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My Favorite TV Christmas Movies
Random List of Actresses
Hallmark Ladies Who Always Have a Smile
Reviews
A Reason for the Season (2024)
Christmas Evie
This movie has an unusual take on a Christmas pay-it-forward story, or perhaps a charitable Secret Santa. It is an appealing approach to an already appealing premise. The opening scene works right into that.
Then there is the scene with mom's ridiculous do-or-die requirement for Evie/Mary to earn her Trust fund. I wish the writers would have toned the whole thing down a little. It appears to Evie and the viewer to be more of a Hail Mary (no pun intended) effort rather than a fair opportunity to prove herself. The requirement is reinforced a couple of times. Mom even acknowledges at one point that the task is more than difficult and that she has already failed once to make it happen.
I like Kyle's approach moving forward from the beginning. And the story develops very nicely. Meanwhile Taylor Cole and Kevin McGarry build some nice playful chemistry. And the spoiled arrogant rich girl quickly turns into a smart and kind lady. The acts of kindness proceed and in general terms the result is about what you'd expect. Strangely, the story lacked, at least in my view, a key element of all Christmas rom/com stories. To identify it would be a spoiler so I can't say more. The movie managed to succeed without it.
The Jingle Bell Jubilee (2023)
Another
This is another Christmas movie like so many others this time of year on half dozen or more channels. There is definitely a feel of writers trying to check all the boxes.
I can say two things right away but even though they are obvious, they don't really make the movie exceptional in any way. First, like so many on this network, there is almost no tension, unless you count awkward tension. The writers try to manufacture some by the mayor's constant concern about the success of the Jubilee, but this is overdone and Nate isn't going to drop the ball. Second, yes as other reviewers have pointed out, Hope is so self-deprecating, it detracts from what is obviously a sweet and attractive young lady. Not just modest, but over the top.
Several things in the movie are clumsy. I was floored by the commercial break while Hope and Nate were in the mayor's office. Hope was just gearing up her pitch and they cut away. Then agan another break when Andy was winding up to ask Hope something. Another thing was how much Hope was trying to push Allison on Nate while Nate was being obviously polite but uninterested. At the tree lot, Andy's conversation toward that end was also awkward.
The acting in general is fair to poor. So much of it seemed like community theatre people reading their lines. That might not be surprising given how lame much of the dialogue was. Some of it made me cringe. I think Kristian Jordan's Andy is supposed to be funny, but I didn't laugh.
Then there is Regiftmas. This concept just didn't grab me. I think the term regifting has become too negative and even the rebranding of it in the story just didn't work.
Every rom/com or Christmas romance needs a conflict before the climax. The conflict, if you would even call it that - maybe call it an obstacle - was the least conflictive one I can remember, and I've watch several hundred of these TV movies.
Note to self - you do not want to watch this again.
Five Gold Rings (2024)
A quest story
A lot of Christmas stories revolve around a quest for the lead couple. And this one, like so many, is a quest to find people to return sentimental items to. Actually, the quest is more often about one item. I think having 5 different items for 5 people spreads the joy for the viewer because returning each item brings a sentimental moment.
I loved Holland Roden in her episode of the It's Time for ____ to Come Home series. (Him I think.) She does an equally good job here and she actually generates some chemistry with Nolan Gerard Funk. He really is way too stiff. I liked one reviewer's comment comparing him to Spock. Aside from his stiffness, most of the acting is good.
There are a couple of small twists. The one which creates the conflict probably was anticipated by some viewers but not me. I thought the conflict was blown up too much by Audrey. The explanation offered by her mother should have been obvious.
The 5-Year Christmas Party (2024)
Kate
Movies like this where the story only progresses at successive Christmas meetings have one strike against them to start for me. I think this movie really captures why. The lead couple just doesn't seem right together. A relationship needs to fill in between times, not have gaps. People change over a year and you can't really know a person only at certain seasons, especially Christmas. In short, I just can't buy that they really love each other. There are too many red flags about the future.
