Spoilers, Speculation & All Things Media!

[McManda]

I rather think Stana is the one pulling out since she seems to dig those indi movie projects and yeah hurtfull as that sounds her time is running out.

Pull out of her first leading role for a chance to do full time work with Mark Polish? Doubtful, since I think she understands better what it means to be employed. She's smarter than that.

And I think age is only an issue if you're starting to look it. Stana doesn't really look like she's approaching 40, so she's in a better position than some. It's kinda like Gabrielle Union - she's 41 and still can play a highschool student.

[madmaverick]

No doubt all the actors have a good idea of what roles they are and aren't being offered, and that will factor into whether they want to continue with Castle.  But sometimes it can come down to what your heart or your gut feels is the best move for you.  Josh Charles was on a critically acclaimed show with excellent writing and an excellent cast of people whom he loved working with, had a good paycheck no doubt, basically had won the TV lottery.   But that wasn't enough to make him stay because he simply felt, creatively, he had to move on after doing a character for 20+ episodes for 5 seasons.  Actors can be very nomadic beings.  It's the nature of their profession, I guess.  They want to inhabit new characters.  And honestly, 7 years of your life is a lot to give no matter what you do.

 

I still love Castle and Beckett, despite all the issues with the writing, so want to keep seeing these characters alive and on the screen.  But all good things have to come to an end some day.  We've already had a lot of time with them.  I just wish that the writers could actually make the best use of all the time they have and utilise the full potential and chemistry of this pair, instead of leaving me thinking that there was a lot of wasted, unfulfilled potential despite having gotten them together.

 

A shorter season of tighter, better storytelling would be much preferable.  Though I'm not entirely confident the writing would improve to be honest.  But at least they could cut out some forgettable filler and I think there would be more energy on screen.  I guess it all comes down to the numbers for the network and whether a shortened season would be profitable enough for them.

Edited July 29, 2014 by madmaverick

[verdana]

Yawn to the Esplanie spoiler and storyline. Espo has his moments but overall I don't need to see that much of him. With Ryan yes but that's about it.

 

I liked Espo in the early days when I thought he had a good dynamic with Beckett especially. Some fans assume they had a fling of some kind back in the day before Castle showed up but I never saw their relationship as being like but I thought he shared a special bond with Beckett that he didn't have with Ryan or any one else. But now I don't find the character that enjoyable to watch. Espo comes over as a short guy with an attitude problem. May be it's the general dumbing down of the writing but now whenever I think of Espo all I hear is "yo! Beckett!". They also can't decide whether to make him out to be some carefree single guy not interested in settling down at all (to differentiate him from Caskett and the Ryans) or have him back giving Lanie the eye and I wish they'd make up their minds one or another. Ditch the whole thing or just have them hook up quietly again. 

Sandra knows best ✌ @Sandraxf  ·  7m

#Castle spoiler!

"...especially in this first episode...there’s some Alexis/Kate tension..." (as the result of the accident) - Molly Quinn

 

I have no idea where this came from ultimately, that panel? Another interview? But I'll be interested to see how that tension manifests itself. Sounds like Cops & Robbers all over again. But once again it's Molly so who knows what we will end up seeing on screen. *shrug*  

[Tim]

Supposed Spoiler from Molly Quinn,  Take if for what it is worth.  I personally don't trust anything she says some of her best tweets may have wound up on the cutting room floor after editing but that is MHO

 

"...especially in this first episode...there’s some Alexis/Kate tension..." (as the result of the accident) - Molly Quinn

[verdana]

Ah here it is an interview with TV Line.  Deep breath now remember it's Molly! 

 

Castle's Molly Quinn Talks Teary Finale, the Alexis-Kate Tension That Follows

Edited July 29, 2014 by verdana

[FlickerToAFlame]

It could just be a throw away line like "you should have kept him safe" or one scene with petulant Alexis side eye. Hopefully it's quick and not too annoying.

[verdana]

Regardless of how Castle extricates Castle from that seeming fiery death, the immediate aftermath of it all will affect two of the ladies in his life. With a nod to the Season 6 scene where Alexis and Kate (finally) had an apres-proposal heart-to-heart, Quinn says, “I was glad they addressed that [daughter/fiancee relationship], but this season… there’s some Alexis/Kate tension, if you will” in the Sept. 29 premiere, at least. “It’s a tough relationship,” she notes. (from TV Line) 

 

So all it took to address their relationship was that blink and you'll miss it conversation in S6, good to know that's all been dealt with. Presumably the writers felt that was enough serious interaction for those two for another season. At least any tension thankfully sounds like it's a one episode deal. 

[Tim]

Thx for the link Verdana, Agree I am not sure how much stock to put into her interviews, perhaps it was filmed, BUT did it make it through editing time will tell

[madmaverick]

Do I have amnesia or which heart to heart conversation in S6 are they referring to?  I seem to recall one where Beckett talked to Alexis about moving back to the loft?  I don't remember getting any big insight into the Beckett/Alexis relationship other than the fact that they were at least talking and Beckett was trying.  You can't really create closeness with just one scene, and so far the writers haven't invested enough in Beckett/Alexis for me to feel any real bond.  Their common ground still feels very limited to Castle.  They feel more like polite acquaintances to me at this point more than anything else unfortunately, and far from the uninhibited comfort zone of family/close friends.

 

I do understand Alexis being protective of her Dad; I just wish she wasn't so often written as knowing better than her Dad and so high handed with him when he really deserves more respect and gratitude.  They had that balanced much better when Alexis was younger.

 

Not surprised they're going the tension route, but I guess there'll be hugs afterwards.  AM only knows to create drama that way.  I just hope they don't damage the characters and the relationship so much in the process that making up doesn't really make up for it.

