S07.E18: At Close Range

[WendyCR72]

Detective Kevin Ryan is on the security detail of a charismatic congressman attending a charity event when shots suddenly ring out. Driven to apprehend the killer, Ryan must revisit the events that led up to the shooting, with the help of Castle and Beckett.

[McManda]

Yay, broody Ryan. I like broody Ryan.

 

Yes, Castle, Ryan is guarding the Pope. Or the Dali Lama. But I laughed at Castle being a One Direction fan. And that Esposito knew they were currently in Hong Kong.

 

Ryan doesn't look too enthused about being tapped for Secret Service duty long term. I guess he's happy working at the 12th? Though investigating murders would be way less stressful than having to deal with the guilt of someone dying while you were on duty to protect them. I guess I can't blame him there.

 

Is Beckett going to be swayed by private security? That's something I wouldn't have ever guessed. Also, I don't think I like that idea. So far this "life choices" storyline for Beckett seems to be treading into FBI-Beckett storyline. I think I liked it better when it was pointing more toward mommy-Beckett.

 

Did Castle and Beckett change their bedding? That's a pretty provocative red.

 

Uncomfortable situation all around. It's one thing when Ryan or Beckett or Castle is the suspect. To suspect immediate family members is awkward for everyone. That said ... has it ever been established that Ryan is the youngest in his family? We know he's got two sisters, but did I just assume he was the youngest?

What strikes me the most is that Ryan's always this happy-go-lucky guy, but his serious episodes really make me think that he's got this dark side. It doesn't come out often, but it's almost scary when it does. It's like when Castle goes dark (like when he almost shot maybe-Tyson earlier the season.) That's when I find myself thinking "holy crap" the most.

 

Wife of the politician is having a lesbian affair. That's a whole different drama, right?

 

Oh thank god Beckett isn't thinking of seriously going into politics. Captain's exam makes sense. Everything points to psychic time traveller being wrong about a Senator Beckett, hopefully.

 

I love Seamus. I love him a lot.

 

Also, I'm laughing because the captcha for my download is "butler did it".

Edited March 24, 2015 by McManda

[FlickerToAFlame]

I was bored out of my mind by that episode. Seamus is ok, but it bugs the hell out of me how personal he takes everything and overacts the guilty cop thing. He was the same with 3xk getting his gun. We get you feel bad, but don't make it all about you.

ETA: the killer was also obvious in the first act.

Edited March 24, 2015 by FlickerToAFlame

[merylinkid]

I suspected it was either the wife or the chief of staff.   No point in introducing them in the beginning in the limo if not for them.   Plus the CoS was waaaaaaaay too

clingy.   

 

At least there were no Caskett baby anvils this episode.

 

Ryan is such a great guy.   Family is important, but rules are rules.   He couldn't have lived with himself if he looked the other way just because it was family.  

[verdana]

Okay that was boring sorry Seamus.Nothing much outstanding on the Caskett front either, they felt flat again like last week. 

 

So Beckett is studying for the Captain's exam, convenient link into the books there. I hope to God they don't have her going off suddenly into politics if she flunks it.

 

Is that new bedding in Castle and Beckett's room? I like it. Which tells you how much I was concentrating on this episode.

The Old Haunt! Wish we could see them drinking there rather than talking about it all the time.

 

"You're going to be alright!" as a huge pool of fake looking blood pools behind her. LOL 

 

Okay the Pure Water Project and the mentions, worthy cause no doubt but the plug to the Nathan related charity took me out the story each time they mentioned it.

 

Another reminder how outstanding she is at the hospital from the politician  - that felt clunky, I hope this isn't the signal they're moving towards her going into politics eventually.   She really is wholly unsuited to a political career. 

 

Viagra advert during the break - I immediately thought they should do a tie in with Castle and Beckett like Crest did.

 

When you have a crazy theory you don't call the voice of reason - good point Ryan. Castle and Castle Jnr working together. laughed at Beckett being jealous Ryan called Castle first.

 

Why was Gates surprised that the guy they had initially in custody wasn't the right guy - hasn't she been through enough of these episodes by now to know this early on he's a red herring? 

 

No shock the Chief of Staff did it I figured in that scene at the start in the car it had to be either her or the wife involved.  

Edited March 24, 2015 by verdana

[McManda]

Nothing much outstanding on the Caskett front either, they felt flat again like last week.

 

I don't get this. They can't fall flat if there's happening.

 

This was much more drama than Castle usually delves into, and much less formulaic. I liked it for that reason alone, even if it wasn't really Castle-esque. I guess if I were the writers I'd have to give up because nothing is ever good enough. Want more development of the secondary characters. Sweet, an episode about Ryan. Let's meet his brother-in-law and sister. Here's what he hopes for for his family and what he doesn't want to turn into. But nope, that's too boring and off the mark or not enough case, or not enough Castle and/or Beckett. It's always damned if they do, damned if they don't.

