Let Lips Do What Hands Do
The Earth’s temperature rises in “Secret’s Safe with Me;” blood boils, pressures spike; hearts heave, and melt, all because of the handshake that shook the world or at least all of Castledom.
Yes, Kate and Rick have made love many times before, with their hands only, when fingers intertwine, hands clasp, fingers stroke and soothe, but this love scene was smoldering, sexy and pulse-pounding.
And we are still in awe of the power and sensuality of two hands touching as in an innocent handshake. The Earth still hasn’t righted itself and two lovers need more “handshaking.”
Their last love scene in “Always” has the two lovers intertwine their fingers, holding and caressing, searching for each other’s comfort and need, sending shivers to each other after their passion- unleashing provocative kisses, on trembling lips and pulsing throat, the face and cheeks and Kate’s healed-heart wound.
Their emotions set free at last, cause Kate to sway, save for Rick’s support, kissing and caressing her, their four years of love-making denied, stored up, now released in mere seconds.
In “Cops and Robbers,” Kate’s reassuring grasp of Rick’s hand heartens him; he knows Kate will do anything to save him; her hand on his, pledges her love and a promise: “I will get you out of here.” I love you.
Other times their hands seek each other for compassion and sympathy as in “3XK.” Rick blames himself and feels discouraged because the killer escaped from him. Kate understands his regret, for she has been there; she brings coffee to him and rests her hand on Rick’s leg in sympathy. Rick then takes her hand for moral support. Two lovers sit there in peace and mutual comfort.
At his mother’s soiree, in “Once upon a Crime,” Kate covers his hand in humorous sympathy, knowing that Rick is embarrassed inside with his mother’s derogative remarks about him, suggesting that he is not exactly the perfect son.
Rick and Kate sit together at the murder board in “Always,” Kate lip-biting, concerned about the case hitting too close to home, to her mother’s murderer.
Still hoping for a random event and not a connected incident, Rick and Kate hold hands. So much is conveyed through touch, the intimate hand hold and the soul-searching gaze. Rick’s meaning and words are clear: I have you; I will hold you forever: “You’re not alone. I am here.”
Lost in the excitement of sharing the beautiful dog Royal, in” Embarrassment of Bitches,” Rick dashes, to Kate’s apartment, albeit late, fresh with so many ideas of just what their shared custody-dog likes.
Apparently he just loves to be stroked in a series of circles and messaging moves. Happy, Rick takes Kate’s hand and sensuously demonstrates the circling and touching Royal likes.
The tenderness of the moments strikes and flusters Kate; Rick is overwhelmed with his desire and the feel of her, her pulse, their hunger unspoken.
Entranced with Rick’s intense look, Kate gazes up at him, some fear and some question expressed in her face. But Rick scares himself with the intensity, and all he has left is a self-deprecating quick exit from Kate’s loft.
One of the most emotionally shattering moments for two confused lovers occurs in “When the Bough Breaks,” when Rick and Kate must seemingly part forever, for Rick goes his way with a new book deal and Kate stays behind, both would be lovers too inarticulate to convey their dearest wishes: to remain together.
Their eyes drink in each other, both transfixed with longing, saying so much and so little. Kate thanks Rick for his help on the case, and Rick extends his hand in friendship for want or fear of something else to do. She takes his hand for “Good-bye,” and the unfulfilled tension and desire between them is painful to watch.
The scene in “Secret’s Safe with Me” is different from the other scenes of hands touching hands. It is not only the sensuous touch, the stroking and shivers, and palpable tension, but the words whispered; their voices so sweet and tender seal their need and hunger and leave Rick and Kate surfeit with desire and love, and we voyeurs, intruders to this profound love; oh, how we hope for their love’s fulfillment.
Rick might say like Shakespeare’s Romeo of old, but with a happier ending:
“I’ll watch her place of stand,
And, touching hers, make blessed my rude hand.
Did my heart love till now? Forswear it, sight!
For I ne’er saw true beauty till this night”
Knowing they will not spend the night together, so old in love, so new, they linger, hold back, reluctantly bid each other goodnight in the station, too afraid to let their love show, so long a time to wait to be together again, perhaps a night…until tomorrow.
The world stands still for them. Searching her lovely face, Rick’s heart aches; sincerely, passionately he softly whispers:
”I so wish I could kiss you right now.”
Shyly Kate replies: “Yeah, I know.”
The tension builds, the desire, and Rick reaches out his now steady hand in a handshake, a simple way to touch her, and to show his desire; he speaks to reassure a puzzled Kate:
”This is me softly touching your face; pulling you in for a long, slow kiss.” Rick breathlessly speaks to his love.
And Romeo professes his love:
“If I profane with my un-worthiest hand
This holy shrine, the gentle fine is this:
My lips, two blushing pilgrims, ready stand
To smooth that rough touch with a tender kiss”
“And this is me kissing you back; running my hands through your hair.” Kate strokes his hand tenderly, passionately, sliding slowly, sensually, suggestive and sweaty.
Juliet returns Romeo’s passion:
“Good pilgrim, you do wrong your hand too much,
Which mannerly devotion shows in this;
For saints have hands that pilgrims’ hands do touch,
And palm to palm is holy palmers; kiss.”
Romeo: “Have not Saints lips, and holy palmers, too?”
