It has been a few weeks since the season 3 finale of the ABC’s hit show Castle aired and I believe we all had time to process everything that happened in “Knockout”. It is mostly a consensus that the episode was easily one of the best of the series so far – the very best, in my opinion – but it was a departure from Castle’s usual dramedy tone. That, honestly, is no surprise because the episodes that deal with Beckett’s mom’s murder are usually more dramatic and intense.
However, after I posted a review of season 3 a week after the finale had aired, the comments area was immediately overflowing with people’s concerns about the show choosing a too dark path and that it would be hard to keep the consistency of the original premise if it suddenly became a full out drama. “Knockout” was obviously a very different episode and it was a lot more emotional than the previous ones. Captain Montgomery was revealed to be a traitor and ended up getting killed in an attempt to redeem himself and save Beckett’s life. In the end, his sacrifice didn’t really do anything as Beckett was shot during his funeral, which prompted Castle to declare his love for her, leaving us with one hell of a cliffhanger.
I do agree it seems like a dark outlook for season 4. This particular group of fans that think Castle is getting too dark argues that what they love about the show is how lighthearted it is – even when it’s dealing with gruesome murders – and episodes like that just take away that aspect of the show. With the way season 3 ended, it seems like we are about to dive into the drama aspect of the Castle even further.
While I agree with their argument to some extent, I have to say that they are jumping to conclusions here. Beckett’s mother’s murder is the main plot that has permeated every season so far, but what people seem to be forgetting is that out of 24 episodes a season, only two, maybe three are dedicated to that particular storyline. If you count the more dramatic episodes in season 3 – “3XK”, “Knockdown”, “The Final Nail”, “Setup”, “Countdown” and “Knockout” – that only accounts for ¼ of an entire season. So I honestly think there is nothing to worry about.
This is purely speculation on my part, but I think one way that season 4 could play out is that Castle will keep those files to himself (and I am sure he is the one Montgomery sent them to) for as long as possible. Marlowe has said recently that the significant others storyline is played out and that sometime around midseason we will get something satisfactory on the Castle/Beckett front.
So here is my take on it: They will get together eventually and I think they’ll give it a shot sometime halfway through the season. All is fine in the Castle/Beckett world until for some reason those files will come to surface and Beckett will feel completely betrayed by the fact that Castle has been sitting on valuable information about her mom’s case for months and never bothered to share that with her. With her trust issues and everything, this will probably lead to another heart wrenching episode and Beckett telling him they are over again. But this time she means it.
Even if it does play out like that, we have to keep in mind that there will be at the very least half a season in which all the dramedy aspect will be emphasized and will come into play. After all, given the past three seasons, we know that those intense episodes only come a handful of times during the season.
So chill, guys. We still got a long way ahead of us to be stressing about this already. I may be biased because I love the dramatic episodes, but I honestly think we have nothing to worry about.
What do you think, Castle fans?
You are right. The change in tone for the finale and for the Adrian Pasdar two-parter just didn't feel right to me. There has to be a way to have a cliffhanger while retaining the tone the show is known for.
The Pasdar stuff I understood, they were trying a backdoor pilot. I didn't like it but I understood.
I think the writers do a brilliant job balancing out the drama and comedy aspects of the show, I'm surprised to find some fans complaining coz all the Castillions I know are begging for more deep emotional episodes, while enjoying the uplifting funny ones. on a final note I just wanted to praise you for that theory about the future of Caskett, I think you might be 100% correct.
I agree with everything you said pretty much. I LOVE the dramatic episodes, and think there is a perfect balance of them. The Beckett's mom's eps are my FAVORITES.
But i'm already dreading the likely scenario you layed out regarding the files Montgomery sent to Castle…
Are you joking? This was the best season of Castle so far!!! It was funny and heartbreaking and it has a perfect belance between the moment where you can laugh to the the most dramatic moments.
I'm totally confident about season 4 since so far every season is better then the one before!
Plus about Montgomery, I know he was going to die the moment he mention the retirement, because it's a law universally know, on screen a policeman always died close to retirement.
But the whole scene was done in a way so powerful that it was a bless to see!!!
