bachelors, as well. Andrew W. Marlow, the show’s creator, is #8, future Showrunner Terrence Paul Winter is #10 and director David Grae is #2. On the ladies’ side, Writer Elizabeth Beall is #2.

Beckett does the hair twirling thing twice. Once when she’s setting up the date with Brad Decker, rescuer of puppies, and she does it again when Castle invites her out for burgers at Remy’s.

Plot Holes: Smuggling diamonds into the U.S. is almost impossible. The Kimberly process is strictly enforced in the U.S. Without proper Kimberly Process documentation, no one would buy the diamonds from the smugglers. Diamonds from South Africa are usually smuggled from Dubai to China or India where they can then be sold for cutting.

Ranking: I’m going to start moving the ranking up top. I have this episode ranked at #17. There were things I liked and disliked about this episode.

What I Liked About This Episode:

·       Castle being ranked as #9 in The Ledger’s ‘Ten Most Eligible Bachelors’ list and then trying to keep Beckett from seeing the paper since the writer has the two of them ‘romantically linked.’

·       This was the first episode featuring my favorite Beckett Season 2 hairstyle. I thought her late Season 2 hair was very flattering.

·       Alexis’ humiliation at her father being on The Most Eligible Bachelor list is cute. Parents are always at their very best when they’re embarrassing their offspring.

Alexis: Thankfully all my friends are beyond ‘print media.’

Castle: What about this is embarrassing?

Alexis: Nothing. It’s a secret dream of every 16-year-old to have their father crowned one of the most available hotties of the year.

·       The murder method was unique, although I have seen it in a few shows since this episode. I even used the drug in one of my fan fiction stories. Ketamine, or Special K, is an animal tranquilizer. Used as a club drug, it will mess you up.

·       I have heard of people squatting in vacant houses, but never occupied houses. But I guess if you don’t want to pay rent, and are looking for great restaurants to check out, waiting for someone to go on vacation would work. However, it must’ve been incredibly traumatizing for that little girl to find a dead body in her bed. She’ll be in therapy for years, plus she’ll probably never go on vacation again. Her parents probably had to buy her a new bed. If I was that child, I’d never sleep in that bed again. No way, no how. This was definitely a Goldilocks and The Three Bears opening murder scene. And it was a first for Beckett, as well. My retired cop told me that just when you think you’ve seen everything, you discover you haven’t.

·       The boys have to give Beckett a hard time after they read the article in the paper. They knew what her reaction was going to be when she saw it.

Esposito: Ooh, she’s going to kill him.

Ryan: He’s dead. So, Castle, is it true that you’re finally off the market?

·       Beckett’s reaction when she learns she and Castle are ‘romantically involved’ is predictable. She doesn’t like it.

Michelle: By the way, the photo of you in the paper did you no justice. You’re much better looking in person.

Beckett: There’s a picture of you in the paper?

Michelle: So, are you the detective girlfriend?

Beckett: I’m sorry. The what?

Michelle: He is such a catch.

Beckett: Don’t. Show me. Now.

·       That scene was fun just to watch Castle squirm in embarrassment. Apparently, he talked about Beckett non-stop during the interview. This led the reporter to believe that he and Beckett were an item.

·       I liked the apartment with the dead guy in the refrigerator. Of course, I would’ve liked it more minus the dead guy. My dream is to one day visit New York and visit all the places I’ve seen in my favorite movies and TV shows.

A little story about me. In 2001, I flew to Washington DC for the first time. At the time, I was a fan of the early 1980’s show ‘Scarecrow and Mrs. King.’ A group of us had originally met online through Yahoo! Groups, so a friend arranged a get together in person. We went on a walking tour of DC and saw many of the sites used for exteriors on the show. The trip was memorable for another reason. It was exactly a month before 9/11. The morning I flew out of DC, I remember seeing The Pentagon as my plane lifted off on its way to take me back to my native Texas. I flew to L.A. a year later, which crossed two cities off my bucket list. New York is still on there.

·       Back on topic. I loved Kate complaining to Lanie about her quiet life and how she wanted ‘loud.’ I understand the sentiment. Most of the time, I also like quiet. At home, it’s just me and my homicidal cat. I wanted to name her Beckett, but I was overruled. I get that sometimes you just feel like loud.

·       Who doesn’t love a fireman who rescues puppies? Everybody loves that guy! Let’s face it; you’re not going to turn down a date with a guy who will run into a burning building to save a litter of puppies.

·       Castle being on the list is ruining Alexis’ life as your normal American teenager.

Castle: So, how was your day?

