I think I'm in the minority when it comes to Demming. I actually really liked him, but this was probably because I knew from hindsight that he wouldn't stick around for long. But I can understand how people could dislike him at the time the episode initially aired, with no way of knowing how long he'd be around. I think Demming's main purpose for existing was so that Beckett could break up with him later, thus implicitly admitting her feelings for Castle in 2x24 without Castle actually knowing her feelings.

I love the awkward moments between him and Castle. Its as though Demming knows that Castle has feelings for Beckett even though he said he didnt. And because Castle is too afraid to admit it, Demming knows he won, so he gloats a little.

I also really liked that this episode featured Esposito a lot. I suppose this is the sort of thing we can expect in s4? 

tyler said:

On a side note: of all the 3 guys we have seen Kate dating, don't u guys think Sorensen is the nicest. I don't like Josh or Demming much. (Disclaimer: Don't get me wrong I want it 2 be Caskett just like everyone else in the fandom ) 

Wasn't Sorensen also around for only 2 episodes or something? I felt like we never saw much of him… hence very little reason to hate him [Image Can Not Be Found]

Observations while rewatching Den of Thieves

I’ve been a bit distracted by Real Life for the past several days, so this is late.

Finally, we get an Esposito-heavy episode! I think each of the main cast can carry more story, but there is only 42-odd minutes each episode. And we got to see Michael Ironside. I’ve always liked seeing him on screen, since the original ‘V’.

Opens with Kate working out, but it seems she doesn’t know who the new guy is in the workout room. We’ll meet him in a few minutes.

The next scene with Rick teaching Alexis about “No-limit Texas Hold-em” is cute. But soon, Rick will get schooled himself.

At the murder scene, when Rick notices the victim’s eyes have been closed, they say in unison “That means he knew the victim”. Man, Rick & Kate are sooo compatible. But they are not seeing it yet. And won’t, for another year…

When Demming walks into the bullpen where Rick, Kate, Ryan and Esposito are talking, he is reasonably polite to Rick, and even knows him by reputation. Of Kate’s three potential SOs, he is by far the best of the bunch. Ryan seems the first to pick up on a budding jealousy from Rick.

I am, however, bothered by how dismissive Kate is toward Rick when she is with Demming. Rick mutters “Two weeks ago, I saved your life twice.” But he seems to have forgotten what happened last week with Ellie Monroe.

Rick notices Kate’s eyes following Demming. She’s busted, but tries to cover it, not successfully.

Lanie quizzes Kate about her non-involvement with Rick, but Kate even tries to cover it up with her. We won’t see much close personal interaction between Kate & Lanie after this.

Rick’s “Betrayal, lies, deceit. Sounds like my first marriage.” Rick’s been deeply hurt, and Kate seems uninterested. We know she has her own emotional injuries, but we have not yet seen how deep they are, or why they make her so ready to go to other men rather than to Rick who has been standing right there, almost every day.

When Demming approaches Rick about Kate, he sure rolled over pretty quickly. Demming has been the most respectful of the three SOs. With Sorenson, Rick at least stood up to him, as a challenge. But with Demming – why did he fold so easily?

Then Rick loses to Alexis, too. But he didn’t lose to Demming, he just gave up without an effort.

Later, after they clear Demming as a potential suspect, Rick shows his value by his creative insight. And Captain Montgomery is able to pull strings more powerful than Internal Affairs has. He doesn’t reveal his connections – maybe that’s where “the dragon” came in to help?

We catch a glimpse of how loyal Ryan is to Esposito, not just as a partner, but a close friend and comrade, too.

Oh, yes, Racine’s ledger must be fireproof.

I liked the scene in Capt. Montgomery’s office, as the gang struggles with the explanation. He knows they are fabricating their story, ans says he needs “a private citizen to help write up this damn mess.” And we know who is a creative writer… Roy seems quite willing to sweep irregularities under the rug, as long as he can have a plausible story for the “official” report. We will find out he has been part of previous coverups.

At the end we see Kate & Demming having a fun moment, with Rick on the outside looking in…