Castle: Sacrifice
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Last week’s start to the Castle’s eighth season was intense, dramatic, and wonderfully suspenseful, truly one of those classic darker episodes that delved into a world we see only so often throughout the series, yet a world that the Castle team has always excelled at diving into. Some of the most impressive episodes of the series, at least in this reviewer’s opinion, have been these episodes that thrust the characters out of their usual routine, and push them past their limits, as they are forced to face some of the most unimaginable challenges possible. Ultimately, the episodes that delve into this darker and more character-driven territory are also those that have defined and developed Castle, Beckett, and their friends and family in leaps and bounds over the years. Monday’s conclusion to the seemingly game-changing season premiere did exactly that.
While experience tells me that it is very likely that a large portion of the Castle fandom have not yet recovered from the gut-wrenching final minutes of the episode, and that it is most likely that TV repairmen everywhere are being called out across the world at this point to remedy the damage of those who may have thrown one too many things at their screens after those last few minutes, it is also experience that tells me that what the Castle team put forth is exactly what great television, and great storytelling in general, is truly all about. Where is the reward without the risk? Where is success without failure? And where is sheer joy without pain? A great story is one which takes risk, forces its characters to fall here and there, and challenges them with seemingly insurmountable obstacles, all because it makes the reward, the rise, and the beating of odds mean so much more in the end.
Written by co-showrunners Alexi Hawley and Terence Paul Winter and directed by Paul Holahan, Monday’s “XX” both continued the story begun in last week’s “XY,” as well as filled in the gaps from the previous episode by explaining the events from Beckett’s perspective to give us the full story behind her mysterious disappearance. With her former team at the Attorney General’s office in D.C. being murdered as part of a cover-up mission, Beckett was forced to go on the run with the AG’s newest tech analyst, Vikram. Guest star Sunkrish Bala provided a wonderful performance throughout the episode as Vikram, delving into a wide range of emotions while also keeping us guessing about his possible involvement in the murders themselves. Along the way, Beckett had to protect herself and Vikram from a team of mercenaries while keeping herself hidden from Castle to protect him as well. Also, there was a surprise introduction to Castle’s stepmother, Rita, played beautifully by guest star Ann Cusack, who actually added some of the more compelling moments in the episode as she seemed to truly have a personal connection to her stepdaughter-in-law, and an intriguing link between the AG team’s murders and William Bracken, something that would set the stage for a new ongoing mystery for Beckett and Castle to solve this season.
It was truly a packed hour of storytelling and provided unknown details of the case itself while also continuing the story on and throwing in a few massive curveballs along the way. At times it did feel somewhat off in that way, simply a case of blowing through too many important story points and perhaps leaving a few of the more vital moments in the episode with too little emotional attention–most notably the murder of William Bracken and the emotional affect that would have had on Beckett. After spending more than a decade hunting down her mother’s murderer so as to bring him to justice and put him behind bars for the rest of his life, his being murdered and her being robbed of that sense of justice could have been explored more deeply and with greater emotion, but the pace of the episode forced the story to move beyond that–though perhaps it will resurface later on down the road. It also seemed a bit of a wasted opportunity to have that be the end of the line for recurring guest-star Jack Coleman, as even behind bars, Bracken proved to have quite the knack for adding gripping and chilling moments to the season.
The episode also explored a bit more of the Alexis/Haley friendship that had begun to bloom, an interesting and rather immediate kinship that helped put Alexis into a new realm of maturity and independence. While Haley was set to embark on another adventure elsewhere, it certainly seemed apparent that it would likely not be long before we see her again, especially given the fact that Toks Olagundoye is listed as a full cast member for the season, not a guest star (credits give things away, folks!). Who knows, perhaps fans will even be treated to a Charlie’s Angels-esque moment with Stana Katic, Molly Quinn, and Toks Olagundoye working a case (and being badass, of course) at some point this season?

As with all great Castle episodes, the heart and soul of the hour was the focus on how Beckett’s disappearance and the subsequent fallout from it had both challenged and strengthened the relationship between Castle and Beckett. The episode seemed to cover every range of classic Caskett moments, from their mind-melding theory building (though not even in the same room at that time) to their blissfully happy reunion, to their powerful and stirring argument over the secrets they have both kept from one another, to that heartbreaking goodbye to close out the hour. Again, at times, it all seemed too rushed, and there were points where the emotional impact was perhaps not as poignant as it could have been. Even still, there is no greater asset to this series than the chemistry between leads Nathan Fillion and Stana Katic and its that power in absolutely captivating the audience together, that shone through in each and every scene they shared, even those that took their characters into darker territory.
But while the impact of this episode would land squarely on the Caskett relationship in the end, it was also quite interesting to see the impact these events had on Beckett herself, forcing her to perhaps face the demons of her past that she had believed were long gone. Even after putting her mother’s killer behind bars, moving on with her life with Castle, and achieving her goal of becoming Captain, something unresolved still stirred beneath the surface of this character, something that kept her unknowingly restless until this latest brush with the evils of the world came crashing down on her. As I said before, this is what great storytelling is really all about.
