GoGiants

I think you are onto something. Your description of how you watch HIMYM mirrors my Castle watching habits (minus the years of watching for me with Castle). For me any version of Castle without the happy ending poisons it all for me. And it will certainly prevent me from watching reruns etc. Despite the breakup and decline of recent seasons, my late comer/binge watching ways kept me invested and protected me from 7 seasons of annoyances. I was hanging on through S8 for the happy ending that is now likely out of reach. I have had other shows that I cared about go off the rails and it didn't bug me to the degree Castle has. So it definitely comes down to level of investment, I suppose. I was too far into this show not to be upset by Castle going down in a cloud of gossip and without one of its leads. Only hope for me is if they decide to cancel and give it a proper end. But the wind does not seem to be blowing that way.

Yes, a thousand times yes! I have never fallen for a show before like I have with Castle. It's been a tricky year or two for me and the modern day fairy tale/romance addition to the usual COTW/procedural format was a pleasant escape. I've enjoyed this board and for the most part the show up until S8, but I can't envision letting myself fall for a show like this again. Just unfortunate that my recent interest in the show had to coincide with its complete implosion.

Yes to all of that! Death, divorce etc ruins what was the heart of the show. I already have a pretty bitter taste from S8 and the drama from this week. For me I don't see the point watching the old episodes when I know the disaster to come. Sounds like I may watch Bones after all.

This is what I have been stupidly doing this season. Suffering through the disaster of S8 for what I thought/hoped would be the Caskett payoff and end of the series. Instead we have been subject to an explosion of BTS rumors, drama, accusations, gossip and the ever increasing likelihood that Beckett will be killed to start off S9. My desire and ability to enjoy anything Castle related is pretty much over. Just pathetic.

I too watched despite today's news. I think I may need help. ;) Or I can't let go just yet. I should've been well prepped by the events of S8 but sap that I am, I wanted(and still want) the happy end for the show. I am not at all sure why I am bothering to write this given what has occurred. Hearing Hayley refer to her walls in the final confrontation with the killer scene was a bit much. After today's news it isn't a secret that she's being prepped as the Beckett replacement. That seems rather silly to give some version of Beckett's walls to Hayley. I suppose it is an important tv trope (and Castle writers do love lifting straight from a long and predictable list of cliches and tropes), the tough, female character with a troubled past and thus, her darn walls. While I am firmly anti-Hayley, would it kill tv writers in general not to have all tough, female characters be haunted by their wretched pasts? There have to be other reasons that are compelling enough for people to become tv cops besides horrible tragedy. Bizarre hearing the forced closeness between Hayley, Alexis and Castle. Gag worthy. Castle had to go through so many hoops to get in with the police in early episodes and yet amazingly Hayley has been completely accepted (actually not amazing, the plot requires it, so screw the reality of the universe that Castle exists in). I usually don't get too bugged by police procedure issues but that has been hugely distracting this season. Beckett would not just let Hayley go despite how "close" she has become with her husband and step-daughter. Hayley would not be out on stings while in hiding. And on and on. If you're going to foul everything else up so spectacularly, maybe at least try to do the police procedure somewhat correctly. It was also quite boring to me. Castle writers do not write spy comedy/drama well. It is cheesy and predictable, no cleverness or twists that you'd expect from spy stories. There wasn't anything special or unique about it and certainly nothing that made it feel like Castle. If this and the GDS episode are the future, put the show and the fans out of their misery now! Finally, the totally tacked on motorcycle scene. I really liked it with some reservations. Maybe today has got me feeling extra sappy. It was fun to see her with a motorcycle at long last and sweet of him to do that for her. I would've loved a cross country trip for them. It could have made a great out of the precinct episode, like Murder He Wrote. Ticks me off that they throw that out there given what's to come and in light of today's events. Also, agree with those who point out how superficial this was. More of the same for S8, throwing out what they think are feel good moments to try to cover their awful characterization and plotlines.