 

I miss the humor in the episodes like these, but I do appreciate them.

[KaveDweller]

Is Beckett going to be swayed by private security? That's something I wouldn't have ever guessed. Also, I don't think I like that idea. So far this "life choices" storyline for Beckett seems to be treading into FBI-Beckett storyline. I think I liked it better when it was pointing more toward mommy-Beckett.

 

I feel like they are setting up politics? There was the party chair guy knowing who she was and the talk about how she hates politicians (with Castle saying Washington needed more people like her).

 

Okay that was boring sorry Seamus. Nothing much outstanding on the Caskett front either, they felt flat again like last week.

 

I thought it was boring too (all TV was boring tonight), but I did like the Caskett scenes, they seemed in sync and in love.  I also enjoyed the beginning, where Castle, Beckett, Espo, and Ryan were talking about their boring meeting and guessing who Ryan was watching.  Those are the kind of scenes the show does best.

 

Family is important, but rules are rules.   He couldn't have lived with himself if he looked the other way just because it was family.

 

IRL he would be taken off the case as soon as the guy from Ghost Whisperer became a suspect.  If not sooner, just due to the fact that he was a witness.

[Cyranetta]

One subtle detail I liked is that when Ryan went to talk to Chambers down in holding he almost seemed to slip back into the Fenton O'Connell persona.

[FlickerToAFlame]

With episodes like the last two, maybe ending the show after this season wouldn't be so bad. If there is another season, everyone (mostly the writers) needs to do better.

[McManda]

I don't honestly think they're going to thrust Beckett into a political conundrum, mostly because they've already had her try that with the DC arc. If anything I think they're still setting up a work vs. family decision, where an internal promotion doesn't fit with her partnership with Castle, or whatever idea of family she wants, or something along those lines. It would be boring and too much like the end of S5 to have to make Beckett choose between politics (and ... there goes the premise of the show too) and the NYPD. Been there, done that.

 

I think the "more people like you in Washington" was just a nice way to fit in the theme of the episode into Castle being supportive whatever she decides. Or maybe she's offered something (kinda like how they hinted that Ryan might be tapped for private security or secret service or something) that she'll ultimately turn down. I just can't get past Beckett's distaste for politics for her ever to get into that field in a serious way.

[KaveDweller]

With episodes like the last two, maybe ending the show after this season wouldn't be so bad. If there is another season, everyone (mostly the writers) needs to do better.

 

Maybe do a shortened season or something to wrap things up? This show is always much better at the beginning of the season before everyone starts to get burnt out.  Shorter season = higher quality in what we do get.

 

I don't honestly think they're going to thrust Beckett into a political conundrum, mostly because they've already had her try that with the DC arc. If anything I think they're still setting up a work vs. family decision, where an internal promotion doesn't fit with her partnership with Castle, or whatever idea of family she wants, or something along those lines. It would be boring and too much like the end of S5 to have to make Beckett choose between politics (and ... there goes the premise of the show too) and the NYPD. Been there, done that.

 

I think the "more people like you in Washington" was just a nice way to fit in the theme of the episode into Castle being supportive whatever she decides. Or maybe she's offered something (kinda like how they hinted that Ryan might be tapped for private security or secret service or something) that she'll ultimately turn down. I just can't get past Beckett's distaste for politics for her ever to get into that field in a serious way.

 

Oh, I agree that it wouldn't make sense and would be repetitive from the DC arc.  But the writers don't always do what I want or think makes sense.

 

I actually would love if they did talk about politics, and reference how her time in DC ended badly because she's not cut out for it.  And as nice as it would be to think DC will change if we get some moral people elected, it's really not that simple.  If people don't make some compromises they won't be effective or even elected (yes, I am cynical).  The Good Wife has been doing a storyline that's sort of about this.

 

Aren't there several levels between detective and captain? 

[verdana]

This was much more drama than Castle usually delves into, and much less formulaic. I liked it for that reason alone, even if it wasn't really Castle-esque. I guess if I were the writers I'd have to give up because nothing is ever good enough. Want more development of the secondary characters. Sweet, an episode about Ryan. Let's meet his brother-in-law and sister. Here's what he hopes for for his family and what he doesn't want to turn into. But nope, that's too boring and off the mark or not enough case, or not enough Castle and/or Beckett. It's always damned if they do, damned if they don't.

 

 

I disagree I found it pretty formulaic, the murderer was who I thought it would be, they threw in a slight bit of "Kate goes gooey eyed over Castle crazy theorizing" as a shipper bone to try and keep Caskett fans happy and as for development of the secondary cast whilst I do enjoy the Ryan-centric episodes slightly more than the rest of them it's no good them trying to get me invested seven seasons in when they've shown such a piss poor attitude in developing any genuine stories for them which might keep viewers like me keen to let them have more screen time. 

