Observations while rewatching The Double Down

I’ve always liked watching this episode. In fact, it is one of my top 10 favorites.

There is no hint of continuity from the previous episode. For me, this is a good episode that can be an introduction for a new watcher picking it up mid-series, as it doesn’t rely heavily on previous plot points or needing an understanding of the story arc.

The opening scene of pandemonium in the station – is it a metaphor for Rick & Kate? Her world is nuts, and she hardly notices, and seems to be deliberately staying out of it. Like she is determined to stay on an even keel regardless of the storms going on around her. But Rick is thoroughly enjoying the dynamics of the room, but as an observer, not a participant. His boyish optimism helps him to see and enjoy the unpredictable (and somewhat messy) aspects of life going on around him.

Lanie walking into the scene dressed to the nines, and she takes a light-hearted dig at Beckett (“Unlike you, I don’t sit around work all night…”) and Castle (“Quit looking at the girls, Castle”). Now that’s a perfect summation of where our favorite people are at this point of their lives.

Castle the grammar nazi appears again. I can relate. In another post (just this morning), someone wrote about Beckett “going rouge” Rouge? Really? She sells makeup? Oh, there I go again. (BTW, if anyone is interested: Who or Whom? Him, that’s whom.)

When R&E get the call about the second victim, they seem to be ignoring Castle while talking to Beckett.

We hear the first mention of Ryan’s girlfriend’s name – Jenny. As a minor continuity point, this is the one steady thread throughout the rest of the episodes. Even though we don’t see much of them together, this is a solid relationship going on in the background that grounds Ryan, even through the teasing he receives about it. “Honeymilk!”

Oh, yes, Perlmutter! I really enjoy his occasional visits, and especially his (total lack) of people skills. “Officer Whojamiface over there…” What a classic line! There’s a reason he hangs out with dead people.

I have been wondering why R&E seem so disconnected from Castle, when Beckett has accepted him back. They look actually annoyed with him when he walks over to their desk asking “How’d you find the body?” “On the ground” was not exactly a welcoming way of answering him. Their body language screams “Go away, we don’t want to talk with you”, but Rick seems determined to power through it. He does, and the guys open up when Rick proposes their wager. Nothing like a bit of competition wrapped up in a shared secret to restore these guys’ friendship. Their friendly rivalry through the rest of the episode is a hoot to watch.

Beckett’s Little Elephants.

It would be good to see Karpowski from time to time. And Stegner.

What can I write about the scenes in the bullpen when Beckett begins to suspect that something is going on behind her back? I will just sit back and enjoy it. “Hundred on us!”

Seems that everyone can see Rick & Kate building theory together, as if they are the only two people in the universe. They are that oblivious to everyone else around when they are doing this.

Kate is opening up slightly about her mom’s case. But only in a small, easily controlled way. We can see that Rick wants to say something, but thinks it better to keep quiet. I think this was a wise decision this time.

“You take our murder, we’ll take yours.” I’m amazed at how often these kinds of offhand comments are used to break the cases open. I wonder how frequently these kinds of things happen in real life.

Oh, I would call the bet as won by Castle & Beckett. The first bet: Esposito: “We’ll probably close ours before your therapist” They didn’t. Second bet: Esposito: “Oh, we’re going to get a confession” Castle: “Not if we get one first” It was Castle & Beckett who got the confession from R&E’s suspect. R: “Our guy broke” B: “But we broke him” I rule in favor of Beckett. Pay up.

And our favorite foursome is restored.