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I have been thinking. You know, how all of us sometimes do. Contemplating. The various forms of art. And the influence that they have on the spectator. The mere mortal. This time around I shall be that mortal who has been profoundly influenced by a group of people who are true masters of their trade.

How else can I explain the fact that it feels like I am following the lives of my real life friends and family, not fictional characters? That I live and breathe with them, I dream about them, I talk to my friends about them. And I am not the only one. There are millions who are in the same boat as me. People who have been drawn into this fantastic story that is the TV show Castle.

I can’t even begin to imagine what it feels like to the creators of the show, the writers, the actors, the people behind the scenes – to realize that they touch so many people by their form of art. Do they feel powerful? Or humble? Or are they amazed that their work is capable of doing such a thing?

When it comes to the ultimate episode of this season “Always”, for me it can be summed up in one word – perfection. No matter which part of the creative process you might want to dissect, it all just works. The story, the pacing, the interactions between the characters, cinematography and directing, music and lighting, the acting – it definitely exceeded my wildest expectations.

The dynamic duo of the writing world, Andrew Marlowe and Terri Edda Miller have truly spun a spectacular, thrilling and moreover DEEP tale, that has left me, the mere mortal, with a myriad of emotions ranging from ecstatic joy and satisfaction to disbelief and shock. Now that is what I call art – the art of writing. It is truly admirable how the writers of this show have managed to tie together all the loose strings in 43 minutes. The tie ins, the tidbits of previously discussed issues, the “it’s over” and the depth of Alexis’ speech that somehow manages to resonate and touch upon all aspects of the story told.

Stana and Nathan. I can’t keep wondering whether they just act or actually live through it all.

The fierceness and determination in Stana’s expressions. The pain and conflict in Nathan’s. Their interaction between the lines is just stellar. The all-revealing fight, Castle’s admission, pleading and ILYs in conjunction with Beckett’s hurt and stubborn determination to put an end to all of this – that is the brilliance in the art of acting that has left me breathless and so deeply emotionally invested in their love story. The chemistry between those two actors is difficult to put into words as it just flows so naturally. The actors have used every single tool available to them to make that moment (and we all know which one) unforgettable. The conversation with their eyes, expressions and body language was even more profound than the actual words spoken out loud. The disbelieving, yet hopeful intake of air when Beckett kisses Castle and her desperate need to reconnect her lips with his spoke volumes of the inner turmoil that the two characters have been through. Beckett’s sorrys couldn’t have been more fitting. And when they finally succumb to their emotions and just let it all go – mere mortal in me died and went to heaven. The way he pushes her body with his, how she slides down the door as her knees turn to jelly, his face and lips touching her scar and her heart worshiping her, reaffirming her being alive and there with him, the way she clasps his hand with her own to place their joined digits over the scar, the looks, the sighs and the slight smiles and finally the joining of their mouths – and that is why I shall call that the hottest and most tender love scene I have ever seen on primetime TV. And to top it all, the gentleness and symbolism of their hands connecting, the almost twinkling smiles and Beckett biting her lip when leading the way towards their tomorrow was the perfect way to make every shipper’s heart explode with excitement.

But it not just our favourite leads that deserve the praise. The fantastic work of Seamus and Jon should be commended for their performance just as much. The painful portrayal of their their widening rift was expertly done. The two different views, the inner struggle that Ryan had to go through and Esposito’s continuous support of Beckett’s decisions added so much to the storyline. It is also impossible to miss the way Molly Quinn manages to portray the maturity and great empathy of Alexis, and Susan Sullivan’s Martha is the ever present voice of reason and support.

Now the beautiful storytelling and the amazing acting combined with the incredible direction from Rob Bowman, the stunning camerawork, staging and lighting and the intense musical score delivered to us by Robert Duncan and the almost haunting song by Andrew Belle has given us a chance to witness truly spectacular work of art that cannot be labeled as JUST a TV show.