Ultimately, it seemed as though the evils of the world had once again forced Beckett to accept what may be her fate, living in that rabbit hole to fight the never-ending fight for justice. Or are things not truly as they appear? While that concluding scene was perhaps one of the most painfully emotional scenes to watch in recent history between Castle and Beckett, this reviewer firmly believes there is much more to the story than what we witnessed. After all, Beckett swore there would be no more secrets between them and despite Rita’s warning to be careful who she took down that rabbit hole with her being meant as a deterrent, it may have also been exactly the opposite, convincing Beckett not to go down that path alone anymore, yet also not to risk Castle’s life in the process.
So if you are one of those Castle fans who are still reeling over those final few minutes or still yelling obscenities at your television screen, be sure to dry those eyes, wash your mouth out with soap, get your television repaired if needed, and take a deep breath because the season is just beginning and something tells me you do not want to miss what is sure to come because with great risk comes great reward and this was quite the risk indeed.
QUOTE-WORTHY LINE OF THE NIGHT:
Beckett: I thought I’d put it all behind me. But it’s back and it’s stronger than ever.
Rita: A devil like that is very hard to cast out. But you have to try. Don’t you see the gift that you’ve been given?… You’re a big girl, dive down that rabbit hole if you must. But think twice about who you bring with you. Because unlike McCord and her team, anybody who dies now, that blood is on you.
What did you think of Monday’s episode of Castle? What were your favourite moments or scenes? Were you upset about the way the episode ended or do you share my belief that there is much more to the story than what we saw? What did you think of Rita and her big secret? Do you believe she’s really who she says she is? Were you sad to see Bracken meet his demise? Share your thoughts with us in our comment section below!
Castle airs Mondays at 10 p.m. ET on ABC and CTV.
Looking forward to the make-up scene that will ultimately follow the so called break up
So emotional but I feel necessary in order to spice the relationship and storytelling. Yes, I was upset but now can see with a little re assurance from the writers that this is going to be Great! Thanks Lisa…spot on as usual.
Looking forward to the season 1-3 dynamic I loved so much. They will get back together. Have faith, people!
I loved this two-parter more than that of season 7.
WIll it matter if the ratings are .8 or .9. I believe they lost so many fans last night that this is the beginning of the end. Is it a great story if no one is there to watch it?
As a matter of fact, last night episode scored 1.6. Wonder how it’s gonna be next week, but I have faith that people are not going to go away.
No, the final rating was a 1.2. And many fans HAVE gone away. To the tune of almost 3 million from last year’s 2nd episode of the season. I suspect many more will go away now.
As a long time Caskett shipper, I see this as completely good. If they can return to the magic chemistry of Seasons 1-3, I am 100% behind all of this. For the record, Caskett did not break up. Kate needs to keep Castle safe so she had to step back to protect him.
This episode was a complete hot mess. I didn’t feel any chemistry between them. The storylines and extra cast members were confusing and unnecessary. I’m one of the world’s biggest Castle fans, but I’m seriously wondering if the show has jumped the shark.
Good Review as always Lisa, I only wish I shared your optimism, but I really don’t look forward to more episodes mirroring Seasons 1-3 after they are married. Still wrapping my head around how KB goes from you, I just want you, to This Job Dad, it’s what I want, to I couldn’t have done this without you, to I thought I was over it but **** One foot out the door does not a marriage make regardless of what reason she has in her mind. I for one will catch it on demand but have chosen another show to invest in for that time period. Thanks for letting me rant
As usual great insight. It helps, but I’m still worried! They ( writers )are taking a big risk, and asking for a lot of blind faith. Especially come big shippers like me.
I love the show and Stana katic is amazing, but this don´t made any sense, not because they don´t live together he´s going to be safe. You married for better and for worse and she promise no more lies, and that dhe¨s not going anywhere. Now we have to wait until the winter break so they fix this.
7s and e episodes we wait for them to be togrther and they split them off after 25 episode, I love the show but I’m really mad.
Marlowe’s legacy: lie to and manipulate fans. New showrunners proved they have no idea how to show a spicy married couple or maybe drama of the leads gave them no option. Premise that she was saving him was ludicrous. Together is how they would have solved this mystery after all the bad guys know who Castle is and can still use him as leverage against her. Worst character regression ever. KB used to be a strong smart tv character – no more. These writers do not have the talent to write the sexy witty banter between Caskett that made this show and now we will be forced to watch Fillion as a P. I. Build theory with his daughter? UGH!
The writers, better wrap up the storyline quickly because I’m getting pretty tired of the ‘separation trope’ that they seem to bring up WAY to much.
Well, the production values were good. Stana Katic knocked it out of the park. I loved Rita.
Otherwise, these two episodes seem like they are leading into a massive fail for the show. I don’t mind the nefarious plot for the season but I don’t understand why Beckett has to be made stupid to do it.
Arrow spent three seasons having Oliver be idiotic about pushing people away to “save” them and I couldn’t be happier that it’s finally over.
