8 X 11 EPILOGUE Dead Red

[nathanfan1]

Let's hope the second part of the Castle "2 Day Event" is as satisfying as the first part was last night. We'll talk about it afterwards!

[nathanfan1]

WELL, Castle FINALLY got his spy case and it was a doozy! I thoroughly enjoyed the ride again tonight. The episode had humor, tension, romance and intrigue and I'm anxious to watch it again.

Once again, Martha and Alexis were barely present but that scene where Castle unveils his baby kevlar vest for Ryan and Jenny's baby, Kevin, (Do they know it's a boy?) was a hoot. I loved Martha's quip to Castle that he's their favorite reality show.    I also liked Castle's quip that Beckett got the baby shower in the breakup. It sure sounded like Martha and Alexis are sensing that something's changed in regards to the separation. They can tell that Castle is happier and I sure hope both they and the boys uncover the ruse SOON.

The character of Vasilli stole the show in may ways IMO. He reminded me of the time traveler, just with a darker side. He was very well written and kept me guessing as to his loyalties and purpose for quite a while. I adored the first scene where he meets the team at the precinct and is aghast that Castle and Beckett are not working together. I love the way he solved that issue! Those simultaneous phone calls were classic! I thought it was funny when Vasilli threatened the Swedish diplobrat with losing his feet on the beach. I also loved the torture scene where Vasilli gave Castle 1 minute. It still had a touch of the humor we'd been seeing and it also gave Castle a chance to show off his deduction skills once again. These last 3 episodes we've seen him be the capable crime solver instead of the bumbling goof.

I was properly shocked when Kate called to get her curtains cleaned! I presumed we were somehow going to link in to LokSat so I was surprised when Rita met with Kate over this case. I understand why Kate figured she'd be a great resource but I'm just surprise to see her tapped for anything other than LokSat. I liked that Rita called Kate out on "blowing up her marriage". Even though Kate could smile about it now, it was just a short while ago that she truly was separated, so I hope it hit home. In all honesty, Rita couldn't be watching them too closely if they've fooled her. I was also glad that Kate told Castle the truth about who she was and that Kate expressed her sorrow at having kept it from him. At least we got to see some genuine frustration from Castle. His line when Rita was saying goodbye said it all - "I'm so sick of people pushing me away for my safety." ARE YOU LISTENING TO YOURSELVES WRITERS???  Her hug and assurance that his dad was very proud of him was a wonderful moment for Castle.

I enjoyed seeing Kate be a force in solving the case in an appropriate manner. They took the time to set it up so it made sense for her to be involved and she even saved a life. It was also fun to know that she has a background in the Russian language and they played to that strength. Nice consistency.

Just as in last night's episode, we see Castle's status as a famous author being featured and I'm more anxious than ever to read the next Nikki Heat book. It'll be a hoot to see if it's a spy story with a female villain as Castle promised. Vasilli sure did a good job of selling his idea!

The ending with Beckett leading Castle off to find a dark closet or something was great too. When I have the satisfaction of seeing them working together as a team, I really can be happy with just a hint of romance. 

DANG! It feels good to go to bed on a Monday night with a smile on my face and the satisfaction that comes from a classic Castle episode.  

[lindy]

Another good episode! Right amount of humor, seriousness, and sweet moments. I think Martha & Alexis may be catching on to Rick and Kate. The scene between Castle and Rita was sweet. Kate is slowly telling Castle everything now..so hope this Loksat stuff is over soon.

[kman]

i think the name of this episode could have easily been "From Russia With Love"....LOL