All I can say is wow. What a bummer. I have only watched for just over a year. As a late comer/binge watcher I was still mostly in a happy place with the show despite the same glaring issues most of you here have. The wedding disaster and breakup were what broke the spell for me. I can't imagine how irritated I'd be if I'd been watching since episode one. I certainly knew it was possible that SK would leave and the show might continue on. As much as I didn't want to believe it, the signs have been there for much of S8. I had been hoping that they would give what was once a sweet and clever show its happily ever after. That was about the only thing that kept me watching S8. The way this went down today seems cold and weird. Strange statements, odd timing, cast members finding out online etc. It feels like they've cut the rest of the season/series off at the knees. I will not be watching a Beckett-less Castle. Not sure I will watch the rest of S8. I have no desire to see Beckett killed or a divorce or whatever insanity they've dreamed up. Someone above said they'd watch if they knew S8 was the end, I agree. It does appear to be an ABC business decision. I know nothing about tv but I guess the assumption here is that there are still dollars to made picking over the bones of the show for another season or so by a truly desperate network. Too bad storytelling and business couldn't have met in the middle and allowed Castle to end with dignity. I don't typically subscribe to any of the misogyny or bullying theories but it really makes me wonder what is going on. I don't believe this was budget related (I'd believe that about Lanie, but not Beckett). Did they forget to have someone sign an NDA? Are the BTS issues a million times worse than the online spec? I too would love to read that theoretical tell all book joked about in above posts. For those who can compartmentalize, enjoy whatever episode you pick as your series finale. Sadly I'm unable/unwilling to do that so this will likely be the end for me. Maybe I should go sell my DVDs before they are truly worthless?!?!

After S7, this episode was how I envisioned the show limping off into the sunset. Certainly not up to the standards of earlier seasons, but still pleasant enough and entertaining. No one was beating me over the head with lame and unthreatening conspiracies or fake adultery. So far my only S8 episode that I would re-watch. I remember an interview last year where the showrunners referred to S8 as their attempt at "Castle 2.0". None of their promises of "Castle 2.0" have come to pass. However I think last night's episode was an example of what "Castle 2.0" should have been. For me that means, a similar vibe and feeling to the stronger, earlier seasons (i.e. the team working cases, sweet and serious moments, Castle and Beckett together, banter, wit, etc) but with the weakness and frustrations of an aging show (continuity issues, goofball Castle and SuperBeckett!, less shared screen time, useless new characters). While not perfect I would have rather seen a S8 similar to last night than the "fun" we have experienced this season. It did feel more balanced and like an older episode of the show. The team was working together and, gasp, Castle and Beckett actually worked the case together as well. I can't believe them working together merits a mention as something I liked. Oh, how S8 has warped my standards! I thought it was sweet that Beckett wanted him to have first go at the lamp despite my reservations about how insane Castle's belief in the genie appeared to be. I miss the sly humor and wit shared with the viewers on past sci-fi and fantasy cases. Someone above mentioned the zombie episode. That is a great example of the right way to use that aspect of Castle's character without making him look like an idiot. There was never the wink to the audience to let viewers know he wasn't serious about it or that he was in on the joke. All we got was the big kid who had to be taken for ice cream by his adult daughter! Still not in love with Captain Beckett. Despite the new wardrobe and office, she just doesn't fit the role of boss/precinct antagonist the way Gates and Montgomery did. They've managed to make her not quite a captain and not quite a detective. The show and her character are suffering for it. Only other damper for me is that I am assuming there will be more Loksat stupidity in upcoming episodes. Whatever time is left for Castle, I wish they'd leave that story alone. They are more than capable of putting out a decent product still. Wish they'd drop the grand ideals (or whatever the hell this season has been) and stick to what they can still do well.

I don't mind the occasional dose of "badass" Beckett but I was cringing through many of the police academy scenes. The dialogue was so clunky I almost turned it off. It felt very heavy handed, even for them. Her name on every trophy, the recruit yelling "captain on deck" upon her entry to the training room, Ortiz and his comment when Beckett and the boys arrived. It was as if the gods themselves had descended from Mt Olympus. I have no military or law enforcement background (so maybe that was all legit?) but it was over the top for me. I still struggle seeing her as captain. Montgomery and Gates were a good 15 to 20 years older than her. Age isn't the only qualification but something is missing (experience, gravitas?). It was almost funny watching her get in the faces of the recruits. I just don't buy Captain Beckett as they have presented her this season. I don't like this either. I have given up trying to decipher who did what when or who knew what or who lied first or lied the worst. They both look terrible week after week. I remember Hal (before he/she disappeared) saying something along the lines that by the end of the season the arc would deliver them back to same place they were at by the end of S7. I beg to differ. They are greatly diminshed, both as a married couple and as partners (all the characters are suffering this year). It is hard to see them ending (whether for the season or series) on the strong note they had in the S7 finale. Weren't we promised equal opportunity character assasination this year? I guess it was Castle's turn.I sometimes forget what a hard turn into the realm of soap opera and sci fi the wedding disaster/disappearance represented for the show mythology . Agreed that this should have remained in the past for a variety of reasons. Hearing them discuss Castle's memory erasure as if it were a normal, everyday occurence made me laugh! I cannot imagine something like this being put out there with a serious face even 2 or 3 seasons back, let alone in the early years. Previous sci fi/fantasy cases and references always had a nod or wink to the audience. It was joke the audience was in on with the show or a vehicle for Castle's humor/whimsy. One of the things that made the show fun back in the day (actual fun!). Don't diss high school writers, LOL. I bet there are some kids that age or younger who could have written a far better season 8 for a fraction of the price(both financial and in terms of character development/damage)! In fact, watching the first 15 of S8 has made me more than willing to see what a group of teens could have come up with. I think my standards have been obliterated by S8. ;)

