And exhale... the relief is literally palpable in the fandom tonight! Castle has been officially been confirmed as "picked up" for season 7!! 

Gif credit to Synorama

We can now go into Monday's episode with open arms!! Bring on the cliffhanger! Thank you ABC! Congratulations Andrew and Terri and to the rest of the cast a crew!

Sincerely, (One relieved fangirl)
Cami

"Veritas" 06.22 -Castle

"You know, Castle, my mom had a saying...vincit omnia veritas. Truth conquers all.”

Last night's episode of Castle was without a doubt, one of my most fulfilling experiences in this fandom. "Veritas" the team's penultimate episode of the sixth season was set up with the highest of expectations, and proceeded to shatter every single one of them.

I would like to take pause before my recap and further opinions and say, that from the writing, showrunning, acting, lighting, cinematography and scoring, anyone involved in the making of this episode not only brought their 'A' game, but they were playing on an entirely new level. 

Photo Credit Twitter @Castle_ABC

And with that,.... away we go. 

"That 70's Show" - 06.20 Castle

Long time no post!! Congratulations on making it through the Castle mini hiatus! I can only imagine what the summer hiatus will bring! I delved into several "hiatus projects' to keep myself sane. I also have some surprises and some FANdemonium Network exclusives planned for everyone! Now onto last night's episode and a little Monday Night Fever!!

Photo Credit: ABC Studios Via @Castle_ABC

"That 70's Show" was a trip down memory lane for some, and a throwback to times gone by for the rest of us! I went into the episode with an open mind after seeing some less than stellar reviews from some of the screeners. I honestly didn't care that the episode seemed like filler, I am just glad to have new Castle back on my TV! I was so pleased by the episode, it was a 43 minute laugh session for me! It also had it's share of some of the most touching moments, the "Last Dance" in particular.

To kick off the ep, we have a construction crew demolishing a building that was built in 1978 and finding our 'body"! We are swiftly whisked into the loft, where our my favorite couple is just starting out their day. Only to be ambushed by Martha and her over the top wedding ideas. The Beckett "wife claw" moment was such an inspired moment, the unspoken dialogue of, "You deal with your mother before I deal with her!" I will say again and not for the last time, Rick and Kate wear their domesticity well. 

And away we go to the crime scene, after vowing to find something productive for Martha to do so she feels included, Ryan, Espo, and Lanie all bring Beckett and Castle up to date on the details of the crime scene. When Castle catches the biggest break of them all and is able to identify our victim. Who is none other than Vince Bianchi of the Bianchi crime family. I love that with Gates gone, Kate is the ranking officer, leaving her to run the precinct. A little foreshadowing perhaps?? Kate brings in the detective that was once assigned to the Bianchi case to get new leads on the case. Which leads us to Harold, who, because of Vince's disappearance suffers from 'pathological grieving'. Introducing us to our first taste of the 70's fun to come!

To get the information that they need from Harold, Castle employs the help of his over dramatic and ever so eager to help mother, to transform not only the team, but also the morgue and precinct back to the 70's glory days! After an attempted mob hit, the team is in a rush to get the coveted info from Harold before it is too late! Everything is going along according to "Captain" Castle's plan, that is until Gates returns from her terrorism seminar early. Uh oh... Cupcake's in trouble!! 

 Harold finally makes all the connections between the clues that are provided and figures out when and where Vince was killed, but we also find a deeper connection between Vince and Harold. Vince had plans to merge his crime family with another, by marrying into the "family" but ultimately couldn't go through with it, out of his love for Harold. In the end the spurned bride to be, Maria, took him out with two shots. No one suspected her, that is until the gunman she hired to shoot up the 12th rolled on her to save himself.

In fitting tribute to Vince, Harold and the team from the precinct head to Glitterati to dance the night away. Beckett, Stana looked amazing on the arm of Castle, and Ryan sure showed his dance moves! But the Gates stole the scene, looking absolutely stunning! I've read some very hilarious headcanon about what happened over the course of the night, and if you're interested, I'm sure there is plenty more to be found on tumblr! In a touching end to the episode, Kate and Rick look on, as Harold gives Vince, their "Last Dance" before whirling Captain Gates into his arms. 

All the key players were back for this episode, much like they were for season 4's "The Blue Butterfly". The costumes, as with any episode of this type, seemed to be a character all their own, much in part to the fabulous costuming and designing done by Luke Reichle. I like that they played Harold and Vince's relationship with such serious undertones, the lines, "It is the year I need it to be!" and "You and Vince were in love." were delivered with such authentic emotion by both Jon Polito and Nathan Fillion. 

