Before we start, can we please take a moment to soak in how mind blowingly awesome ‘Cops & Robbers’was? It is no secret that I was extremely excited to watch this episode — as I am sure most of you were, especially after those promotional photos were released — but I do admit I was a tad afraid that it wouldn’t live up to my expectations, just like others have failed to do in the past.
Well, after finally watching it last night, I have to say that my concern was completely unfounded. Because ‘Cops & Robbers’has not only lived up to my expectations, but it surpassed it by miles. I think it is safe to say — especially after the very strong and enthusiastic reaction on Twitter — that last night’s episode is definitely in the top 5 of the series. For me, it has reached the top 2, only losing to the spectacular season 3 finale ‘Knockout’and by a tiny thread.
So we knew what the episode was going to be about and that Castle and Martha would be held hostages during a bank heist. Even with that information, the episode turned out completely different than what I was expecting. For one, I didn’t expect Beckett to be the one solely handling the negotiation; and second, I thought the hostage situation would go through the entire episode, so I was really surprised when they were released with still 10 minutes until the end of the episode. That said, I confess I was on the edge of my seat, holding my breath for the entire hour.
I really loved that we jumped right into the action, as opposed to the usual the usual formula of having a scene at the loft in the beginning and so on. The fact that Beckett felt completely helpless in this situation, knowing that the guy she loved — and there is no need to even discuss that, right? Did you see the look on her face during the entire episode? — could die at any moment was so telling and so reminiscent of ‘Rise’. The tension, pace, acting, writing, directing, everything in ‘Cops & Robbers’was fantastic. It had been quite a while since the last time I was so into an episode like I was last night.
So let’s talk about all the good stuff, shall we?
First, I absolutely loved seeing more of Martha and Susan Sullivan was stellar. She is such a talented actress and so criminally underused in this show that I was really glad that she finally got her chance to shine. Second, I was expecting to see more of Alexis, but I think it worked that she wasn’t as involved as I thought she would be. And the breakup? Saw it coming at least four episodes back and I am really glad it finally happened.
Third, I was hoping to see more of Ryan and Esposito, but the little bit we got was great all the same. Particularly loved Esposito teasing Ryan about his outlandish theories and calling him Castle Jr. Also really enjoyed the twist in the end and definitely didn’t see it coming, although I am curious as to what happened to the bank robbers. Did they really die in that explosion? Is it strange that I really hope they didn’t?
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Great review as always Luciana!
The bank robbers did die. They planned out blowing up the bank as a diversion to sneak out under it. The ringleader/hostage guy rigged the C4 to explode before they made it out though. Her double crossed them so they wouldn't, get caught and eventually double cross him.
I have to say, I was in love with this episode. It was amazing! Fillion and Stana had their characters down cold and I was getting all teary eyed at various points.
I agree, though, the message of this episode really was that Beckett is utterly head over heels in love with Castle. However, I think it's really telling that Castle knows Beckett so utterly well that he will risk things like sending messages because he knows she will understand him and trust his instincts. That shows just how close those two have gotten over the past four series.
I was gutted that Beckett didn't get a hug and I wanted to smack Martha for interrupting that moment; it was so tense. You could just tell that something was going to happen if she hadn't butt her nose in. The way Castle was smiling at Beckett and she at him was just amazing. Those two really do have it down to an art.
The whole loft scene was really good for me, purely because it showed again, how close they both are. She's becoming a part of his life, his family. I really wanted them to say something or kiss, but I enjoyed the banter that developed right at the end. Definitely one of my favourite episodes to date. Mindblowingly awesome.
I only hope the series continues with this and we get to see them getting even closer. Also, I know the episode tonight couldn't've had it, but we need to see Castle working on Beckett's mother's case. Just to show that he is, like, if nothing else. I think the loft scene foreshadows how Beckett's going to find out. They're getting really comfortable with each other, he calls her (see her face when he said "tell me you need me"?!) and goes over to hers, she's now coming to his. There's bound to be a point where she's there, fiddling with stuff and comes across the case file.
Next week is going to be a bit of a comedown, really.
This review is spot on Luciana!! Cheers..u just nailed it. I especially agree wid what u thot was the main motive of this epi..to bring out how much in love Kate is wid Castle..it shown thru in the entire episode beautifully..and really, Stana is stellar and those scenes wouldn't be as poignant or effective, if it weren't for her acting. I thot Nathan was awesome too..he got many tense scenes..and he performed. And yes, the loft scene isn't the bestest part of this epi, as was presumed. I really wish thy would be able to accomodate how these meetings btween Castle n Kate outside the precinct actually play out. Need more intimate moments!! So greedy now. The tone of this epi cud be a sign of gr8r things to come. Cheers!!
