Whew!

What a season finale that was, right, Castle fans? Before we even begin here, I wanted to apologize for the delay in posting this. I also wish I could have watched it once more to catch all the details, but I’ve been trying to fight off this dengue fever and it has not been a fun experience thus far. At least I had that amazing episode last night to cheer me up and I have to say that, even though season 4 had its ups and downs, it went out with a bang.

I admit I had my reservations about “Always” before it aired because I was afraid that Marlowe was just yanking our chain and would pull the rug from right under our feet just as the episode was ending. Thank god that wasn’t the case and our favorite will-they-won’t-they couple finally came to their senses and stopped fighting their obvious feelings for each other. But before that happened, a lot came to pass and we have a lot to discuss before squealing about that beautiful scene that made caskett shippers all over the world explode in rainbows and butterflies (myself included).

First, I loved how easily Castle and Beckett jumped back to their old flirty banter after Kate set the record straight in “Undead Again”. That opening scene was just so easygoing and reminiscent of that season 2 back and forth, except that this time it had real promise that something was actually going to happen between them. After all, even if nothing had happened related to her mother’s murder, they were still going to have a date at his loft and things were just heading towards the right direction the entire time.

Then of course, everything got shot to hell and Beckett got obsessed again about solving her mom’s case. I was surprised with Espo’s reaction, though. I thought he would try to stop her so it really came as a shock that he was the one encouraging her to pursue it. In a way it was good that he did because he had her back, but at the same time it got her in trouble because they all know how Kate is when it comes to this investigation and how she won’t let go unless something radical stops her (like a bullet to the heart). So, yeah, I was a little baffled by that and heartbroken that, in the end, it caused a rift in his partnership with Ryan (who only did the right thing and ended up saving Beckett’s life).

Of course there was the whole sniper guy on the loose thing, but I think we can all agree that the major focus of this episode was Castle and Beckett’s relationship. From the first scene with them agreeing to do a movie marathon together, to Castle supporting her when they found out their victim had broken into Montgomery’s house, until their explosive fight halfway through the episode, it was all about them.

The fight scene in particular was probably my favorite and not even because of what the argument was about. What I loved the most about that scene was Nathan Fillion’s heartbreaking performance that made me tear up when he did and it was just beyond brilliant. Nathan delivered his very best performance thus far in “Always” and I wouldn’t be surprised if he was nominated for an award. It was just beautiful to watch. That and the fact that they finally laid all their cards on the table and there are no more secrets. Finally.

Then they were over and suddenly Beckett was chasing her sniper and fighting (and losing badly) with him on the roof and then she was nearly falling and it took that to make her realize she loves Castle and wants to be with him and needs to do something about it. Not that I’m not happy that she finally saw the light, but what was this? Something like, the hundredth time is a charm? Nevertheless, it was a really nice scene and I especially enjoyed that Ryan saved the day. And Gates was pretty useless. Again. Yeah, an entire season later and I still don’t see the point of that character. Then she suspended Beckett and Espo and Kate resigned and Ryan was left all alone and I have no idea how this dynamic is going to work in season 5.

It seems that Marlowe was all about the parallels in this episode, though; the fight scene and the one with Kate on the swings were pretty obvious. I didn’t mind the “we’re over” parallel in the first one, but was I the only one who thought the swings scene was completely and utterly unnecessary? I mean, I get it. It adds dramatic effect that she showed up on his doorstep soaking wet in the middle of a thunderstorm, but still, it feels like they wasted precious seconds showing that glimpse of a scene.

Then of course, she is kissing him and telling him all she wants is him and all is puppies and butterflies and rainbows and happiness in our caskett shipper hearts. I loved the way that scene was shot, the editing, the lighting, everything was perfect. I thought the thunder was a teeny tiny over the top, but it doesn’t matter because they lived happily ever after – at least during the hiatus.

Oh, and there was the sniper threatening Mr. Smith and saying he is going to kill Beckett, but I think I speak for most of us when I say who cares? Castle and Beckett are finally together!

Anyway, yeah. What did you guys think of the finale?

Castle: Season 4 Finale "Always" Review

I don't know about you guys, but I am so ridiculously excited about next week's season finale that I can barely sit still for more than a few minutes. It's not just because it's the finale and, well, we won't have anything new to talk about until September, but it's more about the fact that I am finally happy about my favorite show again.

You all know how much I have complained most of this season (and I know a lot of you kind of dislike me because of it), but it feels that "Always" will put things back on track. I am sure most of you have seen the promo - especially the CTV one released last night that has the fandom in an uproar about one pivotal scene - so I have to warn you, the sneak peeks don't give much away. And you know what? It's better this way because we have already been given something huge with that promo and I don't think I want to be more spoiled than that. Do you guys agree?

Anyway, as we all know the May 7 season 4 finale will dive back into Beckett's mom's murder and we just might find out who shot Detective Kate Beckett last season. And of course, Castle and Beckett will SPOILER ALERT put their feelings on the table and I guess we'll see what happens. Given the glimpse we've got on that promo last night, there's not much doubt about what it going to go down next Monday night.

And I am so incredibly excited. How about you?

Castle Sneak Peeks: 4.23 Season 4 Finale "Always"

I think that the most appropriate response to last night’s “Undead Again” was about damn time!

See, kids, did it hurt to use actual words to communicate what you’re feeling and thinking? If only that had happened three episodes ago, it would have spared us all the angst and drama and you could all be happy for a while now. But I get it, good drama makes for good TV and there were still a couple of episodes until the finale, so yeah. It doesn’t excuse the complete lackluster that this relationship has been all season and the glacial speed with which things were moving forward, but I think I understand the bigger picture a little better now.

So, the zombie episode. How did you guys like it? I’m going to be honest, when it was first said that there was actually going to be a zombie episode – I really thought they were joking when that information first came out – I was a little skeptical. After everything they had put us through this season, were they really going to sacrifice an hour of our time for zombies?

But I have to say I was pleasantly surprised.

Turns out that “Undead Again” was that kind of Castle episode that I had been missing for a while now, the one we usually refer to as classic Castle. It was very reminiscent of “Demons” earlier this season and the mummy curse episode back in season 2 (what is that one called? My memory fails me) and you know what? For the first time in weeks, I had a blast watching my favorite show. Do you know why? Because it had everything that made me love it in the first place all the way back in season 1. It was laugh out loud funny, it had character development, everyone had their chance to shine and Perlmutter was back!

I mean, don’t get me wrong, I love Lanie, I really do. But Perlmutter is awesome because he puts Castle in his place and he doesn’t give flying rat’s butt about his fame or that he thinks he is a cop. I just loved every single scene our grouchy ME was in. The pace of the episode was also great and I thought the hour really flew by.

