Evidence that Beckett is Looking at Castle in a Whole New Light: Top Ten Moments Edition
Another season, and another midseason finale is in the books. So, what's left to do now other than twiddle our thumbs until January 9? That's right. Let's talk about the moments that made us gasp, sigh, and just give us a warm, fuzzy feeling inside that Castle and Beckett are that much closer to admitting that they need each other. So, since it's the season to compile year end "best of" lists, I decided what better time than to count off the ten best moments of the season thus far. When choosing these moments, I adhered to the following criteria.
1) The moment had to be significant enough that the Castle/Beckett relationship was that much closer to becoming official.
2) The moment had to benefit the Castle/Beckett relationship in some pivotal way, therefore Castle and Beckett don't necessarily have to be together in the scene.
3) If it was a cute Caskett moment, but didn't fulfill either criteria 1) or 2), it wouldn't be considered.
That's pretty much it. Therefore, I expect that there should be some healthy discussion (as well as rending of gowns in disgust) as to what moments I chose to be the ten best moments of this season. So, without further ado, here are the moments that spoke to me, and hopefully to some of you as well. And, if you don't agree with me, feel free to let your thoughts be heard by reaching me on Twitter at @spikespeigel.
10. Don't get up yet. Stay in bed. (Cuffed)
I was torn between this and the "I've got twenty!" moment from Cops and Robbers, but this moment won out in the end because, just look at Beckett! This is one of two honest moments where we get to see just what Castle truly means to her. If it wasn't for the fact that she finally realized that (even though she was thoroughly enjoying it) being that close to Castle wasn't exactly the norm, I'm pretty sure she would have been content to keep that sleepy grin on her face until Castle woke up. The important thing to take away from this moment is that Beckett is completely in love with Castle at this point. All that's keeping her from admitting it is her lie from Rise and her working through her issues with her mother's murder. Once she gets past these two obstacles, I suspect we'll see a few more scenes like this in the future. The only difference will be she won't be hiding that smile from Castle.
9. I didn't get a chance to properly thank you for saving my life. (Cops and Robbers)
While there have been a few instances where we see Castle and Beckett spending time with each other at Beckett's apartment, it was usually because of a case (Rise, Heroes and Villains, Demons), this moment had no pretense. The only reason Beckett's with Castle and his family is because he wants her there. After the events of this episode, it was refreshing to see Castle and Beckett taking comfort in each other's presence, even though it took a life and death situation to get them there. One of my theories for the season is that the writers are trying to show us Castle and Beckett together outside of the precinct so once they do become an official couple, the progression will be a natural one. A realistic one. Novel idea, right?
8. Don't be so driven by the past that you throw away your future. (Heroes and Villains)
The writers weren't wasting any time in letting the viewers know that the "I love you" from the cemetery had affected Beckett on a personal level. She completes a speech about not throwing away the future, especially when there's someone that cares for you waiting in the wings. And as the faux Caskett make their way to the elevator, Beckett realizes that she's really talking about her current situation with Castle. Why else would the camera linger on her as she stares off in the distance? She's obviously looking at Castle, realizing that if she's not careful, she might throw away her future with Castle if she continues on her current path of defining her life solely on her mother's murder. Luckily, Beckett gets another chance to realize this fact later on in the season. However, we'll talk about that when we get there.
7. That's what the great love stories are about, right? Beating the odds. (Head Case)
It's a cute moment, but there's so much subtext here that there's no doubt that this moment belongs on this list. We've seen the progression between Castle and Beckett over the course of three seasons, and we've gone from Beckett hating Castle to tolerating him to finally realizing that he's her one and done. You have to give Castle some credit here, because he fell in love with Beckett after Boom (hence Demming coming into the picture to ruin everything). Then, after the awful timing that followed (Castle with Gina, Beckett with Josh), it's amazing that we even got this scene. The stars are starting to align for these two. And they both realize it, if even on a subconscious level. They're that much closer to beating the odds. All they have to do now is just tell each other the truth, and the love story we've been watching for the past three seasons will finally take that next step. The step we've all been holding our breath for throughout this season. They're almost there. They just need that final push to get there.
6. You guys didn't go out? (Eye of the Beholder)
The only problem I had with this moment was deciding where to place it on this list. It was always going to be here. How could it not? We spent the entire episode watching Beckett's jealously overcome her as she kept on misconstruing Castle's interest in Serena as being more than just professional curiosity. So, to have Beckett willingly step aside to let Castle have a chance at happiness with Serena spoke volumes to her mindset. She loves Castle so much that she's willing to let him go. Which makes this moment even more satisfying, because we get to see Castle's reaction as Serena walks away. We already know where Castle's heart lies. And so does Beckett as she comes back to her desk to see Castle waiting for her. If there was ever any doubt that Castle is going to wait for Beckett until she works on that wall, this scene took that doubt, tied it in a sack, and tossed it in a river. You know what I call that? A good start.
