Castle: Cuffed – A Review

Castle: Cuffed

 

This was an episode that, for me, was the return of the show that its fans fell in love with way back in season one. It was extremely good, well-written, and the actors were at the top of their games. Even Lanie was good. Her handlers finally, finally, finally gave her something to work with…real forensics-speak. Anyway, more on morgue-talk a little later. For now, let’s enjoy recapping a fantastic show. Melanie…

Melanie Atkins

Once again, we had to wait two long weeks between episodes… but to me, the wait to watch Cuffed was totally worth it. So much physical proximity — with Rick skimming his hand along Kate’s bare midriff after finding the needle mark on her back, their suggestive positions while trying to move the freezer (tee hee!), and her climbing on top of him in an attempt to escape the creepy basement room. Then there were Rick’s attempts to protect Kate, their terrifying battle with the tiger (a beautiful, scary animal), and the episode’s incredibly hot ending, when Rick substituted the word “hitched” for “cuffed”… and Kate said there would be a next time with the cuffs, only without the tiger. All of that played into my enjoyment.

What’s not to like? I mean, really! The episode moved quickly, starting with the two of them waking up on a mattress in the basement room handcuffed together with no idea how they got there. I loved the way they pieced together the story with flashbacks. Such great banter. And the way they talked about Esplanie’s (Esposito and Lanie’s) relationship… priceless. “They both want to be together, but neither of them will admit to it.” Familiar, much?

Once they figured out what had happened, the storyline moved rapidly back and forth between Kate and Rick in the basement and Ryan, Esposito, Lanie, and Gates trying to find them. Throw in the DEA, a creepy old woman, and exotic animals… and I was riveted. Of course, my main interest was Kate and Rick and their power struggle in that basement as they attempted to escape. Being cuffed, they were limited as to what they could do, but they did seem to work together pretty well most of the time — once they decided who was going to lead. And they were so close to each other all the time. That made my night, I tell you.

I wanted more, of course. A hug, a kiss, anything to help propel their relationship forward… but I’ll take cuffed to each other in the dark — with the two of them comfortable with their forced proximity. I love this show! Mystery, suspense, humor, romance… and a tiger = perfection.

The next episode, Till Death Do Us Part, won’t air until January, but it will feature Ryan and Jenny’s wedding. I don’t have any details yet, but rumor has it that Kate and Rick and Lanie and Esposito will all react to the nuptials in a positive way. Sounds very interesting. Too bad we have to wait until the new year to see it.

Lee Lofland

This show was all over the place. So much so, it made me wonder if the two writers had experienced a 60’s moment while jointly putting pen to paper. Don’t wrinkle those brows. You know exactly what I’m talking about. However, it was all over the place in an extremely good way, beginning with…

I didn’t think it was possible, but this show has come up with a new nickname for…well, you know…that “special” mommy and daddy time. Yep, and from this moment forward, thanks to this episode, that amorous act should be referred to as “Pushin’ The Freezer.” If beads of sweat didn’t pop out on your forehead during that scene, well, you’re just not human. Whew!

On the other hand, how were they able to stand that extremely heavy freezer on end when the two of them together couldn’t budge it even an inch when attempting to slide it across the floor? Hmm…

It was a bit difficult to focus on the police and forensics side of this show, since the main focus was on Beckett and Castle who, while locked away in a basement, had to avoid becoming a snack for a very large tiger. But, I’ll briefly mention Lanie and her, for the first time ever, believable depiction of a medical examiner. She was actually quite good, and her comments and science were also pretty good.

And, she still had time to be playful in scenes with Espo. Why can’t the writers do this in every episode? Hopefully, they’ve seen the light and won’t backslide. We’ll see. But, this time, Lanie actually added to the show. Great job.

What about the creepy, old hillbilly lady in the cage? Viewers will have nightmares for a month after witnessing that sight. But still very cool. The old lady’s sons were equally as creepy. I’m not sure, but I think I’ve arrested each of them in the past…many, many times throughout the years. Those three are the typical Friday night arrests for officers all across the country. A little drinkin’. A little fightin’. A little shootin’. Then it’s time to call the law. Yep, every single Friday night.

– The fingerprint match-up on the screen. You know, where an image of a driver’s license popped up after Ryan finished unscrambling the board (anyone remember the Soul Train Scramble Board?) This was a dumb scene, but it works for this show.

Gates is still Gates—obnoxious. Still, she played a better part this week. Funny thing, I saw the former captain (Montgomery) playing the part of a bad guy in another show last week. He was killed there, too. Not a good year for that guy.

Enough of the police stuff. Let’s have a look at my favorite lines from the show.

1. “Okay, you can put my shirt down.”  Beckett to Castle after he’d examined the needle mark on her lower back.

2. “Let me get him back to the morgue.” Lanie, speaking about the dead body. Who knew medical examiners offered their findings post autopsy, not before the slicing and dicing? A novel concept for this show, and I like it.

3. “They both want to be together but neither will admit to it. Why do they do that to themselves?” Beckett on Espo and Lanie. Pot calling the kettle black?

4. “Are you willing to cut off your own hand?”  Beckett thinking Castle had offered a solution to removing the handcuffs.

5. “Whoa, mine! No, I was talking about yours.” Castle in response to Beckett’s “hand” question?

6. “Drop the hardware, boys, or I’ll blow you both away.” Creepy granny to Espo and Ryan, who, by the way, should’ve sent granny to hillbilly heaven the second she brandished the shotgun. Instead, they stood there until the situation grew far worse.

7. “I still have a bad taste in my mouth.” Castle referring to the “sleepy drug” granny and the boys used to send Castle and Beckett into la-la land.

Finally…“Next time?” Castle’s response to Beckett’s sly promise that there’d be more playtime while in handcuffs.

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Castle: Kill Shot – A Review

Castle: Kill Shot

Hypervigilance was Stana Katic’s mission was this week. Her job was to portray someone suffering from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), displaying an abnormal state of being on guard and extremely tense, with an increased awareness of her surroundings, and she did a great job. A fantastic job, actually. In fact, I’m sure last night’s viewers had also reached their own state of hypervigilance, with their rear ends glued to their chairs and their eyes riveted to the screen, anxiously watching and waiting for Beckett’s next move. But more about this later. First…Melanie’s take on the mushy side of the show. Are you there, Melanie?

Melanie Atkins

The past two weeks have crept by for me, mainly because we didn’t have a new Castle episode last week. This week, they made up for it with “Kill Shot”, an intense episode that centered around Kate’s battle with PTSD. I thought Stana Katic did a fabulous job. I’m willing bet they’ll submit this one for Emmy consideration. What do you think?

I’m not sure how well the writers did in portraying her PTSD, since I don’t know enough about it to judge — I’ll leave that part to Lee — but I found the show to be powerful, heart wrenching, and fast moving. And when Kate finally accepted help from Esposito, I had tears in my eyes. That scene rocked! I also love that she went to see her therapist voluntarily. That proves she truly wants to get better.

Relationship-wise, Rick was obviously distressed by Kate’s terror and begged Esposito to help her because he didn’t know how — and then stepped back to allow Kate to find her way. Very smart of him. She appreciated it, too.

And at the end, Kate admitted to her therapist that she’s ready to try to let go of the past and stop defining herself by her mother’s murder. By the case that has engulfed her more than once, and by her shooting. She wants to let go of all that and live her life… to open herself up to other possibilities. This has been reiterated by Stana in several recent interviews I found online. She claims Kate wants to “dive in”, to experience what she’s been denying herself, such as a relationship with Rick. So maybe, just maybe… they’re getting closer to starting something fun.