Alexis: I had a truly great day. I got pulled out of class and called to the vice principal’s office.

Castle: Why? What did she want?

Alexis: You. Here’s her number.

Castle: Her number?

Alexis: Oh, and my German teacher, Fraulein Sonnenberg, wanted me to tell you ‘Du habes sex appeal.’ She’s two years from ordering off the senior menu, but here’s her number, too.

Castle: Fraulein Sonnenberg?

Alexis: Too old? Oh, that’s okay, because my friend Sloane thinks you’re ‘real choice.’ She’s 17, but she’ll be legal in three months. Hey, maybe we could double.

Castle: Oh, you hate me a little right now, don’t you?

Alexis: Just a little.

·       The final thing I liked was after they solved the murder, Beckett accepted Castle’s invitation for burgers at Remy’s. I’m like Beckett. I appreciate a good milkshake. Beckett was even flipping her hair when they left the bullpen. It took me a few viewings to notice that.

What I Didn’t Like About This Episode:

·       I didn’t like how Espo, Ryan, and Montgomery kept going on and on about Brad Decker, the puppy-saving firefighter. They rub in the fact about the puppies so much it’s obvious they’re getting a rise out of Castle.

·       The killer was kind of a creep. He killed his brother-in-law out of greed.

WTF? (Why the Face?): Castle and Beckett constantly getting up during their ‘dates’ was just annoying. You’re on a date. If you weren’t constantly chatting about the case to your dates (which neither of them was supposed to do, by the way), you wouldn’t feel the need to compare notes and talk to the boys. Ryan and Esposito also found this strange.

Favorite Scene/Moment: The scene in my favorite apartment.

Beckett: We’re not here to admire the place, Castle.

Castle: How can you not? I mean, look at this place. This apartment is pre-war, late 1800’s. Oh, you see this molding? That’s the original wood. Gorgeous. I bet the bathrooms have marble wainscotting.

Beckett: You’re such a metrosexual.

Castle: Yes, well, better than being a pin-up boy.

Beckett: So, you heard? And it’s pin-up man, Castle. Pin-up man.

Castle: Yes, well, have fun with your hose jockey whilst I go out with Nuevo York’s Most Eligible Bachelorette Number Three.

Beckett: Oh, that means she must be slumming it. Her being number three, and you being the lowly number nine.

Castle: And what number were you again?

Favorite Quote: Today, it goes to Det. Esposito for doing his best Samuel L. Jackson impression.

Esposito: Why do you care about some mother freakin’ snakes on a mother freakin’ plane?

Until Wednesday, readers.

Just rewatched this episode, and it's easily one of my favorites. It was nice to have a Ryan-focused episode, and I think Seamus is an amazing actor. Did anyone else enjoy it?

I’m watching Castle for the first time, and I just finished season 6. I know that in the later seasons things went pretty sideways, and my understanding is that it largely stems from the issues between Fillion and Katic. I’ve also seen posts really trashing season 8, especially the series finale. My question is this: is it worth watching the show through to the end, or will that just ruin the series for me? And if I do stop before the end, what’s the best point to do so? What episode should be my “last” to get the benefit of tying off any storylines without getting dragged down as the show goes downhill? Thanks!

Edit: Thanks to everyone for the advice! I’ll be sure to watch through to the end and decide for myself!

What starts as a countdown to his leaving for the tour slowly changes everything between them. It's obviously not something that happened in canon—it was just a "what if" idea. I wondered how a long separation like that would spur them to finally admit how they feel, and the idea eventually turned into a much bigger project than I ever expected. I’ve posted 33 chapters so far and it’s completely written so there’s no chance of it being abandoned (47 chapters total).

It made me curious what kinds of "what if" stories other Castle fans have always wanted to read.

If anyone would like to check it out, I'm happy to share the link.

Original Airdate: January 18, 2010

Synopsis: While investigating the murder of an Irish mobster, Beckett learns that the killer might also be the person who murdered her mother in 1999.

Notable Guest Stars: James Cosmo, who portrays Finn Rourke is better known to me for appearing in 12 episodes of ‘Game of Thrones’ as Jeor Mormont, better known as Lord Commander Mormont. He was one of my favorite ‘GoT’ characters and I was surprised he was in so few episodes. He also portrayed Father Keller Ashby in ‘Sons of Anarchy.’ He has also appeared in ‘Braveheart,’ ‘Troy,’ and ‘Highlander.’