5. I want to be more than who I am. (Kill Shot)
While this episode was light on Caskett moments, the two moments we got were absolutely stupendous. First, Beckett realizing that Castle's always going to have her back, even if that means giving her space to work out her problems. Which leads directly to the final moment in the episode where Beckett makes a conscious decision to change her life. She no longer wants to be defined by her mother's murder. She doesn't want to throw her future away. Especially her future with Castle. See the continuity? From Heroes and Villains to Kill Shot, Beckett got that second chance. However, unlike Heroes and Villains, where she didn't take the opportunity to assess her life and make that choice, she does so here. And from what we saw in Cuffed, there's no doubt that Beckett's staying true to her word. She's starting to live her life based on what she wants. And right now, it looks like she wants that relationship with Castle. Hence this being a huge moment so far this season. Humongous!
4. I want you to know that there are people out there that care about you. (Cops and Robbers)
Can you tell that I heart this episode yet? And how could I not? Especially after this scene. Beckett can't talk directly to Castle without giving away the fact that she's Castle's cop friend that Trapper John's been talking to on the phone. So, she does the only thing she can do in the situation to let Castle know how much he means to her and holds his hand. She then talks to Castle through Sal, telling him that she cares about him and she's going to get him out of that bank no matter what. There's no doubt that Castle realizes what Beckett's trying to tell him. Just look as how they hold each other's gaze. It's the nonverbal communication that makes this scene work. Because Beckett knows that she's going to get Castle out of that bank, and Castle knows that Beckett is going to stay true to her word. It's such an honest moment, even given the fact that they have to hide that honestly behind the veil of treating a seizure patient.
3. I'm not going to lose her again. (Rise)
Let's just be honest here. In that one statement, any doubt about what Beckett means to Castle fell to the wayside. This man loves Beckett. He meant it in the cemetery. He meant it through his actions in season three. But we had to infer that Castle loved Beckett last season through his actions. But not any more. Even though we know that he's lying to Beckett about pursuing her mother's murder, we know why he's lying to her. Because he's not going to lose her again. And if that means keeping Beckett in the dark, even though the truth will be the only thing that will help her knock down that wall around her heart, Castle's okay with that. Because he loves her. And that's all that matters to him.
2. I'm not going to be able to have the kind of relationship that I want til that wall comes down. (Rise)
Here's the moment when we all realized that season four was going to be special. Because Beckett finally does the unthinkable. She tells Castle the truth about why she's been keeping him at arm's length for the past three seasons. She wants to have a real relationship with Castle. But the only way that she can even fathom that possibility is by resolving her mother's murder. And while we're starting to see Beckett realize that she might not have to solve her mother's murder to have that relationship with Castle, this moment is pivotal because she lays her cards on the table. Do you think she had this conversation with Demming or Josh? Hell, Josh didn't even know about the murderboard in Beckett's apartment. So, to have Beckett dole out this much truth to Castle in the manner that she did here, we knew that she was serious. She wants Castle to be the one. It takes almost losing him (let's face it, Castle was ready to walk away until Beckett told him she broke up with Josh) for Beckett to get here. But she gets here. And from this one simple truth, we've been reaping the rewards with the emotional growth we've seen so far this season. Which leads us to the number one moment.
1. How are you? (Cops and Robbers)
Now can you tell that I absolutely heart this episode? So, what makes this moment the best moment of the season thus far? After all, we've seen Beckett with her lingering gazes at Castle, love in her eyes. But all of those moments have been tinged with frustration, because even though we know that Beckett is completely in love with Castle, Castle has no idea. That is, until this moment. Beckett asks Castle if he's okay, and look at Castle's expression. He gets it. He knows what Beckett is really saying to him, the smile radiating from her lips confirming his assumption. Beckett loves him. It may have taken a third of the season for Castle to realize it, but Castle finally gets the confirmation he's been looking for since he took off for the Hamptons with Gina back in season two. This is no longer a one way street. He loves Beckett. And now he knows that Beckett loves him as well. She may not have said the words that he managed to say in the cemetery. But both know how the other feels now. It's just a waiting game at this point until they're finally ready to verbalize their feelings. But until then, they both know. And isn't that what we've been waiting for for the past four seasons?