About Alexis, I was still on the fence about wanting her to stay or go, but I really liked how they handled her decision (and that scene when she tells Castle that it’s time to holster the laser tag gun and be adults was completely heartbreaking) and I am actually glad that she is going to college close to home. I wonder how often she is going to be on the show in season 5 if she’s supposed to be in college, however close that is. I am assuming she’s going to live on campus, so maybe she’ll pop by every couple of episodes? I don’t know. What do you guys think?

I also loved Ryan’s and Esposito’s involvement in the case, but I especially enjoyed Ryan’s willingness to believe in zombies with Castle. The writer is really rubbing off on him and it is so very entertaining to watch.

Finally, we circle back to our dynamic duo. I still don’t like Castle’s reaction to this whole thing, but I liked how they handled it in this episode. The passive-aggressive Castle from the past couple of episodes was pretty much gone and it was refreshing to see them together again and building theory and generally just getting along for most of the episode. Even though Castle still didn’t have the guts to just come out and ask her, Kate seemed to get the message and answered him straight out, which made me really proud of our dear homicide detective. I think that was probably the most honest we have ever seen her on the show and I am so glad they finally decided to use words instead of really subtle subtext.

So “Undead Again” made my love for this show return and I really, really enjoyed it. Kudos to writer Christine Boylan (@KitMoxie on Twitter) for knocking it out of the park with this one.

And just when I thought this was it, ABC decides to torture us all with that promo for the finale next week. I am honest to god so incredibly excited I can barely sit still, guys. I really, really hope the finale delivers because if that promo is anything to go by, “Always” is going to be beyond epic.

Haven’t seen it yet? Say no more. Check it out right here.

Castle: 4.22 "Undead Again" Review

With only two episodes left before the summer hiatus starts torturing us, Castle fans have been in an uproar about the latest story arc which has left our favorite dynamic duo at odds with each other. After Detective Beckett's secret came out accidentally - and completely unknowingly to her - Castle has been acting like a jackass (as Kate so wisely put it) and basically ignoring her.

We get it; the guy is hurt and thinks he has just been rejected by the girl he is head over heels in love with, but I think I speak for most of the fans when I say that we are so ready to see that arc over and done with and  Castle and Beckett back together again. Well, it seems that we won't have to wait very long at all.

With a very suggestive title - "Always" - the season finale will make those two put their cards on the table. From the promotional photos ABC has just released, it seems that all is well in Caskett land (and if those rumors floating around are true, there is a very real possibility that the crime fighting duo will finally get their act together and come clean about their feelings.

It looks like we are in for quite an emotional rollercoaster ride because, as usual, we are touching back on Beckett's mother's case.

Use the arrows above to browse through photos for the season finale of Castle, airing on May 7 at 10:00 p.m. ET/PT on ABC.

Castle Season Finale Photos: Beckett Hunts Down the Man Who Shot Her

Nathan Fillion's former Firefly co-star, Adam Baldwin, is making a guest appearance on the upcoming April 16 episode of Castle.  Given how the last episode ended, we'll put our money on Becket and Castle being at odds in the next episode. In fact, ABC warns that "tensions [are] rising between Castle and Becket.

So Castle heads out to find himself a new partner: Detective Ethan Slaughter (guest star Adam Baldwin).  Baldwin's character is a tough, but colorful, cop from the police's gang unit.  Of course, Castle soon realizes that he's in over his head when Detective Slaughter shows him a side of the job that puts him in more danger than he's ever been in before.  But will Beckett come to terms with the state of her relationship with Castle before it's too late?

Watch three sneak peeks below for the April 16 episode of Castle, airing at 10:00 p.m. ET/PT on ABC.  To browse through more photos for this episode, click here.

Castle Sneak Peeks: Adam Baldwin Guest Stars in Episode 4.21

Well, it seems that things will be mostly back to normal on the upcoming April 30 episode of Castle. Or at least as normal as they can be when zombies are presumably responsible for the death of Detective Beckett's team's current victim. ABC has just released the promotional photos for "Undead Again" and, well, at least Castle seems to be working with Beckett again, so whatever goes down in next week's episode may settle their communication issues once and for all.

A girl can dream, right?

Anyway, in "Undead Again", Castle and Beckett investigate the murder of a man with human bite marks on his body, which obviously makes Castle's wild theories start flying. But none are as wild as what their only witness insists happened - a Zombie attack. As the evidence pointing towards an undead assailant piles up, the team plunges into New York's Zombie subculture to find the killer and bring him in -- dead, undead or alive.

Let's not forget that this is the last episode before the season finale and, if memory serves me right, Andrew Marlowe said that secrets would be out by then. Can we actually hope that that's true? What's your take on it?

"Undead Again" is scheduled to air on April 30 at 10/9c on ABC.

Castle Photos: 4.22 "Undead Again"

Bones | The show finally returned from its two-month hiatus this week with the exciting birth of Booth and Brennan's baby girl. But don't let the happy news get you too comfy because our spoilery eyes are already set on the the May 14 season finale, “The Past in the Present”. EP Hart Hanson recently tweeted about the episode, saying the writers are currently in a 'spirited debate' on what should be the last image of this season. Hanson tells EW, "We have options as to how it motors us into season 8. There’s a see-saw between hope and confidence and vulnerability and fear that we have to walk."

What could possibly have the writers so at odds? We fear it may have something to do with the return of serial killer Christopher Pellant (Andrew Leeds) in the finale. David Boreanaz reveals to Zap2it, "I do know that it'll be pretty dangerous, and it'll be detrimental to both [Booth and Brennan], and someone may not survive." Emily Deschanel adds, "It changes things for Brennan, Booth and their child in a way that they'll probably never be the same." Why does this news not give me warm fuzzy feelings?

For more on what you can expect from the rest of this season, check out our special Bones spoiler post.

We also have the latest photo preview and sneak peeks for next week's all-new episode "The Bump in the Road".

Castle | If there's one thing in TV that needs to remain constant, it's that Nathan Fillion should always portray a street smart hero opposite Adam Baldwin's dumb lackey. So pardon me if I need a minute to deal with this latest bit of casting news. In the upcoming April 16 episode "Headhunters," Nathan and Adam, who previously worked together on the short-lived series Firefly, will reunite onscreen when Castle ditches Beckett to shadow tough-guy cop, Ethan Slaughter. Baldwin explains the deal to TVGuide, "It's flipped. Nathan's the dumb one this time." And Fillion doesn't disagree, "Yup. Adam's in control, pulling the strings and I'm tagging along in the dark." Help, my world is all askew.

