u/CaskettFan1960

Famous Last Words

 

Original Airdate: November 2, 2009

 

Synopsis: Alexis helps solve the murder of a popular singer found dead, hanging from a fire escape.

 

Notable Guest Stars: Anne Ramsay, who portrays Bree Busch, made her acting debut portraying Helen Haley in the movie ‘A League of Their Own.’

 

Robert Curtis Brown, who portrays Ian Busch, has had a lengthy career, including roles in ‘The Handmaids Tale,’ ‘Trading Places,’ ‘Station 19’ and ‘CSI: Las Vegas.’

 

Clayton Rohner, who portrays John McGinnis, is better known to me, anyway, for portraying Rick Morehouse, in the 1985 movie ‘Just One of The Guys.’ This movie is hilarious, especially Billy Jacoby (now known as Billy Jayne) as Buddy.

 

The IMdB Portion of The Review:

 

Trivia: Castle telling Alexis the story of how upset he was when John Lennon died doesn’t make a lot of sense since Castle would’ve been about 11 years old when Lennon was murdered in 1980. I was 20, and it wrecked me, but I sure as hell didn’t stay in my room for a week.

 

John McGinnis’ comment about taking Hayley and turning her from a “third-rate Miley Cyrus into the next Gwen Stefani” must be the dumbest line ever. Miley is now much more popular than Gwen. Her accolades include more nominations and singles than Gwen, including a diamond single.

 

There’s an Incredible Hulk reference in this episode.

In the previous episode, ‘Vampire Weekend,’ the Freeman’s daughter, Rosie, can be seen wearing a Hayley Blue t-shirt.

 

Continuity: Beckett’s grip on her weapon changes in the scene where they’re on the bus arresting Hayley’s stalker. It goes from her gripping the front of the weapon to under the grip and then back again.

 

What I Liked About This Episode:

 

·       I like the episodes where the identity of the killer is a surprise.

·       This is a Perlmutter episode. This is one of my favorite Perlmutter episodes, based on something you hear but don’t see.

·       Alexis is all wrapped up in this case. It turns out she is a fan of the murdered girl, who was the lead singer in one of Alexis’ favorite bands. I liked the song ‘Threshold.’ I used to have it on a CD, but the CD got lost somewhere. However, I’ll be getting into Alexis more in the next section.

·       The partnership and growing friendship between Castle and Beckett are particularly good in this episode. One of my favorite scenes is when they go looking for Hayley’s sister, Sky, and find her in a parking garage about to get high. She told Beckett that she stopped because she kept hearing her sister’s voice.

·       Another favorite scene also involves Sky. Castle and Beckett arrive at the morgue, where Perlmutter informs them that Sky is having an emotional reunion with her sister. This poor girl is so messed up. I felt as sorry for her as Castle and Beckett did.

 

Beckett: Sky?

Sky (turning and falling to the floor): Ow! What do you want? ‘Cause I’m talking to my sister.

Beckett: I’m Det. Kate Beckett. I’d like to ask you a few questions if that’s okay.

Sky: You’re a cop?

Beckett: Yeah. Is that a knife?

Sky: Am I breaking the law?

Beckett: Yeah.

Sky: Bad?

Beckett: Pretty bad.

Sky: Do you want to know a secret? I might have killed her.

 

·       I always enjoy the episodes where Castle acts like a normal, everyday dad. It was very funny when he asks Montgomery about truant officers when Alexis tried to argue about going to school after Hayley Blue is found.

·       There were a lot of suspects in this episode. Most episodes have two or three. This one had suspects at every turn. I think that’s what made the final reveal so shocking. Because there were no clues anywhere in the episode until the scene with Alexis and Castle toward the end of the episode.

 

What I Didn’t Like About This Episode:

 

·       The murderer. Ian Busch is about as despicable a killer as I’ve ever seen on the show. He was sexually abusing Hayley, and then killed her because she finally got the courage to turn him in. This is the first episode where you see Castle turn into what I call ‘Dark Castle.’ His facial features visibly change, as does the tone of his voice, when he and Beckett are interrogating Ian Busch. Almost worse than his abuse of Hayley was the fact that he was going to let his wife take the fall for it. He even went so far as using Bree’s cell phone to send messages to Hayley. We see more of ‘Dark Castle’ in future episodes, most notably in ‘Target’ in Season 5, and ‘Reckoning’ in Season 7.

·       I also didn’t like Alexis in this episode. I get that Hayley was a favorite singer of hers, but the way she threw herself into the case drove me nuts. I wish that someone would give that girl real-world teenage girl lessons. Because she really needs them.

 

WTF? (Why the Face?): I know I brought this up earlier, but I simply can’t believe Castle stayed in his room for a week when John Lennon died. If Castle was born in April of 1969, he would’ve been 11 years old when John Lennon died. Sure, he probably knew who he was, but I doubt he was that big of a fan.

 

Favorite Scene/Moment: Beckett talking to Perlmutter on the phone. Stana’s facial expressions can speak volumes. I love it!

 

Beckett: Are you sure?

Perlmutter (on the phone): You telling me how to do my job?

Beckett: No, Perlmutter. I’m not trying to tell you how to do your job. I just—

Perlmutter: Good, ‘cause that’s all you get!

Beckett: Hello? (hanging up the phone) He just hung up on me.

Castle: There’s a reason he hangs out with dead people.

 

Favorite Quote: I know it’s not a quote, but I still found it amusing.

 

Beckett: Okay, Mr. Mystery-Writer Man, what’s your bestselling theory?

Castle: I’m gonna go with the butler.

Beckett: The butler?

Castle: That’s who we always go with when we run out of ideas.

 

I love that the butler actually did do it in Season 5.

 

Ranking: This is #8 out of 24 for me.

 

Until Monday, readers.

Vampire Weekend

 

Original Airdate: October 26, 2009

 

Synopsis: A murder near Halloween puts Castle and Beckett investigating the death of a young man dressed as a vampire.

 

Notable Guest Stars: I learned this while going through IMdB, but Robin Thomas, who portrays Alan Freeman, portrayed the Vice Principal in the 1987 movie ‘Summer School,’ starring Mark Harmon. This is one of those guilty pleasure movies, that is hilarious and still stupid, at the same time. Me, my late sister, and my brother loved this movie.

 

Phil LaMarr makes his ‘Castle’ debut as Dr. Holloway. He appears two more times in both ‘The 5^(th) Bullet' in Season 3 and 'Room 147' in Season 6. I didn’t know this, either, but he played Marvin in the movie ‘Pulp Fiction.’ Marvin was the unfortunate victim of Julius hitting a bump while Vincent was holding a gun on him. IYKYK.

 

The IMdB Portion of The Review:

 

Trivia: At the beginning of the episode, we see Nathan Fillion dressed as his former ‘Firefly’ character, Mal Reynolds. I promise I’ll try not to bitch about anymore Firefly references. Besides, I was told that they make ‘Castle’ references on ‘The Rookie.’ I wouldn’t know this since I don’t watch ‘The Rookie,’ and there’s nothing anyone can do to change my mind about that.

 

There’s also a reference to Buffy, the Vampire Slayer’ at the beginning of the episode when they find the body in the cemetery. Nathan appeared in the final season of the show.

 

Jon Huertas dresses up as the character he played in ‘Generation Kill.’ (Cited by IMdB).

Nathan and Stana both appeared as vampires in other series. Nathan as uber-bad guy Caleb on ‘Buffy the Vampire Slayer’ and Stana as Simone in ‘The Librarian: The Curse of The Judas Chalice.’

 

Goofs: India ink dries too quickly to be used in fountain pens. It can only be used in dip pens.

 

Before I begin, I have a confession to make. Although I’m sure most of you have already guessed this from my last review. I’m not a fan of ‘Firefly.’ To date, I have watched three episodes. It’s just not my cup of tea. However, I knew who Castle was dressed as when he came out of his bedroom in this episode.

 

Castle: Um, hey, I was just trying on my Halloween costume.

Alexis: What exactly are you supposed to be?

Castle: Space cowboy.

Alexis: Okay. A, there are no cowboys in space. B, didn’t you wear that, like, five years ago?

Castle: So?

Alexis: Don’t you think you should move on?

