I admit I started watching this episode with my foot out the door. Although the promos and sneak peeks had made it all seem so very exciting, I was still burned from last season’s two-parter, in which half of the fandom felt completely cheated by the Josh fiasco, myself included. So I tried to approach this episode with the same mentality as I did last week with ‘The Blue Butterfly’and tried as hard as I could to keep my expectations to a minimum. After all, I think we have all learned the hard way that it is better to pleasantly surprised than sorely disappointed, especially when it comes to Castle, right?
Well, I was worried for nothing. Maybe it was the fact that I went in with no expectations at all, but ‘Pandora’was good, guys. It was really, really good. I will even dare to say that my favorite show — the Castle I fell in love with all the way back in season 1 — is finally back and on the right track. Last night’s episode had everything I love about it: character development (Kate Beckett talking about her feelings to Castle, guys. Brace yourselves for the apocalypse!), suspense, action and humor.
I thought I was going to be completely annoyed by Jennifer Beals’character – because, really, another woman to make Beckett jealous is starting to get old — but I actually liked her. Unlike Kristin Lehman’s Serena Kay in ‘Eye of the Beholder’, Sophia Turner was really just doing her job. Sure, she has a history with Castle, but she wasn’t coming on to him in any way and it was actually amusing to see Beckett’s jealousy this time. Because, for once, she didn’t keep it all bottled up. She actually externalize those feelings and, no matter what history (romantic or not) Castle has with Sophia, I think he made it very clear to her that it was nothing like what he and Kate have now. Of course she is stubborn and took her a while to get it, but I honestly thought that by the end of the episode (when he returns to the precinct with the lead about the Mathematics professor), she was finally convinced that Sophia Turner is in his past and that is all there is to it.
Now, all shipper discussion aside, can we please talk about the amazing development that was Alexis interning with Lanie in the medical examiner office? Finally, finally, they gave her something interesting to do that is not her whining about her boyfriend or about not getting into the university she wanted. I have actively disliked Alexis for the better part of this season, but she won me back in a heartbeat in ‘Pandora’. Did you guys see how grown up she is now? And not only that, her internship also gave Lanie something else to do as well and I absolutely loved to see them interacting. I believe that was a first in the show, right? Lanie and Alexis in a scene by themselves? I absolutely loved it and I really, really hope this is not just a one episode thing. It also served to establish Lanie and Kate are indeed still friends and talk outside of work since the news about her fight with Castle made its way to Martha through Lanie and Alexis.
I confess I was not crazy about the case; it seems that every two-parter the stakes are higher. First it was a serial killer obsessed with Nikki Heat, then it was a nuclear threat to New York, and now it’s a catastrophic even that could destroy the United States. What are they going to face next season, the apocalypse? But it felt very reminiscent of season 2’s two-parter with Dana Delaney’s Special FBI Agent Jordan Shaw (who I would really, really love to see back on the show) with lots of twists and turns and managed to keep me at the edge of my seat the entire episode — and curse that cliffhanger from hell when their car dove into the water. Even though we all know they are going to be perfectly fine, I am excited about next week’s conclusion of the two-parter, called Linchpin.
‘Pandora’was Castle in its finest form and it just might be my favorite episode this season, second only to ‘Cops & Robbers’. But what I really enjoyed about last night’s episode was that it got me excited about my favorite show again. Finally.
Welcome back, Castle. I’ve missed you so much.
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I liked the first part, there are many good thing but for a two-parter I found it less than the last two seasons.
I hated Sophia, I found it quite useless compared to previous years of guest stars.
He also missed the action and tension, not enough rhythm in my opinion.
Good episode overall, but disappointing for a two-parter and if this is the best episode of the season for you, its proves that this season 4 is really low for now.
(I am very sorry for my bad English)
I agree with the review. I thought the first part of the two parter was really good, even though I was getting a little annoyed with Castle and the way he was acting around Sophia. I am excited about next week’s episode and I’ll reserve my judgement of the overall two parter for then. I’ve enjoyed season 4 because I have kept my Casket expectations very low and I did not think there would be a shift in the Castle/Beckett relationship until the end of the season. I am glad you are enjoying the show again!
