Genre Episodes: Undead Again (04x22)
The end of the genre episodes!
"Undead Again"
AKA "How Castle and Beckett tried to stop over-thinking things to get back on the same page."
Or, more accurately: "Castle's totally awesome, amazing, incredible, very good day."
This episode is about the undead. ZOMBIE HOARDS. Full confession: my zombie knowledge is limited to The Walking Dead (the tv show, which I enjoy very much during daylight hours). I was hopeful when I heard that the penultimate episode this season would be about zombies, though, thinking that the focus could potentially be about the strength of emotions and what can happen when emotions are set above thinking and logic. About returning to the core of things; what makes us who we are and who we want to be. Perfect for Castle and Beckett after a couple of episodes of heart-crushing behavior. (Speaking of, and I'm sure that everyone knows the lead up to this episode -- if not, TURN BACK NOW -- and Martha helpfully recaps Castle's actions, but briefly, it all started with Castle learning Beckett's secret, that she had heard him say "I love you" and never said anything. For what it's worth, Castle's secret is still secret. Pots and kettles and all that. Ahem. Moving on.)
What I found interesting about the C/B dynamic in this episode was that it felt like a return to their old, schoolyard pigtail-pulling dynamic but with added undercurrents of prickliness and feelings. It's sort of a rebuilding of their "professional" relationship (as their personal-relationship walls crumble between them :)) but they get there a lot faster because of the FEELINGS (and because this case is so wacky that it forces them out of their heads, resulting in them just reacting to each other, naturally).
Oh, and in case this introduction wasn't clear: I tend to overthink things. And am sharing that with all of you! Sounds fun, yes? And here we go.
(Screenclips that follow are mine, all linked videos are not, and all mistakes are all mine :))
The episode starts at night. A gloved individual enters the Castle loft. We approach Lil' Castle, reading a tablet by a fire. We creep closer and closer to Alexis and---agghh!!
Oh, it's just Castle in his laser tag getup, wanting Alexis to play with him. Alexis refuses because she's THINKING about which college to chose and her pro/con list has narrowed her choices to Stanford and Oxford. (Don't mind me, I'm just whispering "pick Oxford".) Alexis doesn't want any of the NY schools (because of course she got into all of them) because she knows she'll come home all the time and get sucked into distracting things like laser tag.
Castle, heartbreakingly: But then who's going to play with me?
Alexis: I think it's time to holster the laser guns and be adults.
Laser tag: Game over. Please proceed to exit. [ouch. Castle is really not having the best month, is he?]
The next morning, Castle packs up their "time-honored" family tradition. (The game ends when the first one gets to 1000 points...and they haven't gotten there yet?? How does scoring work?) Martha humors him. (Curiously, apart from my enduring love of parentheses, the first time Beckett goes to the Castle loft? She's met by Castle and Lil' Castle in laser tag outfits...in A chill goes through her veins, 1x05. Hmm. This ep is important later.)
Beckett calls and he hits "ignore" and Martha's eyebrows raise. Castle's "excuse": Beckett and I haven't exactly been hitting it off lately.
SERIOUSLY, Castle? Let's quickly recap what happened in the last episode: BECKETT RISKED HER CAREER FOR YOU WHEN YOU RAN OFF WITH A CRAZY (yet awesome; I've liked him since XFiles :)) DETECTIVE CHASING SEVERED HEADS. You ran to her help, she did (risking her career in the process; can't repeat that enough), you thanked her, she repeated "that's what partners do." But you're still pissed at her and probably still not bringing her coffee. Sigh. Since my advice is limited to smacking them both upside the head, take it away Martha:
Martha: Uh huh. And why do you think that is?
Castle: I'm sorry, are you saying that's my fault?
Martha: Cavorting with some awful gang detective, showing up at a crime scene with a stewardess. If you want to punish Beckett, at least let her know why. [Thanks for the recap, Martha!]
Castle: I'm not punishing her, Am I?
Martha: Oh, darling, you're hurt, I understand that. But, honestly, the two of you cannot go on like this.
Castle: You know what, Mother, you're absolutely right.
Martha: Where are you going?
Castle: To a crime scene. With my last case with Detective Beckett.Sigh. So dramatic.
I get that Castle's hurting--and these past few episodes have been painful to watch, actually. Castle's heart was telling him to lash out (in episode discussions, I wrote how Castle was doing everything short of hiring a skywriter to spell out "RICHARD CASTLE IS TOTALLY SINGLE AND HE IS TOTALLY, ABSOLUTELY, 100% OKAY WITH IT. HONEST." Subtle, the poor boy is not.). I'm not sure if he wanted to hurt her to provoke a reaction or he was lashing out because he just couldn't do anything else (and because he thinks he's all the way out there on the limb of feelings by himself?).
To the crime scene. Beckett and Esposito walk down a ramp in a parking garage.
Beckett: I thought you didn't like coffee?
Esposito: I like vanilla lattes.AWWWWWWW!!!!! Actually, it's rather bittersweet because Beckett knew that Castle wouldn't bring her coffee (and here the man himself comes running after them, sans coffee. Boo) so she bought her own. Esposito, knowing that Big Sister is having problems, gets all Laney-like with his "you could have bought me coffee." It's all "I know you two are having problems, so I'm going to comment obliquely so you know I'm there for you." Am I reading a lot into this scene? Hell, yes.
Laney-like is the closest we get to actual Laney because we get Perlmutter this episode. "Our intrepid heroes have arrived. And Castle." Since Castle is being a jackass, I'm with Perlmutter on this.
Castle: Ah, Perlmutter, I will treasure these special moments we've shared.
Due to Castle's grammatical influence over her, Beckett gets it, immediately. Castle sees that she gets it, and his face.
Oh, his face. Okay, I'm sorry about the jackass remark. I mean, yes, I think you should just say something to her, you're already hurting, stop over-thinking this, etc., etc., but there are FEELINGS here and since you're showing some so early, I have hopes for the episode.
Murder of the week: Man found beaten to death (dying from hitting his head on the concrete floor) in the parking garage near his work, time of death around 4am.
Odd Sock #1: A bite mark on his arm (Perlmuttler hilariously tries to act this out).
Odd Sock #2: A torn shirt is found in the dead guy's hand. Castle, ever helpful, tells us the material is circa 1870 (Castle did Civil War era research).
Suspect #1: Dead Guy's (David) co-worker Charlie. Co-worker Charlie was passed over for a promotion (in favor of Dead Guy David) and his car was at the crime scene even though he never showed up for work. It's way too early in the episode, though, so of course it's not going to be him.
Castle is similarly unimpressed, but only because he wanted his last case with Beckett to be more impressive and dramatic (and not over so quickly, screams his subtext). Meanwhile, Charlie is actually screaming from inside his apartment. He's chained himself to the radiator and he wants Beckett to shoot him. He was there when David was killed and the killer attacked Charlie, too (although mostly David). So what happened? ZOMBIE. ATTACK.
At the precinct, Beckett's drinking her own coffee and Castle's enjoying all this talk of ZOMBIES. As well as the opportunity to tease Beckett. I believe we're back at the initial, pigtail-pulling stage of their relationship.
