When Castle ended last night, I thought ‘damn, that was a really good episode with a really crappy ending’. I even posted it on Twitter and from the response I got, I was obviously not alone in my reaction to ‘Linchpin’. I have to say that I liked it a little bit better than last week’s ‘Pandora’. It was fast-paced, suspenseful and I really, really loved Jennifer Beals — and I am not even a fan.
My problem with it was that it felt like it was forty minutes of adrenaline and suspense and then nothing. As someone I was chatting with last night put it, I felt completely underwhelmed by that ending. I am not even going to discuss the case (because that didn’t make any sense to me and it was just a tiny little bit farfetched), but I really liked the vibe of the episode. I called it from the get go that the traitor would be Danberg and when he was outted as such I was equal parts proud of myself and disappointed because I had called it since the beginning of ‘Pandora’.
Then when Sophia was revealed to be the real traitor, I felt betrayed. Because you know what, I really liked her and, in the end, she manipulated me too. That’s why I absolutely loved Jennifer Beals’performance in this two-parter because she made me hate her and love her all at once and when she was killed, I felt a little bit like Castle did.
So yeah, it was an action-packed episode and the hour flew by. Then when you think finally something is going to happen to move Castle and Beckett along, they give us a shoulder bump. Let me say it again: after four seasons, they give us a shoulder bump. Really, TPTB? Really? Not to mention that little quip from Sophia to Beckett, that she wished she had never slept with Castle in order to keep that simmering tension going. Seriously? Seriously? How many more near death situations will they have to face for one of them to break and do something? I am starting to think that the catalyst will have to be the apocalypse by the way things are going. What worries me is that we have only what, six episodes left until the finale? This is usually the time when we have a string of filler episodes until an explosive season finale and I honestly think they are just going to stall until then.
Because if you stop and think about it, we have several loose ends now that they are going to have to address at some point (hopefully still in season 4): Beckett’s secret, Castle’s secret, Johanna Beckett’s case and now Castle’s father. About the last one, I really, really hope that it doesn’t turn out that he is a big shot CIA agent who was behind this whole op in ‘Linchpin’. Because, honestly, TPTB, that would be spectacularly jumping the shark in my opinion. So for now, I am going to refrain from throwing out there any theories about Castle’s father, but feel free to discuss them in the comments section.
All in all, ‘Linchpin’was a good episode, but it was far from being as amazing as the season 2 two-parter with Dana Delaney. I have to comment on the opening scene with them in the car which was pretty awesome and probably one of my favorite moments of the episode. Don’t even get me started on Beckett’s jealousy — that while it was somewhat justified — by the end of the episode, it was verging on downright childish.
But I am willing to overlook it, so ‘Linchpin’gets a B+ for me.
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"Not to mention that little quip from Sophia to Beckett, that she wished she had never slept with Castle in order to keep that simmering tension going. Seriously? Seriously?"
Yes'm – agreed!
There probably is a term for this when, during a live theater performance, the actor breaks character to address the audience in a sidebar manner. This is how the Sophia/Beckett scene came across for me. It felt like viewers were being scolded for how they choose to enjoy a TV show. Maybe a 2nd viewing would help and maybe Kate's later declaration that Sophia lied about a lot of things was supposed to assuage that scene but the maybe shouldn't be a maybe.
Plus, there’s a time and a place for subtle communication with fans. Nods to previous gigs of the Castle cast & crew through costumes, dialogue, placement of x’s, etc. are fun. Being left with a feeling of ridicule and scorn as a result of a scene in a “TV show I used to love” isn't enjoyable. The question is: when tensions are running high and ratings are being affected, is it really the right time to send a not-so-subtle message through heavy-handed subtext?
That was my first reaction, but if you look closely, Sophia's expression is one of scorn while Kate's is one of amusement. She smiles when she agrees.
Come on, that's the way AWM always writes this stuff, tiny expressions change everything. This is still a thinking person's series. It makes you work to see what's there and that is frustrating at times.
Great post Luciana and I agree in many many facets. The case was confusing and the twist kind of put a huge hole in it (in regards to if Sofia was behind it all why even bring Castle and Beckett on board), and the Castle and Beckett ship AM seemed to purposely drill a hole in the bottom of.