Castle: I like it.

 

One more confession. I didn’t start watching ‘Castle’ live until the beginning of Season 5. Therefore, I was very excited when I saw Nathan on Jimmy Kimmel. I was hoping he’d talk about the show and his relationship with Beckett. No. Instead, he talked about his ‘Firefly’ fans from a recent comic-con appearance. That was the last time I watched Nathan on any talk show.

 

What I Liked About This Episode:

 

·       Sadly, this was the only Halloween-themed episode we got. I would’ve liked to have seen more, especially once Castle and Beckett became a couple.

·       The twist on this episode was great. I liked how everything tied together so neatly.

·       A murder victim with a stake in his heart was a nice Halloween-like touch.

·       One of my favorite parts of this episode was Beckett fishing to learn more about why Castle became a writer. Although the tale he tells her toward the end isn’t the complete truth, kernels of that story appear in the Season 7 episode ‘Hollander’s Woods,’ which many fans feel should’ve been the true series finale.

·       Alexis is participating in a project with one of her best friends, Paige. They are co-parenting an egg. This leads to one of the more amusing moments in the episode when Castle has to ‘egg-sit’ while Alexis attends her first senior party (and no, not one that’s being hosted by her grandmother’s friends). Beckett: Are you going to eat that? (referring to the egg in Castle’s hand). Castle: Eat my own grandchild? What am I? A monster?

·       Not only do we have a dead vampire, but later, we also get a dead Werewolf. And we also have a suspect who also thinks he’s a vampire. Like I said, great episode! But also a sad episode when we learn why Matthew Freeman was murdered.

·       I felt so bad for Alan Freeman, and his daughter, Rosie. To learn that your wife not only killed your son, but years before had murdered your wife, as well has got to be a gut punch. It was a sad tale of the nanny wanting the husband, but the wife had to disappear in order for that to happen.

·       We see Castle in serious dad mode for the first time when Alexis’ friend, Paige, has too much to drink at the senior party. But Alexis pays a heavy price for obeying her father when Paige sabotages their science project by destroying Feggen, the fake baby egg. I’m guessing Paige got into serious trouble when her parents came to pick her up. Me, my sister and my brother were all told the same thing that Castle told Alexis. “If something happens you’re not comfortable with, call us. We’ll come and get you, no questions asked and no repercussions.” I’d rather have my children safe than to ground them for the rest of their lives for not saying anything. All teenagers are entitled to make stupid choices at least once in their lives.

·       I loved Beckett’s revenge on Castle for the story he told her at the precinct.

 

What I Didn’t Like About This Episode:

 

·       We get sulky, annoying Alexis for the first time. So, your friend got pissed off at you? It happens. Get over it and move on. I hated the whole ‘I’m going to go upstairs and sulk, because I’m Alexis Castle, and everything is always supposed to go my way.’ OMG!

·       I also really disliked the killer in this episode. And I disliked her even before I knew she was the killer. It was obvious who wore the pants in that family from the moment Beckett first spoke to them. But I was shocked when I learned she was the killer. Although I don’t know why. I’m a fan of true crime, and I have watched so many shows where the nanny is the killer. Watch a few episodes of ‘Deadly Women’ on ID, and you’ll see what I mean.

 

Favorite Scene/Moment: After Lockerby bites Castle.

 

Castle: Exactly how contagious is it?

Lanie: It’s a genetic disease. Besides, I put enough antibiotics on that bite to kill a small animal. Now if we’re done here, I’ve gotta head back to the lab, and see a man about a corpse.

Beckett: Thank you, Dr. Parish. Castle was totally freaked out.

Castle: You wanna bite me, you buy me dinner.

 

Favorite Quote: ‘You wanna bite me, you buy me dinner” – Richard Castle. I’m sorry, but that quote was so good, I had to use it a second time.

 

WTF? (Why the Face?): Again, I have to go back to Janice Freeman. This woman doesn’t deserve to call herself a mother. There is a special place in hell for someone who murders a child. Even though she didn’t give birth to him, Matthew grew up thinking of her as his mom. It doesn’t get much sadder than that.

 

Ranking: This one is #9 out of 24.

 

Until Friday, readers. We’re heading to the half-way point.

 

 

 

 

I had to resubmit the entry because Reddit wouldn't let me edit the title.I had the wrong season. Thank you for pointing that out to me.

When the Bough Breaks

 

Original Airdate: October 19, 2009

 

Synopsis: Castle is offered a new book deal by his book agent. But will this end his partnership with Beckett? Will the murder of an unidentified woman be their last case together?

 

Notable Guest Stars: Debi Mazar, who is portraying Castle’s book agent, Paula Haas, has made appearances on ‘Entourage’ and ‘L.A. Law’ as well as the movie ‘Goodfellas.’ She is also known for being something of a foodie.

 

Reed Diamond, who is portraying Dr. Cameron Talbot, is better known to me as the detective murdered by Vic Mackey in the first episode of 'The Shield.'

It was pointed out to me that Elaine Hendrix, who portrays Melissa Talbot, appeared in the movie 'The Parent Trap' as Meredith Blake. I also hope she divorced Dr. Talbot and sent him to boarding school!

 

The IMdB Portion of The Review:

 

Goofs: If Zane Talbot had truly been the biological son of the Talbot’s, he would’ve had blue eyes instead of brown eyes. His eyes should’ve been a dead giveaway to Melissa Talbot that he wasn’t her son.

 

When the photographers all shout at Beckett when she arrives at the book launch party, they couldn’t have known that the Nikki Heat series was based on her. Castle only mentions her in the dedication as ‘KB.’ (This is per IMdB, so don’t come ripping me apart.)

 

Plot Holes: Why is Beckett so surprised that Castle might write a second Nikki Heat book? Heat Wave has been published, so why is she still allowing Castle to shadow her? She’s obviously still letting him shadow her since she called him when Eliska Sokol’s body is discovered.

Since Niemann-Pic is a genetically inherited disease, both parents would’ve been tested after the diagnosis. Therefore, the Sokol’s would’ve known that they weren’t their baby’s birth parents. (But this could’ve been done, since Eliska was playing detective and trying to find her son. After all, the series can’t cover every plot hole.)

 

Perlmutter’s comment regarding stainless steel crowns is not true. While it’s true that most adults opt for tooth-colored crowns, some people can’t afford anything but the stainless-steel crowns.

 

What I Liked About This Episode:

 

·       We meet Castle’s book agent, Paula, for the first time.

·       We learn that Castle is on the short list to write three books about a certain British secret agent. The audience knows the British secret agent is James Bond. I’m guessing that licensing issues didn’t allow for his name to be mentioned.

·       Dr. Perlmutter makes his second appearance in this episode. He’s much less sarcastic than his first appearance.

·       The murder in this episode is very sad. Especially when we learn the reasons why Eliska Sokol was murdered. One of my muses begged me to include both Melissa Talbot and Teodor Hajek in one of my fan fiction stories. I did include Melissa in my latest story. (They Move in The Shadows, Chapter 25 in case anyone is interested.)

·       I knew Dr. Talbot was the murderer. It was obvious from the moment Kate and Castle went to his office.

·       Is Beckett disappointed that Castle won’t be writing a second Nikki Heat novel? It seemed like it to me.

·       I loved the argument between Castle and Beckett at the launch party. I’m pretty sure that Sorenson was the person who scorned Beckett.

·       The dedication was great. They get better as the book series continues.

·       It was so sad when Melissa learned why her husband had murdered Eliska. To top it off, she learned that she had been raising a child that wasn’t hers. I wonder how long it took her to file for divorce once she left the precinct.

·       Beckett giving credit to Eliska Sokol for solving her own murder was a nice touch. After this episode, I Googled Niemann-Pic. It’s a horrible disease.

·       The scene at the end was great with both Castle and Beckett on their prospective cell phones. I’m not sure Beckett was that upset about Castle needing to follow her for more ‘research,’ but it was a nice pretense.

 

What I Didn’t Like About This Episode:

 

·       Paula showing up at Castle’s doorstep at 7 in the morning. Debi Mazar has one of those voices that no one wants to hear when they’re still half asleep.

