That was an excruciatingly long summer, wasn’t it, Castle fans? Leaving us hanging like that after that out of this world finale was just plain cruel, especially given how it ended with Beckett getting shot and Castle spilling out those extremely important three little words. I know speculation has been running wild since May about how everything was going to be resolved and the expectation — particularly after waiting for four months — was sky high. Much like it had been with the finale, I was half excited and half dreading this episode. When the screener popped in my inbox a couple of weeks ago, however, I admit curiosity won out and I have been crawling out of my skin to talk to you guys about it since then. Trust me, it was torture not being able to discuss what I had just seen with anyone for over two weeks.
But I believe ‘Rise’lived up to its hype, didn’t it? It wasn’t quite as epic as ‘Knockout’and it was something completely different from what I was expecting, but I was very pleased with how they handled everything. And this is coming from me, who always has a pickle with something, even though I love the show. There is so much to talk about here that I am having a hard time figuring out where to start. So I think I am just going (or at least try) to do this in a chronological order.
That opening sequence was pretty intense. From Beckett being rushed into the hospital, to Josh having to work on her, then the fight; everything had emotions flying all over the place. I liked how they handled the fact that Josh was there and even though he is her boyfriend and couldn’t operate on her, he had to make that choice to save her life. In a way, I do feel bad about him because he really did care about her. I also thought it was interesting that he knew all about her mother’s murder, which makes me wonder when exactly that was revealed to him. I know a lot happened since ‘Knockdown’, but since their relationship always gave the impression of being on the rocks, it is curious that he suddenly knew everything, which in turn makes me also wonder what exactly caused their break up later. But more about that in a second.
Nathan Fillion wasn’t kidding when he said that Victor Webster’s shove rocked his world. Because that was intense. I honestly felt bad about Castle, then, and was glad to see that he intended to fight back. As much as I understand where Josh was coming from, it didn’t excuse him for trying to pick a fight right there at the hospital while his girlfriend was dying in the OR. And poor Castle; the guy had just seen the love of his life — not that Josh cared or knew, for that matter — get shot while one of his good friends was being put to rest after being gunned down a few days before. Talk about overwhelming, right? Not to mention the guilt about this whole thing that must have been eating him up inside. If he hadn’t stuck his nose where it didn’t belong way back in season 1, maybe none of this would have happened.
But regarding the fight, it was a good thing Papa Beckett intervened and put some order in the house, giving everyone some perspective. His daughter was dying in there for all he knew and, really, those two fighting in the waiting room was downright juvenile. I know I would’ve thought that if I had been in his place. I was sad to see that that was all we saw of him. I really wish they bring him back for a few more episodes because Jim Beckett is a gateway to Kate’s life and thoughts.
I expected Castle to hang around and not leave Beckett’s side. I really did. So I was surprised (even though, in hindsight, I realized I shouldn’t have been) that he left with the boys to investigate her shooting. It was good to know that while he wasn’t by her side, he was tirelessly working to solve her case. Then she woke up and he visited her (and Josh totally gave him that evil look! Did you guys see that?) and they had that heartbreaking conversation. Nathan Fillion did an amazing job with that scene. His reaction when she told him she didn’t remember (and what a crappy liar she is, really, now that we know she did remember everything) tugged at my heartstrings. Then, as if that wasn’t painful enough, she asks him for some time and disappears for three freaking months. I don’t blame him for being pissed off and I was really glad that he told her so when she came to see him at that book signing.
Even though that wasn’t my favorite scene, I really, really liked how she took the blame for not calling, then proceeded to explain why she didn’t and then — in her own subtle way — told him that she just wasn’t ready for a relationship because she needed to solve her mom’s murder first. While I am not thrilled that this is apparently going to be the roadblock for them (I mean, what if they only solve Johanna Beckett’s murder in, say, season 7?), I was glad that she laid it all out for him and that he is willing to fight for her. I really hope, however, that they’ll do something about their relationship soon, rather than wait until Beckett’s mom’s case is put to rest. And did you guys notice how he is calling her Kate a lot more now?
