Castle: Holidays and Heartbreak
|‘Tis the season for holiday specials, time-honoured Christmas shows, and a plethora of holiday-themed episodes of our favourite shows. As we prepare to celebrate the holidays with our own family and friends, it is always special to share in some early celebrations with our TV families too. While Monday’s episode of Castle was not exactly a true Christmas episode, it certainly was one that heightened the anticipation for the holiday season and gave the series a fantastic ending to what has been a memorable 2014. With its holiday-themed storyline, its sense of family and relationships as the focus for both the case and the personal storytelling, (not to mention that massive cliffhanger leading into the long holiday hiatus!) Monday’s episode brilliantly closed the door on one of the most remarkable years on Castle while setting the stage for a fresh new year of storytelling just around the corner.
Helmed by the dream team of writers Dara Resnik Creasey and Chad Gomez Creasey, along with the brilliant direction of longtime Castle guru, Bill Roe, Monday’s aptly-titled “Bad Santa” found Castle and Beckett preparing for their first Christmas as a married couple, already planning their family celebrations as well as looking forward to their holiday party at the precinct with their extended family of friends. But when their latest murder case brought Castle back together with an old mob boss friend from his past, events were set in motion that would threaten their very partnership and see them ringing in the new year outside of their usual realm.
The episode itself was really quite remarkable, finding a perfect balance between an interesting and unique case, multiple personal storylines, and some true holiday-inspired fun. In many ways, it was one of those classic and quintessential Castle episodes, yet instead of mistletoe hanging over the happy couple, there was instead a foreboding cloud waiting in the wings. One would not have seen it coming, something that made the shocking ending even more stunning and appropriately heartbreaking, yet there were some clever signs along the way that should have had alarm bells ringing for us all.
With Castle’s personal ties to mob boss Dino Scarpella, he alone was able to penetrate the usually high walls of the organized crime family in order to investigate his and Beckett’s latest case outside of the realm of their usual police work. Attempting to keep his promise to find their victim’s true killer after Scarpella’s second-in-command was set up to take the fall, Castle had no choice but to strike out on his own and navigate the seedy world of the mob in order to solve their case and see that true justice was served. Despite this twist that would have Castle and Beckett investigating much of the case separately, the Castle team did well to not keep them apart for very long throughout the episode, always checking in and reuniting to not only go over their work but also keep the couple on screen together as much as possible. It was a clever way of balancing a necessary plot twist that would lead to Castle’s upcoming punishment with maintaining the tried-and-true chemistry between stars Nathan Fillion and Stana Katic so as not to lose the interest of the viewers and to allow the picture to be painted quite clearly as to how great a team these two truly are, making the shocking ending even more impactful.
The very full episode also found time to explore a bit of two very vital relationships on the show and how these couples were handling the holiday season together. First, Castle and Beckett prepared for their first Christmas together as a married couple, planning their family celebration with a fumbling Beckett attempting to fall into line with a very odd and very challenging Castle-family tradition. While the storyline had very little focus through most of the episode, it did bookend the episode nicely and display how easily Beckett has become a part of this eccentric family despite her much more grounded approach. The second relationship that was explored was that of Lanie and Esposito, something that has been touched on a few times already this season. Having found their way back together because of the hardships that their friends had gone through earlier in the season, Lanie and Esposito recently seemed happier than ever. But when they were forced to jump the gun and pretend to be engaged while Lanie’s parents were in town for a stopover on their way to their own Christmas vacation, the two were pushed into confronting the reality of what they each truly wanted from their relationship. In the end, despite looking more like a couple in love than they have for most of the series, the two realized that they would never be like Castle and Beckett and that they both deserved that type of love rather than the much more friendly and flirty type of love that they had come to see they shared with one another. While it seemed to be the end of the road for the couple, their breakup was so amicable and filled with an odd sense of joy that one could not help but smile and applaud them for maturely coming to the realization that as much as they loved each other, they just were not right for one another.
Of course, the highlight of the episode was the shocking and brilliantly heartbreaking conclusion, revealing a game-changing twist that will surely start the new year with Castle and Beckett facing their greatest challenge yet; no longer working together as partners in crime-solving. It was a moment that perhaps could have been predicted based on Beckett’s ominous warning to Castle early on in the episode to not allow himself to get caught working undercover with the mob, fearing that Captain Gates would have his head for doing such a thing. After all, a member of her NYPD team working with organized crime to clear one of their own of a slam-dunk murder charge would surely spell doom for Mr. Castle. Even still, one could not predict how severe and devastating that potential punishment would be.
