As “ready” as Castle and Beckett were, I was in no way prepared for this episode! “Clear and Present Danger” is so far my favorite episode of season 7 and might be making its way into my top ten!! After two episodes of really heavy subject matter, (which were necessary to introduce the new mythology) it was refreshing to get back to some of the iconic things that make “Castle” what it is.
THE FLIRTING IS BACK!! I as much as the next fan was thrilled to see the character progression into a full fledged Caskett relationship, I will admit to missing the flirting and the tension that made S3 and S4 so delicious! This is in large part to the amazing chemistry between Stana and Nathan, and the writing team that took the lead for 07.03. Chad and Dara Creasey were a new addition to the writing team last year, and I can honestly say I love the way that they write, their episodes are consistently among my favorites! 
The case was right up ‘Caskett’s’ alley, with both of them admittedly having an affinity for the “weird ones”! It was great to see Castle back to his wild theories and it is even greater to see that this was one of the few times that he was on the mark! A crime committed by an invisible assailant, and she would have gotten away with it too if it weren’t for those darn cuddlefish! I honestly did not suspect the ex/current girlfriend!
This episode was such a pleasant throwback to me! It was such a physical episode! (And no I don’t just mean that!! I know where your mind went!) I cannot wait to see the bloopers from this episode! I can just imagine the directing of this one; “Nathan pretend that you’re being smacked around!” “Stana, you’re being held against the wall and choked…” and the cutest scene of the night, the ‘mind meld’ moment with the fire extinguishers! It was so nice to see both of their characters having fun again. 
And now we are going there… we have waited for an episode like this since “Always” and “Murder, He Wrote”! I like that it wasn’t gratuitously written into the episode. As I do appreciate Stana’s stance and what is seemingly the directional team’s stance on not using Castle and Beckett’s physical relationship as a throw-away or time-filler for every episode. Both Nathan and Stana, have proven that they have such an understanding of their characters, that more can be expressed through words, looks, touches, and gestures, that these can be the window to the intimacy that they are moving back to. I love that it is written as a plot device, that through the abstinence of his disappearance and its continuation upon his homecoming, that they are both concerned if the other is “ready.” They haven’t pushed each other and it has admittedly been weeks since Castle’s return. And they have watched movies. Lots. Of. Movies. For lack of an objective or educated view or stance, and just kinda cause I want to, this was hot. Thank you Creaseys!
Again I have to voice my appreciation for them continuing to show focus on the side stories each episode! The supporting cast of Castle are all talented in their own rights, and I really enjoy that they are showing them off this season! Susan Sullivan’s moment in this episode has definitely been one of the most talked about and certainly one of the most laughed about!
Gif content courtesy of ABC Studios Gif credit to drinkingcastleskoolaid.tumblr.com
I also am loving that they are giving Espo and Ryan their own storylines in each episode! Continuing down the vein of Kevin’s worries about being able to support his family, it is completely logical that he would have gotten a second job! Rysposito is one of the best played ‘bromances’ on television to date, partially because Dever and Huertas maintain the same relationship outside of work! And as much as I love the teasing, and the thong throwback from “Almost Famous”, this episode really needs to be the last time Ryan gets teased for providing his family.
The following is in MY own opinion and is not affiliated with the opinions and thoughts of ANYONE else! –
I am not sure if they are wanting to play Esposito as a little miffed that his friends are all seemingly getting their lives in order, but he has seemed to have a chip on his shoulder for awhile. He is short, if not downright rude to Castle, and then is the first to doubt him and his whereabouts, even in the face of Beckett’s need for faith. I really hope that his getting back with Lanie will be a positive move in the right direction. I love the character and would really like to see him played as part of the team again as opposed to a jerk. The jury is still out on my decision about Espo, I will just wait to see how they play his story out!
This episode was a great mix of the past we have loved and the present! I cannot wait to see how the rest of the season will play out! Next Monday’s episode is sure to please! Be sure to tune in Monday night for 07.04 – “Child’s Play”!
I would love to hear your theories and your questions about the episode! Drop a line in the comments or reach me on Twitter @camifaith_fn and on tumblr at drinkingcastleskoolaid.tumblr.com!