To get an early look at Nathan and Adam together again, you won't want to miss our photo preview for "Headhunters".

If you missed this week's episode "The Limey," we also have your review right here.

And since it's now April, we're also beginning our descent toward the end of the season. For May sweeps, TVLine reveals that someone we haven't seen all year is set to return. Could it be the mysterious 3XK? If so, this may go a long way toward explaining what Jon Huertas meant about a very interesting conclusion to the season for Castle and Beckett. Huertas teases TVLine about the finale, “I think the audience is going to be surprised about what happens between Castle and Beckett. More surprised than they ever have been.” Dun, dun, dun.

House | In a previous spoiler post we reported that Olivia Wilde is set to return for the important series finale to air on May 21. But thanks to EW, we can now add one more very special name to the guest-star list: Kal Penn. Only Penn's character Dr. Kutner committed suicide in the fifth season episode "Simple Explanation," so a reappearance by his character could presumably reveal a lot about the plot of the final episode of House, written by series creator David Shore. What's your guess on how this dearly departed character will show up?

We also still don't have a title for this rapidly approaching episode, but what we can expect to see is becoming a little bit clearer. TVGuide has the latest from Robert Sean Leonard on what he says will be just another day at the office for House and Wilson, "I think the show is going to end very abruptly and in a very surprising way because, as happens in life, you don't live the ending. You just live your life." Check, no wrap up for the show or characters.

Spoilers: Will Someone Die in the Bones Finale? Plus: Castle & House

Well, after last night's heartbreaking episode, Castle will be on hiatus for the next two weeks. Maybe that will be enough time for my strong desire to punch Castle in the face for being such a jerk in "The Limey" to subside. The ABC hit show returns with the last stretch of episodes this season on April 16 with a very special reunion. Firefly's alum Adam Baldwin guest stars on episode 21 - titled "Headhunters".

We all know how last night's episode ended, so it is a safe bet that Castle and Beckett will still be at odds on April 16. In this episode, with tensions rising between Castle and Beckett, the writer finds himself a new partner -- Detective Ethan Slaughter (Baldwin), a tough and colorful cop from the city's gang unit. But Castle gets more than he bargained for when Slaughter shows him a grittier side of police work that puts Castle in the line of fire like never before.

Is it bad that I really hope something happens to him that will make him see the light about how ridiculously he has been acting? With only three more episode to go, they'd just better resolve this tension already before everything goes to hell in the finale (as we all know it most likely will).

Are you excited about the Firefly reunion on Castle? What about the tension between our dynamic duo? Which side are you on?

Castle returns with an all new episode on April 16 at 10/9C on ABC.

Castle Photos: Episode 4.21 "Headhunters"

Unlike many episodes in which a third party comes between our dynamic duo, last night’s “The Limey” didn’t cause jealousy for either of them. Instead, it left Detective Kate Beckett heartbroken and Castle acting like a petulant child whom I started to progressively hate over the course of those forty-two minutes.

I admit I was a little reluctant about this episode and not at all excited about the fact that someone would presumably come between Castle and Beckett again, particularly after how last week’s “47 seconds” ended. But I have to say I was pleasantly surprised. The case was alright (although I was more preoccupied with the characters – especially Kate – than the case itself) and I actually liked Mr. Scotland Yard. Of course the fact that he was really easy on the eyes helped, but I liked the way the character was written and that he wanted justice for his friend. Also, he wasn’t blatantly coming onto Beckett, so that helped too. Although – and I am not really one to judge since English isn’t my first language – that British accent left something to be desired, didn’t it? Sometimes I had to go back and watch the scene again so I could try to make some sense of what he was saying. But all in all, Mr. Scotland Yard got the seal of approval from me.

The entire sequence at that British Council party was brilliant and I particularly loved how Kate was super awkward at first and then turned on the charm when she had to get the prints somehow off of Charles Shaughnessy’s character. The chemistry between Stana Katic and Brett Tucker was really something and I loved seeing them together.

Then we have Lanie, who was the voice of the fandom in this episode, and made me love her even more. I loved that she pushed Kate to think about doing something, even though it was heartbreaking to watch our favorite detective watch Castle flaunt his newest bimbo. She still has no idea why he’s suddenly so cold and distant with her and I swear I just wanted to punch Castle’s pretty face in the entire episode. I mean, I get it, the guy is hurt and feeling betrayed and I understand that the way he found to release some of that anger is to act out. But the complete reversal to season 1 Castle (and in a way, it was even worse, because in season 1 there were no feelings involved) really ticked me off.

Honestly, I think both Castle and Beckett are at fault here and I know what Kate kept from him was huge, but what he is doing to her is just not cool. I can’t wait to see the look on his face when he finds out that she loves him right back and he was being a jerk this whole time without knowing the whole story and that he should have just talked to her instead of acting like a 5-year-old throwing a tantrum.

Not to mention the fact that he is keeping a pretty big secret from her as well, so he is basically being a hypocrite on top of being an immature jerk. Yes, I am really pissed off at what they did with his reaction and, if we really have to go down this road, I can’t wait to see what happens when they talk things out. I’ll bet then he is really going to feel like a fool. And I believe things will be even worse when his secret comes out now, because not only he’s being completely immature and ignoring her without even giving her a chance to explain herself, but I’m willing to bet that his secret is going to blow up in their faces and the outcome will not be pretty.

Anyway, despite the fact that Castle was acting like a child and that I wanted to give Kate a hug the entire time, “The Limey” was actually a really nice episode. The Lanie/Kate scenes were definitely one of the highlights and I really hope they won’t put this friendship in the backburner for another entire season.

B+

PS: I am officially on Team Kate now, in case that review didn’t make it clear. What about you?

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Castle: 4.20 "The Limey" Review

Well, this week's episode certainly left the fandom - and Castle - heartbroken, didn't it? It also split the fans' opinion on whether Castle's reaction to Kate's big secret was properly addressed and what the fallout of the secret and his reaction is going to play out in this last stretch of episodes until the season finale on May 7.

We have to wonder no more. The Alphabet Network made us sweat a little tonight on the expectation of these sneak peeks and I have to say I am definitely not disappointed. Particularly the clip that shows Kate and Lanie in the detective's apartment. See, Mr. Marlowe, that is an awesome use of Tamala Jones' screen time and it gives Lanie something else to do. I loved everything about that clip and I really, really hope someone is taking notes and will make it happen again as soon as possible.