Having said that, the story, as it is, is well done. Mostly Kate Findley. I find her to be unique. She brings life to her character no matter what is going on in the character's story. The dialogue and events in this story are perfect for Kate. I can really picture this person, Alice, as a real person, crazy as she is.
A Carol for Two (2024)
Get over Brad
Yes I just absolutely hated Brad, but somehow I didn't hate him completely. Something pathetic about him mitigated the dislike and it was pretty obvious that he was the foil.
It's been a while since I've seen a Cyrano take-off. This one was done fairly well if you could get past Brad. Thanks to numerous song performances, the story didn't have to be overly complicated. It worked even if it didn't explore any philosophical romantic subtext in any depth. I thought Violette overreacted a little at the last minute revelation. I guess it makes sense when you take into account the stress and pre-performance jitters.
There was some witty dialogue and the singing was great. I would want to call this a musical, but that usually means the song numbers advance the story more rather than being nice performances sprinkled in. Jordan Litz and Ginna Claire Mason both have good voices - better than the usual in this type of movie where an experienced actor or two give performances, but their main role is the acting. These two have chemistry. I was comfortable watching their relationship develop. And there was nothing wrong with their acting.
Hallmark Christmas movies like this are famous for giving HEA's in overabundance at the end.
Our Holiday Story (2024)
Nicely done
The premise has a common element (a couple keeps missing each other) but is done differently than any I can remember. The find each other more quickly than in some stories, but what makes this different is that the couple's story is a flashback as told to their daughter's prospective suitor. The story of the younger couple becomes just as prominent as the flashback story. The issue with Dave and Nell's story moves from missing connections to an important hidden fact about Nell. The audience knows right away and the daughter finds out pretty quickly, but Dave not knowing becomes the potential problem.
Meanwhile, the younger couple struggle with a less obvious missed connection, or should I say miscommunication. Defining what real love in a relationship is common in this genre. I don't always agree with how much "being in love" is stressed. I believe love is a choice. There is an element of both in Chris and Jo's relationship. I didn't really resonate with Jo's uncertainty, but it was a necessary counterpoint to the issues her parents had in the flashback story. The overall story develops a parallel as it brings both couples together (one in flashback and the other in real time).
The dialogue is witty. The acting is decent. Nikki Deloach is one of my favorite for Hallmark, but I didn't resonate with Nell's self struggle as much as I would have liked. I am wondering if it because I have come to see Nikki's characters a certain way and just couldn't accept that with Nell.
This is a movie I will probably look forward to watching again down the road.
Holiday Mismatch (2024)
It works
I normally don't like stories with overbearing and meddling parents, especially when their personalities are so annoying. These two are a little over the top, or at least Kath is. Somehow the viewer almost grows to like the two moms. Meanwhile, the young couple are appealing characters.
I've never seen Maxine Denis before, but I hope she becomes a regular for Hallmark. Lauren's character is a little uncertain of herself, but makes up for it. She and John McLaren have chemistry.
The premise of fake dating is fairly common, but I can't remember it being done by focusing on the meddling moms as much as the couple themselves. Of course you know the moms are going to screw things up, but for a while everything they do goes the opposite of their intentions to sabotage the relationship. I thought the way the story finally threw in the monkey wrench was a little clumsy, but I often do with the obstacle in the story.
The movie was fun.
Outlander: Both Sides Now (2014)
Intentionally disturbing
The parental guide on this site documents the disturbing scenes of Claire's rape and abuse, but fails to note the subtleties that make it even more disturbing. Remember that Claire is from a future era where the greatest war of all has resulted in victory for civilized human beings. She may have heard of some of the atrocities against human rights, but likely not quite yet in 1945. And women in Western nations are beginning to find the freedoms that come with careers. Now she is thrown back to an era where Men (male men) ruled with no regard for human rights especially female human rights. The setting is even more dire since England's domination of Scotland at this time is infamous in history.
