8 X 01 EPILOGUE "XY"

[nathanfan1]

The LONG wait is finally over! WooHoo! Enjoy the premier and please join in the discussion afterwards right back here.

[glo1196]

I'm speechless! Action packed, anxiety ridden, and has completely drawn me in. Nathan Fillion hit this one out of the park! Loved him in this episode. The boys are perfect. Love them playing guns and Kevlar for Beckett's desk. They are always so dedicated! Alexis, usually bothers me. She is my least favorite Castle character, at times she irritated me in this episode, but she redeemed herself when she told Castle to trust Beckett. I loved Hayley she is a good addition. I like that she hasn't totally been taken into the fold. The ending had me not breathing! LT better be ok....is it Monday yet? One of the best season openers for me! Did anyone else catch that both Stana and Nathan were given producer credit?

[motowncf]

Still trying to catch my breath and process everything. That first scene with Alexis and Castle at his office didn't set well, didn't like the way she talked back to him; other than that I did like how she contributed overall.

Have to see more of how Haley is going to be used; glad she opened up and helped out in the end.

The big mystery....what the heck is going on? How is Bracken involved? What does the AG's office and McCord's team have to do with it?

Hopefully all the loose ends will be tied up satisfactorily next week.

[geezer2008]

I'm not sure how I feel about the show yet. It was very riveting, very intense, and a little dark. It was everything we are not used to this show being. We are along for the ride til the wheels come off. We just hope that they do not stray too far from what got them to Season 8. JMO

[nathanfan1]

My overall initial reaction is exactly what Geezer said - this was way more intense than our usual Castle! There was very little humor to be found and a ton of anxiety. I guess it's something I would have expected from a 2 parter well into the season. It's a very different flavor for a Castle premier for sure. It MOST DEFINITELY drew me in and left me a bit overwhelmed with questions. I'm sure that after we get part 2 next week, I'll want to go back and watch the 2 of them together to really get the details straight.

I loved the opening scene between Castle and Kate. Castle was so supportive and what a touching gift he chose. I think Nathan's facial expressions communicated a lot. However, the scene becomes a little tainted IMO, now that I know the call Kate received triggered this mess. I get that Kate said she was only protecting him but I'd think that after all they've been through, she might have wanted his help. Of course, it's impossible to know when I haven't a clue what's going on! The only thing I can come up with is that Kate was recruited by the AG's office to do something for them and it's not going well, to say the least. I'll just have to wait and see what kind of twisty tale they've woven for us.

Another thing that I hope doesn't become the norm is the gruesome stuff they showed. The guy getting stabbed in the opening, many people getting mowed down by bullets, spiders used as torture, several brutal fight scenes, these are not the kinds of things I want to see every week on Castle. I've always enjoyed the fact that the show doesn't get real graphic when it comes to the murders and such.


I enjoyed all of the Ryan and Espo scenes, from them going for Kate's desk to Espo thinking Ryan is over reacting about the new child coming and them including Castle in everything. It seems a bit of a change from the Espo we were seeing last season. More often than not, he was quick to downplay whatever Castle brought to the table. I hope we continue to see them all working as a team. It's definitely nice to see Ryan and Espo being assertive and not needing orders from someone else in order to do their investigation.


I have mixed feelings about Alexis. First and foremost, I question how on earth Castle could have missed the fact that his daughter, whom he lives with, was solving cases at his office without his knowledge. It was a pretty lame premise if you ask me. If they'd said Castle and Kate had been away on a vacation or something, I'd have found it more believable. That first scene had me thinking Alexis was way too cocky and I sure would NOT have wanted to see that continue. It got better as she tried to be helpful and put her full trust into Kate. Molly did a wonderful job with some of the emotional scenes later on. I'll just have to see how they continue to use her. 

The jury is still out for me on the new Hayley character. She tends to rub me the wrong way and comes across as arrogant rather than confident. I do like the fact that she softened a shade and gave up helpful information but she could wear on me. Another thing that seemed odd to me was how Alexis already seemed to know Hayley in the beginning. Hayley gave her advice and talked to her like they'd already been working together. Maybe there's more back story that we haven't gotten yet?

The scene between Castle and Bracken was a good one but I sure didn't like what Bracken was implying about Kate - that she could never change and would be driven to do things without Castle. It's sure going to be interesting to see what kind of explanation Kate has when all of this is over, besides that she was protecting Castle.

So now we wait for answers! I wouldn't want this type of show to be a steady diet but it certainly has me anxious for next Monday! I hope that after that, we get a return to a little lighter fare.