And yes, this epi will totally figure in the best episodes alongside Knockout and Knockdown.
You mentioned how you were left disappointed by a few much anticipated episodes..could you please point out as to which ones these are…?
Was a bit pissed by the way Martha interrupts Kate n Castle's I-Love-You-So-Much gaze ..it was so Josh-esque!! She is a shipper,no!? Reckon, it had to be inserted by TPTB or else they wud hav had to insert a hug/kiss or sme such…coz that longing look was one of the best(maybe the best) part of this epi. So mch affection shining through. What dya think? Did the writers have no other go??
I think That Look was soo… much powerful than any hug or other PDA would have been.
I loved every minute, but I have to say I really loved the wine scene too. I guess to me it was just the easiness that exuded from Martha, Castle & Beckett all being there in a home environment – maybe trying to tell Beckett "see what you could have all the time?" But I like to read into things :) I just adored Susan Sullivan throughout this episode too, she finally had some real material to sink her teeth into and just go to town and she was phenomenal.
Castle is still my favorite show, but the past few episodes have been borderline cliched or trope-y or whatever. The bank robbery was that for last night. Does every group hostage situation have a pregnant woman? And when Castle requested the captors start letting people use the restroom, I'm pretty sure what he said was taken verbatim from the hostage situation episode from "No Ordinary Family." Overall, though, a good episode.
Castle made it quite clear that he was lifting lines from 'Die Hard'. And since Die Hard came before No Ordinary Family, if NOF had the same lines, they lifted them too. At least Castle gave credit to his source: did NOF?
This episode was terrific. I did suspect the seizure guy, but not to the extent of him running the show.
I remember the "Die Hard" reference was made on "No Ordinary Family" too. So the lines were from "Die Hard"? I just thought the "go-to-the-bathroom-to-try-to-figure-out-what-was-going-on" plan was what was referenced in "Die Hard". (I haven't seen any of the "Die Hard" movies.)
Great review! Kudos to you Luciana! You took all the words right out of my mouth. This was such a mind blowing amazing episode of castle. There were so many many moments in there like when Beckett held his hand while coming in as a paramedic or when castle reckons she has the best partner, just to list a few. They have just done this episode so much justice and theyve really taken castle to a new level of awesomeness!! That scene with castle and Beckett smiling when she saves him, wow, Stana and Nathan nailed it. I don’t think anyone else could’ve pulled it off. This episode defs makes the top of the best episodes, tying with last seasons finale.
Great review from you Luciana. I love Beckett – she lights up the tv screen with her amazing acting, what a star. I enjoyed last nights episode so much. The real Beckett is back – as was revealed by her threats to Trapper John to put a bullet in his skull if he shot Castle – haha! Also her challenging of the Officer in charge of the situation – questioning his decisions – oh Beckett that's how you get into trouble girl. I totally loved Martha's hug for Kate as she arrived for dinner at the loft – calling her darling, and great wonderful creature. What she really meant is "Hey girl – you are the right one for my Son – I love you, so what's the hold up>"
LOL. You know Martha has always greeted Kate that way going back to, like, season two. It always makes me smile. Back then I thought that it was just Martha’s over-the-top flamboyant way but I can’t recall her giving anyone else (that’s not *technically* family) those big bear hug greetings. Hmm. Maybe moms really do know best – and who’s best for their son. LOL.
Oh I’m drooling down here in New Zealand. I feel like locking myself up for a few months so nothing can happen to me before I get to see these episodes!
Fellow kiwi here, just watched this episode.
They're all streaming on cuevana.tv if you've got the bandwidth.
Castle sending the safety deposit box number to Beckett in Morse Code!! Caskett made it look so easy! Is there anything that our dynamic duo cannot do?? This was a really fun episode and I love reading your reviews! More please….
I' m really sorry for coming in so late, duty called. Unlike you Luc, I rated this the best episode this series has had.
Every cast member less Alexis, got a real meaty roll to play. That alone was as awsome a display of writting and directing as I can remember. Nathan was a rock as usual, but Stana was breathtaking in the range of emotions she displayed. For those who were waiting for Becketts' wall to be breached, that happened in "eye of the beholder". This episode shows Beckett defenseless in her feelings for Castle. Think of the scene when Castle puts the note with C 4 written on it into her hand, she holds his hand almost refusing to let go, and the look on her face when she had to leave. The other has already been mentioned, Beckett calling Castles' name through the ruins, almost in desperation. The ending was perfect ,B/C in a friendly argument as to who has saved the other most, in a picture perfect family setting.