Juliet: “Ay, pilgrim, lips that they use in prayer.”
Romeo: “O, then, dear saint, let lips do what hands do;
They pray, grant thou, lest faith turn to despair.”
When Rick removes his hand, hesitant to leave her, slightly flustered, befuddled he breathes: “Best hand-shake ever.” Reluctantly Rick leaves. Kate stands there, bemused, wanting more.
Until tomorrow night, a lover’s long wait, when next at last Rick and Kate meet in love’s embrace:
Juliet: “Saints do not move, though grant for prayers’ sake.”
Romeo: “Then move not, while my prayer’s effect I take.
Thus from my lips, by yours, my sin is purged.”
They kiss.
Juliet: “Then have my lips the sin that they have took.”
Romeo: “Sin from thy lips? O trespass sweetly urged!
Give me my sin again.”
Later, Rick shakes Kate’s hand again and promises her he will be there tonight. He softly whispers: “I can’t wait.”
Love Hurts: the Hamptons in Retrospect:
Kate can’t wait. Soon Rick returns from taking Alexis to Princeton for her junior summer seminar, and the guys will have their going away party for Rick. He has shadowed her for two years; but Rick is more than an on- looker.
She wants to go to the Hamptons with him now, for the week-end; she waits for Rick in breathless anticipation. She breaks off with Tom Demming, a decent guy, but not the man she wants, the man she needs; she now knows. She eagerly waits for Rick’s return.
Yes, she will accept his invitation to go to the Hamptons on New York’s Long Island, jutting out into the North Atlantic, with its chic beaches, the playground of the rich and famous, and he wants her… with him.
Kate remembers his earlier playful invitation; so much sub-text with them. “You’ll love sleeping late.” We have, “bon fires, roasting marshmallows, and ghost telling stories… right on the ocean. There’s a secluded pool; you could lie out and work on your tan.”
“Wow, Castle you’re working really hard to see me in a swimsuit.”
“If you are not comfortable in a swim-suit you can just skinny dip.”
But stars cross for two would be lovers, so out of place, time and space. Rick overhears her words with Tom, spoken earlier, her acceptance of Tom’s invitation to go elsewhere, and Rick, hurt, embarrassed, so foolish, cannot stay with her to watch her with another man.
Clumsily she claims: “I should have told you; I didn’t want things to be awkward between us, now that Tom and I are together.” Could they be more awkward?
Rick retreats; humiliated, he leaves her; his chair empty; he, gone from her forever; she bereft, finally aware of all he means to her; he brings only one coffee when he returns to clear up the case…and not for her. Rick will leave for the weekend, for the summer, perhaps forever.
Kate tells him: “We got so caught up in the game that we forgot what really mattered;” so much subtext. How can he stay; if only she would realize how much he wants to be near her?
About the pain of love, Nazareth, a Scottish group from the 70s sings: “Love hurts, love scars, love wounds, and mars; any heart, not tough or strong, enough; To take a lot of pain, take a lot of pain; love is like a cloud, holds a lot of rain; love hurts, ooh, love hurts.”
Kate smiles now, aware; ready to tell Rick she wants the weekend with him in the Hamptons; Kate sure but shy begins: “This past year working with you, I’ve had a really good time.”
Rick kindly answers: “Yeah, me, too.”
Just as Kate is about to reveal her heart’s desire, Rick’s ex wife Gina possessively appears, traps Rick’s right arm in hers and informs Kate that they are returning to the Hamptons together, for the “summer actually.”
Rick pulls his arm away from Gina’s snare to shake Kate’s hand good-bye, so awkward, and so sad this handshake, before Kate’s coworkers and friends looking on, hearts breaking for her. How Kate holds on through the despair, the disappointment is wrenching, breath-taking, so intrusive we, to her heart ache.
She stands alone, stripped of all protection, exposed, nowhere to hide her hurt, tears at bay, just, alone with her loss of love and trust; perhaps she’ll love again, find someone for her, another day; but oh, the risk, the danger to the soul. Loving Rick is enough danger for a lifetime.
But she cannot stop herself. Shakily Kate calls after him as he walks away from her, arms locked with Gina, Rick gone from her, perhaps forever:
“See you in the fall?” she begs the issue
.
“See you in the fall.”
”I really learned a lot, really learned a lot, love is like a flame, it burns you when it’s hot, love hurts, ooh, love hurts.” (Nazareth)
Months pass, in love with Kate now, mid season three, Rick comes to Kate’s home to console her, and she shows him the murder board she has created in her own home…with the details of her mother’s death displayed before them. Josh knows nothing about this which pleases Rick.
Knowing Kate lives with this reality all the time, Rick asks her when she completed the murder board, and Kate replies; “the summer you were in the Hamptons with Gina.”
Rick looks at her with remorse; he lost Kate then, his look confesses, maybe forever, leaving her so alone, but he can never leave her alone, again:
“Some fools think of happiness blissfulness, togetherness; some fools fool themselves I guess; they’re not fooling me. I know it isn’t true. I know it isn’t true. Love is just a lie, made to make you blue. Love hurts, ooh love hurts; ooh love hurts.” (Nazareth)
Love Heals: at last Rick and Kate
The Hamptons are a place of shelter from the storm, in a scene of love and caring, from “Countdown” mid season three. Rick, fearful, sends his mother and his daughter to his home in the Hamptons, away from deadly bombs, out of danger, knowing he may never see them again, while he stays behind in harm’s way to help protect his city and Kate, the woman he loves. The implications are not lost on his mother or his daughter. They look at each other and know the truth; through their fear, love binds them together.
