whiski_sour | "He also murdered the English language." (Reply)

This was a fun episode. The betting backdrop was a nice little tension breaker/causer. It was funny watching Castle, Esposito, and Ryan trying to keep it from Beckett while getting the whole precent involved. Then when she did find out, gave them all hell, and got it on it, it got even better. Upping the ante, throwing logical wrenches into each other's cases, and ending with an argumentative draw was a great illustration of the chemisty and a fun way to make the cases interesting.

The Strangers on a Train thing has been done before, but I liked the way it was done here. I liked the way they linked them and how even the link had a red herring about it.

Speaking of which, Grover as a red herring was good, too. Loved his smugness when he showed off his ankle bracelet.

I felt some writer solidarity when Castle was harping on the killer's bad grammar, and then later pointed out the misuse of irony. Loved that.

Also felt some bonding with Beckett when she pointed out that Girl Scout cookies were sold in February. Yeah, she's either a buyer or was a supplier or both and I can relate. I did my time and I'm addicted to Tagalongs.

I love the way the family dynamic weaves into the case somehow. It never feels like it's just stuck in there to give Mom and Alexis screen time, but it's not a clue-anvil connection to the case. I also like watching Castle handle Alexis going through her first love and first heartbreak. It's very sweet.

Also sweet in a bittersweet way...Beckett referring to her mother's case. She's gotten a little more, I don't want to say comfortable, but accepting of it's existence, I guess, since Castle went digging into it. They're playing it very lightly and it's very effective, I think.

I'm glad Laney is getting a little more screen time. I really like her character. I shouldn't have to say that I love Ryan and Esposito. Honeymilk and Iceposito. *snorts*

Oh, I'm so loving this show. Can't wait for next week.