I believe the announcer said something like “Castle and Beckett go to Hollywood” in the moment before the show started. Reminds me of the “Castle and Beckett will return” moment after 6.23. I only read about that but it was truly “fun” to experience a variation of that in person. So, either the promo people know what sells (Castle and Beckett together) or communication between departments at ABC is abysmal (or both!). GDS joins Loksat and “babe you were saving the world” as some of the dumbest words I’ve ever heard uttered with straight and solemn faces on Castle. The GDS name felt last minute. There weren’t any better name options available? The show seems to be past trying to write anything creative or clever. Hayley’s reveal was visible from miles away. Her appearance and decision to help and join Castle has never made sense. I agree with Kavedweller, it would’ve been interesting if Hayley was actually evil. Of course, she is private security sent by dear old dad. And now she’s “fond” of Castle and “adores” Alexis. Yep. Anvil, please meet my head. I don’t consider myself a conspiracist but last night felt like we were watching the backdoor pilot for Castle PI. I truly hope not. I would have turned the channel and not looked back based on that episode. There was nothing to differentiate last night from a multitude of other mediocre cop shows (bad humor, weak plots, lame conspiracies, poor characterization etc). Way to lose sight of your strengths Castle writers/showrunners. The disappearance/Beckett’s mom/Loksat linkage is stupid and just sad. From the minute they brought up the disappearance I have assumed they would attempt to tie it in to the S8 arc. Next they will tell us that 3XK was part of this mess as well before he gave up the ghost. The disappearance was in the past for me. Or maybe, it was behind a wall. Wherever it was, I had moved on. Nothing like dredging up an absurd plot line and making it even more ridiculous than it appeared on first viewing. Little touches do go along way. A mention of Beckett before the last 10 minutes would have been nice. I thought his comment to the GDS was sweet, but show us don’t tell us how much you care for her (it can’t all happen in private!). Even a single phone call (and I hate the over reliance on calls and other tricks this year) or brief precinct appearance would have taken the rough edges off. Something to link the leads together and not have the episode feel so off. The B plot with Lanie and the boys was silly (Bed wetting? Clown fetishes? Seriously?) but I kind of liked it. Maybe that’s a statement to how starved the show is for some lightness and humor this season or could be I am immature. I think they could have found a better story/prank but moments like this have been lacking for the secondary cast forever. More stories like this (with better subject matter) would have gone a long way towards developing the secondary cast past their roles as support staff for Castle and Beckett. Was this Lanie’s longest appearance ever? Anyone out there with a stop watch who can tell me? Lol. Seriously though, I don’t ever remember her being this present throughout an entire episode. It was all kinds of weird to me. Do they really know each other that well? Talk about forcing emotion and connection. I know she and Alexis are best buds but still odd. Beckett and Alexis are family and I’m not sure I’ve heard either of them say anything like that about the other. It made a unfortunate parallel to 3.22 to have Castle and Hayley sharing an emotional moment together in an LA hotel room.I hope they allow Castle to limp off into the sunset.