Also, I have to share my excitement to see Charles Shaugnessy on Castle because my childhood fandom is colliding with my present fandom and I keep expecting to see Fran Drescher walk in and say "Mr. Sheffield!". Anyway, in next Monday's episode, titled "The Limey", a devilishly handsome detective from Scotland Yard, Simon Hunt (Brett Tucker, Off the Map, Spartacus), teams up with Castle  and Beckett to find the person responsible for the murder of his friend's daughter. Meanwhile, Kate's confused about why Castle is so different with her and Lanie calls her out on the fact that they're crazy for each other.

Dr. Parish, I love you.

"The Limey" episode of Castle is scheduled to air next Monday at 10/9C on ABC.

Castle Sneak Peeks: Episode 4.20 "The Limey"

So… one of the secrets is finally out.

Last night’s Castle told the story of a bombing during a protest in New York that took the lives of five people and injured countless more. While the NYPD wasn’t directly involved – the FBI has jurisdiction in investigations like these – the case really affected everyone at the Precinct, including Castle and Beckett. The fact that most of the victims had just been in the wrong place at the wrong time hit really close to home as to how they’re just taking tomorrow for granted.

It was shaping up to be an incredible step forward for our dynamic duo and they built it really well through half of the episode with looks and loaded conversations and Martha’s advice. Even though I knew the secret had to come out at some point (because we all saw that promo, right), I found myself gearing up for something good to happen. And then they ripped the rug from right under our feet and punched us – and Castle – in the gut with that careless, unintended revelation.

So now Castle knows and I thought that was going to be a good thing because that means he is finally going to do something about it. But he didn’t. He was pissed off and rightly so, but he didn’t do anything. Maybe I have been reading this character wrong, but I was expecting a confrontation at the very least. But no, he just shut down, buried his head in the sand and basically pulled a Beckett, pretending nothing had happened. And you know what, that was just not cool.

The Castle we have all come to know and love was the kind of person who liked to talk, right? Okay, so when it comes to Beckett, he shies away, but not from things that really matter. Last season, during “Knockout”, he called her out on all her crap and, sure, it wasn’t pretty, but at least they got things out in the open. This time, though, he decided to just be pissed off and act like nothing was wrong while giving her the cold shoulder. And the sad thing is that Kate was ready to finally take a chance. She was so incredibly ready to finally do something about this stupid dance they had going on and now she is going to think that he is not in it anymore. What I got from this episode was that she was waiting for a cue from him and when that chance showed up, she was more than willing to take it, but he turned into freezer mode and completely ignored her.

Now, I am not saying that he is not justified in his actions. He is, of course. After all, she lied to him for months about something huge. But what really got to me was that he didn’t even give her a chance to explain her side of things. I am not defending what Kate did here, but let’s not forget that Castle also has a really big secret of his own and, while he is completely entitled to feel betrayed and act pissed off, he is being a little hypocritical here, isn’t he? Because from his reaction, it seems that he’s forgetting to take a long, hard look in the mirror and reevaluate his actions. We all know he is keeping this huge bombshell from Kate in order to protect her, so maybe he should have thought that Kate had her reasons to keep this from him as well? In fact, she told him her reasons all the way back in “Rise” and they were making progress now, only to have it be completely shattered. It felt like half a step forward and five steps back last night.

So now she doesn’t know that he knows she knows and – while I appreciate the Friends reference, this time it’s just not funny – this whole thing’s just turned into an even more complicated mess. From what we could see from the promo for next week’s “The Limey”, it looks like Castle is reverting to his old playboy ways and it’s just frustrating. At least we are going to see Kate talking things out with Lanie (about damn time too!) and maybe she is finally going to do something about it. But for now, it looks like things are going to get worse before they get better. I can already see that maybe they work things out (or at least start to) in “The Limey”, only to have Castle’s secret about her mom’s case blow up in their faces in the finale, leaving them both burned and separated for the entire summer.

And to be honest, I’m not sure I like this prospect.

Anyway, other than that, I really liked the case this time and there were two instances I particularly loved. Both scenes with Martha’s insight were great and I loved that scene with Alexis at the morgue and how Beckett was obviously moved by Castle’s fatherly side.

But then it all went to hell and it looks like it’s going to be a bumpy ride until the finale. For now, though, “47 seconds” gets a B+ for me.

Castle: 4.19 "47 Seconds" Review

I don't know about you guys, but for the first time in months I am insanely excited for a Castle episode. Honestly, I don't think I can tone down my expectations no matter how hard I try. Do you know why? Because something is finally going to happen to move the main storyline along and I couldn't happier about it. It doesn't even matter to me what the fall out is going to be; what I really care about is that one of the secrets is finally coming out and I absolutely can't wait to see what happens next.

In next Monday's Castle, titled "47 seconds", a bomb explodes at a protest rally killing five people. Castle and Beckett realize the key to solving the case is to reconstruct the 47 seconds prior to the explosion. Using video and witness accounts, they uncover the shocking truth about who planted the bomb. It all seems very exciting and like it's going to be an action-packed episode, but we can't forget that the bomb probably serves as a huge metaphor about the bombshell Beckett is dropping on Castle unknowingly, like you can see in this clip, courtesy of TV Guide.

Personally, I doubt the fallout of this revelation will happen in this episode. But in a way, I kind of want them to solve everything during "47 seconds", so we don't run the risk of letting it fall to the backburner, like so many twists have suffered with this fate over the course of these four seasons.

I am excited for whatever is going to happen, though. How about you? Weigh in on the possible consequences in the comments below.

Castle is scheduled to air on March 26 at 10pm on ABC.

Castle Sneak Peeks: Episode 4.19 "47 Seconds"

I think it’s a pretty safe bet to say that last night’s Castle, titled “A Dance with Death”, was thoroughly enjoyable and I have to say that it was one of the most entertaining episodes of the season thus far. A really interesting case, full of twists and turns (and they didn’t even make me roll my eyes at how predictable they were!) and plenty of storytelling for every single character. Kudos to writer Moira Kirland because she managed to include everyone in a really nice episode, giving screen time to every character in a very organic way. It was a solid hour of television and, for the first time in a long time, it felt like my favorite show was finally getting back on its feet.

Have I mentioned that I loved the case? No, your eyes are not deceiving you. I, who usually roll my eyes at pretty much 95% of the twists they throw our way, actually enjoyed last night’s case. I am not entirely sure what it was about this episode that made me love it so much, but I think that for the first time in a while, they actually got the pacing right and I found myself quite intrigued by it.

I admit I wasn’t jumping up and down in excitement with Martha’s subplot, but I loved that they didn’t just give up on Alexis interning with Lanie at the morgue. I have really despised the youngest Castle this season, but since she started this internship she has become so much more likable in my eyes. That and the fact that they finally gave Molly Quinn something worthwhile to do. That scene, in which Alexis gives her first briefing on an autopsy and Castle is so proud of his little girl, was just great to watch.