In the closing minutes of the episode, as the rest of the team prepared for their holiday celebration at the precinct, Captain Gates pulled Castle aside to let him know that their murderer had been shot and killed on his way to central booking by a known mob assailant. Due to the nature of the investigation, Castle’s work with the mob to solve this case had been discovered and not even his friendship with the Mayor could prevent the inevitable this time; Castle was no longer permitted to work with Beckett and the NYPD. The sheer devastation of this painful blow was written all over Castle’s face, with Fillion doing a superb job of letting his facial expressions say much more than any words could express. But with a gleeful Beckett by his side, speaking words that were meant to bring him great joy yet unknowingly and quietly caused him so much pain, he quickly hid his heartbreak and tried to push forward, perhaps not wanting to ruin the celebration or perhaps not being able to bring himself to reveal the devastating news to his wife just yet. After all, this seemed to be his last moments with his partner, his final celebration with his friends, and perhaps the last time he would ever be able to share in being a part of the team that was so thrilled to be a part of. So despite his immense pain and suffering, Castle swallowed his sorrow and hid the truth, if only for now. In the closing seconds of the episode, as he ushered his blushing bride away to enjoy this time with their friends, we saw Castle’s heartbroken and lonely farewell to the place that had become the centerpiece for his life over the past few years. It was where he had found his true self, where he became a part of something greater than himself, and where he fell in love. It was where his life changed for the better and now it was time to quietly walk away and leave that all behind, something that rather brilliantly mirrored the way that Beckett said goodbye to her apartment last week, though in Castle’s case, it was without that sense of hope and joy that with that door closing, a new door would open and a new home would be waiting on the other side.
That’s not good…#Castle pic.twitter.com/seaSVc2IUL
— Castle (@Castle_ABC) December 9, 2014
While it should be clear that Castle and Beckett will overcome this obstacle and find a way to have their partnership reinstated, as it would be an entirely different show going forward if that were not the case, there is a true sense of uncertainty within this dramatic new twist. After all, the very foundation of Castle and Beckett’s relationship is their working partnership. It is what allowed fate to bring them into one another’s life, it is what brought them together over the years, it is what kept them together despite so many hardships along the way, and it is so much a part of who they are as individuals and as a couple. It will certainly be a challenge for them to face this new situation and to be forced to spend time apart. One would expect that Beckett herself may go to great lengths to fight to bring her partner back to the precinct, unless Castle himself pleads for her not to risk her own career over this. And while it will be resolved and will likely be resolved early on in the new year, it certainly opens the door to a dramatic and intense start to 2015. If we have learned anything from the past, it is that the Castle team always does well to twist things down a new path, at least for a while, all without ever losing a sense of the greater purpose of the story.
Thus, we can trust that this is simply something that Castle and Beckett need to go through and that they will come out of this better for having endured it. Perhaps it will make them appreciate their partnership more and perhaps it will serve to teach them that while they are both remarkable individuals, they are truly extraordinary together.
What did you think of Monday’s midseason finale of Castle? Were you shocked by the ending? Do you think Castle will tell Beckett the truth after the holidays or try to protect her for as long as he can? How will this twist affect the first few episodes of the new year? Were you glad to see Lanie and Esposito come to terms about their relationship or are you sad that they are no longer a couple? Share your thoughts with us below!
Castle returns with new episodes in January on Mondays at 10 p.m. on ABC and CTV.
Thanks for sharing in our Castle coverage in 2014. From our family to yours, have a safe and happy holiday season and be sure to join us back here for new episode reviews through 2015!
Lisa!
Great review! Nice to see someone who views the show as I do
As usual you nailed it Lisa! I agree with you completely! I love that TV show!!!!
Fabulous review! I too think that this is a great twist. The show needs to grow and change to keep viewers along for the ride. Some would be happy with a case of the week and lots of Caskett, but I think the longevity of the show would decrease significantly. Part of the charm of Castle has been to seen Castle and Beckett handle whatever comes their way, in their own unique style. I think this new twist breathes fresh air into an already great show. As long as the awesome writers keep bringing the touching Caskett scenes, I think fans will happy.
Great thoughts, Lisa! It is of course initially shocking to think of Castle not working with Kate at the 12th, but as you say, it provides some new opportunities for the characters and I think some good and fun things can come of that. I trust that the writers will bring it all back together.
a most insigtful and well written look into 7×10 and future events on #Castle!! I can always trust this writer to bring it together in a “understanding” way!! KUDOS
Loved the review! Agree with everything. Nathan was awesome in the last.
Beckett gone to DC for 2-3 eps, castle gone from 12th 2-3 most likely. It will all be fine!
Saw that it may be a few episodes, but he will manage to get back in!
Loved your review. As usual you hit it. It’s not hard to understand why this show has lasted for as long as it has. I don’t want the ride to end anytime soon. Looking forward to 2015.
Great review as always, Lisa! Your take on the show always helps me to see things in a different light. Looking forward to watching what comes next, and how Castle works his way back to the 12th.
I won’t say I was shocked – I’ve been waiting for Rick’s mob connections to fly back and bite him in his adorable rear end for a while now.