Castle: Let me make sure I understand so that I may properly relish this moment. You're saying the evidence shows that Charlie and the victim both were bitten by an as yet unknown third party.
Esposito: That's what I just said--
Castle: Perhaps, even a mindless, shuffling, undead third party.
Beckett: Castle, just stop, there's no such thing as zombies. ("no such things as zombies" #1)
Ryan's starting to unspool a bit, however, because he's seen, well:
Castle: My friends, that is a zombie. Our killer's a zombie! [high fives random extra as he takes a victory lap]
And we hit the opening credits. We hit the opening credits? That was a really long opening.
Back at the loft. Castle's ecstatic that this case is of an other-worldly nature. We really are back to old-school Castle, as he "stole" evidence by grabbing a screencap of the video and emailing it to himself. Martha, playing along (I'm assuming she's been in a zombie movie), also maneuvers him toward the living room...where, for some reason, a laser tag apparatus is out and as Martha backs away slowly--
Alexis COMES DOWN FROM THE CEILING to shoot him, laser tag style. Wow, that loft is cool. They have ceiling harnesses?!
Alexis: [evil laugh] You were fooled by my act yesterday and now you've fallen right into my trap.
Castle: You will pay dearly for your treachery. Et tu, Mother? For luring me here?
Martha: Why, whatever do you mean?
Castle: That's my girl.Fun side note: Christine Boylan wrote this episode! Yay! She used to be on the writing staff for Leverage, a show I absolutely love, so it's been great to see her here the past few seasons. I am so taking this ceiling harness as a total shout-out to her old stomping grounds (using harnesses to drop down from ceilings, elevator shafts, etc -- very big in the Leverage world :D)
At the precinct, Ryan tries to use zombie logic to get Co-worker Charlie to leave: even though Charlie was bitten, he hasn't turned yet, so he should be fine. "Should" be fine, since Ryan's not entirely sure that a zombie isn't involved...Ryan's adorable.
Castle arrives with only coffee for himself. Castle and Beckett are also un-color-coordinated, but they are both wearing a dark shirt and leather jackets, so that's something.
Look at that face.Castle is really, really enjoying the zombie theory. And he's really, really enjoying teasing Beckett.
Ryan: He does look like a real zombie. [Oh, dear, sweet, gullible Ryan.]
Esposito: A "real zombie"? I'm embarrassed for you, bro'.
Beckett counters with facts. Ryan's faith is shaken. Looking to Castle, Castle responds: "The more intelligent the victim, the more delicious the brains."
I call shenanigans. Using my limited knowledge of zombie lore, zombies don't distinguish between brains as they're (un)dead. They're just hungry; they're definitely not picky. Their only criteria, really, is who's slowest.
Which, in fact, may be the smartest since in the case of a zombie outbreak they might just stand there arguing "There's no such thing as zombies." Hmm.
Anyway, back in the land of facts, Esposito and Ryan are doing detective work and find out that the victim contacted a former flame (Greta) in the hours before his death. Greta had had an affair with the victim and her fiancee found out. Ryan is so proud of himself as he fits the puzzle pieces together. Fiancee knew about the affair and was upset about it? Check. Fiancee knew the identity of the affair-ee and where he worked? Check. Fiancee doesn't have an alibi for the time of the murder? Check and mate. Almost too easy; good thing Castle's not listening to this.
Suspect #2: Greta's fiancee, Tom.
Tom looks obnoxious. Is it the hair? The fact that he matched his plaid shirt with an ugly blazer? Maybe it's the shirt + blazer + vest? Is that a vest? This is not a good look.
Castle's not in the interview. It's just Beckett, by herself, owning the room. (I like it when Beckett owns the room; it just needs to happen even when Castle is also in the room.) Was Tom angry about the victim trying to "snake" his fiancee? Sure, but they were working on rebuilding their relationship. Plus, he says he has an alibi.
Later, his alibi (apparently) checks out as Beckett and Castle stare at the murder board. Castle's still there, by the way, offering "helpful" suggestions: "What about recently deceased friends and coworkers?" Oh, the hair-pulling. He loves it when she glares at him.
He's still a little off his game, though, since his "grand theory" is "random killing." Hmm. Not helpful + outlandish theory + trying to get Beckett to believe in the supernatural. Why, hello old-school Castle.
Ryan is continuing the off-screen detective work and a rare chemical on the victim's shoes sends C/B to an abandoned warehouse.
The area is really creepy. Smashed, abandoned cars, rats and/or cats scurrying in the night, not a person in sight. Castle is sufficiently creeped out.
Castle: All I know is that normal people don't come to places like this at two in the morning. In fact, I think I've seen enough. Haven't you?
Beckett: Wait do you hear that?
Castle: [scoffs] Not falling for that.
I like this exchange. Not sure why; is it the relaxed banter? The fact that Beckett keeps touching him? :D See:
Suddenly, a guy and a girl come screaming past. THEY'RE AFTER US!!! ZOMBIES ARE COMING! ZOMBIES ARE COMING!
Castle: Zombies. That's a zombie hoard!
Beckett: There's no such thing as zombies. [we've heard -- #2]
Castle: I'm sure I don't have to tell you to aim for the head. [and Beckett switches her aim for the head!]
Oh, noes, our heroes are surrounded by zombies.
Castle: Get behind me. We'll have to fight our way out. [Awww. Crumbs, people, I'll take them. And he didn't even use the opportunity to complain about not having a gun.]
Beckett finally stops letting her imagination get the best of her and she gets the "zombies" to stop walking. For some reason, the high walker (we learn he's high later) is the most lucid and realizes the gun is actually real. Uh, sure?
Back at the precinct, zombies have taken over! Esposito's offering fashion advice to a walker (heh) and needling his partner about no "real" zombies (#3). Meanwhile, Castle can't help himself and waxes rhapsodically about the romanticism of preferring vampires to zombie. What supernatural being would Beckett be? Van Helsing. (But Van Helsing...hunts vampires, yes?)
Beckett continues the interviews with Castle(!). One of the zombies is high--why would you be high now but not earlier during the zombie walk? Does he take it at the start of the walk so that, even when the walk is over, he can still feel like a zombie? Oh, duh, that's a clue, isn't it? Of course he takes it at the start of the walk because that's when the dealer shows up. Never mind. High Zombie's co-interviewee provides commentary on the wider significance of zombies and, more helpfully, recognizes the zombie killer.
Suspect #3: Kyle. Esposito and Ryan drew the short straw and arrive at Kyle's apartment to find him to be...without pulse. Deceased. Expired. A dead parrot. (I love Ryan's little grimace as he goes to check the pulse.)
At the morgue, Perlmutter's on the late shift. Unfortunately for Kyle, his mouth matches the bite marks on the victim's arm (yuck). Castle, of course, wants to know if the zombification can be confirmed. Beckett is not amused and Perlmutter lectures Castle on the difference between real life and the fevered swamp that is Castle's imagination. Just as Perlmutter jabs Kyle with a needle, Kyle SPRINGS TO LIFE AND RUNS OUT OF THE MORGUE.
Is the police code 666?
Beckett, being awesome, runs after him, yelling for Castle to call for back-up.
Castle: How do I--?