So. Agree? Disagree? Hit up the comments and let me know. This will probably be my last Evidence until the next new episode, so if I don't post again this year, have a great Christmas and a festive New Year. I'll see you crazy kids next episode. Have a fun!
1) The moment had to be significant enough that the Castle/Beckett relationship was that much closer to becoming official.
2) The moment had to benefit the Castle/Beckett relationship in some pivotal way, therefore Castle and Beckett don't necessarily have to be together in the scene.
3) If it was a cute Caskett moment, but didn't fulfill either criteria 1) or 2), it wouldn't be considered.
That's pretty much it. Therefore, I expect that there should be some healthy discussion (as well as rending of gowns in disgust) as to what moments I chose to be the ten best moments of this season. So, without further ado, here are the moments that spoke to me, and hopefully to some of you as well. And, if you don't agree with me, feel free to let your thoughts be heard by reaching me on Twitter at @spikespeigel.
10. Don't get up yet. Stay in bed. (Cuffed)
I was torn between this and the "I've got twenty!" moment from Cops and Robbers, but this moment won out in the end because, just look at Beckett! This is one of two honest moments where we get to see just what Castle truly means to her. If it wasn't for the fact that she finally realized that (even though she was thoroughly enjoying it) being that close to Castle wasn't exactly the norm, I'm pretty sure she would have been content to keep that sleepy grin on her face until Castle woke up. The important thing to take away from this moment is that Beckett is completely in love with Castle at this point. All that's keeping her from admitting it is her lie from Rise and her working through her issues with her mother's murder. Once she gets past these two obstacles, I suspect we'll see a few more scenes like this in the future. The only difference will be she won't be hiding that smile from Castle.
9. I didn't get a chance to properly thank you for saving my life. (Cops and Robbers)
While there have been a few instances where we see Castle and Beckett spending time with each other at Beckett's apartment, it was usually because of a case (Rise, Heroes and Villains, Demons), this moment had no pretense. The only reason Beckett's with Castle and his family is because he wants her there. After the events of this episode, it was refreshing to see Castle and Beckett taking comfort in each other's presence, even though it took a life and death situation to get them there. One of my theories for the season is that the writers are trying to show us Castle and Beckett together outside of the precinct so once they do become an official couple, the progression will be a natural one. A realistic one. Novel idea, right?
8. Don't be so driven by the past that you throw away your future. (Heroes and Villains)
The writers weren't wasting any time in letting the viewers know that the "I love you" from the cemetery had affected Beckett on a personal level. She completes a speech about not throwing away the future, especially when there's someone that cares for you waiting in the wings. And as the faux Caskett make their way to the elevator, Beckett realizes that she's really talking about her current situation with Castle. Why else would the camera linger on her as she stares off in the distance? She's obviously looking at Castle, realizing that if she's not careful, she might throw away her future with Castle if she continues on her current path of defining her life solely on her mother's murder. Luckily, Beckett gets another chance to realize this fact later on in the season. However, we'll talk about that when we get there.
7. That's what the great love stories are about, right? Beating the odds. (Head Case)
It's a cute moment, but there's so much subtext here that there's no doubt that this moment belongs on this list. We've seen the progression between Castle and Beckett over the course of three seasons, and we've gone from Beckett hating Castle to tolerating him to finally realizing that he's her one and done. You have to give Castle some credit here, because he fell in love with Beckett after Boom (hence Demming coming into the picture to ruin everything). Then, after the awful timing that followed (Castle with Gina, Beckett with Josh), it's amazing that we even got this scene. The stars are starting to align for these two. And they both realize it, if even on a subconscious level. They're that much closer to beating the odds. All they have to do now is just tell each other the truth, and the love story we've been watching for the past three seasons will finally take that next step. The step we've all been holding our breath for throughout this season. They're almost there. They just need that final push to get there.
6. You guys didn't go out? (Eye of the Beholder)
The only problem I had with this moment was deciding where to place it on this list. It was always going to be here. How could it not? We spent the entire episode watching Beckett's jealously overcome her as she kept on misconstruing Castle's interest in Serena as being more than just professional curiosity. So, to have Beckett willingly step aside to let Castle have a chance at happiness with Serena spoke volumes to her mindset. She loves Castle so much that she's willing to let him go. Which makes this moment even more satisfying, because we get to see Castle's reaction as Serena walks away. We already know where Castle's heart lies. And so does Beckett as she comes back to her desk to see Castle waiting for her. If there was ever any doubt that Castle is going to wait for Beckett until she works on that wall, this scene took that doubt, tied it in a sack, and tossed it in a river. You know what I call that? A good start.
