I don't think they'll take the relationship to that romantic level yet, not only because I think it would be prematurely ending that delicious will-they-won't-they interplay that's part of the show's draw, but also because (as Admin mentioned) the interference in Beckett's past will be a hurdle for their friendship and relationship. Also, Beckett is now harboring all that guilt about Will getting shot, and if he wants to get together again (which he's already brought up), she'll probably give him the chance. I think she's torn, and what she'll view as Castle's betrayal might send her back to Will. It'll be really interesting to see what they do, they have a lot of options to play with that don't directly lead to Castle and Beckett 'hooking up' in Season 2.

I agree, I think she'll be understandably hurt at first, but I think she will quickly come to see the benefit of having had a fresh set of eyes look at the file. And it's not like Castle poked around out of curiosity and didn't find anything: through his connections he's clearly managed to find something that will give a new thread to tug with the murder. I wonder who the crooked pathologist was (the one who did the autopsies on all the 'random' victims) and if we'll get to see that played out somehow.

And yes, didn't Jon Huertas say somewhere that Esposito has a protective sort of relationship with Beckett, so I think that he definitely did what he thought would be best in the long run. It'll all work out somehow, of course, but this speculation is so much fun

I agree that to turn it into a platonic relationship now would be totally 180 to what they've set up so far. Most of the fun of the first season is “the Chase.” Castle has made no secret he likes Beckett. And I feel Beckett also likes him but is keeping him at bay because she doesn't seem to be the type to leap before looking -like Castle.

I hope they don't draw it out, tease and then don't deliver what they promise. (BONES anyone?) And if they should get together, let's not forget Hart to Hart. A highly sucessful show aobut a married sluthing couple. It ran what, 5 years?  Everyone always quotes Moonlighting as an example of failure when 2 characters get together romantically, but I think that show was failing already as Bruce's career begain to take off, and getting Maddie and David together was a last minute effort to save the show. It didn't work. So now everyone is like ohhh… the “Moonlihgting curse.”

People there is no such thing!

Good writing will make a show, not who's with whom. The show already has an audience. As long as they let the characters speak to them and not force them into a mold just to create confilct they should be fine.

I agree Luna. Bones really messed us up this last season. Ugh, I was sooo disappointed. I'm glad they got renewed for 2 more years, but does that mean it's going to get drawn out even more? I mean kiss for REAL at least once for crying out loud. No more Jedi mind games please.

I like the flirty vibe and wouldn't mind a season or two of that before “something” happens on Castle. I like that they are getting to know each other on deeper levels other than a purely physical attraction.

Castle said:

I don’t think they will, I suspect it may be a long term plan to have them get together, but for now they’re happy with the whole massive sexual tension thing which may be lost if they actually get together.

I think they played it well so far, they were getting closer by the end of the season, but then with Castle looking into Beckett’s mother’s murder I think it’ gives potential for the relationship to take a big step back to a point from which they can start building it all over again

they can always go for the Dream sequence or something to that effect.