Starting off with a Hayley and Vikrum themed rant. Feel free to skip. For whatever reason I got hung up on those two this week. I don't understand why Hayley wants to work for Castle and his dilettante PI shop (or hang out with Alexis in the cool older sister role or work with the cops). In XY and XX she appeared to be a successful PI who skirted the edge of the law (fancy car, PI toys/tools, big money clients, a lab at her fingertips for testing). Why would she drop her own successful business venture to work for Castle and occasionally go on stings and raids with the NYPD (don't get me going on why Beckett et al are cool with her tagging along, given her history). Is she Loksat's plant (at this point I'd take it, just to make a tiny bit of sense of the new characters and story lines)? More likely answer is that she's there to take up space in the shooting schedule created by the leads new S8 contracts. I thought the guy who plays Vikrum seemed more natural and at ease in the ATT commercial that aired on the break than in the episode (or any of his appearances). No ill will to either actor but both characters are square pegs being unsuccessfully bashed into round holes. When they aren't present I tend to forget they exist. When they do show up I am annoyed and want them gone. If I was a secondary cast member I would be irritated by Hayley and Vikrum. As of yet, neither has done much that couldn't have been provided by Esposito, Ryan, Lanie or dare I say it, Super Alexis PI (she is multi-talented after all)! The video conference scene bothered me. It has joined the ever present phone call scenes as another way that they are together but not together during the episodes. I usually don't notice things like that. But the break up and an over reliance on tricks like this has made these scenes stick out all season long. Additionally it felt like a very clear line was in place between the precinct team and the PI team. This just isn't Castle to me. COTW wasn't that interesting to me but was ok enough for an average Castle episode. I was definitely cringing during Castles québécois accented English scenes. I'm imagine it is very tough to do accents, so I'm not trying to be nasty about it. His clothes didn't drive me nuts but i do see why people were calling it out. I was a tad grossed out by Perlmutter offering up his twin brother. Usually enjoy his curmudgeonly ways but that was too much on the icky and unprofessional side of things. All I can say is yuck to the reoccurrence of Castle's disappearance. Sounds like it will be quickly resolved but isn't one disastrous and ill planned storyline enough for S8??? However, it did make me think about how much I love Korean food. I need to go out to eat ASAP! I agree with comments above about the ending. I prefer the bulk of my tv programs to be sermon free. I don't need or want a lecture about politics or other hot button topics when I'm looking to relax and watch tv. I'm not watching castle for true crime stories and gritty representation of life in NYC. And let's get real, when Castle is struggling mightily to tell its own story, the last thing I'm interested in is their take on current events. Spend some more time writing Loksat or developing the secondary cast before tackling politics. Nothing takes me out of a story like a well timed lecture. It was a stilted and awkward end to an already uneven episode. I would've preferred the generic and often loathed Castle and Beckett wine scene instead. If I want politics I can read, watch the news or discuss with others. I wasn't really bothered by Martha's comments (nor did I particularly disagree) but it was just one more weird and odd moment in a long line of missteps that has comprised S8. Again I could've let the bulk of this go without Loksat/the break up. I think I am currently suffering from Loksat poisoning. No cure in sight. Lol Still hoping for the happy ending. I want to enjoy past episodes and maybe even a few at the end of S8/the series if I'm lucky.

I’m late to the show this week. Without Loksat/Breakup drama, I wouldn’t have loved this one but I wouldn’t have been too bothered by it either. I am a broken record at this point. That is my constant theme for season 8. It was obvious from scene one of the kidnapping that the extra guy was the mastermind of the whole affair. It didn’t bother me too much that I knew who the killer was early on. I did like the concept of the puzzles/kidnapping, just found the execution a bit lacking. I could always do with more baseball on Castle! I love baseball. I remember the S2 baseball episode but I didn’t remember them referring to a team that Beckett followed. Not shocked but boo to Castle being a Yankees fan! ;) I did like the end scene where they both chose to stay and stand against the bad guy. I also liked that Castle didn’t play the fool and Beckett wasn’t too much of a super cop. Despite being apart most of the episode, the end scene did remind me of the partnership and team work of older seasons. Too bad it was only for a few moments. Castle and Beckett being separated for most of the episode wouldn’t be an issue for me if the entire season wasn’t structured in the same way. I certainly don’t have a timer out but in the context of the season it has been beyond distracting. I understand that the days of them being together for the majority of the episode are gone (which sucks). But they could have cushioned the blow by not going with the break up storyline for 2/3 of the season. Keeping the tone and feeling right would’ve helped immensely. Loksat + the break up + out of character behavior + reduced screen time = too much to handle for a light crime show that doesn’t specialize in continuity or serialized drama. The end scene with Alexis was jarring to me (don’t get me started on the “best person” comment). She emotionally hugs Castle but didn’t spare a glance for Beckett. Alexis and Beckett’s chance to develop a normal relationship may have passed long ago (thanks writers!) but it was just weird to me that she ignored Beckett. Apparently Martha/Alexis and Beckett exist in separate spheres revolving around Castle, never interacting too much with each other. Too weird for me. It’s never been clear what Alexis or Martha truly think about it all. They must talk in private, right? ;) I have found the limited reactions by Alexis and Martha to be bizarre. Families have opinions, they stand up for each other and they get mad or defensive or sad when real issues occur. Plain and simply, they react instead of behaving as plot tools and props. Besides Martha’s precinct visit with Beckett early on, the PI office chats and some truly bad advice from Martha, you wouldn’t get the idea that they care much. It’s something to joke about and discuss peripherally, not a big deal. I think back to the scene in Knockdown when Martha and Castle talk after Raglan was shot. She was upset and scared. It was emotional and she showed genuine concern for her son. That woman would have an opinion about her daughter in law’s sudden change of heart. She would want what was best for her son and likely even Beckett as well. Bad story development and poor characterization is old news for S8 at this point but it continues to bug me. Little additional details and moments here and there would’ve gone a long way towards making Loksat and the breakup seem somewhat plausible. I truly dislike the plotline but actually telling the story would make it less insulting to the characters and viewers. Final thought, ignore everything I just wrote, this is the best comment on the episode to me: Yes! Yes to that!