All in all, it was a fun and entertaining episode and I loved it! Next week's "Law and Boarder" looks to be quite entertaining as well. We're on the very last downhill slide of this season and I am already emotionally preparing for "Veritas" and "For Better or For Worse". I'm really excited to hopefully sharing my surprises and exclusives soon!

 To keep up with daily updates, feel free to follow along with me on tumblr! I'd love to hear from you guys!! I've missed updating this past month! I'm planning a re-watch for the summer for any of you that would like to join in. 

~CamiFaith

OAUT - "Quiet Minds"

“Quiet Minds” was a shocker on so many levels, it makes you wonder what sort of tally system the writers use to keep score with. The ripples of this episode will be felt through the season finale I am sure and it will definitely embed itself into some of our favorite characters.

Crazy Rumple is not a pretty sight. That said, let’s move on to the rest of the episode.

I was a bit surprised that Emma admitted wanting to return to her pretend life in New York City to both Neal and Charming. After a few years of magic, curses and a host of villains you would have thought she’d get it by now. Nothing is going to be easy for the savior and as soon as she figures this out her life might actually be kind of fun and Henry would probably be happier too.

Courtesy of ABC Studios

Regina recognizes her chance at true love and walks away. This was very intriguing because it makes you wonder, is she scared this isn’t going to work and her heart will be broken or is she scared one of her many enemies will find out and use him against her? Robin doesn’t look like the walking away kind of guy so it should be fun watching this play out.

The journey in the Enchanted Forest to uncover the “tomb” of the Dark One certainly peeled back a relative circus of writing opportunities. Neal wants to find his father only because he thinks Rumple can get him back to Henry and Emma – totally ignoring the fact that Emma pretty much told him there was no chance with her – and appearing a bit selfish in the pursuit. Belle, on the other hand, just wants her guy back.

Now, I’m not saying Neal’s death wasn’t tragic but again, I go back to the writers and that mystical tally board thinking whose death would serve the greatest purpose.

The Wicked Witch knows exactly what she is doing. She cut Rumple deeper and faster than any blade by sinking his son into his consciousness. Zelena also knew that by ripping him away she would shackle any thoughts of Rumple trying to escape. He is battered and beaten.

Now, with the showdown coming between Evil and Wicked it will be interesting to see if the Dark One’s blade turns back into his hands.

And who else thinks Snow’s baby is going to have a wee touch of green?

"The Greater Good" 06.19 Castle

Sorry for the late posting! I think I am in hiatus denial!

Well we are on a downhill roll to the end of season six. With only four episodes left to to go, "The Greater Good" came out to me as a more character centric rather than case centric episode. I loved getting to see and find out more of Gates' backstory. It really drove home why her character is as by the book as she has been since her introduction. It was also nice getting to see her interact with her sister on a personal level. But my favorite Gates moment of the night came when Kate gave her all the props for being a fantastic Captain. It felt like her initiation into "this immediate family".

Photo Credit: ABC Studios via @Castle_ABC

As we are introduced to our case, we find ourselves in a disheveled apartment, that has been worked over pretty well. Our first glimpses of our vic are sidelined by the mysterious photographer in black, leaving us, as always with more questions than answers.

And on to Caskett and their blissful domesticity!! The wedding planning continues with talks of needing a new venue. Castle's suggestion about Coney Island, harkens a conversation with Beckett about the day that she and her dad went there after her mom's funeral. It is really amazing the depth of continuity that the writers go to. It was in that conversation that we got the quote, "...Even on the worst days, there's a possibility for joy." But the suggestion is swiftly shot down by Ms. Beckett due to lack of seating. Which brings them to face their next problem, the guest list. Both of them have declared that they want the ceremony to be small and intimate, to really focus on the coming together of two people that are dedicated and in love. But with a projected guest list of 500+, that might not be in the cards for our love birds!

Sadly, the insider trading and government espionage side of the case melted into the background for me. Instead, the interaction between Gates and her sister, bore the brunt of my attention. Gates' sister is involved because the U.S. Attorneys' office has been using our victim to find out information. The episode title is used a little to liberally from all the wrong people, and while everything that is done for "The Greater Good" its best to remember that the wrong thing for the right reasons, is still the wrong thing. (Dropping some knowledge on y'all) Gates has to weigh destroying her sister's rapidly crumbling case with finding out why Canderro was killed. Which in the end, garners her the respect and admiration from her sister that would have been there all along, if she wasn't holding such a grudge. To see both of them let down their walls, that they have been building and reinforcing since 1998 was refreshing!

Who do we need at the wedding to be happy?