5. I want to be more than who I am. (Kill Shot)
While this episode was light on Caskett moments, the two moments we got were absolutely stupendous. First, Beckett realizing that Castle's always going to have her back, even if that means giving her space to work out her problems. Which leads directly to the final moment in the episode where Beckett makes a conscious decision to change her life. She no longer wants to be defined by her mother's murder. She doesn't want to throw her future away. Especially her future with Castle. See the continuity? From Heroes and Villains to Kill Shot, Beckett got that second chance. However, unlike Heroes and Villains, where she didn't take the opportunity to assess her life and make that choice, she does so here. And from what we saw in Cuffed, there's no doubt that Beckett's staying true to her word. She's starting to live her life based on what she wants. And right now, it looks like she wants that relationship with Castle. Hence this being a huge moment so far this season. Humongous!
4. I want you to know that there are people out there that care about you. (Cops and Robbers)
Can you tell that I heart this episode yet? And how could I not? Especially after this scene. Beckett can't talk directly to Castle without giving away the fact that she's Castle's cop friend that Trapper John's been talking to on the phone. So, she does the only thing she can do in the situation to let Castle know how much he means to her and holds his hand. She then talks to Castle through Sal, telling him that she cares about him and she's going to get him out of that bank no matter what. There's no doubt that Castle realizes what Beckett's trying to tell him. Just look as how they hold each other's gaze. It's the nonverbal communication that makes this scene work. Because Beckett knows that she's going to get Castle out of that bank, and Castle knows that Beckett is going to stay true to her word. It's such an honest moment, even given the fact that they have to hide that honestly behind the veil of treating a seizure patient.
3. I'm not going to lose her again. (Rise)
Let's just be honest here. In that one statement, any doubt about what Beckett means to Castle fell to the wayside. This man loves Beckett. He meant it in the cemetery. He meant it through his actions in season three. But we had to infer that Castle loved Beckett last season through his actions. But not any more. Even though we know that he's lying to Beckett about pursuing her mother's murder, we know why he's lying to her. Because he's not going to lose her again. And if that means keeping Beckett in the dark, even though the truth will be the only thing that will help her knock down that wall around her heart, Castle's okay with that. Because he loves her. And that's all that matters to him.
2. I'm not going to be able to have the kind of relationship that I want til that wall comes down. (Rise)
Here's the moment when we all realized that season four was going to be special. Because Beckett finally does the unthinkable. She tells Castle the truth about why she's been keeping him at arm's length for the past three seasons. She wants to have a real relationship with Castle. But the only way that she can even fathom that possibility is by resolving her mother's murder. And while we're starting to see Beckett realize that she might not have to solve her mother's murder to have that relationship with Castle, this moment is pivotal because she lays her cards on the table. Do you think she had this conversation with Demming or Josh? Hell, Josh didn't even know about the murderboard in Beckett's apartment. So, to have Beckett dole out this much truth to Castle in the manner that she did here, we knew that she was serious. She wants Castle to be the one. It takes almost losing him (let's face it, Castle was ready to walk away until Beckett told him she broke up with Josh) for Beckett to get here. But she gets here. And from this one simple truth, we've been reaping the rewards with the emotional growth we've seen so far this season. Which leads us to the number one moment.
1. How are you? (Cops and Robbers)
Now can you tell that I absolutely heart this episode? So, what makes this moment the best moment of the season thus far? After all, we've seen Beckett with her lingering gazes at Castle, love in her eyes. But all of those moments have been tinged with frustration, because even though we know that Beckett is completely in love with Castle, Castle has no idea. That is, until this moment. Beckett asks Castle if he's okay, and look at Castle's expression. He gets it. He knows what Beckett is really saying to him, the smile radiating from her lips confirming his assumption. Beckett loves him. It may have taken a third of the season for Castle to realize it, but Castle finally gets the confirmation he's been looking for since he took off for the Hamptons with Gina back in season two. This is no longer a one way street. He loves Beckett. And now he knows that Beckett loves him as well. She may not have said the words that he managed to say in the cemetery. But both know how the other feels now. It's just a waiting game at this point until they're finally ready to verbalize their feelings. But until then, they both know. And isn't that what we've been waiting for for the past four seasons?
So. Agree? Disagree? Hit up the comments and let me know. This will probably be my last Evidence until the next new episode, so if I don't post again this year, have a great Christmas and a festive New Year. I'll see you crazy kids next episode. Have a fun!