At last Rick and Kate journey to the Hamptons, to his magnificent mansion on the beach, the water’s edge, to be alone at last. And what an episode at the Hamptons this is: “Murder: He Wrote.”
Some have said that solving crimes together and finishing each other sentences is a kind of foreplay for them. They are right. They cannot resist a crime, and working together. Apparently nothing is particularly easy for them.
Nevertheless, so many scenes speak to the joy of playfulness and discovery for all involved. Alexis is totally on board with the romance; she could not resist something so compelling as her father’s love affair, for after all…she is a woman, and she reminds dear Dad that she is “in college now, plus I read a lot of magazines…and women don’t like it when men don’t have a plan, ” (for the romantic interlude). This is hysterically sophomoric for a mere freshman.
Martha considers Kate “classy” and realizes she might enjoy a romantic assignation under the stars. After all “you know what else you can do under the stars?” Yes, the women in his life are on board, funny, to Rick’s apparent embarrassment…for he seems discomfited as he scoots out the door singing “la la la la” with his ears stopped up, screening out their plentiful suggestions.
Larry, Moe and Curley are “on board,” too, and unchartered depths of fun and knuckle-headedness in the kingdom, pop up with their routines. All three of them, including Rick, gang up on their little “sister,” who now needs protection. Hmm
Ryan can’t wait to bust Kate with his sing-songy rendition of “She’s going… away… with her… boy…friend.” Kate’s not telling; Esposito is sure “they deserve better.” Now they are torn: Rick wants to know: “Who is the lucky guy?” And Ryan needs to know if “he is handsome.” So does Rick.
Leave it to Esposito to conclude the guy may be “more of a badass.” And Ryan thinks:”maybe something is wrong with the guy.” For Espo:” it’s our obligation to find out who the guy is,” and Ryan: “Her safety could be at stake.”
Some detectives! Not even clued into Rick’s lack of worry, lack of jealousy or usual stares of disbelief directed at his lady love. The guys have been there before with Rick and Kate. Now they’ll each get Rick’s Ferrari for a week, if they help him solve the murder he didn’t write.
But Rick did get his idea for a book: “Hamptons Heat.” As for Kate, well, Kate got what “she desired most.” Or is that Nikki Heat, for Kate knows exactly how to end the story Rick will write about her and her alter ego and their Hamptons adventure.
Jameson Rook, Rick Castle’s alter ego reclines on his massive bed in his candle-light-caressed bed room. Hot, heat, golden light reflects from the candles and from Nikki, and Nikki ignites the flames in the fireplace and in Rook.
Golden and sexy, Nikki slinks over the large bed to her man Rook; she has been waiting so long for his kisses and love making; she moves in to straddle him;
As Kate does, she whispers seductively, dictating the ending of “Hampton Heat”:
“The weekend turned out exactly as Detective Heat had imagined. But now nothing, not even another murder on the beach could stop her from getting exactly what she desired most.” They sweetly kiss, a kiss promising so much more; the flames without and within dance and Jameson embraces his Nikki for more love making, so much more.
In the heavens the stars shine brilliantly with no sign of any stars misaligned or crossed, only a shooting star of love.
The going is a little soul-searching at first for Kate, so moved by the beauty and the magnitude of Rick’s Hamptons’ mansion, a part of Rick’s life she never knew.
She cannot help but think of the other women he may have brought here, and that leaves her with a feeling of loss, sadness and perhaps loneliness. Honestly, Rick tells her the truth:”None of them were you.”
Meanwhile, Ryan and Esposito continue to attempt to identify Kate’s new boyfriend, even enlisting Rick’s help and imagining Josh, Tom or Will getting back together with Kate. Rick even gets a Demming update, sparking a conversation between him and Kate; just how do they link Rick and Kate’s names together as in a power couple?
Rick tries on “Rick ate” or “Kate it,” sly homage to Stana, and comes up with the perfect name…Caskett. We shippers got it just right, a name perfectly sanctioned by the couple.
Rick comes out with a few more of his gems such as, “Bagging their mangled bodies when Beckett finds out,” and, of course, his “I know just what to do,” which always lands him in trouble, this time handcuffed, both he and Kate and detained in the local jail.
Of course, the chief, kind of jaws-like Brady, pegs Kate for a hooker. The body in the water turns out to be a meth peddling, and producing real estate investor, fallen inside trader.
One of the best scenes involves Ryan and his determined interrogation of Lerner, a man Rick and Kate had questioned back home in Amityville, Hamptons. Gradually Ryan learns who Castle dares to bring into an interrogation, namely a beautiful, tall, brown-haired, brown-eyed beauty named…Kate.
Oh, my, the expression on Ryan’s face, as he identifies Kate’s lover…Castle. Wow!
In another priceless scene a bit later, Ryan speaks to Rick on his cell, and tells Rick about Lerner…Gulp. “I’m pretty sure he told me everything he knows.”
“Everything?”
“What do you know? Did he say anything else?” And then Ryan wishes Castle good luck in his “writing.”
