This episode is hard to top for me, at least among the dramatic themed favorites. Written by Elizabeth Davis and Directed by John Terlesky.  Interestingly both parts of the two parter Tick, Tick, Tic and Boom had female writers and they both knocked it out of the park IMO.

We have hero Rick knocking down the door but with a nice “Castle” touch; it’s hot and it’s hurts, which it would. Luckily Kate is alive and well in the life saving bathtub.  One of the few changes I would make to this episode is one extra line of dialogue, as Castle is helping Kate down the hallway, he asks if she is OK and she replies yes and it must be killing him not to launch into his hero’s tale; I would have liked one extra “are you sure you’re OK? – alright should I start at the beginning?-” For me the danger of the situation is just rushed through a little too quickly.  But that’s one small quibble in forty-two great minutes of television.

It’s a lovely touch as Castle pats his pocket as he tells Kate that her Dad’s watch was not in the hall.  I really love the look of pride that Kate gives Castle when telling Jordan Shaw that it was Castle who worked out Dunn was not dead, thus saving Beckett’s life.

The news was on the TV in the loft as Castle returns home, we don’t often see that. I enjoy “Boom” more than “Tick” because this is Beckett back on surer ground and feeling confident enough to play “and if you keep quoting Jordan I’m going to turn the radio way up” “Jealous”. Her unease about Shaw has gone and has been replaced by confidence in her own abilities and a openness to new methods. “OK now I’m officially impressed.” I love the subtle expression Stana gives when seeing the banner in the bar “buck up Castle” lovely work from SK.

Nathan was great as Castle watches Beckett as she looks at Dunn’s collage of Nikki Heat and Murder. “all this over a dam book”. Yep lots of stuff happens in this show over a dam book.  Interestingly Castle follows them all into the room but does not have a vest on.

Love the scene in the mobile unit, Castle with the concentration span of a Cocker Spaniel, and the loyalty as well as Shaw notes. “This unorthodox partnership works well for you “is it enough” she asks, “For now” Beckett reply’s, humm. And when Beckett chasses Dunn, again no vest, nor would she or Castle have vests later when they enter the warehouse.

Did Shaw come down a little too hard on Beckett, I think so, but as it led to the delightful loft scenes, I forgive her. Both the evening with Rick (with his RC coffee mug), it would have been fun to see the mug in Kate’s hands. And the morning scene with Martha were both spot on IMO.

The trust that became evident in “Boom” was the significant point of the episode for me.  Beckett trusts Castle enough to encourage him to voice his ‘out of the box’ theory’s.  She trusts him with her second gun, to be her back up, against regulation and some would say good sense. That was huge!

Also interesting that Kate will claim Nikki to get the job done. “I beat you, Nikki Heat won.” And we get one of my favorite lines in the show ever, “you have the right to remain silent, so shut the hell up”. Love it! and again we have a very Beckett compliment “hell of a shot Castle”; the thanks came through loud and clear.

At the end of the episode Beckett’s acceptance of Shaw is complete, “I learned a lot from you on this one” and “see you around”.  And then the very true statement from Shaw that what happened was both heroic and poetic as Nikki Heat did indeed catch Dunn for she is “part you, part Castle”, indeed she is. Then we have thoughtful Rick and the lovely moment presenting the watch, a touching moment, and then Castle deflects somewhat with concern for his back!

The episode should have ended here, we really did not need the final loft scene with Alexis and Martha, IMO it added nothing and I would have preferred to fade out on Castle’s precinct family, not his home one. I love “Boom”.