Back at the precinct, I loved to see how terrified Ryan and Esposito are of the new Captain. Victoria ‘Iron’Gates is one tough lady and it was so funny and adorable to see Ryan completely terrified of losing her and of losing his badge. It was also great that the boys have been working relentlessly to solve Beckett’s shooting and that they totally got her back, helping her with the new lead about the warehouse fire.
Something that permeated through the entire episode, though, was that Kate Beckett is not okay. There were several instances in which she lost control and they were all heartbreaking to watch. From her freezing at the sight of a gun, to her exploding on the poor firefighter and then breaking down in front of Castle (was I the only one who was yelling at the screen for him to go hug her for Pete’s sake?), it was made very clear that her mother’s case, Captain Montgomery’s death and her own shooting were taking their toll on her. She is not fine, as much as she keeps saying she is. My favorite scene was when Castle confronted her and asked her to just give it some time. I loved how candid she was with him then, and his response to her. Then later, when they solve the case and she thanks him for having her back — that was when their partnership was restored in my opinion. The fact that he said that the wall she built up won’t be there forever was just the cherry on top.
Now let’s focus a bit on the files Captain Montgomery sent out. I am still a little confused about who that Smith guy supposedly is (and I’ve watched this episode multiple times). From what I understood, he is a friend of Roy’s and he has the power to blackmail some really powerful people, including people from the US government. Whatever was in those files is enough to keep Montgomery’s family and Beckett safe, as long as she stops digging. Did I get everything? I am really curious about where they are going with this and how they are going to solve it. I just hope it doesn’t drag out and becomes so convoluted that when it is finally revealed who the killer is, it has already become something ridiculous.
Let’s not forget to talk about Alexis. From what Molly Quinn had said back at Comic-Con and in recent interviews, I thought Alexis’reaction was going to be much stronger than it actually was. Sure, she was scared and afraid for her dad and angry that Beckett seemed to take the number one spot in his life. That was all understandable. I particularly liked the scene when she calls him out on not being a real cop and that he should stop pretending. But then everything seemed to be resolved just fine by the end of the episode. I don’t know, maybe that’s just the tip of the iceberg with her, but she seemed to be okay with the fact that Castle needed to be with Beckett and protect her. So I am curious to see where this particular storyline is going.
Finally, we should discuss those crucial final scenes of the episode. I bet that season 4 poster is making a lot more sense now, isn’t it? Although it seems that everything has been put out there (well, kind of) and that they have seemed to reach an understanding that she won’t be ready to be in a relationship until she solves her mother’s murder, but he will be there for her regardless, and will fight right alongside her to put this thing to rest, they are both still hiding some very important information from each other. Castle has some valuable info and a contact regarding Johanna Beckett’s murder and Kate remembers everything about the shooting, including the fact that Castle declared his undying love for her.
This will most likely set the tone for the entire season as I doubt they will voluntarily share what they know with each other. Especially Castle. And that says a lot about him and how much he loves her that he is willing to sacrifice any chance he might have had with her in order to keep her safe. He has everything in his hands and he can’t do anything about it. I really feel for the guy.
All in all, that was a pretty spectacular season premiere, wasn’t it? I had just missed those guys so much and am so glad they are back.
So what did you think? There’s a lot to talk about. Sound off in the comments below.
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Am I the only one that noticed the Smith Guy at the hospital? He walked behind Castle while he was checking himself in the mirror.
I didn't notice Smith in the hospital Tv Fanatic. I will have to watch it again.
I didn't notice that, TVFanatic. Will have to check it out. Good catch!