Words Heal:
This week is a happy anniversary for me, my birthday, celebrating sixty eight years; joyful to be here. It wasn’t always in the cards. Last year at this time I blithely celebrated my day, Friday the 13th, always lucky for me. On Monday I began prepping for a medical test; things did not go as planned.
I was admitted to emergency, and on October 18, I had major surgery to remove a cancerous tumor, a slow-growing, rare sarcoma, manifesting in the colon first, metastasized to the liver… stage four cancer.
At my pre-operation appointment for reconstructive surgery this past week, my primary doctor told me as did three other specialists that I was their miracle; the healthiest looking cancer fighter. Last October the prognosis was “poor.” This week he told me, “Peggy, I did not expect to see you in six months time.”
I celebrate many things this weekend, my birthday, another year, and an anniversary of so much.
As I prepare for my surgery, I know I want to write about “Murder: He Wrote,” although I doubt I will be able to stay up late with surgery looming for the next day. No greeting the birds or the morning sun for me. But please allow my submission, a bit different I imagine; maybe not.
I wrote about my journey in my article “It’s Only Words,” and received such an outpouring of support from genuine people, “Castle” lovers from all over the world.
My story is not singular; in our fandom so many people have stories of adversity, but the one constant is our mutual love of a little television show, set in New York City, shot in LA, California, starring two fantastic Canadians, beautifully written, and supported on this fine site by our Australian owner and administrator. And it is so much more.
I began writing about “Castle” in 2009, about a hero who became more than he ever knew he could be; the most hopeful of all heroes; and surely we all need hope in our lives. “Castle” inspired me and gave me hope always.
Rick’s words, his optimism, his strength born from his weaknesses shine through every week in all of his relationships, his love for Kate and his joy in life, an unlikely hero, this super hero aficionado.
Rick rarely admits defeat; rejection spurs him to be better. Rick has hope in “tomorrow” and “always,” words he taught himself, Kate, his family and you and me. It is not goodbye or goodnight, so final, but “Until tomorrow, for tomorrow is more hopeful.” “I’ll make it work,” he tells Kate in “Undead Again.” Or “we just have to live with the questions and find a way,” he strengthens their resolve to love.
His many words and attitude speak encouragement to us all. With some joy and some sorrow, “Castle” stands out every week, an extraordinary show, meaningfully written, showcasing a wonderful ensemble cast and two lead actors, all proving they are more than pretty faces; they are class acts.
For Rick it is the story; for me, everything is symbolic, everything supports a theme; we just have to find it. Tomorrow is not promised to anyone. We must live each day to its fullest with faith, in hope and, of course, there is always love.
I’m an optimist, a romantic wanting love to survive, attracted to this life-affirming show, which depicts hope in action, love of family, friends… and Rick and Kate. What a love story!
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Trueheart ~ Your words lift my heart and make me proud to be a member of the Castle family.
I think someone once said, that there are no victories; there are only battles. And in the end the best you can hope for is to find a place to make your stand. And if you’re very lucky, you find someone willing to stand with you.
Well it sounds like you have found your place and have definitely made your stand ~ and the Castle Fandom are with you all the way.
I wish you luck on your continued journey – and look forward to your next article.
Until tomorrow x
Castle is the Nick and Nora of the modern age. It’s wonderful to see characters develop and grow. People get bored with the shows were everyone is the same as they began. The fun of Castle is the romance, the growth and the change each character goes through. Couples do have fun and you don’t have to be divorced, or single to have romance. Being part of a couple it is nice to see the good natured teasing and friendships instead of sex and conflict! My husband and I watch the show together! Mystery, romance and humor how can you lose? You are so right about the affirmation!
We are not promised this life or this moment. We do have the promise of hope and love.
You know I love your work… your words.
I’m glad things are looking up for you
Peggy,
You write of the circle of life. Love and hope are at its core; for the circle could not live without them. You create a tapestry, weaving seasons, threads and themes together beautifully. For me, your articles have become one with the episodes, for I can’t fathom one without the other anymore. I wish you continued success and discovery on your journey. You mean an awful lot to many people you’ve never met; reminding me of how Rick’s writing touched a young, hurting Kate before she ever dreamed she’d meet him. Thank you for your words.
Morrison, what a truly beautiful thing to say. Thank you for your incredible words, and thank you everyone for your kind encouragement and good wishes. You urge me on to new thoughts and new, hopeful writings.
Yes, Rick is still the most hopeful of all heroes and such an unlikely hero. Yes we all can be so much more than we ever thought we could be. I guess this has become my mantra, but I learned it from the writers and the thoughtful actors who deliver their most poignant lines.
Truly, Castle amazes me in every way: the writing, the acting, the depth of characterization and meaning, and the soundtrack. We all gain so much from looking at the symbols and nuances, the layers and textures, the relationships and the themes of this exquisite jewel, this poignant love story.
I shall always be “astounded and surprised,” relishing in the magic of what it means to truly be alive.
Fondly,
Peggy
Like the wonderful Girl Scout song (at least that’s where I lenraed it), Make new friends and keep the old. One is silver and the other gold. To all the silver and golden moments in your life! Thanks for your comments, they are a blessing to me!~Marilee
Happy belated birthday, Trueheart. Your articles always speaks to the heart and soul. Even though ‘Castle” is just a tv show a lot of us can relate to it and I can see it gives you joy and hope for the future. So, if I can be so forward and leave you with this bible verse: Jesus said: For mere mortals it is impossible, but for God all things are possible. Good luck with the surgery.