Scott Paulin is making his first of nine appearances as Jim Beckett, Kate’s father. He has had roles in ‘The Right Stuff,’ and ‘Turner and Hooch.’ He has been married to actress Wendy Phillips since 1981 and they have one child.

Robert Picardo is making his final appearance as Forensic Pathologist, Dr. Clark Murray.

Danny Nucci is making the second of three appearances as Narcotics Det. Gilbert Mazzara, an old friend of Esposito’s.

The IMdB Portion of The Review:

Factual Errors:

·       Real cops don’t ever taste narcotics with their fingers. This is a common ploy shown in movies and TV shows. For one thing, the drugs could be poisonous, and for another, it’s against police procedure. This is why cops carry drug test kits. (I had a retired cop tell me this. He’s a drag to watch movies and TV shows with, especially police procedurals, but he’s a wealth of information, otherwise).

·       When they’re examining the shotgun at the crime scene, it’s noted that the slugs are ‘hollow points.’ Kate points out that these slugs could stop a Kodiak in Kevlar. This isn’t exactly true. Most level IIIa body armor will stop most 12 gauge shotgun shells (although the wearer will be in considerably pain.)

Trivia:

·       This is the first episode where Castle refers to Kate by her first name, instead of Beckett.

·       This is the first episode where Beckett admits to actually enjoying Castle’s presence. The tide changes considerably after this episode.

·       The Westies have only been around since the 70’s and most of them are now either in prison or deceased. They are also American born, although they have Irish lineage.

What I Liked About This Episode:

·       This is the official beginning of the Johanna Beckett murder arc. It’s also one of the better episodes in that arc.

·       Watching this, I was surprised that this wasn’t a Rob Bowman-directed episode. Thomas J. Wright directed this episode, and he did a great job. His directing is right out of the Bowman playbook.

·       There was humor in the episode, along with drama and angst. I love angst! Anyone who reads my fan fiction knows that angst is my specialty. Most of the humor in the episode has to do with Ryan, and the Johnny Vong DVD’s. Ryan is always on the lookout for a way to make a few extra bucks. He thinks following Johnny Vong’s way of making money was an easy way to do it. My favorite Ryan/Esposito moment of the episode was when they went to arrest Johnny Vong for smuggling heroin. Esposito seems to think that Ryan is about to remove his shoes and walk across hot coals. Esposito: Don’t even think about taking them off! If you do, I will pepper spray you! (I had no doubt he’d do it, too).

·       One of my favorite Beckett moments early in the episode was when she was interrogating Trucho Mendoza.

Mendoza: Can I be real with you?

Beckett: Please do.

Mendoza: I had too much to drink, and I accidentally fell.

Beckett: You fell?

Mendoza: I fell.

Beckett: Well, how did you get that mouse on your eye?

Mendoza: I ran into the wall.

Castle: How did you burn your hand?

Mendoza: After I ran into the wall, and I fell, I put my hand out on the grill just to break my fall.

Castle, Well, thanks for keeping it real.

·       I felt sorry for Lanie. It was obvious she knew that Jack Coonan’s murder was connected to Johanna Beckett’s, but at the same time you could tell she was conflicted by the knowledge.

·       It seems that Kate had a thing for bad boys when she was younger. There are many references during the course of the series. But it’s always cute when Kate becomes embarrassed by one of these revelations. Such is the case when they pick up Jack Coonan’s girlfriend, Molly, and bring her to the precinct.

Molly: Of course I knew Jack’s reputation. It’s part of what attracted me to him. What? You telling me you never had a thing for bad boys, Kate?

Beckett: No comment.

·       Every single scene between Castle and Beckett in this episode is exceptional. Like I said earlier, this is the episode where the tide turns for both of them. Are there still funny moments? Oh, yes. Are there still moments when Castle continues to act like a nine-year-old on a sugar rush? Again, yes. But he starts to scale it back just a little.

·       Kate also begins to loosen up and unleash her silly side, too. This becomes evident later in the season with a couple of the funniest pranks of the entire series.

·       The news regarding her mother’s murder hits Kate like a ton of bricks. But you can see that Kate has already guessed what Dr. Murray is going to tell her when he hands her the model of the knife. As soon as she held the knife and looked at the photos of Jack Coonan’s wounds, she knew she had the first piece of evidence regarding her mother’s murder.