I didn't like this episode one bit and especially after the sneak peeks got me excited a bit for it. Andrew Marlowe lets down once again with the second half of his two parter just like last year. In my opinion they need someone else to take over the creative direction reins because Marlowe seems to be driving the show off a cliff.
I know harsh, but with ratings on the decline and just homage after homage after gimick for filler for practically this entire season they really need new ideas.
I agree to an extent. I know no one likes the term soap opera. But, the Caskett relationship is the soap opera aspect of the series and I agree it is not being managed well. The razzle dazzle epps – casino, tigers, dogs, Cinderella next, are fairly creative but they are there to distract from Caskett. They don't have to necessarily hook up yet, but there should be more activity, conversation of their past, expression of feelings in this relationship. This is Season 4 and they still don't open up to each other in a real meaningful way.
Im pretty sure that the ratings are on a rise? Castle has been beating smash (which everyone thinks is their main opponent), and they have gained more viewers than last season! So Andrew is still drawing in crowds.
You are wrong. Smash was not the main opponent, it was a new and unknown opponent with a strong lead and a big marketing budget. The shining example that the success of a show depends on its own content, not on the lead or the marketing.
Comparing to the second episode of the S3 two parter (it is more precise than the week, because here the pulling effect of the joint episodes is what matters, not the calendar week) the total audience dropped from 10,1 million to 9,66 while the 18-49 rate from 2,8 to 2,1. I can't see any gain here.
The ratings have declined. I work in behind the scenes in TV and let me tell you the total viewers mean NOTHING! Its the 18-49, aka the money demo, that matter the most. In the regard Castle has dropped significantly this season. Even with the DWTS lead in earlier in the season the demo was down.
Lynchpin and Pandora were great episodes, not fantastic, but exciting. If you are a shipper, and expected more, well you should have known AWM & CO operate on the notion that less is better. And Luc, you hit the nail on the head, what willl follow will be fillers. It is exactly what it means, putting putty in the cracks so the finished veneer looks smooth and shiny. I can remember in the first three seasons how Castle dictated how I spent my Monday nights, but I've seen the light, AWM & CO want slow and slower, so now just like they prescribe I watched 4.16 on Tuesday on hulu and went about my business on Monday evening.
I realized that being third in the ratings is okay with AWM and ABC. It is enough to keep the ship afloat and being number one only complicates things and sponsors probably demand more. So I guess everything will move with one big lurch on 4.23 and the first part of season five will be spent repairing the damage just so the DD can be back to square one by Jan. 2013.
P.S.
And the cycle will continue, till the series is cancelled in season six with the B/C wedding as the finale.
oy! Please, no wedding. Or babies. How about just a simple moment in or outside the precinct that demonstrates that these two still (at one point, anyway) have sizzling chemistry? OOH! or a conversation made up of words. That would be nice.
What a wonderfully unique idea, a conversation between the DD with words sans the subtext. You'd think a writer could actually compose something emotionally exquisite for his leads.
There's no wedding possible. There you have to answer straight questions loud and clear.
LOL!!! How so you say I do in subtext.
You guys are right, sadly. It's really depressing watching my favorite show dying like this. Wow. There probably won't be more than one or two eps for Mach and the same for April and this mad run to the end in May. But, with those March and April eps being filler will there be anyone still watching come May? [I'm going to go over in the corner now and morn my show.]
I thought Pandora was kind of fun in a ludicrous way, but this was just ludicrous. Every freaking cliche, another set up for a big emotional moment (someone had to drag someone out of that car, and presumably Beckett drowned?) and then…nothing. Nada. Skip to standing on dock and not even a 'hey, that was close', nary a 'glad you/we didn't die', nothing. They looked like they barely knew each other. And then Castle's father is some secret big bad? Like the show didn't already have one albatross with Johanna Beckett, now Castle needs one too?
I used to love this show so much, but I think it's time we went our separate ways before hatred sets in. Clearly Marlow has no intention of ever doing anything with this barren wreck of a ship. Methinks Sophia, with all her manipulation and lies and frakking with both Beckett's and Castle's heads, was more of a self portrait than Marlowe may realise. I'd like to hope there's a season 5, just so we don't finish on this mess, but honestly, I don't have the patience for any more of this.