I too enjoyed Castle’s baby gifts. The baby bullet proof vest and light saber made me smile. I agree with Madmaverick’s suggestion that these items would be a better fit for Castle and Beckett’s future kids (who will likely never exist, despite all the recent lunch “meetings”). It was nice to see another episode where they referred to and/or showed Castle in his job as a writer. Two episodes in a row! Now they need to throw a book launch event or have a murder at a book signing, so Castle and Beckett can interact in his professional world together. It was ridiculous watching Castle and Beckett receive calls demanding that they work together for the COTW while standing side by side in the precinct! This is just another contrivance that this inane arc requires. To be clear, Beckett’s “ex” currently hangs around her place of employment on most days but they are not a couple nor do they work together. That makes perfect sense to me. I often hang around at my ex’s job, a completely normal thing to do. Not suspicious or weird at all. ;) Lol So sad to say this but even I am finding their over reliance on the sexy times the last few episodes to be a bit much. I can be plenty superficial so I would happily enjoy scenes like these if they weren’t being haunted by Locksat’s ghost. At this point I would much rather see them talk (what with so much going unsaid these days), hang out or have some other type of sweet or funny moment. Instead we are treated to the recent fake fighting/role play, champagne toasts, kisses and hints of embassy sex. It all falls flat for me against the Locksat arc. Castle is not constructed to support an arc of this nature. Each episode, whether “real” break up or “fake” break up, continues to drive this point home to me. Someone mentioned in a different thread that Beckett’s mom’s case was actually a good fit for the show in terms of long term story telling. I agree. I didn’t love everything about the execution and details (the all powerful supervillain senator got to be a bit much over the years). However it naturally popped up and then receded multiple times without affecting the tone and feeling of the show. That’s part of what made the ultimate conclusion satisfying as a viewer. Multiple seasons watching Beckett, Castle and the team struggle and work to solve the case that helped define Beckett’s life gave that plot line weight and meaning. The writers have tried to link Locksat to her mom and Bracken but it doesn’t hold any of the same resonance. They have not put in the work to develop this or even have it make a tiny bit of sense. Due to that fact, I’m not invested and I’m barely interested. I’m mostly annoyed at what they did to a show that was at one time, a pleasant and witty (and sometimes even sexy!) diversion. I know this is the plot until a few more episodes go by. Such is life. If I squint and try not to look too hard, the last couple of episodes have been reasonably enjoyable. That is the bummer in all this for me. Without the specter of Locksat and the never ending break up that is the curse of S8, I would find S8 enjoyable enough for my purposes. Despite some of my negativity above I am trying to go the glass half full route. I am holding out hope for the last third of the season and a strong finish to the series.