 

WTF? (Why the Face?): Dr. Talbot killing Eliska. What really bugged me was when he was about to be revealed as the killer, he launched into this ridiculous story to his wife about the results of the amniocentesis. Someone correct me if I’m wrong, but wouldn’t it violate HIPPA for someone to get test results that weren’t his even if he was a well-respected doctor? In real life, I would think that the doctors would give both parents the results of the test in his office. Then Melissa could’ve decided what she wanted to do afterward. But I can almost guarantee she wouldn’t have opted to switch her baby for a healthy one.

 

Ranking: I ranked this episode #7 out of 24.

 

Favorite Scene/Episode: The crime scene right after Castle showed up.

 

Espo: Ah, morning. Look who decided to grace us with his presence.

Beckett: Did you have something more important to do, Castle?

Castle: I got held up at home. Is that the body?

Ryan: Well, it’s on its way to the morgue.

Castle: Awww.

Ryan: What? Did you want us to wait?

Espo: It’s too bad, too. Your kind of case, bro.

Castle: Yeah?

Ryan: Yeah. Body was found in the manhole over there. Half-eaten.

Castle: Half-eaten?

Ryan: Yeah, it was covered in some kind of green slime.

Castle: Whoa!

Ryan: Yeah, it was creepy.

Espo: As if something or someone is down there.

Castle: Ah, that’s . . . okay, very funny, that’s great. Was there a body down the manhole?

Beckett: Yeah.

Castle: Okay. Thank you. An adult.

Beckett: Yeah, you should’ve seen what else was down there. Two metal containers with bio-hazard stickers and yellow powder inside of it.

Castle: You opened the . . . all right. Will someone really tell me what’s going on here?

Ryan: We’re going to check nearby trash cans for the murder weapon.

Castle: Ah, what was the murder weapon, by the way?

Ryan: Some kind of death ray.

Espo: Turns your insides out.

 

No favorite quotes in this episode guys.

 

Until Wednesday, readers.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

When the Bough Breaks

 

Original Airdate: October 19, 2009

 

Synopsis: Castle is offered a new book deal by his book agent. But will this end his partnership with Beckett? Will the murder of an unidentified woman be their last case together?

 

Notable Guest Stars: Debi Mazar, who is portraying Castle’s book agent, Paula Haas, has made appearances on ‘Entourage’ and ‘L.A. Law’ as well as the movie ‘Goodfellas.’ She is also known for being something of a foodie.

 

Reed Diamond, who is portraying Dr. Cameron Talbot, is better known to me as the detective murdered by Vic Mackey in the first episode of 'The Shield.'

 

The IMdB Portion of The Review:

 

Goofs: If Zane Talbot had truly been the biological son of the Talbot’s, he would’ve had blue eyes instead of brown eyes. His eyes should’ve been a dead giveaway to Melissa Talbot that he wasn’t her son.

 

When the photographers all shout at Beckett when she arrives at the book launch party, they couldn’t have known that the Nikki Heat series was based on her. Castle only mentions her in the dedication as ‘KB.’ (This is per IMdB, so don’t come ripping me apart.)

 

Plot Holes: Why is Beckett so surprised that Castle might write a second Nikki Heat book? Heat Wave has been published, so why is she still allowing Castle to shadow her? She’s obviously still letting him shadow her since she called him when Eliska Sokol’s body is discovered.

Since Niemann-Pic is a genetically inherited disease, both parents would’ve been tested after the diagnosis. Therefore, the Sokol’s would’ve known that they weren’t their baby’s birth parents. (But this could’ve been done, since Eliska was playing detective and trying to find her son. After all, the series can’t cover every plot hole.)

 

Perlmutter’s comment regarding stainless steel crowns is not true. While it’s true that most adults opt for tooth-colored crowns, some people can’t afford anything but the stainless-steel crowns.

 

What I Liked About This Episode:

 

·       We meet Castle’s book agent, Paula, for the first time.

·       We learn that Castle is on the short list to write three books about a certain British secret agent. The audience knows the British secret agent is James Bond. I’m guessing that licensing issues didn’t allow for his name to be mentioned.

·       Dr. Perlmutter makes his second appearance in this episode. He’s much less sarcastic than his first appearance.

·       The murder in this episode is very sad. Especially when we learn the reasons why Eliska Sokol was murdered. One of my muses begged me to include both Melissa Talbot and Teodor Hajek in one of my fan fiction stories. I did include Melissa in my latest story. (They Move in The Shadows, Chapter 25 in case anyone is interested.)

·       I knew Dr. Talbot was the murderer. It was obvious from the moment Kate and Castle went to his office.

·       Is Beckett disappointed that Castle won’t be writing a second Nikki Heat novel? It seemed like it to me.

·       I loved the argument between Castle and Beckett at the launch party. I’m pretty sure that Sorenson was the person who scorned Beckett.

·       The dedication was great. They get better as the book series continues.

·       It was so sad when Melissa learned why her husband had murdered Eliska. To top it off, she learned that she had been raising a child that wasn’t hers. I wonder how long it took her to file for divorce once she left the precinct.

·       Beckett giving credit to Eliska Sokol for solving her own murder was a nice touch. After this episode, I Googled Niemann-Pic. It’s a horrible disease.

·       The scene at the end was great with both Castle and Beckett on their prospective cell phones. I’m not sure Beckett was that upset about Castle needing to follow her for more ‘research,’ but it was a nice pretense.

 

What I Didn’t Like About This Episode:

 

·       Paula showing up at Castle’s doorstep at 7 in the morning. Debi Mazar has one of those voices that no one wants to hear when they’re still half asleep.

 

WTF? (Why the Face?): Dr. Talbot killing Eliska. What really bugged me was when he was about to be revealed as the killer, he launched into this ridiculous story to his wife about the results of the amniocentesis. Someone correct me if I’m wrong, but wouldn’t it violate HIPPA for someone to get test results that weren’t his even if he was a well-respected doctor? In real life, I would think that the doctors would give both parents the results of the test in his office. Then Melissa could’ve decided what she wanted to do afterward. But I can almost guarantee she wouldn’t have opted to switch her baby for a healthy one.

 

Ranking: I ranked this episode #7 out of 24.

 

Favorite Scene/Episode: The crime scene right after Castle showed up.

 

Espo: Ah, morning. Look who decided to grace us with his presence.

Beckett: Did you have something more important to do, Castle?

Castle: I got held up at home. Is that the body?

Ryan: Well, it’s on its way to the morgue.

Castle: Awww.

Ryan: What? Did you want us to wait?

Espo: It’s too bad, too. Your kind of case, bro.

Castle: Yeah?

Ryan: Yeah. Body was found in the manhole over there. Half-eaten.

Castle: Half-eaten?

Ryan: Yeah, it was covered in some kind of green slime.

Castle: Whoa!

Ryan: Yeah, it was creepy.

Espo: As if something or someone is down there.

Castle: Ah, that’s . . . okay, very funny, that’s great. Was there a body down the manhole?

Beckett: Yeah.

Castle: Okay. Thank you. An adult.

Beckett: Yeah, you should’ve seen what else was down there. Two metal containers with bio-hazard stickers and yellow powder inside of it.

Castle: You opened the . . . all right. Will someone really tell me what’s going on here?

Ryan: We’re going to check nearby trash cans for the murder weapon.

Castle: Ah, what was the murder weapon, by the way?

Ryan: Some kind of death ray.

Espo: Turns your insides out.

 

No favorite quotes in this episode guys.

 

Until Wednesday, readers.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

FOOL ME ONCE

 

Original Airdate: October 12, 2009

 

Synopsis: When an arctic explorer is killed during a supposed expedition, the case takes Castle and Beckett into many different directions as they try to determine who their victim was and what he was involved in.

 

Notable Guest Stars: Robert Pine, who portrays Gerry Finnegan, is the father of actor Chris Pine. He is better known to me for portraying Sgt. Joseph Getraer on the series ‘CHiPs.’

 

Tyler Hoechin, who portrays Alexis’ violin teacher, Dyan, portrayed Michael Sullivan Jr. in the movie ‘Road to Perdition.’ He also portrayed Martin Brewer in the series ‘7^(th) Heaven from 2003-2007.

