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chronicallycal · 7 years

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Hi Callie! I’m glad to be back in your inbox too! I totally need to catch up on the Harry Potter series once I have the time. Admittedly, I have only watched the movies so far. I’ve heard that while the French translation is fine, there’s something to be said about the wordplay in the original version, so I’m actually tempted to read it in English. Recently, I chose instead to watch some cult movies for the first time, namely the Indiana Jones and Star Wars series oops (NSA)

Your messages are under the cut again, too, because of length lol.

(and I’ve only watched the initial trilogy of both series). Now I finally know what those “Jedi mind tricks” are all about ^^ I can see why you’re comparing the beginning of S8 to what happened in 2x01 and 3x01. Their emotions were indeed less concealed this time, probably because unlike the previous times, in S8 they knew what it was like to be in an actual relationship with one another. Well, I didn’t appreciate the fact that they didn’t work together in the final season, but the thing is,

it would have made no sense if they had, at least during the separation. Because then what would even be the point in breaking up? It was already bad that Castle kept coming to the precinct occasionally (necessary because of how the show is structured), and that Kate also returned several times to the loft, giving her the opportunity to leave a message there if she had wanted to. In fact, I wonder if Castle would have been spared, had Loksat actually come after Beckett in the first half (NSA)

of the season, as Caskett were still married and regularly seeing each other. Besides, after a few eps, Castle started investigating on his own anyway. So while your idea is interesting, imo the writers would have had to find another reason for them to be separated in order to be able to implement that idea. Plus, I think removing the PI office from the picture wouldn’t necessarily equal to Castle visiting the precinct more often (Wouldn’t it hurt him too much to do that?

Would Beckett tolerate his presence after a while? etc.). But yeah, 2x01 and 3x01 were certainly easier to watch because of the way the COTW was handled. You have perfectly described the way I feel about the transition in S8. While it made total sense for them to reconnect sexually with other, and while Castle didn’t completely drop the talk about Loksat, they were almost too happy after what had JUST happened. In other words, things were back to normal really quickly, if that makes sense. (NSA)

I agree that this transition phase would have been a good time for them to discuss their future. Of course I liked the shift between S4 and S5 too, it was about time that they become an item, and I actually loved many Caskett moments in S5 (especially at the beginning of the season with their newly found intimacy, and around episodes 18-21, if “Still” is 5x21). In regards to the end of 5x10, it would have been interesting indeed to see Beckett having that conversation with Castle later on (NSA)

in the show. I guess it happened off screen, but I wouldn’t be surprised if that topic was only addressed after they got engaged. Aside from that scene, there were other mentions of insecurity in 5x08 (on Beckett’s side), and in 5x18 (on Castle’s side) for example, so for me it was a pretty recurrent theme in S5. Like many people, I didn’t like “The Squab and The Squail”, and I still have trouble with the fact that this episode was supposed to air after “Still”, so I’m leaving it aside (NSA)

for the moment. Some people wrote that in their opinion, at the end of S5, Castle had this tendency to deflect Beckett’s questions about the more serious topics, which led her to think that he wasn’t looking for real commitment, when Castle was actually afraid that showing how serious he was about them would spook her. I really liked this explanation, even if in big part, the insecurities resurfaced in those last episodes because it was the end of the season and the writers couldn’t think (NSA)

of another way to stir drama. I would certainly have preferred a proposal in other circumstances, because the part in S5 looked really serious (see Castle’s face), and there was this terrible misunderstanding between them for a minute. And yes, in the second half of S6 C&B were essentially giddy in regards to the wedding, and you’ve just made me realize that seeing a wider range in emotions would probably have made those episodes better. While I didn’t like the first wedding dress, (NSA)

the scene with Beckett in front of the mirror was a great moment in that regard. In 6x23, this thing with Rogan certainly came out of the blue, and you already know what I think of this episode.I really liked 7x23, but I have to admit that there weren’t any hints to Hollander’s Woods in previous eps either. More generally, there were many themed episodes in S7 I believe, so that didn’t really contribute to a sense of cohesiveness between the eps. About 2x24, until now, (NSA)

I was mainly sad because Castle was leaving the precinct with Gina at his arm, in front of everyone, may I add; and as Gina is his ex-wife, it felt more serious to me than a fling atm. But you’re absolutely right that there’s actually more to it than that, and geez that makes this ending even more heartbreaking. On the other hand, I really love 2x12 because of how Kyra is portrayed, so I’ve got to admit that Kate’s jealousy was fun for me too in that particular ep. (NSA)