 

In fairness, I can see anger coming out from everyone in the light of such a shocking, traumatic event.  Let's hope it hits the right emotional notes and resolutions, and doesn't come off as forced and trite.  I thought the way they have been writing Alexis lashing out at Castle lately has made her come across as quite unreasonable and bratty and unappreciative, for no good reason.

 

I hope they don't forget poor Martha.  She's his mother after all!

 

The house is going to get crowded?  Is Alexis going to play the role of Pi and walk in to interrupt our almost non existent bedroom action? ;)

Edited July 29, 2014 by madmaverick

[verdana]

I'd be happy with a much shorter season, although I agree with mad maverick not sure if it would make that much difference to the writing but at least there wouldn't be so many filler/gimmicky episodes to endure. Currently the show sags badly roughly around mid season when they're obviously treading water trying to string things out. They definitely need to tighten things up and having less episodes might make Marlowe's life easier and he won't lose his way with the storytelling as he's prone to do. 

Edited July 29, 2014 by verdana

[cappuccino]

Do I have amnesia or which heart to heart conversation in S6 are they referring to?  I seem to recall one where Beckett talked to Alexis about moving back to the loft?  I don't remember getting any big insight into the Beckett/Alexis relationship other than the fact that they were at least talking and Beckett was trying.  You can't really create closeness with just one scene, and so far the writers haven't invested enough in Beckett/Alexis for me to feel any real bond.  Their common ground still feels very limited to Castle.  They feel more like polite acquaintances to me at this point more than anything else unfortunately, and far from the uninhibited comfort zone of family/close friends.

Don't you remember the hug *lol* Didn't they sell that one as the huge step forward in their relationship and hashing everything out.

 

Urg I don't know who is worse - Molly or Marlowe. Pi was a great idea and now the tension is too ... I see a pattern coming up here and not a good one. Lashing out at Kate - been there, done that. Can't they come up with something else ? If she knows Beckett is there for the long run and doesn't go away why can't she seek comfort in her ? Use her as a shoulder to cry on instead of playing blaming games ?

[madmaverick]

Don't you remember the hug *lol* Didn't they sell that one as the huge step forward in their relationship and hashing everything out.

 

 

Oh dear, I really must be getting amnesia or the episodes are just becoming that forgettable to me heh.  Are we talking about the dialogue less hug early in S6 after Beckett helped with the death penalty case or we talking about their scene in some cafe or somewhere outside of the precinct and the loft in late S6?  I don't even remember what episode that was.

 

Can't they come up with something else ?

 

 

Nope. :P

 

Use her as a shoulder to cry on instead of playing blaming games ?

 

 

A touching scene where they derived support from each other or bonded over reminiscing over some cute ridiculousness of Castle's would be nice.

Marlowe's going to have them fight so they can make up at the end.  His typical B-story plot. ;)  He likes Beckett and Alexis to be right (vs Castle) so let's see who 'wins' here. ;)

 

 

Since the circumstances already are guaranteed to be emotionally devastating to Beckett, Alexis piling on would just be distasteful.

 

 

It's also kind of cliche.

 

That's never stopped Marlowe before.  The more cliched, the merrier. ;)

 

I feel a bit sorry for Molly.  I sense more hate coming for her character, as if last season wasn't enough.  LOL/groan, wonder when AM (and Molly) got that Pi was really, really not working as they intended?  But I wonder if AM has truly learned the lessons from that fiasco. Not in writing a love interest for Alexis, but in how to write Alexis as a mature, respectful, likeable adult.  Does AM understand that people were upset with Alexis not just because of Pi, but because of the poor way she behaved with her father? 

[Tim]

Oh dear, I really must be getting amnesia or the episodes are just becoming that forgettable to me heh.  Are we talking about the dialogue less hug early in S6 after Beckett helped with the death penalty case or we talking about their scene in some cafe or somewhere outside of the precinct and the loft in late S6?  I don't even remember what episode that was.

 

Nope. :P

 

A touching scene where they derived support from each other or bonded over reminiscing over some cute ridiculousness of Castle's would be nice.

Marlowe's going to have them fight so they can make up at the end.  His typical B-story plot. ;)  He likes Beckett and Alexis to be right (vs Castle) so let's see who 'wins' here. ;)

 

That's never stopped Marlowe before.  The more cliched, the merrier. ;)

 

I feel a bit sorry for Molly.  I sense more hate coming for her character, as if last season wasn't enough.  LOL/groan, wonder when AM (and Molly) got that Pi was really, really not working as they intended?  But I wonder if AM has truly learned the lessons from that fiasco. Not in writing a love interest for Alexis, but in how to write Alexis as a mature, respectful, likeable adult.  Does AM understand that people were upset with Alexis not just because of Pi, but because of the poor way she behaved with her father? 

You can almost excuse Molly who is still learning the biz but AM, Please.  MQ seemed really surprised that Pi was not the desert of choice of the majority of Fandom, talk about out of touch with fans, or perhaps she just reads tweets that flatter and not the ones who criticize, AND Again we should always separate MQ from the Character, Alexis, OK to dislike her, (AC) but Molly is just saying the words someone else wrote

[WendyCR72]

Pull out of her first leading role for a chance to do full time work with Mark Polish? Doubtful, since I think she understands better what it means to be employed. She's smarter than that.

 

But by the very nature of her profession, smart is relative. Actors no doubt love a paycheck, but they ALSO want to expand their repertoire. Actors leave TV shows all the time. Sometimes it works out for them, and for others (David Caruso, hello!), it's a mistake.

 

But actors seem to be people who like to be diverse, so sometimes, being smart and staying in one place is not for them. And we have no idea of the state of their finances, so maybe some can afford to take those risks, too.