Oh, I hope so! Next week ABC is airing a Castle rerun, so tune in on December 5 for “Cuffed”… and get ready to rumble. Read the blurb below and tell me what you think. Tee hee!

Here’s the blurb from ABC’s press release for “Cuffed”: When Castle and Beckett wake up in bed, handcuffed together, in a locked room with no memory of how they got there, they must piece together the mystery of where they are and why, all while trying to escape. But as the two of them adjust to being shackled together, what’s the biggest threat they face… the people who abducted them or each other? Meanwhile, Ryan, Esposito and Gates are left to investigate their disappearance in a case where all is not what it seems.

This episode was very well-written and well-thought-out. And the writers packed in a lot of things in short period of time, meaning they kept the tension going throughout. Sure, we saw Lanie digging a bullet from a wall, telling us the shot was fired from 200-300 yards away (medical examiners don’t poke around crime scenes removing crucial pieces of evidence, well, unless they want to compromise the entire investigation…and, she couldn’t and wouldn’t have known the distance), but let’s overlook that and get to the what made this show what I think was the best of the season.

1. Stana Katic. Enough said. She is the reason this episode came across as well as it did. Her character was extremely layered, and we looked on as each of those layers melted away with the passing of each scene. She was frightened. She was confused, not knowing what was happening to her. She was vulnerable. Yet, she was still Beckett, determined to get past the demons clawing at the inside of her head.

Some of Beckett’s PTSD symptoms were quite realistic—reliving sounds of her own shooting (flashbacks), hypersensitivity to loud noises (hyper-startle responses), extreme anxiety, avoidance of places and people that reminded her of “the shooting,” unable to sleep, outbursts of anger, wanting to be alone, she couldn’t concentrate, she tried to “drink away” the problem, and, of course, there was the hypervigilance.

Then there was the scene where Beckett dumped her badge and gun on the floor, her attempt to separate herself from the case, the shootings, and her emotions. This was extremely raw and realistic. I know because I’ve been in those very shoes (well, maybe not those exact shoes, but…). When PTSD came knocking at the inside of my head, one of the first things I did was to ditch my gun, placing it in a box in the bedroom closet. Didn’t want any parts of it. In fact, I didn’t even want to look at it. Weird, I know. But it is what it is. Thankfully, that’s in the past.

So a big BRAVO to Stana Katic and to the writers for delving into this topic, and for doing such a great job with it. My only negative comment about the PTSD issue is how quickly she overcame it. People sometimes suffer from PTSD for many, many years. For some, the demons are with them for life.

2. Esposito – What a great job he did with taking viewers to the classroom. He taught us everything we needed to know about snipers, weapons, and ammunition, and he did it without doing the dreaded info-dump. The information was needed to help viewers understand what had happened, but the actor made the learning experience seem like part of the dialog. That’s how it should be done in books, too. Great job. Espo also did a great job of showing emotions when it was time for us to see them.

For writers – I’d like to point out one tiny detail about the ejected brass Espo found under the cabinet/table (whatever it was). An expert sniper/shooter most likely would have retrieved/picked up (“policed” as they say on the firing range) that spent brass. But, later in the show they clearly stated the guy was not the expert they’d once thought.

– I liked seeing Ryan taking care of “paperwork.” This is how cases are often worked, with detectives splitting up to work on various aspects of the crime. Not everyone is a “door-kicker.”

*By the way, Beckett would not have been allowed to remain on this case.

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General information about post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Research Fact Sheet – Overview of the latest research on PTSD, including its causes, risk factors, and promising new treatments. (National Institute of Mental Health)

Myths and Facts About PTSD – Learn the truth behind common misconceptions about PTSD. (Post-traumatic Stress Disorder Alliance)

Signs and symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Self-Test – Online self-test for PTSD to help you evaluate your symptoms. (Anxiety Disorders Association of America)

The Symptoms of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder: Chronic and/or Delayed – Description of PTSD’s many symptoms, including withdrawal, avoidance, isolation, and flashbacks. (PTSD Support Services)

Common Reactions – Find information on some common reactions to trauma, including anger, nightmares, sleep problems, avoidance, and depression. (National Center for PTSD)

Treatment and self-help for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

Treatment of PTSD – Guide to the treatments for PTSD, including cognitive therapy, exposure therapy, and EMDR. (National Center for PTSD)

Self-Help and Coping – Series of articles on how to cope with PTSD in healthy ways that promote healing and recovery. (National Center for PTSD)

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Castle: Heartbreak Hotel – A Review

Castle: Heartbreak Hotel

Heartbreak Hotel. Yes, that’s where we should begin this review, in a place where we can sit and reflect on a heart-breaking episode. Sure, there were fun parts, especially the “boys’ playing dress-up as Elvis impersonators. And was it just me, or did Castle sort of look like “The King?” Maybe just a little? And Alexis’ out-of-control party made us smile…sort of. I am glad, though, that she didn’t go off-character and become an instant party girl. But all this goopy stuff is for Melanie to address. I’m the cop-stuff person. So take it away, Melanie…

Melanie Atkins

I’ve been jonesing for this episode since last week, hoping for a fun episode with lots of Kate-Rick interaction once she arrived in Atlantic City to meet them. That did not happen. I’m sure Lee will mention that the boys shouldn’t have been working the case there in the first place — in another state, with no New Jersey cops anywhere around — so I won’t go into that. Just please… next time, throw in a NJ detective to meet them at the casino and work with them. That’s all it would take. Would that be so hard?

The episode was fun in spots, but it certainly wasn’t the laugh-fest I was hoping to see. We didn’t get much Rick-Kate interaction at all, except at the very beginning — along with some smoke from Lanie’s ears when she was talking to Esposito. Ryan’s disappointment with his best man situation and the marriage jokes added another element, as did Kate defending Castle to Captain Gates. But that was it on the romance front. I had hoped for more after last week.

Alexis had some girls over for a party that quickly got out of control… as did the impromptu post-case bachelor party Castle, Ryan, and Esposito had in Atlantic City, apparently, if Castle’s hangover was any indication. I loved the end with him collapsing on the couch next to a relieved Alexis. Too cute.

All in all, I was disappointed in this episode, even if I did get a laugh out of Rick and the boys in the Elvis costumes. The episode in two weeks (no new one next week) looks much more intense and emotional. I can’t wait for that one.

Well, as you could probably tell from my opening paragraph, I wasn’t all that thrilled with this episode. And my displeasure was not because of the police inadequacies. Not all. First of all, and I know this is my opinion, but the show seemed quite empty with the “crew” away, leaving Beckett and Captain SteelPants working together. Maybe it was due to the fact that I absolutely can’t stand the new captain and how meek and mousey Beckett seems whenever she’s around that little darlin’. Whatever it was, the episode never clicked for me. Not at all.

And, I’ll say it until I’m blue in the face, the scenes with Lanie are a total distraction. They’re not necessary and the forensics she babbles on about aren’t needed to further the story. In fact, her comment about the victim’s bloody lip completely took away that element of surprise, for me. Why? Because I knew the second we saw the dead guy’s partner that he’d punched the victim during some sort of argument that would NOT be a crucial element of the crime. Yes, this show has become that predictable. It almost seems as if the powers-to-be issues boilerplate, fill-in-the-blanks, forms to a different writer each week. Shake it up a bit, guys. Please! You’re leaving nothing for our Suspicious Minds to decipher.