I follow it since the very first day, but I feel a lucky fan for the respect authors and actors have for the viewer always have toward their audience. They dont' go looking for the easy applause. They do the story exactly the way it should be done!
i don't think so , take NCIS for example this show has killed two of it main characters since it begun but it didn't get any darker it's just about keeping the right balance
I agree with you too. We jumped into darkness for true but " Castle " is a dramedy . Don't forget it. I'm ok with that. The way the writers have chosen is promising. Regarding Caskett we overstepped the red line. No return . (for me)
As long as the story line will balance between dark and light eps, the audience will be there.
I agree with the author in that season four had about 25% of the episodes that were darker / more dramatic. I also agree with those that want Castle to retain it's Comedy / Drama roots. Here's a little test to take to see where you really are ….
1) List all of the episode
2) Create a column for favorites
3) Create a second column for "want to see more like this"
If you are like me (and the author), the Sucker Punch / KnockDown / KnockOut / 3XK episodes dominate the "Favorite" column, the Nikki Heat's, One Life to Lose, Double Down, Vampire Weekend, Punked will dominate the "more like this column.
And then there's THE relationship between Castle and Beckett. We want to see them get together, and continue to have the passion and tension, but I don't think we want Castle to turn into Grey's Anatomy (from what I've heard) … where it turns into a show where the characters spend more time bed hopping than "working".
It's tough if you are Andrew Marlowe and the writers striking that balance (drama, comedy, romance). Since even in our own minds we are somewhat conflicted in "whats the best" and "what we want to see more of". How are they to deliver an awesome show that we all love so much. Well I guess they have to continue doing what they do best — deliver high quality, thoughtful writing, interesting stories, terrific acting and the commitment to deliver a movie quality tv show.
AWM & Co. — Keep Up the Great Work.
I did the splits for this season, the best of the three so far by the way, and it comes out 15 comedy, 5 pure drama, and 4 that were 50/50. I like the ratio!!!!
I also second the comment that AWM & Co. keep up the good work. I have never looked forward to a t.v. show starting up, as I am looking forward to Castle S4.
Season 3 is THE BEST so far, and I'm really glad that they're doing really serious and dramatic episodes, both Knockdown and Knockout are my absolutely favourites, although Knockout cost me literally fountain of tears…
Agree with you a hundred percent! Absolutely nothing to worry about. They've always had that balance and there's no reason why they should suddenly lose it in Season 4.
I agree with MOST of what you said… My only issue is that Beckett forgave the Captain so easily for actually being involved in the events that led to her Mother's murder, and sitting on that info for all the years he's known her. She even forgave him for knowing and not telling her who ordered the hit… So while she may at first be upset with Castle, how could she not forgive him, too? After all of the time, effort, and love he has poured into that relationship, he would at least deserve to have the benefit of her considering that; 1. He has always operated as her protector (which would be the only reason he'd hide anything from her); 2. He's done nothing but everything he possibly could to help her get the answers she so desperately seeks about her Mother's murder; and 3. He has proven himself to be a person on whom she can always rely, so writing him off completely would be unwarranted, unjustified, and out of character for Beckett… don't you think?
I partially agree with you. I think the whole forgiving Captain Montgomery too fast was her way to try and talk him out of sacrificing himself for her. No matter how huge the betrayal was, I doubt Kate would willingly let someone she considered her mentor and most likely one of her closest friends die for her like that.
I don't know how she is going to react when she finds out Castle has been hiding information about her mother's case from her. That is, assuming that that is what's going to happen. I think her initial reaction will be to push him away. But maybe after whatever goes down she will understand that everything he did was to protect her.
If she can forgive Montgomery his heinous betrayal of her trust, she will have no trouble (initially yes) forgiving Castle. But I think she did forgive the Captain at that moment so she could fight with him, but all this talk about how the Captain made a mistake when he was young and turned his life around doesn't change the fact that he perpetuated that crime by withholding information from the daughter of a woman, his actions, no matter how removed, were responsible for. Had Kate had some time to ponder the depth of his betrayal, I don't think she would have granted it so easily. He knew even unto his death…knew all along, who killed Beckett's mother. And if he truly wanted forgiveness and absolution, he would have made his stand with Kate after telling her the truth. The Captain was not a hero in my eyes, a man sorry for his actions? Yes. And there may be some honor in that. But if Lockwood had stayed in prison and not threatened the Captain's family, he would have never come close to telling the truth and went to his grave with his dark secrets.