[Sonik Tooth]

I find nothing wrong with the interview, it seems like she is excited about what’s to come for her character. About what lies in the past: I think it’s not her job (additionally I would find it pretty unprofessional) to publicly criticize character choices made by the writers, so, what was she supposed to say? And if she didn’t have any qualms, well, good for her, she’s in tune with the show :-)

 

The Alexis-Kate tension thing becomes a bit repetitive, and I’m also worried about how they handle it on the show, as I don’t think it should be done with one outcry (devoid of any subtlety) and after that everything’s fine. Either devote some time and depth or leave it out altogether.

 

As for the believability, I think it’s quite right on the money. If I imagine I were as young as Alexis, my father being the one I most care about (because it’s always mostly been him and me) and working a dangerous job he’s not trained for, I probably would blame Beckett. Well, I would blame her if there is some kind of evidence that his disappearance might be connected to some of the cases they worked on together.

 

 

I feel a bit sorry for Molly.  I sense more hate coming for her character, as if last season wasn't enough.

 

There are some funny parallels though. Alexis “hates” Beckett because she is protective of her (vanished) Dad. Some fans “hate” Alexis because they are protective of Caskett.

Edited July 29, 2014 by Sonik Tooth

[FlickerToAFlame]

Maybe Alan meant something in *his* life is changing in a year, making him unavailable. Retiring from acting? ;)

[Cyranetta]

 

The Alexis-Kate tension thing becomes a bit repetitive, and I’m also worried about how they handle it on the show, as I don’t think it should be done with one outcry (devoid of any subtlety) and after that everything’s fine. Either devote some time and depth or leave it out altogether.

 

I don't have any particular dislike of Alexis as a character, and I found her particularly appealing in the first couple of seasons, but I don't foresee any sudden genius in handling the Alexis-Kate tension, and much time spent on Alexis blaming Kate (for what, pray tell?) would be tedious to watch, as was the whole Pi debacle. I would hope that resolving the S6 finale would have plenty of story and relationship arcs that aren't tedious to watch.

[TWP]

Yeah I agree that it would be difficult to do a show called "Castle" without Fillion. Marlowe's number one mistake was to call the show Castle. Thus, continuing on without Fillion would require spinning off.

Contrary to Hal's interpretation of my words, I don't see the Comicon slip about this being the last season as meaningful. I see Nathan's general disinterest in the show as being meaningful tho. I've seen Nathan excited about his work and it's pretty clear to me that he's just not that into Castle..and he's just not into it's core fanbase either. He's trying to attract a different fan base to himself and he's not getting that with Castle. And I I also wasn't saying that he'd lose his non-fans like me if he leaves early. I'm saying he would peeve true core fans if his exit ends the show. But those fans would greatly be people in my age group of 50+, but as I said I don't think he cares too much. His personal net of friends and girlfriends is far younger ... and look back at his retweets. How many of them are post-50 women? Not many, if any. We are not his peeps.

Edited July 29, 2014 by TVWithPity

[verdana]

Oh dear, I really must be getting amnesia or the episodes are just becoming that forgettable to me heh.  Are we talking about the dialogue less hug early in S6 after Beckett helped with the death penalty case or we talking about their scene in some cafe or somewhere outside of the precinct and the loft in late S6?  I don't even remember what episode that was.

 

I still can't believe Marlowe's bullshit teasing over that Alexis/Kate moment in LFLD, I was so looking forward to them finally talking to each other properly after two years of no decent interaction:

 

"I don’t think fans should expect a yelling match. We don’t like to go soap here — “You stole my father!” “You’re being immature!” I think we present a more sophisticated version that’s, hopefully, just as satisfying and moving."

And I got a hug with no dialogue. Only Marlowe could call this sophisticated and it was certainly not satisfying, it felt like an easy cop out and way to avoid having to write anything substantial. 

 

Their brief chat about her moving back home occurred in episode 6.16 Room 147, how this laid bare their relationship to any degree I have no idea, but then when some consider a hug decent character development a scene like that must be absolute gold.  

I have no problem with Alexis being terribly distraught about her father being missing presumed dead that's only natural and proper but I don't want to see her lashing out at Beckett, been there done that already. 

Edited July 29, 2014 by verdana

[KaveDweller]

Oh dear, I really must be getting amnesia or the episodes are just becoming that forgettable to me heh.  Are we talking about the dialogue less hug early in S6 after Beckett helped with the death penalty case or we talking about their scene in some cafe or somewhere outside of the precinct and the loft in late S6?  I don't even remember what episode that was.

 

I think those were the only two times Alexis and Beckett had any interaction all season.  That and the fist bump over beating Castle in Scrabble.  So, I have no idea what Molly in talking about.  Maybe there was dialogue written in the death penalty episode that got muted?  Maybe it was all supposed to be in subtext, but they really needed a little more time together for that to come across.  It sounded like Molly was talking about an actual conversation though.

You weren't supposed to think she was right but you don't have to hate her.

It boggles the mind why people feel the need to take a position and can't just watch the story.

 

Because the thing is, it comes across like we're supposed to take a position. I'm not sure if it's the show or Marlowe's interviews, but I really do get the sense that we're supposed to side with Alexis.  Because normally I would just watch and think, eh, annoying teenagers.  But with Alexis no one ever calls her out on being one (in the show).  Castle isn't happy with something she did and Martha or Beckett act like he's overreacting and that's the end of it.  No one ever says anything about how Alexis shouldn't have said/done something.  So it feels like the show is telling us she's always right, which annoys me. Especially in something like the Pi situation where Alexis was definitely wrong to compare her and Pi's relationship with Caskett.

[madmaverick]

Their brief chat about her moving back home occurred in episode 6.16 Room 147, how this laid bare their relationship to any degree I have no idea, but then when some consider a hug decent character development a scene like that must be absolute gold.

 

Thanks for digging that up, Verdana.  I think this must be the heart to heart they are referring to.  As Kave pointed out, they basically just had 2 meaningful interactions all season which is odd to say the least, but no longer surprising since the writers haven't seemed interested in exploring Alexis/Beckett in a long time.

