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Post by java on May 8, 2015 22:44:04 GMT -5
aaaaaand ....... we're baaaaack!!!!! How exciting to be starting the 6th season and looking forward to unparalleled storytelling as our characters face new challenges this season. Please come back after you've seen the premier and share your thoughts. Squeeing is not only allowed, it's encouraged!  There are so many great scenes and moments. The beginning scene with the conclusion to the season 5 finale stayed true to the characters, "You do know how this works, right?" We get an ILU from Kate for the second time ever in the series. Kevin practicing diaper changes. Rick waving to Kate like a dad waving to his family. We did miss seeing Lanie's reaction since we didn't get one when the relationship was revealed. Hope we'll see it later but I understand Marlowe wanting to get season 6 kicked off to a fast start. But here's my favorite scene. This is great. This is normal. This is progress. What wall?  I definitely need to watch it again to catch all the awesome Caskett moments. Great start to the season! Loved the opening with the follow-up to the proposal. Nothing is ever straightforward for these two, why should this be any different. I thought it was perfect, just so them. I loved that she used both his given name and also his current name in her acceptance. Kate's come a long way......at one time she would have really been pissed with Castle for interfering like that. Now she knows it's just him, just the way he is, and as endearing as she finds it now, she knows that things are definitely different and he can't do that anymore. Several of the screeners mentioned in their reviews about a character's life being in peril at the end of the episode....somehow I had a feeling it would be Castle. Didn't know what the situation would be, just figured it would be him. I wonder if Kate will use Espo's intel on Dreamworld to solve the case. Wonder how long Pi will be around....not sure how much the character will add to the show, and trying to squeeze in a scene or two for him will cut time from something else. Guess we'll just have to wait and see where that one goes. Oh my, so much to think about and process. I think my priority is to point out the parallells, both to Flowers For Your Grave and Deadly Affair. I think the first one is obvious. That scene near the end when Kate insists Bronson really was set up and McCord is ready to close the case is a classic reversal of the pilot when Kate is certain they have the killer, but Castle presses on looking for the whole story — the story that makes sense. But I also saw a big parallel to the season three premiere, where Castle keeps showing up af crime scenes, working the case on his own until Kate has little choice but to let him back. Granted, we have a long history of neither one of them being able to stop investigating a case, even when Homeland Security or the CIA kicks them off. But Deadly Affair was unique because Castle was defying Beckett until she caved in. This time, however, the decision is not hers, and for the first time, Castle truly has no choice but to back away. She's in a different league now and is not the one calling the shots. That's a hard reality to accept. For a little while, I think he truly thought that if he could just prove himself useful, they would let him stay with her. The disappoint that that wasn't going to happen and that their working partnership is really over was visibly heartbreaking. I think, before this case, he was able to distract himself with his book tour and her training. It was new and novel. But then it begins to hit home that this is their new normal. This is permanent. And all of a sudden, they have to figure out who they are on their own, without their partnership. And Castle has to watch Kate go off to do what they had done together for five years, and Kate has to learn how to work with a new team and without the people she trusted and relied on, Castle chief among them. Tough stuff. It will be interesting to see what brings her back home. True Confessions - I was one of those who was left disappointed after watching the proposal in the finale. Where was the happiness and the romance? Shame on me for jumping to conclusions and doubting Andrew Marlowe! As it turns out, it was the PERFECT Caskett scene. I loved the no - not no exchange. It was classic comedy. My favorite line was, "You do know how this works?" Both Nathan and Stana nailed the looks of 2 people, very much in love, and excited to be committing their futures to each other. I love that Kate said, "I love you," and Castle had the perfect answer when she offered him an out - it's not to keep you here and it's not because I'm afraid of losing you. "I can't imagine my life without you." sigh...... Castle empowered Kate with his absolute support of her job decision too. I love that man! Now, about that 2 month time jump ....... I understand the need for efficient storytelling but doggone, we missed so many pertinent moments like everyone's reactions to the engagement, the reaction at the precinct to Kate's leaving, Kate and Castle picking out an apartment in D.C. I love this story SO MUCH that I just want to see every minute of it unfold. Thank goodness for Fan Fiction! I appreciate the realism of Kate having a learning curve with the feds. There was a nice balance in the episode between her challenges and her moments to shine. I also liked the truth of Castle pursuing Kate's case when he knew he shouldn't and even getting the jump on the feds with his own investigation. However, it was heartbreaking when Castle admitted, "I can't make it like it was before, can I?" and he had to accept the end of their partnership. They were both hurting. For as little as we saw them, Ryan and Espo still had a nice presence in the episode. Ryan with the baby was a hoot, as was Espo's disgust over it. There was a nice bit of consistency as Espo revealed valuable information about the case based on his military background. I'm really enjoying the case. It's had the stepped up feel of past 2 parters with a little more tension and some great twists. I sure didn't see Castle's abduction coming, and was totally shocked by the reveal at the end that he'd been exposed to the deadly chemical. The portrayal of the fed facility and their procedures has made it all seem very believable. I'm looking forward to another jam packed episode next week to bring it all to a conclusion. The 'B' story line, with the appearance of Pi, was funny. I hope it's not a long term thing but did provide some good one liners tonight. I loved Nathan's facial expressions during the 2 encounters with Pi and Martha was cute about ducking out of that situation. Finally, the highlight of the episode for me, was the tone of Kate and Castle's relationship. We were frequently SHOWN that they are very much in love and are riding a high over their engagement. When Castle surprised Kate at her apartment, you could feel and see the passion after being separated for 6 weeks. The morning after was so sweet and domestic too. I loved the bit about getting her favorite red wine, the tender hand holding in the interrogation room, the "Babe" term of endearment, the "I love you" over the phone, the wink, even just referring to each other as 'fiance'. After the angst at the end of last season, my shipper heart is bursting with happiness after the premier! I'm thrilled that the show is back and really feel that they hit all the right notes in the premier. Coming out of the gates with a dynamic 2 parter is a wonderful way to kick off the season. I hope the ratings tomorrow back that up! Kate's come a long way......at one time she would have really been pissed with Castle for interfering like that. Now she knows it's just him, just the way he is, and as endearing as she finds it now, she knows that things are definitely different and he can't do that anymore. Totally agree! Season two or early season three Kate would have skinned him alive for what he did. I forgot to mention that in my comparison to Deadly Affair. How far she's come! Right there with you,Nathanfan. I was also somewhat let down back in May, but after tonight, I can forgive just about anything. I promise a more thorough response to your fantastic thoughts tomorrow, but I'm drifting off as I type this. For now, just let me say, yes! On all counts! I think I knew when the guy dies and crashes the car that Rick would be in trouble. This is way worse than any shooting could ever be. Something like this makes us all very uneasy in DC. The subway has always been considered a prime target for something like this. It truly has been a rough week here and we do think of these things as possibilities all the time. Marlowe has never been one to shy away from the major issues and I commend him for having the guts to put it out there. What a plot. This is truly the hit man of the new century. This is the one who doesn't shoot, you don't see him and it is so deadly. It is the movie D.O.A. to the next level. Truly innovative. I love this scenario. What a gut wrenching moment. Now Rick has to work with Kate to solve his own murder. What better team than Castle and Beckett to race the clock..
