7 X 23 EPILOGUE Hollander's Woods

[nathanfan1]

What a relief to be able to sit back and enjoy tonight's finale, knowing that season 8 is yet to come! Let's treasure every special moment they give us and please, come back and share your thoughts after the show.

[castle88]

Brilliant. That is all.

[motowncf]

This episode was fantastic!!!  The whole backstory to Castle's childhood trauma that led to his writing career, Kate's "audition" for political office, the talk at the swings, that confrontation in the barn and Kate knowing exactly what to do when Castle put his hand out....and that dinner speech!

All just absolutely fantastic!

And I was even sharp-eyed enough to catch Andrew Marlowe at the table where Michael Connolly sat down.  For anyone for whom that went by too quickly, Java posted a screen shot in the viewing party.  Java noticed Terri Miller is sitting next to Andrew, and mentioned that he thinks the Creaseys are there also.  

So glad that we are getting another season, but they certainly did do a nice wrap-up if this would have been the final episode.

Bring on season 8!!!!   

[castle88]

May 11, 2015 22:13:56 GMT -5 motowncf said:

This episode was fantastic!!!  The whole backstory to Castle's childhood trauma that led to his writing career, Kate's "audition" for political office, the talk at the swings, that confrontation in the barn and Kate knowing exactly what to do when Castle put his hand out....and that dinner speech!

All just absolutely fantastic!

And I was even sharp-eyed enough to catch Andrew Marlowe at the table where Michael Connolly sat down.  For anyone for whom that went by too quickly, Java posted a screen shot in the viewing party.  Java noticed Terri Miller is sitting next to Andrew, and mentioned that he thinks the Creaseys are there also.  

So glad that we are getting another season, but they certainly did do a nice wrap-up if this would have been the final episode.

Bring on season 8!!!!   

Jim Adler too. This episode was a fitting season finale and would have been a fitting series finale.

I have a new head canon that AWM and TWM were temporarily abducted by pod people just before they started to write 6x23.  That's my story, and I'm sticking to it. 

[geezer2008]

That was a VERY special finale from beginning to end. They could of easily ended the show with that episode. That end scene was just so very well done. It will be interesting to see where they take us as the story continues for another year. Will Kate go into politics or will we see her adventures continue as an NYPD Captain?? What will Rick write about?? What will our Alexis become ?? We have watched her grow up and she is a wonderful part of this show. Where will this story take us with Kevin, Jenny, Martha, Lanie, Tory, and Victoria?? They have all become a part of our lives as we have taken this wonderful journey called CASTLE. Is it September yet???

[java]

What a roller-coaster ride of an episode! This is how you end a season or a series. Looking forward to season 8!

Some random thoughts...

For me this is the first time Kate was truly in wife mode and I really felt the onscreen husband and wife relationship. I'm not blaming Stana. The writing hasn't presented the right moment (I'm trying NOT to say I blame the writing). So looking forward to seeing more of it next season.

I really thought Rick was going to yell, "Shoot high!". Glad she handed him her Glock and he took out his boogeyman.

Great speech. Both of them.

Loved seeing the family all at the table, seeing Connelly, and Jenny!

After 7 years, it's hard to say which episode is my #1 favorite and I'm sure I'll say this is one of the top 3 and I'm also sure I've said that about 5 other episodes.

I'm toasty toast from work and workout and barely making it to this party and barely breathing through the episode so I'll bid y'all, 'til tomorrow!!!

~Night.

[angie1379]

I am in absolute awe right now. I cannot wait to rewatch and rewatch and rewatch. I'll be back with detailed thoughts tomorrow, but I just wanted to say I can't imagine a better episode to officially launch our new home here at PFJ. It's good to be back in a forum with friends both old and new. And it's equally as good to have an epic episode to spend the next four months gushing about. I'm still somewhat stunned speechless by how good that episode was. So incredibly satisfying -- and made all the better by knowing they have the chance to do it all again!

[castlecrazee]

"Stunned speechless" pretty much defines how I'm feeling right now. The episode was incredible.

[nathanfan1]

Overwhelmed - emotional - still processing - need to watch again and again just as Angie said, but above all, I'm satisfied. That was a wonderful story from start to finish and a great way to end the season. Cliff hangers are highly overrated!!!!!

I'm rarely invested in the cases on the show because it's the characters I love, but the beauty of this one was that the case was so intensely personal. I loved the way Andrew and Terri wove the experience from Castle's past into the newest case. I also loved the overriding theme of mutual, unfailing support between Kate and Castle.  They gave us some special callbacks to iconic moments in the series as well as many future possibilities to ponder. Nathan and Stana breathed life into the script and made me feel every emotion. I just want to bask in the satisfaction for a good, long while!

The opening was fun and can I just say that I'd LOVE to have the poster of the smiling Nathan for my very own??  WHEW! That man does it for me!     But I digress!  You have to love Martha, the opportunist, aiming to take over a rent controlled loft. I suspect that we'll see her living elsewhere next season but I sure hope that doesn't mean seeing less of her.

This episode was jam packed so I understand there wasn't enough time for everything. However, I would have loved to have had more development of the back story of Ryan and Espo becoming partners 10 years ago.

