This season opened with a scene of Beckett in a hospital bed holding hands with Josh and
ended with her going to bed with Castle in his apartment (“Rise” 4.1). The transformation of
their relationship from Beckett’s denial that Castle had declared his love for her to realization
their love was reciprocal enthralled shippers. Fans found enticing several other developments in
the story line. Castle’s relationship with Alexis matured. Lanie and Espo continued their
passionate affair. Ryan married Jenny played by Juliana Dever, wife of Sean Dever (Ryan) in
real life.
Five episodes were dark and serious. The rest emphasized police procedure or pop culture
phenomenon such as super heroes, ghosts, Elvis, dog shows, fairy tales, and zombies. In “Heroes
and Villains” (4.2) a show about super heroes, Beckett said she liked “Electra.” Probably,
observed Castle, because they both buried their emotions. As the story developed the couple
sorted through a bevy of super heroes, only to discover that “The Lone Vengeance” was one of
their own, Officer Anne Hastings. Shippers grasped the irony when Beckett told her, “You’re a
good cop. You’ve got somebody who cares for you. Don’t be so driven by the past that you
throw away your future” (4.2).
Shippers knew that Beckett’s observation about Lanie and Espo applied to her relationship
with Castle. “It’s so obvious. They both want to be together, but neither will admit to it”
(“Cuffed” 4.10). ”The Blue Butterfly” (4.14) was a spoofy 1947 period piece redolent with
cheesy dialogue. Lanie demonstrated her singing talents and ability to work the room. Shippers
delighted in a kiss and an “I love you,” between Castle and Beckett. In “Limey” (4.20), Becket
commented about her relationship with Castle, “It’s been weird between us lately,” Lanie
replied, “Lately? Kate, it’s been weird for four years” (4.20).
Guest star Adam Baldwin reprised his relationship with Fillion as a bad cop in
“Headhunters” (4.21). Fun, fads, and frustration reached a climax in the season’s finale. Castle
and Beckett kissed passionately and headed for the bedroom (“Always” 4.23). Laurel Brown, a
reviewer for buddy TV, shed tears. “I cried because everything familiar about four seasons of
Castle was over. And I cried because of the amazing future we can expect from Castle in season
5 (buddy TV).
Season 5
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