 

They try and get me hooked once a season in a secondary cast member, introducing people that I will never see or probably hear from ever again and then ignore them and they go back to being exposition monkeys for Castle and Beckett. I would have liked to have seen Jenny with the baby in a "at home" scene discussing the situation at least it might have captured my interest because there's been actual set up there but of course they didn't. So I don't feel sorry for the writers because it's an abject failure in their writing that has caused the problem they now have in getting fans interested in these kind of episodes. They know they have a problem too. They're professional writers and they should be able to write for multiple characters over the course of a season. 

 

Lots of action and drama which is often the case when they do episodes on the secondary cast, I wonder if it's to act as a distracting mechanism away from the lack of Castle and Beckett?   There was nothing wrong with Seamus' performance I thought he was good, he's one of the better actors in that cast but the episode didn't engage me all that much, I'm just not interested sadly. 

[McManda]

I disagree I found it pretty formulaic,

 

Except without the standard open at Castle's loft, walk to the crime scene talking about what happened in the opening scene at the loft, interrogation #1, some on location police work, interrogation #2, a mid episode break for Castle/Beckett stuff (usually now at the loft), an epiphany about the case, maybe a red herring here, interrogation #3, an "I know who the killer is!" realization here, a confrontation/arrest, a closing scene either in the precinct or at the loft.

 

But yep, totally formulaic, just like always.

[Nadine]

Yeah for Beckett go to for the Captain's exam then it means she's already up to Lt. without us being told about it. If they go the Captain's route then maybe they will go a kind of Raging Heat way.

kill off Gates and Beckett takes over the precinct.

 

I wouldn't mind the politics route if they stick to NYC - start out small especially since they had apparently been keeping an eye on her.

 

But as KaveDweller mentioned above, The Good Wife has been covering the move from law firm to DA at the moment and it's definitely been a great storyline. Only difference here for Beckett is she doesn't have a law degree (to our knowledge).

[shapeshifter]

...the killer was also obvious in the first act.

I glossed over her and went straight for the jealous wife played by H!ITG! whose name I can't recall.

...Okay the Pure Water Project and the mentions, worthy cause no doubt but the plug to the Nathan related charity took me out the story each time they mentioned it....

So much this. And killing off the supporter of the project is really not good PR. I mean, it's like: Join our cause even if you might get killed by a jealous wife! Did the writers resent having to shoe horn it in?

...IRL he [Ryan] would be taken off the case as soon as the guy from Ghost Whisperer became a suspect. If not sooner, just due to the fact that he was a witness.

"guy from Ghost Whisperer" will always be Agent Pierce from Roswell to me, heh. He is still hot after all these years.

I was confused at the mention of "brother-in-law" because I thought it was going to be Ryan's wife's brother, not Ryan's sister's husband. Did they make that clear in the beginning, because if so, I missed it.

Edited March 24, 2015 by shapeshifter

[verdana]

I just can't get past Beckett's distaste for politics for her ever to get into that field in a serious way.

I agree, her dislike is obvious so if they suddenly have her moving into politics in any way I'll be eye rolling. 

 

What I got this week was that she feels unfulfilled when she compares her work to others who are making a much bigger difference in the world than she can and she's going to take the Captain's exam even though as Nadine said there's been no sign she's already Lieutenant.  I don't see where this links in to having kids frankly based on those convos with Castle in the precinct, they seem to be aiming for a career change in her immediate future more than Caskett babies. 

 

What I want to know is why didn't any of these feelings of self doubt and insecurity about her role and where she fits into the world come up when she got fired from her dream job in DC and was at a loose end? That was a good moment to have her reflect on her life and discuss things over with Castle after "leaving" the FBI , there's been no subtle build up to this at all.  It's much easier to enjoy this Beckett "mythology" if I pretend the DC business never happened.

 

Maybe do a shortened season or something to wrap things up? This show is always much better at the beginning of the season before everyone starts to get burnt out.  Shorter season = higher quality in what we do get.

 

 

I agree. I 'd rather have a shortened season like the first one with higher quality episodes (and no secondary cast centric ones taking up space) than another full 22/23 episode order where there are times it's glaringly obvious everyone is tired.

 

But yep, totally formulaic, just like always.

 

Okay then not formulaic but I found it predictable. 

Aren't there several levels between detective and captain?

 

 

Yes. Police ranks of the United States

Edited March 24, 2015 by verdana

[KaveDweller]

I wouldn't mind the politics route if they stick to NYC - start out small especially since they had apparently been keeping an eye on her.

 

But as KaveDweller mentioned above, The Good Wife has been covering the move from law firm to DA at the moment and it's definitely been a great storyline. Only difference here for Beckett is she doesn't have a law degree (to our knowledge).