 

This scene was OK, but one scene does not a relationship make.  The scene was more about Alexis imo than really delving into Alexis/Beckett though it was good to see Beckett step in to offer some advice.  What bugged me about the scene though was we finally got a mea culpa from Alexis about her earlier mistakes, and she acknowledged them with Beckett, but we never got to see her acknowledging the same with Castle!

 

 After her high-handed behaviour with Castle and him being repeatedly apologetic to her, I really needed an apology or an acknowledgement in some shape or form from her to Castle that she had not behaved well and had learned from the whole sorry episode.  Some might say that's all understood and unnecessary in a parent/child relationship.  AM might say that it's enough that Alexis acknowledged her mistakes with Beckett and the audience, she didn't need to repeat that with Castle.  (In the way he felt Castle telling the audience about Meredith's infidelity was enough and Beckett never needed to hear it directly from him on screen. ;)) But  I needed a honest, heartfelt Castle/Alexis scene like that to show that the relationship had truly mended, to reset the relationship a bit after all the hurtful words Alexis threw at her Dad, and to rebuild confidence that the relationship would only grow stronger again after lessons had been learned.  Maybe because we haven't had that, I've felt the Castle/Alexis relationship isn't quite the same as it was pre Pi conflict.  

 

And I always thought it made no sense for Castle not to have told Alexis about the engagement properly.  Felt like that was something the writers put in just to give Alexis some reason to be mad and Castle apologetic.

 

Because the thing is, it comes across like we're supposed to take a position. I'm not sure if it's the show or Marlowe's interviews, but I really do get the sense that we're supposed to side with Alexis.  Because normally I would just watch and think, eh, annoying teenagers.  But with Alexis no one ever calls her out on being one (in the show).  Castle isn't happy with something she did and Martha or Beckett act like he's overreacting and that's the end of it.  No one ever says anything about how Alexis shouldn't have said/done something.  So it feels like the show is telling us she's always right, which annoys me.

 

 

I completely agree.  I didn't feel this so much in the early seasons, but like you say, eventually the stories all followed the same one sided pattern.   Castle's concerned with something Alexis did/wanted, Beckett/Martha tell him he's overreacting or Alexis is right.  Alexis tells off her Dad some more for violating her independence/boundaries/whatever even when his concerns are quite valid and reasonable, and the episode ends with Castle acknowledging he was in the wrong and should have handled the issue differently.  I'm trying to remember the last time Alexis was called out for behaving badly but can't recall anything.  It really grates after a while when you have a character acting superior and being in the right all the time, be it Alexis or Beckett at times.  It's especially grating when it's the child telling off the parent all the time and always presented as the one who knows best.  I don't think that's fair towards Castle, a father who has always been generous and loving, and more than patient imo with Alexis.  I did like their family dynamic of Alexis parenting Castle, and Castle parenting Martha in the way they did, but I feel that they've really upset the balance with Alexis and Castle and taken the fun out of that reverse dynamic in recent seasons as Castle became his daughter's punching bag and didn't get the credit and respect he deserves as a parent from his daughter.  He's actually given Alexis some pretty good advice over the years.

 

I feel the writers too often forget about maintaining a balance in writing the relationships, a proper give and take with each party taking the lead in turns.

Edited July 30, 2014 by madmaverick

[madmaverick]

Nathan's said repeatedly that he's grateful for what Castle has given him and he's always been appreciative of Castle fans whether it be on location or on the street or at cons etc., so I don't think it's fair to say that he doesn't care about his fans from Castle, regardless of age, which I find irrelevant in the discussion as I don't see any evidence that he prefers fans from one age group or gender to any other.  I have no idea about the age of the people he may tweet or retweet but I'd imagine that would have more to do with the actual content of the tweet than the age of the tweeter. ;)

 

Love this multigenerational pic from Nerd HQ, complete with sweaty, snotty towel.  I'd never bid on something like that in a million years, but these peeps seem to enjoy so good for them.  http://loverofcastle.tumblr.com/post/93219534624

Edited July 30, 2014 by madmaverick

[WendyCR72]

Okay, everybody has an opinion, so let's just relax here. Time will tell what the actors plan to do or not do. There is no point in getting heated and declaring things factual or not before we have info, as it rarely leads anywhere good here.

 

So, let's agree to disagree and move on.

[Samantha84]

Ooh for fuck's sake! Is it too much to ask for Alexis and Beckett to simply help each other through this situation. What the hell is Alexis blaming Beckett for? What? He was on his way to marry her so it's her fault? Marlowe doesn't write for Alexis and Beckett and that's a shame. The most important in Castle's like, besides Beckett, is his daughter and for Marlowe to act like Alexis/Beckett are two strangers is ridiculous! No one is asking for Beckett to be Alexis' mother but she can be a friend plus, ya know, the woman her father loves and will marry one day. 

Again, if Alexis was shipped off to college and only mentioned and seen a handful of scenes foir the rest of the series I'd not give a damn. PS: It's getting ridiculous now that Beckett/Castle have to share a home w. Martha and Alexis.  Has Martha not made enough money to get her own place now? If not, castle is rich -- buy his mom, and daughter, a condo/apartment/house/loft so he and his fiance/soon-to-be wife can have the place to themselves.  I rolled my eyes when Beckett asked Castle is his mother was home before she told Castle they were gonna play strip poker. 

The house is going to get crowded?  Is Alexis going to play the role of Pi and walk in to interrupt our almost non existent bedroom action? ;)

 

Almost? Now your just being polite. lol. 

This is hilarious and so very true. Marlowe and Co. have no clue how to write fun, sexy, intimate, Castle/Beckett as a couple.  They either act like pre-teens w. their chase kisses or a couple that's been married for 60 years. *yawn* 

Marlowe has treated Alexis/Beckett like he has the character of Rick Castle -- who he decided needs to be written for 7 seasons in! He spend all his time writing Beckett and her backstory instead of writing equally for the title character of the show and the co-lead. Many showrunners & writers story's and characters -- so it's either Marlowe doesn't know how to or he doesn't want to. 

