Castle (TV Series) XX (2015) User Reviews

Drastic Change In The Show

[Harun_Karali · 7/10 · 29 September 2015]

This episode felt rushed, But that isn't the problem I had with it, I understand that they had to make the show interesting but after all they have been through, I just can't wrap my mind around the fact that Kate is not fully committed to this relationship, I can also understand that she is trying to keep Castle safe and that would totally make sense, If Castle couldn't take care of himself, However Castle has proved himself to be more than competent, Take this episode for ins tins he took out an armed assailant. This isn't the first time either. If Kate had decided to take Castle with her, I think he would have been a valuable asset, Furthermore wouldn't it be easier to keep him safe if he was at arms length, It's not like the people who are chasing her don't know about Castle.

All that being said, I am curious how the show will progress, Castle and Beckett apart, And this time it looks like it's going to last a bit longer then 3 months, I hope I'm wrong.

Soap opera

[superangelofglory · 7/10 · 8 October 2015]

Such a great episode ruined by such a terrible ending! This reminds me of the Season 3 episode where they investigated a murder on a soap opera studio because the ending is an enormous overreacting. I mean Kate didn't lose it for years when she investigated her mum's case, even when she knew who the killer was and could do nothing about it, and she loses it now, when both legal and poetic justice got him? Are you kidding me? Only in soap operas can we see such an amount of dramatization as in that ending. And it is a shame, because otherwise it was a really great episode: the story became credible, the characters played nicely, the scene when Castle shot from the desk was cool but no, they couldn't keep it like that, they had to ruin everything with a cheap, soapy break-up! If they keep doing things like that, they better end the show and leave us with good memories! The 7 I rated the episode with would have been a 10 without the ending!

XY/XX Castle into the Dark Zone

[rbr-41299 · 7/10 · 7 October 2016]

The two-part story that begins the final season of Castle was not a pleasant way to begin the season. Maybe the show-runners thought having a regular story that focuses on Becket's adjustment to being Captain with all the political machinations in NYPD upper management while supervising her team's investigations would be too boring. But, we'll never know. Don't get me wrong: the acting, directing and all the technical aspects of the two episodes were top notch, which is why I gave the episode a "7." Stana provided a bravura performance. And, I realize that the seeds of the season 8 story had been planted in the two previous seasons, so it's not like the producers went off on a totally unexpected tangent. But, to make it last a whole season? In my view that decision was just plain stupid.

So Bracken was in bed with serious criminals. And, said criminals, whom we learn are part of the CIA, are suddenly going to start killing people because of a redacted memo? Normally, criminals kill those who could testify against them, like Vulcan Simmons. They do not go after the investigators who haven't even begun to investigate. Then, out of nowhere we are suddenly introduced to Castle's stepmother that he didn't know he had. And said stepmother gives the idiotic advice to Becket to start running and then later to shut Castle out of her life to protect him. This is the Castle who has saved Becket's life several times, including in this episode. How could she possibly think that leaving Castle would actually protect him. The hit squad had already tried once to kill him, which makes him a witness. Why wouldn't they try again?

We also discover that the plan to go public with the LokSat conspiracy was just a ploy to lure out the hit team so they could be arrested. What the episode does not resolve is why the plan was abandoned. Why weren't most wanted posters published for the hit team that got away? But following the stepmother's advice and abandoning the plan of public exposure provided the foundation for continuing the illogical theme for several more episodes and of course the bad guys are not finally defeated until the end of the season. One thing I really do not like in TV crime dramas is justice postponed. I have faithfully watched Castle for entertainment and up this point it has been a fantastic show (except for 3XK episodes). Hollywood writers apparently believe that the public wants them to put beloved characters through the ringer. If I want suffering I can watch the news. I expect happy endings for my entertainment and this episode doesn't provide it.

Why such a bad rating?

[sfsfsdfd · 10/10 · 29 September 2015]

I don't know why this episode was rated so bad.. For me it was one of the most thrilling episodes ever. Maybe it was a bit rushed, but the new doors it opened to future episodes in season 8 will be interesting. I just hope that the story line won't end like the disappearance of Castle, which was a big let down in my opinion. Anyways, these last two episodes of Castle reminded me why I love this show. The twist season 8 took is more interesting than the monotone episodes season 7 consisted of. I'm curious on how Beckett leaving Castle will impact future episodes, and I hope that this story line will be focused in the upcoming episodes. To sum it all up great two episodes to begin season 8 with, and I don't why such the bad rating for this one.

Very Dramatic Turn of Events

[skip-49816 · 10/10 · 4 October 2015]

It's been 6 days and I'm still obsessing over this episode! Wow. Despite its name, this show is Beckett's story; it has been since the very first episode. It's logical that having borne the burden of her mother's murder for 17 years, that she would want to see all those responsible getting the justice they deserve. It's also logical, though jarring, that she separate herself from Castle to try and keep him safe. He has shown he can take care of himself, but this situation is different. They came at Beckett with 10 people this time and killed 5 along the way. They are very dangerous.