Totally agree on the bit about "Eye of the Beholder"; Beckett really had her cage rattled then and this will only make it worse for her really. She's come so close to losing Castle twice now since he admitted his feelings for her.
I honestly don't think the show can carry on doing this to her for much longer without her doing something to show Castle how she feels, like properly, not just looks, etc. It's not realistic, really, and it's not fair the viewers. I'm sort of surprised they have forced the issue so early on in the series, like; I was expecting the wall-shattering episodes to happen later on. Makes me wonder what they have planned…
From what I read, you will begin to see Beckett do everything sort of saying "I love you", in expressing her feeling, as the season moves forward.
Aye, I hope so. That said, if they drag it out too much, or make Castle overly clueless, it's not going to be fun.
I also hope they keep the writing good when they do become more "official" so it doesn't ruin anything, though it's been good so far. Marlowe's already said they're basically in a relationship now anyway, so…
Also, just saw the sneak peak for next week's episode, hehehe. Looks like it's going to be fun.
I'm sorry, did I say I thought the episode was AWSOME !!!
I saw the Canadian Promo and those fools gave away the surprise I had hinted at earlier. ABC should exercise more control over what is being released.
If you haven't seen it, avoid it and enjoy, what will really be a kick.
It’s not just the Canadian previews that do that. :( After some of the idiotic preview choices from last year I decided this year not to look at, or read, any previews or interviews before an episode airs – not even at this site (sorry Luciana). I don’t even watch the end credits any more in order to avoid the preview for the following week’s episode. (I plug my ears and hum if I have to. LOL.) It’s been hard, *really* hard, but sooooo rewarding! You guys should really give it try. Go into a new “Castle” episode with no expectations and just let it wash over you. Fantastic!!
Great review! The writers, actors, and crew were truely in sync this week. "Cops and Robbers" was so compelling I watched it twice in one night.
It's comforting to have characters who build positive relationships and do not fall into many of the "politically correct" pitfalls like other shows storylines. At the end of the day, I just want to be entertained. And that's what the writer's of CASTLE did this Monday.
Also, I really think we should commend the people behind the music in this episode. It was perfect. Such perfect music for every scene.
Yes! And it was subtle. I thought about the music for this episode too. A lot of shows would have been really heavy handed in some places. In particular I really liked how there was very little music playing when the robbers initially took over the bank – and it was very quiet and underneath the action of that scene/sequence. I'm glad you mentioned the music Hylean. :)
I haven’t seen any episodes since ‘Rise’ but you get the impression that Beckett couldn’t handle losing Castle at all, after everything she’s been thru loosing him would destroy her. Apart from being in love they are each others best friend now and depend on each other so much.
Another important point of this episode was the recurring theme of "Always" even though it wasn't actually said. A relationship is being there for your partner. Kate promised Alexis that she would get her Dad and Martha out and she did. She was there for the whole family. (At the end Kate was kind of invited into the family). I think that convinced Alexis that it was over with Ashley. He wasn't there for her anymore. She saw what "being there" really means.
Then there was the nebulous name "Partner" that our DD use to describe their relationship. On the surface it's used to describe their working relationship. But we know that "Partner" can also mean "spouse." They know they are more than work partners. For the moment it's a term which is ideal for their means of communication which is "subtext."
Well, this is obviously a romantic bunch – but what intrigued me was who was the mystery cop at the end who was at the perp's back? They kept his face hid, and only showed his profile when showing a full face of the murderer and abductor. And Beckett sending Kevin off to get him at the end. Is this another dangling story line for the series – mother's murder, serial killer, and now this will lead to a new twist?
Really……, I think you're over analyzing. The guy was probably an extra that they didn't want to pay face time scale money. Don,t lose any sleep over it.
I noticed that too but it probably was just more of the really, really poor lighting they've had in every episode so far this season – especially in the prescient. (I’ve mentioned this before as have others.) In fact now that I think about it one reason why I really liked this episode might be because things were so well lit for once! :-| Very little time was spent in the overly dark, dungeon like 12th prescient! Most of the episode took place in the bright light of the bank and the police mobile command van!
This episode is one of my all time favorites (top 4)! It was intense and the cast brought their A game. Stana Katic was absolutely amazing!
Luciana, thank you for the review. I look forward to reading them every week.
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