A few random thoughts: agree that Sophia's line about the tension and the relationship was AWM's message to the shippers, a cheap way of letting his feelings known. The ridiculousness of the moonlight curse excuse etc, is getting old. I'm starting to think that Castle's "I love you" at the end of season 3 backfired on TPTB, meaning it was premature if they were not going to move them forward as a couple. But it's not only the stagnant relationship that's an issue. The cases have been predictable and disappointing. Also, don't you guys think that the longer it takes for Beckett to reveal her secret the more difficult it's going to be for Castle to accept given that she has pretty much witnessed how he has been burned so many times for being so trusting? Last night when Beckett talked about Sophia's lies all I could think of is it takes one to know one. And please can we have Castle's dad be just a free spirit like Martha or maybe a contrast to her like a nerdy scientist or something, but not someone involved in crime, politics or law enforcement? We do not need an added complication. A character that ups the fun factor and explains some aspects of Castle's personality is good in my book. Ok, I'll finish this rant by mentioning that although Jealous Beckett is entertaining, her "the more the merrier" line was just too much, and in my opinion, immature and unnecessary. Luci, thanks for giving us a forum to vent. I hope we can get back some of the initial magic of this show that we all love. Need to mention Nathan looked mighty fine last night especially with that brown leather jacket.
Luciana, I was hoping you would have that reaction to Linchpin. You actually were more critical than I expected. The suspense of this 2-parter didn't distract you from the lack of Caskett, which this season seems to want too ignore. In some ways S4 appears to be one big filler. I practically missed the bump at the end it was so fast and not even a close-up of it! I think TBTB have created a new style – Silent Subtext – so subtle you can barely spot it! One thing did stand out. Sophia told Beckett that she regretted sleeping with Castle and Beckett believed her and was discouraged. But at the end she tells Castle that he can't really believe what Sophia said about Castle's father. She was also saying that she now realizes she shouldn't believe the negative comments Sophia said about Castle. Hi, MigalouchUD, glad to see you on this site.
I'm going to disagree with the majority here and say that I actually really loved "Linchpin". For those of you who hated the case or thought it was too convoluted or far-fetched, what was the actual case? Take away the set dressing of the CIA and all it is is a double-murder with a third murder that needs to be prevented. . .exactly the type of case Castle and Beckett are the best at solving. Remember that Linchpin was a theory and nothing more, and that killing the little girl may or may not have started the "dominoes falling". The bad guys were taking a very long-term gamble on a far-fetched plan, but in the end that didn't matter to Beckett at all. She kept her eyes on the goal–finding a murderer.
As for the conversation with Sophia, to me Sophia represented the writers, and their fears that having the two leads sleep together would kill the show. The fact that Beckett rejected Sophia's/the writers' view at the end of the episode was a subtle sign of encouragement to the viewing audience. Honestly, at this point we've waited so long for forward motion to begin on the relationship, if they'd hugged on camera or kissed, it would have felt completely out of place and rushed. So to me, the shoulder bump was a perfect ending. They need a more personal case (i.e., Beckett's mother) to bring them all the way together.
For me, the most interesting part of this episode was the reveal about Castle's father. Finding out he's a high ranking member of the government (Sophia didn't say he was actually C.I.A., she said his father had influence with the C.I.A.) means he may have a powerful ally against the Dragon (the man behind Beckett's mother's murder) and not even know it. I can't wait to see where that storyline goes.
So all-in-all, I thought this was a very good episode, and Jennifer Beals was simply amazing, and very very beautiful. Hard to believe she's nearly 50 years old.
Thank you! I totally agree with you. If they did get together in this episode, it would've been out of place and just plain stupid. Actually, even if they linked arms at the end, it would've been… weird.
I thought that the twist was simply amazing! I would never have thought it was Sophia. And you're totally right. This is a classic Castle case.
Also, if AWM & CO explore Castle's father, we could see him bringing down that Dragon; which would solve so many things. So you're totally right Steven.