[McManda]

PS: It's getting ridiculous now that Beckett/Castle have to share a home w. Martha and Alexis.  Has Martha not made enough money to get her own place now? If not, castle is rich -- buy his mom, and daughter, a condo/apartment/house/loft so he and his fiance/soon-to-be wife can have the place to themselves.

 

... except when he offered to even co-sign a loan for her she refused. It doesn't sound like she'd be willing to take a place that he bought her.

 

And buying Alexis something? I'm pretty sure there's something wrapped up in that about not spoiling your kids, and Castle has already been pretty good about not giving Alexis things just because he can. I mean, he's never deprived her, but he hasn't gotten her extravagant things without a lesson wrapped up in it (ie: finding a way to pay for her own vespa). [note: this is not the same as helping out family because they need/want it and you have the means]

 

Besides, buying his family alternate housing because he wants to spend alone time with his girlfriend/fiancee/new wife? Talk about buying someone off. If that's the alternative to Beckett keeping her apartment, I'd much rather them have Beckett keep her apartment and they can alone time there.

[KaveDweller]

What bugged me about the scene though was we finally got a mea culpa from Alexis about her earlier mistakes, and she acknowledged them with Beckett, but we never got to see her acknowledging the same with Castle!

 

Exactly. It's like with Alexis's video blog in season 5.  It did help get her kidnapped and did anyone ever say Castle was right about it being a bad idea? He was the only one who said that and everyone else acted like he was overreacting. Maybe it was supposed to be implied or happened off screen or something? But after they spent so much time building up to it, they could have at least followed through.

 

But I felt the same way when Beckett lied about the interview and Castle lost his shit. I don't take sides. That doesn't mean I can't say "wow that character reacted badly causing the other character to do such and such"  I do see all that. But that's where it ends. I don't think the writer's are trying to make me hate anyone or only see one POV. Because from a writing stand point they don't usually do that unless its something heavy handed.

 

I guess I just have a different interpretation of Alexis's scenes.  Because most of the time I agree with you.  And with Beckett, Castle has fought back and called her out on her mistakes. So you do see both sides. That never happens with Alexis though.  And I don't hate her. I just get annoyed at how she's portrayed, it seems like they only one one POV with her.  That may not be their intention, but that is what comes across.

Has Martha not made enough money to get her own place now?

 

I saw an interview with Susan where she was saying how she doesn't understand why Castle and Beckett haven't gotten their own place by now, because she's pretty sure the loft is hers.  Which is wrong, obviously, but she has the right idea.  I think by now Martha would have stepped up and said she wants to move out and let Castle and Beckett be on their own as newlyweds.  Alexis is a different story, but I think it would be natural for her to want to move back into the dorms once school starts again.  But I guess then Alexis and Martha would get no screentime.  I wouldn't really mind that, but maybe others would.

[Samantha84]

I wouldn't say he was buying them off by wanting them to move the hell out of his house -- now that he's #1 in a serious relationship, #2 he's engaged, and #3 their going to be married. It's not wrong for Castle, and Beckett, to want their privacy. Castle shouldn't have to give up his loft either.  Like I've been saying, give Martha --aka let her rent -- Beckett's apartment and Alexis moves back into the dorms. 

If Marlowe had used the experience of them all living together to establish a bond between the women in Castle's life so Martha volunteering to move out would make it easy. But Marlowe hasn't even stated that Beckett's officially moved in -- we are to infer and I have. Even though they mention her old apartment and goes there, when plot serves the purpose [aka leaving that dress there]. 

Point is -- Martha and Alexis need to go; Castle and Beckett stay in the loft. 

[KaveDweller]

I think most of the time it has been proven through actions that he is right. Like Alexis asking to move back home. 

 

Maybe, but I think it would be nice if they said them out right.  I'm not usually that defensive of Castle like that, but with Alexis these past couple of seasons I've started feeling that way.

 

I would argue that in the sense of Beckett usually disagreeing when it comes to Alexis its more about offering another POV for him to see. Which is hard when it's your baby.

 

Actually, I would agree about that and don't have an issue with her doing that. But it would just be nice to see the alternative every once in awhile (with either Beckett or Martha).  In that scene where Beckett talked Alexis into moving back into the loft, Beckett told her she she never takes sides between them, but she actually tries to champion Alexis a lot.  Alexis should be grateful instead of blaming her or whatever she's going to do.  But hey, if it happens off screen I guess it won't matter.

 

Molly tends to exagerate, especially when it comes to Alexis's reaction to things or her role in storylines.  I can't really blame her, but normally try not to get too worked up by what she says.  But with two months left in the hiatus, there's not much else to really discuss.

[turnitwayup]

 

Like I've been saying, give Martha --aka let her rent -- Beckett's apartment and Alexis moves back into the dorms.

 

Yep, that should have happen gradually last season. Martha was still around the loft for decent amount of screen time when she moved in with Chet so instead of her coming down the stairs, she could be using the front door more. Plus if Martha was living at Beckett's old apartment, it would've made more sense how the wedding dress got inside than surprise!box. Instead of the annoying Pi storyline, Alexis could've had not get along with her dorm roommates one and still be hanging around the loft getting advice from Castle or Beckett or both of them. I did like the Mrs. C to be nickname but it could've came from Lanie, Espo or Ryan teasing instead of Pi.

[verdana]

 

I feel the writers too often forget about maintaining a balance in writing the relationships, a proper give and take with each party taking the lead in turns.