Yes. There should’ve been a major discussion between them. Because they are partners of 7 years and they are married (duh!). 5 minutes earlier Beckett promised Castle no more secrets. Then she turned around and launched what is likely the worst secret/lie of their relationship and the show. Beckett’s mom had been dead for 9- 10 years when Castle showed up, right (I don’t have the time line memorized)? It took 6 seasons of the show and Castle and Beckett as a team for them to get to that conclusion in Veritas. How did she think that she could investigate an even bigger bad guy, off the record and on her own with only Vikram? And to top it all off, she figured that she’d wrap it up in a few weeks or months (just my guess here)? How stupid do the writers think Beckett is (makes her look like the world's worst detective) and how stupid do they think the viewers are? It’s not a question for me of Beckett not doing her duty so much as how they chose to have her do it. I’m not suggesting she discuss and get approval for every aspect of her job with Castle. He doesn’t need to weigh in on every arrest or possible situation (he’s there for most of it anyways, lol). But Loksat and splitting up their marriage was a big deal. It was worthy of something more than her own unilateral decisions. She chose to pursue it. The show went out of its way to remind the viewers of that fact as well. They could've written this in a way where she pursued this without damage to their marriage or both Castle and Beckett's character development. Also I agree with Wendy, if there was any reality to her promotion at all, she would be at meetings, and sitting behind her desk in a supervisory role. As much as I was not in favor of her being a senator or captain at this moment in time, I could overlook a lot of stupid stuff regarding the captain job if the show wasn’t as screwed up as it currently is.

Maybe they discussed it in “private”, lol. ;) On a more serious note, I too would have liked to have seen that discussion long ago. I loved Always and After the Storm and felt it could have been near perfection if they had discussed all their baggage and moved forward from it stronger. Just like they needed to have a real, honest discussion this time around. S8 puts a mark on a lot of the positive development that occurred between the characters in past seasons. You are right, this seems like an easy source of drama and angst that they are likely going to revisit until the show is over. Sad and oh so frustrating. Agreed. Beckett was “wounded” like Castle said but not suffering from some obsessive and life destroying addiction. They showed flashes of how deeply it affected Beckett in various episodes over the years but for the most part she appeared to be a relatively successful and stable adult onscreen. Yes she had problems, but who doesn't? She had a life, a career, hobbies and even dated. She was rather intense and quite good at her job but I never felt that she was one “drink” away from the gutter. Additionally, post-Veritas and since her relationship/marriage to Castle, she has been portrayed as a stronger person and even happy. Together they were partners who "backed each others plays", as they said in the S7 finale. The portrayal this season has not convinced me of the new, “obsessive DNA” version of Beckett either. I am absolutely blocking out S8 when it’s over. I am already trying to forget the first 8 episodes. I don’t usually hope that the shows I watch will be cancelled but I want S8 to be the end for Castle. I don’t want to imagine what stupidity will be put on the show and the characters in a potential S9. I think MilMar knew how to write to the heart of the show. They struggled at times with the execution and did maddeningly stupid things with the characters (especially as the show aged and Castle and Beckett got together, so many missed opportunities!). However, I never doubted their intentions toward the show and the characters. To be clear, I am most definitely not attempting to give MilMar a pass on their mistakes. The new showrunners have pulled the rug out from under the characters, 7 years of storytelling and the viewers. No clue of their motivations and intentions, but the results so far have been beyond disappointing.

One more nitpick to add to those I read earlier in the thread. Did anyone else find it odd that Vikram had a gun in the scene with the trash collector? How does he have legal sanction to carry a gun and train it on a suspect? He’s a tech consultant, not a cop. He looked mighty comfortable with the gun in his hands. I felt like the guy in the first two episodes was a low level analyst and not a trained field agent. He seemed overwhelmed and a bit scared by the early events of the season. I assume this is either more plotline conveniences or one more flashing sign that Vikram is not what he seems. Also, if he’s not a cop, did Beckett outfit him with the gun? That would be a major no-no to me, despite the fact that she’s now captain. I can usually let a lot of this stuff go, but S8 just begs to be picked apart. The incongruities and plot holes this season have been something else.

I was disappointed but not surprised by the episode. The explanation and apology were as ridiculous and out of character as everything else connected to the Loksat/breakup mess. I actually didn’t catch that they were back together but now fake broken up until I read one of the post episode interviews. I re-watched the clip and still felt that it wasn’t particularly clear from the scene. I love that my understanding of a TV show now comes from post episode interviews. Congratulations to all the people here who were suggesting a fake break up/sneak around storyline back when the blind item was confirmed months ago. I wish the showrunners had gone with this originally. It could’ve been actual fun (not showrunner fun). Also, it would’ve avoided all of the character regression we’ve been treated to this season. 100% agreed. Forget about character progression and history or even the emotional tone of the scene (like the last scene of the episode!). As long as those two are making out, everything is good. Lol. “I didn’t realize even how much I needed you until this happened” -Beckett That statement was truly awful. What the what?!? It took this particular incident to realize how much you needed your partner, your friend, your husband? What was going on with her during all of the other moments of their relationship (more importantly what do the writers think was happening between them all these years???)? She only sort of needed him back then? But oh yeah, Loksat really reminded her that she needs Castle. Crazy. Also yuck. I can’t be mad at Beckett anymore than I can be mad at Castle for the out of character behavior this season. This episode continues the complete disregard for character development and show history that is commonplace in season 8 ( i know I'm a broken record!). It makes some of the meaningful moments over the years seem like crap in light of what is suggested in a scene like this. I laughed when I saw that the first new episode of 2016 is called “Tone Death”. This show has become completely tone deaf in 8 episodes. I too am relieved the break up is over, no matter how unsatisfying the resolution. Despite all my complaints, the last 2 episodes were the most enjoyable of the season thus far for me (what a sad comment). I'm hoping there's some positive energy left for the rest of the season/series.

