Beckett’s answer: I could understand her saying no in order to DEFER her answer, because she’s so emotionally stilted and selfish (Castle’s flawed too; aren’t we all?), but none of the “experts” reasons fit. Castle proposing may have been the ONLY thing to force Beckett to look beyond just herself, for a change, and consider what Capt. Montgomery said to her in the S3 finale: “We don’t owe them our lives.”
Favorite scene: Beckett talking about her “home” to the suspect. Right then I knew she wasn’t taking the job. Best advice: Martha. I like when she’s flighty, but I love when she’s the voice of reason and practicality. Job offer: See above (no). If she takes it, the show becomes “24.” I’ve seen that already. Proposal: Why not? He’s loved her for TWO YEARS, and if Beckett’s honest with herself, she has loved him since she broke up with Demming. Exactly how much time is the right time? ARE WE WATCHING THE SAME SHOW? Ranking the finale: I agree with Lisa (it’s hard) and with Christine (nothing tops ”Always” -- maybe the best EPISODE of the show, period. Beckett’s answer: I could understand her saying no in order to DEFER her answer, because she’s so emotionally stilted and selfish (Castle’s flawed too; aren’t we all?), but none of the “experts” reasons fit. Castle proposing may have been the ONLY thing to force Beckett to look beyond just herself, for a change, and consider what Capt. Montgomery said to her in the S3 finale: “We don’t owe them our lives.”
If there was a way for me to more vigorously disagree with Josie Leeds' rebuke of the writers, I would do so. I think the "Castle" writers rose to perhaps the biggest challenge a show like this could face: once the sexual tension is resolved, how do you keep the scenarios fresh? I think the writing team is first-rate. As for the cliffhanger: it wasn't perfect, but I think the marriage proposal by Castle is the ONLY way to keep Beckett from taking that job. Since her mom's murder, Beckett is essentially a selfish person -- that's why no relationship she's had has lasted as long as this one. Being a bride is probably the only thing that would keep her from REMAINING selfish. Can't wait for S6!
The journey that Beckett has been on is migrating from independence to interdependence. Everything she's done up since her mother has died has been somewhat selfish. Nobody gets in, she lives for the job (and finding justice for her mom), and no relationship stands a chance. In Castle, she meets her match; however, her insecurity over having to GIVE as well as receive causes her to do what she does. Season 2: she's too scared to admit she digs him (he moves on). Season 3: she pushes him away because he cares enough to tell her some hard truths about herself (she gets shot). Season 4: She ignores his admission of love and his selfless devotion to keeping her alive, blinded by her hatred of the person who killed her mother (she runs back, apologizing). Season 5: Let's see if she's learned anything. FYI: I LOVE Stana Katic; her acting is superb. But Detective Beckett would have lost me already (not that I'm some great prize...
Part 2 Favorite Scene: When Beckett and Castle call Esposito and Ryan to settle "who was into who first." Best beat of that scene was when the fellas continued discussing the case while Castle and Beckett continued floating examples! These writers are exceptional; I am seriously in awe of their collective talents! Favorite Flashback: The "I know who the killer is" montages. Folks, these are the literary equivalents of sex scenes... Gates KNOWS! Of course she knows (sensed that in last week's episode, when she had to tell Beckett she was babysitting Vaughn!). Maybe that's part of the reason she hates Castle! Favorite Hairstyle: Unlike most people, I didn't hate Beckett's hair is Season 1, but I agree it was too short. I also think her hair now is too long (for a model, no; for a cop, yes). Therefore, I'm going with Seasons 2-3...somewhere in the middle.
Part 3 Episode Swap Effect: From a narrative perspective, it makes sense that Beckett questions the direction of the relationship last week (I still say she was talking to HERSELF, not to Castle), then gets affirmation this week...prompting her to say the words my wife and every female fan has been waiting to hear her utter. NOW is the time to explore the relationship's direction. However, it would have worked out switching the episodes the other way too; from what I can tell, the last two episodes will interject a stumbling block or two in Castle and Beckett's path. I just hope they don't "break up" for the summer! Best Kiss: Season 3, "Knockout." Nothing beats the first time. Even though Castle instigated it as a ploy, and Beckett ultimately caught on, there was an instant where these actors cleverly portrayed two people giving in to their longing. Stana Katic's face when she pulled away was spot-on, and Nathan Fillion remaining stunned-in-the-moment as Beckett roundhouse-kicks the guard could not have been played any better. As for the passionate "Always" kiss, I can't be a hater for those who chose that; however, the question is best kiss, not best make-out session...