I agree Sophia is a much better character than Serena Kay, although I did think she was playing up her history with Castle – which he fell right into. However, yeah, she didn’t seem like she was trying to hook up with him again, and I like that she wasn’t competitive with Beckett. I loved that Beckett actually talked about what was on her mind, and honestly, I thought her questions were pretty fair. She wasn’t just “jealous” because another woman was flirting with Castle. I’m curious to know more about Sophia’s past with Castle because I also want to know was different about his year following her around. It definitely seems like they were involved, so I really want to see a contrast between that and his connection to
Beckett. I loved the Lanie/Alexis thing, and when the whole grapevine effect Castle was afraid of happened it was pretty funny. The linchpin idea I thought was interesting. Makes me want to google it to see if it’s a real theory or not – LOL! As for next season’s two-parter, (HINT-HINT – ABC RENEW ALREADY!) I’m sure the stakes will be even higher – otherwise it’s not tv! So long as it’s well done and keeps me guessing I’m happy!
Castle was excellent. i also agree with beckstle, the Lannie/Alexsis thing is a nice change.
I can only echo your thoughts, Beckett finally verbalizing her insecurity, Castle realizing that his life away from home will now be dinning room fodder, with Alexis at the ME's office and Castle trying avoid the fact that Sophia may have been more just research and convincing Beckett that it is in the past. Funny how he hasn't realized just how possessive Beckett has become of his attention and envious of any female who shared his past..
I kinda of wish AWM & CO didn't think it necessary to build plots that are over the top for the two parters. Why not try something that threatens one of the team members not necessarily the DD. I wasn't on the edge of my seat, but they sure had my attention. For one of the few times this season I'm looking forward for next Monday.
Season five has been green lighted. They are already promoting the next Nikki Heat novel; wouldn't do it if there wasn't a new schedule for fall.
I liked Sophia, & how the writers are using her to nudge at Beckett more than at Rick. Part of me, however, is getting a bit tired of Beckett always being an expert in anything Castle expresses any enthusiasm about (last night, muscle cars), Castle seemingly being somewhat hapless (as opposed to how he was written in Cops & Robbers), and lastly, Alexis increasingly becoming a bit of a Wesley Crusher.
Just IMO. I didn't enjoy Alexis blurting out "chiaroscuro" in Killshot, I'm not so keen on her as an intern as a way to have her further involved. I completely understand the show wanting to expand and find knew ways to use characters and scenarios, but this feels too insular. Perhaps the second half (or however long they determine they wanna pursue this) will win me over.
Given the show has written eps in the past where Beckett has worked with an ex-FBI boyfriend, Dempsey, her old training officer whom she was also in love with, etc., I have no trouble with Castle having an old flame pop in for a case. Also agree Sophia's more enjoyable as a foil than Serena Kay where Beckett is concerned. I don't think Castle owes Beckett anything in terms of an explanation, and his offer to answer anything did surprise me.
Nice to see Gates back too. I'm guessing Ryan and Esposito will figure a bit more in the second half too, with Castle and Beckett having gotten themselves into trouble, and really, how long can one hope to keep the secret of a global catastrophe from your friends and colleagues?
I have a much biased opinion about this episode. There were much more small good tidbits than I expected and it is definitely good. Standing ovation that Beckett finally spoke if not all of her mind, but at least mostly what bothers her. I liked Jennifer Beals, she was fantastic, though I disagree with your opinion Lucy, that she only did her job: her job was to work with the NYPD, but she talked and contacted and reached only for Rick. It was more subtle than with Serena, but far from sheer professionalism. (What, on the other hand I didn't mind.)
My greatest problem was the case. It was so ridiculously absurd and illogical, made Beckett the most dilettante cop in the city that I had to stop watching the show after the car-trunk scene, to cool down and stop swearing. There is only one time when the case is in the center of the show, the two parter. I can't believe they can't write it well.
