8 X 15 EPILOGUE Fidelis Ad Mortem

[nathanfan1]

This episode was directed by Rob Bowman and I love his work! He usually does pretty significant episodes so I'm guessing we'll have a lot to talk about after the show. Please join in!

[motowncf]

Hallelujah!

This episode is finally getting the show back on track. Beckett and Castle are on the same page together now about Loksat. Although I guess there's still the question of the fake separation....are they going to keep that going?

After all the times Kate has gone down the rabbit hole when he's tried to pull her out, she had to understand why he thought at the time that he needed to have his memory erased so as to keep her from going down that road again.

I liked the case and seeing Kate in action back at the police academy. Why am I not surprised that she was a top recruit had has her name all over the trophy case. Wondering if we will be seeing more of Decker, perhaps with Kate mentoring her.

There may just be hope for season 8 yet.

[nathanfan1]

Well, it's about damn time!!!!!!! This resolution should have come by episode #4 IMO but I'm thankful that we finally have reason to hope that we'll see Caskett working together for the rest of the season.

I kind of wish we'd seen or heard more about Martha and her book. I sure like the idea and think back to when she became a life coach. She's always given people advice! Maybe they'll touch on it with a book party or something yet this season. I couldn't help but see the irony in the book title coming from Martha but the BEST advice of the night came from Hayley. More on that later. I do believe that Martha is fully aware that Kate's returned to the loft and the whole sneaking away seemed ridiculous.

For the first time this season they actually gave a valid reason why the Captain was called to the crime scene! All the other times Kate's just showed up and I've wondered just how she has time to still be a detective and also be a Captain.

The case engaged me, largely because it was a window into Beckett's past. She was quite the rock star at the Academy in her day and it sure seemed like there was a great deal of respect between her and Sgt. Ortiz. I got a good feeling about him and was glad he wasn't the killer in the end. The story gave Beckett a great opportunity to showcase her skills, both physical and psychological. I loved the twist of Decker being the child of a mob boss and thought that added quite the interesting dimension. The final takedown scene in the simulation area was a little over the top IMO. It went on too long. I thought the music was a little too loud and intense too but I do realize that whole tone of the episode was tense. I did love the positive nod to Captain Montgomery and his guidance.  

Now, for the Caskett story line. I started off being totally disgusted that apparently, Kate had spent the night and they STILL hadn't talked about LA! Come on! I wasn't surprised that Castle was hedging on telling her about what he discovered and I was fearing the worst when Hayley turned into the BEST advice giver and let him have it. For once, I was really glad for her input! I couldn't be happier that he took her advice and went straight to the precinct to tell Kate. That was a great scene in her office. Part of me wanted to chastise Kate for saying she needed time to process it all, like Castle had done something terrible, when she'd done the very same thing to him, but it was quite a reveal and I can see where she needed time to digest it and reflect on it all. I'm also glad that he said he was protecting her from HERSELF. At least she didn't get angry with him.

When Kate showed up at the loft that night, she had definitely been thinking and had a pretty good perspective in the sense that she recognized she had been doing the very thing that Castle had done to her. Her question of how they had gotten here again was a poignant one for sure. I can't say I agree with where they took that scene though. Drinking and not talking was NOT a solution as far as I'm concerned. When she left in the morning without waking him, I was worried that maybe they hadn't made any real progress. Kudos to Castle for telling Hayley that he wasn't going to do any investigating without Kate. 

The final scene was a LOOOOONG time coming! It was a bit reminiscent of Always in the sense of urgency Kate had at the door. For a second I was afraid they were going for a joke when they questioned each other about what it was that they couldn't do any more. I'd have been swearing at my TV had that turned out to be the case!!! Kate finally admits that she needs him and they have to do this together and I'd feel downright celebratory if it wasn't  so darn long overdue. I like that Castle immediately tells her more in his eagerness to attack this together, but the grab and kiss were sure worth the delay.  

I'm satisfied with the episode and ever so thankful that the separation should be OVER. Worst plot decision EVER as far as I'm concerned. I appreciated the honesty in dealing with the LA trip and can look forward to a light hearted episode in 2 weeks.

[castlefan8]

I have lots of thoughts on this ep which I will post later, but i need someone to explain something to me.
"How did we get here again"
They really havent learned a thing in 4 years have they? Or am i missing something?

[ProudTVJunkie]

Mar 21, 2016 23:31:58 GMT -5 castlefan8 said:

I have lots of thoughts on this ep which I will post later, but i need someone to explain something to me.
"How did we get here again"
They really havent learned a thing in 4 years have they? Or am i missing something?

Yeah, I felt the same way. In a way, it feels as though Caskett is on this treadmill and they can't seem to figure out how to jump off. It's frustrating.

There were things I liked about this episode. The academy stuff was interesting but I like this show far more when we have more Caskett and Castle, Beckett, Ryan, and Espo working together. I feel like a broken record because I think I've said that after probably 12 of the 15 episodes so far this season.

I appreciated that Rick was honest with Kate and had a face to face conversation to tell her the truth but I hated that she chose to drink the night away instead of actually talking about how they got here and how to fix it. After this many seasons, I found that really disappointing.