Next season will be filled with surprises, but I do not think it will play out between Castle and Beckett as many have said here. I believe the Mayor is involved and that is why Castle has never been in real danger or a target until now. Either way, I am looking forward to a new Captain and a new direction for Castle. I no longer believe they will get together or should. Only in honesty and trust do relationships survive and grow…neither character has shown much of either as for as their feelings for one another.
I agree with Luciana. I think Beckett was trying to get him to agree to let her stay and fight with him, plus she didn't want to break his heart if there was the possibility that both of them could die. Lastly, Beckett knew the Captain very well and I'm sure realized that he just made a mistake early in his career and respected him for taking steps throughout his career to atone for it.
As for her reaction to Castle if what Luciana predicted turns out to be true (and that's a huge IF), I think that'll be the cliffhanger at the end of season 4. But the point of the show is Beckett and Castle working together and being crazy about each other, so somehow she will eventually gravitate back to him or he to her. Plus, they'll have all of season 4 to deal with the fallout from her being shot and Castle insisting on watching over her, so maybe she won't be a pissed as we think she will. Oh she'll be furious initially, don't get me wrong, but maybe Lanie or her father or Esposito will help her realize he just wants to keep her safe.
Just my thoughts.
Her initial reaction is always to push him away, I agree. But those two are just so magnetic.
In Knockout, one of my favorite scenes that hasn't been mentioned too much was the scene when Beckett tells the Captain, "I want him gone. I'm serious." to which he responds, "Okay, he's gone." Beckett's reaction (mostly the facial expression) was so telling. I think it really illustrated to the audience that she knows how much she needs Castle. Hopefully, her character has developed enough, especially considering all that happened in this final episode, to deal more directly with the issues she will have with him withholding information rather than her regressing back into the "push and avoid" pattern she's so comfortable with.
I think there were huge reveals in this particular episode regarding how significant her relationship with Castle is to her, and hopefully we'll see evidence of that by way of character growth in Season 4. I've not been disappointed with this show yet, so I think great things are in store for us come next season.
Additionally, I thoroughly enjoy having someone to "talk" about this with! I know many people who watch and enjoy the show, but finding other people who analyze the episodes and try to piece together the puzzle is a much more challenging task. Fun!
I agree, Beckett is starting to realize how important Castle is to her. He is going to try really hard to protect her especially in the first few episodes and i dont think she is going to like that. She wants to be tough and strong, and she is but after the events of knockout she is going to need some help. It isnt going to happen right away but she will stop pushing him away. They are going to go through many ups and downs before they get there, but isnt that what we love about this show? I think they get together eventually but i want it to feel right and i much as i wish they were ready i dont think they are. It will happen soon enough. I absolutely love this show and their relationship. I cant wait to see what season 4 brings. And i completely understand what you said about needing people to talk to about the show, none of my friends are hardcore fans and i love analyzing this stuff. Im totally obsessed lol
Great point Michelle. I loved that scene when Beckett tells the Captain she wants Castle gone. When he says okay, the look on her face is priceless. Because she figured the Captain would argue the point and really wouldn't get rid of him, and even after their argument, there is no way she really wants Castle out of her life. Great scene, subtle, but telling.
As for season 4 and the whole dark/dramedy discussion, I have been on both sides of that argument, but Luciana's article hits the nail on the head: only 1/4 of last season's episodes were intense. We all love the show so much, and it is after all a credit to great writing that we continue to watch and discuss it on forums like this. And isn't it great that we can all gather round our PCs and talk about it?
Thanks Luciana for always sparking a great discussion
Oh… And the fast forgiveness thing…
I think it is part what you've said and part how much she valued her relationship with the Captain. He was a kind of father figure to her, obviously, and he was significant in her life both personally and professionally.
Sometimes they balance the comedy/drama in a single episode, sometimes they balance it "between" episodes. There have been quite a few episodes which were dominantly comedy, it's fair for them to now and then lean the other way, in fact, I think it makes the show stronger and more interesting. If it were a sitcom, I wouldn't be watching, if it were pure drama, probably the same, but I don't mind a not-funny ep now and then, if that balance remains on the whole.
I loved the last ep. It had a few issues, but most of the episodes do, usually with realism, but I'm not watching the show for realism, I'm watching it for the dance between Castle and Beckett. Some weeks it's a jitterbug, sometimes a tango. That's okay.