[kman]

Was Castle being tracked while he was out 2 months saving the world? Kate knows more than she tells and she flat out lied about it when he asked her at the loft. Fed case? Castle driven, probably. Castle's Dad involved...maybe? Bracken?...probably knows.  Bracken tried to warn Castle that she will never change.  People or situations will always drive her into situations that she can't resist or tell anyone about. It is her secret wall that we thought was broken down. Maybe she was keeping him safe the whole time and never told him.  Who knows? Shades of season 4. We are doing a lot of backtracking here.

Her ex coworkers are dead and she and the other guy are left. She will never be able to tell Castle.   It would not surprise me if she is still a fed somehow. How else do you jump from Detective to Captain? Someone helped.  Nice cover. This is going to cause problems throughout the year because Rick will never learn the truth.  And he will always wonder. So Rick is driven crazy and Kate lies again. It will be good to see it from her perspective.

God I hope I am wrong.

Good show though....great action scenes. But right off the bat, you see that Kate and Rick will never be the same.
They are back to the beginning. He is a writer and she is a cop or fed or whatever she is. You want tension? You got it.

[fantasynovelreader]

So my thoughts... Overall the episode proved intriguing and has me wanting to know what happens next. And, I actually like the new character of Haley. Her rather edgy personality proved to be an interesting addition to the show. While initially I wasn't to happy about the idea of Kate keeping Castle in the dark, if it was meant to keep him safe I am willing to accept that explanation. In the end, I think most people would do anything to protect the one's they love from harm, including lying. True, the character's have worked together all these years and have faced a whole host of threats but, given the extent this particular mystery reaches, from Bracken to the AG's office, in my opinion, this goes beyond anything seen before. And, given we only have half of the story, it could potentially be even bigger. 

[java]

I'm confused. I feel like I walked into the middle of a season or perhaps I missed a special, pinky swear season 7.5 or maybe there was a Castle movie I was suppose to watch or... I'm just feeling discombobulated. Okay, so here are some thoughts off the top of my head.

Liked the new Alexis. A bit sassy. A bit more grown-up.
Reversal/mirror of 7x01.
A two parter for a season premiere? Oh, right. 7x01.
Did not expect a Castle torture scene.
Castle holding two assault rifles like that episode with the action movie star. Can't remember which season.
I miss Martha.
I need to watch this one again. I'm missing something like the punchline. It's after 2AM local which doesn't help.

Looking forward to next week.

[CastleFanGran]

I loved XY’s sweet, CASKETT opening scene with “hair on fire,” cake, and gorgeous, to be “cherished” but later shattered and bloody bracelet—CASKETT love and adoration apparent, despite Kate’s competent yet apparent lying about the “telemarketer’s” phone call!!! Kate/Stana and Rick/Nathan continue to beautifully portray their devotion and trust, along with their fears and anguish!!! I also appreciate Rob BOWMAN’S magnificent direction, Bill ROE’S cinematography, and Terence Paul WINTER’S and Alexi HAWLEY’S writing—wonderful, for the suspense and plot twists and turns—intense and jolting surprises to me!!!

I found Alexis/Molly as PI, resourceful, determined, creative, effective operative, and brave and caring daughter/step-daughter, Dad and Kate supporter!!! I miss PJJ/GATES and would be happy to see her as Chief of Detectives!!!

BRACKEN/Jack COLEMAN was chilling!!! I was properly shocked learn of the death of Rachel McCORD and team and that not just one team was in place!!!

RYSPOSITO/Seamus/Jon were awesome as the bros and partners they are, immediately and effectively Kate’s team and Rick’s partners, RYSPOTLE, including Rick/Nathan—and RYAN’S and ESPO’S “knife, gun, Kevlar” for BECKETT’S former desk and happiness, trepidation, and support for the new baby RYAN news, thoughts about their professional futures, finding Rick and nearly “catching” Kate at the railroad tie warehouse and the incredible, precinct shootout scene!!!

Lanie’s/Tamela’s all-to-brief for me appearance, was, as always, effective and appropriately revealed her professional and personal concerns!!! Luke REICHLE’S wardrobe work, Alfred SOLE and team’s sets; Robert DUNCAN’S score; Bill ROE’S cinematography—along with hair and makeup work, editing, lighting, and the work of the entire CASTLE crew and team enhanced the frantic, lightning speed paced story!!! Kate’s/Stana’s “Are you okay? I love you,” and Rick’s/Nathan’s “Kate”s—were perfectly delivered and nuanced pain and frustrated love and support!!!