The scene between Castle and Alexis was one of those treasured father/daughter moments that we used to get when she was younger. Alexis was feeling a bit inferior and directionless as she compared herself to her dad and he assures her that she will find her passion or it will find her (as his did). That hug and the tears in his eyes as he tells her that she's already amazing, had me tearing up too.

Then there's Kate's storyline. I have to admit that I was totally sucked in by the supposed early review and was baffled by the attack on her performance. I couldn't imagine where that would lead us, but I was surely cheering for Kate when she turned back to face the guys and stood up for herself and her accomplishments as well as her partnership with Castle. It was a fist pump "YES" reaction from me! So we get a tease about a state senate run, just as the time traveler predicted. I can't say that I want to see her do it because I think she'd be unhappy and frustrated in the world of politics, but I'll wait and see how it all shakes out. I COULD see Alexis as a campaign manager though. The scene at the SWINGS was a delightful nod to the fans and how special to have it be such a lovely exchange between Kate and Castle. Total support and confidence and such a cute kiss, leaning around the chains of the swings. I loved Kate's comment about wanting to be like her mother and make a difference. They left us with Kate saying she needed to decide soon and she aced the Captain's exam so she'll have some soul searching to do this summer!

Concerning Castle's back story, I thought it was great and I especially liked the way they had him question if he'd really experienced it at all since he never found any evidence of the crime. That was also a good reason to have never shared this with Kate or anyone else for that matter (until the memory erasing). With the help of 
Kate and Ryan and Espo though, the story comes alive again and Kate is thoroughly supportive of her husband as he obsesses about solving the crime he saw as well as the present murder. Repeatedly, Castle's memories and instincts lead them towards the killer including the voice recognition. However, it's Kate who makes the connection to the guy having a lair and locating it so, once again, it's their awesome teamwork that gets the job done. I wouldn't change a thing about that fight and takedown in the barn! It was creepy and Nathan's acting had me fearing for his life as he struggled and even got cut. I loved that he was the one who killed his demon but it was the incredible mind connection that he and Kate have that made it all possible. The gun under the door was awesome!

Everything about the ending was SPECIAL - from Kate telling Castle she's proud of him before she gets dressed to the toast at the end. He refers to Martha and Alexis as his red headed pillars and the constants in his life and thanks everyone at the 12th for letting him in. He acknowledges Ryan and Espo especially as brothers in arms and by now I'm choking up and my breathing is becoming ragged. Then he focuses on Kate, telling her that 7 years ago he thought he might never write again and then she walked into his life. I was sobbing when Castle referred to what is one of the very BEST moments of the series, "You have no idea." Throwing in an "Always," was just icing on the cake! 

I loved that the writers were at the nearby table and it was great to see them all dressed up. That's another thing we fans have asked for over and over. The final toast would have had me blubbering out of control had it been the end of the series. Thank goodness it wasn't because I'm just not ready for that. What it was though, was a great salute to this amazing team of people who've created and brought to life one of the best stories I've ever followed. I have the deepest appreciation for what they've added to my life and I look forward to even more!

[kman]

So I just watched the episode and I have to say that they did a great job covering all the bases. It was very humbling to watch the final scene knowing that it was made to either take us into next season or wrap up a great 7 season run.  It did both. It was amazing.

I want to watch it again, so I will just say this. I am so glad to have season 8 in the bag. And ABC sent a message to Stana's agents at the end of the show. It used to be "Castle and Beckett will back in the fall solving crimes...."  This year we get...."Castle will be back solving murders in the fall..."  Correct grammar tells us that the show Castle does not solve murders, but Castle does. Was it a slip of the tongue or something else that was meant for a purpose?  Don't know....don't care....just glad to get season 8!!! 

[fantasynovelreader]

Two words. Loved it. 

[csttraveler018]

WOW! What can I add that all of you have not already said. I totally agree with all of the above and as always, I will have to watch this episode again and again because I always miss the little stuff. I am so proud of this show and last night's episode was just unreal. Everyone who had anything to do with this show should be beaming with pride! Well done!

[ddcnj]

Enjoyed the episode but wish they hadn't gone so far out of reality with NYPD (skipping Sgt. & Lt.) and the NY equivalent of the Hatch Act (no way would the Brass approach Kate about a run for Senate & if she did decide to run she'd have to resign). At lease in the Nicki Heat books Nicki took the Lieutenant's exam then later was bumped up to Captain.

Could definitely see how they were hedging their bets on whether this would be season or series finale. Nice to see everyone at the dinner, something they should have done several seasons back as the fund raiser for the scholarship set up in Johanna's name.

[CastleFanGran]

How I love and appreciate AWM and TEM written, Paul HOLAHAN directed 7x23 HOLLANDER’S WOODS!!! My appreciation and kudos to all—for this Season 7 Finale, which I truly found heart stopping, heart rending, and heart melting!!! Written, directed, acted, and produced without knowing that CASTLE would be renewed or with which show runners, writers, or actors—I feel that all met the challenge of intense, sweet, captivating story telling—possibly for a series finale, while leaving opportunities and anticipation for continued stories—bring on CASTLE Season 8!!!