Happy joyous, belated birthday Peggy. I wanted to wish you well for your operation and to just say a quick note of thanks. Thank you for God’s healing hands that have held you this past year. He has shared you with us for another year, and we are forever grateful.
Because we don’t get these episodes in South Africa until much later, your take on an episode is the first article I look for. You have a gift of linking the key elements in all these episodes and make them so much more meaningful to us the audience.
Thank you for your loving and caring spirit towards the Castle fandom, even through some of your toughest days no doubt, when you did not feel like doing much, you still had the fandom in mind.
God speed with your healing process. Thank you Peggy.
My thoughts are with you! All the best for you und thank so much for this wonderful article.
Peggy, as ‘always’ such a beautiful article. We are your biggest fans and you are in our hearts and prayers especially today. Thank you for sharing your passionate optimism with us. God bless.
Aaaah Peggy, another gem. One of your best, I’d say, but “your best” is so very hard to pin down. All of your “reviews” are beautifully written. I don’t have the eloquence owned by you (or your many admirers, proven by the other comments). Just know what you and your writing, and of course Castle, mean to me.
Once again another beautiful article that speaks to me loudly of belief in love and hope and tomorrow. Where would we, Castledom, be without your amazing stories. I loved that you incorporated Shakespeare into your article. Funny, yesterday I watched Baz Luhrmann’s movie of Romeo & Juliet with Leonardo DiCaprio and Claire Danes.
I am a totally hopeless romantic…I am always touched by the incredible way in which you have told, in your own words, the love story of Rick and Kate and their journey of self discovery towards their completion as soul mates.
You are in my thoughts and prayers today and I wish you well for a safe and speedy recovery.
“I am not afraid of tomorrow, for I have seen yesterday and I love today”
God bless, Peggy, always.
Belated Happy Birthday Peggy and our thoughts and prayers for your recovery. Looks like you planned this during the time when there are 2 weeks between Castle episodes. Something tells me that was intentional. Castle for you is not unlike that stick figure that Kate and her father made on Coney Island on the day of her mother’s funeral. “He is a reminder that even on the worst days there is the possibility of joy” (paraphrased). As you face this procedure and recovery, I am sure that you will be actively watching Castle episodes and sneak peeks for the sheer joy of it as so many of us do.
Once again a beautiful article. I love the Shakespeare and Nazareth references. You are a weaver of great skill as Morrison said above. You are a gift to us all and we look forward to your next article with great anticipation.
I wish you good luck with your surgery. Happy belated Birthday and many more. Your writing about Castle and your own life is both touching and life affirming! May God continue to bless and keep you.
Like the way you always find some appropriate parallel in classics from English literature. In this write-up, you mentioned that the boys didn’t catch on to Castle’s lack of concern over Beckett’s boyfriend. But, I thought he did manage a feeble attempt at the forlorn look he gets to his face whenever he’s caught Beckett with another guy. Its just before he awkwardly exits from the precinct. Maybe I am wrong as you definitely are more clued in to the sub-text and nuances of this show.
One comment about Ryan discovering the truth first…perhaps a “reward” for saving Kate’s life?
Peggy, I had to wait until I could see clearly to write this. Your article just brought tears to my eyes. Both for your beautiful words and also for all you have been through. God has blessed us indeed through you. What you add to our enjoyment and understanding of Castle is just beyond what I have words to express. You have been in my prayers the last few days and will continue to be so. God bless you and grant you a speedy recovery.
HELLO EVERYONE!
I wanted to let you all know that Peggy is out of surgery and all went well. She wanted me to thank everyone for your kind words and well wishes.
The doc told her previously that she might be in the hospital about a week. We can expect that she’ll be home on her way to recovery in plenty of time to grace us with another beautifully written review, this time of “Probable Cause.”
Thank you for the update. I’m feeling so much that I can’t articulate right now after reading all of this. So, I will only say that I remain hopeful and joyful, always.
Long live Trueheart!
I cried when I read Peggy’s words. Then I felt relieved when read your words.
Thank you anitasubtext.
A Big Hug from a French friend to Peggy, her friends, Castle “Fandom” and those who have imagined and made Castle real. Fiction, Optimism and Love, that’s what people need today.
But, isn’t fiction more real than reality itself?
(forgive my bad English if you come across any language mistakes)
Babble.
Peggy…
First and foremost, know that my prayers are with you… now and always.
Second, (as Donna said) your words and observations make fantastic episodes phenomenal. Through you, I see even more layers to a show that is already covered in multiple layers!
Third, thank you again for the Shakespearean take. Every time I see their hands touch, I always think of Romeo’s line: “Oh, that I were a glove upon that hand. That I might touch that cheek!” I’m so glad that someone else draws the same parallels as I do.
Finally, the parallels between Nikki/Rook and Beckett/Castle have always been there, but I loved how you intertwined them so seamlessly in your writing. While I watched the scene (for the umpteenth time), I kept thinking back to Beckett’s first denial: “I am NOT Nikki Heat”… and in watching this scene, observing just how much she has come to enjoy the concept of her alter ego.