 

Stephanie Faracy, who portrays Patty Schultz, is better known to me for portraying Connie Ripley in the movie ‘The Great Outdoors,’ starring John Candy and Dan Ackroyd.

 

The IMdB Portion of The Review:

 

Trivia: At about six minutes in, Castle makes hand motions after donning a pair of blue gloves. Nathan Fillion explained later that the reference was to the phrase, ‘two by two, hands of blue’ from ‘Firefly.’ Honestly, this show has way too many ‘Firefly’ references.

 

Goofs: When Espo receives the call regarding Fletcher and all his aliases renting cars and stuff, he’s holding the cell phone upside down.

 

What I Liked About This Episode: While this episode falls into the middle of the pack for me, there are still several things I liked about this episode. One of the things I liked still makes me laugh out loud every time I watch.

 

·       The case was interesting, as was Castle’s reaction to it. “Do we have jurisdiction on the North Pole?” And I agree about tipping your hat to a good con.

·       Patty Schultz was hilarious. I’ll get more into her later.

·       I loved Castle’s jealous reaction to Dylan, the violin teacher. Although there was one part of this I didn’t like. I’ll be getting into that shortly.

·       I loved Alexis dressing her father down over his jealous reaction to Dylan. “Am I a troublemaker, dad? Do I get drunk, disobey authority, steal police horses? Naked? No. That’d be you. I seem to be the only person in this family blessed with good judgment, and yet, you don’t trust me.” Truer words were never spoken. I liked Beckett welcoming him to the world of parenting a teenage daughter. “Welcome to parenting a teenage girl. As someone who used to be one, you have my sympathy.”

·       The arrival of Agent Gray. Funny how Castle’s description of him and the real-life agent don’t seem to quite match. But you have to admit that Castle’s description of Agent Gray to Beckett is memorable. “This guy is a machine. I’ve interviewed serial killers, hit men. Agent Gray? By far the deadliest man I’ve ever met. He once killed a North Korean agent with a melon baller.” “It was an ice cream scoop, Castle. And that information was supposed to remain private.”

·       The boys, Beckett, and Montgomery discussing con movies. I didn’t like The Sting, but I was very young when I watched it for the first time. However, I did enjoy Catch Me If You Can and Dirty Rotten Scoundrels.

·       Beckett finally gets her copy of ‘Heat Wave’ from Castle. The only problem is finding time to read it, especially after she learns about Page 105. Castle finding her in the bathroom stall at the end of the episode is hilarious.

 

What I Didn’t Like About This Movie:

·       The reveal of the killer. I don’t understand what it is with this series making the killer someone you see once or twice in the episode.

·       Heat Wave and Page 105. I have read Heat Wave three times. I have read and written better scenes in fan fiction. For those wondering, here is my opinion of the book series. Heat Wave is just okay. It’s not the best book I’ve ever read, but it’s also not the worst. Naked Heat, Heat Rises, and Frozen Heat are all great. Especially Heat Rises. I have yet to read the final books in the series, although I have them on my Kindle.

 

WTF? (Why the Face?): What father in his right mind is going to allow his teenage daughter to take a boy (or in this case, a young man) upstairs to her bedroom and close the door? For being such a great dad, Castle still has a lot to learn. Dylan may have been a great piano teacher, but Alexis should’ve been taken her lessons downstairs where she and Dylan were visible. And no, it doesn’t make any difference to me that Castle and Martha were both home at the time.

 

Favorite Scene/Moment: Patty Schultz was comedy gold.

 

Patty: Are you arresting me?

Beckett: Why would we arrest you?

Patty: Because I killed him.

Beckett: Mrs. Schultz, you’ve just confessed to a crime. I’m gonna read you your—

Patty: In my mind.

Castle: Did you say you just killed him in your mind?

Patty: I meditate – an hour every day – doctor’s orders. And all I think about are my cats . . . and killing this son of a bitch. And it finally worked, didn’t it?

Castle: Well, I’m not sure. How did you kill him in your mind?

Patty: With a belt sander.

Patty was just your crazy neighborhood cat lady.

 

Favorite Quote: “I live in a world where nothing is as it seems, Detective. For good reason. Transparency gets you killed.” – Agent Gray.

 

Ranking: This episode was #15 out of 24.

 

Until Monday, readers.

 

 

 

 

INVENTING THE GIRL

 

Original Airdate: October 5, 2009

 

Synopsis: Castle and Beckett investigate the murder of a model who is killed during Fashion Week.

 

Notable Guest Stars:

 

Julian Sands portrays Teddy Farrow. He is better known for a wide range of TV and movie roles, including ‘Warlock.’ He tragically died in 2023 after becoming lost during a hike in the Mount Baldy area of the San Bernadino Mountains in California. He was 65 years old.

 

Torrey DeVitto, who portrays Sierra Goodwin, is better known to me anyway for portraying Natalie Manning in ‘Chicago Med’ from 2015-2025. Sidenote: she’s the reason I stopped watching ‘Chicago Med.’ Another bit of trivia: Torrey’s father, Liberty DeVitto, was Billy Joe’s drummer for 28 years and played on most of his albums.

 

The IMdB Portion of The Review:

 

Goofs: New York Fashion Week is held in February and September. Since we see people in the background wearing coats, we’re to assume the opening scene was shot when it was cold outside. Therefore, the couple playing in the fountains must’ve been really, really cold.

 

Plot Holes: The sketch Lanie made of the murder weapon showed an intact weapon. Wyatt states later that Jenna broke the statue during their fight. Therefore, Lanie’s sketch was incorrect.

 

What I Liked About This Episode:

·       Beckett was once a model. We learn more about this in Season 6

·       One of the models, Rina (Katrina), once babysat Alexis. We get a couple of references to the movie series, ‘High School Musical’ in reference to the former babysitter.

·       Beckett is upset because the Cosmo reporter from the first episode got to read ‘Heat Wave’ before she did. For someone who was so deadest against having a character named after her, Beckett is very interested in reading the book.

·       I loved the secondary storyline in this episode. Martha is auditioning for the role in a play only to discover that the producers don’t want her for the lead. They want her to play the crazy granny, who dies offscreen at the end of Act I. Her conversation with Richard is one of the sweetest conversations between the two of them in the series. Nathan Fillion’s laughter when Susan Sullivan holds up her photo from years earlier feels very real.

·       The identity of Jenna McBoyd’s killer was a total shock to me when I saw this episode for the first time. This was one of the few episodes where I felt bad for the killer.

·       Beckett is a fan of the movie ‘Showgirls.’ We first learn about this in Season 1.

 

What I Didn’t Like About This Episode:

 

·       The more I watch this episode, the more I that the whole Rina/Katrina thing with Castle gets creepier and creepier. This is a young woman in her 20’s who once babysat Alexis. I’m glad Castle didn’t hit on her once Alexis told him who Rina was. Ick!

·       The murder weapon was also kind of phallic, which made the episode a little weird.

 

WTF? (Why the Face?): Sierra and Wyatt were both horrible human beings. Wyatt, in particular. He was actually going to give Jenna bad photos because she wouldn’t sleep with him. I know there are a lot of men (and women) like this, but yuck!

 

Favorite Moment/Scene: I had two in this episode. The first is Martha lamenting to her son about the end of her career. But the other is Alexis begging her dad to take her to the crime scene at the beginning of the episode just so she can duck out of running lines with her grandmother.

 

Alexis: Please? It’ll be educational.

Castle: Find your own hiding place.

 

Favorite Quote: “I can already see the blurb on my next book jacket. ‘It’s Fashion Week in New York and the clothes are to die for.’” – Richard Castle.

 

Ranking: This episode is #12 out of 24.

 

Until Friday, readers.

 

 

 

The Double Down

 

Original Airdate: September 28, 2009

 

Synopsis: Two murders on the same night pit Castle and Beckett against Ryan and Esposito to see who can solve their murder first.

 

Notable Guest Stars: Arye Gross makes his debut as ME Sidney Perlmutter. He makes at least one appearance in each season from now until the finale. He is also my favorite side character from the show. I have been a fan of Mr. Gross since the 80’s when he appeared on ‘Ellen’ as her BFF. His list of guest credits is too numerous to mention. If you’re a fan of ‘Criminal Minds,’ you’ll know him as the person who murdered Jason Gideon (Mandy Patinkin).