Thinking back it seems time has flown at an incredible pace since I last spent time trying to figure out what answers we will be given in this grand finale of the season and what new questions will arise. Where the cunning storytellers will leave us hanging. And I kept wondering what the cliffhanger will most likely be. Surprise, surprise. It is not just the one, it is MANY. They have left us a wide range of things to speculate over. What will the morning after be like? Does Beckett want her job back? Any regrets? Does Castle truly accept her apologies? Does Javi ever speak to Kevin again? What’s Gate’s deal in all of this mess? Does Smith live or die? Will they hunt down Beckett again, when she has finally found peace?

I could go on and on and on about the brilliance that “Always” is, there is just so much to take note of and explore deeper. Despite me having watched it six times now, I will be hitting that repeat button again and again. I cannot begin to thank the amazing writers, cast and crew of Castle for giving me the opportunity to follow this tale. I wish I could shake each and every hand that made it possible for us to enjoy this piece of art.

And now my mere mortal self will go die some more and watch it all over again.

End note. Is it September yet?

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“Always” answered one big question and created so many more.

• Montgomery’s friend will probably be tortured. Will he give up the blackmail info? Has he set it up to go to the media, Beckett or Castle?
•  Who will be the first to find out about Castle and Beckett? Martha? Lanie? Alexis? Comedy will follow.
• Esposito is closer to Beckett’s personality and Ryan is closer to Castle’s. Will they have their own very platonic shut the front door moment?
• How angry is Esposito at Beckett? He stuck his neck out and she just quits and leaves him standing there.
• They are coming after Beckett but she has more resources than your average detective. There are people and agencies who owe Castle and her a favor.
• Both she and Castle helped an unnamed Federal security agency (Men in Black)
• Caskett helped DHS save the city from a dirty bomb. Okay they saved the city.
•  Caskett helped the CIA prevent the murder of a young Asian girl and possibly the collapse of the USA
• She has intangible resources.
• Castle’s mystery dad may have serious pull in the CIA.
• Castle’s huge fan base may prove helpful.

Unlike some other shows, Castle and Beckett getting together creates tension and puts Castle, Martha and Alexis in danger.

I am very happy and satisfied with the season finale and hunger for next season to begin how about you? What questions do you think this raises for Season 5?

 

This is a member contributed article. Would you like to submit an article or episode review? Use our submission form to contribute.

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I have recently been heard saying that I have an unhealthy addiction to ABC’s hit show Castle. Never before have I found my self so engrossed so in sync and so obsessed with a television show. Castle is a show that speaks to my inner fears and my inner child, a show that has characters and situations so full of joy and sorrow, pain and love; people and situations that are at once so real and so fanciful that it is easy to fall into the story and invest in the characters, a show that epitomizes the humanness we all share. The season 4 finale is no exception to this, to be fair it actually served to heighten my awareness as to why I love this show as much as I do.

“Always”, an apt name for the season 4 finale, a simple word when taken at face value; however for the characters of Castle this word comes to means so much more. In this episode the word “always” become an expression that defines the charters of the 12th precinct. We see this simple word in Richard Castles strength and fears, Javier Esposito’s devoted loyalty, Kevin Ryan’s goodness and righteousness and Kate Beckett’s weakness, ferocity and ultimately in her redemption. I would even go as far as to say we see it in the surprise on Captain Gates’ face when Kate resigns. I dare say in this we see a glimpse of Gates’ compassion.

This episode starts out so sweet and hopeful with a coffee at a crime scene and friends talking about life and change. A much happier Castle and Beckett than we have seen in sometime. A possible date for the writer and his muse offers us a glimmer of hope we so desperately want to see, but all too soon it is eclipsed by the clouds that so often color our lives. Beckett’s wound is reopened and Castles fears are rekindled as we see the show take a turn into stormy waters. Beckett asks castle to say something reassuring and we as an audience hold our breath in anticipation. This is where the roller coaster that is “Always” starts to gain momentum and we find ourselves in for a real ride.