I love both drama and comedy, but at times more drama than comedy. Here are my reasons: 1) Some shows & movies don't do a good job with the comedy (but Castle does do well with the comedy), 2) drama feels more real to me, & 3) sometimes I see a more range of acting with drama than with comedy. Though for a show like Castle, there needs to be a good even amount of comedy and drama to benefit the viewers. They have been doing a good job with the comedy, though I feel that the drama episodes are their stronger episodes. It makes me connect more to the characters, and feel a part of the story. But I also love the comedy episodes as well, because I want to have something to cheer me up by the end of Monday night. So far, Castle has created episodes that work for both of my interests: drama & comedy. I know that they will keep doing that next seasons too.
Wow, your speculation is very…plausible. So much so that I feel as though I've been spoiled even though I know that it IS all speculation.
As for the larger question, I like the serious episodes best: partly because I came to the series relatively late, but also because prefer the more serious, sincere side of Castle's character. Sophomoric Castle makes me laugh; Sincere Castle makes me swoon.
One more thing I want to put out there…
Beckett lost another important person in her life when the Captain died. He was a confidant, a supporter, protector, and a friend to her. In my opinion, with him gone, it will be a very natural progression for the Castle/Beckett bond to grow even more solid, as Beckett does not "connect" well with other people. Castle is going to fill the Captain's shoes, so to speak, for her. He and her father are pretty much all she has left.
The fact that Beckett wanted the Captain to die a hero shows that she really did forgive him all of his "sins," and it does shed some light on the notion that some things in her life are more important to her than solving her Mother's case, and some of the few relationships she has with others aren't worth sacrificing.
Luciana I agree with you completely. I actually came up with the same thought on the Castle Becket relationship except I'm not sure they will even get to first base – instead my feeling is they will JUST be about to get there and she will find the files. The problem is then what? do we wait another year before she forgives him and we have another chance at a relationship? This push pull only works to a point- the fun is in the words unspoken, the looks that say so much etc. but to be constantly on again and off again, that sort of relationship will be just exhausting I think. If that does happen then I pray that something dramatic happens to make her believe Castle really DID have her best at heart and we don't end up with season 4 in another will they won't they scenario. Been there done that- I'm not sure who is more afraid of this relationship the characters or the writers!
As for the show going too dark, NOT if they keep the core of what makes Castle different which is the characters themselves. It's possible to write excellent drama while still incorporating those lighthearted elements that make Castle different. Castle just being himself provides a humorous touch as does Martha and the whole family interaction. There can be brotherly- buddy type humor between Esposito and Ryan, or Lanie and Becket could sometimes tease the guys nevermind the banter we adore between Becket and Castle!
I am just now rewatching the first two seasons since I really only saw the eps once and what i"m noticing is the stories themselves held me in a way season 3 didn't. Part of that I think was they allowed more interaction between the characters- Lanie and Becket for example when Becket needed a dress to wear to some gala with Castle- the poker game that Becket and Martha and the precinct had at Castle's house- Double Down- murder for example, murder yes, but also lots of banter- What I noticed in season 3 was the writers started using a formula- in effect getting a bit lazy- i.e. ok, murder- doesn't really matter what context- then we pick 4 or 5 the more the better possible suspects and we'll just go through them until we reveal the real one at the end. Twists are fun but when the story is lost in a maze of possible suspects- then you have a problem.
Castle writers need to start thinking of stories that will engage the viewer again like the first two seasons. Using gimmicks- like oh let's have the murder victim in a pizza oven does NOT make the story better- what I would love to see our real stories- gripping ones maybe from the news where you find you care about the people who have been affected by this murder and more than just did they or didn't they do it. THAT makes a good drama- then you add in the wonderful character elements- camaraderie, family relationships, romantic relationships and POTENTIAL romance and you have pure magic.
I personally prefer the more dramatic eps, in fact in my opinion nobody does drama better when Castle writers put their mind to it- our finale proved that- but Castle needs to just get the humor element from the characters themselves rather than designating whole episodes as "light" in my opinion. What is wrong with "light" in the midst of darkness- that reflects real life doesn't it? It's never ALL black or white.
JMHO
I agree, having watched again especially episodes from season 2, the dynamic between characters was why I start watching in the first place. This season, some of the episodes, dark or not, had so many twists and suspects I was numbed before the end of the hours. I'd wake up the next day trying to remember who the killer was.