It is no coincidence that Claire is almost raped twice in this episode. The first time is a case of a stranger taking advantage of opportunity for, well not for anything complicated. But the second is much more nuanced. Any comments I've seen regarding Black Jack's actions go no further than lifting her skirts and being interrupted. But the violation of Claire's dignity goes on. She already has her hands tied and is pressed down on the table after being partially stripped and dragged by her hair, then humiliatingly exposed from behind. But wait, there's more. Jack finds her one item of protection and takes it despite it being useless to her as she now is. He takes her tool of defense and turns it on her, teasing her naked breast. There is a hint that he might actually mutilate her exposed symbol of womanhood (the more obvious symbol is too much even for cable TV) had he not been interrupted.
The suspense is obvious, but there is also a message of the ultimate in misogyny. There is no protection from men in this age, except other men. She has already been forced to marry Jaime in the name of protection. This is not the last time Claire will be abused and need to be rescued by her hero.
A Vintage Christmas (2024)
Unusual in part
The premise is based on plot elements that include very common ones (save the town building, unrestrained commercial progress is bad, fulfilling others' Christmas wishes, a secret by one lead that comes out inconveniently), and at least one that is unusual (the Christmas letters are over 30 years old). In the secondary romance story there is a variation on another (a woman coaches a man on relationships with women) with it also being a little unusual in that the woman is not herself a really qualified coach but rather speed reads relationship books and summarizes them for the man. On paper all these elements may be a lot, but they provide a lot of potential for an entertaining story.
I was entertained, but subconsciously I think I felt like things were piling up too quickly. Barely noticeable, but something was ever so slightly off. Transitions perhaps.
Speaking of too quickly, Hallmark-like movies are notorious for people falling in love very quickly. In this case, it was both the initial ease with which these two rivals over the building started working together, and then later the falling in love. I think this is where I felt it was off because it seemed like a leap rather than building into it.
Merritt Patterson and Christopher Russell do have chemistry. I would have liked to have seen more of that.
I have long been a fan of Patterson. To say that she is a beautiful woman is an understatement. It is her eyes that can really grab your attention. I'm not joking here to imply something else. I've noted this before. There is one scene where she wears a green outfit, and I swear her eyes are bright green. Later she is back to blue, even when Russell in green is right up close to her. Also, interesting that the math puts the letter writing Tessa at close to or older than 40 and Patterson is merely 34.
Some of the fulfilled wishes make for nice moments. I did find it unlikely that you would but a singer on the spot to perform with no warning or preparation and consider that a gift.
Overall, this is an enjoyable Christmas movie in part because of the unusual story elements. I'm not sure how eager I am to watch it again, although I am drawn to movies with this particular actress.
'Twas the Date Before Christmas (2024)
Enjoyable
Countdown to Christmas starts off this year with a decent entry. The basic premise of fake date is pretty common, but this movie does it well and with a couple of things that give the premise a slightly different flavor.
At first I wanted to say Jessie was pathetic. Not only was her reason for the date a little lame, but her whole demeanor leading up to it was a little whiny. The viewer finds out later that there are deeper issues which has taken joy out of her life and that's why she really needs the fun and comfort of this crazy family Christmas.
I was expecting a lot more friction early in the date, but instead the two got off to a good start. Bryan is an interesting guy who slides right into the craziness of the Chamberlin Family Christmas Olympics. Bryan and Jessie start to find each other to be appealing. But soon Bryan discovers he has a secret that won't go over well with the family. He can't help it, but it's there. More than that, he starts to have a fondness not only for Jessie, but for the entire family.
The viewer knows in general terms what is going to happen from here, but that doesn't really matter. The antics of the contests are fun and there is definite chemistry between Groening and Buckley.
This is a movie I can watch again. Maybe if all the new Christmas premieres on more than a handful of channels aren't that good, I will even watch again this year.
Holiday Crashers (2024)
Jail time
This movie is titled and starts out as one about two young women who become experienced party crashers. They lie through their teeth about who they are and what they do.