I think the universe once again comes to bat for Castle and Beckett. So now Rick is on the ticking bomb and he knows the only chance he has to survive is to work with Beckett. Together, they are unstoppable. I can't wait to see Rachel's reaction to the Caskett Magic. Already Rick has upset the apple cart and uncovered valuable info. The question is, just how expendable is Rick Castle to the FBI in order to go after the Secretary of State. Will they sweep this under the table? Not with Beckett and Castle around.
This was a great show out of the gates. I imagine next week will be even better.
Oh yes...one more thing,,,,who tells Martha and Alexis that Dad has 24 hours to live? Does anyone or is this hush hush? My toddler was fast asleep when Castle started but she's got a cold and woke crying about half way through. (Thank goodness I can pause the show with my Tivo!) After cleaning up her runny nose and getting her a drink, she sniffled and asked if she could come to the sofa and watch one of her shows. I said, "Mommy's favorite show is on right now and I'd really like to finish watching it." My daughter says, "Oh, you mean Castle?" Out of the mouths of babes...literally. There was so much to love in this episode, right down to Ryan handing off the baby doll to Espo & Espo taking it! So many little things that were simply wonderful. But my absolute favorite thing: all of Kate's happy-in-love faces. The jumping out of the swing in confused glee, the grin with the tongue poking out between the teeth, the damn-you're-a-sex-god look before closing the apartment door to leave with McCord, the turned-on-shimmy that was her description of the red bubbly's effect on her, the sweet I-love-theorizing-with-you-but-we-have-to-stop look at the golf course, and so many more. Stana hit a home run in this episode! One piece of speculation. How pissed do you think Kate will be if it turns out that Castle was not in any actual danger, it was merely a front cooked up by McCord and her boss to get her motivated to solve the case? One piece of speculation. How pissed do you think Kate will be if it turns out that Castle was not in any actual danger, it was merely a front cooked up by McCord and her boss to get her motivated to solve the case? I'm sure she'd be none too pleased, but I don't see them doing this to get her motivated. I still think there is something going on behind the scenes which is part of the reason Kate was lured to DC. We'll see, should be an interesting ride Two viewings (so far)...and it just gets better. I loved their "bumbling/stumbling" proposal scene...so funny...Kate's BIG BROWN EYES...Love her ponytail...the return of their banter....the comfortableness of their loving relationship... Kate's wink to Castle...the horizontal view of Castle (him carrying in his cardboard stand from the book tour into the loft)...the way it almost looked like he was modeling as he shifted position during the scene where the surveillance photo shots were being taken of him...Castle's return to being the exuberant Castle "kid" we know and love...Ryan swaddling the baby then thrusting the baby over to Espo ... oh, there was just too much goodness...could go on forever....and being left with my mouth gaping open at the end of the show....did not know it was a 2-parter....have been trying to stay spree except for sneak peeks, so don't know if that was a complete surprise to everyone???
CANNOT WAIT FOR NEXT WEEK!
I was trying to keep myself busy yesterday on up until the show started. I found myself listing my top 20 episodes from seasons 1-5. Then I went by seasons my fav to the least. Although I have liked every premiere none of them were in my top 5. This premiere has made it to my top 5 as far as the episode as a whole. The storyline is what I base it on not just how much of Caskett I see. That will be a list I can work on next Monday. I have one finale in my top 5 list and now 1 premiere. "Valkyrie" was just awesome. I wasn't sure if I was going to like Beckett being something other then a homicide cop. I still want the 4 to be a team again. However I loved the FBI Beckett. I like the change in atmosphere where everything its not the same formula as its always been. I really enjoyed the change of scenery and it made it more exciting. I managed to stay somewhat spree. I did see a few spoilers like the promo pics at the swing and Pi audition tape scene. It wasn't long after that when I decided to go dark for this episode. I do not regret it. I was fooled for a min and I did think that Kate was shot. For a brief moment I thought oh man we going to have go thru PTSD again. How many times can a girl that weighs 80lbs get shot in the chest and survive? Then I came back to reality that when she got up and it was a training exercise.. I love the new characters I have been saying all season during Burn Notice that a lot of Castle guesters were making an appearance in the final season. This time Castle brought some from Burn Notice. Both the FBI boys the boss and the black guy were one Burn Notice that was very cool for me at least. I love McCord she was great. I was still on the fence as to what Kate's answer would be. It could have gone either way. I loved that entire scene it covered everything that I had my doubts about from him. Was he serious or was he doing it to keep her in NY? I thought they did that scene just perfect. I think the I love you from her was better then the one in Still. She used every name he has lol that was too cute. I was expecting bickering and fighting during this episode. They made a mistake and it will never work kinda thing. He was so understandable and considerate of her job. He didn't chew her out or stomp out when she had to work instead of spend weekend with him. He came all the way to DC to see her and she was so delighted and happy. She didn't get very angry or scold him when he started medaling in the case. She was not happy but she didn't chew him out like she would have done in seasons past. They were able to talk about it and I