Looking forward to hearing from you when you’re recovered.
Love, Hugs, Faith, Courage and Hope… Always.
- Shena
Once again, a wonderful read, and to me, actually a better told story than the show itself. Thank you Peggy for all of your writing and for keeping us posted on how you are doing. Your words are inspiring and maybe even healing in some way for us. I hope they are at least as much for you. You are the kind of person who can beat the odds. Stay strong!
Peggy,
Your observations of “Murder He Wrote” and of Rick and Kate…. as always spot and most of the comments here show that, and so on the episode I will simply concur with you, the other commentators and all who love Castle.
It is you Peggy I wish to address:
Georgia O’Keeffe once wrote: ” Where I was born, and where I have lived is unimportant. It is what I have done with where I have been the should be of interest”
Where you have been, you the Truest of hearts is on a journey of discovery many of us will never know. We all have our paths, our destinies, and we all have a final destination. But you Peggy have allowed us to join you, to not just be simply observers (although some may prefer the sidelines), but participants. What a gift!
You say it is Castle that has brought you hope, and of that I have no doubt. But is it you Peggy, that has brought us, your readers, your friends, your fellow “Castle” lovers a hope that cannot be measured. I treasure your friendship. For because of you, at your personal invitation I checked out Castletv.net and one of your articles. And as time has marched on, I have “met” extraordinary people and made incredibly deep friendships (Shena and Janis, I must mention). If it were not for your bravery, and putting yourself out there (or here as it were), those friendships may have never come to pass.
So Peggy, you are my real “Most Hopeful of Heroes”
Love, Tracy
Peggy… love you!
Tracy… awwwww… you make me blush! Love and hugs!
Peggy,
Each week I look forward to your article, it’s always a pleasure to read your insight into the episode.
As for your health problem, all I can ask is that the Great Maker stands guard over you and gives you the love and power supplied by all your friends in these article.
“Always look on the bright side of life!” …… Life of Brian.
As “Always” it’s a beautiful journey you describe here. I love to read your member articles. I can’t wait to read the next one. (a admitt that means also that the 2 weeks waiting are over too
) I hope you feeling good!
love and kisses, Renagade
It is always a joy to read your review after a Castle episode. I find myself thinking about you as soon as I see the latest show and wondering what new insight you will add to the ongoing story! I am so glad that you are out of surgery and hope all is well. It is actually lucky that Castle is off for a week…then if you are well enough we will not have to miss your wonderful article after the next show! God bless! and so many thanks for your warm and faithful friendship to all of the Castle fans!
I´m from Argentina and my english isn´t the best.But I want to tell you that i wait your words every weeks and I´m so happy reading your texts.
You speak about love,tomorrow and always ,and put your feelings in each word.
I love Castle and Kate and I happy being part of this family of fans
Happy birthday.Good luck .And I´ll see you tomorrow
Even though I rarely comment I look forward to reading every one of your insightful and moving reviews. Wshing you a speedy recovery from this latest round of treatment.
PEGGY MY PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU always. Thank for all your insight on the Castle programs.. I have to admite after this one it left me a bit flat. Maybe I expected more from the writers this time. I do not check the spoller because I wish to be suprised. Of course the cast was out standing as always, especially Rayn.. This morning in classwithout giving away my feelings aboutthe program I had a chance to talk to some of my older adult students and several had the same feelings that I had. I went back and watched the show 2 more times before I could see past and into what you were talking about, I still love castle.. Thanks…
Peggy,
I do not necessarily agree with Mac, but everyone is entitled to there opinion regarding their insite.
But, as we ALL wish to keep ‘Caskett’ for many more series because we all love them.
In many other forums a common desire is to promote the ‘Caskett’ fandom / family to others so that falling numbers do not take our favourite program of air [showing age] so I would like to deal with a few facts [no abc viewing figures included as I do not have access]
There are 12 bars on itune satisfaction scale:
1] After the Storm (6 bars) – 2] Cloudy with a chance of murder (6 bars)
3] Your secret’s safe with me (8 bars) – 4] Murder he wrote (12 bars)
Highest score on any other episode in series 1 – 3 (iTunes) is (3 bars) – Personally I think the writers are doing a great job, but I am biased I like my friends to be in love and happy!
Again, these are my PERSONAL FEELINGS
Hi Peggy – my prayers, my tears, a universal love for someone I have not met.
“God put you on earth to accomplish a certain number of things. You are so far behind you will never die 
Seriously.
Permission to leave denied
My husband had Lewy body dementia – he was extremely healthy & yet he passed away. I am left with such a deep sense of gratitude for having had him in my life. When I was so tired I did not think I would see another day I started living my life “ONE SECOND AT A TIME” IT IS ALL WE HAVE, IT IS ALL WE NEED…:)
I pray you will write a love story about my husband & me one day. CASTLE allowed us the ability to communicate during his last days. He would “talk” to CASTLE & say: “Silly boy – kiss that girl already..”
Until then, be safe & know that you are loved. THANK YOU for the gift you have shared with us
PEGGY – looking forward to your next article. Have you seen the promo for the next episode? Our beloved KATE in tears? Get well soon so you can help us with this one. You have a way with words that help us see the light at the end of the tunnel. Get well TRUEHART…we miss you…YOU HAVE NO IDEA
Peggy, your words hold true for everyone to live life to the fullest. We can dream a little through this wonderful fictional story that is Castle…to believe in true love and the journey it takes to get there. Best wishes for your heath and happiness.
