I am going through the entire series for the first time on DVD. I have never seen this show before when it was aired. Season 8 has humor and they really made an effort to make changes to inject the show with new energy. I imagine that the audience hated the Vikram character. With the ratings dropping and Stana leaving the show (or fired), and the bickering between the stars giving it bad press, the show was cancelled. I wonder if there would have been a plan to have Castle and Haley somehow have a romance if it continued. But, the producers probably guessed that the audience would never have accepted a new romance because the show was really Castle and Beckett. They were wise to end the series which apparently had a large budget and had more cons than pros of rejuvenating ratings. Shows usually lose it after 8 seasons, in general.
6 Reviews
Surprisingly great episode
cotc957 March 2016
Well, this episode started off pretty "meh", and didn't seem like it had lot going for it, especially after the disappointing episode resolve for some of the time that Castle went missing in "Sleeper". The first half of the episode played out like a fun and quirky episode with some funny moments, however the 2nd half was a different story. Without giving anything away, the story took a sharp turn and really made a lot of things in past episodes incubate into something a lot better than they were made to be in the past. The writers had obviously made some key mistakes in past episodes, especially "Sleeper", but this episode did a great job of using the information opportunities of the storyline and actually made it interesting and made what happened in past episodes make "more sense".
This is all very general, but I don't like giving things away. The writers did a great job salvaging past plot details and seemingly "saved" the story-arc for now. I'm now actually interested in the story again.
This is all very general, but I don't like giving things away. The writers did a great job salvaging past plot details and seemingly "saved" the story-arc for now. I'm now actually interested in the story again.
Lost its way?
catherineboeckmann17 January 2022
The magic of this show is Rick and Kate. I'm not sure why the 8th season is so lame and missing that witty pairing. Plus, I just miss Kate who really lights up the screen. Sometimes Rick gets really juvenile and tries to act so cute and it gets kind of annoying without balance. I don't think bringing in some of these new characters is helpful either. And they don't seem to know what to do with Castle's daughter who used to just demonstrate what a good dad Rick is, but also certainly isn't a replacement for Kate. Finally, the writing just seems a lot worse this season. This particular episode doesn't really even reflect the entire series very well. Not tight. Not enough action.
A jumble of plot threads
Jackbv1235 February 2022
Warning: Spoilers
Seeing Summer Glau in a police uniform at the cemetery was an early sign who was going to be a key player. Glau is another alum from Firefly. I happen to have been a fan of hers since those days.
It's interesting that it is that this reunion episode is where they decide to reveal secrets about Castle's missing time.
There are more signs that the show runners are experimenting to see how they can use Hayley in the future, especially if Katic leaves the show which even at the date of this episode had to be a consideration. One of those signs is Hayley's Beckett-like response to Castle's childish antics. Later we also learn some things about Hayley, her motivations and character.
The murder mystery, which is secondary to all the other things going on in the episode, is a rip-off, or at least very similar to a popular movie which I can't remember well enough to name.
There is so much going on that it's hard to say that this episode is bad. It holds the attention quite well despite a blatant attempt at the salacious which belongs in the gutter. On the other hand the Deep State conspiracy crap about LokSat pops up and now Castle won't let it go.
It's interesting that it is that this reunion episode is where they decide to reveal secrets about Castle's missing time.
There are more signs that the show runners are experimenting to see how they can use Hayley in the future, especially if Katic leaves the show which even at the date of this episode had to be a consideration. One of those signs is Hayley's Beckett-like response to Castle's childish antics. Later we also learn some things about Hayley, her motivations and character.
The murder mystery, which is secondary to all the other things going on in the episode, is a rip-off, or at least very similar to a popular movie which I can't remember well enough to name.
There is so much going on that it's hard to say that this episode is bad. It holds the attention quite well despite a blatant attempt at the salacious which belongs in the gutter. On the other hand the Deep State conspiracy crap about LokSat pops up and now Castle won't let it go.
The problems of Castle's eighth season are definitely expanded by "The G.D.S.".
Beckstle16 March 2016
If you've been a regular viewer of Castle, this episode is unrecognizable as the same show. This has nothing to do with the performances. The problems all lie with the story being told. "The G.D.S." is a Castle episode that introduces more nonsensical variables to a season 8 storyline that's already full of them.
What's also missing is the smart wit and balanced feel of yin and yang that was in the earlier seasons. Expect more of the adolescent humor that's been an issue throughout season 8. What's worse is that in this particular episode there are some flat-out sexist moments. I'm sure some did enjoy them - because not everyone is bothered by sexism. However, if that kind of stuff does bother you, be warned that this episode has some absolutely cringe-worthy scenes.
The problems of Castle's eighth season are definitely expanded by "The G.D.S.". Even if you've never seen the show before, you should probably skip this episode. Not only is it not representational of the series, it's just not enjoyable.
What's also missing is the smart wit and balanced feel of yin and yang that was in the earlier seasons. Expect more of the adolescent humor that's been an issue throughout season 8. What's worse is that in this particular episode there are some flat-out sexist moments. I'm sure some did enjoy them - because not everyone is bothered by sexism. However, if that kind of stuff does bother you, be warned that this episode has some absolutely cringe-worthy scenes.
The problems of Castle's eighth season are definitely expanded by "The G.D.S.". Even if you've never seen the show before, you should probably skip this episode. Not only is it not representational of the series, it's just not enjoyable.
Castle - Hayley romance
stewartcampbell-9223822 January 2024
This would make the series much more interesting. They clearly fancy each other and have banter and Hayley states that she adores Alexis so just get them together.
Alexis clearly has better taste in women than the men she picks.
As to the episode plot; thin is probably the best description. The Loksat plot line is just rubbish, no one cares. This is the second episode without Beckett but the series would have benefitted far more with episodes without Castle. Even when he was 'away' for 2 months he still had to be in every episode despite being the stone that is drowning the show. Why doesn't he just grow up. He's more of a spoilt child than Alexis.
Alexis clearly has better taste in women than the men she picks.
As to the episode plot; thin is probably the best description. The Loksat plot line is just rubbish, no one cares. This is the second episode without Beckett but the series would have benefitted far more with episodes without Castle. Even when he was 'away' for 2 months he still had to be in every episode despite being the stone that is drowning the show. Why doesn't he just grow up. He's more of a spoilt child than Alexis.
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