About a third of the way through it becomes a story about the leads developing their relationship at a retreat. Toni is a law graduate who panicked during her bar exam but gets mistaken for a real lawyer. Many rom/coms and Christmas movies have an important lie hanging over the protagonist's head waiting to break at the worst moment. The problem with this movie is that Toni's complete deception is at best unethical and probably just plain criminal. This is not your typical deception story. What is going on is more than just some prank or misunderstanding.
Beyond any legal issues, the two young women are full of energy and entertaining. In other words, they are a little wild at times. There is chemistry with Fonseca and Chris McNally. This is probably a decent movie and fun too if you can get past the legal issues. I can't.
JAG: Jinx (1997)
Love story?
Hallmark can ramp up a late husband's best friend courting the wife in under 90 minutes. A TV series episode gets half that. Still, somehow it seemed forced. It just did not seem like Harm was really into her rather than feeling responsible. It also seemed like Mac was trying hard not to notice despite the short time knowing him.
A Jinx is a strange thing and the most logical people can get caught in it. It doesn't seem to make sense to outsiders. I'm not sure you could break it that easy, but then they don't make sense to start with.
It does seem like a stretch to send 3 people from JAG and about the only thing any of them seemed to contribute to the investigation was two interviews.
JAG: Death Watch (1998)
Lazy, contradictions, unsatisfying
This is supposed to bring a conclusion to the incomplete season 1 finale. It doesn't at all address the final scene of that episode. I mentioned in my S2E1 review that it interesting to go from that into the next aired scene at the White House being totally the polar opposite for Harm. No scene ever intervened between those two and they don't really insert anything here. It's like that never happened. I suppose Bellisario can rewrite cannon.
I found the ending of this episode disturbing as well in terms of what it says about Harm. He has always lived on the edge, putting his own judgements above anything others, laws or society might dictate, but I really prefer it didn't go this far.
I saw a comment that Mac's attire makes no sense. Perhaps it goes against norms for a Marine, but it was certainly what was needed to fit in this particular moment.
It's just my opinion but that kiss - I thought it looked like Mac was sinking into a deep affection for Harm there, rather than merely letting him live out a memory.
JAG: Fair Winds and Following Seas (2005)
Let me talk about a comparison to a seemingly unrelated show
The show Castle is one of maybe a handful of shows that qualify as my favorites all time. In that show, the writers and producers teased a relationship for a few years, then consummated it physically, teased a little more, then married them and finally done. 8 seasons altogether.
My first comparison is in how unsatisfying was the finale. Stana Katic was definitely leaving there. Here probably the same for DJE. In both these shows the writers were challenged to satisfy the viewers, mostly the shippers. (No relation to the Navy.) The shippers won in Castle and the ending gave them what they wanted, but as an afterthought and very rushed. Here, I don't think there was an afterthought, nor was it rushed, but the obstacles to successful shipping seemed more imposing. You can argue that there might have been another way. Perhaps they thought a coin flip was cute especially as the frozen shot displayed the show's emblem. Whatever the obstacles or alternatives, this ending was unsatisfying. What's the expression - like kissing your sister? To make it worse, a few later episodes of NCIS seemed to dampen even what little resolution made here.
I want to make another comparison to Castle. Castle and Beckett had some serious struggles as a couple, even a married one. The reality was even deeper than what appeared on the surface. Neither character shared their emotions honestly. Both made important decisions about the other without consultation. Anyone who knows anything about real life relationships knows that those character flaws are difficult to overcome and may re-emerge. In the case of this show, I see similar issues more with Harm than Mac. He says he is over all the distractions like his father, but is he? If nothing else, his career is his first mistress or probably closer to his real wife. Even Mac has a bent towards career, but I could maybe see her softening a little. My point is, there are warning signs that don't point to an HEA. It just doesn't make sense that Harm would really retire.
