There was just so much going on in the episode – and I agree, I enjoy the show so much that I forget to solve the mystery – didn't see the resolution coming at all last night! 

I think Beckett is having more fun because of Castle!  I love what he's doing for her.  I think she's loosening up.  Don't think she'd have made a bet (on her own or through Castle) until he arrived on the scene.  I've also noticed that her clothes seemed to be a little less restrictive this season – lower necks, etc.  Maybe they went with the looser, longer hair for that reason, too.  I think she's trying to look good for Castle, whether she knows it or not.  She's probably totally against an office romance in theory, but subconsciously wants to look a little "pretty" (like she doesn't already!) for him without realizing it.  The "jazz hands" when they were talking about hitting the ball out of the park — another casual moment for her.  He's helping her to find joy in her life again.

Loved how he restrained himself about the mother comment, too.  Maybe she was letting him know that she's re-thinking the idea of not knowing about her mother's murder.  Anyway…he handled it well.

Love how Alexis is (without knowing it) giving him insight, too – twice in a row that her comments have made him think of a way to handle things with Beckett.  And I think Martha is headed back to Broadway!

I'm going to be attacked for saying this, but I liked the season 2 premiere better than this episode, for a number of reasons.  First, it was obvious to me that this episode was not intended to air directly following the season premiere.  Beckett was far too chummy too soon with Castle.  What happened to getting back in Beckett's good graces?  Second, the dramedy balance was missing.  This was all comedy, which was fun, but no good dramatic scenes.  Third, the whole thing seemed too rushed.  Even the scenes shown with people not in on the bet were lightning fast.  Susan & Molly spit out their lines so quickly, you'd think they challenged each other to do so.  Fourth, I like the music that someone thoughtfully picks out for the show.  This was missing too.  And, finally, is SOB the only swear Beckett can say?  Seriously, britches?  Who says britches?

This episode was a lot of fun, but felt out of place given what we saw last week.  I hope the ratings meet ABC's requirements, so the Castle team can just get back to telling the story the way they plan to.

To those of you who are out to get me because of this, I'll be at Fenway tonite, so good luck finding me.  

I semi-agree with ya Boston. I felt like the episode was rushed! I looked down for a minute and it seemed like I missed a bunch of parts. Beckett was indeed a little too chummy but maybe this next episode will go back a bit.

The one thing that bothered me the most was how puchy Castle was to finishing the case. Now I know he was pushy because he was being competitive and wanted to win the bet. I just didn't like the way he was. I like it better when he's helpful and gives little insights to what he thinks.

Castle said:Maybe we can suspend belief and believe that everyone was behaving a little out of character because of the full moon!

Oh I never thought of blaming it on that! Yes that seems like a much better idea that finding the faults

Boston Scientist said:

nalissa2 said:

Bloody hell.. math is back. Sigh.

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Aww, the crabby New Yorker doesn't like the math.  I'll still be your tutor, even though you're a crazed Browncoat.

*sniff* thank ya.

I don't know if anyone answered this for you or not but in regards to BSTL ~ Bam, said the lady ~ if you follow Nathan on Twitter you would see what it means…basically it means things are done, finished. I will double-check on what this is exactly. :)

wolf-fire said: Loving Beckett's "jazz hands" of course. My mom was doing that for about ten minutes after the episode went off.

I called them 'jazz hands' before I knew she was talking about baseball.  They're actually 'fan hands'.  They're probably Toronto fan hands.  I think Stana was warning me that her hometown team was gonna beat my beloved Sox at the game I went to on Tuesday nite.  Do you think it was a coincidence that Toronto hit the first pitch out of the park?  UGH……Boston lost by one run.

I really liked this episode I liked how Beckett caved into the bet. I also loved the Castle/Alexis scenes they were really sweet I felt bad for Alexis she needs to dump Owen.