I have to admit that I did love the last scene when Kate comes to Castle’s apartment after figuring out what it is she really wants, really needs. I found that scene to be true to the characters, all at once sweet, heart wrenching, vulnerable, passionate and in a word; perfect in the imperfection of these characters. And while I really loved this scene and have gone back to it time and again my favorite scene hands down was when castle confesses his lie, and his truth to Beckett in her apartment. Castle just lays it on the line, his fierce devotion to her and the way she cuts him is so obvious and raw I was completely mesmerized. Rick Castle’s desperation for her to understand and to see him is so heart felt and moving I found myself forgetting to breathe. I loved how Castle left in the end saying he couldn’t watch her throw her life away. He came to a breaking point in this scene and it was lovely and heart breaking to watch. Kate in this scene was just as powerful. We see a woman warrior, strength and fierceness in her like we have not seen before and while her need for justice and truth is strong and intense we see it for what it is, her biggest strength as well as her greatest fault.

In the roof top scene we see the fierceness in the Detective’s need for answers and closure. Kate is determined and strong, so sure of her self when she gives chase to Maddox, however when he catches her and garbs her by the throat we see fear like we rarely see in her. I loved how Maddox throws her away and she looks up eyes full of the desperation that defines her and begs him to tell her who is behind this. We see how she wants to get past this part of her life but her drive for truth and justice can not be denied. We than see a resolve in her as she rushes him, followed by enlightenment as she hangs from that roof and realizes her need for Castle, her love for him and his for her. She realizes that she has to move on, wants to move on. We see her deep need and pain at this realization and in her face when she sees Ryan not Castle has pulled her to the roof top. We see her devotion to her mother’s case start to crumble and start to be replaced with an awareness of the devotion Castle and her friends have for her and her for them, she suddenly sees the value of that devotion with clear eyes for the first time.

We see this fierce devotion also play out in the character of Esposito throughout this episode. Esposito I think best understands Kate’s need for resolve and her blinded drive when it comes to her mother’s case. He is the true friend the one that never backs down and always has your back. He defends her, helps her and supports her in a way we all want and need. It is raw and human, this relationship the two detectives share, unspoken and unshakable. Esposito is the embodiment of the “always” friend. This is why I think he sees Ryan’s actions towards the end of the episode as a betrayal, a betrayal that the partners will not recover from easily.

Ryan is the character of quiet resolve the one who upholds right from wrong and while sometimes he toes the line he never crosses it. He is torn between his devotion to his friends and what he knows is right, he is the voice of reason. Kevin Ryan is in every way devoted to his partners; his devotion is not however without blinders. He sees the dangers his partners are headed into and his fears and concern dictate action of a different sort. Ryan, always the follower moves forward in a new and unexpected way and while his actions do result in discipline against Esposito and Beckett it also ultimately saves their lives, a fact I do not think is lost on Beckett. Ryan is left in the precinct alone having made the ultimate sacrifice, one that has unwittingly saved Beckett in more ways than one.

In Gates’ office we see Esposito and Beckett showing a unified front but on different pages. Esposito is angry and hurt but in Beckett we see something else. What starts as defiance and defensiveness changes and in a moment of pure inspiration a small smile crosses her face as she looks at her badge, now seen for what it is a tether to something she does not want to be bound by any longer, and throws it on to Gates desk and resigns. In this moment we see Kate has broken through that wall, a deep realization of what is important, there is a hopefulness we have yet to see in her, a realization that her mother’s murder and her own past do not have to define her. It is in this moment we see a glimmer of Kate’s redemption. In turn we also see shock and confusion and finally a bit of understanding in Gates. I think there is compassion in Gates, she can now see Kate for who she is, it become evident to her that this case that causes Beckett to be so out of control perhaps has served a higher good. Gates sees the inner struggle that defines Beckett and feels compassion for the detective a compassion that I believe will continue into next season.