think she was more appreciative of him wanting to help her out but still she had to think about her job. He misses how it use to be and that he is not her work partner anymore. They cant discuss the case now like they use to. She is thinking outside the box though. She is not having to go by evidence but shes is stepping out and writing the story. Well Martha was right curiosity killed the cat. It looks like its going to kill Castle. We have been wanted something drastic to happen to Castle. I honestly thought he was bad hurt in that car wreck. He is a tall guy and it look like the passanger side took more of the impact. I was sure that he was hurt major. Now he is dying of a toxic poison. Next episode is going be intense. I cant wait to see it. I have chosen to stay spree from here on out. I think its much more rewarding and less stressful not knowing anything. Great episode! Great start of the season. A+ |
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Post by java on May 8, 2015 22:45:50 GMT -5
The only thing I kept thinking about was what Jim Beckett told Kate when she said she really wanted this job. He said that she would have to live with her hurting Castle's feelings the rest of her life. I wonder how she feels now. Are the spoils worth the cost of the hunt? Is a job where you don't see some one for weeks at a time worth it when it gets them killed? I would say she is motivated pretty good. And when this is over, will she be ready to really move forward or stay in the rabbit whole one more episode. To me, it would be terrible when Rick is cured, that they remain in the "Status Quo" and he tells her he is sorry he got her in trouble and tomorrow will be on the next plane back to New York to get out of her hair. How does she live with that? How does he? Part two should be real good. AND KATE HAS A BIG SPARKLY ROCK!!!!!!!!! So my thoughts now that I have had 13 hours to think. I enjoyed the episode. I loved how they played out the conclusion to the proposal scene, the banter was just perfect for them That will be a proposal scene to remember I enjoyed the change of scenery however, I do hope they bring her back to NY. While its nice to see fresh ideas, part of the fun of the show is her working with her team in NY. And, while I can see the writers finding ways to keep her in D.C. as I was watching last nights episode, I really saw a sort of Wizard of Oz, "No place like home" type theme beginning to develop. Of coarse that could just be me on that one but, as much as she was trying to make a new life in this new job, it felt as if it was being set up as the grass really isn't greener even if it is what you want. Much like Dorthy and her realizing Kansas was better then Oz, even though Oz was what she in a way was dreaming for in the beginning. Again, I could totally be wrong here. Looking forward to seeing how this resolves itself. While, we know Castle isn't going to die, the interest will come in how do they, the characters, handle the possibly of him dying. The only thing I kept thinking about was what Jim Beckett told Kate when she said she really wanted this job. He said that she would have to live with her hurting Castle's feelings the rest of her life. I wonder how she feels now. Are the spoils worth the cost of the hunt? Is a job where you don't see some one for weeks at a time worth it when it gets them killed? I would say she is motivated pretty good. And when this is over, will she be ready to really move forward or stay in the rabbit whole one more episode. To me, it would be terrible when Rick is cured, that they remain in the "Status Quo" and he tells her he is sorry he got her in trouble and tomorrow will be on the next plane back to New York to get out of her hair. How does she live with that? How does he? Part two should be real good. My guess is that the near death for Castle will play a big role in her decision to return to NY. I think it will take until the end of episode three for the cycle to be complete. As for the spoils, I don't begrudge her going for the job. It is an opportunity to advance her career. It is only after understanding how it will impact the relationship that Beckett and Castle can determine if Beckett pursuing this career makes sense. I hope they let Castle work with the feds now as he only has one day left.McCord will get to see first hand how they complete each other and need to be a team. Maybe she will be the one to tell Kate she needs to go home so they can be a team again. If not I hope she realizes that she needs her ying for her yang. Sent from my SCH-I605 using proboards I think I knew when the guy dies and crashes the car that Rick would be in trouble. This is way worse than any shooting could ever be. Something like this makes us all very uneasy in DC. The subway has always been considered a prime target for something like this. It truly has been a rough week here and we do think of these things as possibilities all the time. Marlowe has never been one to shy away from the major issues and I commend him for having the guts to put it out there. What a plot. This is truly the hit man of the new century. This is the one who doesn't shoot, you don't see him and it is so deadly. It is the movie D.O.A. to the next level. Truly innovative. I love this scenario. What a gut wrenching moment. Now Rick has to work with Kate to solve his own murder. What better team than Castle and Beckett to race the clock..
I think the universe once again comes to bat for Castle and Beckett. So now Rick is on the ticking bomb and he knows the only chance he has to survive is to work with Beckett. Together, they are unstoppable. I can't wait to see Rachel's reaction to the Caskett Magic. Already Rick has upset the apple cart and uncovered valuable info. The question is, just how expendable is Rick Castle to the FBI in order to go after the Secretary of State. Will they sweep this under the table? Not with Beckett and Castle around.
This was a great show out of the gates. I imagine next week will be even better.