And although I'm happy that they are finally on the same page (I hope) where LokSat is concerned, could they have spared us 15 seconds for a kiss? I don't think they could have cut that scene any shorter if they tried.

Here's where to find my full review at TV Fanatic:

possibilityforjoy.proboards.com/thread/921/castle-815-review-fidelis-mortem

[shutterbug5269]

Mar 21, 2016 23:31:58 GMT -5 castlefan8 said:

I have lots of thoughts on this ep which I will post later, but i need someone to explain something to me.
"How did we get here again"
They really havent learned a thing in 4 years have they? Or am i missing something?

Actually the very fact that Kate asked the question means she's learning.  That instead of yelling hurtful things and storming out, she asked "How did we do this again?"  "How did we find ourselves all the way back here?"

Castle did something in this episode other than what he did in season 4.  He refused to go behind her back again.  He learned from the mistakes he'd made before.  In L.A. he tried to take them both out of play, rather than try to go it alone or have to lie to her.

Kate did something other than what she did in season 4 in this episode.  After learning what Rick had done, she stopped and pondered and asked then stayed with him instead of pushing Rick away. 

Neither Kate nor Rick may have found any answers, but at least Kate is finally asking the RIGHT question.

[shutterbug5269]

Ugh.

This voice of reason stuff is killing me!!!!

[marschg]

Thought it was a very good episode,and yes finally I believe they are back on track, so instead of dreading the next episode I am really looking forward to it and the rest of the season

[castlefan8]

I did like it. The first episode all season i will watch again. However, there were afew things that really, really bothered me.
I abhor the fact that Castle now confides in Hayley. I long for the days when he used to talk to Martha like that.
I hated the drinking scene. Talk. The bed scene when she leaves him there, awful. These 'catch up' sex scenes, drunk sex scenes arent doing it for me. This isnt a healthy couple. Not the Caskett Ive known since S5
I love SK, but there was some overacting there afew times. Sorry.
Not enough Castle/Beckett working together. But thats S8
What was that end scene? Run out of time? Disappointing and hurried.
So, it took us 15 episodes to get here. Drop the 1 - this should have been 8x05. What a wasted season.

[tycho657]

Chard Creasey wrote a great episode and Rob Bowman did his usual amazing job of making every minute of the episode count. If they would just give us back that 1 minutes from the previous show we might have gotten more than a quick kiss at the end? 
Lots of twists and turns as the team figured out who killed the recruit. I was hoping it was not the Sarg. I suspected the head of the academy only because he is a recognizable person. Now that Castle is a successful show they get major actors to guest as the killers. 
I loved watching Captain Beckett interrogate the 4 recruits in the class to figure out who the bad one was so fast. The other recruits must have been in awe of her interrogation techniques.
I am really enjoying Rick's new conscious aka "Haley". I loved that she pushed Rick to tell Kate what happened in LA. It was wonderful to hear Rick say he would not do anymore investigation about this without Kate. Together they are unstoppable. I just hope Kate will be as open with Rick about future investigations. I still think that Vikrum is a plant from LokSat to keep an eye on Kate. We should find out in the next few episodes.
I think revisiting her old Academy also opened Kate's eyes to how much she has grown and how much that was influenced by the love of her life, Rick. I think this was a big part in her being able to take time to revisit what Rick told her instead of just reacting, like she did a few years ago. 

Next week looks like we might actually get an episode like the Castle we love. Full of fun, the team working together, and Castle back at the precinct helping to give them his "outside-the-box" thinking again. At least I hope that is what I was seeing in the brief promo?

[ddcnj]

I think this is the 1st episode where Captain Beckett really came across as Captain. Not just the Academy uniform with Captain's bars but the salutes, rapt attention and apprehension/deference of the cadets. And for once she asked why the murder warranted the Captain visiting the crime scene. Ryan and Espo are close enough friends that, though they are clearly working for her, the rank differences don't come across unless one of them messes up. They alternate calling her Beckett and Captain and the shorthand and informality they developed when she was just the lead detective remains.

Now that there's a chance of resolving LocSat and Casket seems to be back on the same page let's hope the next episode in 2 weeks continues the progress.

[angie1379]

Am I the only one who wasn’t bothered by the drinking scene? Honestly, I kind of thought it was long overdue, for a couple of reasons:

1. I think many of us are still thinking of Caskett’s relationship as some fragile, fledgling thing that will implode at any moment. Now granted, the breakup, fake or not, definitely rocked our faith, but I think what this episode, and that scene especially, is showing us is that these two are rock solid. They are married, and they take that seriously. They are not walking away out of anger or self-righteous indignation anymore. Yes, they keep finding themselves at odds over secrets they keep to protect the other, but they don’t run and hide any more when confronted with the truth. They figure it out. Even if they are mad, and even if they need time, they are not calling it quits. And if it takes a night of shameless self-abandon to help them refocus, then I say go for it. After all they’ve been through, they deserve it!

