I am not sure if you guys are aware of this, but I am not American. Therefore, I have never watched an American soap opera in my life. I have watched, however, the telenovelas that Esposito mentioned and that little tidbit he told Castle about is exactly how the plots usually were when I watched them as a kid. So, even though I am not entirely familiar with American soap operas, I could definitely appreciate all the jokes about it because, well, I have probably seen even more outlandish storylines.
That said, I have to say that ‘One Life To Lose’was a true gem in this third season. It reminded me a little of ‘Nikki Heat’in the sense that it was just as funny. We didn’t have a whole lot of character development — unless you count that sweet moment between Castle and Beckett that Motorcycle Boy interrupted (again!) — but it was just such a fun episode to watch that that hardly mattered to me.
Martha was a joy to watch from the very first scene she was on until the end of the episode when Castle catches her about to start making out with her former co-star. They really should give Susan Sullivan more screen time because she is just stellar. I particularly loved the scene in which she rattles off all the bad things that had happened to her character in Temptation Lane in the time span of three weeks.
One of my favorite things about this episode, however, was finding out that Beckett is a fangirl. Sure we all had our suspicions, but to have it confirmed that she is even versed in all things fandom was ridiculously cool. I also loved that they acknowledged the fans — and the shippers — and actually showed how they can be very passionate about their favorite show.
The shippers in particular are the most passionate of the bunch. I don’t know if you guys are familiar with the term shipper war, but sometimes that’s exactly what happens in a fandom. The way that they wrote the obsessed shipper was in no way off the mark. I know they used a stereotype there, so maybe some people might not too happy about that, but that kind of behavior? Spot on.
If any of you are Lost fans, you probably remember the insanity that was the shipper war between the Skaters and the Jaters in that fandom. The obsession they presented with FoxCannLover was probably a tiny little version of what actually goes on in message boards all over the internet. Yes, the hardcore fans are that obsessed.
And it is so ironic that they address this issue right after the episode that completely divided the Castle fandom. When ‘Countdown’aired a couple of weeks ago, Caskett shippers all over the globe were screaming bloody murder about The Powers That Be bringing Josh back into the picture when things between Kate and Castle were going so well. I admit even I was ticked off that they did that (hey, I am a fan too, you know), but the insurgent of backlash all over the fandom was gigantic. I heard people saying they were going to quit watching the show because of it; that’s how passionate shippers can be.
I really hope that ‘One Life To Lose’has reinstated your faith in the show, though, because it truly was a great episode. It was a nice departure from those intense episodes we have had since ‘Knockdown’and it put things back on track. They even remedied (well, sort of) this nitpick I have with the show about continuity. Of course they didn’t make a big deal out of it, but they found a way to remind the audience that Kate is still with Josh. Not a total fix (they neglected to mention anything about those intense moments in the past three episodes), but at least it was something.
What was also great to see, though, was that when the phone rang — interrupting a total moment between Beckett and Castle; I love that she is so comfortable around him now — she hesitated to answer. Not only that, but she only answered it after Castle said he would leave her to it. He is being such a big boy about this and is actually giving her space.
This is progress, guys. Have faith.
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Nice review. I too loved finding out that Beckett was a fangirl. If anything could make Beckett any cooler, it was definitely that. And while I am a total shipper, I am also completely happy with the pace that the show is moving at. I am probably one of the few Castle/Beckett shippers that was actually happy to see Josh come back. I think it is important for Beckett's character development that he be around. My reasoning for that is long and involved lol.
I also agree with the writers decisions not to mention the intense moments outright. I don't think it is what either of the characters would do. I think they do "mention" them in small ways. The fact that Beckett is so much more comfortable with Castle is due, i'm sure, in part to the intense moments they have shared with each other. He continues to prove to her that he is going to be there for her, no matter what happens, and I think that is exactly what she needs.
I also love that they have managed to make Beckett this amazingly strong woman, who could totally kick your ass, and is just this…fireball, yet there is still something about her that makes you want to hug her and protect her, though you know damn good and well she doesn't really need it…but she does. Haha.
Long story short, I love this show. It is the only thing that I watch on TV and I am completely along for the ride. I have faith in the writers and am thrilled with what they have done so far. In Andrew Marlowe I trust ;)
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I do not agree with your review Luciana Mangas, regarding character development. Castle is starting to keep a little distance from her. He is spending more time than usual with boys, even hangout at the Old Haunt without her at the end. And even when he says "We should sleep on it", & the way Kate interprets it & Castle explaining "Separately! Katherine Beckett, I never…", those reactions from him are like turning down the sexual flirt from her. It was funny & I enjoyed it. The "I never" line may mean that he never thought that she would flirt with him like that while being in a serious relationship.
Also there is no continuity from previous ep. & I don't agree with you that just mention of DMB is continuity. He is mentioned a lot of times this season so its not great. But this still was a great ep. that I thoroughly enjoyed. I get the feeling that she is still not missing him, even at the end here, so the end scene at the last ep. is nothing for her.
I watched the ep. again & I have to say that I don't know what should I make of Beckett's character here. I mean can she think of that in first place? (thinking of both of them sleeping together) & she is smiling at that thought. She is taking Castle for granted. What is she thinking about him? Even if she says they are friends, the eye conversation at coffee shop she had with him was not like friends. I am still not satisfied with the character of Kate, the writers are still not getting what we were talking about since last ep. Maybe they wrote this earlier but still they have a lot of explaining to do regarding Katherine Beckett's character.
I get that she has feelings for Castle, keeping one foot out but still doing it is wrong of her character or can we say it paints a wrong picture on her character.
Maybe I'am reading too much here. Plz share your thoughts on my view. Thanks
This episode has just aired here in the UK, and I have to say it was rather weak… at the end, my wife and I looked at each other and said, "what just happened at the end, exactly?". Having read several episode recaps, neither of us are still entirely sure…