Ryan and Esposito have always been entertaining, but last night Seamus Dever and Jon Huertas were on fire. I found myself laughing out loud several times in their scenes and Ryan’s quest to get women to flirt with him and then the debacle of trying to get his ring off of Esposito’s finger. Their storyline was all around hilarious and it honestly just made me love Ryan even more for his awkward and adorable way of dealing with things.

Finally, let’s talk about our favorite crime fighting dynamic duo. First, I have to comment that I loved the changes in Beckett’s wardrobe and the fact that it was so much more colorful last night. It looks so much better on her and I am guessing it reflects her state of mind at the moment. From the amount and frequency of smiles and love eyeballs she is throwing at Castle, I think it’s pretty safe to say that she is in a good place right now. I am not sure what it’s going to go down in the next few episodes, especially with (SPOILER ALERT!) her secret coming out in the very near future, but I honestly think she is finally ready to give this a shot with Castle. It feels like she’s just waiting for her cue to do so.

I loved their banter and that scene at the end, when Castle asks her what she wanted to be when she grew up, was all warm and fuzzy and I am pretty sure that shippers all over the world are a puddle of happiness on the floor right now. Everything seemed so much more lighthearted and easy between them last night that really just makes me think that this is the calm before the storm.

There was so much to love about “A Dance with Death”, but what really got to me – besides its season 2-esque vibe – was that absolutely nothing major happened and it was still a really, really good episode. That, in turn, makes me wonder that if TPTB are more than capable of delivering solid episodes like this without actually moving the main storyline along, why didn’t they do so for the past ten episodes? Why did they have to makes us suffer through those below average episodes that made a lot of fans want to scream in frustration at how their favorite show had suddenly become boring? I honestly think that they should take this episode and make it an example of how to do an enjoyable filler episode for next season.

Of course that all my love and excitement for “A Dance with Death” were pretty much forgotten when ABC decided to torture tease us with that promo for next week. I am not commenting on it for now because I have no idea what the fall out is going to be.

But I am excited, guys. I am honest to god crazy excited in an omg-Monday-can’t-get-here-fast-enough way. I haven’t felt this way about Castle since “Cops & Robbers”. I just hope they actually deliver next week and that it meets our expectations. Because, as much I am trying to contain myself, my expectations are sky high after that promo.

You still haven’t seen it? Say no more. Take a look at it right now.

Castle: 4.18 "A Dance With Death" Review

I think it is safe to say that, after the Paley Fest Castle panel, a lot of fans are really excited for the April 2 episode, titled "The Limey". I have to say that I wasn't really excited when the plot of this episode was first announced (the whole Scotland Yard guy thing), but after hearing what the cast talked about it and seeing the promotional photos, I am definitely starting to warm up to the idea.

Of course that the fact that Charles Shaughnessy is going to be in this episode on April 1 just made my excitement grow exponentially since I had a huge crush on him growing up - and also that he will forever be Mr. Sheffield in my heart. In "The Limey", a handsome detective from Scotland Yard, Simon Hunt, teams up with our favorite crime fighting duo to find the person responsible for the murder of his friend's daughter. It seems that we are going to see some undercover work and I'll just bet that Castle will be crazy jealous of this hot guy with an equally hot British accent (and honestly, I don't blame Beckett one bit for drooling a little over him. Have you seen those pictures?).

But not all is lost, because it seems that our good Dr. Lanie Parish will come in and try to save the day by knocking some sense into Detective Kate Beckett to make a move on Castle before it's entirely too late. Good for you, Lanie!

I'm excited, guys. How about you?

Castle airs on Monday nights at 10:00 p.m ET/PT on ABC.

Castle Photos: Episode 4x20 "The Limey"

Well, I have to say that “Once Upon a Crime” was definitely interesting, to say the least. While it wasn’t the most exciting of episodes - I did find it a little dull at times and they really need to innovate a little more on the twists – last night’s Castle gave us a curious look into Castle and Beckett’s relationship.

A lot of fans had been complaining that the stalemate that their relationship had come to was robbing the show of its own spark and that things had gotten more than a little frustrating (and not in the good way) lately. Last week’s “Linchpin” had nearly been the final straw for a lot of people when, after yet another near death situation, absolutely nothing had happened between our favorite crime fighting duo.

Then fast forward to this week and the fairytale themed episode “Once Upon a Crime” – a very obvious homage to ABC’s new hit show Once Upon a Time – and we have those subtle looks and touches and smiles that had been driving us all crazy (because they didn’t go anywhere) amplified tenfold. It looks like that the idea of a happy ending appeals to both of them and it seemed like the whole fairytale atmosphere and lessons made both Castle and Beckett a lot bolder than usual.

While it was still subtle, this time we didn’t have to look for it and investigate every little glance they threw each other to understand what the writers meant. This time, it was staring right at us and, honestly, it’s about damn time. Not only did Castle called Kate cute and she didn’t bite his head off for it, but they indirectly talked about the secrets and I hope that little conversation raised a few flags in their systems, because they looked entirely too guilty in that scene.

Even though it wasn’t a stellar episode with a thrilling case, “Once Upon a Crime” proved that everything we had been complaining about and suggesting for the past several weeks can, in fact, be done. An extra line, a lingering look for five extra seconds in a scene to show that they actually care about each other, a few quips here and there to throw each other off balance – this episode had everything.

I believe this was Kate Sargeant’s debut episode on Castle as an official writer and, really, I just wanted to congratulate her. She did a really good job in bringing back those little elements that I know a lot of fans loved about the show. That ending, with Beckett willingly holding his hand without it being a near death situation was the icing on the cake.

It looks like we’re finally making progress here. Let’s just hope they follow through with what they have started.

A-

Castle: 4.17 "Once Upon A Crime" Review

Following yet another controversial two-parter - the fandom was pretty much split down in the middle - Castle returns next Monday with an apparently much lighter episode to give us a breather after this week's action packed "Linchpin". Next week's "Once Upon a Crime" seems to pay homage to fairytales and ABC's new hit show Once Upon a Time.

As the title suggests, our dynamic duo will be investigating a case that seems to have strong ties with our favorite childhood stories. When a woman dressed as Red Riding Hood is found dead in the woods with claw marks covering her body, and soon after a murdered Snow White is discovered with a poison apple in her hand, Castle & Beckett find themselves on a Grimm hunt to catch a fairytale killer before he kills again. But nothing is as it seems in a case filled with deceit, betrayal, secrets and murder.