So glad you believe in magic; you’ve helped us all to find it. May God bless and keep you
Peggy – where are you? How are you? We missed your article for Murder She Wrote and I for one an concerned that you were not well enough to watch the show or write about it. I hope you will write one for the next episode. Final Frontier.
All is well. I sit in a restaurant in Ocean City, Mary land. I spent a week in hospital and then home. I wrote here about Murder … Then I awaited Probable Cause. Unfortunately hurricane Sandy clobbered New jersey. We have been freezing and without all power. Glorious trees have fallen and destroyed power all over the state and coast. But we are fine so far. . Hence I have not seen probable but I have a great idea to share. I hope. But today after five days without power we made a great escape. Lines for gas ran long. And on we drove . We are eating in a restaurant and just enjoying ourselves. And alas a bit of Internet School has been closed all week and we think next week. But for now I bask in the luxury of an inn warm and content. It was just too cold. Thank god we could do it. And thank you for asking. And now to write again or at least send it.
so very glad to hear you are ok! I know I am not the only one who is waiting anxiously for you ideas about the episode probable cause and of course another coming up Monday!! That was some storm!! I live in Canada and our east coast has been hit but nothing like the USA! Nature can be frightening in all its glory!! and beautiful at the same time!! Hope you are back to charm us soon!
Peggy,
Let me echo Kathy and Lynn, for we all have been thinking of you and sending best wishes. Probable Cause was wonderful but incomplete without your treasured insight. Take care and hurry back to us!
Just want to agree with the kind writers before, who spoke the words straight from my heart as well.
Peggy, good to hear you are alright. What strenous days, you had to bear all at once!
Best wishes for some recovery now. Waiting with joy for your next article, whenever it is to come.
OH PEGGY-TRUEHEART……COLOR ME HAPPY
So glad to hear you are doing better.
The Perfect Storm – my prayers to all who suffer.
CASTLE has been our QUANTUM OF SOLACE & our SERENITY. Once more it gives us something to look forward to. We missed your input & articles. Take your time, but we eagerly await your return….SERIOUSLY….ALWAYS !!!!!
I’m so glad too that you’re doing better. i think of you since your last article and was so concerned. to read you again is so comforting. you are a part of the show, a real asset, a wonderfull way to extend the pleasure we have with this show… my best wishes. take care.
To all of my friends on our site…I finally got power. Today, 10 days after the storm (no pun intended), my power and cable are restored. I spent the day in the library, (bits and pieces of the township power restored) charging my phone and I pad and using their wifi when my daughter texted me one word: POWER. Oh the power of that one word.
Without power, every night we hunkered down in the house darkened by 6 o’clock, a cold temp of 45-50, wearing all of our clothing, jackets, shoes, hats and bundles of blankets. I slept with my flash light in my hand just in case, also in the recliner chair in my living room, for my bedroom was probably 10 degrees colder. Every day was a test. Gas lines circled the few open stations for miles on end, and that is no exaggeration. People waited for 6 and more hours. Then the gas was rationed with odd and even days.
No ice was to be had. Our food spoiled. But others had it so much worse. It was really a surreal nightmare. School has been closed for two weeks.
And now I sit up late because it is a joy just to be on by computer and …be up. Now mother nature played a little trick on us and dumped a ton of snow on us today…but the power companies did not quit on us and we did not quit… and here we are. Well, I missed Castle no end (two episodes) and wrote an article about the show I never saw: Probable Cause. I hope it gets posted. I managed to write it one letter at a time on my I pad, mistakes and all, for basically I am not very technically savvy. I was afraid to back track too much to attempt to correct doubling of letters.
Now I have plans for Final Frontier which I caught up with on my On Demand cable. So good to watch again.
Thanks again for all of the encouragement and fellowship.
Peggy
Trueheart – Dearest Peggy…Ditto to all the love & prayers sent by all whose lives you have touched. AFTER THE STORM – I cringed when I heard a cold front was heading to areas already suffering from Sandy’s devastation. We went through Hurricane Andrew here in Florida, but the thought of having to deal with Sandy & COLD WEATHER….OMG – I can not imagine. I wish there was a way of helping “hands on”…if so, could you suggest how? The electronic age is bitter sweet…so close
& yet so far 
I PRAY FOR YOU & YOUR FAMILY – WE WILL WAIT FOR YOU FOREVER … & A DAY 
BE SAFE – YOU ARE MY “NORTH STAR” – ALWAYS !
I MISS YOUR INPUT – THE CASTLE FEELS IMPENETRABLE WITHOUT YOUR SOULFUL INSIGHTS, SERIOUSLY
Peggy – our prayers are with you. We long for your beautiful insights. We need you : )
Hey Peggy
have really missed your writings — alots has happened over the past couple of weeks — looking forward to your insights!
hope all is well with you!
Welcome back!! so glad you are ok!! I am in Canada but I see you are having another big storm in the N.York and N.J. area!! wow..hope everyone there is fairing well!! our maritimes are being hit too but we are probably more used to it!
this too shall pass !!
eagerly awaiting your thought on the last two episodes!!