2. The stress they are under must be nigh unbearable, and taking some time to forget their problems is hardly an abandonment of their responsibilities, especially since we know they both have enough integrity to get right back on course. I’d venture to say we’ve all taken a time out from life under far less daunting circumstances, be it a relationship, a job, or even parenting issues. That night was a release valve that was needed to relieve some of the pressure. And it seemed to work, because 24 hours later, they were back together.

3. Sometimes you just want to be with your husband, even when you’re mad at him. Kate didn’t know what to do quite yet, but she knew she wanted to be with Castle, in his company and sharing his space. She knew their problem would still be there in the morning, and she knew they would deal with it – but just not that night. And I get that. These two have constant problems, and we as the audience are always complaining that they never talk. But they do. We may not always see as much of it as we’d like to, but you don’t develop a marriage that strong without being able to communicate. Making a deliberate, adult decision to back away for a bit and just be together, forgetting the world for one night is something I think we’ve all done a time or two under far less daunting circumstances!

I guess my point is that their night of drinking, while arguably not the best course, was hardly unjustified or uncalled-for.


As for the rest of the episode, I loved it. Classic Bowman. The man never fails. Seeing Kate as an authority figure, now with the rank and not just her badass attitude to back her up was really inspiring. She has earned so much and is a legend in her field. She can be proud of that, and I think she is. She knows her stuff, from how to interrogate a suspect, to how to use her body to its best advantage in physical combat. It’s a good feeling, and I think after all she’s been through it was good to see her enjoy her position a little.

I also loved that there were no gimmicks or twists in revealing the truth about LA. Castle just told her, straight-out, what happened. Of course they were immediately interrupted. Since when does a closed-door discussion with your estranged husband not warrant a knock from others in the building? But the important part had been said, and Kate’s need to process it was not unwarranted. It was a big chunk of info, and she had to figure out what it meant going forward. I can’t begrudge her that.

Overall, I’m looking very forward to rewatching the episode and moving forward to what is hopefully a much better story arch for what remains of the season.

Thank you Chad Creasy and Rob Bowman!

[castlelover66]

angie1379, you're not the only one. I wasn't bothered by the drinking scene. I figured they were both going to get drunk, have semi-angry drunk sex, and work through the conversation part later. Not the way I would have handled it (only because I don't drink alcohol-can't stand the taste), BUT I can understand the "I don't wanna talk about this right now, but I still want to be with you." That's happened in my life with my hubby and I think it's realistic.

Great thoughts! Thanks for sharing.

[kman]

Angie...I wasn't upset at all by the drinking. it was a great moment to break the ice, while not saying things you may regret later. It was a time for reflection and bonding. Both of them agreeing to just celebrate the moment that they can toast each other and in a weird way, rejoice in the fact that neither is leaving and it cements the fact that they are both friends and lovers. After all that has happened this year, everyone took a step back to think about how they got to this point. Each drink was a building block while knocking down that famous Beckett Wall. Sometimes you just need a drink. Sometimes by not talking, you can say everything you need to and then some. Kate grew up a lot that night and softened her heart while Castle remained steadfast in his convictions and more importantly...his love towards Kate. She may have left early, but all she could think about is coming home because she thought about it all day and the ring turning cemented her convictions of Needing Rick in so many ways...partner, friend and lover. Now Truly Ricks wedding vow of "For as long as we both shall Live" has taken on a new meaning. Try taking a few drinks one night...whether it's alcohol or coffee or whatever with your friends and see just how good you feel afterwards. Nice thought Angie!

[castlefan8]

Mar 22, 2016 14:46:58 GMT -5 kman said:

Angie...I wasn't upset at all by the drinking. it was a great moment to break the ice, while not saying things you may regret later. It was a time for reflection and bonding. Both of them agreeing to just celebrate the moment that they can toast each other and in a weird way, rejoice in the fact that neither is leaving and it cements the fact that they are both friends and lovers. After all that has happened this year, everyone took a step back to think about how they got to this point. Each drink was a building block while knocking down that famous Beckett Wall. Sometimes you just need a drink. Sometimes by not talking, you can say everything you need to and then some. Kate grew up a lot that night and softened her heart while Castle remained steadfast in his convictions and more importantly...his love towards Kate. She may have left early, but all she could think about is coming home because she thought about it all day and the ring turning cemented her convictions of Needing Rick in so many ways...partner, friend and lover. Now Truly Ricks wedding vow of "For as long as we both shall Live" has taken on a new meaning. Try taking a few drinks one night...whether it's alcohol or coffee or whatever with your friends and see just how good you feel afterwards. Nice thought Angie!

I'll explain, as best i can, why i hated this scene so very much.
I didnt see this as them not walking away from each other, or the many other ways Ive heard it described. I saw an unhealthy couple unable to discuss their problems. Much like they havent all season. I think history has shown that alcohol in a bad situation makes things worse. Burying it doesnt help, drinking it away doesnt help, and if they just needed to "be" or feel close, a scene of them just sitting down and hugging would have gone a lot further.
Kate is the daughter of an alcoholic who buried his problems and issues in the bottle. He didnt share with his daughter. Now she is doing the same? Very poor writing imo, and further ruins this couple. Par for the course this season.