You are so right Kman. I just came back yesterday from my trip to DC to see my kid and go to the National Book Festival (what an awesome event that is!!!). I find myself in love with the city, but always worried about my daughter thinking of the type of danger that may lurk somewhere nearby. I hope that people don't see Kate's position as an either-or situation. So many women and men choose lines of work that take them away from their families and loved ones for months at a time (think about all military personnel serving overseas). That does not mean for a moment they choose work/career over love/family. Life would be very one-sided and unfullfilling if that was the case. We as a society would be missing a lot of progress if our priorities lean only towards our personal lives at the expense of work and contributions we can make. As far as the show, I have no doubt they will end up back at the 12th in NYC because the show works better that way. I am sure the writers will find a great way to bring Beckett back to NYC without making it look like she could not cut it at the 'big leagues'. hello there Castle friends! Long time no "see"  I just wanted to stop in and read a couple thoughts about last night's episode and leave mine as well. Now without throwing things at me, I have to admit that I wasn't a huge fan of the season finale, and I thought the proposal was just weird with the tension between our DD. But last night's episode put an end to all of that, and it was very different but great! I liked the new dynamic last night, even though I'm not sure how long the whole D.C. thing will last...(sh don't tell me!) And what a cliffy! It left me hooked all over again. Not sure about the whole Pi character and why Castle was perfectly fine with him staying there. Wasn't there a Max last season or something? lol. I'm also curious as to how everyone reacted to the engagement, but the time jump was needed. Anyway, happy fall! I'll stop in every so often when life isn't too crazy Just watched the episode for the second time. Here's what stood out to me. The wall is completely gone. Kate's wall, Castle's wall. Both demolished and the rubble cleared away. Sure, there may be dust bunnies from time to time as they figure out what together forever looks like for them, but there's nothing standing between them now. Favorite line - "I'm proposing because I can't imagine my life without you." Gone is little boy Castle, hello grown-up Castle. There was an openness between them last night that was so very awesome to see. They were both communicating and trying to make things work. After his first rebuff, Castle respected the boundaries of Kate's new job and respected her wishes and went home. It will be interesting to see what their new normal will be, even after she returns to the 12th (which I believe she will - how, I don't know). Here's my question though . . . Did Kate give up/sell her apartment in NY? If so, does that mean she'll be moving into the loft when she returns? Hope so! AND KATE HAS A BIG SPARKLY ROCK!!!!!!!!!    Where's mom's ring??? I remember we were discussing this after "Always" IIRC and how much we wanted Kate to let go of death and choose life. She's so much more than death and vengeance now. She accepted her one and done, she chose life, and she chose a career. In a sense, the Kate Beckett getting schooled by Agent Rachel McCord mirrors (or is it parallels?) Mike Royce after leaving the academy. The years from her mother's death to now was basically life interrupted and she's finally free to live without her wall, to live the life she's denied herself all these years. And it shows.  ***EDIT: I keep rewatching this scene and I'm thinking both rings are on the chain.*** Okay, after watching the episode at least four times -- and the highlights a dozen more than that! -- I have a few more comments and observations to make: 1. Not sure how much I'm liking McCord. I want to give her the benefit of the doubt because what might be bothering me more than anything is seeing Kate as the novice. Even when she went up against Jordan Shaw and Sophia Turner, she held her own against their federal expertise. Here, she is clearly the newbie who is on someone else's turf, and it's difficult to see her in the subordinate role where none of her badass brilliance means a damn. Yes, she is still badass and brilliant, but so is everyone else. Her pond just got a lot bigger. But anyway, McCord is as stoic and unapproachable as Beckett was three years ago, and while I hardly expect her and Beckett to be BFFs, she just seems almost resentful of being paired up with the new kid, and she sure as hell doesn't like that Kate has any kind of a personal life outside the job. Every time she addressed Kate, it was with an air of impatience, and her initial meeting of Castle was almost glacial. She might be a good mentor, but with the exception of one shared moment of mercy, she doesn't do much to advance Kate's slowly learned lesson that being tough and powerful doesn't require sacrificing emotion, humor, friendship, and humanity. 2. Kate is a little unreadable. I can't help but wonder if she feels as out of place as she seems to us to be. Granted, she's had say six weeks or so of working with these people and learning her way around DC that we didn't get to see, but I don't get the sense she feels like this job fits like a glove. She's still confident, even as she learns the risks of dealing with more sophisticated bad guys, and she's putting in the hours and work. But there's an energy, a rightness, that's missing, and I'm just wondering if she'll ever give voice to that. Will that be what sends her back to NY? 3. I think this is harder on Castle than he expected. He's still in it, and is still totally committed, but it's hard. The very foundation of his relationship with Kate is gone. They were partners first. They worked together and everything else came from that. He had access to her when he wanted it. He was her sounding board, her go-to person, the one she trusted, the one she couldn't keep out. And now he is out. Her entire professional life, which he had nearly 24/7 access to for five years, is a mystery to him that the federal government won't let him solve. Everything that attracted him to her in the first place is now happening outside of his line of sight. He can't watch her work a case, interrogate a witness, mull over evidence, and spin theory. And he can't help her -- or anyone else for that matter. His crime-solving days are over, while she goes on to cases he can only dream of. And not only can't he be her partner, but they don't have enough time together to figure out who they are without their work together. Yeah, this gotta hurt. So that's where I'm at. I think the writers did a remarkable job of showing us the state of uncertainty and adjustment that plagues our couple, both personally and professionally. I definitely feel their mixed emotions about everything, and I'm looking forward to seeing Kate find her rhythm -- preferably with Castle next to her, with McCord's jaw hanging open at their combined, unmatched brilliance. Bring on Dreamworld! Where's mom's ring??? I remember we were discussing this after "Always" IIRC and how much we wanted Kate to let go of death and choose life. She's so much more than death and vengeance now. She accepted her one and done, she chose life, and she chose a career. In a sense, the Kate Beckett getting schooled by Agent Rachel McCord mirrors (or is it parallels?) Mike Royce after leaving the academy. The years from her mother's death to now was basically life interrupted and she's finally free to live without her wall, to live the life she's denied herself all these years. And it shows. ***EDIT: I keep rewatching this scene and I'm thinking both rings are on the chain.