This episode has a small nod to a story unrelated to the lovers. It looks like it is an attempt to redeem Vukovic but I'm not convinced. It does make me wonder what are the differences between him and a young Harm? I don't seen Vukovic growing into a Harmon Rabb clone. We also see Bud and Hariet's future laid out as well as Coates, and Mikey's (separately).
JAG: We the People (1997)
Everything has changed
Well not everything, but enough. The show has changed networks and some of the thematic elements. The character of Harm is much the same, though perhaps not quite as consistently hyperbolic. Mac is neither junior nor senior to Harm, so that is a different dynamic. There still is and will be a lot of patriotism.
When rewatching season 1, I sometimes wondered what was the essential difference between this show and the later NCIS, other than Harm's unlikely heroics. Starting with the switch to CBS, viewers will see the lawyers actually do some lawyering. In season 1, appearances in an American military court setting were few. It is almost ironic that the final, and incomplete S1 episode involves an actual NCIS agent.
With the departure of Krennick, I expected the sexual harassment to fade away, but there is already an instance which should have gotten at least a yellow light.
This episode refuses to answer the question of what got Harm out of the pickle that ended S1, but it does tease the resemblance between Mac and Shonke often with flashbacks. It is cute the way the opening of this episode is a polar opposite to that pickle in terms of Harm.
I'm not sure the mystery of this story is that mysterious. I'm sure it was more than remembering what I last saw probably over a decade ago that made me see the answer very early. But then the real purpose of this episode is to establish the new character and foreshadow new interactions more than unfold a complicated plot.
JAG: Black Ops (1996)
Now he is a Seal
I suspect you need to be something of a patriot to love this show. It gets quite cheesy at times, but that's kind of like comfort food in the way they do it. If you aren't singing Anchors Aweigh you are whistling the Jag theme song as you walk away from the TV.
Harmon Rabb Jr has already proven to be an amazing Naval Aviator (except for night vision), a crafty lawyer, a Jason Bourne, a James Bond including a bit of the playboy side, and even a diplomat at times. Now he has joined the Navy Seals, even if only for one mission. Admiral Chegwidden, himself a former Seal, helps add some of the mystique and pageantry of the Seals to this episode. He still shows that he isn't afraid to push against regs to get what he wants, but he definitely appears to be a man of honor.
There is some friction between Army and Navy again, but on this show, the Navy is always the good guys.
JAG: Hemlock (1996)
Sometimes it's just too far
Harmon Rabb has trouble with boundaries. When it comes to relationships with female co-worker he appears to stay in bounds as much as necessary to avoid discipline but pushes the envelope. When it comes to security, his only boundary is his own judgment. He would consider himself a morale and loyal person, a patriot even, but only within his own system of ethics. Chegwidden is starting out the same, at least professionally. Krennick likewise, but seems to have even less boundaries than Harm when it comes to men. She has already blatantly sexually harassed Harm by walking unannounced into his apartment expecting a liaison, twice. When unsuccessful the last time, she appears ready to make him pay professionally, since she is his superior. Her reversal upon Meg's shooting almost makes sense, but seems a little too quick.
Harm and Krennick charge off to catch the super-assassin, Hemlock, accepting advice to be careful from no one. Harm was already ready to disregard advice on the fax before the shooting. They have little to go on besides Krennick seeing the killer. So who do they turn to? They turn to Meg's "uncle" Ollie North who is imbued with virtual omniscience in intelligence (as in spy knowledge).
This leads to a scene with another intelligence source who makes Krennick seem like a nun as far as tact with the opposite sex. It almost seems appropriate that she will have to pay her due when this guy turns the same behavior on her. It is funny and it's not. The show runners seem to be happy to make fun of sexual harassment, since this is not the first time.
JAG: Smoked (1996)
Another fantasy
I mentioned in an earlier review that sometimes I think these stories are written by middle-schoolers. Even so, if the episode is enough fun, as a viewer I can still enjoy some of the fun.
This time, Harm practices his spy skills combined with a little MacGyver.