 

I am guessing Beckett would have gotten attention back when Bracken was arrested, because that would have been pretty big news.  Granted she was also on the news that week for being a fugitive/killer, so the positive stuff must have trumped that.

 

Regarding the Good Wife, I actually think it's been a good storyline, but a step down from previous seasons.  So if that's true with the Good Wife writers working on it, I can't imagine what would happen in the hands of the Castle writers.  Not that they can write a storyline like that and sustain the premise of the show, which is why this is all silly (unless they are prepping for a series end).

[verdana]

The Good Wife has been covering the move from law firm to DA at the moment and it's definitely been a great storyline. Only difference here for Beckett is she doesn't have a law degree (to our knowledge).

 

I haven't been watching much of The Good Wife although I plan to at some point but based on what I've heard from those who do watch it the writers on that show are leagues ahead of the Castle "crack" writing team in terms of developing that kind of story. 

[verdana]

The problem is that the writers can only take Beckett so far having her fret over her career because the premise of the show limits many of the choices that such a woman of her age and ability would be able to take up in the real world.  Most fans know this, the writers know this, the actors know this. That's the overriding issue I continue to have with what they're doing in that they suggest she wants to "do more" and expand her horizons which on paper is great but bottom line - she can't - not without the writers facing huge difficulties running the show as it is. The easiest option right now is that what they're having her do - take the Captain's exam - but even that will require a bit of hand waving that she's out in the field so much and they have to get rid of Gates to do it. 

 

In the end it becomes this predictable cyclical affair where Beckett has doubts and insecurities at the end of each season which are played up suddenly for dramatic purposes to culminate with some usually needless angst in the finale. She heads off full of optimism with Castle tagging along playing the supportive partner, she then quickly finds out it's not what she wants and ends up right back where she started seemingly happy and content with her lot in life again - they never discuss what happened and everyone forgets about it. It's getting to a point where this constant backwards and forwards will make her look flakey not ambitious. 

Edited March 24, 2015 by verdana

[verdana]

I was confused at the mention of "brother-in-law" because I thought it was going to be Ryan's wife's brother, not Ryan's sister's husband. Did they make that clear in the beginning, because if so, I missed it.

 

I believe they did make it clear in the convo in the car he had with Frank (I'm starting to forget the episode already..), at least it was clear to me which is a miracle. Then again, may be I read it in an interview Seamus did, it wouldn't be the first time I've found something out by reading those. 

 

I also enjoyed the beginning, where Castle, Beckett, Espo, and Ryan were talking about their boring meeting and guessing who Ryan was watching.  Those are the kind of scenes the show does best. 

 

Yeah I liked that bit too, it's not the angst, action or high drama I go for on this show it's usually little moments like that between the characters which I find more worthwhile. Although Castle should have known that meeting was going to be boring it sounded boring just hearing him saying what it was. 

Edited March 24, 2015 by verdana

[Nadine]

In the end it becomes this predictable cyclical affair where Beckett has doubts and insecurities at the end of each season which are played up suddenly for dramatic purposes to culminate with some usually needless angst in the finale.

 

Last season we didn't get that of course instead we got Castle go MIA. Heh. We need to at least get a Jim appearance at the end of I'll be a tad peeved, since she usually at least consults him when she wants to do a runner.

[verdana]

Jim Adler @jimadler  ·  3 hrs 3 hours ago

One direction was a joke @NathanFillion and I came up with on set.  #Castle

 

[turnitwayup]

TPTB are really get mileage out of that hospital set. I figure it was the wife or cos since we barely saw them after being introduced to them. Reiko was my 1st choice since she's more well known than the person playing the cos. I rather have Beckett go up the ranks in NYPD than doing anything with politics whether it's city or state level. It was awkwardly shoehorned that that party chairperson knows who's Beckett is. This season's Ryan/Espo centric eps weren't that good compared to previous seasons.

 

Love the new bedding in their bedroom. I loled at Castle being a 1D fan and Espo knowing where they're touring. Also Castle and Ryan working the crime scene was cute. Makes sense why he was wearing plaid and what looks to be a new coat. He probably threw on whatever since Ryan texted him. I did like seen a purple button up back but wished he could lose that jacket. The grays and blues were getting really boring. Beckett looked great in that green coat and her hair was much better this ep.

 

Next season should be shortened to about 20 eps with 10 in the fall and 10 in the spring. Keep Forever and put that in the winter and summer months in the same time slot. That way we get new ep of shows and it's the only compatible 1hr show on the current schedule.

 

I was confused at the mention of "brother-in-law" because I thought it was going to be Ryan's wife's brother, not Ryan's sister's husband. Did they make that clear in the beginning, because if so, I missed it.

 

Wasn't Jenny's brother a teen in s4 cause he was forced to have him as his best man which Espo was pissed about too. I don't think they ever mentions other brothers for Jenny let alone any other siblings. At least we knew Ryan has sisters since s2 so I figure one of their husbands would be the brother in law since he's probably closer in age to have a security firm.