With new found strength and resolve Beckett returns to where she and Castles relationship took its first turn this season, the swing set. It is here that a truth becomes apparent to her. The truth of what she wants, who she is and what she needs to do slowly makes it self seen and it is beautiful to see. But has she come to the realization to late? We see Castles resolve steal as he ignores Beckett’s call and he throws her mother’s case in the trash on the murder board. It is now Beckett’s turn to chase, to convince Castle she is ready. When Castle sees her soaked with rain on his door step it is not concern or love we see in his eyes, it is something else something dark. He is angry and unsure of her now, a fact that Beckett ignores and with the determination that has always defined the detective she moves for him and kisses him. Rick Castle is confused and scared he is afraid of where this is coming from.

It is here I wanted to hear Kate say those words; tell Rick that she loves him. But instead she stammers that she is sorry and repeats it over and over again, and somehow this is so much more satisfying and real to me in this moment than a confession of love would have been. Castle pulls away he has to know does this Kate need him to dull her pain or is it something else. He looks into her eyes and he sees for the first time that which he and we have longed to see there, truth and openness. Something has changed in her and he sees it and rejoices in it. As the two collide they are fierce and needy just as they have been for the past four years but as he sees her scar and she shares it with him, a symbol for all they have gone through, their passion becomes soft and sweet. The ring that once belonged to Kate’s mother, a symbol of her need for closure is now absent, no longer the anchor is once was, a small smile creeps onto Beckett’s face as they clasp hands, happy in that moment, happy in each other. It is a beautiful scene full of fear, sadness, hope, devotion and redemption and for just a few minutes they can see a future. we as an audience rejoice in this small bit of joy as the characters take a moment to really see each other for the first time. Is this happily ever after? Certainly not, it is the start of something new something different. At times it will be happy and joyful but it will also be messy and painful because life, like that scar on Kate’s chest, is imperfect and Castle is nothing if not a reflection of life.

I love this show called Castle and just when I thought I could not make a greater investment in it and it’s charters along comes an episode that takes all of the things I love about this show to new heights and provides me with a new understanding not only about the beloved characters but about myself as well. Am I hopeless obsessed with this television show? Yes, however the finale episode of this season served to show me that it is not an unhealthy obsession after all. It is an obsession based on the truth and humanness of the characters and stories; it serves as a sort of reflection of what it is to be human and has provided me with a therapy of sorts. Castle has echoed my own life in many ways and I have connected with theses characters in a way that has surprised me over the last four years. It has helped me to step back and see what it is that is important, see who I am and who I want to be. Life is complicated, it is full of joy and fears, loss and love, it is at once messy and wonderful and I will be grateful, always, to all of the people who have worked so hard on Castle for giving me this.

This is a member contributed article. Would you like to submit an article or episode review? Use our submission form to contribute.

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Check-in on GetGlue

It may be a universal truth that most graduation speeches are often full of pomp and baloney, signifying empty platitudes of saving the world and being the first generation to care. Alexis’ speech is nothing like that.

Earlier she and Rick had discussed speeches and how asinine they could be, and Alexis reveals that she is afraid of moving on. Rick can agree with the honesty and truth of that statement, for he is caught up in that dynamic. And so with her usual clarity and honesty, Alexis delivers the theme- unifying speech that becomes the central metaphor and the voice over in the last intimate scenes of “Always”.

Alexis understands the universal truth that everything eventually ends: “Endings are inevitable.” She continues: “We say goodbye to everything that is comfortable.” Martha and Rick listen carefully and the words resonate with Rick particularly. “Some people who are so much a part of us will be with us no matter what. They are our solid ground, our North Star, and the small, clear voices in our hearts that will be with us always.”

And so, ironically, some things come to an end in an episode entitled “Always” and some relationships are sorely charged and teetering on the brink of extinction. Kate is suspended from her beloved force for failure to report to Gates her commanding officer and for basically going rogue to solve her mother’s case.