But, that was part of the fun watching the show, at least for me; probably don’t make 100 episodes keeping it real. With that said, I can see the Mr. Marlowe & Co. breaking them up, then starting Season 6 with them still partnering, but fighting the urge to reconcile…because they KNOW they’re good together this time. I don’t think I could watch a season of that, but a few episodes rooting for them to get back together might work. Soap operas do it all the time.
Season finale: One of the great things about television entertainment is that it’s supposed to be a departure from reality. In the real world, the romantic part of “Castle” would have begun, at the earliest, during the final scene in Season 2. You just gonna let a man who you KNOW wants to be with you head off to the Hamptons…without even trying? Yeah, right. Then, the man tells you that he loves you, and your instinct is to lie to him for a year that you didn’t hear him…all the while hoping he sticks around? Yeah, double-right.
But, that was part of the fun watching the show, at least for me; probably don’t make 100 episodes keeping it real. With that said, I can see the Mr. Marlowe & Co. breaking them up, then starting Season 6 with them still partnering, but fighting the urge to reconcile…because they KNOW they’re good together this time. I don’t think I could watch a season of that, but a few episodes rooting for them to get back together might work. Soap operas do it all the time.
"Where are we going?" I think all of you are wrong. It’s BECKETT who’s not ready for this conversation! Was she asking Castle this question…or was she asking herself the question? Perhaps Castle has been cavalier in his past relationships, but he knows what he has, and I believe he knows that Beckett stands above his ex-wives. He’s known since Season 3. Given how Beckett lied about his love confession, and how cautious she’s been since they’ve been together – and dictated the terms of their relationship to this point – it’s no wonder that Castle’s approaching their relationship with kid gloves. If I’m wrong, then yes, he’s clueless. But I don’t think I’m wrong. Season finale: One of the great things about television entertainment is that it’s supposed to be a departure from reality. In the real world, the romantic part of “Castle” would have begun, at the earliest, during the final scene in Season 2. You just gonna let a man who you KNOW wants to be with you head off to the Hamptons…without even trying? Yeah, right. Then, the man tells you that he loves you, and your instinct is to lie to him for a year that you didn’t hear him…all the while hoping he sticks around? Yeah, double-right.
But, that was part of the fun watching the show, at least for me; probably don’t make 100 episodes keeping it real. With that said, I can see the Mr. Marlowe & Co. breaking them up, then starting Season 6 with them still partnering, but fighting the urge to reconcile…because they KNOW they’re good together this time. I don’t think I could watch a season of that, but a few episodes rooting for them to get back together might work. Soap operas do it all the time.
Favorite scene: Castle figuring out that Kate pushed Vaughn away after he kissed her. Vaughn, Clooney or Castle: Well, as comfortable in my manhood as I am, I deferred this question to my wife. Although she claims that I’M the sexiest (I’m Castle to her Beckett!), given her choices she picks Clooney. Funnier moment, Lanie or Castle: Castle. The line is funny, the boys’ reaction is funnier, but it’s hilarious that he missed the irony of his statement!
Epic gift: My wife and I just celebrated our 20th anniversary. She had a book made, titled "Happy 20th Anniversary" with a little retrospective of all the reasons she loves me. Say it with me: Awwwwwwwwwww.... Kate's dress: Don't have much to say about the dress, but how stunning was Stana Katic in it? She is the most beautiful woman on TV, in my opinion. Talent is underrated too; hope she gets some recognition before it's over. Castle's turn: The only thing he can really do is come up with an intricate proposal. He's already done a couple trips (didn't they just get back from skiing?).