I WAS JUST WONDERING WHERE TRUEHEART[PEGGY] IS AND IF SHE IS O.K.
I have been wondering the same thing! Of course the storm perhaps put her off a bit …I hope all is well health wise!! perhaps we will be lucky and she is writing 3 catch ups for the episodes she missed!!
we can hope!!!
TRUEHEART – WE MISS YOU
AFTER THE STORM PEGGY HAD NO POWER FOR 10 DAYS – COLD DAYS – KEPT WARM BY THINKING ABOUT OUR BELOVED CASTLE & LOOKING FORWARD TO SHARING HER GIFT WITH ALL OF US AS SOON AS POSSIBLE – CAN’T WAIT
HEARD FROM HER LAST ON NOVEMBER 14TH – SHE IS AMAZING – IN GOOD SPIRITS – MISSING US ALMOST AS MUCH AS WE MISS HER.
PACE YOURSELF – WE WILL WAIT FOR YOU GLADLY – OUR SOLID GROUND – OUR “NORTH STAR”
HOPE ALL IS WELL – MY PRAYERS TO YOU & YOUR FAMILY – HAPPY THANKSGIVING
I Miss you a lot. great to have news from you. even if i’m long to read your wonderfull articles, take time to recover, take care. and my best wishes to the new york people.
I HAVE WATCHED EVERY EPISODE OF SEASON AT LEAST 10X each. NATHAN AND STANA ,CASTLE AND BECKETT, ONE IN THE SAME. I THINK THESE TWO ARE THE BEST ON SCREEN COUPLE IN THE INDUSTRY TODAY. CHEMISTRY IS BEST BAR NONE!!!WOULD LOVE TO SEE THEM MOVIE WITH NO RESTRICTIONS. ALSO, JON HUERTAS’S VIDEO IS THE BEST. GREAT SCENES FROM SHOW,GREAT VOCALS , JUST GOLD.
Thank you, Jo Ann, and everyone for writing.
All is well with me, and I do appreciate all of the wonderful well-wishes and inquiries. The last few episodes have been epic. Indeed, we are a legion of big time Castle fans that’s for sure. I agree; Nathan’s and Stana’s chemistry is incredible. I also enjoyed Jon’s song and Castle video.
Hopefully admin will be able to post my latest articles. I know she has been extremely busy in her real life and in her other duties.
As they say let’s continue to romance the Castle stone.
My best wishes and thanks to all,
Peggy
Trueheart, I want to echo the same sentiments of all those who dearly love you. I look forward to your return and your wonderful insight to our favorite show, Castle. Through your words I now see each episode in a much different way. And that is all good for me and everyone else who follows you.
In my book, you really “are” a TRUEHEART!
My Best To You,
Linlee
Dear Linlee,
Wow! and thank you for being there. Your words are very kind and inspiring. We love a wonderful show, replete with excellent writing, and acting. Castle is the only show I want to see over and over again. With the holiday hiatus coming up, I know I will be staging my own little marathon. What a show! What a love story! What incredible fans! I hope I didn’t wear out the exclamation point!
Peggy
Hi Peggy!
I’m fairly new to this site, but certainly not to our favorite show! When I discovered your articles here, I had a lot to read, and read it all. I was, and still am, in awe of how you bring perspective on the stories, tie them together etc. Probably all was already said, but as I was wondering if you were ok after the surgery, I went back here, so glad you are ok. I did not know about you being in the storm area in NY. Glad also you are ok now. Can’t wait to read you again. Thanks so much for your time and gift! (well, I’m from Quebec, so my English is not perfect, please forgive my mistakes…!!)
Be well!
Shadia
I HAVE ASKED BEFORE AND GOT NO ANSWER.WHAT IS GOING ON WITH THIS SITE. IS THERE A REASON WHY IT HASN’T BEEN UP DATED AND WHERE IS TRUEHEART??? IF SOMEONE KNOWS WILL THEY PLEASE RESPOND. THANK YOU.
When you (or anyone for that matter) are paying me to run this website you have a right to yell at me for not being as up to date as you would like. Until then please be patient while I deal with real life responsibilities and personal health issues after pushing myself too hard to run a huge event for the benefit of other fans and to raise money for charity. I’m doing my best, we’re updating the Schedule, BTS and Spoiler pages as often as possible so its not like the site is inactive altogether.
Admin,
Please know, 99.9 % of us support and care about you. Even though we may think we do, we do not have a clue as to what it takes to run this site, keep it upgraded, deal with bugs, and keep and eye on it to make sure everyone is staying to the course and supporting Castle.
I am sorry you are running yourself ragged and have health issues. As you state, you have to deal with your own life. You are doing more than your best, you are going above and beyond for us! Please know you will be in most of if not all of our thoughts and prayers. Take care of yourself. Nothing is worth ruining your health over… Trust me I have learned this lesson myself.
Thank you, thank you, and thank you.
Thank you for understanding.
You are welcome. Just take care of yourself ok?
Ditto! Health comes first… Real Life second… “labour-of-love” website last!
Dear Admin,
Thank you for the lovely, festive site. You and your work are greatly appreciated by all. Happy Holidays!
JoAnn, I don’t want this to come out wrong, but do you realize that when you write entirely in capitals, it comes across as though you are yelling. I don’t know if that was your intention…