It seems like this is going to be a filler episode somewhat, but you never know, right? They just might surprise us. For me, it feels like the clock is ticking on the loose ends they have to still bring up and there are only so many episodes (can you guys believe we are already on episode 17?) until the season finale.

Let's keep our fingers crossed.

Castle Sneak Peeks: 4.17 "Once Upon A Crime"

When Castle ended last night, I thought “damn, that was a really good episode with a really crappy ending”. I even posted it on Twitter and from the response I got, I was obviously not alone in my reaction to “Linchpin”. I have to say that I liked it a little bit better than last week’s “Pandora”. It was fast-paced, suspenseful and I really, really loved Jennifer Beals – and I am not even a fan.

My problem with it was that it felt like it was forty minutes of adrenaline and suspense and then nothing. As someone I was chatting with last night put it, I felt completely underwhelmed by that ending. I am not even going to discuss the case (because that didn’t make any sense to me and it was just a tiny little bit farfetched), but I really liked the vibe of the episode. I called it from the get go that the traitor would be Danberg and when he was outted as such I was equal parts proud of myself and disappointed because I had called it since the beginning of “Pandora”.

Then when Sophia was revealed to be the real traitor, I felt betrayed. Because you know what, I really liked her and, in the end, she manipulated me too. That’s why I absolutely loved Jennifer Beals’ performance in this two-parter because she made me hate her and love her all at once and when she was killed, I felt a little bit like Castle did.

So yeah, it was an action-packed episode and the hour flew by. Then when you think finally something is going to happen to move Castle and Beckett along, they give us a shoulder bump. Let me say it again: after four seasons, they give us a shoulder bump. Really, TPTB? Really? Not to mention that little quip from Sophia to Beckett, that she wished she had never slept with Castle in order to keep that simmering tension going. Seriously? Seriously? How many more near death situations will they have to face for one of them to break and do something? I am starting to think that the catalyst will have to be the apocalypse by the way things are going. What worries me is that we have only what, six episodes left until the finale? This is usually the time when we have a string of filler episodes until an explosive season finale and I honestly think they are just going to stall until then.

Because if you stop and think about it, we have several loose ends now that they are going to have to address at some point (hopefully still in season 4): Beckett’s secret, Castle’s secret, Johanna Beckett’s case and now Castle’s father. About the last one, I really, really hope that it doesn’t turn out that he is a big shot CIA agent who was behind this whole op in “Linchpin”. Because, honestly, TPTB, that would be spectacularly jumping the shark in my opinion. So for now, I am going to refrain from throwing out there any theories about Castle’s father, but feel free to discuss them in the comments section.

All in all, “Linchpin” was a good episode, but it was far from being as amazing as the season 2 two-parter with Dana Delaney. I have to comment on the opening scene with them in the car which was pretty awesome and probably one of my favorite moments of the episode. Don’t even get me started on Beckett’s jealousy – that while it was somewhat justified – by the end of the episode, it was verging on downright childish.

But I am willing to overlook it, so “Linchpin” gets a B+ for me.

Castle: 4.16 "Linchpin" Review

The conclusion to this season's two-part event on Castle will air next Monday and ABC has just released four clips of the next episode. We all know Castle and Beckett will obviously be just fine after that cliffhanger and that they will most likely save the day as they do in these two-parters.

While I am not all that interested in the case this time - it just seems too convoluted and it didn't make a whole lot of sense -, I'm really looking forward to see the backstory behind the relationship Castle once had with Sophia. According to the sneak peeks below, Sophia will be quite angry with how our dynamic duo proceeded with the now deceased mathematician and how they nearly gotten themselves killed in the process as well.

I am intrigued by this turn of events and glad that it seems we are finally going to learn something about Castle's past. I really enjoyed the first part, "Pandora", and I really hope that "Linchpin" pays off and that it doesn't turn into the disaster that last season's "Countdown" was. Now, I just have to comment that they manage to get themselves in worse and worse situations every year. If this supposed event may cause World War III, what's next season's two-parter going to be about? An intergalactic war?

Anyway, I am looking forward to the conclusion of this two-part event, especially in light of recent spoilers about Castle's past.

Now go on, take a look at the clips below.

Castle Sneak Peeks: 4.16 "Linchpin"

I admit I started watching this episode with my foot out the door. Although the promos and sneak peeks had made it all seem so very exciting, I was still burned from last season’s two-parter, in which half of the fandom felt completely cheated by the Josh fiasco, myself included. So I tried to approach this episode with the same mentality as I did last week with “The Blue Butterfly” and tried as hard as I could to keep my expectations to a minimum. After all, I think we have all learned the hard way that it is better to pleasantly surprised than sorely disappointed, especially when it comes to Castle, right?

Well, I was worried for nothing. Maybe it was the fact that I went in with no expectations at all, but “Pandora” was good, guys. It was really, really good. I will even dare to say that my favorite show – the Castle I fell in love with all the way back in season 1 – is finally back and on the right track. Last night’s episode had everything I love about it: character development (Kate Beckett talking about her feelings to Castle, guys. Brace yourselves for the apocalypse!), suspense, action and humor.

I thought I was going to be completely annoyed by Jennifer Beals’ character - because, really, another woman to make Beckett jealous is starting to get old – but I actually liked her. Unlike Kristin Lehman’s Serena Kay in “Eye of the Beholder”, Sophia Turner was really just doing her job. Sure, she has a history with Castle, but she wasn’t coming on to him in any way and it was actually amusing to see Beckett’s jealousy this time. Because, for once, she didn’t keep it all bottled up. She actually externalize those feelings and, no matter what history (romantic or not) Castle has with Sophia, I think he made it very clear to her that it was nothing like what he and Kate have now. Of course she is stubborn and took her a while to get it, but I honestly thought that by the end of the episode (when he returns to the precinct with the lead about the Mathematics professor), she was finally convinced that Sophia Turner is in his past and that is all there is to it.

Now, all shipper discussion aside, can we please talk about the amazing development that was Alexis interning with Lanie in the medical examiner office? Finally, finally, they gave her something interesting to do that is not her whining about her boyfriend or about not getting into the university she wanted. I have actively disliked Alexis for the better part of this season, but she won me back in a heartbeat in “Pandora”. Did you guys see how grown up she is now? And not only that, her internship also gave Lanie something else to do as well and I absolutely loved to see them interacting. I believe that was a first in the show, right? Lanie and Alexis in a scene by themselves? I absolutely loved it and I really, really hope this is not just a one episode thing. It also served to establish Lanie and Kate are indeed still friends and talk outside of work since the news about her fight with Castle made its way to Martha through Lanie and Alexis.