Favorite scene: Gates chewing out Castle set up the "Is Gates here?" "No." "Good." exchange at the end. Nice! April Fooled? Absolutely. My wife called it early, but after the scene in Capt. Gates' office, I was hooked back in. Angels: Maybe it's me, but I thought CASTLE would be Charlie. So that leaves Kate as Sabrina Duncan (natch), Javier as Jill Munroe, and Kevin as Kelly Garrett. 1-10 rating: I'd give it a nine, due to how much I was fooled. The only "10" episode for me was the season premiere this year!
Was Castle overreacting? I think so. Did it haunt him? Yes, but I don’t believe that it was to this extent. Anyone remember how he lived his life before Beckett? Apart from his remarkable parenting of Alexis, there’s not a lot of evidence of Castle brooding about his past grade-school faux pas.
Favorite scene? Siobhan kissing Ryan in the precinct, and gauging everyone’s reaction. Terrific cold opening! Sexier: Kevin or Fenton? I’m a guy, so this is one I have to defer to Mrs NoHassleCastle! She says Kevin; it’s always sexier keeping it real… Did Ryan do the right thing choosing to go back undercover? Yes, he did. Knowing what he knew about that organization, and the pending fate of a woman he clearly loved (and abandoned) at one time, the man Ryan is would want to close this episode. Best romantic moment? Jenny telling Kevin she’s pregnant. There’s nothing more intimate than bringing a new life into the world! Ryan seen differently?Hell yes! How could he not? Was Castle overreacting? I think so. Did it haunt him? Yes, but I don’t believe that it was to this extent. Anyone remember how he lived his life before Beckett? Apart from his remarkable parenting of Alexis, there’s not a lot of evidence of Castle brooding about his past grade-school faux pas.
Favorite scene: The “$200 phone” scene. GREAT banter in the show’s tradition. Brolin as Castle’s dad: Calling it perfect casting just doesn’t seem right (I wanted Christopher Walken…or the guy playing Mr. Smith!), but James “Marcus Welby M.D.” Brolin nailed it! Hunt’s return: I sure hope so. The way things are going, we’re gonna have a Season 6; opportune time for a reunion, maybe? Badass Beckett or Super Spy Castle: Super Spy Castle. I’ve seen Badass Beckett already (how people soon forget the season premiere with Sen. Bracken, or even the table-flipping scene in “Reality Star Struck.” This was a new Castle, and I enjoyed watching him become more than a ride-along cop. Two-parters rating: As I stated last week, S2’s “Tick Tick Tick…” and “Boom” still rates at the top; I’ll put this one in the #2 position.
Did Martha's calm strength surprise you? No. She's flighty 90% of the time, but as referenced here, she's come through as Castle’s "rock" on occasion. Do you hope to see Castle going rogue to get his daughter back or Kate and Rick working together? He's already done that this season ("Probable Cause"). I'd like to hear him say, "I have a particular set of skills…" Liam Neeson-style! Rank the previous two-parters from season 2 through 4. If I went by stakes it would be in reverse order; I prefer to rank as snapshots of their relationship status — and I'm a sucker for the chase! So, I'd go: #3 - S4 (Pandora/Linchpin), #2 - S3 (Setup/Countdown), and #1 – S2 (Tick Tick/Boom).
What was your favorite scene from the episode? Capt. Gates telling Beckett "do whatever it takes" to return Alexis to Castle. Last week, there was a question regarding Gates' feelings towards Castle; I think this moment was telling. She knows Beckett & team are professionals; it wasn't necessary for her to say that…but she did. Significant? I think so. Do you think Castle went too far with the suspect? No. I have a son and two daughters; there wouldn’t have been enough gauze pads in the city if it was me in there with that guy… Will Kate and Rick's relationship change now that she's seen his dark side? I think LeeAnn answers this best: "Yes, their relationship will, inevitably, grow and change... but not diminish when facing life-altering catastrophe." Perfection. Did Martha's calm strength surprise you? No. She's flighty 90% of the time, but as referenced here, she's come through as Castle’s "rock" on occasion. Do you hope to see Castle going rogue to get his daughter back or Kate and Rick working together? He's already done that this season ("Probable Cause"). I'd like to hear him say, "I have a particular set of skills…" Liam Neeson-style! Rank the previous two-parters from season 2 through 4. If I went by stakes it would be in reverse order; I prefer to rank as snapshots of their relationship status — and I'm a sucker for the chase! So, I'd go: #3 - S4 (Pandora/Linchpin), #2 - S3 (Setup/Countdown), and #1 – S2 (Tick Tick/Boom).
