I think it’s safe to say that ‘Kick the Ballistics’was a really intense episode, right? I had been really looking forward to this episode since it would bring back the 3XK storyline. While we didn’t get a resolution for this case and didn’t even see the infamous Triple Killer, I was actually really pleased with how this episode was handled. You all know how the continuity (or lack thereof) on Castle really bothers me. I may not be satisfied with how they handled it throughout the last season, but it is great when they pick up those loose threads that were left hanging several episodes back. I loved how they showed how the fact that Jerry Tyson had one upped Ryan really affected the detective and that was beautifully portrayed by Seamus Dever.
Even though I still think they could have handled the fallout of the 3XK episode back in early season 3 better, The Powers That Be did a wonderful job with ‘Kick the Ballistics’. In fact, that was probably the most Castleless Castle episode to date and you know what? As much as I love Nathan Fillion and think he is awesome, pushing him to the backburner — sort of — actually worked.
Of course that was due to a number of factors and if the writing, directing and, most importantly, acting hadn’t worked out, this episode would have tanked incredibly fast. I have been saying for a while now that, while Stana Katic and Nathan Fillion are great, it has been really nice to see the secondary characters flesh out more and get more screen time. An episode about Detective Ryan had been way overdue and it was great to see Seamus Dever getting his chance to shine. Because ‘Kick the Ballistics’only was an amazing episode due to his stellar performance. I knew he had it in him, but last night proved just how talented he really is and I am so glad he finally got his moment in the sun.
I usually don’t care much about the cases, but this time — maybe because it was so personal for all of them — I found myself really enjoying every twist and turn. The highlight of the episode for me was their sense of camaraderie, friendship and team work. I absolutely loved to see more of the relationship between Beckett and Ryan and how they really have that brother-sister bond. That was evidenced in several scenes throughout the episode, but the one that stood out for me in particular was when she breaks up the fight between him and Carver and then follows him into the break room. That entire sequence — up until they talk to Clifford Chang — was just such a great portrait of what their relationship is really like.
Something else I loved was how they were all united against Gates. I literally cheered when Ryan stood up to her and then everyone followed him out when she told him to take the rest of day off. Of course Beckett subtly giving her the finger — whether that was intentional or not — was just the icing on the cake. Then Esposito channeling the Fresh Prince of Bel Air was probably one of the most hilarious scenes on the series to date.
I honestly can’t even pick a favorite scene as I just really enjoyed the entire hour. Again, kudos to Seamus Dever for making this a very memorable episode.
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Luciana, you might want to mention that the problems with this site have been cleared.
Yeah, this episode surprised me, I hadn't imagined it would be as intense as it was. A true tour
de force for Seamus. Not so surprising and yet remarkably poignant were they way each member
of the team lent Ryan every ounce of support they could possibly give.
Great episode.
Come on AWM, let's start seeing how Beckett feels about these situations. She has Lanie or her Dad
she can confide in. LET'S SEE THE OTHER HALF OF THE STORY!!!!!!!!!!!
For those that thought that Castle went missing from this episode, think of Beckett coming for his consul when the DA offered Chang a plea deal and Castle recognizing it was all in 3xk's plan, and flatly telling Beckett refuse it. Look how far the relationship has developed, Beckett no longer arguing with Castle, but agreeing with his opinion immediately! That truely was eye opening.
Give Beckett a two or three minuet segment in the middle of episodes where she can talk to her Dad or lanie.
More with the shrink on her feelings adding in her feelings for Castle and being afraid she will ruin their relationship. Shrink says many people have friendships that develop into more. Take it slow, maybe five more years of eps lol.
Great episode. So glad I didn’t look at any spoilers beforehand. Great job by Seamus. :D Also, the somber “Castle” title card they used at the end of the first sequence was excellent and what they should have done with “Rise.” I thought it broke the tension in a bad way when we see Beckett flat-line and then we see the regular title card with the bouncy “Castle” theme music.
On another note; one thing I’m not loving about the production of the new season is the lighting. With the exception of the interrogation rooms why is the precinct so freak’n dark all the time? In the first episode, “Rise,” I thought it was to help illustrate the seriousness of the situation but even in the “lighter” episodes it’s just too dark and shadowy in the precinct. ???? Is the 12th trying to conserve energy? Did they not pay the electric bill? What’s up with that?
I must have watched a different episode. I thought it was slow and odd again. People at work said they shut it off after 20 minutes. Not sure what was so good about it, for me this show is losing it quickly.
Meh.. didn't like it at all. This show is really pushing it with their take on "intensity" and "drama". Their writers just can't do it for some reason. And "Castlessness" of this epi only emphasised this problem. I understand that other characters need more screen time to become more fleshed out, but for now he's still the only 1 interesting, not 1-dimensional char, so it doesn't really work without him AND with forced drama.
And why exactly cops on TV always feel so guilty when their stolen guns are being used? It was stolen already, what he thought 3xk donated it to a charity or what?
does anyone know the song that was playing during the scene where ben is trying to get the philip to confess?
Nothings posted yet about the music but keep checking these sites (among others) for any songs you hear on "Castle:"
http://heardontv.com/tvshow/Castle/Season+4
and http://abc.go.com/music-lounge/show/castle/132571
The official "Castle Music Lounge" at ABC is usually behind with listing songs – and sometimes provides incorrect information – so just be aware of that.
The only thing I thought odd, was the cop thing…that Castle was somehow not worthy to be a part of it. Really? The guy who saved Beckett, the guy who saved New York? the guy who helped to solve a ton of cases? didn't work for me at all. I would have liked Castle to just stay home until they came calling. And once again he provides the key clue to solve the thing and no thanks from the "cops". Seamus did a great job, but I'm not sure this is an ensemble cast. Fillion and Katic are the leads…the stars, if you will. Just check around the web and you'll see how popular these two are. One more thing, Gates just doesn't work yet and it was no accident Beckett gave her the finger, I have, each episode I've watched.
I have to agree with Europa. The precinct lighting,at times resembles a medieval dungeon, making Becketts hair waves cast shadows across her face and giving her the appearance of a racoon. Either improve the lighting or go back to the straight hair of the first three episodes. It is very distracting.
And now that I’ve re-watched the eps, Castle's loft too. Did the lighting supervisor/director of cinematography from last season quit or something? Jeepers. And I/we aren’t the only ones complaining about this. I’ve seen posts on other sites about this too. Are you listening Andrew M? If it’s this noticeable/distracting to the viewers obviously an adjustment needs to be made.
The precinct lighting,at times resembles a medieval dungeon, making Becketts hair waves cast shadows across her face and giving her the appearance of a racoon.
^That totally made me LOL. But you guys are right. This is something I've been meaning to comment, but always end up forgetting.
The racoon line was pretty funny. :)