 

Diana Maria Riva is making her first appearance as Det. Roselyn Karpowski. She makes a few appearances before her last mention in Season 5.

 

The IMdB Portion of The Review:

 

Goofs: Castle and Beckett intercept a suspect at the “9^(th) and Broadway Building.” The problem with this is 9^(th) and Broadway don’t intersect in Manhattan. That building, however, is a well-known piece of L.A. architecture.

 

Beckett violates HIPPA when she gives the Marx couple the names of Dr. Cosway’s patients. And, to make matters worse, whoever gave Beckett the list also violated HIPPA.

 

A Little Background Before I Get Started: Once upon a time, I turned on the TV in my bedroom and put it on TNT, which was showing reruns of this show called ‘Castle.’ My mother watched it on occasion, and I had caught bits and pieces but had never watched an entire episode up until now.

 

This episode started my obsession. I never knew a cop show could be laugh out loud funny. And I laughed out loud. A lot.

 

Ranking: This is my favorite episode of Season 2, and it is among my Top 5 favorite episodes of the entire series. I will still watch this episode over and over. And I laugh out loud over and over.

 

What I Liked (Loved) About This Episode:

 

·       This is the only time that both ME’s appear in the same episode, although Lanie does mention Perlmutter in the Season 6 episode ‘Like Father, Like Daughter.’

·       This is the first episode where there is more than one murder victim. The fact that the boys and Beckett were working their own cases was unique. This was before we learned that the two murders were connected.

·       I loved the bet between Castle and the boys. I also liked how the three of them kept trying to one-up and sabotage each other. That is, until Beckett got involved with the bet.

·       The Alfred Hitchcock twist was great. This will not be the last episode featuring a Hitchcock element to it.

·       Castle and Beckett are becoming more playful around each other. Beckett is starting to realize that it’s okay to have fun. This is something Montgomery tells her at the end of Season 3.

·       One of my favorite scenes is when Castle is on the elevator, talking to Beckett on his cell phone. “Where have you been?” “Apologizing for the male race.” This comes after a conversation with Alexis, who is experiencing boyfriend troubles with Owen. Owen=Typical teenaged boy. It’s too bad that Alexis doesn’t realize this. Ever!

·       Ryan has a nickname. Honey Milk. Good luck living that one down.

 

What I Didn’t Like About This Episode:

·       The whole Alexis/Owen drama. I can’t believe that Alexis doesn’t understand how other teenage girls can be when there’s a boy involved. I was a teenage girl once. Believe me, I’ve seen more than my fair share of teenage girl/boy drama.

 

Favorite Scene/Moment: The introduction of Sidney Perlmutter.

 

Ryan: How ya doin’, Dr. Perlmutter?

Perlmutter: Shh. The body is speaking.

Espo: What’s it sayin’?

Perlmutter: It’s saying ‘Someone shot me.’ One to the midsection. .38, maybe even a .45. He was shot at close range and from behind.

Espo: That’s cold.

Perlmutter: Well, that’s the living for you.

Ryan: He have any ID?

Perlmutter: Well, wallet’s gone. No watch. No jewelry.

Ryan: Maybe a mugging gone bad.

Perlmutter: Well, looky-loo said she recognized him from the neighborhood. Gave his info to Officer Whojamiface over there.

Espo: Whojamiface?

Ryan: Nice to see you’re making an effort to bond with the rank and file, Perlmutter.

 

And this wasn’t even my favorite Perlmutter episode. That comes a little later.

 

Favorite Quote: “Secrets, murders, and gambling. Three of my favorite pastimes.” Richard Castle.

 

Until Wednesday, readers.

 

 

 

 

I was asked earlier in the week about my fan fiction stories. I gave that person an incorrect answer. I can be found on both AO3 and Fanfiction.net as Caskett1960. I apologize for the error.

Overview of Season 2/Deep in Death

 

‘There are two kinds of folks who sit around thinking about how to kill people; psychopaths and mystery writers. I’m the kind that pays better.’

 

·       Season 2 is the first full season with a total of 24 episodes.

·       We are introduced to Kevin’s girlfriend, Jenny, played by Juliana Devers, the spouse of series regular Seamus Devers.

·       We learn who murdered Johanna Beckett, but not the why or the who was behind the murder. We learn those things much later.

·       Kate Beckett gets a new love interest toward the end of the season in Robbery Detective Tom Demming. Much like Will Sorenson in Season 1, Tom doesn’t last long either.

·       Martha also gets a love interest this season. His name is Chet Palaburn and he’s a former beau of Martha’s. Though Chet is mentioned many times in Season 2, he never appears onscreen.

·       Kate’s and Castle’s relationship begins to develop in earnest following a rocky start in the first episode of Season 2.

 

Deep in Death

 

Original Airdate: September 21, 2009

 

Synopsis: A case involving a murdered insurance agents evolves into Russian Mobsters and Chinese-run poker games. Beckett is still angry about Castle looking into her mother’s murder.

 

Notable Guest Stars: David Meunier, who plays one of the Russian mobsters, is well known for playing . . . you guessed it. Russian mobsters. He appears in the movie ‘The Equalizer’ with Denzel Washington in a memorable scene.

 

The Mystery Writers poker players make another appearance in this episode with authors Michael Connelly and Stephen J. Cannell.

 

The IMdB Portion of The Review:

 

Goofs: When Ryan states that the ‘perps were wearing gloves,’ this isn’t true. When the perps open the back door of the coroner’s wagon, they weren’t wearing gloves.

 

Trivia: Castle compares his partnership with Beckett to the movie ‘Turner and Hooch,’ Scott Paulin, who appears later as Beckett’s father, appeared in the movie.

 

Castle tells Alexis that he has dibs on seeing ‘A Christmas Carol’ with her, Molly Quinn, who plays Alexis, voices two parts in the animated movie ‘A Christmas Carol (2009).’

 

**Character Error: “**There would never be a situation in which a city coroner would dust the inside of a glove. This would only be done by a Forensic technician. Otherwise, the evidence would be thrown out of court.” (Cited by IMdB.)

 

My Take on This Episode: Season 2 is my favorite season of the show. There are only a few episodes toward the end of the season that I didn’t like, but I will still watch them on a rewatch.

 

What I Liked About This Episode: To quote Beckett, ‘So many, many things.’

 

·       Who knew that Beckett could speak Russian? Not me.

·       Favorite Ryan quote: “Guy in a tree. Mom and dad bickering. It seems like old times.”

·       Castle and Beckett start finishing each other’s sentences starting with this episode.

·       I get the feeling that Castle fills Lanie in on what he discovered while investigating Johanna Beckett’s murder. We never learn this for sure but based on the look on Lanie’s face in ‘Sucker Punch,’ I’m guessing this to be the case. I’m thinking that he gave her a copy of the autopsy photos.

·       It takes Alexis to make Castle finally realize why Beckett is so pissed off at him.

·       Speaking of Alexis, things aren’t going so well with her prom date, Owen.

·       Castle and the Russian mobsters leads me to one of my favorite scene in the series. One that I join in with every time. Beckett: ‘Does anybody else have a bad feeling about this?’ Everybody’s hands go up, including mine.

·       Martha wants to know if Beckett has forgiven Castle.

 

Castle: She has agreed to let me help with the case.

Martha: Well, that’s a start, I suppose.

Castle: It is more than a start. It is an opportunity. She may have built a wall between us, but I am going to build a door in that wall. Or put up a ladder. Or dig a hole.

Martha: You have a strategy.

Castle: Be my usual charming self.

Martha: Uh huh. Do you have a Plan B?

 

·       I agree with Castle about the CSI’s. They always do autopsies in dimly lit rooms with porn-type music. How do they see anything?

·       How many Russians are you going to find in Chinatown. Uh, you really don’t want the answer to that question.

·       Michael Connelly and Stephen Cannell. I loved the poker games.

·       I have to return to Beckett speaking Russian.

 

Esposito: Seems like he’s making friends.

Beckett: They just said they’re going to take him for everything he’s got.

Esposito: What? You speak Russian?