During that time I counted on Castle and Beckett to take the bad taste out of my mouth. Looks like Beckett has now become even stupider than Oliver Queen.
I would advise the new showrunners to fix what they broke before there is a mass exodus to Blindspot.
The first two episodes were very different from the usual, but at the same time I enjoyed them but please please get those two back together we all enjoy Nathan and Stana are the most loveable couple on the TV ever the show is fabulous but you have shaken things up, there are a lot of disappointed Fans out there so please try and fix things soon. We Love you all especially Rick and Kate.
Great angst, but somehow Both the characters cannot communicate well, and Beckett feels she has the burden to save Castle’s family all by herself(So this isn’t YOUR family too, Kate?). I didn’t see a Superwoman suit on her–not realistic by herself..And BTW, Kate, where is your chest scar? Those things are like tattoos–they don’t go away by themselves. I understand the need to maybe separate yourself from Castle, but just pack a bag and say a few words and leave? Your vows didn’t mean very much to you if you don’t consider it important to share all with Rick. Decisions to leave your husband should be a joint decision rather than a snap decision by one partner. Otherwise, why marry? A good honest review, Lisa, and I’m sure that Caskett will emerge strong..but I guess I question their commitments to their marriage..I do not question their commitments to each other.
I was very hangry, my heart was bleeding, I have rage in me and I cried a lot, but my tv is not broken. But today after reading Q&A with TPW and Alexi, I`m ok, I did understand where they go and it`s gonna be right. I feel better.
I wish I felt as strongly about the last few minutes. For me Beckett was being so selfish and irresponsible in CHOOSING to put her loved ones at risk that all I could do is roll my eyes. Rita made it clear that the threat to Beckett has been neutralized and Rita would continue investigating. But Beckett is convinced that she is the only one who can solve this mystery, while also being Captain. I’m just sooooo over Johann’s murder. It has been solved, please get creative and come up with something new. And, the decision to force Alexis and Hayley on viewers is backfiring big time as well. I really didn’t care about anyone (except LT, I was so glad to see him okay) by the end of this episode. And that lack of interest means it is very unlikely that I will continue to tune in. I have limited time for tv so my one hour with Castle needs to be enjoyable. Telling me to keep watching something I don’t like because it might be good in a few months, or at the end of the season, is not a way to get me to watch. Sorry, a bit rambling.
A bit disappointed. It seems that writers wanted to generate the same chemistry and formula that made seasons one through six so successful. In doing so they are ignoring normal every day challenges a marriage brings by itself. The excitement should have come from adjusting to her new role as captain while being a wife and yes Mom! This whole plot change happened too fast and in return lost its’ appeal for me and many fans. At least bring the shrink back from season four so that we can get some insight as to why Beckett can’t let go of these old demons. Marriage counseling, Lanie slapping some sense into Beckett and dare I say Castle not being so accessible is the direction this series needs to needs as a remedy for what is ailing it. Don’t allow the 72 day KK wedding disasters be a part of this show! Even the Network heads for both ABC and TNT are popping anti anxiety meds hoping their golden goose has not laid a rotten egg! Bring back Andrew and Terri! Please!
In general I liked the 2 part premier. Not really that upset about the end. Much more annoyed by Alexis and Haley – poorly written, not great acting, superfluous. Castle’s PI office needs a fire. It is a total distraction that pulls the viewer out of the story. I know Fillion thinks it’s super cool, his starship bridge, but as Elmore Leonard said “Kill your children.” (Look it up.) That whole set is a red flag as to the show runners inability to edit well. The gun thing is a neat toy, but adds nothing to the story. Finally, why did they have to re-write and re-shoot the break-up sequence at the end? I’d love to see the initial try. Did the focus group get ill on that first one?
The writers have a hard job do they make the show about good and bad guys? Do they make it a comedy or drama. Do they make it a love story or a police story. It started with a guy wanting a girl that involved police good guys and bad guys. This start is staying true to the story line. It’s to bad people are leaving because Kate didn’t start her job and come home to Rick every night. That would be pretty boring. I thought the writing was strong however, they really do need to get them back together quickly I would hate to see the show get canceled. I’m in it for the long haul, but some people want what they want.
The last few minutes of the second episode of season 8 completed the character assassination of Kate Beckett. It started in the finale of season 6 (For Better or For Worse) where Kate found out she was still married! There is no way the Kate Beckett we had gotten to know for 6 seasons would have been that careless and forgetful! Now we are supposed to believe that Kate cares more about her obsession than she does about her new husband??? If that’s the case, Castle needs to run in the other direction and never look back!!! The writers have ruined the show with this plot line!!! There is no way back from this! Getting them back together after this will be contrived and the real fans of the show won’t buy into that form of manipulation!!!
My take on what the fans are complaining about with Beckett running out on Castle is that after everything they’ve been through, it’s simply not believable. Don’t take the soap opera route where nobody stays happy for more than 3 episodes. It’s insulting to the viewers and the characters on the show.