Perlmutter: Nine. [amusingly nonplussed.]
Castle: Is there a police code for zombie on the loose?
Back at the precinct. Esposito chooses the opportunity to heckle his partner. "Remind me never to choke on a chicken bone in front of you." Heh. Beckett interrupts, saying that there has to be a reasonable explanation (which we never find out? Or was it the result of the drugs?). Castle, of course, seizes the opportunity to jump back on board the undead train.
I like the blocking in this scene, as you have the skeptics -- Becket and Esposito -- versus the "believers" -- Ryan and Castle. Ryan so wants to believe. Castle so loves giving Beckett (and Esposito) a hard time: "Or he's a zombie killer [to Beckett] with a zombie motive [to Esposito]."
Castle: [whispers to Ryan] Tasty brains.
Ryan: Castle, do you really believe in all this zombie stuff? Because I would swear on my nana's grave that Kyle Jennings was dead.
Castle: No. [heh] You know what I do believe in? Driving Beckett crazy.
Ryan: You know, I have to say it: It's good seeing you guys hitting it off again.
Castle was not prepared for that. Feeling better about everything at home and loving the zombie theme, he completely forgot that he was mad at her and they ended up falling back into old patterns. At the core of them, this is who they are to each other: drawn together, bantering with and poking at each other (so to speak), and having each others' backs. Castle looks somewhat startled by Ryan's observation but he's not overly upset about it. It does start him thinking again, however.
After watching this, ahem, several times, I adore Ryan's last line: "I have to say it." I'm imagining that Esposito and Ryan, as they do, were talking about C & B. Ryan pokes at Castle a little -- setting Castle up with one of Jenny's friends in Head Hunters? Really? -- but I'm thinking that Esposito set the rule: do not talk to Beckett or Castle about this. (Directly, of course; poking Castle and obliquely supporting Beckett seems to be allowed.) During this case, I imagine that Ryan was probably getting so excited about how Castle and Beckett were bantering again, working on theories together, interviewing suspects together, going to abandoned warehouses at night together -- and Esposito just shut that down. But when Castle actually verbalized the pigtail-pulling? Ryan couldn't help himself. What a smile.
Plot keeps interfering. Kyle's awake and Beckett and Castle go to talk to him. Kyle is a zombie walker but he doesn't remember anything and doesn't recognize the victim. Beckett recommends a lawyer.
Outside the room, Castle doesn't like the story.
Beckett: So you concede to the fact that there's a medical explanation for all of this.
Castle: I concede to nothing, except that Kyle is not telling us the whole story.
Beckett: You think he remembers?
Castle: [takes a beat] When a life-altering moment occurs, people remember.
Beckett: Well, maybe it's too big to deal with. Maybe he can't face it just yet.
Castle: You think he ever will be?
Beckett: Hopefully, if he feels safe.
Well, Castle's hastily constructed wall just got hit with the gentle tap of a wrecking ball. It's still there, but weaker.
This case had gotten them so far out of their heads that they've reacted to each other like they did in the beginning, just this time with extra feeling. So while there's been pigtail-pulling and rolling of eyes, there has also been smiling at theories and "get behind me" when facing an attack. They can't be exactly like they were in the beginning, all flirtation without depth, so we see them a little prickly and a little warm all at once. And because Ryan's comment got Castle thinking once again, this conversation becomes brittle and uneasy and, dare I say it, the most open they've been with each other in some time even if they're doing it, as they always do, in the least straightforward way possible.
Oh, these two. I could talk about this for hours and thousands of words, so I'll spare you.
At any rate, Castle's still angry but at least he's finally (finally) being angry at her, instead of just lashing out haphazardly. Very good, Castle, use your words. Beckett, bless her, gets it, although the "it" is somewhat open to interpretation. Castle's tired of waiting but Beckett hits it in one: "feels safe." That's key.
Perlmutter interrupts with plot (and Castle, adorably, seems frustrated at the interruption as he sort of sighs, puts his head down, and steps to the other side of Beckett). Perlmutter has a live patient! Turns out, Kyle was injected with a substance that makes him highly suggestible; aka the ZOMBIE drug.
Back at the precinct, our dynamic duo pursues the drug angle with the only zombie walker + drugs connection they've found -- the high walker that we met earlier. He identifies the dealer: Suspect # 2 (fiancee Tom), come on down.
They bring Tom in and man, he just looks even more obnoxious. Turns out, Dead Guy wanted to see Greta the night he died. When she said no, he sat outside of her house (not creepy at all). Dead Guy follows Tom to Tom's zombie drug dealing. The story is that Dead Guy told Tom that he (dead guy) was going to fight for Greta and that Tom apparently bought into Beckett's theory that he (Tom) would lose because Dead Guy was handsome, rich, and had a history with Greta. That, and Dead Guy was going to reveal Tom's drug-dealing. I'm thinking Greta's lucky to be rid of both of these guys.
Beckett: Thinking no one will ever find out.
Castle: Actually, that last part didn't work out so well.
Beckett: Yeah.
Cute. And, yeah, no kidding.
But Tom is "smarter" than your average bear and isn't in the mood to talk. He gets to cool his heels for 24 hours while C&B stare at the murder board.
Beckett: Maybe this is it. What every homicide cop fears. The perfect murder.
Castle: No. This is not the perfect murder, can't be.
Beckett: It happens.
Castle: Not to me. Not unless I've written it.
I like that confidence, Castle. A lot.
Castle's plan is to appeal to FEELINGS with Greta. She looks shaken, but she's not going to help. They now have to release Tom (aka Jackass). Why Jackass feels the need to taunt the homicide detectives, I have no idea. Enter Esposito. Uh, oh, Kyle's out. Jackass looks nervous, yes? And he wants police protection. Jackass will learn too late that he's not always the smartest guy in the room. Certainly not that room. But pride goeth before the fall and all that.
Esposito takes Jackass home and they're back in a parking garage. I'm sure Castle appreciates the symmetry. Suddenly SMASH goes a bat into the windshield.
Oh, it's a bat-wielding zombie. Esposito goes down. Jackass...is really bad at escaping. This episode is very good at showing who would be good on your team in the event of a zombie apocalypse. Jackass, for example, would not be good. Except perhaps used as bait?
Anyway, the zombie grabs Jackass and growls menacingly. Jackass confesses the whole thing. "He was going to take Great away from me, I had to do something." And up pops Javier. Heh. It was all a ploy to get Jackass to confess. Enter Beckett to arrest him. Zombie takes a bow -- and takes off his wig and half of his skin makeup which, yeah, is really creepy. But it's Castle!
Esposito: I gotta tell you, bro', coming at me like that? Almost made me a believer. [silly Espo, "real" zombies don't wield bats or weapons of any kind.]
[Castle creeps up menacingly and growls.]
Esposito: [pushes Castle away] Stop it. Don't do that. You're creeping me out.
[Beckett tries not to laugh]
At the precinct, they're releasing Kyle (Suspect #3). During the zombie bat attack, I thought it was a little unbelievable that Jackass could confuse Castle and Suspect #3 but, in this scene, yeah, he's a tall guy. Beckett has to look up to talk to him, which is rare for guest stars.