Wow, I didn’t expect you to write a whole paragraph in French, especially now that you’re telling me you don’t practice the language as often anymore

, nor used to writing such long messages in one go in English (it’s probably easier for me to chat or to talk). But I’m up to the challenge because I love getting the opportunity to discuss the show with you, plus it doesn’t hurt that you always give really awesome answers in return. Thank you for that, by the way! I’m going to finish by sharing with you what I thought of your newest one shot. I actually wrote down the following “sentences” as I was reading the fic, (NSA)

so you’re getting here my unbridled scene-by-scene reactions. Warning: there’s gonna be some serious rambling involved (but you know that about me now :p) The beginning: ouch, painful, but it wouldn’t totally be a fic of yours if there wasn’t at least some angst involved (except for some rare occurrences), right? / That was a twist, even if I was intrigued right away by the supernatural aspect of your fic; the best part is, you copied the beginning of the scene in the summary and I didn’t (NSA)

The scene with the popcorn is so sweet, so them, so in character. / Castle is alive! And babyyyy. / Oh okay, we’re back to the theater now; is the baby real or is just a way to motivate them? (I think it’s real, let’s hope it’s real) / Aww a glimpse into the future, I think I see where we’re headed now; and mmh still a mention of a hospital bed even in that scene, nice (I pictured a nursery at first) / Oh okay, it will actually be a constant back and forth before the final scene encased (NSA)

in reality. OMG I’VE BEEN HERE BEFORE, she so saw what happened in “Always” the first time she was here :p And that’s why she knows things he doesn’t. / Beginning of next scene: I can imagine Castle coming back to reality by wanting to join Lily when she laughs, maybe symbolically open a door or something. Okay that didn’t happen but it’s so cute! Ooh and the twins are on the way! / Ooh we don’t wake up straight to reality, but Kate’s still got her hand in his. Interesting! (NSA)

/ What the hell with Caleb Brown??? And here it comes. A taxi, good! / Didn’t we have those lines before? I’m checking…yess we did! Everything is definitely accurate then :) / And okay, I should watch Criminal Minds (I guess that’s what CM means?) more often because I didn’t get the reference ^^ All I can now say is wow, I have no words (well, I sure had them before), it was so fantastic. One of your best works, if not the best. (NSA)

The succession of short scenes made it really pleasant to read as well. I’m sure Rickcastlefromthailand has loved her birthday gift! ;) Until next time, Callie! NSA 19/19 PS: The length of these messages is getting out of hand LOL.

Hi!

In my opinion, you should definitely read the Harry Potter series. While I haven’t read the French version, so I can’t comment on its quality compared to the English version, but I will say there’s a certain beauty and wittiness to J.K. Rowling’s writing that may or may not have been reflected in the translation. However you choose to read them, though, I would definitely recommend it. That being said, I actually haven’t seen the movies. Or any of the other “cult” movies you mentioned. My movie watching is so minimal, I have a long list of movies I have to see, per my friends. lol. (oops?)

Upon further reflection, I have to agree that the idea of them working together through the separation would have most certainly been more flawed than the story line we were presented. I also agree that there is a certain degree of doubt that, despite their separation, Castle would have been spared in the event that LokSat went after Beckett in the early portion of the season. Personally, I doubt such a criminal would have spared the person who has so often presented himself as Beckett’s partner in crime, especially since both of them have shown great dedication to finding the truth. If nothing else, I imagine LokSat would have been aware of the fact that Castle would likely would have gone to great lengths to find out what happened to Beckett, whether they were separated or not. And LokSat, who doesn’t seem to be someone who cares about bloodshed, likely would have gone after Castle if only to avoid that hassle and inevitably doing it later.

Your description of the transition phase is also very accurate, in my opinion. Idk if you saw, but Raina (bravevulnerability) recently wrote about why Castle forgives Beckett so easily in her fics, and explained that forgiving someone doesn’t necessarily mean everything is okay/back to normal. In a way, I feel that this is what the reunion in season 8 lacked. Spare for Fidelis Ad Mortem (8x15), and the struggles in that episode, and the entire concept of hiding their reunion, there was a distinct lack of lingering emotions. Of course, to an extent, these could have passed during the winter hiatus, but I do think a certain degree of lingering doubts, even if communicated through subtle questioning and strange glances would have added a layer of authenticity of their reunion.