Lanie and Espo…yet, another forced, not-needed scene. Please, let’s move past the break-up stuff. It was old before it started (no Burning Love there…). Besides, we never learned enough about their relationship to give a flip one way or another. I’m guessing there’s a contract requiring a certain amount of airtime for Tamala Jones. Why else would they subject us to this nonsense.

Okay, moving on…The crew is hard at work in a different city, in a different state. No, no, and no. They’d have no authority whatsoever in New Jersey. The proper thing to have done would have been to notify NJ officials about their case and then meet with local officers who would accompany the out-of-towners on their investigation. Then “the crew” would have the authority to do a job.  Of course, officers may talk to anybody, anywhere, if those folks are willing to talk to them. But it’s always smart to contact the local agency before an out-of-town cop shows up and starts poking around in unfamiliar territory. It’s the safe thing to do. And it provides the necessary legalities to the investigation. In NJ, Ryan and Espo were nothing more than ordinary citizens. Of course, that’s what Castle is, even in his home state…an ordinary citizen.

Hey, what was up with Beckett’s hairdo? Any thoughts as to why she wore the bun in this episode? Was it supposed to show that she was tough and could work alone without the team?

And…once again, the NYPD crew was not smart enough to reach a conclusion in the case. It was Castle who faced the danger, managing to pull the conclusion to this boring case out of thin air.

This was one episode I wish I could “Return To Sender.”

 

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Castle: Cops And Robbers – A Review

Castle: Cops and Robbers

“Tell me you need me.” Did anyone else see the mix of anxiety and puppy love in Beckett’s eyes when she heard Castle say those words to her? Good job on Katic’s part for using one eye to swoon over her true love, while using the other to show the fear of possibly having to return the sentiment, out loud. But, as usual, that didn’t happen.

This episode ran hot and cold for me. Sure, there were good points, but there were a few lackluster points, too. Morse code? Come on and puhleeze… How many of you out there know Morse code, other than to tap out SOS? And to send the signal through thick, tinted glass using a shiny bracelet? It would have been just as realistic to have Lanie read Castle’s thoughts using her telepathic and voodooish crime-solving mind. Hey, speaking of Lanie…she didn’t appear in this episode, and the show once again flowed nicely. I’m telling you, the M.E. scenes are unnecessary stumbling blocks.

But, I’m getting ahead of myself. Let’s see what Melainie has to say about this one before I continue. Melanie, you’re on…

 Melanie Atkins

I won’t even begin to discuss the case in this episode or the fact that the bank robbers named themselves for old TV doctors. I’ll leave that fun to Lee. No Lanie, though, so maybe he won’t rake the writers over the coals too much. Yeah, right! The Morse Code alone… but I digress.

The terror on Kate’s face, especially when the bank blew up, made my stomach clench. And so did the shippery looks between her and Rick — first, when she went into the bank posing as an EMT to get the guy who’d had a seizure, and then later when they went in after the explosion and she had eyes only for Rick, calling only for him. To her relief, they found the hostages, including Rick and Martha, safe inside the vault. Kate gave Rick such a brilliant smile, and she looked as if she wanted to give him a hug and a big kiss — and she might have, if only Martha hadn’t interrupted. Those stupid zip ties.

Rick, Alexis, and Martha shared a group hug when they came out of the bank, while Kate looked on with a weary smile. Then when the case was finally solved, after the obligatory unexpected twist (well, not totally unexpected; I expected a twist, just not that one), Kate invited Rick to go to the Old Haunt for a drink. He declined and took her home to the loft instead. I think he just wanted to be with his family.

When they arrived, Martha wrapped Kate in a giant bear hug that made her roll her eyes. Too funny. Of course, she had witnessed the scene in the bank when Kate and Rick only had eyes for each other. I love that. And she wanted to celebrate life, so she had made quite a spread. My only question is: what the heck was Martha wearing?

Alexis finally got tired of playing phone tag with Ashley, who’s off at college, and broke up with him. Maybe she’ll quit acting like such a brat now. Who knows?

All in all, I liked this episode — especially Kate going to the loft at the end — although I did find the Morse Code thing a bit far-fetched, even for Castle. I mean, really. Who knows Morse Code these days? Rick’s already said he wasn’t a Boy Scout.

I’m looking forward to next week’s show, when Rick and the boys crash Atlantic City and Kate is left in the city to work with Gates. Ack! She definitely got the short end of the stick on that one. Tee hee! Bring it on.

See, even Melanie thought the Morse code thing was dumb, and she’s a die-hard, they-can-never-do-wrong, fan of the show—the good cop. But, as I said, there were several good things going on in the episode. For example…

– The captain ordered Beckett out of the command post. She would have no business butting in on a well-trained hostage negotiation team. I almost applauded the writers for this one. Beckett cannot run the entire NYPD. But…as usual, they brought her in anyway. She talks to the bad guy on the phone for quite a while, meaning the robber knows her voice, right? Well, Beckett goes inside posing as a paramedic and talks to people with the robber standing nearby. Wouldn’t you recognize the voice? I know I would. And so would the robber.

And, hey, how about that snug, form-fitting paramedic’s uniform Beckett just happened to find out there in the street. Convenient, huh?

– A teller noted that the robbers pulled the “trigger bills” from the cash drawers. This is true. Some banks have cash drawers set up in this manner—pulling the bottom bills triggers the silent alarm. That’s why tellers are more than happy to clean out their cash drawers during a holdup.

– Ryan brought up the old cop’s joke about gaining entry into a house without a search warrant. One cop stands at the front door with door-kicking foot at ready, while his partner goes to the back door. Once in position, the officer at the back door yells, “Help! Police!” The officer at the front then kicks in the door, finds the evidence he was hoping to locate, and can then safely testify that his probable cause for entry without a warrant was that he heard a cry for help coming from somewhere near the rear of the house. Classic and corny cop humor.

– One of my favorite lines in the show was delivered by Esposito. Ryan was spouting off a bunch of far-fetched, Castlesque “what-if’s,” and Espo said, “Hey, Castle, Jr. Could you start thinking like a cop, please.”

– Of course, things began to go a little bit downhill when, as usual, Beckett sort of took over the hostage negotiations, knowing more about the job than the highly-skilled team that had responded to the scene.

– Okay, when the guy had a seizure and Paramedic Beckett went in to take him out, I was practically yelling at the TV, “He’s a bad guy, He’s a bad guy!” But she didn’t listen to me and helped the thug make his escape. How could she be “so sharp” about everything else in the cop world, and let this so-obvious tactic slip by?

– The bad guy goes to ALL THAT trouble—killing people, a bank robbery, hostages, the escape plan, etc.—to get an address from a safety deposit box, and he still doesn’t kill his ex-wife? Instead, he tells her he wants her to feel the pain of knowing he has their kid…Another scream-at-the-TV moment. Come on, writers…

– The cops do catch the escaped seizure guy, but did you happen to notice that the cop closest to the bad guy had a six-shooter aimed at the thug? How many of today’s cops carry revolvers? What happened, the prop department run out of semi-autos? I guess they issued the last one to the bank robber.

Two more good points:

– The dinner party. Now that was a great way of showing a budding relationship without having to go too mushy. It seemed natural and, if my intuition is right, will go a long way toward stirring the flames under a whole lot of Castle fans.

Alexis. Was it just me, or were you also waiting for her to go up in flames at the bank? You know what I mean… I was beginning to think the child was actually a vampire, since she never, ever goes outside the darkened Castle abode (I think the folks from CSI control the lighting in the Castle apartment). So, naturally, when the warm sunshine touched that alabaster skin, I was expecting her to go WHOOSH! A ball of flames and eerie, swirling smoke.