Can I also just put out there that though it seems like all the episodes till the season finale are fillers, both Castle and Beckett's secrets are going to come out before the finale (as said by Andrew), and I can bet that when that episode(s) air, it's not gonna be a filler. Hell no. And I'm not gonna stop watching this how just because their relationship isn't moving as quick as we thought it would.
I liked the episode.
I was beginning to think of it as a boring 2-parter but the Sophia thing saved the whole thing. Great twist!
I believe the writers addressed the 'Linchpin' idea nicely… at the end of the day, it was really about saving the little girl. It spoke to me a lot about our society and 'politicians'. They talk these really big games, but…at the end of the day, I'm worried about my job.
I did not see the Sophia and Beckett talk the way other people saw it — as a Marlowe slap down. I found it to be the vocalization of something that NEITHER partner has verbalized… they are great friends and are becoming even better friends. They have a partnership that pushes both of them forward. What happens if they do try and it bombs? It's ALWAYS talked about in these type of TV will-they/won't they situation. This is something Beckett 'has to' be thinking about by now so I thought Sophia was only vocalizing what Beckett was afraid to say. I thought this episode probably needed a visit from the psych to get Beckett to talk about it.
As for the whole season — yes, there are A LOT of strings dangling. Too many! I'm beginning to think that they're going to out Beckett's secret and they'll work it out, but at the finale Castle's secret will come out and *drumroll* we'll have another finale with Beckett walking away. NO! NO! NO!… If the season ends with either of them walking away AGAIN, I'm going to start watching Hawaii Five-O again.
One more thing.
Dear Marlowe and Castle writers:
THEY NEED TO FREAKING FLIRT!!!
The secrets were a great idea but it functions as a way for the characters to be terrified of saying or doing the wrong thing.
Let me repeat it — Looks are NOT enough… THEY NEED TO FREAKING FLIRT!!! A LOT!
Another unpopular opinion here: While I agree they could have been more emotional after surviving their near-death experience at the beginning, it WAS obviously quite a bit after the incident — they were dry, people have been called to the scene, Castle had already changed, the emotions have died down. Simply put, that wasn't the point of the episode and they needed to move on.
About Caskett, I know shippers love indulgent moments, they love thinking that they'd love it if the two got together, expressed more emotions, yadda yadda. The fact is, it spirals. If they talk about their emotions now, then every single episode has to be about moving forward in their relationship – but at an accelerating pace. You can linger at uncertainty, but there's no lingering anymore once the cat's fully out of the bag. I'm willing to bet an arm that more people will hate it when that happens.
What I'm saying is, I think it's fair for the writers to want to stall. Let's face it – Castle has had 2 failed marriages, he is NOT Beckett's kind of guy. He can't help liking him, but you can't blame her for resisting. Besides, can't we see the poetic beauty in their relationship? They know, they're not stupid. They know they have feelings for each other and they've both shown us. When we see times when they're just comfortable, just there, partners, they "just keep showing up" – that's a dynamic duo chemistry that's as good as (if not better than) flirting or dating.
The question isn't that why they weren't in each other's arm half an hour after their escape – the question is that why did we see them only half an hour after the escape?
If escaping from death was NOT the point of that scene, then what the hell was the point? To learn that Castle can swim? Or another black mark on the list of New York finest's dilettante list who don't fasten her gun in her holster?
Yes, if they start talking, things would accelerate – and? Is it so terrible? I don't mind if they remain on the friendship territory, it's Andrew Marlowe who states that this isn't friendship, it's the greatest love ever. Let them be friends, let them be happy with someone else and – first and foremost – show other conflicts with them instead of pretending that "being comfortable" with each other is EQUAL with love, and I won't say a word.
We can discuss plots till we are all blue in the face (really Marlowe…stop with the end of the world crap!)
I admit that I came upon this show years ago by accident and was blown away by the actors and characters they portrayed, that is, the main characters. It was the chemistry between Castle and Beckett that blew me away. I loved it and couldn't get enough Castle. Like one viewer here, everyone I know would remind it was Monday, as if I needed reminding. But last season was dismal, and a sucker punch to those (most viewers) who loved the show for Castle and Beckett. I had high hopes for this season, but have been mostly disappointed thus far. I don't know what TPTB are thinking, and I'm getting to the point where I really don't care. After 4 years, these two beautiful characters, and countless brushes with death, are still going nowhere.