We got to see Captain Beckett be Captain Beckett.....this was the way, I believe, the character was supposed to have been written....very diplomatic, but very hands on as well. She is a good mix of administrator and savvy detective who never forgets her roots. And she has a dark side. Make no mistake about it. She is well connected in the underbelly of the world that Castle loves to write about. She is still secretive and shares when it is appropriate. Soon it will get her into a lot trouble if she can't get out.  She is cold and calculating and quite loveable these days. Kind of Marta Hari - ish.Only when forced does she tell her husband the truth and the mix between secrets and lies makes her a veritable ice cream sundae. She looks good, she tastes good, but after a while she will melt. She is the true spy.  She needs help, she picks up the phone and calls Rita. Now she could be in the Derek Storm Novels as well.  This is the character she has become. She understands her problems in the marriage, but there is still a coldness and a sadness that binds her. She knows she has wronged her husband, but she doesn't let it stand in her way. And her husband is getting tired of it.  And she knows that as well. Congratulations Writers, you have recreated a character that is less than what she should be and more than we can understand.  Her cover is her life. Even Ricks family are kept in the Dark. But in the darkness, somewhere, there is this intense love, this euphoric love that sets her free, if only for a moment. It grounds her, but saddens her, because she knows the feeling leaves as soon as it arrives. From Russia with love. Ever changing, and struggling to be set free from herself.  That is her challenge. The Kate Beckett we knew is gone. For now anyway.

Richard Castle is emerging, once again, as a major player. He is world renowned, and he is beginning to remember what it is to be a Rock Star. It surprises him that all over the world he is well read and received by the very people who  he writes fiction about. And that Castle mind, the one that can take you apart in 60 seconds was never more on display than tonight as he uncovered a plot and the location of it much to the amazement of Vasilli, who was ready to go all mid-evil on the poor spy who came in from the cold. The Castle Character is being written now as one who kinda forgot who he was because he was always worried about pleasing Beckett. I get the feeling he is going to become a lot more independent and that is going to cement this relationship. Kate is going to have to either keep up or get out because this is what she created. She now has a husband who still does not completely trust her and he now lets her know it. And she is beginning to listen. She has to, if she wants to save her marriage and herself. THERE IS SO MUCH MORE TO A RELATIONSHIP THAN MAKING LOVE IN 6 COUNTRIES....I think we will see Rick come back to Rick...happy go lucky, but much more in control and it will show.  Don't poke the sleeping bear, you might not like what you get. But as LokSat unfolds, you watch Castle take it over and give Kate what she needs, in much less time then Vicky, and maybe even tell Vicky to get lost. I am waiting and hoping for that "Ah Ha" Moment.

So we have the makings of the new Caskett. A writer and his spy or now his handler, because that what Beckett has become.  She is his handler.  And Rick is struggling for some form of equality that he feels eludes him. He wants respect and Kate knows it. The sexual tension is now replaced by two people in love, but seemingly miles apart. They are forced to live in the moment and really can't expect much of anything more for now. But they are deep in love and so they continue on, with a hope that somewhere they meet in the middle and savor a more stable life.

I like more of the team atmosphere tonight and Castle is accepted again and the Mayor and the Commissioner wanted him on the case. It demands respect and Kate understood that she is being told how much in demand her husband is and how brilliant he is at the same time.  You can't "Out Rick" the "The Rock Star"...he can theorize and profile better than anyone. It's time she remembers that.

I love the line "Try to Blend In"....Black ties, evening gowns and cops running around....Give Kate credit for saving a scumbags life....love that Russian Justice was served in the end.

Vasilli was a piece of work. Funny guy who would stab you in the back, twist out the knife and pour salt in the wound so you would feel it.  He knew of Castle and Beckett, so him showing up at the Precinct was more than coincidence. I loved the "Cold War"  ramblings between him and Rita. Classic.  I agree, Vasilli stole the show.
Please do not forget that he told Caskett how "Unhappy" they looked. This is important. It tells us of a struggle to find the flawed relationship on its way back. That was a crucial point. It mixes reality with hope.

Overall, this was a good show. Lots of fun, lots of twists, Rick back, making love in Russia.....it doesn't get much better.  But I will say....Kate is now well aware of Rick's displeasure with her for her "lack of sharing in the name of safety"...It is going to come to head at some point this season. The ratings Sunday night stunk, they should be better tonight, if not, it is time to start  writing the final chapters of this great reborn show. We will see. But tonight, all is well. And a relationship, and a show, takes another step forward without taking two steps back. Forward is good. Now we need fans and a little love....Love from Russia is a start.