Favorite scene? Castle trying to retrieve the earrings from Gates' coat pocket. Priceless! Right gifts? Well, Castle's gift was generous, but pretty standard stuff. Beckett's gift was thoughtful. I remember in Season 3 when Castle told Capt. Montgomery, "The best thing to give a woman is something she said she wanted when she didn’t think you were listening." I couldn't agree more. Reality TV? Not a fan. I would like "The Biggest Loser" if they didn't vote people off! Leave it at whomever loses the most weight... Biggest surprise: Gates thought that Castle might be hitting on her. Will Castle ever win over Gates? I think she respects him now, albeit begrudgingly. Favorite Valentine's gift? I'm not a fan of Valentine's Day, (I AM a fan of romance!) so I would have no favorite gift to reference. The favorite one I've given my wife is a Spa Day, because she remarked one time that she never had one. I listened...
Favorite scene? Beckett confessing to Castle. She was talking to US though Castle, reaffirming our faith in the character. Beckett off the case? Hell no. What for? McManus shooting? She identified with the guy. Anyway, dude was unarmed, wasn't he? Beckett's or Castle's route? Would hope I went Beckett's way, but probably would have hated myself after I chose to watch. Do you believe Beckett will ever take down the Dragon? Once Gates is on-board, yes. What should Rick and Kate get one another for Valentine's Day? Skipping this one, as I am anti-Valentine's Day (long story)...
First of all, Senator Bracken is just a notch below J.R. Ewing on the bad-guy-you-love-to-hate scale. Jack Coleman's mastery of the character is mesmerizing. Next, I did miss Martha and Alexis, but I agree that their presence would have been a distraction to the arc of this story. Captain Gates WAS there...and, I can't believe she bought the line that Beckett's admission to the suspect about her mother was a "tactic" to get the guy talking. Finally, and most of all, Stana Katic's acting is WITHOUT PEER on television. She is such an underrated talent; I hope somebody recognizes it soon!
Fave scene: "Oh my god: ALEXIS?" As a father with two girls, I about peed my PJs on that one... Perlmutter vs. Parish: Basically, it comes down to sardonic curmudgeon vs. sassy warmth. I'll take Lanie in a close race...but Permutter/Castle is a lot of fun to watch! Beckett the geek: Prime example of why we watch this show. They never rest on their laurels, always keeps the show fresh and engaging. And, I love onions! Fave sci-fi movie/tv show: No question: "Star Trek" (the original one). It's not a television show; it's a social scientist's wet dream. 79 morality tales in episodic form... Best sci-fi shout-out: Well, the obvious ones were all the Firefly references, but this isn't the first time the show's done that. I was more entertained by Jonathan Frakes' cameo as a Comic-Con "Number 1 Fan" than anything! Sci-fi couple: It's a tie between Mal & Inara and Commander Ryker & Counselor Troi...
Star Trek. Buck Rogers in the 25th Century. Battlestar Galactica (the '70s one AND the new one). Firefly. Farscape Now, Nebula 9. I half-expect the producers to greenlight the series for SyFy to help promote Castle!
1) I feel a little insulted by the writers/producers throwing fans Sophia's "losing the tension after we slept together" rant. This, I felt, was a subtle message to Caskett shippers tiring of the wait for the inevitable hookup. The statement came across as insincere, as Beckett intimated at the end of the episode; I just want the show runners to know that their subliminal message was received the same way...at least by me. We know it's coming, but it's nearing the point of the journey no longer being fun anymore. Either they're writing to entertain themselves, or they're writing for the audience. They keep this up, I'll be happy to share my thoughts with the network...and the companies who advertise during the hour.