And now for the cream (squee!):
Castle: How does someone put something like that behind them? He's going to need therapy.
Beckett: It helps. [good girl] First he won't even be able to deal with it and it's gonna take everything that he's got to put one foot in front of the other and get through the day.
Castle: I didn't know you were seeing a therapist.
Beckett: Yeah, well, I didn't want to make any excuses. I just wanted to put in the time and do the work. But I think I'm almost where I want to be now.
Castle: And where is that?
Beckett: In a place where I can finally accept everything that happened that day. Everything.
Castle: I think I understand.
I can actually ramble about this scene for hours, so I'll do my best to spare you all that, too. With all the frustration with these two this season, I like the reminder that Beckett really has been dealing with some serious stuff. She got shot, she technically died, she had found out that her mentor was a part of the conspiracy that killed her mother (Montgomery selected her for his homicide squad and she became a cop because of her mother's death; did Beckett ever make a choice or has this all-powerful evil made these choices for her?).
And then there's Castle. Castle with his annoying, pigtail-pulling ways. She's on the ground, dying, and Castle chooses that moment for "I love you." And I think, in that moment, she believes him. When she sees him in the hospital later, I think she desperately wants to believe that he meant it, that it wasn't just because he thought she was dying. And I think that wanting to believe it scared her more than anything. Beckett hasn't done anything since she was 19 that she couldn't control and, like Esposito helpfully told us in the pilot, Castle is most definitely something she cannot control. And with everything that happened in the season three finale -- well, they never really dealt with it. Their fight got them close, but not close enough, and series tv being what it is, we all had to wait a year.
Oh, K. Becks; so screwed up, but you're getting better.
Beckett: And, um, that wall that I was telling you about? I think it's coming down.
Castle: Well, I'd like to be there when it does. [he says immediately. Good boy.]
Beckett: Yeah, I'd like you to be there, too. [very good]
Castle: Only without the zombie makeup.
Beckett: I don't know, I kind of think that the zombie makeup suits you, Castle.
Castle: Yeah, I make it work.
* Stands and applauds * Way to go, Beckett. We didn't really get to see it, not like in When the Bough Breaks, but Beckett knows that Castle's planning to leave. She's not sure when and she's already thought (in a previous ep) that she's running out of time, so, by this point, she just stops over-thinking things and just goes for it. Well done.
And well done, Castle. He's so sweet here. And isn't it amazing, his progression in this episode? Wanting this to be his last case --> teasing/vexing Beckett --> wanting to protect Beckett from zombie hoards --> recognizing they've fallen back to their old patterns --> being angry at Beckett --> totally willing to stick around if there's hope. His immediate "Well, I'd like to be there when it does" = total love (for Castle and for me, but in completely different ways :D). And Beckett's smile and "I'd like you to be there, too" = yay. Just, well done. You two took forever to get here, and you're not 100% (and I swear you two really need to work on your communication) but this is just such an amazing step in the right direction.
And there's flirting!!! "Only without the zombie makeup / I don't know, I think that the zombie makeup suits you, Castle." FLIRTING IN THE PRECINCT. Definitely a sign that walls are falling down.
AND WE'RE NOT DONE YET. I'm sure you all remember this exchange from Season 1's A chill runs through her veins, starts at 2:11 (and it's the same ep as the first time Beckett comes over!!!):
Castle: Until tomorrow, Detective.
Beckett: You can't just say "'night"?
Castle: I'm a writer. "'Night" is boring. "Until tomorrow" is more hopeful.
Beckett: Yeah, well, I'm a cop. 'Night.
And flash forward to this episode:
Beckett: Tomorrow?
Castle: Tomorrow.
BECKETT. BEING ALL ABOUT HOPE AND THE FUTURE and I just have all kinds of love for this exchange. Way to go, Beckett. Way to go, Castle. More needs to be said but what a brilliant first few steps and, for me at least, a chance to take a deep breath given the nature of the past few episodes.
Back at the Castle loft, with a mirror of the first scene (hand on door, flashes of Castle family pictures) but there's the laser tag gun! Alexis is trying to sneak up on her dad but because Castle is having the most awesome day ever, there was no way Alexis was going to win.
Castle: Victory is mine. One thousand points. And that is the icing on the cake that has been my day.
Seriously, to recap Castle's day: he solves an almost perfect murder, gets to dress up in zombie makeup and clothing, gets a killer to confess, scares Esposito, has Beckett open up to him about feelings and the future and, finally, wins this multi-year laser tag game (and scares his daughter, to boot). Wow. And THERE'S STILL MORE TO COME.
Castle is now so incredibly sanguine about change. "It's just a game" and "Things change and change is good." The promise of more with Beckett and he's all CHANGE IS AWESOME. Oh, Castle. So obvious; so adorable.
"Follow your heart. Follow your heart and you can't go wrong." Why, hello theme of episode. It's a good motto, too, unless your heart is telling you to arrange to kill someone because he's trying to steal your girlfriend and reveal your drug-dealing scheme...but that's not really your heart talking to you, is it.
Castle's amazingly awesome day ends with Alexis deciding to go to...Columbia! So she'll still be in the city next year. I'm sure you're all shocked by that.
(And then NF is incredibly creepy in the final scene. Seriously. Too creepy.)
Whew. Done. Now for some questions:
1. Title fun: Is "Undead Again" an homage to "Dead Again," starring the then husband and wife Kenneth Branagh and Emma Thompson. Apart from the fact that Emma Thompson is amazing and we should reference her, always, "Dead Again" is (avoiding spoilers) about the importance of resolving past...issues as not doing so can greatly damage one's present. Is there a connection to the Castle/Beckett story-- they need to resolve their past to function in the present (so they can have a future). The pair doesn't cover everything in this episode, but do you think it was a good, necessary start?
2. Zombies! Are you enjoying the seeming pervasiveness of zombies in pop culture lately? Did you like the Castle crew's approach? And picking teams for the zombie apocalypse: who do you want on your side and why? Would anyone take the new captain?
3. Castle's question: What supernatural being would you be and why?
4. If anyone feels like venting - C&B. Yes, Castle was mad and hurt. Not that he didn't have the right to be any of those things, but what do you think was the main impetus behind his response? Why the lashing out? And what response, if any, do you think he was looking for in Beckett? Do you think Beckett finally figured out that he knows she knows? Or does she just think that he's tired of waiting without hope so she needed to do/say something?
5. Ryan & Esposito. There seemed to be a little more sniping in this one. Do you think it's a reaction (storywise) to Castle and Beckett? Do you think they're taking sides? Why hasn't Esposito talked to Beckett about Castle like he's done in the past (season 2 finale being an example)?
6. Martha, Alexis, and the "Castle home" storyline. I feel like we were getting a lot of CHANGE IS COMING anvils this episode. Alexis wants change, but is afraid of things being too different. In the end, she's picking something that's not as drastic a change from what she's used to. Castle is now overjoyed at the prospect of (personal) change but do you think he's too optimistic and not as realistic as he needs to be RE: his relationship with Beckett? Or have these past few weeks been so awful that the idea of moving forward, as scary as it is, is worth it? How are you feeling about the upcoming changes? Will Martha be our constant?