[FlickerToAFlame]

Either Ryan or the brother in law mentioned in the car something about Ryan's sister that implied it was who they were related through.

[verdana]

Okay back to the bedding in the loft, that certainly caught my eye. I guess Kate is getting around to making some changes to the place which is good to see. 

 

I'm not sure I like the pillowcases though, 

[verdana]

TPTB are really get mileage out of that hospital set. I figure it was the wife or cos since we barely saw them after being introduced to them.

 

 

Yeah well they have to save costs, too often I find it's someone you see for about ten seconds at the start that turns out to be the killer. 

[verdana]

That's a pretty provocative red.

 

Oh is it red? I'm convinced it was a really deep pink but then my eyesight is not the best. 

 

I think the "more people like you in Washington" was just a nice way to fit in the theme of the episode into Castle being supportive whatever she decides.

 

What worried me about that line is these writers are hardly subtle so when I hear lines like this dropped into their conversations I get nervous. I'm praying MilMar have forgotten all about the time traveller prediction that she becomes Senator. The writers seem to be keeping their options open though, I don't how if this is mainly due to the uncertainty over renewal which puts them in a pickle or they just don't have a clue where to go with the Beckett story and are hoping if they throw something up there it will stick. We've had baby anvils dropped fairly regularly but they've stopped that and now it's career anvils to the forefront so it looks like they can go in a few directions. I just hope they pick the right one for Beckett (and by extension Castle) when the time comes that makes sense for the character and not look as it it was chosen for "high stakes" drama purposes and little else. 

[threebluestars]

Reiko Aylesworth was the politician's wife - she was on One Life to Live years ago, but I can't recall if she and Nathan overlapped. More recently she's been on Hawaii 5-0 and 24.

[turnitwayup]

 

seamusdever: Thanks for watching tonight's Ryan centric episode. Might be the last one. G'night folks.

 

It must suck to not know if you're gonna come back next season and haven't they just started on the 2nd to last ep of the season.

 

Okay back to the bedding in the loft, that certainly caught my eye. I guess Kate is getting around to making some changes to the place which is good to see. 

 

I'm not sure I like the pillowcases though, 

 

I could do without the yellow. Gold or white would've been better. Red and yellow just seems so McDonalds. Not a fan of the pillowcases now that I see it in those gifs.

 

Well Reiko and Nathan have Fox cancelled shows during the same year in common.

Edited March 24, 2015 by turnitwayup

[pennben]

 

I haven't been watching much of The Good Wife although I plan to at some point but based on what I've heard from those who do watch it the writers on that show are leagues ahead of the Castle "crack" writing team in terms of developing that kind of story.

 

As for the campaign story currently played out on the Good Wife, no, no they are not doing well developing that storyline.  It's a drag on otherwise good writing.  I hope, therefore, not to see politics through the Castle writer's lense.

[verdana]

Captain's exam makes sense.

 

But does it really in the context of this episode and what she was talking about?  

 

On the practical level for the show's premise it could work but she was talking about wanting to make a difference in the world. She was admiring how that lady had been saving lives in Africa etc making a tangible change to individuals lives whilst Beckett is pounding the NY streets feeling her contribution is not worth as much in those terms and she'd like to do more or at least feel she's achieving more. If that's where her mind is at then it's odd that she's wanting to try out for Captain given she'll be spending most of her life presumably pushing paperwork around and yelling at subordinates.

 

Upon reflection it would have been better if they had taken out that scene because I don't see where her attitude there leads her to logically thinking let me take the Captain's exam, I'll be much happier and doing more good in the world sitting behind a desk all day long dealing in police politics with the commissioner. 

[madmaverick]

I guess the interest in the bedding is an indicator of how compelling the episode was heh.  I noticed the expanse of red too.  Too bad Caskett weren't rolling around in it which would really have made the episode more interesting to me. :P

 

The episode wasn't terrible, depending on what you're looking for.  It was alright if you're into suspense thrillers and such.  Same thing with the Espo centric episode earlier this season.  But problem is, it's not why I watch Castle.  So I just didn't find it very interesting.  I watch for Caskett and light hearted fun interaction between all the characters so I was more entertained by the opening scene instead of much of what followed.

 

And I think they hit very predictable and familiar notes with Ryan in this episode, which is one more reason why I think another secondary character deserves her turn in the spotlight instead.  Feeling guilty Ryan was very predictable from the get go, and I figured the brother in law was somehow involved to create the angsty family angle as soon as he appeared.  The politician and the victim having an affair was obvious too, though I didn't call the lesbian affair.