Suggestions for TPTB:
How about cool music again to start each episode?
Mmmm, perhaps Castle was kicked out of the poker game?
Lanie's character needs a jump start, as do the others.
And finally, Beckett has to be the one to change the game.
I suggest, instead of all this nod and wink crap,
she just grabs Castle unexpectedly, kisses him
and lets her feelings out in big explosive scene.
It would be better than what loyal fans have been getting the past 2 seasons.
Check around the web, polls, and ratings are turning. They will be renewed I'm sure for a 5th season, but I hope
they, TPTB are worthy of it, and worthy of the continued support and adoration of a loyal base of viewers.
If you are a loyal fan, then the polls are frightening. One time bastions of Castlemania are showing waning interest. I feel the negative slant in this and other sites is caused by my and others' anger that my or our favorite series is allowed to slide into mediocrity and possible cancellation for fear of what once happened to another show long ago. I would like to shake someone in a position of authority and say, "take the chance, it's better than going out with a whimper".
There was this incredible 60 second exchange between Jamie Lee Curtis and Mark Harmon on NCIS last night that I wish Caskett would be allowed to have. So few words and so much being said without subtext, it was thrilling.
If there was no emotional aftermath of the near-drowning, why bother with it in the first place? No one in the audience would have the slightest fear that C or B would actually die. Honestly, had the baddies just shot the mathematician, shot out Beckett's tires and driven off, what would have changed re: the story? Nothing. So, what was the point of the (near)drowning then? Was there extra money in that week's budget and they figured 'why not?'
And if the reveal about Castle Sr being a powerful man is true, brace yourselves for the shocking reveal that Castle Sr and The Dragon are the same person. Yup, Castle's dad is responsible for the murder of Kate's mother. I remember reading that theory/spec ages ago and dismissing it. But with the way the show has been going, I think it's all but guaranteed to happen. The final roadblock to Caskett's happily never after.
Holy crap. I have never heard this theory before but you are so right. Castle SR and the Dragon being the same guy. Wow. That makes Sophia's comment to Castle (when in his loft looking at his Beckett murder board) that he's playing with fire all the more intriguing. But yeah, since the show's writing has totally gone into the crapper and is so sensationalistic and ridiculous, I can totally see this being right. Huh.
I have to disagree about the opening sequence. I thought it was so poorly filmed and directed I had a hard time figuring out what was going on. And after all the time they spent on it, couldn't they have shown Castle actually get Beckett out of the car, up to the surface on onto shore? And no hug? I mean, its like the writers think of what two normal human beings would do after surviving that situation – which would be hug – and they do the exact opposite. They continuously write Caskett that way. What would a normal couple's reaction be? Let's do the exact opposite so no-one can relate to either character anymore. The cases are getting so out-there I won't comment, and the way the ratings are going, I don't know if they can afford to do filler episodes until the finale. They desperately need a change of direction – it's getting really stale. I used to love this show so much.
The scene after Beckett drowns, bc yeah she did, was so odd. She had water in her lungs and now she drinks hot coffee. Castle would have had to perform CPR, that alone meant she should have been taken to the hospital.
They go through another life threatening situation and all that comes of it is a smile and a cup of damn coffee?!? Seriously?!?
Beckett had more excitement towards the CIA guy who fixed her car than Castle, the man who saved her life.
Also Alexis isn't freaking out that her father was on another near death situation? Really?
I need Andrew Marlowe to stop writing episodes … please?!?