This was a lot of fun for me, so thank you!!!
"Undead Again"
AKA "How Castle and Beckett tried to stop over-thinking things to get back on the same page."
Or, more accurately: "Castle's totally awesome, amazing, incredible, very good day."
This episode is about the undead. ZOMBIE HOARDS. Full confession: my zombie knowledge is limited to The Walking Dead (the tv show, which I enjoy very much during daylight hours). I was hopeful when I heard that the penultimate episode this season would be about zombies, though, thinking that the focus could potentially be about the strength of emotions and what can happen when emotions are set above thinking and logic. About returning to the core of things; what makes us who we are and who we want to be. Perfect for Castle and Beckett after a couple of episodes of heart-crushing behavior. (Speaking of, and I'm sure that everyone knows the lead up to this episode -- if not, TURN BACK NOW -- and Martha helpfully recaps Castle's actions, but briefly, it all started with Castle learning Beckett's secret, that she had heard him say "I love you" and never said anything. For what it's worth, Castle's secret is still secret. Pots and kettles and all that. Ahem. Moving on.)
What I found interesting about the C/B dynamic in this episode was that it felt like a return to their old, schoolyard pigtail-pulling dynamic but with added undercurrents of prickliness and feelings. It's sort of a rebuilding of their "professional" relationship (as their personal-relationship walls crumble between them :)) but they get there a lot faster because of the FEELINGS (and because this case is so wacky that it forces them out of their heads, resulting in them just reacting to each other, naturally).
Oh, and in case this introduction wasn't clear: I tend to overthink things. And am sharing that with all of you! Sounds fun, yes? And here we go.
(Screenclips that follow are mine, all linked videos are not, and all mistakes are all mine :))
The episode starts at night. A gloved individual enters the Castle loft. We approach Lil' Castle, reading a tablet by a fire. We creep closer and closer to Alexis and---agghh!!
Oh, it's just Castle in his laser tag getup, wanting Alexis to play with him. Alexis refuses because she's THINKING about which college to chose and her pro/con list has narrowed her choices to Stanford and Oxford. (Don't mind me, I'm just whispering "pick Oxford".) Alexis doesn't want any of the NY schools (because of course she got into all of them) because she knows she'll come home all the time and get sucked into distracting things like laser tag.
Castle, heartbreakingly: But then who's going to play with me?
Alexis: I think it's time to holster the laser guns and be adults.
Laser tag: Game over. Please proceed to exit. [ouch. Castle is really not having the best month, is he?]
The next morning, Castle packs up their "time-honored" family tradition. (The game ends when the first one gets to 1000 points...and they haven't gotten there yet?? How does scoring work?) Martha humors him. (Curiously, apart from my enduring love of parentheses, the first time Beckett goes to the Castle loft? She's met by Castle and Lil' Castle in laser tag outfits...in A chill goes through her veins, 1x05. Hmm. This ep is important later.)
Beckett calls and he hits "ignore" and Martha's eyebrows raise. Castle's "excuse": Beckett and I haven't exactly been hitting it off lately.
SERIOUSLY, Castle? Let's quickly recap what happened in the last episode: BECKETT RISKED HER CAREER FOR YOU WHEN YOU RAN OFF WITH A CRAZY (yet awesome; I've liked him since XFiles :)) DETECTIVE CHASING SEVERED HEADS. You ran to her help, she did (risking her career in the process; can't repeat that enough), you thanked her, she repeated "that's what partners do." But you're still pissed at her and probably still not bringing her coffee. Sigh. Since my advice is limited to smacking them both upside the head, take it away Martha:
Martha: Uh huh. And why do you think that is?
Castle: I'm sorry, are you saying that's my fault?
Martha: Cavorting with some awful gang detective, showing up at a crime scene with a stewardess. If you want to punish Beckett, at least let her know why. [Thanks for the recap, Martha!]
Castle: I'm not punishing her, Am I?
Martha: Oh, darling, you're hurt, I understand that. But, honestly, the two of you cannot go on like this.
Castle: You know what, Mother, you're absolutely right.
Martha: Where are you going?
Castle: To a crime scene. With my last case with Detective Beckett.Sigh. So dramatic.
I get that Castle's hurting--and these past few episodes have been painful to watch, actually. Castle's heart was telling him to lash out (in episode discussions, I wrote how Castle was doing everything short of hiring a skywriter to spell out "RICHARD CASTLE IS TOTALLY SINGLE AND HE IS TOTALLY, ABSOLUTELY, 100% OKAY WITH IT. HONEST." Subtle, the poor boy is not.). I'm not sure if he wanted to hurt her to provoke a reaction or he was lashing out because he just couldn't do anything else (and because he thinks he's all the way out there on the limb of feelings by himself?).
To the crime scene. Beckett and Esposito walk down a ramp in a parking garage.
Beckett: I thought you didn't like coffee?
Esposito: I like vanilla lattes.AWWWWWWW!!!!! Actually, it's rather bittersweet because Beckett knew that Castle wouldn't bring her coffee (and here the man himself comes running after them, sans coffee. Boo) so she bought her own. Esposito, knowing that Big Sister is having problems, gets all Laney-like with his "you could have bought me coffee." It's all "I know you two are having problems, so I'm going to comment obliquely so you know I'm there for you." Am I reading a lot into this scene? Hell, yes.
Laney-like is the closest we get to actual Laney because we get Perlmutter this episode. "Our intrepid heroes have arrived. And Castle." Since Castle is being a jackass, I'm with Perlmutter on this.
Castle: Ah, Perlmutter, I will treasure these special moments we've shared.
Due to Castle's grammatical influence over her, Beckett gets it, immediately. Castle sees that she gets it, and his face.
Oh, his face. Okay, I'm sorry about the jackass remark. I mean, yes, I think you should just say something to her, you're already hurting, stop over-thinking this, etc., etc., but there are FEELINGS here and since you're showing some so early, I have hopes for the episode.
Murder of the week: Man found beaten to death (dying from hitting his head on the concrete floor) in the parking garage near his work, time of death around 4am.
Odd Sock #1: A bite mark on his arm (Perlmuttler hilariously tries to act this out).
Odd Sock #2: A torn shirt is found in the dead guy's hand. Castle, ever helpful, tells us the material is circa 1870 (Castle did Civil War era research).
Suspect #1: Dead Guy's (David) co-worker Charlie. Co-worker Charlie was passed over for a promotion (in favor of Dead Guy David) and his car was at the crime scene even though he never showed up for work. It's way too early in the episode, though, so of course it's not going to be him.
Castle is similarly unimpressed, but only because he wanted his last case with Beckett to be more impressive and dramatic (and not over so quickly, screams his subtext). Meanwhile, Charlie is actually screaming from inside his apartment. He's chained himself to the radiator and he wants Beckett to shoot him. He was there when David was killed and the killer attacked Charlie, too (although mostly David). So what happened? ZOMBIE. ATTACK.
At the precinct, Beckett's drinking her own coffee and Castle's enjoying all this talk of ZOMBIES. As well as the opportunity to tease Beckett. I believe we're back at the initial, pigtail-pulling stage of their relationship.