*** I agree. It looked to me like both rings were on the chain. Okay, after watching the episode at least four times -- and the highlights a dozen more than that! -- I have a few more comments and observations to make: 1. Not sure how much I'm liking McCord. I want to give her the benefit of the doubt because what might be bothering me more than anything is seeing Kate as the novice. Even when she went up against Jordan Shaw and Sophia Turner, she held her own against their federal expertise. Here, she is clearly the newbie who is on someone else's turf, and it's difficult to see her in the subordinate role where none of her badass brilliance means a damn. Yes, she is still badass and brilliant, but so is everyone else. Her pond just got a lot bigger. But anyway, McCord is as stoic and unapproachable as Beckett was three years ago, and while I hardly expect her and Beckett to be BFFs, she just seems almost resentful of being paired up with the new kid, and she sure as hell doesn't like that Kate has any kind of a personal life outside the job. Every time she addressed Kate, it was with an air of impatience, and her initial meeting of Castle was almost glacial. She might be a good mentor, but with the exception of one shared moment of mercy, she doesn't do much to advance Kate's slowly learned lesson that being tough and powerful doesn't require sacrificing emotion, humor, friendship, and humanity. 2. Kate is a little unreadable. I can't help but wonder if she feels as out of place as she seems to us to be. Granted, she's had say six weeks or so of working with these people and learning her way around DC that we didn't get to see, but I don't get the sense she feels like this job fits like a glove. She's still confident, even as she learns the risks of dealing with more sophisticated bad guys, and she's putting in the hours and work. But there's an energy, a rightness, that's missing, and I'm just wondering if she'll ever give voice to that. Will that be what sends her back to NY? 3. I think this is harder on Castle than he expected. He's still in it, and is still totally committed, but it's hard. The very foundation of his relationship with Kate is gone. They were partners first. They worked together and everything else came from that. He had access to her when he wanted it. He was her sounding board, her go-to person, the one she trusted, the one she couldn't keep out. And now he is out. Her entire professional life, which he had nearly 24/7 access to for five years, is a mystery to him that the federal government won't let him solve. Everything that attracted him to her in the first place is now happening outside of his line of sight. He can't watch her work a case, interrogate a witness, mull over evidence, and spin theory. And he can't help her -- or anyone else for that matter. His crime-solving days are over, while she goes on to cases he can only dream of. And not only can't he be her partner, but they don't have enough time together to figure out who they are without their work together. Yeah, this gotta hurt. So that's where I'm at. I think the writers did a remarkable job of showing us the state of uncertainty and adjustment that plagues our couple, both personally and professionally. I definitely feel their mixed emotions about everything, and I'm looking forward to seeing Kate find her rhythm -- preferably with Castle next to her, with McCord's jaw hanging open at their combined, unmatched brilliance. Bring on Dreamworld! I get the feeling that McCord is a little envious of Kate and that translates to her riding her very hard. She is trying break Beckett down so that she can remake her into the "Company Persona", and I am sure that she was told to do that. It's kind of like, " You don't get no pass here, you are here to serve your country, and no one, and that includes your "Fiance" is going to stop you from living your job." That long, over extended hand shake with a smirking Castle really told us all we needed to know. I think Rachel would rather Kate dump Rick and find a agent with clearance so talking in your sleep, or leaving pictures on the floor, don't become an issue. This leads us to the problem. Did you notice that line that Kate said to Rick when he surprised her during the"Missed" weekend? She tells him "You Shouldn't Be Here". I know she changed her tune, but what was that all about? And then Kate was kind of walking on egg shells when she introduced McCord as her "Partner" to Rick. He knew it, She knew it.....it was awkward to say the least. You get the feeling that Kate really does not want Rick around when she is working and the classified info really does drive a stake through the heart of their relationship. It was the very essence of who they were and why they fell in love. They could share and talk and "dance". But now, Kate, under the watchful eye of McCord, just wants to be one of the boys and that means playing by their rules. It truly leaves Rick out in the cold. They really have to adjust and it is getting to Rick. Alexis doesn't need him, Martha has own life and Pi has taken over Casa Castle. So Rick is left to fend for himself and right now he must feel like he is in no mans land. Everyone is getting on with their life but him. Even he said this will never be the same. True, a part of the relation is dying, And again, Kate knows it and so does he. But what you can see happening is Rick beginning to feel that maybe he rushed things. She was going to take the job, with or without him. She made that clear when she told him that if this was going to be a problem......basically she told him, this is your chance to get out if you want. She did give him that option during the proposal. It was vintage Kate. One last effort to drive him away. And she tells him.."We can make this work...Right?". And the weird part is, you see and feel the intense love she has for this guy. But she is right in telling him that this is her big chance and she wants to give it a shot. Rick knows he is number two right now and he is showing great patience, but it can't last if all you get is one night every 6 weeks. No one is that strong. No one. So here we are...Kate is living her dream...Rick is just living. And Kate, although maybe loves the idea of being a Fed, she is realizing now that maybe she got sold a bill of goods from everyone who told her who she should be. But the most sobering aspect of her job comes to light at the end. It could be the end. The end of everything she wanted. She is working in her dream job and she has to tell her fiance that he is dying. And she remains incredibly calm. She is now crossing the line. She is mixing business with love and she is caught somewhere between heaven and hell. And she sees how the stakes have changed. This is something she cannot change and Rachel may or may not be told to sweep this under the table because the Secretary of State is involved. So Kate knows that the only chance, her only shot at having her life back is if Castle crosses the line and works with her. She cannot lose him. So here she is, working and fighting for his life. Life is so cruel sometimes. We get what we want, but there is always a cost involved. So Kate is now at her watershed again and there is no turning back. Rick is her life, her reason for living. Whether he liked it or not, she has a job to do and they could easily take her off this case for personal reasons. This is a