2) Castle's dad is a CIA spook? How about this thought: Castle's father is the mysterious power behind the death of Beckett's mother! Now that plotline I'm more than eager to wait on!
Comments by NoCastleHassle
Castle Round Table: "Watershed"
Castle Round Table: "Watershed"
Best advice: Martha. I like when she’s flighty, but I love when she’s the voice of reason and practicality.
Job offer: See above (no). If she takes it, the show becomes “24.” I’ve seen that already.
Proposal: Why not? He’s loved her for TWO YEARS, and if Beckett’s honest with herself, she has loved him since she broke up with Demming. Exactly how much time is the right time? ARE WE WATCHING THE SAME SHOW?
Ranking the finale: I agree with Lisa (it’s hard) and with Christine (nothing tops ”Always” -- maybe the best EPISODE of the show, period.
Beckett’s answer: I could understand her saying no in order to DEFER her answer, because she’s so emotionally stilted and selfish (Castle’s flawed too; aren’t we all?), but none of the “experts” reasons fit. Castle proposing may have been the ONLY thing to force Beckett to look beyond just herself, for a change, and consider what Capt. Montgomery said to her in the S3 finale: “We don’t owe them our lives.”
Castle Review: Life Changes and Sad Faces
Castle Season Finale Sneak Peek: DC-Ya?
Castle Round Table: "Still"
Favorite Scene: When Beckett and Castle call Esposito and Ryan to settle "who was into who first." Best beat of that scene was when the fellas continued discussing the case while Castle and Beckett continued floating examples! These writers are exceptional; I am seriously in awe of their collective talents!
Favorite Flashback: The "I know who the killer is" montages. Folks, these are the literary equivalents of sex scenes...
Gates KNOWS! Of course she knows (sensed that in last week's episode, when she had to tell Beckett she was babysitting Vaughn!). Maybe that's part of the reason she hates Castle!
Favorite Hairstyle: Unlike most people, I didn't hate Beckett's hair is Season 1, but I agree it was too short. I also think her hair now is too long (for a model, no; for a cop, yes). Therefore, I'm going with Seasons 2-3...somewhere in the middle.
Castle Round Table: "Still"
Episode Swap Effect: From a narrative perspective, it makes sense that Beckett questions the direction of the relationship last week (I still say she was talking to HERSELF, not to Castle), then gets affirmation this week...prompting her to say the words my wife and every female fan has been waiting to hear her utter. NOW is the time to explore the relationship's direction. However, it would have worked out switching the episodes the other way too; from what I can tell, the last two episodes will interject a stumbling block or two in Castle and Beckett's path. I just hope they don't "break up" for the summer!
Best Kiss: Season 3, "Knockout." Nothing beats the first time. Even though Castle instigated it as a ploy, and Beckett ultimately caught on, there was an instant where these actors cleverly portrayed two people giving in to their longing. Stana Katic's face when she pulled away was spot-on, and Nathan Fillion remaining stunned-in-the-moment as Beckett roundhouse-kicks the guard could not have been played any better. As for the passionate "Always" kiss, I can't be a hater for those who chose that; however, the question is best kiss, not best make-out session...
Castle Round Table: "The Squab and the Quail"
Castle Round Table: "The Squab and the Quail"
But, that was part of the fun watching the show, at least for me; probably don’t make 100 episodes keeping it real. With that said, I can see the Mr. Marlowe & Co. breaking them up, then starting Season 6 with them still partnering, but fighting the urge to reconcile…because they KNOW they’re good together this time. I don’t think I could watch a season of that, but a few episodes rooting for them to get back together might work. Soap operas do it all the time.
Castle Round Table: "The Squab and the Quail"
Season finale: One of the great things about television entertainment is that it’s supposed to be a departure from reality. In the real world, the romantic part of “Castle” would have begun, at the earliest, during the final scene in Season 2. You just gonna let a man who you KNOW wants to be with you head off to the Hamptons…without even trying? Yeah, right. Then, the man tells you that he loves you, and your instinct is to lie to him for a year that you didn’t hear him…all the while hoping he sticks around? Yeah, double-right.