Beckett: Semester in Kiev, between junior and senior year. (donning a Russian accent) Sometimes when I am bored, I go to Glechik Café in Little Odessa and pretend to be Muscovite.

Esposito: Now that’s kind of hot.

 

What I Didn’t Like About This Episode: Castle did not understand why Beckett was so upset.

 

Favorite Scene/Moment: While the scene in the surveillance van is my favorite moment, I have to include Castle’s apology at the end as another.

 

Castle: I’m sorry. What I did was wrong. I violated your trust. I opened old wounds, and I did not respect your wishes. And if we’re not going to see each other again, then you deserve to know. I am sorry.

Beckett: Castle? I’ll see you tomorrow.

 

Castle/Beckett Scorecard: The score is now Beckett 2 – Castle 1.

 

Ranking: This episode is #10 out of 24.

 

Until Monday, readers. When we get to my favorite episode in the entire series.

 

 

A Death in The Family

 

Original Airdate: May 11, 2009

 

Synopsis: Castle and Beckett investigate the murder of a plastic surgeon found tortured in his towed vehicle.

 

Notable Guest Stars: Again, I’m probably dating myself with this post. Robert Picardo, who is making the first of two appearances on the show as forensic pathologist Dr. Clark Murray, is better known to me for portraying Dr. Dick Richard on the Vietnam-era drama ‘China Beach’ from 1988-1991. One of his co-stars will be making her own guest appearance in Season 2.

 

Bailey Chase is making his final appearance as FBI Special Agent Will Sorenson, a former boyfriend of Beckett.

 

The IMdB Portion of The Review:

 

Factual Errors: Most handgun bullets can penetrate car doors, contrary to what Esposito tells the gang. The Teflon coating is made to protect the barrel of the gun and has nothing to do with whether a bullet is a ‘cop killer’ or not.

 

Revealing Mistake: At several points in Season 1, the exterior of the precinct has a sign saying it’s the 9^(th) Precinct, whereas the interior says 12^(th) Precinct. The precinct is actually the 12^(th).

 

Plot Holes: Maggie could’ve just as easily slashed Jimmy Moran’s wrists or strangled him with his IV line since poisoning was never her MO.

 

What I Liked About This Episode: Since this is the Season 1 finale, it covers a lot of ground very quickly.

 

·       We get the official start of the Johanna Beckett murder arc. We learn from pathologist Dr. Clark Murray that her murder probably wasn’t random. The question is: Who killed her and why? This will be explored gradually over the next five seasons. I liked the way this arc was written.

·       Alexis has been invited to the prom, which provides a lot of cute scenes between father and daughter. This includes a hilarious Christopher Walken impression complete with a severed head. This was when I still liked Alexis. My feelings toward her will change beginning in Season 3.

·       Castle wants Beckett to run a background check on Owen, Alexis’ prom date. This leads to a funny exchange between the three men.

 

Ryan: Between satellite TV and the Internet, 15’s the new 25.

 

Esposito: Dude’s right. I was 15 once.

 

Ryan: Still are.

 

·       Beckett’s reaction when Castle asks about her mom’s murder. The dude seriously needs to drop that subject. NOW! I know from experience that when someone doesn’t want to talk about events in their past, they mean just that. In other words, never ask questions about their past.

·       Jaycee Goldberg is hilarious. I will have more on her much later because she’s included in my favorite scene/moment.

·       Alexis’ prom dress was very pretty. And I agree about the pink one. Most redheads can’t wear anything pink or red. It makes them look pale.

·       I’m surprised that IMdB didn’t pick up on this continuity error. In Season 6, Beckett tells Castle that she didn’t go to her prom. Instead, she went to a poetry slam. While it’s possible that she went to prom another time, the story she tells Castle about her date looking terrified on the night of the prom doesn’t hold any weight when compared to what she shares later.

·       I liked The Sopranos reference to The Bada-Bing. Castle seems to have a guy everywhere.

·       We get another pop culture reference to Jerry Bruckheimer when Castle and Beckett go to meet Jimmy Moran in the parking garage. Can anyone say set-up?

·       Sorenson referring to Castle as ‘Writer-Monkey’ was kind of funny. You can tell these two are never going to be BFF’s.

·       I loved Castle’s speech to Beckett at the hospital when she’s blaming herself for Will and Moran getting shot. Castle: You think this is your fault? Yeah, you pushed for it, not because it’s your job, but because you care. Most people come up against a wall, they give up. Not you. You don’t let go. You don’t back down. That’s what makes you extraordinary.

·       It seems that Will Sorenson will live to fight another day. Or go lost his shit on Longmire. Whatever. He was an ass. However, of the three love interests Beckett had between Seasons 1-3, he was the least intolerable. He didn’t like Castle, so I didn’t like him. Plain and simple.

·       The look on Beckett’s face when Castle says ‘It’s about your mother’ at the end of the episode. It’s a look that says that he has crossed a line that can never be uncrossed. I need to write a fan fiction story about what happened after that conversation.

 

What I Didn’t Like About This Episode:

 

·       I wish Castle, for once, had listened to Martha. He was being intrusive but was too stubborn or egotistical to see it. It’s ridiculous that it takes Alexis at the end of Season 2x01 to make him see what an ass he was being.

Favorite Scene/Moment: Capt. Montgomery will get another favorite scene much later, but I loved the conversation between him and Kate in the Jaycee Goldberg scene.

 

Montgomery: So, where was she?

 

Beckett: She was . . . in the hospital.

 

Montgomery: Getting more surgery?

 

Beckett: Yep.

 

*Montgomery: What’s she got left to operate on? (*Beckett glances downward, looks very uncomfortable, and coughs.) Oh, no.

 

Beckett: Oh, yes.

 

Montgomery: Seriously? What could they possibly do down there?

 

Beckett: Well, apparently, quite a lot.

 

Ranking: This was my second favorite episode of the season and that has never changed since my first watch.

 

This concludes Season 1. Join me on Friday when I start diving into Season 2, the first full season with 24 total episodes.

Little Girl Lost

 

Original Airdate: May 4, 2009

 

Synopsis: A two-year-old girl is abducted from her parents’ living room, leading to Beckett being reunited with her ex-boyfriend, FBI Special Agent Will Sorenson.

 

Notable Guest Stars: Judy Reyes, who plays Theresa Candela, appeared in the series ‘Scrubs’ as Nurse Carla Espinosa.

 

Bailey Chase, who is making his first of two appearances as Beckett’s ex-boyfriend, Will Sorenson, portrayed Branch Connally on ‘Longmire’ from 2012-2014. My mother loved ‘Longmire.’ I wasn’t a fan. I do know that his character on ‘Longmire’ went off the deep end. Seriously off the deep end.

 

The IMdB Portion of The Review:

 

Trivia: Castle brings Beckett coffee for the first time. It took me a long time to get this order straight: ‘Skim latte, two pumps of sugar free vanilla.’ What happened to the bear claw? It makes its first and last appearance in this episode, not counting a later episode when Lanie is complaining about them not bringing her a bear claw since she’s usually the first at the crime scene.

 

The phrase ‘Five by Five’ that Castle uses on the way to the ransom drop is a reference to Faith from ‘Buffy the Vampire Slayer.’ This was one of her favorite phrases. Nathan Fillion appeared on the final episodes of the show in 2003.

 

There is also a ‘CSI: Miami’ reference in this episode after Sorenson asks Castle why he’s following Beckett around. “Because the one’s on TV are oddly fixated on their sunglasses.” Yes, good old Horatio Caine and his sunglasses.

My Take on This Episode:

 

·       Once upon a time, this was one of my favorite Season 1 episodes. However, with repeated watches, it has slipped down my list considerably.

·       This is one of three episodes without a murder victim. The other two are The Belly of The Beast from Season 6 and Dead Again from Season 8. If I’m wrong, feel free to correct me. I know that Elena Markov was a killer in The Belly of The Beast, but they weren't investigating her victims.

·       This is also one of the few episodes where I figured out who the culprit was very early on.

 

What I Liked About This Episode:

 

·       Let’s talk about Beckett being a fan of Castle. She’s actually a mega-fan. She even subscribes to his website. But we don’t find out her username.