TWP, I have been thinking about The Big Bang Theory in contrast to Castle all season long. The writers and showrunners over at the BBT are telling a story that is authentic to the characters and their experiences, unlike our friends here at Castle. Current season BBT spoilers below

Agreed. There is not a satisfying adult explanation waiting at the end of this ridiculous arc. But I will assume that there is more making out waiting at the end of this arc! Yay for more make out GIFs! Excuse my snark. :) Since the S8 story has been nonsensical and unsatisfying, I assume that any explanations will be equally frustrating. I hope they spend very little of the remaining episodes on make up time/couple’s therapy/explanations (ie follow Castle tradition on big deal stories and forget about it asap, lol). This may make me shallow but I don’t have much faith in the product they are putting out. I’d rather see some version of the show I once enjoyed than what they have served up so far. I do want a resolution and soon. After 7 episodes, my standard for what it should look like is incredibly low. There should be anger, hurt and frustration from Castle, contrition and sorrow from Beckett and ultimately understanding for both of them so they (and the show, viewers etc) can move on. I don’t need or want to see another third or more of the season go to dealing with their break up and make up. 8 episodes has been 8 too many for this story. It’s a real shame because I do feel the episodes have been pretty decent this year save for the Loksat/break up albatross. I will admit to being in full hand waving mode. It’s the only way I think I will enjoy what remains of the show. To waste even more time on such an ill conceived, poorly realized story would just prolong the misery (of the characters, the viewers, etc). As far as what actually happens tomorrow, I have no clue. Not sure what I think from reading the early reviews. I am hoping for a reunion, not sure I’ll come back without it. I will probably save it for a future binge watch or just pretend S7 was the end.

I agree. Since the start of S8 they have seemingly worked tirelessly to make this break up or time out or whatever it is a huge mess.They explicitly remind us of Beckett's bad choices, her many opportunities to quit the case, of Castle's lack of knowledge and strange win her back campaign. Tonight we heard their vastly differing perspectives on marriage. It's poisonous to the show and their relationship. They seem utterly dysfunctional to me at times. Castle still doesn't know he has a step mother. That's a huge omission to me. He still doesn't know what caused the break up. He'll wait for her forever because their love is epic. In S1-4, the subtext was sexy and fun at times. Sometimes frustrating and annoying when I was just ready for them to get together already. But now all of the secrets, lies and subtext between a married couple makes me want them to run, not walk to a counselor. That is not sexy or fun. I agree with others that there will be no satisfactory resolution to this story. It will be swept under the rug with Castles disappearance. Only a matter now of guessing when Sleeper part 2 will appear. Sooner or later???

I enjoyed this episode more than any other so far this season. I doubt I'll rewatch it. I'll admit to liking the end scene for the visuals. I'm totally shallow. Lol. Agree about the need for better lighting but that's nothing new. Normally I'd be happy to see them together but not in such weird, unresolved and twisted ways. One brief scene can't undo the damage of S8. Minimal Loksat development continues to be the plague of S8 (actually Loksat is the plague of S8, oh wait never mind!). Tell us the story of Loksat etc. Don't dance around it for almost half a season without any progress, while simultaneously ignoring/destroying all character growth from the previous 7 seasons. After last week, I too was hoping for a pushier Castle. Instead he turns around and gives her permission to carry on as usual for as long as she wants. His hope speech could've been a nice moment in a different storyline but just felt wrong here. This, among all the other glaring issues, cheapens the love scene and makes them both continue to look awful for a variety of reasons. I really enjoyed Castle, Beckett, Ryan and Esposito working together for the bulk of the episode. That will always be vital to me. Castle and Beckett should be a team that works with Ryan and Esposito on the cases. That's the show! It shouldn't be that hard to make the formula work. It did for along time. It's sad that they seem desperate to do anything but what once made the show a pleasant diversion. I find Hayley, Vikrum and Alexis PI to be pointless additions to the cast. I am with those rooting for Vikrum to be a villain, not just Tory 2.0. Gross and unprofessional listening to Ryan and Esposito discuss Beckett and Hayley in their towels. One more lame attempt at frat boy humor I could've done without. Also one more way Ryan and Esposito look like fools in S8. At this point, Alexis is the least of my concerns on the show. But I continue to find it crazy distracting that Castle is happy to have her sneaking into law offices and committing other minor crimes in the name of their PI/unofficial police work. He was a good father early on and I don't believe he would be ok with PI Alexis. In fact, it's hard to believe S1-4 Alexis would be down for this (S5-7 Alexis was all over the place for me, annoying, bratty, immature etc). If they had continued her development on a more natural path, I imagine she'd be on her way to med school or law school soon. She would be interning at that law firm, not breaking in to it!