Whether Beckett can be happy just being Castle's wife remains to be seen. We can only hope, in the end, it will be so. But she didn't do Castle any favors by not confirming this to him before she left.

Ms. Katic is simply an amazing actress. The last two scenes of this episode should prove that to any doubters still out there. She's also, obviously, gorgeous. Such eyes.

"Rita"

[curjmtis · 29 September 2015]

So why is someone as accomplished as Ann Cusack (eldest sister to John) is not listed in the credits at all? But of a shocker to see her though. Still a very good roll if only a partial one in this episode. Hoping to see her in more episodes soon, (SPOILER ALERT) seeing as she shows up at the end and mentions to Beckett that these people will be hunted and Beckett joins the search. But I do also hope they don't split episodes again as this one got confusing, trying to watch what happened earlier (as viewed on security cameras) and at the same time watch Beckett and associate act out what happened. An otherwise interesting way to start the eighth season of the show. Mystery begins from the beginning.

Fantastic two-parter-starter!

[pjr235 · 9/10 · 1 October 2015]

Oh this conflict and love lost. What an amazing ep. The show only gets better as things get worse. Happily ever after is boring. This is winding up to be their best season yet. Kate is BA! And now Rick is getting even cooler. I liked the other light hearted side of the show but I love this side of it even more. The like 3Xk serial killer eps and stuff those, are the best. Though I miss the old fashion murder mystery cases, we did have plenty of seasons filled with those, some even wild and wacky. So I see this as a very welcome evolution leading up to the conclusion.

Don't let your anger of this being the last season cloud all the good stuff it has brought us through the years. Castle really is one of the best shows I've ever watched and it will be very sorely missed. Im just gonna grab on tight and enjoy the last big ride coming our way.

And who knows, maybe the fantastic writers will have a new show after this one. Of course the Castle cast will be missed - absolutely, but hopefully if there IS a new show by these guys, it will grow into one just as good as Castle. (Also I'm kind of sad bc Alexis is really just starting to bloom on this show, went from a supporting role to a more active one.) We need like at least 1 or 2 more seasons. But I fear that won't happen as everyone is saying their fate has been sealed. Fingers crossed for a 2hr movie? I do have to add in real quick, that the computer image enhancements were pretty cheesy and it would have only taken up an extra minute or two to show Alexis breaking open the Photoshop and getting what she needs in a more realistic way, heck all they had to do was cut the scene (saving more time) and then how her on an image editor picking up the phone, like "Yeah, I've got something." TV is still treating technology like it did in the 90's. Magical button pressing and tapping away on a KB doing magical ish. wtf. That hotel security cam must have been using military grade 40MP NASA Hubble technology :P Like there is simply no way to squeeze out a perfectly sharp image out of a low res camera with pixel information that simply doesn't exist. Slightly less blurry by maybe MAYBE 20-30% more clear/sharp, perhaps, but a perfectly sharp image out of a 20MP DSLR, you are NOT getting out of a maybe 5MP camera(if that).

Poor imitation of "24" in two episodes

[Jackbv123 · 1/10 · 5 February 2022]

I'll add my two cents to all the other reviewers who are saying something to the effect that these two episodes are not the show known as Castle. The events in them even surpass the overly sensational series 24. This is Deep State conspiracy at its worst.

The only good thing to come out of these episodes is the introduction of our new heroine Hayley. As much she brings some newness to the show, they also started the LokSat plot thread that destroyed it. All that was good about this series is gone. It's true that there was some perception that the Beckett / Castle relationship was getting stale, but I still think that season 7 had many positive moments.

If you want 24 style drama and/or super deep state conspiracies, then these episodes are rather well done. I liked the sequences where we were seeing the two POV's side by side. There is a decent twist or two near the end. But that doesn't change the fact too much has changed forever.

There was a point where the future could have been at least partially salvaged. Kate makes a choice and I think it is a horrible choice. I think she betrays her husband, even if she thinks it's only temporary.

This is no longer the same show.

killing Castle

[vashmal · 1/10 · 30 September 2015]

It's not our Castle that we have used to. I'm sure, script writers must shoot themselves - they're killing the serial, forcing our beloved heroes to do idiotic, illogical actions. They seems to be mentally ill now. Who in a healthy condition will believe, that a woman can leave her husband because of police investigation? That woman must be lunatic. No home, no husband, no family, just search some guy who's killed somebody? Oh, it's such an unexpected situation for the police captain. The only case, when the killer hasn't been caught in NY, I suppose. Nobody can stand it... Especially Becket... It's a crap. There's no problem in drama, there's problem in a sense. I'm afraid, script writers have lost it.

Looks like we have a murder!