Castle: Let me make sure I understand so that I may properly relish this moment. You're saying the evidence shows that Charlie and the victim both were bitten by an as yet unknown third party.
Esposito: That's what I just said--
Castle: Perhaps, even a mindless, shuffling, undead third party.
Beckett: Castle, just stop, there's no such thing as zombies. ("no such things as zombies" #1)
Ryan's starting to unspool a bit, however, because he's seen, well:
Castle: My friends, that is a zombie. Our killer's a zombie! [high fives random extra as he takes a victory lap]
And we hit the opening credits. We hit the opening credits? That was a really long opening.
Back at the loft. Castle's ecstatic that this case is of an other-worldly nature. We really are back to old-school Castle, as he "stole" evidence by grabbing a screencap of the video and emailing it to himself. Martha, playing along (I'm assuming she's been in a zombie movie), also maneuvers him toward the living room...where, for some reason, a laser tag apparatus is out and as Martha backs away slowly--
Alexis COMES DOWN FROM THE CEILING to shoot him, laser tag style. Wow, that loft is cool. They have ceiling harnesses?!
Alexis: [evil laugh] You were fooled by my act yesterday and now you've fallen right into my trap.
Castle: You will pay dearly for your treachery. Et tu, Mother? For luring me here?
Martha: Why, whatever do you mean?
Castle: That's my girl.Fun side note: Christine Boylan wrote this episode! Yay! She used to be on the writing staff for Leverage, a show I absolutely love, so it's been great to see her here the past few seasons. I am so taking this ceiling harness as a total shout-out to her old stomping grounds (using harnesses to drop down from ceilings, elevator shafts, etc -- very big in the Leverage world :D)
At the precinct, Ryan tries to use zombie logic to get Co-worker Charlie to leave: even though Charlie was bitten, he hasn't turned yet, so he should be fine. "Should" be fine, since Ryan's not entirely sure that a zombie isn't involved...Ryan's adorable.
Castle arrives with only coffee for himself. Castle and Beckett are also un-color-coordinated, but they are both wearing a dark shirt and leather jackets, so that's something.
Look at that face.Castle is really, really enjoying the zombie theory. And he's really, really enjoying teasing Beckett.
Ryan: He does look like a real zombie. [Oh, dear, sweet, gullible Ryan.]
Esposito: A "real zombie"? I'm embarrassed for you, bro'.
Beckett counters with facts. Ryan's faith is shaken. Looking to Castle, Castle responds: "The more intelligent the victim, the more delicious the brains."
I call shenanigans. Using my limited knowledge of zombie lore, zombies don't distinguish between brains as they're (un)dead. They're just hungry; they're definitely not picky. Their only criteria, really, is who's slowest.
Which, in fact, may be the smartest since in the case of a zombie outbreak they might just stand there arguing "There's no such thing as zombies." Hmm.
Anyway, back in the land of facts, Esposito and Ryan are doing detective work and find out that the victim contacted a former flame (Greta) in the hours before his death. Greta had had an affair with the victim and her fiancee found out. Ryan is so proud of himself as he fits the puzzle pieces together. Fiancee knew about the affair and was upset about it? Check. Fiancee knew the identity of the affair-ee and where he worked? Check. Fiancee doesn't have an alibi for the time of the murder? Check and mate. Almost too easy; good thing Castle's not listening to this.
Suspect #2: Greta's fiancee, Tom.
Tom looks obnoxious. Is it the hair? The fact that he matched his plaid shirt with an ugly blazer? Maybe it's the shirt + blazer + vest? Is that a vest? This is not a good look.
Castle's not in the interview. It's just Beckett, by herself, owning the room. (I like it when Beckett owns the room; it just needs to happen even when Castle is also in the room.) Was Tom angry about the victim trying to "snake" his fiancee? Sure, but they were working on rebuilding their relationship. Plus, he says he has an alibi.
Later, his alibi (apparently) checks out as Beckett and Castle stare at the murder board. Castle's still there, by the way, offering "helpful" suggestions: "What about recently deceased friends and coworkers?" Oh, the hair-pulling. He loves it when she glares at him.
He's still a little off his game, though, since his "grand theory" is "random killing." Hmm. Not helpful + outlandish theory + trying to get Beckett to believe in the supernatural. Why, hello old-school Castle.
Ryan is continuing the off-screen detective work and a rare chemical on the victim's shoes sends C/B to an abandoned warehouse.
The area is really creepy. Smashed, abandoned cars, rats and/or cats scurrying in the night, not a person in sight. Castle is sufficiently creeped out.
Castle: All I know is that normal people don't come to places like this at two in the morning. In fact, I think I've seen enough. Haven't you?
Beckett: Wait do you hear that?
Castle: [scoffs] Not falling for that.
I like this exchange. Not sure why; is it the relaxed banter? The fact that Beckett keeps touching him? :D See:
Suddenly, a guy and a girl come screaming past. THEY'RE AFTER US!!! ZOMBIES ARE COMING! ZOMBIES ARE COMING!
Castle: Zombies. That's a zombie hoard!
Beckett: There's no such thing as zombies. [we've heard -- #2]
Castle: I'm sure I don't have to tell you to aim for the head. [and Beckett switches her aim for the head!]
Oh, noes, our heroes are surrounded by zombies.
Castle: Get behind me. We'll have to fight our way out. [Awww. Crumbs, people, I'll take them. And he didn't even use the opportunity to complain about not having a gun.]
Beckett finally stops letting her imagination get the best of her and she gets the "zombies" to stop walking. For some reason, the high walker (we learn he's high later) is the most lucid and realizes the gun is actually real. Uh, sure?
Back at the precinct, zombies have taken over! Esposito's offering fashion advice to a walker (heh) and needling his partner about no "real" zombies (#3). Meanwhile, Castle can't help himself and waxes rhapsodically about the romanticism of preferring vampires to zombie. What supernatural being would Beckett be? Van Helsing. (But Van Helsing...hunts vampires, yes?)
Beckett continues the interviews with Castle(!). One of the zombies is high--why would you be high now but not earlier during the zombie walk? Does he take it at the start of the walk so that, even when the walk is over, he can still feel like a zombie? Oh, duh, that's a clue, isn't it? Of course he takes it at the start of the walk because that's when the dealer shows up. Never mind. High Zombie's co-interviewee provides commentary on the wider significance of zombies and, more helpfully, recognizes the zombie killer.
Suspect #3: Kyle. Esposito and Ryan drew the short straw and arrive at Kyle's apartment to find him to be...without pulse. Deceased. Expired. A dead parrot. (I love Ryan's little grimace as he goes to check the pulse.)
At the morgue, Perlmutter's on the late shift. Unfortunately for Kyle, his mouth matches the bite marks on the victim's arm (yuck). Castle, of course, wants to know if the zombification can be confirmed. Beckett is not amused and Perlmutter lectures Castle on the difference between real life and the fevered swamp that is Castle's imagination. Just as Perlmutter jabs Kyle with a needle, Kyle SPRINGS TO LIFE AND RUNS OUT OF THE MORGUE.
Is the police code 666?
Beckett, being awesome, runs after him, yelling for Castle to call for back-up.
Castle: How do I--?
Perlmutter: Nine. [amusingly nonplussed.]