 

Almost buried by the weight of the ridiculous anvil dropped by the politico honcho who had his eyes on Beckett in the hospital.  I know they like to make Beckett The Best and the Brightest but sorry, I can't take the idea of political bigwigs being interested in her seriously, or the idea of her being seriously interested in a political career either.  In the real world, it's very rare that political parties would be interested in grooming a police detective as a potential candidate.  In the Castle world, Beckett is the heroine who took down would be President cum supervillain of all time Bracken in her quest to avenge her mother, but any digging into her background would dig up the whole Montgomery cover up and that would ruin her viability as a candidate. 

 

Ugh.  With all these anvils about how Beckett would be great for political office, I really wouldn't be surprised if they are heading in that direction.  Writers aren't exactly known for their subtlety.  And the fact that it was Milmar who wrote that episode envisaging Beckett as a future Senator makes me think that it's their version of head canon and therefore likely to come true as they are in charge. ;)  I just think there are a whole lot of other stories they could be doing with Beckett, and Caskett, in their first year of marriage, other than exploring a career in politics of all things.  Then again, I never thought Beckett having an ex husband and a forgotten marriage was a viable idea in the least but Milmar obviously thought it was genius.  So there you go.

 

There are plenty of ways to 'make a difference' in the world, and some would argue that there are more effective and efficient ways than politics to get some things done. ;)  I could believe in the idea of Beckett wanting to do more public service but I don't think she would choose politics as her path to do it.  And I think it's a disservice to the character to have her undervalue the value of her work as a police detective when she knows, personally, how much it means to get closure and justice for a victim's loved ones.

 

It would also be nice if we could have Beckett sharing with Castle how his books 'made a difference' to her personally.  But that's never going to happen.  And I get the sense that the writers enjoy the easy jokes about a writer's work being unimportant and easy more than investing it with any real meaning. ;)

 

What's next?  Are we going to have Castle having a career crisis and deciding he doesn't feel challenged by writing Nikki Heat anymore and wants to move on? ;) And woo hoo, that was the reason behind his orchestrated disappearance.  Self made mid career angst. ;)   The 'reason' for his disappearance is probably going to be just as ridiculous anyway. 

 

A bit OT, but since The Good Wife came up in here.  That scene with Diane and her husband in the car?  Adult sexy all done in a short scene 30 secs or less without anything explicit, but oh it was implied.  Anyone else thought that they'd never do a scene like that with Caskett in a million years?  (Would be so hot in Beckett's police car or the Ferrari.  Not the Buick. Though I wouldn't be focused on the car if we ever got a scene like that. ;))  Imagine if they went there with Martha and her new beau lol.  Nope, can't see Milmar getting on board with that at all.   TGW really has a way of showing sexuality in a tasteful, adult, minimalist but heated way and they don't shy away from celebrating female sexuality, even with middle aged married couples.  On Castle, they would be chastely reading in bed.  We got a better sense of Diane and her marriage after not seeing her husband for a long time in one episode than we have of Ryan and Jenny after all these years.

Edited March 24, 2015 by madmaverick

[Nadine]

As for the campaign story currently played out on the Good Wife, no, no they are not doing well developing that storyline.  It's a drag on otherwise good writing.  I hope, therefore, not to see politics through the Castle writer's lense.

 

Whoops I accidentally put DA I meant campaign. I had no problem with Alicia going for the position - but parts of it I agree have been hit and miss so far.

 

But back on topic. Regardless if this is the final season or not, I'd expect some kind of time jump when the final episode actually airs to show where the characters are at, etc.

Edited March 24, 2015 by Nadine

[verdana]

pennben. Oh sorry to hear that they're not handling the story that well on The Good Wife. I get the impression overall that the writers are generally good though, like you I hope Castle writers don't get into politics.

 

madmaverick. When that guy comes up in the hospital and immediately sung her praises I groaned. I wish they stop that and I agree that given her background there is little chance they would be interested in Beckett no matter how bright, she has way too much baggage of the kind that would put them off.  

[verdana]

Castle Recap: Moonlighting Cursed — Plus, What's Beckett's Next Move? at TV Line.

 

I see Matt picked up on the same thing that others found curious when watching the sneak peek last week why is Castle only now finding out Beckett hates doing this part of the job he must have watched her do it many times. 

Edited March 24, 2015 by verdana

[madmaverick]

When that guy comes up in the hospital and immediately sung her praises I groaned. I wish they stop that and I agree that given her background there is little chance they would be interested in Beckett no matter how bright, she has way too much baggage of the kind that would put them off.

 

Beckett has many excellent qualities, but it annoys me when they have new characters singing her praises about her beauty, intellect, you name it, within 2 seconds of meeting her.  Some subtlety would be nice.  Show, not tell!

 

I see Matt picked up on the same thing that others found curious when watching the sneak peek last week why is Castle only now finding out Beckett hates doing this part of the job he must have watched her do it many times.