I confess I was not crazy about the case; it seems that every two-parter the stakes are higher. First it was a serial killer obsessed with Nikki Heat, then it was a nuclear threat to New York, and now it’s a catastrophic even that could destroy the United States. What are they going to face next season, the apocalypse? But it felt very reminiscent of season 2’s two-parter with Dana Delaney’s Special FBI Agent Jordan Shaw (who I would really, really love to see back on the show) with lots of twists and turns and managed to keep me at the edge of my seat the entire episode – and curse that cliffhanger from hell when their car dove into the water. Even though we all know they are going to be perfectly fine, I am excited about next week’s conclusion of the two-parter, called Linchpin.

“Pandora” was Castle in its finest form and it just might be my favorite episode this season, second only to “Cops & Robbers”. But what I really enjoyed about last night’s episode was that it got me excited about my favorite show again. Finally.

Welcome back, Castle. I’ve missed you so much.

Castle: 4.15 "Pandora" Review

Well, if there was one thing that I have learned from “The Blue Butterfly” was that keeping my expectations to a minimum was the absolute best choice I could have made. You all know how I felt about the noir aspect of it and how I was expecting it to be a complete disaster (and I got a lot of backlash for that too), but for what it’s worth, I’ve learned my lesson.

It’s better to be pleasantly surprised than sorely disappointed.

In all honesty, “The Blue Butterfly” was not a bad episode. I wasn’t crazy about the noir scenes, even though the costumes and the setting were great. Maybe it’s just that I am not a big fan of the noir style, but the lines, the accents, those just didn’t work for me. That said, I really liked the case and absolutely loved the twist in the end when we found out that Joe and Vera made it out alive and lived happily ever after. I also liked the present day scenes a lot more than the 1947 ones and thought it was a nice build up to solving the case.

But my problem with this episode remains the same. I still stand by my argument that it doesn’t do anything for the overall story. They promoted this episode like crazy, saying that Castle and Beckett would be closer than ever; but if you stop and think about it, what we saw was not Castle and Beckett at all. Sure, they were played by Stana Katic and Nathan Fillion, but they were different characters altogether in a completely different story. So they lived a very nice love story and there was that kiss in the end, but what’s the point of it all if it doesn’t happen with Castle and Beckett, the characters we really care about?

You guys know I love the show and I am usually all for being patient and trust that TPTB know what they’re doing, but it feels like the overall story has come to a stop and all we get are those stolen glances and subtext and every episode feels like we’re watching the same thing over and over again, only with a different case. “The Blue Butterfly” was a good standalone episode, but that was it. It was just okay and we have had a good share of “just okay” episodes this season. Maybe I am in the minority here (in fact, I am pretty sure I am), but the only really, really good episodes so far this season were “Rise”, “Cops & Robbers” and “Kill Shot”. That’s three episodes out of fourteen. Those were the episodes that really felt like we were finally going somewhere, but  after that nothing happened and that has always been my biggest problem with this show.

Some of you said that I was a disappointment because I said I wasn’t looking forward to “The Blue Butterfly”. But here is the thing, guys: To love something or someone doesn’t mean you have to be completely blind about it and ignore its flaws. Nothing is ever perfect and Castle is most certainly not the exception to this rule. I love the show because of the characters not because of the procedural aspect and I never made a secret out of this. Lately, it has been more and more like a procedural with zero movement in the character arc front. And that’s what bothers me the most. Because what’s the point of having a super production of an episode if it doesn’t do anything for the story in the long run? Was it well produced? Yes, it was and I am sure the cast had a blast filming it. But it was the kind of episode that stands completely on its own and if you skip it, you won’t miss much. If a casual viewer tuned in for “An Embarrassment of Bitches” and then only came back for “Pandora”, they would be able to follow the storyline just fine because, as much as “The Blue Butterfly” was nice, it didn’t add anything to the show.

It has come to a point for me that something needs to happen in order to keep things interesting. Whether it will be movement forward or not, it doesn’t really matter, as long as something happens to shake things up. Because if a hardcore fan like me is starting to lose interest, then what is it doing to the casual viewer, you know?

It’s something to think about.

Castle: 4.14 "The Blue Butterfly" Review

The episode you have all been waiting for is right around the corner, Castle fans. After a two-week hiatus, Castle returns next Monday, February 6, with the highly anticipated noir episode, titled "The Blue Butterfly". This time, our favorite crime solving dynamic duo will  investigate the killing of a treasure hunter that lead to the discovery that the case is linked to a mysterious homicide from 1947 involving a hard-boiled private detective. Castle realizes the only way to solve the present-day murder is to solve the murder from the past. The 1947 case comes to life through stylized flashbacks, featuring Castle as the private eye and Beckett as a femme fatale.

I admit that after watching the sneak peeks and checking out the promotional photos that were released last week, I am finally starting to warm up to the whole noir episode concept. I am still not completely sold on it, but the clothes are fantastic and the whole setting just looks really, really cool. That said, I am still keeping my excitement to a minimum. I'd rather be pleasantly surprised than sorely disappointed, you know?

So what do you guys think? Are you excited about "The Blue Butterfly"? Tell me all about it in the comments below.

Castle Sneak Peeks: 4.14 "The Blue Butterfly"

Well, that was unexpected. New promotional photos for two episodes, two days in a row? Wow, you go, ABC publicity department. The photos for "Pandora", which will be the first part of the traditional Castle two-parter have just been released and things are looking pretty intense and mysterious, guys. The February 13 episode will have Castle and Beckett pursue a ruthless killer who is part of a sinister, international conspiracy. Castle and Beckett are joined on the case by Sophia Conrad (guest star Jennifer Beals, "The Chicago Code," "Flashdance"), a smart, sexy CIA operative who has a complicated past with Castle.

The title seems pretty ominous and I can only imagine it somehow refers to the infamous legend of Pandora's box. In case you haven't heard of it, it comes from Greek mythology and is supposed to be a box which contained all the evil in the world. If someone was to open it, it would unleash all kinds of evil that could not be undone. When you think about it, given all the secrets that both Castle and Beckett are keeping from each other plus an international conspiracy, the title seems very fitting.

So what do you think is going to happen? Sound off in the comments below.

Castle Photos: 4.15 "Pandora"

Oh, Castle fans, I can feel your excitement right now. Although I have my concerns about this noir episode, I have to admit that I am starting to get a little bit excited about it. Why, you ask? The promotional photos look phenomenal. You guys are all aware about how unsure I am about "The Blue Butterfly" - and even though it looks awesome from the pictures, I am still not one hundred percent sold on the idea - but I am willing to give it the benefit of the doubt and hope for the best. I have to say the clothes look spectacular. Have you seen that fur number Stana Katic is rocking? It's gorgeous!