different kind of time bomb here and they are both standing on it. And Rachel is about to find out why these two are so good for each other. Oh Yes Angie...bring on Monday....should be Epic. Here's my question though . . . Did Kate give up/sell her apartment in NY? If so, does that mean she'll be moving into the loft when she returns? Hope so! I though she had a sub-let, but whatever, she's out of her loft so I imagine she'll move into Castle's when she gets back to NYC. Could be an amusing sub-plot, trying to integrate her stuff in with his. Especially the books - where do they find room & whose do they keep of the duplicates? As for the cliffhanger, it isn't whether he'll survive, that's obvious. The resolve will be how they go about finding the antidote. I noticed that after what we assume as being 2 months in DC and 6 weeks of that Rick is gone, Kate is still living out of boxes and not unpacked. ONE FOOT OUT THE DOOR PEOPLE! And that door leads to RICK! I am sorry, I don't care how busy you are, if you are serious about staying somewhere as a woman, you UNPACK and get things settled so if feels like home. That was just my observation that I didn't see anyone touch on. Also, I believe both rings are around her neck. She still holds her mother in importance, just like her father (watch) and now Rick is there as well. I, too, believe it was both rings on the chain. At least that is the first thought I had when I first saw it. I loved the proposal scene. It was so sweet, love-filled, had classic banter and was perfect. It made the angst ridden finale make so much sense and was handled beautifully. Kudos to Stana and Nathan. Their chemistry was off the charts! Love Rick's declaration that he "couldn't imagine his life without you." Melty...sign! Aww! Perfect! Loved Kate's ease with saying yes. I love that she didn't have to think about it. She jumped with both feet!  I thought the segue to DC was good. I know we'd all like to have seen everyone's reactions but I know they have to move the story forward and what a story we got. It will be interesting to see how Rick's life is going to be saved. Interesting to have him be the one in danger. It's got to get Kate thinking. I may be in the minority but I'm not a fan of McCord. I think she's irritated that Kate has a finance much less a personal life. I'm just not feeling it with her. I can't wait for Kate to realize that the life she had is really want she wants. That it's not about "her shot" it's about what she wants her life to really be. We may all want different things in our lives but sometimes we have to figure out what we want most when faced with many viable options. That can be a tough decision. Those who figure out what they truly want are courageous and brave. It's great to have Castle back! I was so happy to have Castle return after such a long summer. It was fantastic to see the characters so totally in love and trusting each other despite the inconveniences of being in different cities and not being able to share each day as they had done for years. Despite these major changes, they both seemed to have a deeper trust of each other in knowing the other person was fully committed to the long term. The engagement meant everything to both of them and they are both now so jubilant with that official status and more importantly, the depth of feeling that both now openly admit to feeling. The unease of not knowing where things really stand (referring here to the last three episodes of last season) is thankfully gone! The show is so beautifully written, directed and acted. Can't wait for more! My favorite scene of Stana's was when she was looking in the mirror after work. All of e mixed emotions and questions of "Is this what I really want?" and "I miss him" and "Yeah, this is kind of cool." all spoke volumes of where she is in this episode and all of this took place in a few seconds right before Castle and Beckett's unexpected reunion at her place. Indeed, I soooo love this episode, having re-watched soooo many times!!! Again, for me, kudos, Stana and Nathan!!! They rocked every nuance and layer, every comic—perfect timing—and every dramatic moment—expressions, tone, gestures, dialogue delivery—for me, they became, as ALWAYS, Kate and Rick—this episode enhanced by the work of their fellow cast members, our also beloved regular players and also wonderfully selected guest stars!!! Andrew, creator and show runner; writer(s), Rob HANNING here; director(s), John TERLESKY for this epi; producers, pre-, post- production teams—IMHO, their work enhances, enlivens, and underlines the story/ies—including location and studio work and D.C./NYC stock footage!!! And the sets—how long have I adored the loft, Kate’s NYC apartment, the precinct, and standard and unique episode relevant localities and sets!!! In VALKYRIE, Kate and Rick’s obviously unsettled “home,” even with its on-a-shelf photo of our engaged DD and similar-to-NYC-style set of coffee mugs, reflects her to-date, pressured, mostly job-focused life!!! As ever, cinematography; lighting; music; hair, dress, and makeup; sets; and editing help to tell the stories which comprise the plot—from proposal and engagement at Kate and Rick’s swings to Rick’s post-book tour loft return to, along with Martha—and, “Surprise,” Alexis—and, “Surprise, again,” fruitarian Pi to Kate’s training—on the streets and in the federal offices—with as Jordan SHAW has said, “all the latest toys”!!! This continues from Kate’s interacting with her current, federal team to our favorite, recently engaged, fully committed couple’s tender, ILYs, phone calls, happy and glowing domesticity and plan making, including Rick’s surprise, D.C. apartment visit with Kate after six weeks apart to the 12th Precinct where RYAN and ESPOSITO solve crimes, assist Rick, and try to swaddle and hold a—fortunately, doll—baby—to the federal, conference/interrogation room(s), where Kate and Rick work together to adapt to their new relationship—and to share the consequences of Rick’s investigating, abduction, and twenty-four-hours-to-live diagnosis!!! Kate, home from work, exhausted, begins to undress, revealing that, at least at work, she wears both her mother’s ring and her engagement ring on the chain around her neck; suddenly aware of another presence in her apartment, Kate holds a gun on Rick!!! How dynamic, fitting, and revealing their exchange about whether or not Rick should be there and should leave!!! I love Kate’s, “Oh yes, immediately,” followed by their passionately making out after Rick’s writing/book tour and Kate’s federal training has kept them apart!!! As ever, I celebrate the wit and warmth, frustrations and annoyances—appreciation and celebration, the fear and joy, tears and laughter, suspense and mysteries of personal lives and of law enforcement cases—highlighting of and empathy and appreciation for the challenges of law enforcement; the military; the victims; families in various configurations and stages—and in Kate and Rick’s “great love story”!!! That this is a two-parter with its “To Be Continued”—adds to the already awesome and epic!!! The proposal!!! Amazing!!! I had had no problems and had in fact, loved WATERSHED—IMHO, all was/is in character and “organic”—and just delightful and thrilling and touching—no pun intended!!! The comedy and drama of it—the entire, “No, not no….no, not not yes;” Rick’s “You do know how this works, right?” Kate’s ILY, “…but there’s something I have to tell you;” Rick’s declaring that he is proposing because he cannot imagine a life without Kate, who explains her reasons and feelings about why she wants to take the job and offers Rick a chance to change his mind about this “most serious thing” he’s “ever done”!!! Wow to Rick’s voice when he queries, “Is that a ‘yes’?”