 

 

It was more anvillicious writing.  On another show, they could have just had the line, "I hate this part."  Meaning would have been understood by the viewers.  But on Castle, they always have to go the extra mile into exposition about the obvious why.  Sometimes I think the writers really write down to the audience, or they aren't that smart themselves.

Edited March 24, 2015 by madmaverick

[madmaverick]

Castle and Espo being One Direction fans did make me laugh.  Would be fun to see them bond over something 'uncool' instead of another request for the Ferrari.

 

Ha, is fandom freaking out again over Seamus' last tweet? ;)

Edited March 24, 2015 by madmaverick

[verdana]

Beckett looked great in that green coat

 

Aaah the power of Burberry.  I loved it too. Coatporn in green as Luke refers to it. Love these set of gifs that show it off. 

Ha, is fandom freaking out again over Seamus' last tweet? ;)

If it's sounding even remotely like he's signalling thanks for the memories etc then yeah they'll be freaking out. 

Edited March 24, 2015 by verdana

[madmaverick]

Couldn't help but notice Castle's ill-fitting coat in the same scene.  Nathan's a big guy but Luke's coats often seem to hang too big on him.  You don't get the tailored look like you do with Burberry. ;)

[verdana]

Agree about the ill fitting coat madmaverick. alas getting married to Beckett has not seen any improvements in his wardrobe as I had hoped. 

[verdana]

I also thought it was strange that they let Ryan go off and find Frank, shouldn't Espo or someone be going with him given Ryan's brother in law has become a suspect in a murder investigation? 

[S55]

Meh. That's about the only comment I have after this episode. Honestly, I probably only paid attention about 40% of the time. I'm also really not a fan of the idea of Beckett going into politics (this week's anvil). They planted that seed in the time travel episode, but I didn't see it then either.

 

Watch, she'll pass her captain's exam then she finds out she's pregnant in the finale. 

Edited March 24, 2015 by S55

[shapeshifter]

Reiko Aylesworth was the politician's wife - she was on One Life to Live years ago, but I can't recall if she and Nathan overlapped. More recently she's been on Hawaii 5-0 and 24.

Thank you. I was remembering her from Stargate Universe. Hey. Don't judge me. Familiar guest star + Nathan Fillion = my brain --> scifi.

[Nadine]

Meh. That's about the only comment I have after this episode. Honestly, I probably only paid attention about 40% of the time. I'm also really not a fan of the idea of Beckett going into politics (this week's anvil). They planted that seed in the time travel episode, but I didn't see it then either.

 

Watch, she'll pass her captain's exam then she finds out she's pregnant in the finale. 

 

Yep I'm going with that or at least having that as one of the options they'll have (regardless if it is a Series or Season Finale).

[pcta]

I am always happy to see a Ryan-centric episode. Castle and Becketts relationship seemed better this episode. Perhaps because there was less Beckett sniping at Castle. The scene around the purse and Captain's test was nice, low key and felt more like an actual conversation between an adult couple.

[readster]

I am always happy to see a Ryan-centric episode. Castle and Becketts relationship seemed better this episode. Perhaps because there was less Beckett sniping at Castle. The scene around the purse and Captain's test was nice, low key and felt more like an actual conversation between an adult couple.

Also why I enjoyed this episode more and why I really enjoy Seamus as an actor. Especially the scene in the water way and how he told Frank to stop and then snapped his gun. The look on his face: "Don't make me do this, please!" said it all. I agree though, the assistant doing it make plenty of sense but then revealed that Lopez having the affair was due to his wife being gay and the classic: "We have an agreement." did take me by surprise. I did love when Ryan told Becket when he has a crazy theory he calls her husband and not her. 

[tankgirl73]

Regarding whether or not this ep was formulaic -- yes and no.  It was NOT formulaic according to the usual Castle formula.  (Which, by the way, I love.  I like it when it's shaken up a bit so it's not TOO predictable who the murderer is, but I love murder open which morphs into the loft scene.) 

 

But it was *utterly* formulaic by every other definition, the 'detective has a case which gets personal' trope. 

 

The dialogue was utterly predictable.  Practically every single line was a cliche.  I could tell exactly what everyone was going to say most of the time - not merely the content, but the exact wording.  Really, truly, lazy writing by the numbers.

 

I mean, Ryan punching the mirror?  Ugh. 

 

The fact that it wasn't an utterly abysmal hour was saved only because Dever did a good job.  A good job with the terrible material he was given.  SK also gave it the old college try with her mind-numbingly bad dialogue.  "I can't believe they're making me say this, but gosh darn it I'm a professional and I'm going to make it believable!"  So, kudos to all of the actors for doing their best to turn a terrible script into something watchable.

 

And when I say 'terrible script' I don't mean the concept.  I think the skeleton of it -- the actual plot -- was pretty interesting.  It was just the dialogue that was cheesily bad.