[dwrgen · 2/10 · 30 September 2015]

There has been a murder. You know how you can sometimes tell who did it long before the writers tell you? This is one of those times, and I'm going to tell you who did it. No, this is not a spoiler. Wait for it... The show runners did it. They are the murderers. They are in the process of murdering the show, one episode at a time. We know there's been a murder because we have a dead body: these first two episodes. We also have a murder weapon: a gratuitous and manipulative script, rife with inexplicable new characters, absurd plot twists, truly embarrassing dialogue and significant and painful character devolution. While I'm not sure of their motivation, they surely have the means and opportunity. Seriously, those of us still watching this show have stuck with it for seven seasons. We're committed. If we're watching now it's because we like the show as is. We all know this is the last season. Why mess with us?

This is getting so tiring

[wolflair-25652 · 1/10 · 27 April 2023]

I have watched and loved Castle. It was fun to watch but dragging out her mother's death for all these years due to some big conspiracy has gotten so tiring. When Senator Bracken was arrested, this should have ended it. Not some bigger conspiracy. The cherry on top was Beckett deciding to leave Castle to protect him? Does she not realize that the so called bad guys know they are married, that she has a step daughter, mother-in-law and father that would also be in danger? Just leaving him does not negate that fact! There should never have been a Loksak. It was tiring with the 3XK guy and I was thrilled as they finally took out that character! They could have brought back Castle's dad for a couple episodes and made it fun. Not this mess.

Not Our Castle

[sini-200 · 1/10 · 8 January 2023]

This episode was far from the Castle we know and love. I know what the writers are doing here and its unnecessary drama thats just OOC from all, that makes no sense, especially Beckett. Why would he hide info from Castle and lie to him after everything, when she used to tell him everything - especially now they are married ?She knew he would do everything to find her. And why would she "leave" him like that, especially with no explanation? He deserves to know why, or at least something. And after he was the one who helped her mom's case and why she got justice for her mom? And there was no hint or whatsoever that Beckett wasnt over her obsession ever since she got closure. Like I said, no sense.

I like that she is Captain but it could have been done so much better, go back to the usual suspect of the week Castle. The seperation is just BS that real Kate would not do. They really should have ended in season seven with nice ending it had. Or made season eight without this somebody constantly kidnapped/chased/killed bs plot.

Awful, desperate and too far-fetched even for Castle

[Rowdyhbk · 1/10 · 26 September 2018]

Awful, desperate and too far-fetched even for Castle

The writers were paid to ruin another great series.

[tjdobbs-121-936199 · 1/10 · 22 October 2018]

You think that the executives and writers would have learned by now not to treat fans like idiots. I know that you network people get cocky, and you have plenty of money for yourselves. But why do you continually treat fans like an unlimited resource that you can use and abuse us as well as the cast members and not have any fallout. You treat us like we're idiots, and can screw with out time and money that we spend on different entertainment. I was just searching stores for the complete series of castle right before episode 8.1 and 8.2 aired. I had written tnt, along with several hundred other fans to start airing more Castle like they do Charmed and Supernatural. Now, I'm hearing the same thing I'm feeling. I don't know that I want to see the series finally and knowing that, don't want to see anymore Castle at all. You're allowed an episode or two brain fart, but to carry it out for 4-5 episodes, especially for the final season. You obviously either don't care enough to look at some of the most successful endings of different series, or you're too cocky and stupid to. To the cast, I think you all are wonderful actors. I think you've played your parts great. I'm just sorry I didn't find this series sooner and that you all weren't given more competent writers and network decision makers to save you from such a bad run of writing.

In retrospect...

[tles7 · 5/10 · 7 January 2021]

The show's ratings were dropping. They ran out of ideas, with the stories getting crazier and crazier. They had to shake it up a little. Yes, Beckett's obsession didn't make sense with regard to her leaving Castle. But then again, everything about the show is so improbable that it was inevitable that after 7 seasons they had to change their relationship. If not, then this now become Hart to Hart? Do they also have babies? Whether it was that the stars didn't get along anymore or the bad press in general, ABC had only a lose/lose scenario in trying to keep it going and up the ratings for the show, especially with Tamala and Stana being let go. 8 seasons is about right for a show, after that....it rarely keeps up the quality.

Absolutely ridiculous

[aionicesei93 · 1/10 · 27 August 2023]

These first two episodes of season 8 were absolutely ridiculous. I'm so glad that they decided to cancel the show. Such a shame. I liked the first six seasons a lot and even seven was good. But after these two first episodes, omg, what a soap opera. What happened to the writers? Kate Beckett is ridiculous. Everything that happened is ridiculous. I thought it couldn't get more ridiculous after the explanation of Castle's two month disappearance, but boy, was I wrong. I'll try to finish it, I'm really curious what they'll come up with. Why do the writers have to make anything in a soap opera? Just cancel the show faster.