Haleys/Toks revealed her skill set while also showing her grasp of Rick’s/Nathan’s and Alexis’/Molly’s feelings for one another and for BECKETT!!! But, L.T. shot?! Oh, no!!! Shout out to fan, including my, love for L.T./@offenbob, who had better, IMHO, as I think was writer-assured, recover!!!

[Deleted]

What CastleFanGran said!  
I really liked it!  There wasn't much that bothered me. I thought Kate should've been over-the-moon with that bracelet!  It was kind of shoved aside with her distraction over the phone call. But I get it. LOVE that bracelet and WANT ONE! LoL!  Would love to ask Luke where he got it. hahhahaahaa..... 
Molly was fine with me. She didn't bother me at all. She was quite in character, I thought.
Missed Martha too, java. Love me some hysteria that is her!
Haley. I think she has potential, and a little mystery about her is good. The jury is still out, however, for now, as to if I'd like her to stick around.
The bromance with the guys fighting over Kate's desk was hilarious.
Loved that we got closure on Gates; she was promoted.
Rachel McCord dead - wow!
LT shot - NOOOOOOOOOOO!  He MUST recover!  He is a VERY nice, low-key, gentle man, btw, as I've met him.
Loved how Castle was SOOOO excited about his secret room!  I did love his noir office, but I'm a James Bond fan also, so all good.  I see they kept elements of the office building as far as that rockin' old elevator goes.  Wow...so cool.
In the short moment that we saw Kate with Castle at the end, when she conveyed her deep love for him with her eye contact, words, and emphatic presence.... we need to trust her. Give her the benefit of the doubt. She would never lie to Castle unless it was for his safety/well-being. There is nothing left to do other than trust her. She has proven herself. Why doubt her?  As someone reminded me recently. Life is messy. In love and war and everything in between. She has proven her loyalty. 
Loved seeing Stana's name as a producer. 
Love Rob Boman's directing. It thrills me when I know he's directing an episode.
The overall vibe for this was darker and intense. But that's what the storyline is. I am feeling fine with the change-up of things, and I expect we'll get to life as we know it at the 12th soon enough. There have been many changes this season. Growing pains are expected. 
"You really love her, don't you?".....
"Like a house on fire." ................................................... FTW! My heart exploded. 
Kudos to everyone involved - I thought this was a great start to season 8. 
I need to watch again. May have more thoughts after a second viewing. 



 

[Deleted]

OOOoh. One more thing I wanted to say. LOVE how Castle loves Ryan & Espo. Serious "family" there. 

[CastleFanGran]

Loved, Castlekat, what you said about Rick's/Rick's and Alexis' office!!!--and "the rest," too!!! (:>)

[ddcnj]

My guess on the mystery is that there was a case Kate worked on while in DC that's come back to haunt everyone on that team. And it wasn't completely unexpected, given her quick reaction to the phone call. One of those cases where the bad guys go to ground while they regroup after the cops/feds impact their operation but don't completely take it down.

[tycho657]

I enjoyed the episode mostly. There was definitely a new feel to this episode compared to the Marlowe era. This is a 10:00 show and in other shows you will see more edge, perhaps we will begin to see more of this than we have seen in previous seasons. I think we might get more edgy scenes from the new showrunners?
As this episode drew to a close they seemed to throw so many twists and turns at us I have NO idea what is really going on. It will be interesting to see how they explain it all next week. I wonder if they will bring Castle's two month disappearance into this twisted plot? I remember reading somewhere that they were going to give us a better explanation about his missing months.
I do hope we see the fun of season 2 & 3 come back in episode 803.

I was watching Nathan's Twitter feed during the east coast airing. He does a great job of tweeting without spoiling for people who have not seen the episode. The spider scene he said "I had Bill Roe try the spiders on his face first to make sure it was safe. But we used bigger spiders on him." TP Winter tweeted that the spiders were all real. Another tweet said that Nathan didn't even flinch at the spiders. I think Nathan likes spiders. I remember another hairy spider on Nathan's face a couple of seasons back in a pet store.

[castlelover66]

Sept 22, 2015 10:25:14 GMT -5 tycho657 said:

I was watching Nathan's Twitter feed during the east coast airing. He does a great job of tweeting without spoiling for people who have not seen the episode. The spider scene he said "I had Bill Roe try the spiders on his face first to make sure it was safe. But we used bigger spiders on him." TP Winter tweeted that the spiders were all real. Another tweet said that Nathan didn't even flinch at the spiders. I think Nathan likes spiders. I remember another hairy spider on Nathan's face a couple of seasons back in a pet store.

I couldn't watch the spider scene.  I covered my face with my t-shirt.  My girls were freaking out.  Nathan's certainly brave!