As for season 5, I think there’s a distinct difference in the insecurity expressed in episodes such as 5x08 and 5x18 compared to 5x10 and especially the end of the season. By which I mean, the prior instances seem to be more of a personal insecurity, a “will this work out” and “am I good enough for this person”, whereas the end of the season portrays the insecurity of “does this person want a serious relationship like I do”. The prior, to me, makes sense. Both characters have shown underlying insecurity throughout the series, so their doubts about being good enough for each other and/or compatible after all the effort put into their relationship are justified. What the end of the season does, however, is seem to make Beckett forget this commitment and effort that Castle has put in, as though he didn’t spend a year waiting to be with her, as though they hadn’t been together for a year, as though he hadn’t risked his life for her multiple times, one of which had just happened, in Still.

While I do agree that it’s highly possible that Castle would have evaded questions about their future out of fear of spooking Beckett, my problem with that is that it wasn’t shown at all prior to her doubts coming to surface. Which, in my opinion, is a failure of the writers, who knew where the season was going, as this is pre-planned, and didn’t take it upon themselves to present any semblance of build up to their end of season drama, in a way that made it seem implausible and almost juvenile. (Honestly, Beckett’s fears reminded me of something one would see with a couple who’s been hooking up for a few months, or playfully together with far less history, rather than a couple like Caskett). So for me, while this concept of the why being totally plausible and even a pleasant thought, in a way, my problem is that the writers didn’t execute that concept, and rather presented these doubts as something caused by Castle not wanting to sleep with Beckett in that one moment.

And for season 6, yes, I loved the moment in front of the mirror in 6x14. It’s a perfect example of how their past, personal struggles as individuals and as a couple could have been entwined. While I wouldn’t have liked a fulls season of merely rehashing the same doubts, I definitely think emotions such as those in that scene could have greatly improved the season for people such as myself who didn’t find great enjoyment in the giddy checklist style we did get.

Gah the reactions of the rest of the characters in 2x24 is truly heartbreaking, too. And I certainly agree that there’s a greater severity to that scene given that Gina is his ex-wife and not just a fling. I also think that 2x12 was a truly enjoyable episode. I actually really enjoyed Kyra, and the jealousy in that episode.

And aw! I hope my speaking French could bring you joy. I honestly need to use it more often, since I don’t want to lose it or my status as bilingual. And I’ve also used Duolingo, albeit to learn Spanish, and while it’s fun and teaches the basics, for sure, I find that eventually I get bored of doing the same lessons over and over again and just quit. Oops.

I’m also so glad my comments on your English could make you happy. I honestly had no idea you weren’t a native English speaker, so you certainly use the language well, even if it’s outside your comfort zone. I have to admit, I’m glad you feel okay with stepping outside your comfort zone for these messages, because I truly enjoy these exchanges we have.

And gaaaah I love your thoughts on my fic so much. Rambles are my favorite and it made me so happy to read your thoughts as you read, knowing where you were in the story and what was coming. I am so, so glad you enjoyed my odd little one-shot. And thank you so, so much for your compliments. I must admit, I’m fairly proud of that story as it went outside my comfort zone and into a genre I don’t usually explore, in a style not truly like my usual one, so to know it was well executed means the world to me.

(Also yes you should watch more Criminal Minds. Besides Castle, it is probably my favorite show lol).

Thank you, again, for this lovely message. I hope you have a good day, week, etc. Until next time!

Callie xx

(And yes these messages really are getting really long lol).

#Anonymous #Anon: NSA #Callie rambles

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chronicallycal · 7 years

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Hey Callie, I’m back! First of all, I’m really sorry for taking so long to answer your message (3 weeks ughh). A number of other things have been requiring my attention lately, but I definitely still care about you, your opinions, and your blog! ;) I’ve read that unfortunately, your acupuncture sessions didn’t work out, so I’m keeping my fingers crossed that you’ll eventually find an effective method to relieve your pain. Oh, and reading is a really nice way to pass time! (NSA)

I’m going to put the rest of your message under the cut too just cuz it’s really long this time lol.