Javier, her brother in arms, backs her to the hilt and is also suspended, leaving Kevin, his partner, alone, and torn apart with the departure of his two best friends. Hurt and angry at being called unfit to wear the uniform, among other things, Kate lays down her shield and resigns, all three of the partners torn asunder.

It had not started out this way, of course, with everyone divided, and the world upside down. Actually it did in some ways. It began three days earlier with Kate hanging on the edge of destruction from a roof top in peril for her life. Flashing back three days in time from that event, we find a man, Orlando Costas, murdered, and Kate and her team reporting for duty. Apparently Captain Montgomery’s house was burglarized with files and his computer missing. Indeed this development sends up all kinds of red flags
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As it turns out the man was murdered by the same man who attempted to kill Kate. This is the proverbial dropping of the other shoe. For eleven months Rick has endeavored to keep Kate’s mother’s murder off the radar and keep Kate safe.

For Rick has been the guarantor of Kate’s life; it is he who must stop her from pursuing the case or “they” will kill her. He has been successful thus far, and it is his darkest secret, the secret that keeps Kate alive, and the secret that will destroy his relationship with Kate forever, should she find out.

Indeed, “Always” is a power-packed episode, jaw drooping in its intensity, in fact. Our collective jaws dropped more than once, and a universal gasp of relief, of disbelief, of hallelujah resounded across the continent and across the seas, wherever Castle fans gathered.

We were stunned, relieved, we stalwart, dedicated Castle devotees. Indeed, I say relieved because for more than a month we have been in an over-stimulated state of excitement, riding the waves of fear, joy, angst, highs, lows, apprehension, second guessing every nuance, every promo, watching videos, staging marathons, searching out clues, did he say this then, did you catch that gesture or that character’s presence. What will happen?

Will our would-be lovers be cruelly wrenched apart as has happened for the last three seasons, the first season because of a betrayal, the second season because of another man or woman and the third because of a bullet?

Ironically, “Always”, the word, and the finale title, is the most treasured word in Rick’s and Kate’s lexicon. It is their code word for their unspoken love and speaks of their promise and pledge to be there for each other, to have each other’s back, and to love unconditionally. It has only been used once in season four, so special it is.

Did “Always” deliver? Triple yes! Is everything resolved and conveniently tied up? No! Many threads still need to be resolved. For example, Mr. Smith seems in danger for his life and the conspirators are still after Kate as we learn in the final scene. Other personal issues and themes will need to be addressed. But “Always” to quote a few wise folks, is “more than enough for now.”

However, looking back at Castle scenes from across the seasons, and by examining the writers’ carefully constructed scenes and parallel events, we see the symbolic and additional layers of meaning, of continuity of themes and of subtext which enrich our understanding of our main characters and their motivations.

Without a doubt, season three’s finale “Knockdown” and this year’s finale “Always” have many similarities of issues and reactions and so poignantly parallel each other, with Rick pleading with Kate in both instances to stand down, to walk away and not to pursue her mother’s killer, for if she does not stop, they will kill her. Trying to convince her, in “Knockout,” Rick beseeches her to think about her father and her boyfriend Josh and the people who love her.

Turning the tables, however, Kate significantly asks: “What about you, Rick?” Rick replies that he is “her partner and her friend,” and Kate responds: “Is that what we are?”

After a colossal fight, Kate throws Rick out of her apartment, declaring that they are over. That time Rick departs, without another word; he cannot tell her he loves her; of all ironies, Rick the writer has lost his words, his voice, only professing his love at the last minute as Kate lay near death, struck by a sniper’s bullet.

The similarities of the two finales abound, starting with the issues; Rick must get Kate to stand down or lose her life. As she does in “Knockout” she contends it is her life to lose. In “Always” Rick must speak up or lose her forever.

This time he openly declares himself: “I love you, Kate…if you feel anything at all for me, don’t do this.” Rick’s heart is stripped bare with his passion and love for Kate, his need to make her understand, his desire to save her from those who will kill her. There is no price he will not pay.