·       The conversation between Castle and Beckett in the elevator is repeated in reverse in A Rose for Ever After in Season 2. Castle: ‘I didn’t ask.’ Beckett: ‘Yeah, I know. You weren’t asking very loudly.’ Castle: ‘I know. I’m a Jedi like that.’

·       Ryan has a new girlfriend, who has gifted him with a very ugly, very brightly colored tie. The girlfriend will later be played by Juliana Devers, the real-life spouse of Seamus Devers.

·       Martha is funny in this episode. She’s still teaching her course in Life Coaching. She also supplies Castle with what she refers to as ‘Martha-isms.’ These were actually something that was said by Susan Sullivan's own mother.

·       There is no love lost between Castle and ‘Boring as C-Span’ Will Sorenson.

Sorensen: “Really, Kate? We’re going to waste time on the insights of Nancy Drew here?”

Castle: “Is that supposed to be an insult? Because Nancy Drew solved every case.”

 

·       The little girl playing Angela Candela is adorable. The only baby cuter was the baby boy in The Good, The Bad And The Baby in Season 6.

·       We learn that Alexis has a stuffed animal called Monkey Bunkey that she carried everywhere as a child. It’s the reference to Monkey Bunkey that helps Castle crack the case.

·       When the mother received the ‘ransom’ call and heard Angela’s voice, this was when I knew who was responsible. Angela was with someone she knew because she didn’t sound scared.

 

What I Didn’t Like About This Episode:

 

·       The Candela’s. Neither of these parents would win any awards for Parents of The Year. I’m in the middle of writing a fan fiction story where I’ve brought these two back. As soon as I get motivated, I’ll continue.

 

Favorite Scene/Moment: The opening scene. Beckett is a Richard Castle Mega-Fan.

 

Beckett: It’s Sunday morning. Shouldn’t you be slinking home from a scandalous liaison?

 

Castle: Would you be jealous if I were?

 

Beckett: In your dreams.

 

Castle: In my dreams, you’re never jealous. In my dreams, you just join – (Beckett shoves a bear claw in his mouth to shut him up)—So, Montgomery called and said “come down right away.” So, it must be gruesome.

 

Beckett: Try not to get so giddy every time we go to a crime scene, okay?

 

Castle: ‘Cause somebody’s dead doesn’t mean you have to get grumpy.

 

Beckett: Oh, do you want to see grumpy? How about the cover art for your new novel?

 

Castle: Nikki Heat cover art? That’s only accessible to – (Beckett instantly realizes what she’s revealed and turns away in embarrassment) – Oh my god! You subscribe to my website? Wait a minute! Are you CastleFreak1212? CastleLover45?

 

Beckett: You do realize that most people would be creeped out by crazy anonymous fans?

 

Castle: Like you?

 

Beckett: It was strictly professional courtesy.

 

Castle: So, what did you think of your alter ego, Nikki Heat? Pretty sweet, right?

 

Beckett: Sweet? She’s naked!

 

Castle: She’s not naked. She’s holding a gun . . . strategically.

 

Ranking: This is #8 of out 10.

 

Until Wednesday, readers. We will finish Season 1.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

GHOSTS

 

Original Airdate: April 27, 2009

 

Synopsis: Castle and Beckett investigate the murder of a woman found drowned in a tub full of motor oil, only to discover that the victim was hiding secrets from her past.

 

Notable Guest Stars: I’m a child of the 60’s who grew up watching way too much TV. The two main guest stars in this episode may not mean anything to anyone but me.

 

Susan Ruttan, who portrays Mrs. Pike, the wife of the boat captain who was injured in the explosion is better known to me as portraying Roxanne Melman, the long-suffering secretary of womanizing attorney Arnold Becker, on the long running drama ‘L.A. Law’ from the late 80’s to the early 90’s. Arnold Becker, played by Corbin Bernsen, will make an appearance of his own in Season 3.

 

Jillian Armenante guest stars as Susan Mailer. She is better known to me as portraying Donna Kozlowski on the legal drama ‘Judging Amy.’

 

And we get the final appearance of Dan Castellaneta as Judge Markway (although he is mentioned by name a few times after). He is better known as being the voice of Homer Simpson on ‘The Simpsons.’

 

The IMdB Portion of The Review:

 

Trivia: This episode originally aired the day after Stana’s 31^(st) birthday. Her character’s age wouldn’t be revealed as being 31 until 4x01 ‘Rise.’

 

Revealing Mistakes: The oil in the bathtub is the color of motor oil that is drained from an engine during an oil change. Fresh motor oil is much lighter in color.

 

Character Error: Michael Goldman tells Beckett he learned that his wife’s SSN was for a child that died as an infant in 1963. Babies born before 1989 weren’t issued SSI cards until they were applying for jobs in their teens. (I don’t know how correct this is, because my mother gave me my Social Security Card when I started high school and that was in 1974.)

 

This next one is lengthy, so I’m going to cite IMdB and use quotes.

 

” During the game of Texas Hold 'Em between Castle, Beckett, the Captain, Montgomery, and Markway, players begin betting randomly, and without regard for whose turn it is to legally bet. Montgomery legally takes a turn when he folds after all the other players have called. Then, the Captain raises out-of-turn, skipping Markway, Castle, and Beckett. Montgomery folds in-turn, but the Captain again skips Castle and Beckett by folding out-of-turn. Play continues correctly during heads-up. The funniest thing about this scene is that if you only take into account what's happening on the screen, the captain appears to raise his own bet, then fold even though no-one else has bet.”

 

If Cynthia and Susan were waiting for the ship to be empty before setting the explosives, they were going to have a long wait. Ships can never be left empty. They always have to have at least 1 crew member on board at all times.

 

What I Liked About This Episode:

 

·       The poker game at the beginning of the episode. It was great to see them all becoming close friends. I still say this cast had the best chemistry of any show I’ve ever watched.

·       Castle not wanting to embarrass Beckett and vice versa in front of their friends.

·       Castle weaving another tale for Ryan and Esposito. He is a master storyteller. (More on this later).

·       The final scene with Castle and Beckett playing Texas Hold ‘Em for gummy bears. We gradually learn that Beckett always seems to keep candy in her desk. Usually M&M’s or Skittles from the sound of them in the candy dish in future episodes.

·       The desk clerk at the SRO is hilarious. Obviously, a body in a bathtub full of motor oil is just another day in the office for this guy.

·       Martha reminding her son that Beckett doesn’t need him to take care of her or patronize her when she tells him that she knew he’d thrown his poker hand at the beginning of the episode.

·       Beckett turning down an opportunity to play poker with Castle’s mystery writer buddies. Although I would’ve loved to have seen that episode.

 

 

What I Didn’t Like About This Episode:

 

·       I didn’t like the writer Lee Wax. Like Castle told her, she was the reason why they had a murder victim.

·       Susan Mailer/Mary Wright’s horrific burns wouldn’t have healed with just a med student taking care of her. She obviously had second and third degree burns judging by the scars. Even in a hospital setting, those burns would’ve taken months to heal. She would’ve needed to be in a sterile environment and would’ve required skin grafts.

Favorite Scene/Moment: Castle weaving another tale for the boys and Beckett.

 

Esposito: The lady was a soccer mom!

 

Castle: Come to my daughter’s school around 3:30. The place is like happy hour.

 

Beckett: Maybe she had a boyfriend.

 

Castle: Yes. A boyfriend. Someone she met in line at Zabar’s, or, uh, one afternoon at the museum when she, uh, ducked in to escape a rainstorm.

 

Esposito: Yeah.

 

Castle: Maybe it was someone she already knew from the city. Someone who reminded her of when times were good, before she had to give up that cute apartment with the partial river view.

 

Esposito: Someone who was slipping her a little cash while he was slipping her something else.

 

Castle: Yeah. Alison Goldman wouldn’t have some cheap little affair. This person would’ve had to mean something to her. Someone who cared for her. Someone who listened to her. Only now . . . he wanted a little more in return for his . . . investment. Something she wasn’t willing to do.

 

Esposito: Like leave her husband.

 

Ryan: And when she wouldn’t, then he got violent.

 

Esposito: Yep.

 

Beckett: You know, I feel so stupid. Here I am, looking for evidence, and all I had to do was just make something up. So, this imaginary boyfriend/killer, do you think he has an imaginary address?