At least Alexis ended that annoying long-distance relationship with the never-seen, imaginary Ashley. Maybe the writers can now give her a normal life. And please, let her go outside to play once in a while. The girl could use a little vitamin D in her life…

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Castle: Demons – A Review

Castle: Demons

Last night’s episode was cut from a different cloth than what we’ve seen so far this season. And all I can say is…THEY’RE BACK!

Yes, Beckett and Castle returned to the fun and quirky crime-solving duo that fans fell in love with so, so many episodes ago. And I’m betting Melanie will absolute gush over this one. Let’s see what she has to say before I get into the police procedure. You’re on, Melanie.

Melanie Atkins

Demons. Ghosts. Paranormal activity. Whether or not you believe in any of that, this was a fun episode. The inciting incident: A ghost hunter dies inside a locked haunted house. Castle believes in ghosts, and Kate, of course, does not. The fast pace and clever writing kept me interested, and I cracked up several times… especially when Rick called spirits “apparition-Americans” after Kate threatened to send him home if he said the word “ghosts” again. Tee hee!

The episode contained plenty of togetherness for Rick and Kate, too, when they were trapped inside the haunted house. I really enjoyed their banter but could have done without the rats. Can you say ick factor? Even with all the togetherness, though, we didn’t get much real “relationship” movement — unless you count the failed double date between Ryan and Jenny and Lanie and Esposito. Jenny blew it when she asked Esplanie the not-so-cryptic question: “So, when are you guys getting married?” That scared both of them to death — so much so that they decided to cool it for a while. To take a break until they know what they both want. Yikes!

And don’t forget about Alexis bemoaning her long distance relationship with Ashley, who’s off at Stanford all the way across the country. Her talks with Rick and their father-daughter zombie movie bonding time bookmarked the show, and I enjoyed that, too. All in all, this was one of this season’s best episodes, IMHO. Classic Castle.

Can’t wait for next week, when Rick and Martha are taken hostage during a bank hold up. They have got to be two of the most annoying hostages EVER. What do you think?

There weren’t a lot of police gaffes this week, and I’m glad. I’m glad, because it gave me a chance to watch a truly fun episode that was leaps and bounds above what we’ve been subjected to so far this year. So, kudos to the writer. Good job.

The police work in this episode took a back seat, however, there were a couple of tiny things I’ll point out.

– The blood spatter at the crime scene looked more like a drunk painter had an accident with a leaky paint can. Lanie’s description of severed arteries did not match the low velocity drip patterns we saw on the floor. Instead, we should have seen some spatter patterns that looked like they’d been squirted from a water pistol. Remember, arteries are under pressure, which causes blood to spurt from openings (cuts, tears, etc,) with each beat of the heart.

– How many of you knew immediately that “Mercy” was someone’s name? It was so obvious, they may as well have scrolled a banner across the bottom of the screen that read, “Mercy is a person. Mercy is a person. Mercy is a person.”

– Beckett said one of the suspects had Motive, Opportunity, and Means (MOM). I liked that reference, because the person who has all three is normally the killer (rapist, robber, burglar, etc.). So use the MOM theory when writing your villain, killer, etc.

– I’m kind of curious how Beckett’s sidekick learned that one of their suspects had a paper route 20 years ago. Possible, but doubtful that anyone would have a record of it. If so, why would police have thought to search for it? What would have made detectives dig into the history of the city’s paperboys?

– How did Beckett arrive at the conclusion that bed made the scratches on the attic floor? The marks sort of looked like chop marks on a cutting board.

– Lanie said that preliminary tests indicated the skeletal remains found in the attic had been there for twenty years (exactly the time-frame for this murder). Wouldn’t ambient temperature, humidity, and rodents gnawing at the flesh and bones play a part in how quickly the body decomposed? How would they have determined all this in a day?

– How convenient that Esposito traced a light bulb back to the owner of the house in mere hours, and all by using the serial number on the bulb…yeah, right. That could happen…sure it could. (Yes, I’m being sarcastic).

In the closing scene (for once, I didn’t guess the killer’s ID) with the killer, Beckett stands there talking to the guy with her gun aimed as his midsection. Well, she should have cuffed the guy immediately. If not…well, he turns out the lights and gets her gun away from her. Duh… That’s why you cuff first, ask questions later. Safety first, Beckett. Tsk, tsk. Shame on you for almost getting killed.

Then, the bad guy points Beckett’s gun at her for what seems like ten minutes before the posse comes in to make the arrest. In real life, folks, the officers should have made Swiss cheese out of that guy the moment he touched her gun. Taking a cop’s gun to avoid arrest is a  pretty good clue that a suspect is up to no good and probably means to kill them, you know. Actually, the team should have moved in the second the killer dropped from the ceiling. Why place Beckett and an unarmed Castle in jeopardy. Oh, that’s right, this is entertainment TV. Sorry, for a moment I forgot where we were.

Still, a great show…finally!

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I was asked to pass this information along to our readers.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CASTLE FAN CHARITY CONVENTION, Nov 12, 2011

A Castle Fan Charity Convention will be held Saturday November 12, 2011 at the Airtel Plaza Hotel, Van Nuys. This is the first Castle fan convention to be attended by members of the “Castle” cast and crew.

The one day event will include two Q&A sessions on stage, a charity auction and those attending the event will be able to purchase in-person autographs and professional photos with the guests. Tickets for the exclusive Meet & Greet lunch have sold out but a standby list is in place should more tickets become available.

Guests announced for the event so far include “Castle” creator Andrew Marlowe, actors Seamus Dever and Jon Huertas and writer/producer Terri Miller with the possibility of more guests to be added.

Charities being supported this year include: The Young Storytellers Foundation, Puppies Behind Bars and Best Friends Animal Sanctuary.

The Castle Fan Charity Convention will be hosted by CastleTV.net in association with the California Browncoats.

Tickets are available by going to the event website www.castleconvention.com

 

Please consider Tweeting our event to your followers and mentioning us on Facebook.

Recommended Tweet:  Join members of the @CastleTV cast & crew at the Castle Charity Fan Convention in LA Nov 12. http://castleconvention.com

 

FOR MORE INFORMATION

Website: www.castleconvention.com
Email: info@castleconvention.com
Voicemail: 818 824 6077
Date: Saturday November 12, 2011
Location: Airtel Plaza Hotel, 7277 Valjean Avenue, Van Nuys, CA 91406
Guests Announced To Date: Andrew Marlowe, Seamus Dever, Jon Huertas, Terri Miller

BACKGROUND:

Castle Convention is a one day charity event to be held Saturday November 12, 2011.

Guests from the Castle cast and crew will be attending the event including Andrew Marlowe (Creator/Showrunner), Seamus Dever (Detective Ryan), Jon Huertas (Detective Esposito) and Terri Miller (Writer/Producer) with the possibility of more to be announced at a later date.

100% of proceeds will be donated to our nominated charities which include: The Young Storytellers Foundation, Puppies Behind Bars and Best Friends Animal Sanctuary.

Events for the day include:

Q&A Sessions:
Writers Q&A sessions on stage with creator Andrew Marlowe and writer/producer Terri Miller with two other writers to be announced pending other commitments. Cast Q & A session on stage with actors Seamus Dever and Jon Huertas and possibly others to be announced soon. During the Q&A sessions fans will have the opportunity to ask questions from a microphone set up on the floor. Fans will also have the opportunity to meet the guests during autograph and/or photo sessions.

Meet & Greet Lunch:
Gold and Meet & Greet tickets are also available sold out. Those holding these tickets will attend an exclusive event giving them the opportunity to chat with our guests casually over a light lunch, these tickets are limited to just 30 to guarantee an intimate setting.