In case you're curious about what this highly anticipated (and by that, I mean fans counting the seconds to February 6) noir episode is all about, here's what we have for you: When Castle and Beckett investigate the murder of a treasure hunter, they find out the case is linked to a mysterious homicide from 1947 involving a hard-boiled private detective. Castle realizes the only way to solve the present-day murder is to solve the murder from the past. The 1947 case comes to life through stylized flashbacks, featuring Castle as the private eye and Beckett as a femme fatale. Mark Pellegrino guest stars as the bad guy and I have to say - as a hardcore LOST fan - I am super excited to see him on Castle.

Now go ahead and check all these amazing photos. I know you're dying to do it.

"The Blue Butterfly" is scheduled to air on February 6 at 10pm on ABC.

Castle Photos: 4.14 "The Blue Butterfly"

Well, The Powers That Be on Castle decided to really break tradition this season. Usually, episode 13 would always be about Beckett's mother's murder, but not in season 4. This time, they surprised us with a really good episode with shocking connections to Johanna Beckett's case, but it all happened earlier this week in episode 12. Next week, which will mark one year since that infamous kiss - and don't even try to deny it, guys, I know you all remember that as well - it seems that we will get a much lighter episode instead.

"An Embarrassment of Bitches" will have our favorite crime fighting dynamic duo investigating the murder of a famous dog trainer. As they get further into the case, every lead points to charismatic reality TV star Kay Cappuccio, played by guest star Hilarie Burton (White Collar, One Tree Hill). Kay, a favorite of tabloids and gossip websites the world over, has achieved stardom without possessing any discernible skill or talent. But there seems to be more to her story than she is letting on.

Meanwhile, the victim's dog will be homeless, so it seems like Beckett and Castle will share custody of the little guy.  Check out a squee-worthy sneak peek of that here. How much do you all want to bed the dog is going to interrupt their moment, huh? I'm calling it right now.

Castle is scheduled to air next Monday, January 23, at 10pm on ABC.  Watch three sneak peeks for the episode below!

Castle Sneak Peeks: 4.13 "An Embarrassment of Bitches"

How very, very sneaky of The Powers That Be.

For weeks they bombarded us with information about Ryan’s wedding and the upcoming noir episode and had everyone talking about both. They made us – at least it worked on me – forget all about this week’s episode and focus on the other two. The only information we had was that the mayor of New York City, Robert Weldon, who happens to be a close friend of Castle’s, would be implicated in a murder investigation. That was it.

Nothing prepared us for the intense hour that graced our televisions on Monday night. I admit that, having watched the episode twice already, I am still scratching my head at what exactly happened. Somehow, this one case that at first seemed to only put Castle and Beckett at odds – but not as intensely as I thought it would be; more on that in second – suddenly turned into this giant avalanche of vague information about the conspiracy that surrounds Beckett’s mother’s murder and, by the end of the episode, I was staring dumbfounded at my screen wondering just what exactly was set in motion, especially with that last scene.

This mysterious guy – let’s call him Mr. X for clarity’s sake – who seems to have a deal with these powerful people that apparently have control of what happens in New York, claims that Beckett is safe, but only while Castle is around to protect her. And by protecting her, he means keeping her from digging into her mother’s case. So the whole murder investigation this week was nothing but a ruse to frame Mayor Weldon and keep him from running for Governor as he had planned. If he ran for Governor, he would no longer be Mayor, which would automatically end the deal Castle had to an all-access pass to the 12^th Precinct. So if Wheldon remains in his current position, Castle’s place in the Twelfth is safe and so is Beckett.

Confused yet? I know; so am I.

What I don’t get is what Mr. X’s motivation is and I am still not sure if he is a good guy or a bad guy. Whoever he is, he has access to these powerful people or he is one of them. I think it was pretty clear to everyone that we should look at this whole conspiracy like it’s a game of chess. While I am not exactly a chess person – never bothered to learn – I know it is all about strategy and sometimes sacrifice. It seems to me that everyone who has been killed so far, including Johanna Beckett and Captain Montgomery, were nothing but pawns in a bigger, more complex scheme.

It all seems very interesting and mysterious, but I hope it doesn’t become so complex and convoluted that we won’t even care about it by the time it’s over. That said, it was really great to watch how amazing the character development in this show is. From Castle and Beckett’s relationship, to the boys and even Gates, TPTB have done an outstanding work at developing these characters and make them grow over time. I think one of the biggest examples we can take from this episode is that scene when Castle begs Kate to wait for another lead, but she says she doesn’t have any choice. When you compare it to last season’s big fight scene in “The Final Nail” (which was basically the exact same argument), it is so clear how far they have come. Even their fight this time around was more subdued and they laid more cards on the table. A year ago, I seriously doubt Kate would be so upfront about not wanting to do it, admitting that she knew what was at stake (and admitting that she was afraid to lose him as well, even if she didn’t say it out loud).

Another point that absolutely loved was Beckett’s interaction with Gates. It is no secret that I haven’t been a Gates fan since she was introduced in the season 4 premiere, but you know what, she’s slowly growing on me. I particularly loved that scene that she tells Kate about her dad being a cop and how she cares about them, but she needs to get her job done. Ryan and Esposito were pretty great as well, supporting Beckett when she needed to make a tough decision.

Once again, I didn’t particularly care about Martha or Alexis and I think they are both being ridiculously underused.

All in all, “Dial M for Mayor” was very, very good, even if it didn’t make it to my favorites list. A-

Castle: 4.12 "Dial M For Mayor" Review

You know, I have a feeling next week's episode will be really, really good. The case of the week will frame the Mayor of New York City as the prime suspect and, given Castle's friendship with the guy - the mayor is the sole reason he had an all access pass to the 12th Precinct - it will obviously put our favorite dynamic duo in opposite sides of the investigation.

Although, in theory, "Dial M for Mayor" sounds awfully like last season's "The Final Nail" with the suspect of murder being a friend of Castle's, the stakes are much higher in next week's episode. I have a feeling that we will finally get some backstory on Gates and, if the sneak peeks are any indication, I think I'm finally warming up to her. That said, Castle and Beckett will face one hell of a challenge together and individually because it is going to be a really tough decision to make on both counts.

If they Mayor goes down, Castle's days as Beckett's shadow will be very close to an end so I think it will be really interesting to see how that will affect their relationship and what they are going to do to overcome it. I wonder if we are in for a big fight between them. What do you guys think?

Sound off in the comments.

Castle Sneak Peeks: 4.12 "Dial M For Mayor"