But once again, Kate will not listen, and through questioning him, learns that Rick has been sitting on evidence for eleven months. He tells her he does this because he loves her. He explains that he was the one to guarantee her safety, for “someone had to make sure you weren’t pursuing it.”

Feeling so betrayed, Kate rails at Rick: “Why should I listen to you. How am I supposed to trust anything you say?” This remark is the most heart breaking because she should know Rick and his character. They have been through so much with each other. How can she not see his loyalty, love and desire for her, and his presence through every trial?

With tears in his eyes Rick cries out: “I am more than your partner…. Four years I have been right here; four years I’ve been waiting for you to open your eyes and see that I am right here.” The writer, the protector has found more than his voice.

And then he adds one of the most profound and endearing remarks: “Every morning I bring you a cup of coffee just to see a smile on your face.” The man who taught her to believe in the hope of tomorrow is completely undone.

He realizes nothing he can say will change her mind, and like its counterpart scene in “Knockout,” he leaves but with one difference. He tells her it is over. It is her life to throw away or do with as she pleases, but he adds, “I am not going to stick around and watch you.” He cannot stand by and watch her die.

Interestingly “Always” also mirrors and parallels a scene in “To Love and die in LA” a scene perhaps the ultimate metaphor for Castle. Seated intimately together in their suite, Rick confesses: “I am amazed at the depths of your strength and your heart.” The moment is emotionally charged, each one staring into the other’s eyes, knowing that so much more is meant and so much not said.

Now, exposed by their mutual desire, afraid of a casual affair, of losing herself and her friend, Kate quickly retires to her own room, Rick calling her name after her. But Kate has shut the door.

Rick waits. Behind the closed door, we see Kate’s wrenching decision process. Running her hands through her hair, anguish and indecision written on her face, Kate decides, and reaches for the door handle with an unsteady hand. Will she walk through this barrier and go to Rick? With its soul- searching and intensity, this scene obviously echoes the swing set scene in “Always” but the outcome is so different now.

Still there, Rick waits for the woman he loves to make a choice and come to him. Seconds pound, or does time stand still. She chooses him. When Kate, however, finally opens the door to go to Rick, it is too late. Humbled or rejected, disheartened, Rick has retreated to his own room. Kate watches his door shut, firm.

Brokenly sad, Josh Ritter’s plaintive song and words echo Rick’s unspoken thoughts:

“And I keep me in a vacant lot, in the ivy and forget-me-nots, hoping you will come and untangle me one of these days. Come and find me now.”

In “Always” Kate does just that. She runs to Rick and seeks him out, the man she loves, this time with different results. And in finding him she finds herself.

On their way home from LA, Kate reads her late mentor’s words to her: “Risking our hearts is why we’re alive. The last thing you’d want is to look back on your life and wonder if only.” Royce’s words echo Rick and Kate’s long ago discussion. Then, Kate asks Rick why risk love “when he will only disappoint you.” Perhaps Royce joins Rick in replying: “The heart wants what the heart wants.”

What is it that Kate’s heart wants? Rick is there for her always, fulfilling her personal wish. She is safe with him. Truly there is no price he will not pay to keep her safe as she now knows in “Always”.

They laugh together, finish each other’s sentences, enjoy movies, games, comics and super heroes on the same level, not to mention his muscle car, hamburgers and shakes, and, of course, the loving cups of coffee.

Rick is a family man, there for his daughter at all times; When Kate asks him on numerous occasions, “What will you tell Alexis?” he always answers: “the truth.” He is honorable and loyal.

Who can deny a man who loves his mother and treats her with infinite kindness? Rick has become the man he always was. And he loves her without reservation. Kate is bereft when he leaves her. He finds her extraordinary, “remarkable, maddening, challenging and frustrating,” and he still loves her. Rick sets Kate’s pulse pounding; he teases her and uplifts her daily.