Charity Auction:
Several items have been donated and will be auctioned during the event with all proceeds going to our supported charities. 

Autographs & Photographs:
All attendees will have the opportunity to purchase in-person autographs and professional photographs with our guests.
This event is being run by CastleTV.net in association with the California Browncoats. More information about the charities being supported can be found on the charities page. The event is in no way affiliated with ABC.

 

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Los Angeles, Saturday November 12, 2011
Voicemail: 818 824 6077
info@castleconvention.com
www.CastleConvention.com

 

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Castle: Eye Of The Beholder – A Review

Castle: Eye Of The Beholder

Jealousy. Anger. Betrayal. Love. Those are the reasons most of us watch TV, right? Well, that and a little bit of blown-’em-up, shoot-’em-up action. But, basically we want to become a part of what we’re watching. We want to relate to our favorite characters by knowing what they’re feeling based on our own life experiences. And that’s exactly what this episode of Castle delivered last night—jealousy, anger, betrayal, and love. Our favorite life experiences all wrapped up in a single episode. Funny thing, though, was that those emotions were all displayed by Beckett.

Castle’s major emotion, however, was lust, something I found a bit disappointing since he’s supposed to be sooooo in love with Beckett.

To have him lusting after the sexy art thief/insurance investigator like a hog running for the slop bucket was a sharp contrast to what we’ve been led to believe about him—his devotion to the love of his life, Beckett. Anyway, let’s see what Melanie has to say about this episode.

Melanie Atkins

We didn’t get any mushy stuff last week, but this episode was chock full of it. Flirting, seduction, jealousy, anger… even fear. Yep, Kate’s too mixed up and scared to claim her man, even when Serena Kay, a pretty insurance investigator, sets her sights on Rick — and he responds. Kate’s therapist gets to the heart of the matter when he asks, “Are you afraid he won’t wait for you, or that he will?”

Ack! Come on, Kate; get with the program. Rick didn’t make a play for Serena after all, and the woman apparently recognized that you have dibs on him. Most of her play for him was just bluster to throw you off the case because she wanted to get her hands on the missing Fist of Capitalism. The museum piece stolen during the gala, when a man is murdered.

I loved Kate’s jealousy, especially her shock and the way she trembled with fury when she caught Rick kissing Serena — to distract her, mind you, so she wouldn’t catch them searching her hotel room. Yeah, right. Maybe it was a guise, but he didn’t hesitate.

I hope the shock of seeing him with Serena made her realize she can’t take forever to make up her mind. Seems like it, since she asked him to go for a burger after they finished the case, but who can tell? Just jump his bones already. He’s ready for a relationship. He wants it all. I guess that’s what scares her, though. And we’re back to the question her therapist asked her. “Are you afraid he won’t wait for you, or that he will?”

Did anybody else catch Nathan’s shout out to his story about being pulled over and the cop thinking he was Jason Bateman? Apparently it happened a while back, before he was so well known, and it got him out of a ticket — for real. I love how they include these little nuggets in the show. I’m guessing Nathan threw that in and Andrew and company let him keep it. Too funny.

I liked this episode to an extent but IMHO, Kate was way too quick to give Rick up to Serena. She obviously didn’t want to, but believed he wouldn’t choose her. Or something. And I was really surprised that Rick responded like he did to that chick, almost as if he’d reverted to his old playboy ways. All that seemed a bit out of character after the I Love You. I want more Kate-Rick interaction, but the real thing. Romance. Love. Know what I mean? Come on, Andrew. It’s been long enough.

What did you think, Lee?

This episode was far better than anything we’ve seen this season. I say this for a few reasons. First of all, they didn’t try to insert crappy forensics. Next, there was no Lanie, which is a huge plus, even though she’s been better this season. But her part is so unnecessary to the show. In fact, the character and goofy forensics actually take away from the series. It’s a distraction…a stumbling block. Anyway, good move not having the somewhat out-of-place character interrupt the flow of this episode.

– An insurance investigator nonchalantly walks into an active murder scene and starts touching things, running her gloved fingers across surfaces that haven’t yet been printed. No way. Wouldn’t happen in real life. No one is allowed inside a crime scene until that area has been released by the detectives.

– The insurance investigator (Serena) tags along on the investigation. Well, I’ve worked with a few of those folks, and they’re very sharp. But I didn’t allow them to ride with me or question witnesses. But there’s no rule that says they can’t.

You know, I’m beginning to wonder why the NYPD keeps Beckett on the payroll. She never solves a single case. Usually, it’s Castle to the rescue, coming up with the weekly solutions. Now they’ve brought in another civilian to play cops and robbers with Castle. Without the flirting and eye contact with Castle, Beckett’s becoming a secondary character.

– Normally, I’m the last person to say, “Bring in the FBI.” But this case had SPECIAL AGENT written all over it. This is what they do, not investigate the crimes we see them working in many, many mystery novels. In fact, the FBI has a dedicated Art Crime Team of 13 special agents. There are even three special trial attorneys assigned to handle art theft prosecutions. The FBI also runs the National Stolen Art File, a computerized index of reported stolen art and cultural properties. So, if you want an FBI special agent as your protagonist, write this stuff, folks, not stories about rogue FBI agents running around the country attempting to solve small town murders. That, they don’t do.

– The woman who actually owned the stolen artwork casually walked into Beckett’s office, unannounced. Well, I don’t know a single police department that allows “walk-in” business. Doing ss would cause a slight safety issue. You see, some bad guys carry guns, and knives, and explosives, and they don’t mind using them. So it’s best to have them check those things at the door before having access to an entire police department.

– I despise the new captain. And I despise the way she hangs out of her door, barking orders. I say reincarnate Montgomery. Actually, I’m sort of surprised they haven’t brought in a civilian to run the place. What’s one more? Hey, that’s would be a great job for Castle’s mother.

Overall, I sort of enjoyed this episode, and that was nice for a change, because things haven’t been looking so hot so far this season. But, I did spot the killer early on, again. I do wish they’d do a better job of building the mystery.

What are your thoughts? What did we miss?

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Castle: Kick The Ballistics – A Review

Castle: Kick The Ballistics

I had the perfect setting for watching last night’s episode—torrential downpours and winds topping 40mph. Nice ambiance for the return of 3XK, right? Well, the serial killer was a no-show, but the gun he swiped from Ryan did a couple of walk-ons. Actually, did you notice the Glock was almost a character in the show? It had a name (Glock 17) and everyone was talking about it as if it were a person—“Glock 17 killed that girl.” “Where is Glock 17?” And poor Ryan talked about the weapon as if it were a lover that had left him standing at the altar (remember me telling you that a cop’s weapon seems like a part of them?).

Anyway, I’ll have my turn in a minute. First, let’s see what Melanie has to say about this mess.

Well, Lee… I didn’t have any mushy stuff to blog about this week — except at the very beginning, when Castle asks Kate again if she remembers anything about when he was shot (and, of course, the I love you), and she denies it again (I think he knows she’s lying) — so this will be short and sweet. This episode seemed like more of a regular cop drama rather than the usual Castle “dramedy” fare. I liked it, but I did miss the usual Rick-Kate banter and the humor. All that aside, I think Seamus Dever knocked it out of the park. This was Ryan-centric episode, an emotional one, that focused on the gun stolen from him by the serial killer who took him and Rick hostage last year in “3XK”, and he nailed it.