I have mixed emotions about this epp and I think it's kind of sad that we have to keep our expectations low for a show we used to crave for. I liked seeing them having a serious conversation (like we see on BONES) but the jealousy angle is getting old. Last season's 2-parter had much more suspense. Our DD seemed far too passive considering the dangerous consequences. It seemed like they were just following the leads for a robbery case. It's great seeing Kate in a more laid back mood but I thought it was awkward for her to ask about Castle's relationship with the CIA agent while they were "anxiously" awaiting "Dr. Pandora." Still in all I look forward to next week's finale but not with baited breath.
I dunno about you guys but I loved this episode. It actually brought back the good old castle that we all enjoy. Like I was screaming for more!! Anyone else love that scene where castle goes “you’re my partner”, it’s ahhhhh!!!
At last we see a Beckett that is actually staking her claim on her man. Remember how passive she was in "eye of the beholder", giving Castle the option to go with Serena. This time 'round she expresses her anger at the thought of a romance between Castle and Sophia. What I find interesting is that Beckett only feels threatened by strong, intelligent women. I think this is the initial stage of Castle becoming aware of how ardent her feelings are for him. If only AWM & CO don't go brain dead and forget they've gone this far.
I saw some progress in this episode. First of all, in the very beginning when Beckett called Castle, Martha said,”I bet it’s your better half.” Later when Castle saw Alexis with Lanie, he didn’t like it. He told Beckett that it was just their thing. But I have to admit, I loved Alexis shadowing Lanie! I always love seeing them. And my heart broke a little bit when Sophia and Castle started doing that little “finish each others sentences when theorizing” thing and Beckett was watching. That’s a C/B thing. But Beckett was jealous. In my opinion, that’s a huge step. I think the wall Beckett mentioned in Rise is finally starting to come down. Â
I didn’t find this “two-parter” as intriguing as in previous years. I’m not sure why. I think part of it might be my overall “ho-hum” feeling about this entire season. Things just feel really off this year. Is it just me? Also, I’m a little tired of the, “evil egomaniac wanting to takeover and destroy the world,” premise; maybe because I’m older and I’ve just seen it already.
Anyway, I keep hoping “Castle” will get it spark back in this latter part of the season and soon because apparently I’m not only one starting to lose interest. The preliminary ratings for last night are horrible especially in the 18-49 demo and “Castle” usually gets adjusted down in the final numbers, not up. All TV shows, across the board, were done last night including last week’s darling, “Smash.” But even still, if “Castle” doesn’t get that demo number up to at 3.0 (maybe a 2.9 min) this will either be its last season or ABC will only order a half season for next year. So if you know a “Nelsen Family” please tell them to watch “Castle” live and DVR everything else.
i've had this feeling all season long, since first seeing the season 4 promos and reading about AM's vague spoilers, that this season's finale is going to be make-or-break for castle and beckett; so far, though, they've been very subtle in handling those arc-elements—i.e. our duo's individual secrets—in the eps. writing a beckett who is being open about her feelings is a sneaky and effective way of undermining our expectations. it makes me curious whether the vague suggestion of a pattern that i can see from the previous seasons will hold: beckett pushes castle away, castle walks away, beckett pushes castle away (okay, technically that wasn't in the season 3 finale, but it accounted retrospectively for their "separation" over the summer). will beckett's secret be revealed, prompting castle to walk away in disillusionment? will castle's secret drive beckett to push him away again, thereby breaking a budding pattern? or will our awesome team come up with something startlingly different and shock our proverbial socks right off?
i think i could say what i feel about this episode of castle in a short sentence… when i realized the espisode end it..it was indedd the old Castle back..nice to know ;)
I thought this episode was so over the top. Why does Marlowe think that all two-parter episodes should have such high stakes in them. Last season it was about saving NYC, this season it is about saving the world ! Why not keep it simple and less complicated. I enjoyed the two-parter episodes in season two. They were interesting and simpler too. I also thought that Rick does not do much to reassure Beckett, it’s as if he does not care very much any more. I find a big change in Rick this season, he’s not the ” head over heels in love” man any more, and it is very disappointing, especially after the big ” I love you Kate.” After watching the finale for season three I was so excited for season 4, but, I have to say I am very disappointed so far with what I have seen and I also find the status quo in their relationship very frustrating. I think they should do something fast to shake things up between Castle and Beckett or they are going to start losing viewers.