But, that was part of the fun watching the show, at least for me; probably don’t make 100 episodes keeping it real. With that said, I can see the Mr. Marlowe & Co. breaking them up, then starting Season 6 with them still partnering, but fighting the urge to reconcile…because they KNOW they’re good together this time. I don’t think I could watch a season of that, but a few episodes rooting for them to get back together might work. Soap operas do it all the time.
Castle Round Table: "The Squab and the Quail"
Vaughn, Clooney or Castle: Well, as comfortable in my manhood as I am, I deferred this question to my wife. Although she claims that I’M the sexiest (I’m Castle to her Beckett!), given her choices she picks Clooney.
Funnier moment, Lanie or Castle: Castle. The line is funny, the boys’ reaction is funnier, but it’s hilarious that he missed the irony of his statement!
Castle Round Table: "The Lives of Others"
Kate's dress: Don't have much to say about the dress, but how stunning was Stana Katic in it? She is the most beautiful woman on TV, in my opinion. Talent is underrated too; hope she gets some recognition before it's over.
Castle's turn: The only thing he can really do is come up with an intricate proposal. He's already done a couple trips (didn't they just get back from skiing?).
Castle Round Table: "The Lives of Others"
April Fooled? Absolutely. My wife called it early, but after the scene in Capt. Gates' office, I was hooked back in.
Angels: Maybe it's me, but I thought CASTLE would be Charlie. So that leaves Kate as Sabrina Duncan (natch), Javier as Jill Munroe, and Kevin as Kelly Garrett.
1-10 rating: I'd give it a nine, due to how much I was fooled. The only "10" episode for me was the season premiere this year!
Castle Round Table: "The Wild Rover"
Castle Round Table: "The Wild Rover"
Sexier: Kevin or Fenton? I’m a guy, so this is one I have to defer to Mrs NoHassleCastle! She says Kevin; it’s always sexier keeping it real…
Did Ryan do the right thing choosing to go back undercover? Yes, he did. Knowing what he knew about that organization, and the pending fate of a woman he clearly loved (and abandoned) at one time, the man Ryan is would want to close this episode.
Best romantic moment? Jenny telling Kevin she’s pregnant. There’s nothing more intimate than bringing a new life into the world!
Ryan seen differently? Hell yes! How could he not?
Was Castle overreacting? I think so. Did it haunt him? Yes, but I don’t believe that it was to this extent. Anyone remember how he lived his life before Beckett? Apart from his remarkable parenting of Alexis, there’s not a lot of evidence of Castle brooding about his past grade-school faux pas.
Castle Round Table: "Hunt"
Brolin as Castle’s dad: Calling it perfect casting just doesn’t seem right (I wanted Christopher Walken…or the guy playing Mr. Smith!), but James “Marcus Welby M.D.” Brolin nailed it!
Hunt’s return: I sure hope so. The way things are going, we’re gonna have a Season 6; opportune time for a reunion, maybe?
Badass Beckett or Super Spy Castle: Super Spy Castle. I’ve seen Badass Beckett already (how people soon forget the season premiere with Sen. Bracken, or even the table-flipping scene in “Reality Star Struck.” This was a new Castle, and I enjoyed watching him become more than a ride-along cop.
Two-parters rating: As I stated last week, S2’s “Tick Tick Tick…” and “Boom” still rates at the top; I’ll put this one in the #2 position.
Castle Round Table: "Target"
Do you hope to see Castle going rogue to get his daughter back or Kate and Rick working together? He's already done that this season ("Probable Cause"). I'd like to hear him say, "I have a particular set of skills…" Liam Neeson-style!
Rank the previous two-parters from season 2 through 4. If I went by stakes it would be in reverse order; I prefer to rank as snapshots of their relationship status — and I'm a sucker for the chase! So, I'd go: #3 - S4 (Pandora/Linchpin), #2 - S3 (Setup/Countdown), and #1 – S2 (Tick Tick/Boom).