Still, I had to question a few things related to the police procedure, such as: How could Lanie tell the victim had been shot and do an ID that fast when the body was covered in cement? Did I miss something? Also, how did they know the bullets that killed the victim were fired by Ryan’s gun when they didn’t have the gun to shoot so they could compare the rounds? Had it been tested before and the information was already in the system? Seems like there was more, but it escapes me now. Can’t wait to see what you say about this.

I love the continuity — that they didn’t just let Ryan’s missing gun just disappear and never resurface, but I would have liked to see more Rick-Kate interaction. What can I say? I’m addicted to Castle’s romance thread. Looks like next week will bring it on in spades, however, if the preview is any indication. I’m looking forward to that one. I’m ready for more excitement on the relationship front.

See, Melanie. The Writers’ Police Academy is rubbing off on you! I, too, was trying to remember if they’d test-fired Ryan’s weapon in an earlier episode. But I don’t believe they did. More magic forensics, I guess. And the concrete…or, perhaps we should we call it paper mache, because whatever it was covering the victim was definitely not concrete. The stuff coming down the chute of the concrete truck was off, too. And, here’s an FYI. Concrete used in buildings, pavements, and walkways contains an aggregate…gravel of some type. The stuff oozing down the chute did not.

Okay, on to the police stuff. First of all, Lanie was okay again this week. Nothing too goofy, other than the things Melanie mentioned. Still, her character is much better this year. I hope they keep it up.

Castle commented that he’d come to the realization that he’d been “play acting” as a cop. Well, duh. Did it take the writers including that line for anyone to pick up on that startling piece of news? You know, Castle has been around long enough now that he should be sworn in as a reserve officer, or something. Anything that would make the things he does a little more believable…and legal.

– The bartender told Beckett that her suspect had been in the bar earlier and was “strapped.” In case you didn’t know, that meant he was carrying a weapon.

– Seth, the undercover cop, was a little odd, yes, but I still wondered why they interviewed him just like they’d interview a real suspect (Beckett watching from behind the mirror). I’m sure they brought him in the room to continue his UC identity, but the rest wasn’t necessary. He knows the procedure, right?

– Castle fades out of the scene to begin pouring through mountains of Rikers Island prison records. You know, of course, that Castle would not have access to those records, right? Besides, those records would be kept where? That’s right, at the prison. Not the police station. Besides, isn’t Rikers Island a jail, not a prison? And WHY would Rikers Island officials allow a civilian to do that, anyway? Hey, I have an idea. Why don’t you drive up to the front gates of a prison and ask to see all the records they have on one of their inmates. And you want them immediately. And they’ll hop right to it because you’re a mystery writer. Yeah, right.

– I liked how Castle is now calling the shots on how Beckett investigates a case, telling her that she couldn’t work the 3XK case the way she wanted. Yeah, that could happen.

Finally, the U.S. Marshal comes in the PD with Ben at his side, and someone says, “The Marshal is escorting Ben to his new home in L.A.” Well, wouldn’t that sort of defeat the purpose of the witness protection program, telling people where the witness is going?

I didn’t see what happened between Ben and his brother the killer, because our local news decided to cut in at that moment with the nightly teaser about the 11:00pm news. Great timing, huh. And when the show came back on the scene was over. But, I’m thinking I didn’t miss much, especially if that scene followed suit with the rest of the show. Sure, it was much better than the last two episodes, but so are hemorrhoids.

 

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Castle: Head Case – A Good-Cop-Bad-Cop Review

Castle: Head Case

Well, so far, this season has me longing to be in the position I’m in right now, looking at the business end of those three gun barrels. Yes, please shoot me now to end this pain and suffering. Another week and another disappointing episode. And I guessed the killer at the beginning of the episode. I hate that! How about you, Melanie? Are with me again this week?

I enjoyed this episode much more than the one last week, even though it was just as far-fetched. Cryogenics? Frozen Heads? Murder for love? They at least gave us some laughs, and Ryan and Esposito helped make things fun, too. I love that.

Spoiler alert! The victim’s wife—who also turned out to be the killer—summed up the theme early on when describing her husband: “One lifetime together wasn’t enough. He wanted more.” Extra years with the woman he loved. Of course, Kate and Rick glanced at each other when they heard those words. And then… nothing. They simply played off each other like always, with Kate also acting as a sounding board for Rick when Alexis didn’t get into Stanford.

Yes, folks, we’ve got slow movement in the relationship department. Turtle slow. Although the love theme did continue throughout the episode.

“Would you believe this to be a crime of passion?” Rick asked near the end.

Kate smiled. “I would consider this to be a crime of love.”

“Nice. Although that would depend on whether Cynthia Hamilton was in love, or insane.”

“Well, sometimes there’s a fine line between the two.” Kate smiled.

And so did I. (Hey, I’ll take what I can get.)

The end of the episode brought the crime full circle when the victim’s wife committed suicide because she didn’t want to live without her husband, the love of her life.

And in a touching scene — after Kate told the cryogenics guy he could have the woman’s body without an autopsy… and the chick died in police custody (I know, right? Puh-leeze!), Rick said, “Wouldn’t it be something if they reunited a hundred — even a thousand — years from now?”

“Well, anything’s possible,” Kate said with that sly smile.

“Do you really believe that?”

“It’s what the great love stories are about, right? Beating the odds?”

See? The love theme continues. Great love stories… Both Castle and Beckett said they hope the couple is reunited someday. And the look they shared… nice.

Not a great episode, but tolerable. Next week’s looks as if it will be really intense. The return of 3XK, anyone? Poor Ryan is still missing the gun the serial killer stole from him last season. Hmm…

Melanie, Melanie, Melanie. You’re such a sucker for the mushy stuff. But I really didn’t see much of that this week. I think the writers have pulled back, milking all they can get out of the weak glances and eyebrow-raising.

Hey, you know who my hero is this week? Lanie the “Voodoo M.E.” You know why? Because she was the least goofy and least offensive of all. Actually, she’s been a lot better this season.

You’re right, I’d better look up and watch out for the lightning bolt that’s about to strike me. But I’m serious. I think, in the middle of one of the dumbest opening crime scenes yet, Lanie was actually running a field test to see if the blood on the pavement was indeed human. At least that’s what it looked like, so I’m going with it.

Okay, here we go. Castle fans, you’d better tighten up your belts and hang on, because I hated this episode.

– A tire track in the blood. Okay, it’s possible to identify a tire brand using an impression. And it’s possible to know which manufacturers place those tires on their new vehicles (people often change brands when as they replace the old rubber). But the impression must be a good impression, not a squishy one like you’d find in wet blood on pavement. Still, it is possible, so we’ll let this one slide.

But a stitching pattern from a briefcase left in blood on lumpy, cracky-crevacey asphalt. No freakin’ way. And to narrow it down to a particular brand only sold in two stores in all of NYC. Well, that deserves a capital NO FREAKIN’ WAY.

– Lanie narrowed the suspect field down by determining the blood in the alley was that of a male. Yes, this is correct. And if you attended the DNA presentation Denene and I gave at the WPA, you know how she arrived at that conclusion.

– So someone stole the murder victim’s body, right? How many of you believe that the team kicking in a warehouse door where the potential killer(s) were hiding would be a team of three goofy cops (one in heels) and an unarmed writer? And what did the female detectives at the WPA say about wearing heels? That’s right…NO!

– Beckett and crew are searching a building full of human Popsicles, knowing the place is a little spooky, and she knows the place is tied to the murder she’s investigating…yet, she stops to make a phone call before clearing the rest of the building. And, whadda you know, there were workers in the back who were making even more human Popsicles. Clear the building first, guys, before ordering pizza.

