———

The producers and writers of “Castle” have often referred to certain 30’s and 40’s films as source material, not just for episodes like “The Blue Butterfly” or “Cuffed”, but as touchstones for the overall relationship dynamic between Castle and Beckett. Some of these films are called “romance comedies” or “comedies of remarriage”: these films involve mature men and women who are either meeting for the first time, or (more often) they have been married to each other, or had a relationship earlier that failed and now one or both of them are trying to make it happen again. Much of their connection is through what has been called “talking rapport” — the kind of smart linguistic lovemaking “Castle” fans associate with the mutual eroticism of crime solving that Castle and Beckett indulge in. Another related set of these films are “romance thrillers”, involving a romantic couple in trouble with the law or trying to solve a murder. And a third category is the “detective romance” — a male detective becomes involved with a smart, sometimes shady, woman in the course of a case. Many of these films are openly or secretly referenced in Castle.

These are some of the greatest, and most fun films ever. While one awaits Season 5 of our favourite show, here are twelve of these classics, in order of their release:

1) Twentieth Century (1932). This is the original so-called screwball comedy, involving the great John Barrymore as a maniac theatre director and his nemesis, the one and only Carole Lombard as the young ingenue he turned into a star, and lost. The “Twentieth Century” is a train that is heading for Chicago with the two of them wildly catfighting their way back into each other’s lives.

2) The Thin Man (1934). William Powell and Myrna Loy as a pair of married, sophisticated on-the-towners, one of whom (Powell) is a detective. There is a lot of drinking and repartee between the two as the case unfolds. The Thin Man was originally a hard-boiled detective story by Dashiell Hammett, but Powell and Loy turned it into something else, a form of serious frivolity. There were four or five sequels, all of which are fun and worth watching, though towards the end dogs and babies began to drag it all down.

3) The Thirty-Nine Steps (1935). Robert Donat and Madeleine Carroll in an early Hitchcock film of the John Buchan novel. There is a spy mystery, a chase through the Scottish highlands, and the bickering couple find themselves handcuffed together long enough to fall in love and foil the evil villain’s plans.

4) It Happened One Night (1936). This was the movie that made Clark Gable and Claudette Colbert into huge stars. A simple tale of a journalist following an escaping bride through middle America. The most famous scene takes place in a small roadside motel where the two of them end up sleeping in the same room, thus requiring the creation of a wall between them using a rope and a blanket. The “coming down of the wall” between them is the rest of the movie.

5) The Moon’s Our Home (1936). This film is almost impossible to find, but it is perhaps the sweetest and most romantic of the screwball comedies. It involves Margaret Sullavan and Henry Fonda as the two young confused lovers (she’s an actress; he’s a novelist) who spend the film in city and country almost making their marriage work — they were married briefly to each other in real life, which gives the film a special quality.

6) The Awful Truth (1937). Cary Grant and Irene Dunne as a married couple who decide to get divorced out of a series of mutual misunderstandings and mistakes, and the last part of the film takes place in the 24 desperate hours before the divorce decree becomes official.

7) Bringing Up Baby (1938). Katharine Hepburn and Cary Grant in probably the best of the screwball comedies. Directed by Howard Hawks, the film involves a shy paleontologist, a wacky socialite, a dinosaur bone, and two leopards. Towards the end of the film, a kind of ‘midsummer night’s dream’ arrives as the two would-be lovers get lost in the woods of Connecticut.

The Philadelphia Story (1940). The gold standard of these films. Cary Grant and Katharine Hepburns as divorced lovers on the eve of her new marriage to another man. Cary Grant is determined to get her back through every trick in the book. Among the other temptations Katharine Hepburn faces is Jimmy Stewart as a journalist sent to cover the wedding.

9) His Girl Friday (1940). Rosalind Russell and Cary Grant as two hotshot reporters who, in the past, were too busy scooping each other to keep their relationship working. Now they find themselves working on a prison break, while Cary Grant does everything he can to sabotage her new boyfriend (the ever dopy Ralph Bellamy). This whole movie is a fast-paced blur of snappy comedy.