This episode was so delightfully personal. We had all the key players, minus Alexis, present and accounted for, which is always a high point for me! And the final scene of planning banter, was in a word adorable! But now we play the long game of waiting. Welcome to Castle hiatus number 2 of season 6, new episodes will not air again until April 21st.  All I can say is scroll tumblr, read fanfic, and talk with us on Twitter, because those will be my coping mechanisms for this and the summer hiatus! With a Bowman and Winter ep followed by the MilMar finale, I think that the fandom should get prepared for a wild ride!

The bright side of posting today, (a little happy accident) is that I can officially say, Happy Birthday to our 'Rick Castle' Nathan Fillion! 

If you haven't checked out Nathan's birthday project with Charity Water, I highly encourage you to. To this point we have surpassed his original goal of $15,000 and have donated $20,000+ to fund clean water projects across the globe. 

"The Way of the Ninja" - 06.18 Castle

This week's episode was such a refreshing reminder of all the reasons that I've fallen head over heels for Castle! I will admit, and not be the first actually to concede that this episode blew away all of my expectations. I personally don't watch the promos that get released on Monday, I want to leave a couple of surprise moments, and this tactic did not let me down! The episode originally looked like a fluff episode with an unlikely villain, far fetched Castle theories, and Beckett dealing with Castle's "alternative" interrogation techniques. However, the underlying depth and relationship moments of this episode were incredible testaments to the writers, cast, and crew!  And in a request that is years old.... Nathan Fillion finally got his ninja assassins!!            

                                  “Castle is, right now, very into ninja assassins.” 

                                               — Nathan Fillion (Paleyfest 2012)

Photo Credit: @ABC_Castle (Twitter)

OUAT - "New York Serenade"

“New York City Serenade” was everything “Once Upon A Time” is about and more and with the added bonus of the “Wicked is Coming” compilation/tease featuring the actors’ commentary about the show it was a magical night indeed.

Dreams can come true, love is out there and hope remains a magical source of the human spirit. “Once Upon A Time” continues to touch and expand on those old fairytale themes that many of us grew up with and still enjoy. It weaves a complicated spell of excellent storytelling both light and dark and the spring season opened with a bang.

When all our favorites minus Emma, Henry and Rumple bounce back into the Enchanted forest things seem a bit off for everyone. It is definitely not right here and no one is talking for fear of repercussions from the Wicked Witch who has barricaded herself in Regina’s castle.

Regina is devastated to the point of burying her own heart in the woods so she can avoid the pain of losing Henry. It was really nice to see that Snow was the one who caused her to reconsider revealing a definite growth in the two characters until one of the flying monkeys, with extremely long fingernails, tries to snatch Regina.

Courtesy of ABC studios

Meanwhile in New York City, Emma is living an enchanted life. She has her son, her job, an awesome apartment and a guy who is head over heels for her. All seems well until Hook forces her to face the fact that this is not real and her parents are in trouble. While Emma resists, her awfully sweet boyfriend pushes for commitment and Emma’s own curiosity causes her to take another look at her life.

With the help of a magic potion, Emma recovers her past and learns her boyfriend was one of the monkeys making it a lot easier to take Henry and return to Storybrooke. We were all led to believe that this quaint little town was devastated by the curse so it was a surprise to discover all seemed well except for a definite lapse in everyone’s memory.

No one recalls how they returned or what happened while they were there but there is obviously a lot that happened like Snow’s pregnancy.

Are there new portals to travel back and forth between realms? There must be because the Wicked Witch seemed to have a definite interest in keeping Emma trapped in her fantasy life. How far is Wicked’s reach and what will the citizens of Storybrooke have to do to get rid of her?

"In the Belly of the Beast" - 06.17 Castle

This past Monday's episode was probably one of the most hyped ones of the season, and with good reason. "In the Belly of the Beast" is in my opinion of the best episodes of the entire show. It will definitely go down in the books as the darkest and most intense, or as Terri Edda Miller describes, "Gripping."  As fans we've all believed in the range that Stana Katic has the ability to portray, but with this latest addition to her repertoire, season 6 has seen her as a love struck bride to be, a grieving child, and now someone in a fierce fight for survival. This is going to be a long one!!

Photo Credit: ABC Studios

"Castle's" Stana Katic Attends the 2014 Film International Spirit Awards

Better late than never was the sentiment of the night as fans on the blue carpet and on twitter not so patiently waited the arrival of Stana Katic. 

Photo edit credit to stanakaticland

Stana's date for the evening was her mother, who beamed on from the carpet with palpable pride for her little girl. 

Stana was a vision in a blue gown by Yigal Azrouel. 