Castle: Is there a police code for zombie on the loose?
Back at the precinct. Esposito chooses the opportunity to heckle his partner. "Remind me never to choke on a chicken bone in front of you." Heh. Beckett interrupts, saying that there has to be a reasonable explanation (which we never find out? Or was it the result of the drugs?). Castle, of course, seizes the opportunity to jump back on board the undead train.
I like the blocking in this scene, as you have the skeptics -- Becket and Esposito -- versus the "believers" -- Ryan and Castle. Ryan so wants to believe. Castle so loves giving Beckett (and Esposito) a hard time: "Or he's a zombie killer [to Beckett] with a zombie motive [to Esposito]."
Castle: [whispers to Ryan] Tasty brains.
Ryan: Castle, do you really believe in all this zombie stuff? Because I would swear on my nana's grave that Kyle Jennings was dead.
Castle: No. [heh] You know what I do believe in? Driving Beckett crazy.
Ryan: You know, I have to say it: It's good seeing you guys hitting it off again.
Castle was not prepared for that. Feeling better about everything at home and loving the zombie theme, he completely forgot that he was mad at her and they ended up falling back into old patterns. At the core of them, this is who they are to each other: drawn together, bantering with and poking at each other (so to speak), and having each others' backs. Castle looks somewhat startled by Ryan's observation but he's not overly upset about it. It does start him thinking again, however.
After watching this, ahem, several times, I adore Ryan's last line: "I have to say it." I'm imagining that Esposito and Ryan, as they do, were talking about C & B. Ryan pokes at Castle a little -- setting Castle up with one of Jenny's friends in Head Hunters? Really? -- but I'm thinking that Esposito set the rule: do not talk to Beckett or Castle about this. (Directly, of course; poking Castle and obliquely supporting Beckett seems to be allowed.) During this case, I imagine that Ryan was probably getting so excited about how Castle and Beckett were bantering again, working on theories together, interviewing suspects together, going to abandoned warehouses at night together -- and Esposito just shut that down. But when Castle actually verbalized the pigtail-pulling? Ryan couldn't help himself. What a smile.
Plot keeps interfering. Kyle's awake and Beckett and Castle go to talk to him. Kyle is a zombie walker but he doesn't remember anything and doesn't recognize the victim. Beckett recommends a lawyer.
Outside the room, Castle doesn't like the story.
Beckett: So you concede to the fact that there's a medical explanation for all of this.
Castle: I concede to nothing, except that Kyle is not telling us the whole story.
Beckett: You think he remembers?
Castle: [takes a beat] When a life-altering moment occurs, people remember.
Beckett: Well, maybe it's too big to deal with. Maybe he can't face it just yet.
Castle: You think he ever will be?
Beckett: Hopefully, if he feels safe.
Well, Castle's hastily constructed wall just got hit with the gentle tap of a wrecking ball. It's still there, but weaker.
This case had gotten them so far out of their heads that they've reacted to each other like they did in the beginning, just this time with extra feeling. So while there's been pigtail-pulling and rolling of eyes, there has also been smiling at theories and "get behind me" when facing an attack. They can't be exactly like they were in the beginning, all flirtation without depth, so we see them a little prickly and a little warm all at once. And because Ryan's comment got Castle thinking once again, this conversation becomes brittle and uneasy and, dare I say it, the most open they've been with each other in some time even if they're doing it, as they always do, in the least straightforward way possible.
Oh, these two. I could talk about this for hours and thousands of words, so I'll spare you.
At any rate, Castle's still angry but at least he's finally (finally) being angry at her, instead of just lashing out haphazardly. Very good, Castle, use your words. Beckett, bless her, gets it, although the "it" is somewhat open to interpretation. Castle's tired of waiting but Beckett hits it in one: "feels safe." That's key.
Perlmutter interrupts with plot (and Castle, adorably, seems frustrated at the interruption as he sort of sighs, puts his head down, and steps to the other side of Beckett). Perlmutter has a live patient! Turns out, Kyle was injected with a substance that makes him highly suggestible; aka the ZOMBIE drug.
Back at the precinct, our dynamic duo pursues the drug angle with the only zombie walker + drugs connection they've found -- the high walker that we met earlier. He identifies the dealer: Suspect # 2 (fiancee Tom), come on down.
They bring Tom in and man, he just looks even more obnoxious. Turns out, Dead Guy wanted to see Greta the night he died. When she said no, he sat outside of her house (not creepy at all). Dead Guy follows Tom to Tom's zombie drug dealing. The story is that Dead Guy told Tom that he (dead guy) was going to fight for Greta and that Tom apparently bought into Beckett's theory that he (Tom) would lose because Dead Guy was handsome, rich, and had a history with Greta. That, and Dead Guy was going to reveal Tom's drug-dealing. I'm thinking Greta's lucky to be rid of both of these guys.
Beckett: Thinking no one will ever find out.
Castle: Actually, that last part didn't work out so well.
Beckett: Yeah.
Cute. And, yeah, no kidding.
But Tom is "smarter" than your average bear and isn't in the mood to talk. He gets to cool his heels for 24 hours while C&B stare at the murder board.
Beckett: Maybe this is it. What every homicide cop fears. The perfect murder.
Castle: No. This is not the perfect murder, can't be.
Beckett: It happens.
Castle: Not to me. Not unless I've written it.
I like that confidence, Castle. A lot.
Castle's plan is to appeal to FEELINGS with Greta. She looks shaken, but she's not going to help. They now have to release Tom (aka Jackass). Why Jackass feels the need to taunt the homicide detectives, I have no idea. Enter Esposito. Uh, oh, Kyle's out. Jackass looks nervous, yes? And he wants police protection. Jackass will learn too late that he's not always the smartest guy in the room. Certainly not that room. But pride goeth before the fall and all that.
Esposito takes Jackass home and they're back in a parking garage. I'm sure Castle appreciates the symmetry. Suddenly SMASH goes a bat into the windshield.
Oh, it's a bat-wielding zombie. Esposito goes down. Jackass...is really bad at escaping. This episode is very good at showing who would be good on your team in the event of a zombie apocalypse. Jackass, for example, would not be good. Except perhaps used as bait?
Anyway, the zombie grabs Jackass and growls menacingly. Jackass confesses the whole thing. "He was going to take Great away from me, I had to do something." And up pops Javier. Heh. It was all a ploy to get Jackass to confess. Enter Beckett to arrest him. Zombie takes a bow -- and takes off his wig and half of his skin makeup which, yeah, is really creepy. But it's Castle!
Esposito: I gotta tell you, bro', coming at me like that? Almost made me a believer. [silly Espo, "real" zombies don't wield bats or weapons of any kind.]
[Castle creeps up menacingly and growls.]
Esposito: [pushes Castle away] Stop it. Don't do that. You're creeping me out.
[Beckett tries not to laugh]
At the precinct, they're releasing Kyle (Suspect #3). During the zombie bat attack, I thought it was a little unbelievable that Jackass could confuse Castle and Suspect #3 but, in this scene, yeah, he's a tall guy. Beckett has to look up to talk to him, which is rare for guest stars.
And now for the cream (squee!):
Castle: How does someone put something like that behind them? He's going to need therapy.