10) To Have and Have Not (1944). Humphrey Bogart and Lauren Bacall in a film version of a Hemingway story. This film introduced Bacall to audiences. What makes it work — like all these films — is that the man and the woman immediately create a “talking rapport” which leaves everybody else as outsiders. The other major film with the two of them is The Big Sleep (1946).

11) Adam’s Rib (1949). There are a number of Spencer Tracy and Katherine Hepburn films with them as a battling couple. This is probably the best, in part because it involves the young Judy Holliday; and a murder case that threatens the marriage of the two lawyers on opposite sides of the courtroom.

12) North By Northwest (1959). More Cary Grant and another train ride. Grant is subject to a case of mistaken identity, and he has to run for his life, accused of murder. Along the way he meets Eva Marie Saint, a cool dangerous blonde who is not what she seems. They have a love affair which ends in a chase along the heads of the 4 presidents carved into Mount Rushmore, and the heroine dangling from a precipice.

I could have picked another five or ten — for instance, a couple of Alan Ladd and Veronica Lake features (e.g. The Blue Dahlia) but these are a good start.

———

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?

———

“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?

Tickets are $25 at the door (Cash Only). And you MUST make reservations at M Bar in advance to secure a table… just call 323-856-0036.

Back in the 80s .. before half the people reading this post were even born, there was a wonderful little quirky and awesomely fun show called “Moonlighting”.  And while they show was phenomenally popular, a ratings hit and winner of many awards including Emmys (being nominated in bout Humour AND Drama) and People’s Choice Awards… but along the way, something went wrong and the “Moonlighting Curse” was born.

Somehow however, the REASON for the show’s failure was inappropriately and incorrectly blamed on the “getting together” of the two main characters.  We always planned to write a detailed article on just what really did go wrong with Moonlighting but it’s one of those things that has taken time and while we were carefully researching to make sure we got all our facts straight this ended up quite time consuming and the task kept getting pushed aside.  But to sum up…

1. The Writers Strike
   Due to the writers strike there were breaks in writing/filming/airing episodes
2. Not  meeting deadlines
   The show production was often running late meaning they missed deadlines to be able to air on time
3. Time Slot changes & preemption
   Moonlighting’s regular time slot was Tuesdays but part way through season 5 it was shifted to Sunday nights and ratings dropped dramatically. The show was also preempted numerous times (mostly due to reason 2 above)
4. Cybil Sheppard’s difficult pregnancy with twins
5. Bruce Willis being busy filming Die Hard
6. Bad bad bad writing
   For the better part of a whole season the two main characters who’s simultaneous banter the show relied on were not in a single scene together (see points 4 & 5). And when they finally DID bring the two characters together Maddy had spontaneously married to a random stranger (yes, really!)

Needless to say, NONE of these things was about the two main characters getting together but somehow the “Moonlighting Curse” was born and is still used today as an excuse to avoid getting characters together for fear of “losing sexual tension that keeps viewers coming back”.

Anyone who’s followed Castle Creator Andrew Marlowe’s interviews over the years will know that Andrew is NOT a believer in the “Moonlighting Curse” and he knows first hand that relationships don’t have to get boring the minute they begin (see our Spoiler Zone for links on Marlowe’s most recent interviews and follow @AndrewWMarlowe and his wife and co-writer @TerriEdda on twitter to see just how fun their long-term marriage is).

We don’t believe in “the curse” either and we know that most of you agree that there are still plenty exiting stories to tell with Castle & Beckett now that they’re beginning this new stage of their relationship.

If you w0uld like to express your agreement with this thought, help us right now to get #ThereIsNoCurse trending on twitter. Let’s show all the disbelievers out there that we’re excited about seeing the next stage of the Castle-Beckett relationship. (Please refrain from aggressive comments when you tweet and remember that ABC themselves support Marlowe’s plan).

While you tweet, remember to mention why you’re tweeting the tag so that when people see it trend and search the word on twitter they’ll see our excitement about Castle.

Check it here and add your own thoughts via the link: www.tvfanatic.com

One of their biggest challenges, of course, is the threat to Beckett’s life—in the handsome form of Tahmoh Penikett, revealed as her attempted assassin and hatchet man for the conspirators

While Castle and Beckett came together, “We blow Ryan [Seamus Dever] and Esposito [Jon Huertas] apart in this episode,” says Marlowe. “Beckett has resigned from the force, so there is a lot of picking up the pieces that we’re going to have to do next year that we’re really excited about.”