 

Next time that they want to do a secondary character feature, how about we give Tory a chance...

 

I keed, I keed...

[readster]

Regarding whether or not this ep was formulaic -- yes and no.  It was NOT formulaic according to the usual Castle formula.  (Which, by the way, I love.  I like it when it's shaken up a bit so it's not TOO predictable who the murderer is, but I love murder open which morphs into the loft scene.) 

 

But it was *utterly* formulaic by every other definition, the 'detective has a case which gets personal' trope. 

 

The dialogue was utterly predictable.  Practically every single line was a cliche.  I could tell exactly what everyone was going to say most of the time - not merely the content, but the exact wording.  Really, truly, lazy writing by the numbers.

 

I mean, Ryan punching the mirror?  Ugh. 

 

The fact that it wasn't an utterly abysmal hour was saved only because Dever did a good job.  A good job with the terrible material he was given.  SK also gave it the old college try with her mind-numbingly bad dialogue.  "I can't believe they're making me say this, but gosh darn it I'm a professional and I'm going to make it believable!"  So, kudos to all of the actors for doing their best to turn a terrible script into something watchable.

 

And when I say 'terrible script' I don't mean the concept.  I think the skeleton of it -- the actual plot -- was pretty interesting.  It was just the dialogue that was cheesily bad.

 

Next time that they want to do a secondary character feature, how about we give Tory a chance...

 

I keed, I keed...

 

 They really should do Gates by now. I mean, the entire murder that involved her sister last season was pretty good and they keep dropping more and more with Gates' home life and career. I also feel that Penny has really gotten her character down and not as one note as she originally was written. I just think its time we see her husband and her family like they did with Montegamery. It shouldn't be the main focus but its time to show that work isn't her only life. Especially since they've pushed Martha and Alexis out more.

[KaveDweller]

In the end it becomes this predictable cyclical affair where Beckett has doubts and insecurities at the end of each season which are played up suddenly for dramatic purposes to culminate with some usually needless angst in the finale. She heads off full of optimism with Castle tagging along playing the supportive partner, she then quickly finds out it's not what she wants and ends up right back where she started seemingly happy and content with her lot in life again - they never discuss what happened and everyone forgets about it. It's getting to a point where this constant backwards and forwards will make her look flakey not ambitious.

Where is "constant" coming from? This is what happened at the end of S5/early season 6, but I can't think of when else it happened. What they do this season is TBD, so we can't judge yet, but it's not like this is a regular thing.

Upon reflection it would have been better if they had taken out that scene because I don't see where her attitude there leads her to logically thinking let me take the Captain's exam, I'll be much happier and doing more good in the world sitting behind a desk all day long dealing in police politics with the commissioner.

I got the sense that she had already been thinking of the Captain's exam and it wasn't just a reaction to this particular case. she said herself she didn't even know if she wanted it.

any digging into her background would dig up the whole Montgomery cover up and that would ruin her viability as a candidate.

The Montgomery stuff must already be public knowledge because he was on the tape that incriminated Bracken. But her dismissal from the FBI would definitely hurt her chances. If the writers remember that happened.

[verdana]

I got the sense that she had already been thinking of the Captain's exam and it wasn't just a reaction to this particular case. she said herself she didn't even know if she wanted it.

 

I see Beckett didn't tell Castle about the exam, he only found out by spotting the reading material on her desk and had to ask her. Beckett told Castle when he got his PI licence "married people tell each other things". I agree with her they should share so why don't they? I wish the writers would stop having them caught on the hop, it's exchanges like this which have me convinced they don't talk about much despite their obvious love for each other.

 

Where is "constant" coming from? This is what happened at the end of S5/early season 6, but I can't think of when else it happened. What they do this season is TBD, so we can't judge yet, but it's not like this is a regular thing.

 

You're right that only happened the once but what I'm trying to get at (badly) is the writers have used Beckett as the driving force for drama on this show (and to progress the Caskett relationship) over the years and because the writers are relying on her to be the engine for change they end up having Beckett in a constant state of flux emotionally around finale time each season - usually with her job but sometimes it's her personal life.

 

She throws her badge down at the end of S4 over her mother's case but is eventually reinstated, she then leaves in S5 for DC gets fired but gets her job back thanks to the mayor.  In season 6 they took a break from career troubles but then her secret douchebag of a first husband suddenly pops up out of nowhere and puts a (temporary) spanner in the works and now it looks as if they're building up to another cliffhanger probably involving her career.

 

May be they'll go in completely different direction come 7.23 but cumulatively it's getting to the stage where I wonder just how many times they can have this woman suffer these constant upheavals in her life to bring about yet another cliffhanger the repercussions of which are then brushed aside the next season. As the main conduit for drama the writers have saddled her with a lot of baggage and it's getting to the stage where I end up more exasperated with her than sympathetic. 

Edited March 24, 2015 by verdana