I will say that I whined like a lost puppy when he got the news. And then I squealed like a happy puppy when I saw the promo. I’ve always felt that he had to up his game – by earning either a badge or a PI license – and act on his own – and I think his autonomy will be instrumental in solving the summer’s mystery.
I love how this show surprises us and develops not only the main characters but their families and friends. Those shows where everything resets at the beginning of each episode? I don’t watch ’em. I’m not in it for just the romance, or just the mysteries. I love the humor and the occasional fantasy aspects and the zaniness and the very personal stamp put on each and every episode.
I spent years proud that I didn’t own a TV. I am now proud to be an ardent fan of a really exceptional body of work. 🙂
I just sincerely hope that the writers make sure they acknowledge a SEVERE CLOSURE RATE DROP with Castle gone – I want to see Gates realize her team is lacking w/o Castle. (Which of course means he has to not be helping them close cases). Bummer.
Insightful review. My overall general feeling for the show, however, is that there’s too much of Fillion. I know They are focusing on Castle’s character this season but I’m already tired of seeing too much of Fillion and his ‘cutesy’, trying to be funny acting. Even if the title of the show is Castle, this is really an ensemble show, and I miss Caskett moments. This show wouldn’t work without Beckett, that’s for sure.
Hi Lisa ! As always a great review ! I loved this episode, despite the ending twist that seems to be such a bummer for a lot of fans. I find those writers to be very brave, if you ask me LOL ! They never fear putting everything on the line with rather shocking, even unpopular twists and turns. Keeps things fresh for us, and I love that feeling, as I find that a settled routine can quickly lead to boredom ! So here I am, boredom out of the way, keeping mind wide open for new developpments ! I trust our writers to find a way back working together for our lovebirds, of course, but in the meantime, it’ll be good to see something a little bit different. As to the actual episode, I think a very apt title could have been “Love and consequences” as it was all about love stories in the first place, on various levels, be it the Romeo & Juliet one between the Mob families youngsters, the one between the dead doctor and childhood friend Jane, the one between Espo and Lanie, so unusual yet so sweet you can’t even feel sad for them, the one, finally, that Castle has for justice, even if it’s for a Mob member he’s become friend with…all these love stories unfold, bearing consequences…deaths, breaking ups, banishment from the precinct and working with NYPD, all consequences. Ultimately, it’s not so bad, Romeo & Juliet will start a new life, Espo & Lanie will keep on living a heartbeat away and be crazy about each other, and Castle & Beckett may have to work apart but they are married now, so there’s that…it’s Christmas after all, guys, right ???
Lisa, great interview as always. The part about the ending that really shocked me was Gates attitude when she told Rick the bad news. He really did grow on her and you could see she really didn’t want to relay this news. This season she has given Castle credit where credit was due. I can’t wait to see the new episode in Jan. to see how Beckett deals with all of this. As for the breakup of Lanie and Espo, I really loved how it was handled and in the words of Lanie I think there still may be the occasional bootie call!
je suis d’accord avec votre analyse qui est parfaite
voici ce que je pense de l’ Épisode 710
J’ai vraiment aimé l’épisode, l’enquête est originale, pour la période de noël, l’épisode tient sa promesse en surprise, et qu’elle surprise ! Les scénaristes ont trouvé une nouvelle façon de diriger la série et de la renouveler, avec une situation originale, qui je pense va nous tenir en haleine et titiller notre curiosité, car de nouvelles bases ont étés mise en place.
La famille Castle a certaines règles à respecter pour les préparations de noël et un certain poème en particulier. Tout est un rituel chez la famille Castle et quel rituel ! Beckett si prête avec plaisir, car elle a trouvé une seconde famille en épousant Castle et doit accomplir et se conformer, à certaines règles, règles qu’elle exécute avec joie et sans difficulté, car Castle représente cette bouffée d’air qui est indispensable à sa vie.
Le sujet de l’épisode est la famille, le rituel et ses règles, cela transparait tout au long de l’épisode, entre le poème, l’enquête, Lanie et Esposito et la mafia. Cela signifie que l’on ne doit pas transgresser certaines règles fondamentales.
Beckett et Castle sont amenés à enquêter sur un meurtre qui est surprenant et tout à fait inconcevable ”le père noël” tue un chirurgien, première règle transgressée, le père noël en assassin. Le comble de tout.
Ce chirurgien s’avère relié au milieu de la mafia, et par ce fait Castle se trouve confronté à une vieille connaissance du milieu mafieux. Il se trouve malgré lui à transgresser les règles fondamentales qui séparent enquêteur et milieux mafieux. Cela lui coûtera très cher.