– The cryogenics company took murder victim’s body without calling the police. Then they call dibs on it saying the police can’t have it because it’s now on private property, and Beckett caves. Okay, folks, from now on, all psychos and serial killers have a free pass. All they have to do is drag their victims onto private property, use their big toes to draw a line in the sand, and the police can’t come inside to get them or the evidence. Just think, all this time I’d been doing it wrong. See, I thought murder was a serious crime.

– If we DID believe that Beckett couldn’t regain control of the body (the guys took the body from the crime scene), remember, THEY BROKE THE LAW. Arrest them, Beckett! That’s one sure way of getting what you want. Lock up those fools and they’ll soon see it your way.

– Red herring number 2 or 3, Beau Randolph, shot a pigeon with a .45, from a NYC rooftop, and Ryan finds the bird (out of all the dead birds in the city) and retrieves the bullet from inside the fallen feathered victim. AAAARRRGGGHHHHH!!!!!

– Any campus police officers out there? If so, how many of you took offense to Ryan’s statement to Espo…”I know what we’ll do when we’re fried and don’t care anymore.” His comments referred to campus police officers, insinuating that they aren’t really cops. Well, let me be the first to set the Castle writers straight. Campus police officers attend the same training and certification programs as cops on the street. Their duties and powers are the same. And they face the same dangers, just in a smaller area. In fact, just this week, it was a campus police officer who single-handedly arrested Ernesto Manuel Gonzalez, a member of the Vagos motorcycle gang, a rival gang of Hells Angels. Gonzales was wanted for the murder of the leader of the Hell’s Angels motorcycle gang in San Jose, Ca. So, please Castle writers, if you’re going to attempt to write cops, don’t belittle them.

– Beckett tells the “head” guy from the cryogenics company that the police department is dropping all charges against him. Police officers cannot drop charges. Only prosecutors can work those deals.

You know, I really liked this show the first couple of seasons, but it’s moving away from everything I enjoyed about it. In fact, I think Lanie’s words sum up my feelings best. When she saw what was going on in the Popsicle room, she said, “You’ve got to be kidding me.”

And those are the words my inner voice says to me each week when I switch the channel over to Castle. “You’ve got to be kidding me.”

Sorry Melanie, I didn’t like this one either.

*Remember, everyone, I was asked by a group of writers if we’d point out the errors in the police procedure in this show so they’d know what was realistic and wasn’t. They wanted to know so they wouldn’t make the mistake of using something that’s not quite right in their stories. This review is meant to be fun. And, yes, I know the show is fiction. Yes, I know they’re actors, not real cops. And yes, I know the show is not meant to be realistic. But please do keep those hate-mail cards and letters coming anyway!

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Castle: Heroes And Villains – A Review

Castle: Heroes and Villains

 

Heroes and Villains is the title of this week’s episode. I think, however, that someone must have grabbed the wrong reel from the film archives. I say this because I’m almost certain that what we witnessed last night was not an episode of Castle. Please, somebody tell me I’m right because I’m pretty sure what I saw was a repeat of Dumb And Dumber. Anyway, I’ll hold my tongue while Melanie discusses the mushy stuff.

Melanie, are you out there? Or, are you still exhausted from attending last weekend’s Writers’ Police Academy?

Melanie Atkins

This episode was much lighter than last week’s tense season premier. Much lighter, and kind of weird. I caught several procedural uh-ohs I expect Lee to jump on, so I won’t mention them here. And yes, the case was kind of convoluted — but the episode as a whole was rich with relationship subtext even if the plot was thin.

Huh? I can just hear Lee now. Rick was all broken up about Alexis’ plans to graduate high school early and join Ashley (her boyfriend) at Stanford in California in January, and he talks to Kate about it. Her words to him mirror their relationship — or at least what it’s been in the past: “You two are not on the same page” and “If you hold her too tight, you’ll drive her away.”

Then, as they pursue the masked crusader suspected of cutting a man in half in that alley (is that even possible?), Kate mentions that she likes Electra… and Rick picks up on the fact that the character is a woman who buries her emotions — just like Kate. And later, he mentions that their suspect and the comic book character share a symbiotic relationship. Yin and yang… one can’t live without the other. More relationship symbolism, anyone?

Suspects fall like flies, one after the other, until they zero in on Officer Hastings, a uniformed cop who was at the crime scene. Her situation mirrors Kate’s — she’d lost her father to murder — and she craves vengeance. Her words to Kate, “Nothing I do will ever be enough”, seemed to strike her, too. Did she see herself in the other woman?

I hope so… and I pray she takes to heart her words to Hastings after the real killer was finally caught and the officer is released from custody. Hastings looks at her boyfriend, and Kate says, “You’re a good cop. You’ve got somebody who cares for you. Don’t be so driven by the past that you throw away your future.”

Rick gets it. He looks at Kate as they prepare to leave and says, “A writer and his muse. Just like us.” Uh huh. Then they witness a kiss between the comic book writer and his muse as the elevator doors close, and I know Caskett fans everywhere were hoping for a kiss. I was, too, but didn’t figure we’d get it this early in the season. And I was right. Marlowe was just taunting us, making us want more.

I didn’t care too much for this episode, except for the conflict between Rick and Alexis and the tiny Rick-Kate moment at the very end. Too much silly case and not enough give and take between our two leads. A filler episode, if you will. I’ve come to love the drama… and the whacky episodes that work. To me, this one did not. Hope next week will be much better.

Okay, my turn… Better, Melanie? Really? The next episode HAS to be better because down isn’t an option when you’re sitting at the bottom of the septic tank. And that’s exactly where this WTF episode belongs. Where do I start? Let’s see.. How about cutting a man in half with a freakin’ sword…

Even The Three Stooges wouldn’t insult their audiences with this garbage. Sure, I think the writers were going for a bit of humor, something they manage to pull off once in a while, but it definitely fell flat this time around. It would take someone with superhuman strength to pull off something like cutting a man in half with a single blow from a sword. The problem with this scenario is that the bad guy of the week was a weasel, not someone with comic book strength. Not even close.

Lanie’s blood spatter (bloodstain pattern, by the way) comment could be right. If the guy had been hacked in two, first, then the wrist and hand would not exhibit any spray from the arteries. Cast off, probably. So not too bad. Not so sure about the sword tip in the body, though.

How about the “ice-princess-assault-victim? I mean, just how cool is she, to be able to stand there and calmly drink a cup of morning Joe while discussing her near rape/death experience while watching some guy in tights hack up her attacker like he’s slicing a pork chop off the hog? And why did they make her stay there for hours with the victim’s blood all over her? And, by the way, what’s wrong with Beckett?

Someone needs to feed that poor child. She’s practically skin and bones this season. My guess is that she was allowed to see all the scripts for the upcoming episodes and now she’s so worried about the show getting cancelled that she can’t eat. Somebody please toss the lady a doughnut.

I absolutely can’t stand the new captain and the way Beckett is so passive around her. That’s not the Beckett of the first few seasons. And that’s the Beckett the audience likes.

Beckett was sporting some pretty tall heels last night, so I’d like to ask all the women who attended last weekend’s Writers’ Police Academy…what did the female detectives say about wearing heels while at work? All together now…”NO!”

Beckett tells one of this week’s suspects, “I will keep you safe and get you placed in segregated housing.” Just an FYI, folks. Cops have no say over where an inmate is housed once they’re assigned to a prison. Even judges don’t have that authority. It’s strictly up to the prison officials as to where they place their inmates.