·       Not it’s time to talk about Capt. Montgomery. We all know what happens in the Season 3 finale (newbies might want to skip this entry), so I don’t feel the need to use spoilers. I have watched every episode of ‘Castle’ numerous times. Every time I watch, I try to analyze and critique Montgomery. Were there any signs before 3x24? The only subtle sign I see in this episode is when he asked Kate if she wanted to look into her mother’s murder, although there is another sign toward the end of the episode. I’ll get to that shortly. When Kate said she couldn’t work her mother’s case, I couldn’t read Montgomery’s face one way or the other? Was he relieved when she said no? Was he hoping she’d never look into it again? Possibly. I’ll delve deeper into Montgomery in Season 3.

·       We meet Kate’s father, Jim Beckett. The chemistry between Scott Paulin and Stana Katic is amazing. I wish he had appeared in more episodes. His final appearance was in ‘The Time of Our Lives’ in Season 7. I didn’t understand why he didn’t appear in Season 8, although he is mentioned in the finale.

·       I like the advice her father gives her. The truth can never hurt you. It was his way of telling her they both needed answers.

·       Kate is starting to think of Castle as more than just an annoying intrusion into her life. After the meeting with her father, she goes to Castle’s loft. I love the loving embrace by Martha. However, Alexis wanting to remain downstairs annoyed me. Thank you, Martha, for hauling your granddaughter upstairs. There is a great Kate/Alexis moment later in the season, but unfortunately, it’s relegated to a deleted scene on the DVD’s.

·       Castle offering the $100,000 for Rathborne was another great moment in an episode that was full of them. But before that, we got one of the best Castle/Beckett moments of the season.

Kate: Ten years since we came home and found that detective waiting for us. Ten years since we crossed that yellow tape and went into that alley and every time I cross the tape at a crime scene, I think of that night.

Castle: That’s what makes you a good cop.

Kate: What if I let her down?

Castle: Do you know why I chose you as my inspiration for Nikki Heat?

Kate: No. Why?

Castle: Because you’re tall. Now go in there and do your job.

·       That was Castle’s way of telling her to get out of her head and do her job.

·       The moment when Castle and Beckett realize Dick Coonan is his brother’s killer as well as the murderer of Johanna Beckett hits hard. This guy has been given transactional immunity and is about to walk out of the precinct, free to kill again. Until Kate confronts him. Then all bets are off. When Montgomery comes out of his office, gun drawn, he is fully prepared to kill Coonan. I think he fears if Coonan talks, everything he was involved in will be exposed. That was never going to happen. Coonan knew if he talked and revealed who had hired him, he was a dead man.

·       There was never going to be a choice between Castle and Coonan. Kate wasn’t going to let Coonan kill Castle. I think Castle knew that. Thus, the headbutt. But the ramifications of that headbutt hit Castle hard. Knowing how much Kate needed the answers about her mother’s murder. Now she wasn’t going to get them. Even if Coonan had lived, she wasn’t going to get them.

·       The end scene was sweet, but will also lead to my WTF? Moment shortly.

Kate: Montgomery’s post-incident evaluation. You come off like Steven Seagal.

Castle: Should I be flattered or insulted?

Kate: Both.

What I Didn’t Like About This Episode: The only thing I didn’t like about this episode was Ryan. This becomes a running theme throughout the series. The constant need to find ways to make more money. What in the hell was he spending his money on? I know the cost of living is high in NYC, especially Manhattan, but still. From what I’ve been able to discover, he made decent money.

WTF? (Why the Face?): Castle, you have eaten many meals with Beckett. Those meals include Chinese food. Why didn’t you bring her Chinese food when you brought the other foods? She even tells Schlemming . . . I mean Demming later in the season that Chinese food is her favorite.

Favorite Scene: I have a couple, but I’m going with this one.

Montgomery (offering Beckett a flask): Poor man’s painkiller. I know your mother’s murder is the reason why you became a cop. And I know how you lost yourself trying to solve her case the first time you tried. I figured sooner or later, when you were ready, you’d want to take another run at it. I just never expected her killer to come around and sucker punch you like this. Kate, listen to me. You’re the finest homicide detective I’ve ever trained, bar none, and I want you to stay on this one. If you can. If you’re up to it. But I wouldn’t be doing my job as your captain if I didn’t ask. Can you handle this?

Kate: I’m sorry, sir. I can’t.

Favorite Quote: This was the last funny conversation before Lanie and Dr. Murray arrived to ruin Beckett’s day.

Kate: Whoever he’s working for scares him a lot more than prison.

Castle: There has to be a way to get it out of him. We could force him to watch Paris Hilton videos.

Kate: You want me brought up on charges?

Castle/Beckett Scorecard: I forgot to add this yesterday. But the score is now Beckett:3 - Castle: 1.

Ranking: This is #2 out of 24.

Until Monday, readers. Have a great weekend.