Même si Castle transgresse certaine règle, pacte avec la mafia, Castle est toujours du côté de la justice, le spécifiant bien dans l’épisode, les règles sont la vraie justice avec procès, et non le règlement de comptes, mais le mafioso ne l’entend pas, car lui a ses propres règles et les exécute coûte que coûte.
Castle bien qu’enquêtant en solo ou bien avec Beckett sa seule ligne de conduite est la justice et rien d’autre, Beckett lui fait confiance, car foi en lui, Castle est épris de justice, et curieux comme d’habitude, car intéressé par l’histoire.
Cela ne m’a pas gêné que parfois Castle enquête de son côté, mais toujours prêt à partager les infos avec Beckett et l’équipe, même en solo, ils sont ensemble et enquête ensemble, rien ne déroge à cette règle. Toujours plus fort et fusionnel aussi bien sur les enquêtes ou en couple.
La 3éme règle transgressé a été le mensonge de lanie et esposito. Lors de la prise d’otages Esposito avait compris ses priorités en voulant s’investir d’une certaine manière (que d’une certaine manière) avec lanie mais le mensonge (non-respect des règles) de lanie envers ses parents leur ont donné l’occasion de comprendre qu’ils n’étaient pas prêts à aller plus loin dans leur relation, peur de l’engagement tout simplement, ils ne sont pas encore au stade du couple casket et du couple Rayan .
À ce stade-là je pense qu’inconsciemment lanie en mentant à ses parents, savait qu’elle soulèverait le problème de l’engagement, et savait que cela ne pouvait finir systématiquement par une séparation d’un commun accord.
Mais pour moi cette séparation ne sera que temporaire et de courte durée, car tous les deux doivent évoluer et faire le chemin séparément, pour évoluer, pour aboutir plus tard en un engagement plus profond, total et plus serein et quand le couple sera prêt, il se reformera et sera prêt à aller plus loin, mais je peux me tromper.
La famille du 12e, à un nouveau membre c’est officiel, si je ne me trompe c’est la première fois dans la série que l’on nous montre la ”fête de noël” au commissariat. Cela démontre, avant la discussion entre gates et Castle bien sûr, que Castle depuis son mariage fait partie intégrante de la famille du 12e, gates l’a accepté, et l’on voit qu’il est heureux d’en faire partie et d’avoir l’assentiment du capitaine. Pendant des années, il s’est démené pour que cela soit ainsi, tous ses efforts sont récompensés.
Si Beckett a trouvé une famille en Castle. Castle a trouvé une famille (toujours ce problème du père) au 12e car on l’accepte tel qu’il est.
Mais tout va basculer et tout va s’effondrer, puisque la mafia n’a pas tenu sa promesse envers Castle, ils ont fait ce qu’ils savent toujours faire, règlement de comptes et etc., la justice a découvert le pacte que Castle avait passé avec la mafia, car mort du suspect, tout bascule, Castle est obligé de quitter son poste de consultant. Très belle scène entre Castle et Gates. La façon dont elle s’exprime, nous fait comprendre, qu’elle est vraiment triste et désolée, même le maire ne peut rien y faire.
Castle Comme à son habitude lorsqu’il a un problème ou un chagrin, dissimule, et fait bonne figure. L’ancien Castle revient au galop, et comme toujours pense avant tout à Beckett.
Il Ne veut pas gâcher la fête, et ne veut pas abîmer l’instant de bonheur ou Beckett lui lit le poème de noël en ne faisant rien transparaitre, il est anéanti. Et à ce moment-là tout implose, mais il reste debout et de marbre, Beckett ressent quand même ce malaise, mais Castle fait ce qui faut pour que la fête continue.
La scène où il s’approche du sapin de noël et criante de vérité il n’y a pas besoin de mot pour comprendre ce que ressent Castel.
Je trouve Nathan Fillion parfait car il sait parfaitement retranscrire le désespoir et le chagrin dans cette scène. Et aussi Stana
J’attends le 711 avec impatience pour savoir comment va se dérouler cette nouvelle piste.
Je trouve que les scénaristes ne s’endorment pas sur leurs acquis, ils cherchent toujours à nous surprendre et à nous bousculer et ils nous bousculent, je trouve cela très bien, au moins ils nous font pas le syndrome clair de lune, la série à ce rythme-là n’est pas prêts de s’endormir et de tourner en rond
I got hooked on Castle when I started watching prior seasons on the TNT network last year, then I quickly caught up to the current season last summer. What kept me watching was the high level of emotion between all of the characters, particularly Beckett and Castle, Castle and Alexis, and Caskett, Espo, and Ryan. I get that the Castle faithful are all connected to the characters in this show to the point where they understand every nuance, character flaw, and motivation for each one of the characters in the show. However, I feel that the high emotional level that first drew me to this show has flamed out. It’s like the writers are taking the characters forgranted and are trying too hard to change things for the sake of change instead of having the relationships between the characters be more of the story instead of less.