Everytime he does, he takes to Twitter after the east coast airing to say trust him or I have a plan. As someone said on Twitter Monday night … "The Marlowe Bank & Trust is seriously overdrawn". Couldn't agree more
i only hope that the one called Fans of Castle don't kill the show with so many requirements..i know the level of 3ª Season was to high and the 4ª season is not being so powerfull…but….but..seing the power of a but…there's no reason for so dramatic hopes…i think when people going to see Castle now… already going disapointed.. why? so just don't see it…i don't see in another tv show so many stress about one couple like in Castle…Castle have more then that…lots of humor..dramatic…romantic…friendship…family…not like Hawaii Five-O a bunch of guys starting shooting everyone. ahahahaha…people please be calm or our 6ªseason could be dead..yes yes 6ª Season i am not wrong ;)
and please watch the last minute of this episode very well i did it..10 times there is everything there…
Where's the sexual tension? The ST in UST is M.I.A
Sad really. There hasnt been chemistry like Nathan/Stana's since Sarah Michelle/David (Buffy). Marlowe & Co. have all but snuffed it out. *SMH*
The chemistry between Castle and Beckett has completely disappeared. They have moved into brother/sister mode. For a couple of people whose chemistry was so explosive they had to dial it down while filming the pilot, they sure have done a complete 180.
Scenes need to be shown between these two, because at this point I don't even see them as friends. Do they hang out together outside of work? Do they talk on the phone? Do they grab a bite to eat together? We're supposed to believe they're crazy about each other but sadly, there's no proof of that.
And being called impatient by Andrew Marlowe for wanting to see SOME forward movement is insulting. I'm sorry he believes completely ignoring the relationship in favor of really ludicrous case plots is good television.
Well said Daphne, this entire discussion is about just that. Nobody's asking for a passionate rendezvous, only,as you suggested, show us that there is still some heat in the relationship, and not the comfort one gets from wearing a pair of old shoes. Other than six episodes during this entire season the old shoe scenario seems to play out. At the end of each episode we are lead to believe they each go their own way. That's not what a couple madly in love would do, they would want to spend every waking hour in contact with one another, even if they haven't admitted their true feelings.
Okay, can someone please tell me what TPTB stands for??
TPTB means The Powers That Be Lindsay. Took me a while to figure it out myself. lol
Thanks! ;)
I have the same problem most people have: these 2 parters are utterly ridiculous (Dana Delaney excepted). They are built up so big, full of so many near-death instances, that they are completely unbelievable AND formulaic. You can practically see the writer's checklist: 1. Near-death. 2. incomprehensible/unbelievable plot. 3. CIA/FBI/NSA, etc. involvement 4. Cool technology 5. No UST. *eye roll*
More specifically: When Sophia flipped out on Castle for screwing up and getting that guy killed (incidentally, same actor played the fat-sucking guy from X-files s3) I kept thinking, "Why is she yelling at him? She knows he is a WRITER, right?" Why didn't she yell at Beckett, the actual NYPD detective? I'm beginning to think AM & the etc. have forgotten Castle is a writer. There's no freaking way the CIA would have allowed him anywhere near this freaking case. Please.
for someone is so worrie about ratings,,,open your eyes very well please
http://castletv.net/castle-ratings-analysis-shoul…
Sorry, but the guy (girl?) don't know anything about statistics. The same AVERAGE doesn't mean that the show isn't on the slope. Eg. 5.5 is the average of a ten element row if all the elements are 5.5 (= steady results) or if those decrease from 10 to 1 (= going into deep s***t). Castle was on the first track last year and on the second one this year.
Sorry for the elementary mathematic lesson, but that's the fact. Not to mention that in last year the really good numbers came after this point, so even this comparison will die from next week.
You know this whole argument, everything written on this site for what is wrong with season 4 could have been avoided if AWM & CO had added a ten second scene at the end of some episodes. When ever C/B walked to the elevator or before the elevator's door closed one of the DD would've said to the other, " Q3 sound okay," or "How 'bout Chow Ling's" or "There's a late showing at the Orpheum", no answer would have been required. This would have let everyone know that "yes" they do long for each other's company, the heat is still there.
You know this whole argument, everything written on this site for what is wrong with season 4 could have been avoided if AWM & CO had added a ten second scene at the end of some episodes. When ever C/B walked to the elevator or before the elevator's door closed one of the DD would've said to the other, " Q3 sound okay," or "How 'bout Chow Ling's" or "There's a late showing at the Orpheum", no answer would have been required. This would have let everyone know that "yes" they do long for each other's company, the heat is still there, the next step had been taken.
Opps, sorry, don't know how that happened.
What if Mr. Smith, Montgomery's mysterious friend is Castle's dad.