Yeah absolutely, you need each party to be seen "winning" something occasionally, otherwise it doesn't feel remotely healthy to me or that enjoyable to watch. I find Castle is always the loser and even when he's supposedly in the right it's never properly acknowledged on screen by the people that have wronged him or been proved to have been mistaken. The way they've turned Castle into a total doormat around all the women in his life has not been pretty to watch, taking whatever shit is thrown at him and then going back for more punishment sure as hell isn't remotely attractive. The guy might as well have a "kick me" sign plastered on his back.

Edited July 30, 2014 by verdana

[verdana]

 

And I always thought it made no sense for Castle not to have told Alexis about the engagement properly.  Felt like that was something the writers put in just to give Alexis some reason to be mad and Castle apologetic.

 

That was the rotten foundation which started the whole story off and it didn't make any logical sense or fit the characters. How did he not manage to tell her face to face? He surely had the time, she wasn't literally jetting off to Costa Rica that second plus it was totally OOC that he let Martha tell her. One of the biggest WTF moment for me. That was a perfect example of writing a character to fit the plot. And it made her look pathetic to get into a hissy fit over that when she must have known where his relationship with Kate by that stage was going but the main problem was it didn't fit the character of Castle to do that so epic fail right from the start. I can't get invested in a story that's built on sloppy writing.

Edited July 30, 2014 by verdana

[verdana]

I rolled my eyes when Beckett asked Castle is his mother was home before she told Castle they were gonna play strip poker. 

Thanks for the laugh this morning this Samantha. Funny but sad too. 

 

I'm fed up with their living situation not being addressed, they're about to get married and still not one decent conversation about it. Instead we get them arguing over a lion picture. Give me a bloody break! Is that it? By this stage you've had a serious discussion about where you're going to live as a couple. And I'm not interested if it's happened on that other show Castle Offscreen. Kate maintaining her apartment makes no sense, I don't care if Marlowe says it's rent controlled she's about to marry a multi millionaire I think they can work it out. They can't even be bothered to show her moving officially into Castle's home with furniture and stuff, it's just left in limbo with it being used for plot contrivance every few months or so by the writers.  

 

Alexis should be back in her dorm at college or with friends (she has some right?) sharing a flat somewhere and Martha could find a place of her own or move into Kate's and solve that problem. The only downside is as others have mentioned we might see less of them although given how little they do with the secondary cast it probably won't make much difference. As for the Pi saga, she should have said sorry to her father properly. Kate's not the one that had to suffer the most over Alexis acting up like a spoilt immature mean brat with refusing to see him unless he liked her boyfriend, then I discover after all that she was only using the guy as a way to hurt and annoy her father. Charming. 

 

If they had wanted to rehabilitate Alexis why not have a genuinely loving moment of reconciliation with dad where just for once someone admits to his face he was right and also have her remain in the flat because the conditions of the lease wouldn't allow her to leave without a huge financial penalty. Show that actions have consequences and she should deal with them on her own especially given how Alexis had told Castle how far more grown up and sensible she was than him and always had been and he meekly accepted it. Jesus. What a screw up that story was for everyone involved. 

Edited July 30, 2014 by verdana

[oberon55]

I can't help but love the way they delve into their characters and dig into deep emotional issues. Like the way they dealt with them moving into together. Basically all it took was Castle redecorating his bedroom and they were ready to rock & roll. They used the same approach with Castle & Alexis. All it took was one 3 minute conversation between Alexis & Beckett and all was right with the world again without so much as a peep in any other episode about Pi or Castle & Alexis relationship. Provocative and emotionally satisfying storytelling at it's best.

[Gant]

Just finished watching almost all Nerd HQ panels last night o_o. It’s like a drug habit, start with one and find yourself 4 hours later bleary eyed and having left-over pizza for dinner beside your computer. 

Thrilling Adventure Hour, The Giver, Zach, Sesame Street, WD, Orphan Black and many other panels were a lot of fun. First Nathan’s panel felt a little rushed, though still pretty entertaining. Same with Alan’s panel – I feel like his humor loses a lot of genuine fun and spark when he’s on his own (not the first time I thought this). They really are perfect partners with Nathan, his second panel when they were together felt like a colorful puzzle, completed at last, lol. Joss’s “Nathan Fillion’s high pressured friends panel” was also surprisingly entertaining. Surprisingly for a last minute affair I mean, but guess Whedonverse really filters in people who mostly click with each other, because even Chloe Bennet, a relative newbie, wasn’t out of place at all. Two things I didn’t quite get: Was Nathan/Alan’s story about their first meeting a joke or a real encounter? You never know with those two. If it’s true, sounds unbelievably cheesy and awesome, lol. And second, when was Liam from Spartacus “directing” Joss Whedon? They talked about it like a well-known thing, but I drew a blank.

 

t's very evident by the mere look at the audience at his panels - they are usually full of men as well as women, about 50/50, and many of these men who became fans after Firefly and his voice work in games and animation can't wait for him to leave mainstream TV and return to sci-fi/comic/adventure genres.

 

 

 

Right, I noticed this last year while watching Tom H’s panel right after NF’s – Tom’s audience seemed almost exclusively female. I wouldn’t say 50/50, but compared to other Nerd HQ staples, NF’s panels seem to attract way more men. Of different ages btw, both genders. As was already mentioned, I don’t see NF favoring a particular age group. IDK how old are followers he usually retweets, but guess it’s more reasonable to expect a cool tattoo, creative geeky video or a new gadget tweeted by a youngster than a “post-50 woman” (generally speaking). So may be, if someone really monitors the age of his followers, this is the reason why, but I never noticed him scoffing at/ignoring fans of a certain age. It’s more about their interests IMO.