I must confess, though, that I haven’t opened a “real” book in a while, except for when I’m studying. I didn’t really want to go back to a time where Castle and Beckett weren’t an item, only to watch them get back together afterwards, even if I agree that this season wasn’t so much about them growing together. As for Kate’s secret, at first, it seemed like Castle was mostly focused on trying to save his marriage. And as his old insecurities resurfaced in the wake of the separation,(NSA)

it took a while for him to figure out that Kate was hiding something (even if from the start, he kind of wanted to know what he had done?). But I guess it’s appropriate to talk about “self-denial” in regards to that first phase of S8. As you know, S4 is also my favorite, but unlike you I didn’t really appreciate the beginning of S8, despite the similarities between these two seasons. There was this underlying sadness in S8 due to the separation, (NSA)

added to the fact that Caskett weren’t really working together anymore. The end of S4 hurt and it got perhaps even dramatic at times (4x19 wow), because it’s a TV show and there are sweeps, but the secrets between them needed to get out one way or another, preferably before they got together. Plus, what followed made it all worth it in the end (on a side note, it helped that I already knew what would happen in “Always” when I watched those particular episodes). (NSA)

On the other hand, I didn’t find the separation in S8 all that necessary, while in your opinion there was still progression on Beckett’s side. I would also say that the saddest part of the final arc of S4 didn’t last as long as the separation arc? Finally, the transition from the separation to the second half of S8 felt less natural to me than the one between the S4 finale and S5, as the writers had to move things forward faster this time. (NSA)

I think that season 5 is my second least favorite season after season 8, because besides some really great episodes (5x01, 5x04, 5x21), there weren’t that many memorable moments for me. And I prefer the Caskett moments from season 6, because things shifted once they got engaged, in terms of not being tentative around each other anymore. I definitely got this checklisty feeling too though, especially in 6x14 and afterwards. I certainly got frustrated when the wedding (NSA)

they had planned over the second half of the season didn’t see the light of day, because it made me question the point of some of the b-plots. In fact, I often choose to disregard 6x23 completely, lest it make the Caskett goodness in S6 less enjoyable ;) I’m also right there with you on the lack of consistency; on the top of my head I could cite Castle’s mention of torture in 6x18, i.e. right after Beckett got waterboarded. I have to admit that I didn’t really care about most of the cases (NSA)

either, but at the time my focus was primarily on the Caskett moments, so that didn’t bother me so much. I entered season 8 thinking that it would be the last season (thank god), so for me it was highly unlikely that we would get to see a baby on the show anyway. But a pregnancy would still come with its own set of technically difficulties, especially if it happened early on in the season. Indeed, while Beckett now had a desk job given her position as Captain, she would still have (NSA)

to take a maternity leave at some point. But even if I didn’t expect to see a pregnancy in S8, I certainly I hoped there would at least be talks about kids, as well as a pregnancy announcement somewhere down the line. I would have been fine if that last part had only occurred in the season/series finale. Like you I’ve only watched Sleeper once, and now I am kind of glad that I don’t remember much of it because that definitely sounded messy, and not because of you. (NSA)

Oh, okay, now that you say it, 2x24 and “Countdown” are worse in terms of jealousy. I probably shouldn’t have used the term SO because I definitely didn’t view Colin or Jacinda as significant either, and I agree with everything you said afterwards, except for the jealousy being fun. When I told you I was heartbroken, I was mainly thinking about the moment Castle saw Beckett leave with Colin wearing that black dress, the convo between Beckett and Castle at the beginning of 4x20, (NSA)

and Beckett’s face when Castle left the precinct with Detective Slaughter in 4x21. Well Callie, it’s really great that you speak French, because I’m actually French :p I hope it wasn’t too obvious that English is not my first language, and I apologize for the mistakes I probably make when I’m writing these looong “asks”. On the bright side, it makes tidbits of French in the show or in fics really enjoyable (even though I still don’t know what to think of 8x13). (NSA)

I sure had fun when American authors started to bring up “Retrouvailles” during the stream con! Speaking of that, I must say that as far as I’m concerned, this word sounds really nice when the retr- part is pronounced the English way. Plus, for a native English speaker, it’s still easier to pronounce than “maison”, right? I also studied German for 10 years but I’m sadly out of practice now, so I’m not exactly able to speak it fluently. (NSA)

However, I think I could still understand the language if needed. Sur ce, je viens juste de voir que tu as publié un nouveau one shot ! Je m’en vais de ce pas le lire. ;) Passe une bonne journée, et à bientôt ! NSA 13/13 (NB: It’s very possible that I sent the seventh ask twice, in which case I’m sorry.)

Hi NSA! I have to admit, I really missed your messages and these friendly “debates” we’ve been having, but real life concerns always come before internet/fandom. I’m glad to see you bad in my inbox! And thank you, so much, for your well wishes. :)

I’m admittedly not somebody who reads very much. I read a total of eleven books in 2016, including those for the English class I was taking. This year, I’m trying to do better, and my inevitable reading of the Harry Potter series certainly helped with that.