Moving on, suspended, and now resigned from the force, Kate wrestles with decisions and thoughts about her future. Seated on the swing, in a scene mirroring their meeting in “Rise,” Kate thinks about her life and its direction.

The rain storm rages. The chains intertwined and strong remind her of Rick’s love and of their meeting here so many months ago. So readily Rick accepted her after months of his own loneliness, with love and a pledge to give her time and space and to wait for her, never trespassing. Will he take her back now? She cannot let him go.

And all the while Alexis’ poignant speech provides background, texture and the ultimate voice over:

“Some people who are so much a part of us will be with us no matter what. They are our solid ground, our North Star, and the small, clear voices in our hearts that will be with us always.”

Kate leaves the swing set; she leaves her walls; she leaves her mother’s case; she runs to Rick.

Unsure of her, Rick opens the door, and drenched from the rain, Kate approaches Rick saying, “I only want you.” When hanging on to that ledge, all Kate could do was cry out for Castle, the only one who mattered, the one who would save her again and again. He was not there because she had driven him away, but he was all she wanted.

With outstretched arms, looking at Rick tenderly, Kate reaches out to touch Rick’s face, her partner, her friend, her love. Crying out how sorry she is, Kate searches his familiar face, his eyes that know her so well, her heart tripping, her eyes tearing, love etched on her face.

Kate loves him without limits. She no longer cares about the case; he is all that matters; he is her solid ground, the clear voice in her heart, with her always. Finally their mutual need for each other engulfs them, as the storm shatters and light illuminates them. Their hunger for each other is so raw, emotionally intense, demanding and real.

Rick opens her blouse to touch the healed wound to her heart, and hand guiding hand, they caress the scar and her heart. Heart to heart, two lovers seek respite. Kate and Rick reach out for each other, their pulses pound, mouths meet, lips lock, tongues taste the essence, the core of the beloved, searching souls unite, hands clasp hands and fingers intertwine. He is her North Star and at last she is home.

 

This is a member contributed article. Would you like to submit an article or episode review? Use our submission form to contribute.

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Check-in on GetGlue

Always in one (run-on) sentence: Castle and Beckett ….. *faint*

Sorry folks I can’t play this like a normal episode review because this was just not a normal episode. It was so much more than that. In fact, I don’t know how a review can even do it justice. Even so I will endeavor to try.

Before I get into the really epic bits, I wanted to call attention to the little moments that would have been huge in any other episode, yet here were afterthoughts. Think about it. We had Castle ask Beckett on a date. We had her accept said invitation with a grin. We had hand holding in the precinct. We had brilliant lines about smart phones and requested reassurances. We had emotionally charged interrogations – “Dead! In a gutter! At nineteen!” All those things would have been the highlights in other circumstances. Instead in this brilliant episode they were reduced to secondary thoughts. That speaks to the incredible ride of “Always”. Even the sidebars were top class.

Now onto the meat of the story. In an episode that was all about Castle and Beckett, somehow, some way Ryan and Esposito still managed to shine. It reminded me of “Knockdown”, the way they both struggled with the implications of the case. Except this time there was no making up, there was no middle ground. We saw two friends – partners – pitted against each other and it was heartbreaking. Ryan’s doubt early on was a sign that things would reach a tipping point, one that would force him to choose. The ever-loyal Esposito was always going to follow Beckett down the rabbit hole no matter where she led him. But Ryan has always marched to a slightly different beat, more apt to side with Castle’s line of thinking.

We may not have noticed it at the time, but this conflict has been set up from the beginning. Even “Undead Again” hinted at it with Beckett and Esposito on one side and Castle and Ryan on the other. It’s been the theme of many an episode but only now did it have very big, very real implications. The most heartbreaking part however, was that Ryan didn’t have Castle to fall back on in this case. He was left on an island and he made the tough choice on his own. It was the right choice and it showed a level of growth in the character – he was his own man, making the grown up decision. He paid for that decision though. And the last we saw of him, he was alone. Seamus Dever deserves so much recognition for his work in this episode.

