If you were on Twitter or Tumblr at all this week chances are you saw a lot of discussion
about this week’s episode “Under the Influence.” I was actually surprised by the amount of
negativity circulating around this episode and the lack of overall interest
which leads to my one soap box comment of the week. I apologize in advance if anyone disagrees or is offended but it’s just my opinion so take it with a grain of salt and feel free to
discuss it with me. Castle is an ensemble cast show and features a lot of great
characters and talented actors. If you
read Cliff Notes on a weekly basis you know I LOVE Caskett as much as anyone
but the fact that people were dismissing this episode just because it was not
Caskett centered, and they thought it looked “boring” was crazy to me. Every Castle episode serves a purpose and
getting background on the supporting characters opens up entirely new, fresh story-lines So have faith in the show
and keep the ratings up! Ok, stepping
off my soapbox now! I really enjoyed
this episode and I hope you guys did too!
Maybe you were even presently surprised by the episode J Okay, enough complaining; let’s get on with the
countdown!
5. NYPD Calendar
You’re
going to learn really fast in this countdown that I loved the story-line between
Esposito and Joey. Starting off the
countdown I have a lighter moment that occurred after Beckett didn't have luck
getting information from Joey. Esposito
tells her he wants a shot at it and he walks in to talk to Joey who asks “Hey, where’s
the super hot detective?” Don’t get me wrong Joey, Beckett’s gorgeous (understatement
of the century) but if I had to be interrogated I wouldn't mind Detective
Esposito being the one to do it. Espo, always
quick with his wit responds “oh, you’re looking at him, don’t lie I was
featured in the NYPD calendar.” Umm…where
can I get a copy of that? Joey doesn't seem
to share my enthusiasm though sarcastically saying “I bet that was a big seller.” Come on Joey, even guys aren't immune to the
sexy ways of Javier!
4. You’re Alright for a Cop
At
the end of the episode, Espo meets up with Shane at his usual bar
location. He approaches him and says “this
is my gun, and this one will be yours.
You ever go near Joey or any other kid ever again the story’s gonna go
like this: You pulled that piece on me and I had to defend myself so I killed
you, you understand me? Or should we play out that story right here right now?” The authority in his voice was so strong and I
had goosebumps because it was so intense!
Shane responded with “I hear you” which was probably for the best,
because based on the look on Esposito’s face he wasn’t messing around. Also, after speaking with Shane, Javi is in
his car with Joey where he shows him his juvenile record. Turns out our sexy cop had a bit of a
troubled past with his record including assault, resisting arrest, and unlawful
possession. Joey speaks for all of us
saying “you were a mess” but it was so fantastic to learn about Esposito’s past
and how he became the cop he is today.
Even tough guys have a soft spot though, and Espo tells Joey he can call
him if he needs anything. Joey responds
with “you’re alright for a cop” which was a sweet moment between these two. Learning about Javi’s past and seeing his
caring side earn this a solid spot on this week’s countdown!

3. Pajama Party
Later
in the episode, Beckett and Esposito are talking with Joey’s case worker who is
trying to figure out where to place him since his uncle is not around and
unable to be contacted. She says that
she has to put him in temporary foster care which Esposito nixes because it is
not safe for Joey to be “out there” right now because he could get killed. The case workers second option is putting him
in protective custody in juvenile hall, but Esposito doesn’t like this idea
either because it will not help him gain Joey’s trust. As Beckett put it, Joey is the key to solving
their murder so they can’t risk him not trusting them. Esposito then offers to
take him so that he can keep him safe and gain his trust at the same time which
earns a look of approval from Beckett.
The case worker agrees to delay the paperwork one night and Esposito claims
that he’s “got this” and “the kid doesn’t have a father so he probably just
needs someone to connect with.” Turns
out Espo doesn’t “have it” though because after getting to his apartment and Joey
stating he would rather have a pajama party with the lady cop (sorry that’s
reserved for Castle), Joey sneaks out the window. Don’t worry though, Esposito caught up with
him eventually and took extra measures to make sure he didn’t get away again
(hello handcuffs)!

2. Lose a Turn
This
episode got off to a fun start with Castle and Beckett arriving at the crime
scene arguing about Beckett losing a turn and it being “the rules” that she
loses that turn. Losing a turn in what
you ask? A game? Nope.
Turns out Castle and Beckett had a little movie night. I’ll give you a second to make up a nice
scenario in your mind with Castle and Beckett cuddling on the couch watching
movies… ok fantasy time over! Castle
immediately asks Espo’s advice about “the rules” asking “In a relationship if
you choose a movie and you choose very, very poorly do you lose your
turn?” Esposito asks “how poorly?” and we find out Beckett chose the chick flick
“Valentine’s Day.” Esposito tells her “you should lose two turns” and we get a
nice bro fist bump between Castle and Espo.
Beckett is clearly frustrated and Espo says “I’m just saying those are
the rules” which elicits a “that’s ridiculous” from Kate. I agree girl!
A relationship is about compromise and if you agree to take turns then
that’s how it goes no matter how much the other person hates your choice. One request though; next time Caskett has a
movie night I want a nice little cuddling on the couch scene!

1. Nuts
on the Rocks
Esposito
goes to a bar to find Shane Winters (who bailed out Joey and Holly) but it
doesn’t look good for Javi when Mr. Winters bodyguard comes up to him and says
he isn’t taking any meetings today.
Finally answering the bartender’s question of what he wants to drink,
Espo asks for a bag of ice. Confused and
irritated the bartender asks “what the hell do you want with a bag of ice?” but
I instantly knew where this was going and it wasn’t looking good for the
bodyguard! Espo turns and hits the
bodyguard in what I’ll call the “man zone” and down he goes. Esposito replies to the bartender saying “it’s
for him” and then steps over his body.
Always the gentlemen though, he does say “excuse me” as he makes his way
to Shane. I loved this scene because it
showed Esposito’s tough guy side and how invested he was in getting the killer
in this case but also how he keeps his suave personality in the process. Keeping it classy and kicking ass…That’s how
I like my Esposito and why it’s number one on my scale! Let’s be honest…with
such an Esposito centered episode you knew he would be a number one moment
right?

So since this episode did face some tough
criticism what did you guys think? Were
you excited for an Espo centered episode or were you not too excited about it
and you ended up being pleasantly surprised? What other supporting characters
would you like to learn more about in future episodes? Would you include
different moments or have a different #1? Join the discussion in the comments
section below, tweet me @DenialLove or tweet us at @TwelfthPrecinct! Follow me, I’ll follow you and we’ll talk Castle! It will be fun J
All Screencaps from Castle-Fans.org
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