Pre break up, I had hoped that their first anniversary would lead to another Murder, He Wrote style episode. I would have loved watching Castle and Beckett travel somewhere exotic, have fun and sexy times, all while solving the COTW.Too much to hope for, I know. At this point, I'd settle for seeing the characters I used to enjoy show up on Castle sooner rather than later. Speculation about what the next shirt sniffing scene or weird coffee subtext interaction will be should start now. Lol. I cringe thinking about the strange new moments the writers will concoct to prove their love, all while ignoring the mess created by the break up.

Yes! You are right, it does seem like they don’t care. It also appears that they have not planned these storylines at all. I would be far less aggravated by the S8 developments if they weren’t following the normal Castle playbook for recurring storylines. Over 7 seasons the tradition has been to introduce a big deal storyline and then only make mention of it at 2 parters, sweeps or finales (or never again). I find it hilarious that for all the talk about season long story telling earlier on by the new showrunners, in many ways they are operating quite similarly to the previous group. Short of a scant mention here or there, Loksat has been almost non-existent week to week. I wouldn’t care too much if it wasn’t the driving force behind the break up that is leaking into every episode. Loksat could join Castles’ disappearance, Beckett’s PTSD and the aftermath of all major traumas as plotlines that only come up when convenient. It has been disappointing to see what has occurred over the first five episodes. I was never going to love this story. However, if they were set on taking the show in this direction, respect the viewers enough to show them the story (actually show us the Loksat story, a real break up etc). Commit to it. Don’t blow things up and then pretend everything is normal. That’s the problem for me. Castle has never been this type of show. It has never been serialized storytelling or super heavy week to week emotional drama. The whiplash of S8, as they try to maintain the old show while grafting on these new elements has been bizarre.

I remember that too.On a note unrelated to speculation, who else misses Hal? I always appreciated reading the perspective of someone with industry experience. It was obviously very different than that of the typical viewer. I imagine Hal lurking periodically to have a chuckle at our rants and frustrations.

For the sake of everyone's sanity, I sincerely hope you are wrong. I too get the vibe that the breakup isn't going away anytime soon. The naive part of me hopes for a resolution before the hiatus. S8 has taught me not to hope for such things.If they push this through all of S8 and into a hypothetical S9, I will likely be done. Whatever good feelings I have for the show have been pushed to the limit by the first five episodes. What was once fun and entertaining is now a weekly exercise in frustration. If your speculation pans out correctly, I'll be headed back to the position that S7 was the end for me. Or I may just be done with the show period. A permanent breakup will spoil it for me for good. I hope there's a clear end to the show in sight so they can wrap things up somewhat happily. I do not want to see this play out over multiple seasons. Five episodes has been bad enough. Sucker that I am, at this point I still want to see them together and happy.

I am absolutely in love with the new term your tablet invented. “Showruiners” is a perfect title for the Castle showrunners.** It’s going to be hard for me not to type that out instead of showrunner.I too like the lighter stuff and actual fun, but part of that for me has always included them together. Now that they are married, a split breaks the spell for me and sucks the fun right out of it. You are not alone. I still naively hope/wish that things will resolve sooner rather than later. Despite what has happened, I still want my old show back. But S8 (and years of TV viewing) have made me cynical enough to expect the exact opposite.**ETA: I should add that I don't genuinely believe they showrunners set out to ruin the show. I imagine they want to do good work etc. Whether it is their own hubris, bad writing, BTS issues or who knows, someone made a serious miscalcuation on S8.