I didn't like the way they treated Josh, it was cheap and shallow. IMO,after "countdown", fans deserved more than a simple "we broke up". I don't see "Kate loves Castle" anywhere. If she'd not have been shot and Castle'd not have said "I love you", she'd be at this moment still with Josh. She should have broken up with him because she loves Castle, not because her mother's case. If she remembers everything why was she so happy with Josh in the hospital bed? We also don't know if she spent the jump-time with him, we don't know the moment of their break-up. I remember "Knockout" when she said "what about you,Rick?", "is that what we are?" , and those were the most stupid questions ever, because after that she went to Josh.Now, everytime she tells something or looks at Castle with those sex-eyes I'm not going to believe her. because she was doing it a lots of time since the end of "countdown" and she was with Josh the whole time. How was the second chance? They wanted to make us believe their relationship was not going well, but, COME ON! Josh knew averything about her mother's case and Royce death. IMO writers didn't handle Josh storyline well. They didn't make Beckett a favor.
Another stupid thing is if Royce was death when Beckett was shot, why is the paper of Beckett's shooting in the envelope?
Kudos to the whole Cast! AMAZING ACTING!
Sorry, after watching the episode again,it's clear the newspaper doesn't come from Roy.
But I still believe writers should apologize about Josh storyline. They sank the ship for me.
I thought it was great. I knew Beckett remembered by the look in her eyes in the hospital room. I almost cheered when she said she and Josh broke up. I thought the signing scene and scene just after was very good. Kate is messed up for sure, but she knows what she wants and was honest with Castle about it. All in all I loved the episode. It felt like the old Castle again. Darkness lurks, but the team is back and ready to roll. One more thing…I think Captain Gates is softer than she appears. Her eyes told more than her words. And yes I did miss that Castle is calling her Kate more. Great show. Look forward to the new season.
WHile finishing watching this episode, after dying for Castle for months, I jumped up and down like a kid squealing in excitement! Castle is back!! I was sooo happy when Beckett said she remembers everything, because it would've been so cliched if she forgot. That book signing and the scene after and the swing scene just was so good. I feel annoyed that Kate is so razed about her mother's case (though i understand) so a break from this heavy-drama-Beckett's mothers case will be nice! And i also like the new Captain, it's a great change-up which doesn't make Castle boring and un-interesting. I just hope Marlowe doesn't complicate things TOO much, and get into a massive mess, but I have faith he'll give us what we want. But afterall, I'm super biased, any episode of Castle is great in my mind!!I can't wait for this season. It's shaping up to be a ripper!
P.S. I was screaming for Castle to give Beckett that hug…
I thought it was significant that when Beckett was in the book signing line, she specifically said she wanted the book signed to "Kate", indicating a personal relationship rather than the usual "Beckett" business relationship they have. She was inviting him to see her in a personal way, which was obviously the result of hearing his declaration of love.
You could tell that he took a little more – don't want to say ownership of her, because that is a negative connotation – but a little more authority with her; much like he did at the hangar when he manhandled her out of the hanger and kept her from getting killed. He now realizes that he has a right to be in her life and a significant place personaly as well. Usually she is the "boss" in their relationship but now we are seeing him be a bit more territorial alpha male about it. It's as if by declaring his feelings for her, he is taking responsibility for her, and plans to keep her safe in spite of herself.
Love it. Want more!
I didn't see ownership or really alpha male qualities.
Interestingly, I thought this episode much better defined their roles in the relationship. Beckett clearly is the driver in the relationship, but I find that Castle is the one that makes the relationship work. By this I mean that while Beckett is choosing when/where/what happens in the relationship, she also NEEDS the relationship more than Castle does. Beckett NEEDS Castle, I don't think that Castle needs Beckett.
I think Beckett is only the driver at this point because she has the choice to make in the relationship. The instant she actually opts in, so to speak, is when he will be able to exhibit more take-charge kind of qualities. That's how he is in life; a big-shot writer who is used to calling the shots and having people do what he wants them to do. That type of a personality does not go away. And it's not a bad thing, either, because it shows he is a strong enough man to stand up to someone as dominant as Beckett is.