 

Ranking: This one is ranked as #9 out of 10. It’s only this high because of the poker games. Otherwise, it would be dead last.

 

Until Monday, readers. Two episodes left to go.

HOME IS WHERE THE HEART STOPS

 

Original Airdate: April 20, 2009

 

Synopsis: Castle and Beckett investigate a string of robbery/murders that have a tie-in to high society.

 

Notable Guest Stars: Caterina Scorsone guest stars as Joanne Delgado, the daughter of one of the murder victims. She currently appears as Amelia Sheppard on ‘Grey’s Anatomy.’

 

The IMdB Portion of The Review (Paraphrased or in quotes): These are all cited on the IMdB website.

 

Continuity: “When Esposito brings up the picture on the computer of Evan Mitchell from the police database, his stats say he is 5' 9", yet we can clearly see from the mugshot that his head goes over the 6' mark.”

 

“The thief is running away on the ground floor of the building, then in the next scene he falls from a height on to the hood of the police car where Castle is sitting.”

 

**Factual Errors: “**When Beckett is questioning Evan Mitchell, the first thing he says is that he won't talk without his lawyer. She continues questioning him, which means even if he had admitted to anything, it wouldn't be admissible in court.” (My cop muse says every cop show he’s ever watched makes this mistake. The second the perp asks for a lawyer, the interview is over. No exceptions. He has said that Beckett would be a prosecutor’s worst nightmare).

 

Plot Holes: “When Kate enters Castle's apartment to return Martha's necklace, Martha tells her to tell us all about the evening and that they have only heard Castle's version. Martha was at the gala so she already knows everything that went on. In fact, she even ran the auction for Castle's book.”

 

What I Liked About This Episode:

 

·       The murder was gruesome, but interesting.

·       Castle and Beckett continue to become used to each other’s presence, evidenced by the reverse double-jinx and the fact that Castle lost and had to buy Beckett a soda. Did any of us really think Castle was going to win that bet? We all know he can’t keep quiet.

·       We get our first clue that Castle has started investigating Johanna Beckett’s murder.

·       Beckett reads the New York Review of Books. There are also a lot of layers to the Beckett onion. Castle makes it his mission to peel those layers away over the next several seasons.

·       We see badass Beckett for the first time when she shoves the interrogation table into Evan Mitchell when he reveals his sexist side.

·       There are a lot of words for suspects. Let me list them: pipehead, pisshead, ork, creep, chucklehead, knucklehead, etc. There’s a lot. The cop muse says his favorite is asshole. Works for me.

·       Castle and Beckett at the firing range. Beckett: ‘We can always just cuddle.’

·       Castle should’ve installed the panic room. It would’ve stopped a lot of things that happened later. Maybe.

·       Castle and Beckett attending the MADT event. Although that was the ugliest dress I’ve ever seen other than the Matilda King wedding dress we see later.

·       The scene between Lanie and Beckett at her apartment was great. We learn that Beckett is a fan of the movie Showgirls. This is also revealed in Season 2.

·       Martha embarrassing Castle at the event was just icing on the cake. Castle should’ve done a better job of warning Beckett not to tell his mother where they were going.

·       Beckett saves Castle’s life this time.

 

What I Didn’t Like About This Episode

 

·       The killer was given a name in IMdB, but it was never mentioned in the episode. And he was never seen until Paul Reynolds gave him up after he was arrested at the event. He wasn’t the worst reveal the show has ever done, but it was still sloppy.

 

Ranking: I’ve got this one at #6 out of 10.

 

Scorecard: We are now tied in the lifesaving department. 1-1.

 

Favorite Scene/Moment: Lanie and Beckett.

 

Lanie: “No, no. Uh-Uh. That one goes to the thrift store. (Kate pulls out a fluorescent dress). Whoa! Karma Chameleon!”

 

Kate: “The girl at Saks said fluorescent was in.”

 

Lanie: “Well then, she was on commission.” (Kate drapes a sequined dress in front of her). Uh-uh.”

 

Kate: “Too Showgirls? You know what he’s trying to do? He’s trying to humiliate me. (Interrupted by her door buzzer). Lanie, can you get that, please?”

 

Lanie: “All right. But you better not be wearing your prom dress when I get back.” I thought Kate didn’t go to her prom.

 

Until Friday, readers. We’re heading into the home stretch of Season 1. Three episodes to go.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Copying and pasting from my blog is becoming a hassle, so starting with this episode, the reviews will be in a bullet form. You'll see what I mean when you start reading.

ALWAYS BUY RETAIL

 

Original Airdate: April 13, 2009

 

Synopsis: A ritualistic killer is on the loose while Castle’s first ex-wife/Alexis’ mother, Meredith, visits.

 

Notable Guest Stars: Darby Stanchfield makes the first of her two appearances as Meredith, Castle’s first ex-wife and Alexis’ mother. Her second, more memorable appearance will be in Season 5. She also appears as Abby Whelan on ‘Scandal.’

 

The IMdB Portion of The Review:

 

Trivia: Castle obtains his Kevlar ‘Writer’ vest in this episode. The vest saves his life in Season 6.

 

The ‘Special Kind of Hell’ that Castle refers to when talking about his ex-wife refers to an episode of ‘Firefly.’

 

What I Liked About This Episode: I’ll do a numbered style since it seemed to work for one of my earlier reviews. I promise I won’t change styles again.

 

1.   The banter between Castle and Beckett, as well as the boys, continues to be top-notch. This gets even better in Seasons 2 and 3.

2.   Meredith’s appearance. I’m upset that she only appeared twice.

3.   Just as in the previous episodes, Ryan is once again shown carrying around one of Castle’s books. He also demonstrates that he’s a fan since he instantly knows what Castle is talking about when he mentions Vodou.

4.   The ‘Writer’ vest!

5.   Castle’s embarrassment when Meredith shows up at the precinct with Alexis in tow. Can I also say how great Molly Quinn is with the facial expressions?

6.   Martha’s rant about Meredith ‘kidnapping’ Alexis from school is hilarious. ‘And does she honestly think she’s going to just show up with a reel of what – ‘According to Jim’ guest spots – and push some real actor aside? Some actor who has dedicated their entire life to the greatest profession in the world? You don’t choose the theater. The theater chooses you.’ Why did you marry her anyway?’ Richard: ‘I don’t know, Mother. Maybe she reminded me of you.’

7.   The shootout at the end was great. And we get Castle saving Beckett for the first time. Castle proved to Beckett that he can think on his feet if the situation calls for it.

 

What I Didn’t Like About This Episode:

 

1.   Meredith getting the doorman to just allow her into Castle’s apartment. They’re not married. After watching the Season 8 finale, I began asking serious questions about how secure the loft actually was. Anybody could just walk in. Meredith, Beckett, Caleb Brown. Okay, I’m several seasons too early for Caleb Brown. And before anyone calls me out on it, I realize that Caleb Brown and Jerry Tyson both broke in. But Meredith didn’t. No, she just asked Eduardo the doorman to let her in because she had to pee. No, Meredith. Just . . . no.

 

Favorite Scene/Moment:

 

Castle at the crime scene.

 

Beckett: Looks like some kind of ritualized killing, don’t you think? Hello? You okay?

 

Castle: I had sex with my ex-wife this morning. My first ex-wife . . . Meredith . . . Alexis’ mom. And she’s thinking about moving back to New York. Do you know what that would mean to me? That would be a very special kind of hell. The hell of a deep-fried twinkie.

Ryan: A deep-fried twinkie?

 

Castle: Yeah, the guilty pleasure that you know is bad for you. So, you do it once, maybe twice a year for the novelty. But a deep-fried twinkie every day is—

 

Beckett: Castle!

 

Castle: What?

 

Beckett: Crime scene. Dead body. Little respect here.

 

Castle: I don’t think he can hear me.

 

Beckett: Okay. A little self-respect then?

 

Best Line of The Episode: ‘I really am ruggedly handsome, aren’t I?’

 

Castle/Beckett Scorecard: Castle—1, Beckett—0

 

Ranking: I have this one ranked #4 out of 10.

 

Until Wednesday, readers.