I thought this episode was pretty good. Although I haven't seen Firefly, I know who Mal Reynolds is, and smiled. Nathan's so good to his fans.

Beckett's costume was such a cop out! (No pun intended, I promise! ) I was expecting something better, although I have no idea what, so maybe the writers were stumped as well. Then again, if she turned up in something outrageous (ie. the sexy nurse), I have a feeling it would've been *incredibly* out of character for her. So kudos for keeping it conservative, writers!

That "you smell like cherries" moment was pretty random (where the heck did that come from?) but cute. I wasn't expecting it at all, and love how Ryan and Esposito walked in on it! For some reason I was expecting them to break it off before they came in the room, but I guess they were too distracted ;) And yay for them bringing in the comic book thing! I remember Stana saying something about it, but was curious as to when it would be brought into the storyline. Any Stanatics catch the "early Frank Miller" reference Castle made?  "Plain as your face!"

It was really nice to see some Beckett/Esposito interaction, hope they keep playing up their whole brother-sister dynamic. Even Ryan's small inclusion with his vampire ex-girlfriend was a nice way of getting him involved (somewhat) in the plot of the episode. Those guys are great, so I was glad for that.

Yep, overall I'd say this was a pretty solid episode. Seems like everyone got screen time except for Capt. Montgomery, who I was surprised to see absent from Castle's party, since he did attend the book launch.

I'd give it an 8/10 :)

Another great episode. The big scene being the cherries, of course

Then we have all the references (Firefly, Buffy, Frank Miller)

The great comebacks
"Fantazise all you want Castle, I'm not trying on costumes for you."

"I had no idea you are interested in comic books"
"Oh Castle, the things you don't know about me could fill a book"

"Did the relationship suck?" (With a Feed The Birds between Esposito & Castle)

"Say hello to the nice psychiatrist, Fagin. Hello."
"I will arrange for someone from social services to come get Mr. Lockerby. And if you want I can have someone get him too."
silent: "Yes, please!"

"Did you witness a murder, or did you skin your knee and it bled?"

"You took care of Fagin."
"Yeah, well, he was easy. He didn't even fuss when I put him to bed."
cute scene!

How Beckett mangaged to get Castle nervous just by saying "Senior party, huh?" and looking at him.

How can I take the shrink seriously after MADtv?

Castle is dragging Beckett with him by her elbow when they go to the "vending machines". And Beckett is letting him.

Castle is waiting with the victims sister keeping her company after the mother is taken. That is so sweet.

Before I saw this episode I was thinking that last episode there was the book launch party, and this episode is the halloween party, – are they going to be "dressing up Beckett" in every episode now – and then Beckett herself answer me "He throws a lot of parties", and they go for the funny costume instead of the sexy one – so cool.

ashley_slomo said:

Beckett's costume was such a cop out! (No pun intended, I promise! ) I was expecting something better, although I have no idea what, so maybe the writers were stumped as well. Then again, if she turned up in something outrageous (ie. the sexy nurse), I have a feeling it would've been *incredibly* out of character for her. So kudos for keeping it conservative, writers!

That "you smell like cherries" moment was pretty random (where the heck did that come from?) but cute. I

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Loved this episode!  I thought the surprise costume actually worked, too sexy and it would have been too out of character, so getting back at Castle was perfect.   His look of anticipation when she was opening the coat was hilarious as was the surprise and his I'm giving you the bird comment.  The surprise showed that Beckett has a sense of humor,  keeps Castle guessing. Obviously, Beckett does wear sexy dresses, the blue one from episode 5 being a reference point, but that was quite stylish and classy.  A slutty nurse would not have been in character, especially with Ryan and Esposito there.  Maybe if it was a private party :). 

The you smell like cherries moment reminded me of seaon one, episode 5, where they were reading the case file and Castle got really close.  Also reminded me of a certain moment in the Nikki Heat book for anyone who's read it.  And I wonder where Castle got the inspiration for writing that moment :)

Loved the look Beckett gave him when Castle said Alexis is going to a senior party.  A definite, "are you crazy for letting her go look"  Also loved that Castle turned into the parent as soon as he heard Alexis was in trouble, no hesitation whatsoever.  And that he held firm about calling the girls parents.  He does know when not to be the fun dad and when to be the Dad. 

The mystery worked really well too, kept me guessing until the end.  Great episode, well written and well acted.  Great visuals, especially the first 5 minutes ;)

Steph – Frank Miller and the Spirit – I can't believe that I didn't connect that before I read your post. I've just seen lilmac's excellent video on youtube with Stana's part in The Spirit yesterday, I've seen interviews where Stana talks about Frank Miller, and still all I thought was "she like comics".

So even though the others had references to previous roles in the costumes, Stana got it in the Frank Miller comment. All fair.

Another thought: Beckett is quite physical with Castle today. Shoving his feet off the desk with her butt, dragging him back from the door by his jacket… that are typical symptoms of "I want to touch you but have to hide it behind playfulness". Earlier she would have used words.

In regards to Phil LeMarr, soon they'll start recording new episodes of Futurology and Comedy Central probably won't let him become and full time character on Castle.

I loved seeing him though. I kept wanting him to speak like Hermes.

I am still reeling from last nights episode! It was just so fantastic! At one point last night (like at 1am) my husband leans over and wakes me up and says "You smell like cherries." Best. Wake-up. Ever.

I have so much love for this show. It's a miracle I don't have a permanent smile on my face.

I'm always late to join the discussion so everyone has covered what I loved about the episode.

You smell like cherries comment was probably my favorite.

Beckett's costume was so much better than anything else they could have come up with. It was worth the wait and the look on Castle's face was priceless when she reached for the belt. I'm giving you the bird was all kinds of awesome.

The chemistry, the banter, the mystery, the one liners was so packed and on cue tonight.

As others have said, I have nothing much new to add…except that this was my favorite episode (but then I've said that before about an episode!).  The cherries scene – perfection start to finish!  The egg scene – great!  I feel the writers are moving along perfectly in just edging up the relationship a tiny bit at a time.  To anyone who said that Castle wasn't emotionally or romantically drawn to Beckett – I don't see how that could be said!  I feel he's falling hard for her, in spite of himself.  Right now I feel her just looks at her so adoringly (like the egg scene) like he's finding things about her that he just loves!  And you know she's fighting feelings for him, too.  Anyway – I missed the first 10-15 minutes of the show because I'm at my mother's taking care of her, but will be home today and watch the tape I made – so I'll see the whole thing.  Missed the vampire teeth scene that was shown in the promos — loved the piercing comment — can't want to see it!