Stana has always been a champion of experimental and independent film. Her 2011 film "For Lovers Only" was labeled as an 'experimental film' to wave Stana's SAG fee. Stana believed in the message of Mark Polish's vision enough to complete the 12 day shoot providing her own wardrobe, all unpaid. "A lot of the riskier stories are being told by the independent film world, and I love that!"

Photo edit credit to stanakaticland

Stana completed her night by attending the ultra private Night Before Party at the Beverly Hills Hotel. 

Photo edit credit to stanakaticland

Stana's rushed arrival lead to the only downside of the evening. After making sure she made time for fans, the photographers for the event felt unsatisfied by her time on the carpet and began to boo her, with one sole member shouting out to, "Leave her alone!" Not only did this show their level of classlessness, but it also showed how unfeeling the majority of those in the profession are. I am not alone in my feelings or opinions of distaste for their behavior. To show such disrespect for not only her in that moment, but to do it in front of her mother was deplorable. Stana continued to be the epitome of grace, as she returned to the photo line to satisfy those who jeered her, though her brilliant smile was noticeably diminished. 

On a much brighter note, there are hopes that Stana will attend the Academy awards tonight.  Fingers crossed! 

"Room 147" - 06.16 Castle

This episode gives us something the Castle fandom has never experienced: a theory-less Rick Castle. In my opinion, "Room 147" was a fantastic first episode from writer, Adam Frost. Between the case and the character interaction and development, he really proves that he deserved the promotion in the writer's room!

Photo Credit: ABC Studios/ Origin @Castle_ABC (Twitter)

Faced with three similar, seemingly identical confessions to the same murder, Castle and Beckett must sift through what is different about each one to find the actual truth. 

This case lives up to Castle and Beckett's love of the 'weird ones' from brain washing, memory wiping, and memory implanting, all the hands of a charismatic cult leader. We eventually find out that none of the confessors or Dr. Bower were at the helm for this week's murder. However, Dr. Bower is still guilty by association. Mr. Marquette was presumed guilty for his involvement in a promotional video for EHI. He eventually fell victim to Pam, a producer that worked with Mr. Marquette's off, off, off, off, Broadway production, as she sought vengeance for her brother's untimely death.  

The highlight of the episode in my opinion comes straight from the halls of the "What we want to see" list on tumblr! We've been waiting so long for an exposition scene between Alexis and Beckett. We got a glimpse of one in "Like Father, Like Daughter" but actually seeing the two have these moments of acceptance and how to fit back into each other's lives make my fangirl heart so happy! 

With the blessing from Beckett, that her penance had truly been paid, we end the episode with Alexis humbly asking her dad if she can come back home. 

Photo Credit: ABC Studios/ Edit Credit: drinkingcastleskoolaid.tumblr.com

As warm and fluffy as this episode ended, there is literally no way for me to prepare for Beckett's solo undercover work in "The Belly of the Beast". The tweets alone about this episode have me dreading and anticipating 06.17 all at the same time! 

Have a great week Castle fans! I'd love to hear your thoughts about this and other episodes! ~CamiFaith

Lifetime Cancels 'Army Wives' After Seven Seasons

Lifetime is closing the book on Army Wives.

The female-skewing cable network has opted to cancel its longest-running original scripted drama after seven seasons, The Hollywood Reporter has learned.

The series, which hails from ABC Studios, wrapped its final season in June and will conclude with a two-hour retrospective special with the cast that will air early next year.

"There is no denying how special Army Wives has been to both Lifetime and the television landscape," Lifetime GM Rob Sharenow said of the series following women and their spouses and families living on an active Army post. "By taking on a very relevant and timely issue, it has brilliantly captured the challenges our military families endure and the bravery they and their loved ones display while serving our country. It has been an honor to be the home of Army Wives. We also want to thank Army Wives’ passionate legion of fans and everyone involved with the series: ABC Studios, Mark Gordon and Jeff Melvoin,Tanya Biank, every single castmember, as well as the crew and community of Charleston, South Carolina. Without their dedication, effort and loyalty, Army Wives’seven wonderful seasons would not have been possible; and for that we are very grateful.”

Season seven averaged 2.5 million total viewers, down from season six's 3.2 million average. The series returned in March without star Kim Delaney and co-star Sally Pressman having a reduced role. In a bid to replenish its ranks, Army Wives added Ashanti, Torrey DeVitto, Jesse McCartney and Brooke Shields, among others new regular and recurring players. 

Army Wives helped put Lifetime on the original scripted series map. Moving forward, the network has drama Witches of East End due this fall as well as the second season of Marc Cherry's Devious Maids set for next year.

Source: THR