—and Kate’s eyes and small catch in her breath as she processes and responds to Rick’s proposal!!! They will work things out together; and it will be great in D.C.!!! When Kate speaks to Rachel of Jeanette MILLER, Jack BRONON’S girlfriend, “…people do crazy things when they’re in love, astute Rachel responds, “I’ve noticed”!!! The concerns—the love and hope—the “big” ring gently, reverently, excitedly Rick-placed on Kate’s “remarkably tiny fingers,” continued: the love and devotion; the declarations and dedication to one another and to mutually working out their relationship; the “Katherine Houghton BECKETT, will you marry me,” echoed by the “Richard Edgar Alexander RODGERS CASTLE, yes, I will marry you,”—the celebratory, “walking on air” kisses and embraces—feet lifted!!! After all, the “third time’s a charm”—Kate’s and Rick’s gazes have met over engagement rings twice before—pre-Ryan’s proposal to Jenny and in FOOD TO DIE FOR, as Rick and Kate view previously-hidden-in-the-elaborate-cake-decoration ring; this is “intimate” and “big”!!! As Martha had declared, the “man” is “down on one knee, tears in his eyes, ring in his hand”!!! Like others, I also enjoyed and appreciated parallels shared by 6X01 VALKYRIE and CASTLE pilot, FLOWERS FOR YOUR GRAVE, along with other show episodes!!! I noticed crimes which should not be considered solved until the story is complete; BECKETT’S studying surveillance information; BECKETT’S wearing a treasured ring on a chain around her neck, and expectations of “great”!!! Bravo to the entire CASTLE team who contribute to drama intrigues and reveals, among the many, Kate’s training exercise gone wrong!!! Her white blouse is chest-stained in red, although not in blood, as Kate learns that not only the hostage taker but also the hostage are dangerous and, “It is better not to die at all”!!! Ah, the tone and delivery of Rick’s greeting to and lingering handshake for Agent McCORD, “So, you’re the new partner”!!! Rick and Kate exchange, “I’ll bet that I can figure this out.” “Well, that doesn’t mean that you should.” “Don’t you miss working together?” ‘Yes, I do.” CASTLE and BECKETT do that crime solving thing together again—caught up and captivated!!! There are call backs to Old Haunt case and underground tunnels—to BECKETT’S gut feelings—and obvious homage to our crime-solving duos’ effective insights and desires to find the whole story!!! IMHO, the lovely sexual tension, longing, RL challenges and decisions, eye sex, hair porn, blinks inhales, easy and obviously not infrequent ILYs ensue—prevail and will continue to do so!!! Rick, sleepwear and robe clad, finds Kate, up earlier in their D.C. apartment, doing homework, which he proposes that they share—and not just the work-related type of homework!!! Although Rick “didn’t think that he’s get caught,” and Kate responds, “Well, ya did;” their expressions are quite synchronized—and love and concern are apparent with our DD!!! Kate brings Rick coffee; when Kate is told to let CASTLE sweat, she whispers, “I’m sorry”!!! Rick and Kate poignantly realize, “It can’t be like it was before;” and he agrees to return to NYC!!! First, Rick had planned to have dinner and that mood-inducing red wine (He’d happily purchase a case of it!!!) ready for Kate!!! How torn and frustrated but hopeful and devoted Kate and Rick are—surprise, “the other guy” at the golf course, blown transformer and power outage investigation is none other than Rick, cheerfully cruising along in a golf cart with a security staff member—and without clubs—planning to play golf—Rick of Agent McCORD: “She is not invited to the wedding”!!!...,”But wouldn’t you like to see what I found out?” Kate’s assenting nod and syllable – priceless!!! Like sentiments are shown by Kate’s face and by her body language—love that good bye wink, as her boss precedes Kate out of the apartment door and by Rick’s face and body language, too, when he waves from the ambulance after the car crash!!! Having turned down Rachel’s offer to tell Rick of his apparent death sentence, Kate lovingly calls CASTLE, “Babe”!!! Pivotal and amusing are Rick’s expressions and poses when he is at golf course and is photographed by suspect in the gold-colored sedan and Rick’s assurance to his abductor that he, Rick, has salmon, which needs refrigeration—just like the arrivals of the Feds, respectively in D.C.,—“Oh, they’re good”!!!—Kates’ boss, Agent Rachel McCORD, as Rick teases the classified folder—and in NYC, just as Rick, researching ESPO-described, ghost, military base, Dreamworld, assures Alexis that no one will find out or care!!! RYAN and ESPO, bros and friends, although initially bribed, assist Rick with his investigating Kate’s federal case and are, rather than Alexis’ new, significant other, Pi, Rick’s confidants after “things did not go well with your fiancée in D.C., Mr. C”!!! I love how Rick perceived that RYAN was trying to swaddle the baby doll and how humorous when RYAN shoved the doll at ESPO, who held the doll so awkwardly and uncomfortably—for ESPO and for “baby”!!! I also loved Susan’s, Nathan’s, Molly’s, and Myko’s work, as we and Rick meet Pi, named not for the dessert but for the Greek letter; however, for Pi, “the spelling thing stifles creativity”!!! What parent and/or best-selling author would be thrilled? “Surprise,” Alexis had home early, yes; but “Al” will be sharing “our” photos and needed to locate the matches so that her new, “brilliant,” significant other could light his sage bundles!!! “Surprise,” Pi, “Que pasa, Mr. C.?,” from Amsterdam via Costa Rico, has lost his passport; is fruitarian; and does not take request, dinner orders but will be serving his papaya steaks!!! Pi is quite at home—and in the “Casa de CASTLE’s” kitchen, has reduced the fridge’s vegetable bin’s contents to a lone, red pepper!!! Pi is staying in Alexis’ room; and assumes that his hugs and counsel are welcome!!! Maybe that banana peel, which Rick retrieves from the floor foreshadows Pi’s imminent departure?! Martha welcomed home her “Prodigal Son;” empathetically repeated, “Surprise;” tells CASTLE that he will be having “that talk” with Alexis; and with some, delightfully humorous verbal interjection(s), must depart to teach at her acting school!!! I will continue to re-watch VALKYRIE!!! I can’t wait for DREAMWORLD and for the rest of Season 6—and more!!! I KNOW!! ISN'T IT GREAT?!!?? (said Castle style) And, I could do their marriage license! Well, I couldn't in NYC, but I could in the state of Kansas cause I'm a court clerk. |
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Post by java on May 8, 2015 22:47:00 GMT -5