Castle Round Table: "Target"
Do you think Castle went too far with the suspect? No. I have a son and two daughters; there wouldn’t have been enough gauze pads in the city if it was me in there with that guy…
Will Kate and Rick's relationship change now that she's seen his dark side? I think LeeAnn answers this best: "Yes, their relationship will, inevitably, grow and change... but not diminish when facing life-altering catastrophe." Perfection.
Did Martha's calm strength surprise you? No. She's flighty 90% of the time, but as referenced here, she's come through as Castle’s "rock" on occasion.
Do you hope to see Castle going rogue to get his daughter back or Kate and Rick working together? He's already done that this season ("Probable Cause"). I'd like to hear him say, "I have a particular set of skills…" Liam Neeson-style!
Rank the previous two-parters from season 2 through 4. If I went by stakes it would be in reverse order; I prefer to rank as snapshots of their relationship status — and I'm a sucker for the chase! So, I'd go: #3 - S4 (Pandora/Linchpin), #2 - S3 (Setup/Countdown), and #1 – S2 (Tick Tick/Boom).
Castle Round Table: "Reality Star Struck"
Right gifts? Well, Castle's gift was generous, but pretty standard stuff. Beckett's gift was thoughtful. I remember in Season 3 when Castle told Capt. Montgomery, "The best thing to give a woman is something she said she wanted when she didn’t think you were listening." I couldn't agree more.
Reality TV? Not a fan. I would like "The Biggest Loser" if they didn't vote people off! Leave it at whomever loses the most weight...
Biggest surprise: Gates thought that Castle might be hitting on her.
Will Castle ever win over Gates? I think she respects him now, albeit begrudgingly.
Favorite Valentine's gift? I'm not a fan of Valentine's Day, (I AM a fan of romance!) so I would have no favorite gift to reference. The favorite one I've given my wife is a Spa Day, because she remarked one time that she never had one. I listened...
Castle Round Table: "Recoil"
Beckett off the case? Hell no. What for?
McManus shooting? She identified with the guy. Anyway, dude was unarmed, wasn't he?
Beckett's or Castle's route? Would hope I went Beckett's way, but probably would have hated myself after I chose to watch.
Do you believe Beckett will ever take down the Dragon? Once Gates is on-board, yes.
What should Rick and Kate get one another for Valentine's Day? Skipping this one, as I am anti-Valentine's Day (long story)...
Castle Review: The Bad Guy Is Back
Castle Round Table: "Final Frontier"
Perlmutter vs. Parish: Basically, it comes down to sardonic curmudgeon vs. sassy warmth. I'll take Lanie in a close race...but Permutter/Castle is a lot of fun to watch!
Beckett the geek: Prime example of why we watch this show. They never rest on their laurels, always keeps the show fresh and engaging. And, I love onions!
Fave sci-fi movie/tv show: No question: "Star Trek" (the original one). It's not a television show; it's a social scientist's wet dream. 79 morality tales in episodic form...
Best sci-fi shout-out: Well, the obvious ones were all the Firefly references, but this isn't the first time the show's done that. I was more entertained by Jonathan Frakes' cameo as a Comic-Con "Number 1 Fan" than anything!
Sci-fi couple: It's a tie between Mal & Inara and Commander Ryker & Counselor Troi...
Castle Review: May Fortune Guide Your Journey
Castle Review: Checkmate!
1) I feel a little insulted by the writers/producers throwing fans Sophia's "losing the tension after we slept together" rant. This, I felt, was a subtle message to Caskett shippers tiring of the wait for the inevitable hookup. The statement came across as insincere, as Beckett intimated at the end of the episode; I just want the show runners to know that their subliminal message was received the same way...at least by me. We know it's coming, but it's nearing the point of the journey no longer being fun anymore. Either they're writing to entertain themselves, or they're writing for the audience. They keep this up, I'll be happy to share my thoughts with the network...and the companies who advertise during the hour.
2) Castle's dad is a CIA spook? How about this thought: Castle's father is the mysterious power behind the death of Beckett's mother! Now that plotline I'm more than eager to wait on!