For the longest time, Beckett has not leaned on anybody. When she is finally vulnerable enough to let Castle know she needs him, I think we will see her softer side. She will never be a pushover, and we wouldn't want her to be! But alpha males like that need strong, independent woman to stand up to them! That's what they respect and appreciate. That's one of the things that Castle likes so much with Beckett.
I was impressed with the fact that for him, now she's "Kate". She still calls him "Castle" regularly, but for him, he is running with the personal connection.
What I really liked to see was that for once Castle did not just follow her around like a puppy. He was pissed off she hadn't called for three months and told her so. She was the one who had to redeem herself this time around and I think that's exactly what's going to pave the way for their relationship to evolve. The fact that he called her out on it prompted that swingset scene. So I think that the more he does that, the more initiative he takes on that respect, she will be more open and honest with him.
That scene at the precinct when he tells her she should give it time was another good example of that. I think we're in for a really great season.
Exactly! That's what I mean. He's starting to call more of the shots. He's not just going to settle for whatever crumbs she wants to toss his way anymore. I think we're going to see him being an immovable force, which will give her the safety to NOT have to be the strong one all of the time. I think it is also good that they showed her approaching him on HIS turf at the book-signing. I think she sometimes thinks of him in a goofy manner that takes him for granted; but in reality he's a powerful man who has a lot to bring to the table. Finally, I think she is really starting to appreciate that.
Stana Katic did a fabulous job showing Kate's emotional vulnerability in several scenes. I, too, so wanted Castle to give Beckett a big bear hug and a kiss on the forehead. Perhaps there is a deleted scene that did show more and maybe we won't see it until Season 4 comes out on DVD next year.
With Kate's emtional vulnerability, she may think that she has to wait until her mother's case is resolved. However, I have a feeling that as the season unfolds maybe she will open a window in her wall to let Rick Castle in. As always, Stana and Nathan were sheer perfection!
I loved the episode! I thought the most telling difference in Beckett/Castle's relationship now is Beckett allowing Castle to see her vulnerable side occasionally. The breakdown in her apartment when a tearful Beckett revealed they are all gone was a big step from last seasons final when she wouldn't open up to him at all in her apartment. She is still quick to recover or repair that wall she built to keep others at bay. However, I think it's the small things like this that will continue to build during the season.
I was surprised that Castle decided to continue investigating Johanna's murder. So does this put him & his family in the crosshairs now? Who does he go to when he solves it? If he goes to Beckett, who I assume the killer is keeping an eye on, wouldn't that put them all at risk again? The fact the mystery man (Roy's friend) knew Beckett was still investigating tells me the Fire Investigator isn't as squeaky clean as he appears. Because no one except Castle, Ryan, Esposito and the Fire Investigator knew Beckett was searching for clues. While he's most likely not the killer, he does know who set that fire. Again Great episode! I'm looking forward to this season!
I di dnot find the episode to be worth it's hype. Again we are back to the tired old "not now" with beckett and Castle. So now the same old starts again. Castle doesn't know she heard him so he will be Castle and fawn over another girl soon and Beckett wil go green when and be possibly mad when that happens. Been there done that…….I expected better.
I was getting motion sickeness from flying through intensive care in lightning speed and then 3 months later to a book signing. WOW out of sequence……nothing like flying passed some pretty important and critical scenes…..WOOOOOOOSHHHHHH!!
Seriously, why isn't everyone focusing on the fact that he is going to carry on investigating the murder? He's putting himself in the firing line. Yea, the phonecall is important, as is the fact she remembers what he said, but he's putting it all on the line by keeping her away from the case whilst doing it himself.
I can see this leading Castle into a very bad situation, and not with Beckett. If they're willing to kill Roy and so many others, why would they stop at Castle and his family?
Otherwise, I thought it was a pretty good start. Loved it. The subtext running through every serious talk they had was amazing. From the comment on "something shouldn't be remembered" to "I'm not ready". The way she was looking at him both times, wow, Stana was amazing in getting the message across. Really impressed and Nathan played his part perfectly. Can't wait for next week.