Beckett: It helps. [good girl] First he won't even be able to deal with it and it's gonna take everything that he's got to put one foot in front of the other and get through the day.
Castle: I didn't know you were seeing a therapist.
Beckett: Yeah, well, I didn't want to make any excuses. I just wanted to put in the time and do the work. But I think I'm almost where I want to be now.
Castle: And where is that?
Beckett: In a place where I can finally accept everything that happened that day. Everything.
Castle: I think I understand.
I can actually ramble about this scene for hours, so I'll do my best to spare you all that, too. With all the frustration with these two this season, I like the reminder that Beckett really has been dealing with some serious stuff. She got shot, she technically died, she had found out that her mentor was a part of the conspiracy that killed her mother (Montgomery selected her for his homicide squad and she became a cop because of her mother's death; did Beckett ever make a choice or has this all-powerful evil made these choices for her?).
And then there's Castle. Castle with his annoying, pigtail-pulling ways. She's on the ground, dying, and Castle chooses that moment for "I love you." And I think, in that moment, she believes him. When she sees him in the hospital later, I think she desperately wants to believe that he meant it, that it wasn't just because he thought she was dying. And I think that wanting to believe it scared her more than anything. Beckett hasn't done anything since she was 19 that she couldn't control and, like Esposito helpfully told us in the pilot, Castle is most definitely something she cannot control. And with everything that happened in the season three finale -- well, they never really dealt with it. Their fight got them close, but not close enough, and series tv being what it is, we all had to wait a year.
Oh, K. Becks; so screwed up, but you're getting better.
Beckett: And, um, that wall that I was telling you about? I think it's coming down.
Castle: Well, I'd like to be there when it does. [he says immediately. Good boy.]
Beckett: Yeah, I'd like you to be there, too. [very good]
Castle: Only without the zombie makeup.
Beckett: I don't know, I kind of think that the zombie makeup suits you, Castle.
Castle: Yeah, I make it work.
* Stands and applauds * Way to go, Beckett. We didn't really get to see it, not like in When the Bough Breaks, but Beckett knows that Castle's planning to leave. She's not sure when and she's already thought (in a previous ep) that she's running out of time, so, by this point, she just stops over-thinking things and just goes for it. Well done.
And well done, Castle. He's so sweet here. And isn't it amazing, his progression in this episode? Wanting this to be his last case --> teasing/vexing Beckett --> wanting to protect Beckett from zombie hoards --> recognizing they've fallen back to their old patterns --> being angry at Beckett --> totally willing to stick around if there's hope. His immediate "Well, I'd like to be there when it does" = total love (for Castle and for me, but in completely different ways :D). And Beckett's smile and "I'd like you to be there, too" = yay. Just, well done. You two took forever to get here, and you're not 100% (and I swear you two really need to work on your communication) but this is just such an amazing step in the right direction.
And there's flirting!!! "Only without the zombie makeup / I don't know, I think that the zombie makeup suits you, Castle." FLIRTING IN THE PRECINCT. Definitely a sign that walls are falling down.
AND WE'RE NOT DONE YET. I'm sure you all remember this exchange from Season 1's A chill runs through her veins, starts at 2:11 (and it's the same ep as the first time Beckett comes over!!!):
Castle: Until tomorrow, Detective.
Beckett: You can't just say "'night"?
Castle: I'm a writer. "'Night" is boring. "Until tomorrow" is more hopeful.
Beckett: Yeah, well, I'm a cop. 'Night.
And flash forward to this episode:
Beckett: Tomorrow?
Castle: Tomorrow.
BECKETT. BEING ALL ABOUT HOPE AND THE FUTURE and I just have all kinds of love for this exchange. Way to go, Beckett. Way to go, Castle. More needs to be said but what a brilliant first few steps and, for me at least, a chance to take a deep breath given the nature of the past few episodes.
Back at the Castle loft, with a mirror of the first scene (hand on door, flashes of Castle family pictures) but there's the laser tag gun! Alexis is trying to sneak up on her dad but because Castle is having the most awesome day ever, there was no way Alexis was going to win.
Castle: Victory is mine. One thousand points. And that is the icing on the cake that has been my day.
Seriously, to recap Castle's day: he solves an almost perfect murder, gets to dress up in zombie makeup and clothing, gets a killer to confess, scares Esposito, has Beckett open up to him about feelings and the future and, finally, wins this multi-year laser tag game (and scares his daughter, to boot). Wow. And THERE'S STILL MORE TO COME.
Castle is now so incredibly sanguine about change. "It's just a game" and "Things change and change is good." The promise of more with Beckett and he's all CHANGE IS AWESOME. Oh, Castle. So obvious; so adorable.
"Follow your heart. Follow your heart and you can't go wrong." Why, hello theme of episode. It's a good motto, too, unless your heart is telling you to arrange to kill someone because he's trying to steal your girlfriend and reveal your drug-dealing scheme...but that's not really your heart talking to you, is it.
Castle's amazingly awesome day ends with Alexis deciding to go to...Columbia! So she'll still be in the city next year. I'm sure you're all shocked by that.
(And then NF is incredibly creepy in the final scene. Seriously. Too creepy.)
Whew. Done. Now for some questions:
1. Title fun: Is "Undead Again" an homage to "Dead Again," starring the then husband and wife Kenneth Branagh and Emma Thompson. Apart from the fact that Emma Thompson is amazing and we should reference her, always, "Dead Again" is (avoiding spoilers) about the importance of resolving past...issues as not doing so can greatly damage one's present. Is there a connection to the Castle/Beckett story-- they need to resolve their past to function in the present (so they can have a future). The pair doesn't cover everything in this episode, but do you think it was a good, necessary start?
2. Zombies! Are you enjoying the seeming pervasiveness of zombies in pop culture lately? Did you like the Castle crew's approach? And picking teams for the zombie apocalypse: who do you want on your side and why? Would anyone take the new captain?
3. Castle's question: What supernatural being would you be and why?
4. If anyone feels like venting - C&B. Yes, Castle was mad and hurt. Not that he didn't have the right to be any of those things, but what do you think was the main impetus behind his response? Why the lashing out? And what response, if any, do you think he was looking for in Beckett? Do you think Beckett finally figured out that he knows she knows? Or does she just think that he's tired of waiting without hope so she needed to do/say something?
5. Ryan & Esposito. There seemed to be a little more sniping in this one. Do you think it's a reaction (storywise) to Castle and Beckett? Do you think they're taking sides? Why hasn't Esposito talked to Beckett about Castle like he's done in the past (season 2 finale being an example)?
6. Martha, Alexis, and the "Castle home" storyline. I feel like we were getting a lot of CHANGE IS COMING anvils this episode. Alexis wants change, but is afraid of things being too different. In the end, she's picking something that's not as drastic a change from what she's used to. Castle is now overjoyed at the prospect of (personal) change but do you think he's too optimistic and not as realistic as he needs to be RE: his relationship with Beckett? Or have these past few weeks been so awful that the idea of moving forward, as scary as it is, is worth it? How are you feeling about the upcoming changes? Will Martha be our constant?
This was a lot of fun for me, so thank you!!!