One piece of speculation. How pissed do you think Kate will be if it turns out that Castle was not in any actual danger, it was merely a front cooked up by McCord and her boss to get her motivated to solve the case? Now that would be an incredible twist. A very Marlowe-esque twist. They push Kate to solve cases faster with something personal as bate. Devious, to say the least, but would be effective. Kate would work her hardest to ensure Rick lives. I can see that happening just to throw us and Kate. She'd be beyond pissed for sure. Would almost be something, along with all the other personal and emotional factors that are driving a wedge between them, that would make her decide to quit FBI and go back home. She expects forthrightness in the people she works with cause that leads to trust. With a twist like this, she'd wonder how she could trust their work ethic at all let alone her place. Just another factor to show her what her life was and what it's become. I'm tellin' you, McCord is anti-Jordan. Just look at the name. McCord suggests being of an accord or an agreement, as in "do we have an accord". But to Kate, then she wouldn't have an accord with her. The name also means "son of a journey" or "navigator". McCord's whole name means "the ewe (Rachel) that directs the journey". McCord is certainly trying to direct Kate's journey, more like Kate's life. By pulling this kind of twist, she surely would be. Oh my, so much to think about and process. I think my priority is to point out the parallells, both to Flowers For Your Grave and Deadly Affair. I think the first one is obvious. That scene near the end when Kate insists Bronson really was set up and McCord is ready to close the case is a classic reversal of the pilot when Kate is certain they have the killer, but Castle presses on looking for the whole story — the story that makes sense. But I also saw a big parallel to the season three premiere, where Castle keeps showing up af crime scenes, working the case on his own until Kate has little choice but to let him back. Granted, we have a long history of neither one of them being able to stop investigating a case, even when Homeland Security or the CIA kicks them off. But Deadly Affair was unique because Castle was defying Beckett until she caved in. This time, however, the decision is not hers, and for the first time, Castle truly has no choice but to back away. She's in a different league now and is not the one calling the shots. That's a hard reality to accept. For a little while, I think he truly thought that if he could just prove himself useful, they would let him stay with her. The disappoint that that wasn't going to happen and that their working partnership is really over was visibly heartbreaking. I think, before this case, he was able to distract himself with his book tour and her training. It was new and novel. But then it begins to hit home that this is their new normal. This is permanent. And all of a sudden, they have to figure out who they are on their own, without their partnership. And Castle has to watch Kate go off to do what they had done together for five years, and Kate has to learn how to work with a new team and without the people she trusted and relied on, Castle chief among them. Tough stuff. It will be interesting to see what brings her back home. The second to last paragraph...YES! Exactly. Especially, "but then it begins to hit home that this is their new normal. This is permanent. And all of a sudden, they have to figure out who they are on their own, without their partnership". Figuring out who they are without their partnership could be a dicey situation. They could easily decide they can't do it and it's too hard and they go their separate ways. On the other hand, realizing who they are without the partnership could bring them closer together because they they'll truly realize how so much greater they are together than being apart. Not that they don't already. The learning experience of knowing who they've become as individuals over all this time will now have to be coupled with learning how far they've come as a couple and not just partners. I'm sure they'll be asking themselves is our love strong enough, are we enough for each other, are we really in love and love each other or is it the partnership, or as Kate asked her dad, "what if we just love the dance". Seeing how they go through this will be incredible. I'm sure this whole FBI job will, in the end, after some tough waters, bring them closer and more intimate in every aspect of their relationship. It will only serve as something good that bonds then even closer to each other and not be a negative. Tough times will only make them more determined to stay together. The whole situation will make them stronger.  A case of 2000 Châteauneuf-du-Pape?  Yeah, nothing decompresses like a 2000 Chateau Nuf de'Pape! I'm sure that's the reference there. Yeah! And, if I'd have the pleasure of that nice red I'd know for sure. Ah, vino... Now that would be an incredible twist. A very Marlowe-esque twist. They push Kate to solve cases faster with something personal as bate. Devious, to say the least, but would be effective. Kate would work her hardest to ensure Rick lives. I can see that happening just to throw us and Kate. She'd be beyond pissed for sure. Would almost be something, along with all the other personal and emotional factors that are driving a wedge between them, that would make her decide to quit FBI and go back home. She expects forthrightness in the people she works with cause that leads to trust. With a twist like this, she'd wonder how she could trust their work ethic at all let alone her place. Just another factor to show her what her life was and what it's become. I'm tellin' you, McCord is anti-Jordan. Just look at the name. McCord suggests being of an accord or an agreement, as in "do we have an accord". But to Kate, then she wouldn't have an accord with her. The name also means "son of a journey" or "navigator". McCord's whole name means "the ewe (Rachel) that directs the journey". McCord is certainly trying to direct Kate's journey, more like Kate's life. By pulling this kind of twist, she surely would be. Wrote this based on the idea... www.fanfiction.net/s/9718794/1/Damn!!! That was AWESOME!!!!!! FRICKIN' AWESOME! Extremely well written. Love it. I'm going to favorite it. I got the impression that just seeing Rick made Kate ready to abandon the fed job. "You shouldn't be here," "You want me to leave?" "Yeah, right away," (sorry if I misquoted) was said with complete disregard for the job's rules. Maybe she was told she couldn't have a social life, and she doesn't care what they said. She sarcastically said what she was "supposed" to say, while showing in all of her actions that it was the furthest thing from what she wanted. She almost shared case info with him until she remembered it could land them both in hot water, she didn't like saying McCord was her partner now, and she stopped following the rules to listen to his intel. Being apart for 6 weeks then getting to be with him again is immediately affecting her willingness to "be the job." She wants to be Mrs. Castle, and when she realizes she can't have both, I think she'll easily choose Rick. I say "easily," because after all the loveballs shooting out of her & the frustration with the job not being as amazing as she expected, the writers are setting her up to want to go home. She may not even be forced to make a choice by her boss; she may just call him up & say, "I miss you. I miss home. I'm coming home." However they do it, she won't have regrets. ... she didn't like saying McCord was her partner now ... Tiff, loved your comment about all of the loveballs shooting out of her! That was so true and it really made up for the fact that they weren't working directly together for the moment - at least for me. I too thought that the boxes still being in Beckett s new apartment was telling. To me when ever Castle wasn't there she looked unhappy and unsettled. Lots of foreshadowing I think. I too thought that the boxes still being in Beckett s new apartment was telling. To me when ever Castle wasn't there she looked unhappy and unsettled. Lots of foreshadowing I think. Great job very nicely put  This is just so cool and I was able to pick up on parts I missed when I watched the episode  |
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Love your Epilogue thread, Nathanfan!!! 