They must stay true, the writers that is, to what got them to the big game and the popularity Castle enjoys. Yes the intense episodes are the big ratings winners and there are few of them, but its more than that as Mary Ann eludes to, something is missing. I think the fun that Castle brought to the precinct and his world, changed the dynamic of Beckett and the others. That is missing now, though there are hints of it. I look forward to the show and will watch each week. But I have honestly lost a bit of my enthusiasm for it. NCIS has had their characters go through many things, but the characters always remain who they are. Yes, they have grown, but still delight the viewers because no matter what happens, that core dynamic is retained by the writers of NCIS
I agree with you, Luciana. There is little to be concerned about. Take the character of Castle, foir example: he's a fun-loving, charming, guy who fits in well at the precinct because he keeps things light. As Beckett said in season 2, having him around makes her job more fun. He brings out the teasing side of Beckett as well, so I really doubt the writers, Marlowe, et. al., will take such the show in such a signficantly different direction.
Regarding your idea for how season 4 will go, I think you might be right on the mark, except for Castle and Beckett getting together mid-season. My thinking is Beckett will finally kick Dr. Boy to the curb around Christmas, and she and Castle will spend the rest of the season flirting like hormonal teenagers. Then just as they do get together, Beckett discovers he's been holding back the files and all the Caskett-goodness goes to H-E…well you know.
I like Luciana's theory. One thought I might add is the letter Montgomery added to the dossier he sent to Castle. I have to believe he advised him to with hold the name of "Mr X" from Kate,[ the hanger scene." If I give you his name, you"ll go straight at him."]. If Kate does break up with Castle, she'll eventually have to have to return to him, because he"ll be the only one at the precinct who knows who "X" is.
Wouldn't it be somehting if "Mr. X" turns out to be "Mr. X" form "The X-Files?" LOL!
I'm sorry, one other comment. Regardless of what some may think, the dark,intense episodes garner the largest rating; that is indisputable,it is a fact. I like the fun stories too, but the big numbers are with the intense stories.
I totally agree with you Luciana. I mean, like, totally. :D
That "Castle-kept-info-from-Kate" has already been played out at the beginning of season 2. To do it again would be a bit of a cop out and not original. There needs to be a 3rd party since i think Castle will already have a lot to deal with anyway [his declaration of love to Beckett].
I am pretty vocal, both on IMDB's CASTLE board and Screen Rant's CASTLE board, in my dislike of and contempt for the "serious" episodes of CASTLE. I think they not only yank the show in a direction its normally lighthearted tone can't sustain and makes them seem morally bankrupt (if somebody is gunning for Kate Beckett, then she can't be a cop walking around faux NYC solving semi-comic homicides anymore – she can't even be "Kate Beckett" anymore), but they're also the worst written episodes of the series, full of blatant plot holes (in "Setup", why was Beckett suddenly wearing a portable radiation detector that we've never seen before?), Kate Beckett turning into some kind of high-heel wearing superheroine with inhumanly fast reflexes and apparent super-speed, and our supposedly-smart leads suddenly behaving like idiots (unless you think you really can disarm a nuke by simply yanking out all the wires just as the timer hits Zero a la GALAXY QUEST, or that lying down together and waiting to freeze to death in a walk-in freezer shows intelligence and good sense!).
Even the "big relationship speeches" between Rick and Kate in their dramatic episodes come out of nowhere and lead nowhere – one moment they're talking about the case, and the next, with no apparent segue, Castle's all but telling Beckett how much he loves her! But when she challenges him to say how he feels about her two episodes later, he gets all tongue-tied, and only sobs "I love you" out to her apparently dying body? I don't watch CASTLE to watch Stana Katic be bitchy and squalling (as she was without letup through "Knockout"), or Nathan Fillion be a hopelessly lovelorn schmo (as he was through almost all of Season 3!) – I watch to see both Fillion and Katic be clever, witty and totally into each other's intelligence and sense of humor, falling for each other because they're the smartest kids in the room by far.
For a show with an essentially comedy-romantic tone to be effective in the "darker" episodes, you need writers of Joss Whedon's caliber – which none of the writers on CASTLE come close to.
I completely agree with DRDarkeNY. These so called "serious" episodes are laughable. The plotholes are too many to count and are so distracting that I start to care less and less for these characters. It seems that Marlowe wants to change his audience and is now aiming for the Grey's anatomy viewers. A lot of drama and adults acting like teenagers with no sense at all. In one season Castle went from my favorite show to a show I might watch if I remember it on time and there is nothing else on.