Castle explained the allure of police procedural dramas . He told the members of the homicide squad , “ You guys should really sell tickets . I mean , you ’ ve got everything , madness , mayhem ” (“ Double Down ” 2.2 ). A number of emotional events occurred in the cliffhanger for the season . Alexis went off to college . Kate almost confessed her feelings for Castle just before his ex-wife dragged him off to the Hamptons . Beckett began a romance with another man . One shipper vented , “ THAT EPISODE BROKE MY FREAKIN ’ HEART !” ( Garner ).
Season 3
Castle reached the height of its popularity ; 12.93 million viewers watched the last episode of the season ( Castle TV Show ). TV critic Morrison noted , “ There are a few things Castle knows how to do better than most shows on TV , present cases filled with multiple twists and showcasing serious chemistry ” ( Review “ Countdown ”). Half the episodes focused on dark serious crimes . The rest focused on cultural icons such as male strippers , steam punks , soap opera stars , and beauty queens .
Lanie and Espositio ( Esplanie ) began a sizzling relationship . Castle was jealous of Beckett ’ s handsome suitor , Josh , a cardiac surgeon ( Victor Webster ). Castle derisively called him , “ motorcycle boy .” Castle ’ s ex-wife Gina returned as a love interest and competitor for Alexis ’ affections . Morrison of TV Fanatic warned , “ Gina has got to go ” ( Review Anatomy ). Then the couple encountered Natalie , the actress playing Nikki Heat , in a film based on Castle ’ s book . Castle ' s sublimation of his romantic desire for Beckett into writing prompted Natalie to identify it as " verbal masturbation .” (“ Nikki Heat ” 3.11 ).
The couple ’ s first real embrace occurred when the two pretended they were a heavily inebriated romantic couple . Their ruse quickly became passionate and intimate , shocking both of them (“ Knockdown ” 3.13 ). Morrison observed , “ most viewers know the main characters can ’ t be together yet , but the hope that they will , keeps them watching episode after episode ” ( Review “ Countdown ”). The devastating season finale written by Will Beal left shippers inconsolable . In continuing to investigate the murder of Beckett ’ s mother , Castle set off a chain of events that resulted in the death of Captain Montgomery . During Beckett ’ s eulogy at the funeral , a sniper shot her in the chest . Castle rushed to her , held her in his arms , and said , “ I love you ” (“ Knockout ” 3.24 ).
Season 4
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