Character development and canon--CASKETT love story—BECKETT-CASTLE and precinct family devotion and joy, complications and fears, setbacks and triumphs—all are beautifully addressed and delivered—without seeming contrived—perfection, MILMAR and Stana/Kate and Nathan/Rick, who acted every layer and nuance!!! All main cast: Seamus/RYAN, Jon/ESPO, Tamala/Lanie, Alexis/Molly, Martha/Susan, GATES/Penny, and Tori/Maya—as with our dauntless and devoted duo, all reinforced their contributions to the CASTLE family!!!

Again, how vital to CASTLE are Robert DUNCAN’S music; wardrobe and makeup, Luke REICHLE; Lizbeth WILLIAMSON, Ed MORRISON, and others; Alfred SOLE’S set decoration; and cinematography; props, lighting; sound; editing—our characters exemplify “team,” as do the entire CASTLE cast, crew, and team--and writers and background actors as banquet attendees--my gratitude—and as well, to the live tweeters!!!

I’m still “seeing” and “hearing” and can’t wait to re-watch: Rick discussing his “big heads” with daughter Alexis, mother Martha, and wife, inspiration, and love of his life, Kate; Alexis and college choices; RYAN and ESPO’S bromance and partnership—Kate’s and Rick’s friends while cops who might work a bit on believing CASTLE’S theories; Jenny with Kevin; Lanie, ever supportive and challenging friend; and GATES’ proud and supportive, too!!!

I loved the post barn battle CASKETT hug, reminiscent of the triumphant, STILL hug—and oh, the unique, night, swing set scene embrace and kiss; the CASKETT communication—and the weighing the effect on their immediate family of a precinct captaincy—exam aced, of course, “It’s you;” and a possible senatorial campaign—“We’re a tough bunch”!!! “So you think I can do it?! I know you can. Whatever you decide, I’ll back your plan.”

Ah, the speeches—which I find also just too beautiful, not to repeat, at least in part:
Kate’s defense of her work, of Rick, of their relationship, and of her/their quest for justice: “Richard CASTLE has proven himself to be a brilliant partner, who has always had my back; as for his fictional representation of me, I’m proud to have been his inspiration, and I’m proud to be his wife. I don’t cross the line; I put myself on it….any other questions; ask the families of the victims I have served.”
Kate to Rick, practicing his speech but troubled by the past which led him to “murder” and “mayhem,” “Babe, we’re not here because of him; we’re here because of who we are in the face of people like him. That’s why you write mysteries; that’s why I became a cop. We’re trying to bring justice to this world. Now, I’m gonna go get dressed, to be very proud tonight of who you are.”
Rick’s award banquet speech and Kate’s reactions—as has been said by others, CASKETT are “each other’s perfect,” who complete one another!!!
“Most people think that writing is a solitary profession. That we spend our days in our imaginary worlds. Fighting, loving, dying, but we don’t do it alone. Because anything that’s good in our writing comes from the truth and the truth is, I’m here because of the people in my life.”
I concur that Martha and Alexis are “two, red-headed pillars of unconditional love” and that Kevin and Javi are brothers and comrades in arms!!!
“And Kate. Seven years ago, I thought I would never write again. And then you walked through the door. And my whole world changed. You were right, you said I had no idea. But now I do. This is because of you. Because of us. Always.”
Not only is what Stana/Kate and Nathan/Rick say perfection as written and as delivered but also each actor’s/character’s reactions—with and without dialogue—spot on every chance!!!

I love how all conveyed our heroes’ “badassery” and that both Kate and Rick had to rely on their strengths in both action and in word!!!

I have to repeat what I always underline as reasons I continue to love, enjoy, savor, and celebrate CASTLE: “the great love story;” the warmth and wit; the mystery, crime-solving, and justice pursued; the appreciation for the difficult work of law enforcement; and the love of family, no matter its configuration!!! As my mother would have said, CASTLE is at heart, in the best sense, “a sweet story”!!!

As for those “little CASTLE babies,” I could make a case that Kate, just for a second considered the beverage in her Champagne flute and may have only pretended to sip it?!

[ProudTVJunkie]

May 12, 2015 9:22:50 GMT -5 ddcnj said:

Enjoyed the episode but wish they hadn't gone so far out of reality with NYPD (skipping Sgt. & Lt.) and the NY equivalent of the Hatch Act (no way would the Brass approach Kate about a run for Senate & if she did decide to run she'd have to resign). At lease in the Nicki Heat books Nicki took the Lieutenant's exam then later was bumped up to Captain.

Could definitely see how they were hedging their bets on whether this would be season or series finale. Nice to see everyone at the dinner, something they should have done several seasons back as the fund raiser for the scholarship set up in Johanna's name.

Yes, ddcnj. Those breaks from reality bothered me too. As much as I'd prefer them to at least try to stick with some of the real life protocols of the NYPD, I've decided to chalk it up to "this is TV" and let it go. And, for me as least, these issues weren't nearly as bad as Kate's out of character moments from 623.

Overall, it was a lovely season finale and I can't wait to watch it again.