I know though that I’ve been noticing for some time that his tweets about Castle (the ones some fans claim are nonexistent, but somehow I still see them, lol) usually are less popular than his tweets concerning Whedon/other shows, geeky stuff or just a particularly successful joke. I read Twitter couple times a week, usually on my laptop, and it’s something that catches my eye often – there will be a Castle tweet with, let’s say, about 300-1K rts/faves and then some nerdy tweet in a 2-3K range, and then a joke at 3-4K or more. Stana’s Castle tweets, when I see them, are usually in 1-3K range, regardless of their content, just because they’re about Castle it seems. From this I conclude that more hardcore Castle fans follow SK, and NF’s active Castle following is significantly less (those who retweet stuff at least). So it seems that “distribution of fans” TVwithPity talks about, happens quite naturally and without anyone having to make any special efforts or set age limits.

[Sonik Tooth]

I don't have any particular dislike of Alexis as a character, and I found her particularly appealing in the first couple of seasons, but I don't foresee any sudden genius in handling the Alexis-Kate tension, and much time spent on Alexis blaming Kate (for what, pray tell?) would be tedious to watch, as was the whole Pi debacle. I would hope that resolving the S6 finale would have plenty of story and relationship arcs that aren't tedious to watch.

 

With time and depth I didn’t mean Alexis blaming Kate all episode(s) long. In fact that’s one trite scenario I don’t want to see. I want to see fear, anger, despair on both sides with Alexis lashing out shortly only to build up their relationship, to come to an sort of understanding that is palpable for a longer time than just one episode. The tragic event should have positive and lasting consequences and I think Castle missing was a perfect opportunity to recalibrate the relationship among the characters, all of them. 

 

But I agree, they don’t have the best track record with Alexis-Castle family/Alexis-Beckett scenes (as discussed above), especially these past two years, and I would even go so far to say I was underwhelmed with most of the other portrayals as well (Beckett-Castle, Castle-family Castle, Beckett-precinct etc.). So, we’ll see and I’m curious how it will play out.

[Karen]

Just finished watching almost all Nerd HQ panels last night o_o. It’s like a drug habit, start with one and find yourself 4 hours later bleary eyed and having left-over pizza for dinner beside your computer.

 

I feel ya, LOL. I've managed to watch the most anticipated panels live (who needs sleep, indeed?), and still had to spend almost half a day watching the rest. Loved Orphan Black and TAH panel, and Badass Women was also a lot of fun. Have you seen Zach's Mystery Guests panel? Nathan was there, like he did in the previous years, and it was pretty entertaining as well.

 

Was Nathan/Alan’s story about their first meeting a joke or a real encounter? You never know with those two. If it’s true, sounds unbelievably cheesy and awesome, lol.

 

I was wondering the same thing. I want to believe it's true, just because it would be like you said -- cheesy, but awesome. At least Alan described Vanessa (I guess it must be her, judging by time frame) pretty well, so -- why not, really? Even if they didn't really meet there or don't really remember each other, the mere fact that Alan served the tables in the restaurant where Nathan used to go, is rather amusing.

 

second, when was Liam from Spartacus “directing” Joss Whedon? They talked about it like a well-known thing, but I drew a blank.

 

 

This part I didn't quite get either, mostly because of my far-from-perfect English, so I just thought I missed something that Liam said. Was it someone's birthday greeting that he directed? Maybe it was just some sort of a roast? Dunno. And another question I've got -- who's this "James" Liam was asking Joss about? Marsters?

 

 I know though that I’ve been noticing for some time that his tweets about Castle (the ones some fans claim are nonexistent, but somehow I still see them, lol) usually are less popular than his tweets concerning Whedon/other shows, geeky stuff or just a particularly successful joke.

 

Yeah, I've noticed the same thing. Castle fans love to complain that Nathan "never tweets about Castle" (which is totally not true), but funnily enough, when he does tweet about Castle his tweets are almost completely ingored by this fandom. All his frequent tweets complimenting guest stars and crew, all his photos from set and funny little video-shenanigans with Jon and Seamus, even the mere fact that he actually interacts with his fans, be it browncoats or castillions -- answers their questions, responds to their tweets, jokes with them, reposts their photos, etc. (very few celebrities engage that kind of constant ineraction with their fans on Twitter) is somehow irrelevant or not enough. Go figure.

Edited July 30, 2014 by Karen

[verdana]

I think Castle missing was a perfect opportunity to recalibrate the relationship among the characters, all of them. 

 

But the big question is will the writers take it? Too many times the writers have chosen short term angst over positive character development and strengthening their relationships. I want to see Alexis and Beckett drawn closer together due to the accident not further apart or remain in two distinct worlds as they do at the moment which is pathetic. 

Edited July 30, 2014 by verdana

[Samantha84]

Fan caught up w. Stana, Jon, and Seamus while they were filming on location today. They are filming 7.02. By the looks of this photo Beckett has gotten a haircut a.k.a Stana has taken out the extensions. Also? Her hair, as I mentioned earlier, is darker. Good, I like. 

 

ETA: Yep. Beckett's hair is shorter this upcoming season. Yay! Well that's something to look forward to. lol.

Edited July 30, 2014 by Samantha84

[verdana]

Sleuthdog gets the best on location street shots I find. These were taken at the same place as Samantha's shot by the looks of it. I like Stana's hair, the darker colour definitely suits her better.  Seems Beckett's hair will now finally match Stana's natural length. 

 

Samantha. That second picture really shows you the difference. That's one positive for S7, Beckett with better hair. Now if they can just do something about Castle's oversized jackets.... 

Edited July 31, 2014 by verdana

[cappuccino]

Sleuthdog gets the best on location street shots I find. These were taken at the same place as Samantha's shot by the looks of it. I like Stana's hair, the darker colour definitely suits her better. Seems Beckett's hair will now finally match Stana's natural length.

I don't mind that at all. The shorter hair is so much better.

[FlickerToAFlame]

Directing 7x03

@chadgcreasey: @FredBC77 @DaraCreasey The awesome #Castle vet, Kate Woods.

[verdana]

Is there some ongoing feud between DB and Castle fans? Because this recent tweet had me wondering. 