The American civilian government official is the clown this time. And somehow the Navy JAG office orchestrates a plot contrary to another plot by the NSA. Chegwidden may be ambitious and willing to push the envelope, but acting without coordinating with State is just too stupid. It did make for some good moments like the Ass Secretary getting wet in the shower, but come on man.
The sexual harassment in the office is back more blatant than ever, but now it's Alison doing the harassing and Harm isn't complaining. They actually make some fun out of the Yellow Light and Red Light references bringing the Cuban Captain into the gag. Poor Meg also has to put up with some of it.
And Harm makes a Lear jet outfly a fighter, twice. Yep, fantasy.
JAG: Defensive Action (1996)
He's the CAG
Isn't it strange that a show about lawyers is one I remember fondly given that I detest courtroom dramas. My opinion of lawyers isn't much better and even one of these lawyers is heard to agree when CAG basically says that. I also find the hyperbole of turning Harm into an action hearing on many occasions to be a little over the top. Still, it strikes a positive chord somewhere inside of me when he comes through.
It is good to rewatch a series that shows fictional stories representing America's true heroes, our men and women in uniform. This episode particularly struck that cord and it wasn't Harm's heroics that played that note the best. It was CAG's speech. As Krennick says, it was brilliant, brilliant because it was true.
The climax of the rescue was poorly done. This series often shows heroic scenes that defy believability. Most action dramas often do. In this case, it is far worse than usual. It is Harm wiggling his machine gone while shooting and pretty much everyone with machine guns not hitting anything even while being sitting ducks.
This episode reminds me that there seems to be a common theme making civilian government officials out to be the enemies of both people in uniform and justice in general.
JAG: Scimitar (1995)
Fantasy
I've seen many comment that Jag is fairly accurate in details regarding US military customs and procedures.
Sometimes I complain to my wife about shows like this being written by middle-schoolers. This is one example.
Perhaps viewers in the 90's were not as familiar with practices in Muslim countries as they are in 2024, and Sadam's Iraq was slightly more progressive than other Muslim countries but almost all the interactions between males and females portrayed here are ridiculous. Meg's blatant disrespect of the Iraqi colonel alone might even have led to her death, certainly to some serious retaliation. Her superiors would have known Meg couldn't be lead counsel and in fact it is unlikely she would have been permitted to even assist. As this site mentions in goofs, Meg doesn't wear any head coverings which is another flaw. These goofs would be one thing by themselves, but so much of the story and dramatic tension just wouldn't be possible. It would have led to more than tension. The way Dumai walks into Rabb's room before the climax is another example of gender interaction that would never happen.
None of that compares to the ridiculousness of the attempted rescue. Almost every episode of this series attempts to raise Harm to the level of Jason Bourne or some other super action hero, Meg's attempt to further the plan is just as ridiculous escalating to the point of silly fantasy with what follows. This one just goes too far.
For most of this episode, it avoids the inuendo and sexual inferences between Harm and Meg, but the last scene attempts to make up for it. I doubt that this series could have got by with a fraction of that or the misogyny today, although I'm sure the latter was probably worse in the Navy then even than what is shown.
Wreathmaker Christmas (2024)
Pedestrian
The script is what I will call pedestrian. By that I mean that the scenes and dialogue are the usual everyday kind of things. I don't watch movies to see just everyday things. While the story needs to seem real, I think it should have some things that stand out. Take Rebecca's backstory. Nothing stands out, it sounds like so many others. Jason's backstory that he wants his own restaurant is one of the more common ones. The dialogue is the same, no spark. Nor is there much humor.
Rebecca is nice enough, but again, not much that stands out. Jason is very nice which is central to the story. He is outgoing also. Maybe a bit too much of a people pleaser.
Friends and family are pushing really hard on the couple to be dating. This is normal for this genre, but when little else stands out in the story, this seems a bigger deal than it really is.
There isn't a much tension in the story beyond trying to get caught up. The conflict near the end is pretty common. It wasn't telegraphed but it wasn't surprising.