I wouldn’t say I wanted to go back to before they got together, although I do think there were notable flaws with the way their relationship was handled after they did get together (oops, I said it). Rather that I appreciated a shift in the often static and, dare I say shallow story lines we were getting. By which I mean that every episode seemed to have this really, really minor issue that hinted at larger doubts but never evolved into anything only for a completely different and unwarranted/random problem to appear for sweeps.

I most certainly agree that there was an underlying sadness in season 8. Rather than the tentative hope of an inevitable something more that there was through the near-entirety of season 4, season 8 did hold a certain crestfallen attitude of uncertainty in its beginning. I, however, am a sucker for some angst so I found it interesting to explore a new set of emotions of the show. I almost feel like it was an exploration of emotions that were hinted at previously, namely with the summers after season 2 and season 3, but we never got to see on screen until then. I do think, however, that it would have been better had they still been working together as with other seasons. Seeing them in close quarters while trying to maneuver the murky waters of their separation would have certainly added a greater depth to this new dynamic I appreciated, and perhaps would have offered some relief from the sadness that many disliked about season 8.

I also agree that the end of the separation could have been handled far better. While I, personally, didn’t despise it or find it out of character as some did, I do think there’s a certain degree of emotional whiplash between the first portion of season 8 and that which follows.

Season 5 is also among my least favorite seasons, perhaps also my second least favorite as I still prefer it to season 6. Contrarily, I happen to prefer the tentative affection of season 5 Caskett. I think seeing their shift from longing to intimacy to having it was really fun. But I also find this season disjointed in a way. There were her seeming doubts at the end of 5x10 that went nowhere, and then completely random doubts about the severity of their relationship that were, in my opinion, displays of, for lack of a better word, lazy writing. It was turning to the easiest source of drama, even though it didn’t fit in with any of their story, much less recent events in their relationship.

Season 6, on the other hand, had a sense of cohesiveness but based almost wholly on the wedding. The latter half of the season was just episode after episode of them deciding on trivial details of their wedding that presented little emotion from either of them besides giddy affection which, while great, I feel left much to be desired given how monumental their wedding would be, not only for viewers, but for the characters.

I think that’s where I struggle most with these seasons, tbh. I feel that seasons 1-4 gave both Castle and Beckett very complex and well developed stories founded on their histories and the way these have shaped them. There seemed to be an emotional arc for them and their relationship that stretched across their entire relationship, rather than an arc based on getting from point A in the timeline of their relationship to point B (as in, getting together to being engaged, getting engaged to getting married). And I think that, however flawed the season was, and it was flawed, this is what S8 brought back for me, was this emotional development together and as individuals that showed a shift in them, their behavior and the dynamics of their relationship.

While I was someone who would have enjoyed seeing Castle and Beckett with a baby in canon, I have to agree that I never really expected to see it, especially going into season 8. I always kind of imagined the series ending with a pregnancy announcement or a hint that kids were on the horizon. I do still wish that we’d seen conversations about kids/the future beyond that one conversation about going to Paris that we had in season 8. I almost feel like the fake separation was a great opportunity for developing the hypotheticals of their future, as they were still is this almost transition phase between their separation and being back in a fully committed relationship.

And ohhh. Yes, I definitely agree that instances like 2x24 and Countdown are far more heartbreaking than amusing. I guess in my mind I view that as a different emotion for some reason. Perhaps because I see it as less about the other person’s presence, but what it indicates. Like, in 2x12, Beckett’s jealous of Kyra, whereas in 2x24, she seems to be more...mourning the loss of possibility that Gina is merely the embodiment of. The latter is certainly heartbreaking, and I actually struggle to watch it, but I find the prior amusing because they’re so oblivious to something so glaringly obvious.

In the case of 4x20, there’s a little bit of both. I think bother the beginning and then end are more heartbreaking (when Beckett first sees Jacinda, and when he leaves the precinct) but in the middle there’s a degree of that entertaining obliviousness, if that makes sense.

And hey! That’s awesome! J’avoue que j’ai perdue un peu de mon Français depuit mon départ de l’école Francophone, mais je peux encore en parler assez. Je n’aurais jamais deviné que l’Anglais n’était pas ta lange maternelle. J’ai aussi trouvé ça amusant, regarder et écouter aux Américains essayer de prononcer “Retrouvailles”. J’ai aussi essayer d’apprendre l’Allemand, mais les “apps” ne sont pas la façon idéale d’apprendre une nouvelle langue.

J’espère que t’aimes mon histoire la plus récente. À bientôt!

Callie xx

#Anonymous #Anon: NSA #callie rambles

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