 

David Boreanaz @David_Boreanaz  ·  4h
I don't know what's better being attacked by a Liberal with #20,000Tweets or the #CastleFandom. #LightenUpPeople

 

[WendyCR72]

@verdana , no idea of the context of the tweet since I haven't been on Twitter in any real capacity for...forever, but there has been a rivalry between the two shows since Castle premiered. Just the ebb and flow of TV fandom, I guess.

[verdana]

I'm convinced the Creaseys episode will be a normal light "fun and fluff" one, we'll definitely be back to normal COTW business by then.

 

Erin Allin @ErinAllin  ·  2h
@seamusdever @Jon_Huertas @Stana_Katic 
Thanks for giving the Canadians a chance!

https://twitter.com/ErinAllin/status/494699329332846593

 

No Nathan at this location which could mean something or nothing. I'm convinced Castle's been located by this point. Isn't this the case about the toy mogul or something? Seems like an ordinary COTW to me. 

 

Saw Stana, Seamus and Jon on location today!! Too bad Nathan wasn’t there too but at least the three hour wait for them to come out was worth it!!

Two more pictures taken by fans, same location as before.

 

I always wonder when I see comments like this what drives people to turn up and hang around at location shoots. Sometimes they're prepared to wait hours and in some extreme cases days enduring discomfort to catch a fleeting glimpse of one of the stars or possibly even meet them. I'm not complaining since they kindly post their pictures on line but don't they have work to go to? I guess they're on holiday and happen to be in the area or may be they deliberately take the time off.

 

It's strange thinking about it because I'm still invested on the show despite issues I have with the direction the writing has taken, I wouldn't be watching live at some ungodly hour or posting daily on a forum otherwise obviously. However, if someone asked me do you want to waste three hours standing around waiting for one of the cast to possibly appear and may be we can meet them or get a photo, I'd tell them no thanks I'd want to go sightseeing instead. 

[verdana]

Thanks, I'm not even on twitter but it popped up on my dash and I thought oh what's happened there? I do watch both shows, Bones much less though, obviously something (or someone) has got him a bit upset. 

[Nadine]

Good to see Kate Woods back directing. Yay for Aussie directors, plus her style should match the Creaseys writing.

[madmaverick]

The tragic event should have positive and lasting consequences and I think Castle missing was a perfect opportunity to recalibrate the relationship among the characters, all of them.

 

Agreed.  It's an ideal time to generate some real character/relationship development.  I just hope that all important bit isn't lost in the maze of mythology. ;) I'm most interested in the impact on the characters and their relationships by this event more than anything else, and hope the writers write to that accordingly.

 

But I agree, they don’t have the best track record with Alexis-Castle family/Alexis-Beckett scenes (as discussed above), especially these past two years, and I would even go so far to say I was underwhelmed with most of the other portrayals as well (Beckett-Castle, Castle-family Castle, Beckett-precinct etc.).

 

Quality of the personal scenes really have declined across the board in my opinion.  Family scenes as much as Caskett scenes.  Meaningful, non-superficial, or even well-written, entertaining ones are more rare.  In the early seasons, there would be a good, interesting, fun Alexis/Castle/Martha conversation almost every other episode whereas last season I could hardly recall any.  There was good Castle/Martha during the episode when his father returned but that was about it. Sometimes I think it's the residue of goodwill I feel for the family scenes and the characters that gets me through all the underwhelming personal scenes these days. But it's not like there's an arresting COTW to watch when the personal scenes are lacking, and I've never really watched for those anyway, so what is the audience left with?  Sigh.

 

Prefer Beckett having shorter hair.  What I would have loved to see is Beckett sporting that refreshing, above the shoulder rock chick cut Stana had for a while.

 

I see some speculating that there might be a surprise wedding in 702 because AM is writing it, and because Castle seems to be back for a while then and everything is back to normal.  Anyone see an early wedding happening?

[madmaverick]

No idea what the latest drama is about but I find that fandoms and people who have idols can be a bit sensitive and get a tad dramatic (understatement!).

 

Two things I didn’t quite get: Was Nathan/Alan’s story about their first meeting a joke or a real encounter? You never know with those two. If it’s true, sounds unbelievably cheesy and awesome, lol.

 

I was inclined to believe it. Really quite a funny story though and what a coincidence if true.  That story about them getting together trying to figure out how to play 'high' and Nathan's reenactment of Alan with the cold cream (?) was funny too.  It's great that they are such good friends that they can go to each other for acting advice and support.  I imagine you can't go to everybody for that in Hollywood.

 

And second, when was Liam from Spartacus “directing” Joss Whedon? They talked about it like a well-known thing, but I drew a blank.

 

I didn't get that completely either, but it seemed like Liam (Spartacus was a really good show, btw) was in charge of putting together a video of some sort as a Happy Birthday thing for Nathan (part when Liam said everyone loved the guy), and he said Joss was good but what he did didn't quite fit with whatever they were going for. That's the gist of what I got, but I could be wrong.  Everyone on that panel had a good sense of humour, Joss included, and that created a fun vibe.  Was half afraid of a wardrobe malfunction for the actress though!

 

For all the criticisms and complaints Nathan gets from a vocal segment of Stana's fans, I've noticed that he replies to fans with "Stana" or "stanatic" etc. quite often.

[cappuccino]

Is there some ongoing feud between DB and Castle fans? Because this recent tweet had me wondering. 

Comic Con. They did a Bones panel and he had nothing better to do than shooting some daggers towards Castle. I don't know what he said exactly because I coulnd't care less about Bones and what Boreanaz has to say.

[FlickerToAFlame]

The day Stana posted the "play" picture on Twitter, that Erik guy (crew?) said they were filming at their favorite site. People are speculating that means swings. How cool would a simple wedding at the swings with just the main cast plus Jim and Jenny be?