The acting is not good. Especially Wollett and Elliott seem like they are trying too hard. They just deliver their lines back and forth. Most of all there really isn't any chemistry. Jason's climatic appeal almost sounds like it belongs in a debate contest more than a rom/com.
This aired on Great American Family which is a faith based network. There were lines inserted here and there about prayer, but not much more than that.
Castle: In the Belly of the Beast (2014)
Signs of the show's demise
The writing is truly bad, or as another reviewer said, this is a boilerplate story jammed into the Castle universe. Actually though, that almost doesn't make sense because Marlowe is one of the writers, so "what was he thinking?" You know the story is going to be off the beaten Castle path when Beckett is briefed. So why is she the only person who can do it? Because Beckett speaks fluent Russian.
I was totally down on Gates in her first season. This season, her relationship with Castle is up and down, but not blind disdain. She sounds reasonable in this episode, but wrong. Gates should have stopped it without asking Beckett. This setup is a fiasco waiting to happen. Listen to Fowler. He is not convinced of this plan and his intelligence for the op is virtually non-existent. So let's send Beckett in to replace a woman assuming no one has ever seen her. The other reviewer who went off on this pointed out, Beckett's face has been all over the public. She is known professionally by a lot of people who are prominent in crime circles.
We've known for several episodes one thing that will be key, and Beckett doesn't recognize it when it happens, but she eventually figures it out.
Once again, the story paints a picture of people in high places with power, both political and physical muscle. Really high! Becket and Castle, you need to be far more careful going forward than any viewer knows they will be. That's why I really don't like this ongoing plot thread.
There are a few good Caskett moments even when they are physically apart. And I think that's why junk like this episode gets such high marks. There are so many fans that love anything Caskett.
Castle: Dressed to Kill (2014)
The Dress
First of all, I hate the dress, but I'm a man, so who cares?
Trust between Castle and Beckett is becoming a major thread in these later seasons. More that trust in everyday things. More than trust with their lives which for people like this is easier than the deeper issue. Either would step in front of a bullet for the other, and both have come close to that. No the problem in the trust arena is feelings. Castle often pontificates about the origin story. And a lot of what will cause problems in their relationship going forward has to do with feelings related to their origins.
There is a scene where M asks Beckett to model a wedding dress. The scene where she stands in the mirror as emotions pour through her is a poignant one. And it is one I misinterpreted until she explains what it was to Castle later, even though he wasn't there.
In this episode we get an omen for the future of Caskett which is more hopeful than Beckett's sexual teasing which have seen so much of since their engagement.
Castle: Deep Cover (2014)
House of cards
Not that any episode of Castle is that realistic start to finish, but this one just made me abandon belief. That and the fact that I'm not a fan of the Castle's dad thread. For one thing, I have seen the whole series a few times, and for reasons I won't go into, I have no respect for his dad.
Once again we have trust issues in the Caskett relationship. I won't expand on that either except to say that Kate accepts the deception and explanation way too easily. Maybe it is a sign that Kate does trust Castle deep down, but despite Castle's difficult options, I don't think the situation looks good on him. And I'm not convinced that Kate has reached that level of trust yet.
Castle: The Good, the Bad & the Baby (2013)
Look at that face
There are so many great moments in this episode, it is a must watch. Many reviewers, including myself, have noted over the seasons that family is a big thread in this show. We get to see that in so many ways here.
This is an episode with very little friction between Castle and Beckett for any reason. Even what might have caused some friction didn't. Beckett is anxious about the idea of babies, but when Castle wants to take Cosmo home, she not only agrees but takes the everyday obstacles that come with a baby like a champ. Even faced with a soiled diaper, she still has a smile. There are so many funny moments and cute baby moments. The morning after scenes are totally upbeat and the vista of their previous night's suffering is just one more that is cute and funny.
The crime mystery is clever. And the climax of that whole story is uplifting. The epilogue of the family Thanksgiving dinner has a cute typically Castle/Beckett twist, or two.