Capt. Iron Pants asked Beckett, “Any reason you’re not pressing any charges?” A cop would probably use the terminology “issuing warrants,” not pressing charges.

Okay, I’m tired of being negative. Unfortunately, that’s how I feel about this episode. In my book, it was horrible. And, I think I see something coming toward us from the horizon… Yes… It’s getting closer… It’s…

 

 

 

 

 

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Castle: Rise – A Good-Cop Bad-Cop Review

Castle: Rise

Well, Castle fans…they’re back! After a long summer break the show picked up where it left off. And, for me, it was exactly where it left off—two seasons ago. I just couldn’t see past a lot of the “same old, same old.” But more on that later. First, let’s bring Melanie to the soapbox because she thought this episode was wonderful (I could hear her squealing all the way out here on the island).

Melanie, I simply did not get into this first episode. In fact, I was a little disappointed with the story. What’s your take (as if I didn’t know) on the season opener?

Spoiler alert — Spoiler alert — Spoiler alert! If you haven’t seen the episode, this blog will ruin it for you. Just FYI. Okay, on with the show…

The season premier of season four of Castle did NOT disappoint. Wow. From Beckett flat-lining on the operating table, to Josh shoving Castle into the wall only to be called out by Jim Beckett, to Kate sending Castle away once he’s allowed to finally visit her in the hospital (after telling him she doesn’t remember anything about the shooting, including his “I love you”)… and then the time jump. All of the sudden Kate’s back at work, cleared for duty but clearly suffering from PTSD, battling with the new captain, Victoria “Iron” Gates, and drowning in her mother’s case — her case now, too, since the shooting. Rick’s angry that she didn’t contact him for three months, and IMHO, rightly so. She needed the time, though, apparently, to sort things out, to break up with Josh — yes, I said it! She broke up with Josh! Wahoooo! — to spend time reconnecting with her dad at his cabin, to heal.

Rick blames himself for reopening her mother’s case in the first place and has worked tirelessly with Ryan and Esposito the whole time Kate’s been away, the whole time she’s been “healing”. She shows up at his book signing without calling him — her three months away without contact mirroring last summer, when he spent three months in the Hamptons with Gina — and he’s quite upset. They leave the bookstore and talk on the swings at a park… and the news about her break up with Josh, her desire for him to come back to the precinct, and her talk about tearing down the wall inside her heart (a goal that can only be achieved once her mother’s case is solved), finally brings the sparkle back to Rick’s eyes. Her goal becomes his goal, because he gets the message loud and clear: in order for her to dive into a relationship with him, she must first close that chapter of her life.

Kate goes off the rails chasing a dead end in her mother’s case, a fate made worse because Gates has shut her down. This is her greatest fear: to have no leads at all, to not be able to work the case. She’s teetering on the edge of the rabbit hole, and Rick worries he can’t pull her back. Then he gets a cryptic phone call by someone with new information on the case, someone Roy trusted with files no one else has seen… and he becomes even more determined to slow her down and save her life.

Martha is perplexed and scared, but supportive. Alexis, on the other hand, is terrified Rick will be killed. Kate’s shooting traumatized her — even more so, because Rick was standing so close to Kate and dove toward her, trying to push her out of the way. He could’ve taken the bullet instead of her. Alexis wants him to back off, but she doesn’t say it outright. Later they talk, though, and she asks him if Kate makes him happy. He says yes, of course. He’s in love with her. And Alexis seems to understand.

Kate fights through her PTSD with Castle’s help to take down a guy on a raid with Ryan and Esposito. Scary, but effective. She realizes she needs more therapy and returns to see the psychiatrist she saw while she was on leave. There, she comes clean… and finally admits she lied. To him, to herself, and to Rick… about not remembering anything about the shooting. She remembers it all, including Rick’s “I love you”.

Beckett and Castle are back — and better than ever, as far as I’m concerned. They now have a clear goal: solve her mom’s case (and her case, as well), so they can be together. Squee! Finally, they’re on the same page. I’m sure we’re in for a major roller coaster ride, but I’m ready. How ’bout you? I’d love to hear your thoughts on this blockbuster season premiere!

I couldn’t disagree more. But I’m watching the show for different reasons. However, this episode was a little light on police procedure so I was able to watch as a viewer this time and, honestly, I really didn’t like much of what I saw.

Am I the only person who noticed the parallels between this show and the last season opener—three month separation, Castle on the outside looking in  (as ALWAYS) while Beckett and pretty-boy smooch it up, she breaks up with the doc because she “needs something more,” Castle wears the sad puppy dog face while Beckett brushes him to the curb…etc. Do something new, folks!

You’ll be surprise to know, though, that I liked Lanie last night. She wasn’t offensive at all, and she sort of acted like a doctor. Well, except for her ride on Beckett’s stretcher while performing CPR on her injured friend. First of all, I wondered why she was doing the procedure on a patient who had a heartbeat and was breathing. Beckett didn’t code until she was in surgery. I know, it was a cool action shot. And I thought the surgery scene was nice.

Lanie’s “It’s a poor man’s suppressor” comment about the pillow used to silence the sound of a gunshot was a nice touch, for a change. You know, instead of her old-style comment that would have been something like, “The shooter held the pillow in his left hand. I know this because seven of the chicken feathers match the print of his ring finger. And, an eighth feather clearly indicates the shooter wore a gold ring that was purchased with an AMEX card in a pawn shop in Parsippany, N.J. on December 9th by a one-eyed, lice-infested sailor from Cincinnati.”

Yep, the poor man’s suppressor definitely works best. It’s less voodooey.

But, it’s time for the cop stuff…

Ryan and Espo examine a murder weapon, a sniper rifle. The weapon was supposed to be undergoing forensics testing, right? So why wasn’t it still in the lab, or in evidence under lock and key? Instead, they chose to contaminate it by having it on display on a desk in their office. By the way, if you’re attending the Writers’ Police Academy this week you’ll see some actual sniper rifles like the one used on this episode.

There’s a new captain in town, Victoria Gates, and I already don’t like the character. BUT, she said something that impressed me. And that was, “It’ll be a cold day in hell before I let a cop investigate her own shooting. My precinct is no place for vendetta.” Bravo! At least there’s one TV writer out there in goofy land who knows how it’s supposed to go in the real world.

Remember the scene when Beckett got her pistol back and she was walking side-by-side with Castle? Did you happen to notice she had it pointed directly at Castle when she was preparing to load it? And, did you see it when she slammed the magazine in place? Yep, the barrel was pointed at Castle’s head. BANG! Safety first, Kate!

Of course, just as the crew is heading inside a dangerous situation, Beckett racks the slide on her weapon. No! Cops always carry a round in the chamber.

How about the buttwipe who drew his weapon on Kate? Should she have shot him? He was pointing a weapon at her, wasn’t he? It’s a threat to her life, right? You bet she she should have shot him. And I can’t wait to see how the WPA recruits react to scenarios such as this during their FATS training. By the way, you could clearly see the hollowpoint rounds in the cylinder of the man’s revolver. Anyone notice that?

I don’t know what sort of blood-engorged folks live in NYC (human ticks, I suppose) but there’s no way a person would bleed completely through a thick queen-size mattress and onto the floor below, like the scene we saw last night. The human body doesn’t contain hundreds of gallons of the red stuff.

And the guy with the shotgun. Would you have shot him? Believe me, I wanted somebody to shoot somebody, anybody, just to end the show.

For me, this episode was just okay. And if it was a sign of what’s to come, well, it’s going to be a long season for me.

So what’s your reaction to this episode? Are you a good cop, or a bad cop?

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