[nathanfan1]

Feb 16, 2016 2:17:58 GMT -5 kman said:

So we have the makings of the new Caskett. A writer and his spy or now his handler, because that what Beckett has become.  She is his handler.  And Rick is struggling for some form of equality that he feels eludes him. He wants respect and Kate knows it. The sexual tension is now replaced by two people in love, but seemingly miles apart. They are forced to live in the moment and really can't expect much of anything more for now. But they are deep in love and so they continue on, with a hope that somewhere they meet in the middle and savor a more stable life.

Kman, I just want to know what the heck you're doing in the world of baseball?? Not only should you have been a shrink with your fantastic insights, but you're an awesome writer as well! I loved what you had to say!!!!!

[fantasynovelreader]

So my thoughts...Overall this episode, and Sunday's, were enjoyable  Good blends of what is quite lovable about this show. 

[arky]

 Props to nathanfan1 and Kman for insightful and spot on synopsis of the episode.I really enjoyed it as well.
Seems someone is paying attention to fans for a change. These last 3 episodes have been better written and produced.The story line is bending towards the Castle and Caskett that we all crave. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that the last part of the season continues to provide sustenance that will fill the of fans the world over.
Lord knows we deserve it.

DADDY LIKEY

[tycho657]

After numerous attempt to download the episode they iTunes I have up and switched to Amazon. MUCH EASIER!!!! I really hate iTunes! I will always use Amazon from now on.
We watched the episode over breakfast this morning. How fun! I am again seeing some quality writing from the team. I enjoyed the Russian agent keeping everyone on their toes and was able to get Caskett together to alive the murder again. Yeah!!
The scene with Roe and Castle brought back the motif that we heard from Rob Duncan when Castle meet his Dad. Made us know that he was in the room also. I was sad to hear we would never see her again. I think you need to leave that for open.
I think Martha and Alexis know there is something going on between Rick & Kate. Castles line had me laughing. Ahh subtext how I have missed you.
Nice to hear so much about Rick being a writer again. We still haven't heard he is actually spending time writing but they at least remember that he is a"famous author".
They are back on track finally. Too bad they waisted 8 episodes. I am finally able to recommend to people that they need to start watching again. Many of the Castle fans we camp with have stopped watching this year. Hopefully they will start again. I wonder how many they will never get back?
(This was typed on my phone so autocorrect usually adds some challenging things...)

Sent from my SM-N910V using proboards

[kman]

Feb 16, 2016 13:09:57 GMT -5 nathanfan1 said:

Feb 16, 2016 2:17:58 GMT -5 kman said:

So we have the makings of the new Caskett. A writer and his spy or now his handler, because that what Beckett has become.  She is his handler.  And Rick is struggling for some form of equality that he feels eludes him. He wants respect and Kate knows it. The sexual tension is now replaced by two people in love, but seemingly miles apart. They are forced to live in the moment and really can't expect much of anything more for now. But they are deep in love and so they continue on, with a hope that somewhere they meet in the middle and savor a more stable life.

Kman, I just want to know what the heck you're doing in the world of baseball?? Not only should you have been a shrink with your fantastic insights, but you're an awesome writer as well! I loved what you had to say!!!!!

You are too kind. Thank You!!!! I love my work.

[shutterbug5269]

I think Rick has subtly put Kate on notice that he will no longer be okay with being shunted into the background for his "safety". That he will be the one to decide what his involvement is.

[kman]

Feb 16, 2016 20:00:43 GMT -5 shutterbug5269 said:

I think Rick has subtly put Kate on notice that he will no longer be okay with being shunted into the background for his "safety". That he will be the one to decide what his involvement is.

I couldn't agree more. I think he has had enough of everyone telling him they need to protect him.

[joana]

Another episode that I truly enjoyed! For me, this one and the one before brought Castle back to its old successful formula. I can see the writting and the characters that we used to know and for me these last 2 episodes are quite apart from Tone Death which I really didn't enjoy. In fact, I think that the Rick and Kate from that episode are nothing like the characters used to be and nothing like these last 2 episodes. In my opinion, Tone Death was not a good choice as a return from the winter hiatus, as people wanted to see how the new dinamic was and ended up with unrecognizable characters. Who knows if that might have affected the ratings. These last 2 episodes sure deserved more audience.