“A lot of it really isn’t about changing the show,” Marlowe told us. “It’s about re-embracing the fundamental values of the show, realigning it and growing the characters so we can take a really fresh approach next season.”

Source: E Online 

Marlowe points to classic romances — like those featured in The Thin Man (1934), The Philadelphia Story, and Adam’s Rib (1949) — as his inspiration and the best reference point for the “romantic-comedy fun” that’s to come. “We think these guys can support and sustain that for a long time as we continue to evolve their relationship and both of them as characters,” he says. “We are absolutely convinced we’re going to have a lot of fun in the next several years with these guys as we see what that relationship looks like, because it ain’t necessarily going to be smooth sailing. I think the bumps that come along the way are going to be really fun and funny.”

In fact, he adds, that’s one of the main reasons the show decided to take the plunge now: fun. After a season that has had more than its fair share of angst and dark moments, he wanted a chance to “recommit” to the fundamentals of the show. “What we’re hoping is that getting over this hump of will-they-won’t-they will help us get back to some of the fun stuff we were able to do in the first couple of seasons — her grabbing his nose or grabbing his ear — and the back and forth. Them getting together will allow for that,” he says. “But the sexual tension of the relationship, I don’t know if that goes away when they’re together as long as you handle it well.”

But what of the rest of the story? Beckett’s resignation from the force? Esposito and Ryan’s falling out? And the big threat that we now know looms over Kate? “We’ll put the pieces back together in an interesting way,” he promises. “It gives us a natural launch point for next season — with both relationship stuff and [other] stakes that we’re going to enjoy playing with at the beginning of next year before we pick up all the pieces.”

Above all, he says, “We felt like it was time to get the characters together.” And we have to agree

Source: Entertainment Weekly

“I haven’t quite nailed it down, but I do think everybody is going to want to see what the aftermath looks like,” Marlowe says. “They are going to want to see what it looks like when they wake up in the morning. And I think that’s a promise that we have to honor.”

Season 4 got a little dark and stressful with Castle and Beckett too wrapped up in secrets to have as much of their usual banter, but Marlowe promises Season 5 will have that trademark “Castle” playfulness.

“[Season 4] we feel has been very creatively successful, but it’s also been a little angsty for our characters. [We're excited] to be able to get on the other side of that angst and to open that up into a little bit more of the fun that we had in [Seasons] 1 through 3,” he says. “We’re looking forward to getting to that and dealing with the two characters in a relationship, what that relationship is going to look like and the challenges that they’re going to have.”

Things won’t go smoothly just because the characters finally gave into their feelings for each other. “Castle’s not going to stop being Castle once they’re in a relationship, and Beckett is not going to stop being Beckett. Out of a relationship or in a relationship, they’re still going to drive each other crazy. There’s still a lot of fun to be had.”

Source: Zap 2 it

And as an overall season, one of the things we’re looking to do is re-embrace the fun of the show, so there will certainly be some heavy elements we are dealing with in the season finale, but I don’t want the audience to think that’s going to be the experience of all the fifth season. That’s not going to be the case. We want to deal with the issues that we’re dealing with in the finale openly and honestly, both in terms of the case that Beckett’s investigating and what happens in the Castle/Beckett relationship. And we’ll certainly be dealing with those aspects when we come back next year, but we do want to let our audience know that what they can expect is more of the CASTLE they know and love.

But is this technically the first part of a two-part episode?
AM: We don’t have a “to be continued” at the end of it, but we will be dealing with…when we come back next year, we will still be dealing with elements that are hanging over our heads from this episode.

Read more at: Give Me My Remote 

———

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.

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Here’s a deleted scene from “Always” mentioning Derrick Storm.

In addition the 2nd graphic novel “Storm Season” to be based on Castle’s original Derrick Storm series will be available in October.

Pre Order these items now.

• Storm Season Graphic Novel #2
• ebook novellas A Brewing Storm #1 | A Raging Storm | Untitled #3
• Frozen Heat Nikki Heat Novel #4
• Castle: The Complete Fourth Season