A warning. This review is about to devolve into gushing. So be prepared.

The scene. THE Scene. My heart is racing just thinking about it. Castle laid all the cards on the table. He came clean about his secret. And perfection ensued.

I’m dead serious. That scene was perfect. P-E-R-F-E-C-T. And I’m not just talking about the incredible acting of Nathan Fillion, who did more than knock this one out of the park. That ball is still orbiting the earth because he hit is so perfectly (another warning – I am about to overuse that word, deal with it). The hitch in his voice, the way he had to clear his throat, it took my breath away. The tears in his eyes brought tears to mine. It was heartbreaking. It was raw. It was perfection. Episode writer Terri Miller teed him up with epic material and he did not waste his swing. A bottom of the ninth, two outs, two strikes, bases loaded, Grand Slam.

And I’m not just talking about the marvelous Stana Katic, the master of the subtle facial expression. I didn’t truly appreciate her performance until my second watch through (the first of many), but the way her face moves from excitement to confusion to devastation before hardening back into a mask of defiance – it was genius. The way her voice waivers when she delivers the line “by lying to me?” – it was incredible. The way her jaw clenches and her lip trembles when he walks away – was perfect.

Yes, the writing and the acting were brilliant, but it was the the little things that really blew me away. The lighting. The music. The staging. The way their movements were so carefully choreographed. Castle stepped between Beckett and her make-shift murder board before he urged her to stop. The physical representation of his words, he put himself between her and the case. Then Beckett turned and walked to stand in front of the painting of the woman in the purple coat – which, if you haven’t taken a close look at it, shows a woman on a bridge with planes falling out of the sky behind her, in a chaotic war zone. Again, imagery to show the internal turmoil.

Perfection. If you haven’t watched that scene again, I urge you to do so. Pay attention to the little things. P-E-R-F-E-C-T

And really, the perfection just continued.

When Beckett was hanging from the ledge and she kept saying Castle’s name, even after it was Ryan who came to her rescue, she kept asking for Castle. It was a turning point. This near-death experience was a conscious one for her. It forced her to recognize what was important to her. And when she turned in her badge, it sealed the deal.

Which brings me to the swings and the speech. What a stunning mix of video and audio. The message of Alexis’ wonderfully genuine and understated valedictorian speech about moving on (credit to Molly Quinn for having the chops to deliver it so beautifully), played over the image of Beckett alone on the swings clearly making a decision to move on, but not from Castle – from her mother’s murder. Tired of perfect yet? Because I’m not.

And then. And then! After all that perfection. They hit us with more.

Here I really have to call attention to the brilliance of Robert Duncan, Castle’s music composer. There is a lot I could say about the kiss and everything before and after it. I could gush about the way she answers his question. Or the brilliance of having him pull away at first. Or the absolute necessity of the “I’m sorry.” I could squee over how incredibly hot it is that they literally shut the front door with the kiss. I could swoon over the beauty of her putting his hand on her scar. I could faint at the image of the light glowing between their lips. Or the way her fingers are shaking when she takes his hand.

But I won’t. Instead I urge you to go to pull up that scene – the whole scene. And just listen to it. Don’t watch just listen. Only then will you truly understand what I mean when I say that Robert Duncan’s score for this episode was, say it with me now, perfect. P-E-R-F-E-C-T.

Now where do we go from here? Who knows. But they’ve set up so much to be answered in season 5. The dragon is still after Beckett, and how cruel that is considering her decision to move on. She may be leaving her mother’s case behind, but it won’t let her go easily. Beckett has quite the force, how will they bring her back into the fold? Ryan is on the outs with his partners, the team is broken up. How will they resolve that conflict. Alexis is off to college. How will Castle handle that? And of course, the shipper’s biggest question: Will it be Castle or Beckett who make the pancakes in the premiere?

I know I can’t wait. Can you?