ABC's "Castle" wrapped Season 7 Monday (May 11) night with an episode titled "Hollander's Woods," and while some old mysteries were solved, Beckett's future remains questionable.

Editor's note: Haven't watched yet? Be aware that there are spoilers in the copy below.

When a murder happened in the woods just outside the city, Beckett (Stana Katic) and Castle (Nathan Fillion) are called in to help local police. Castle became obsessed with the case because it was just like a death he discovered in Hollander's Woods when he was 11 years old.

Just as any "Castle" episode, the gang are able to solve the case and catch the killer, though, the killer isn't exactly caught. Castle shot and killed him with Beckett's gun while trapped in a barn. It all came full circle for Castle, who reveals that the masked killer made him want to become a writer. Finally, 30 years later he closed that chapter of the book.

Truth be told, yes, the case was interesting and had a much darker twist than a typical "Castle" case, but the backstories and Beckett's storyline were likely more interesting to the audience, plus it sets up season eight nicely.

Meanwhile, Beckett is faced with a major crossroads in her life. She's presented with an opportunity to take a run for state senate or become captain of her own precinct in a year or so since she aced her exam or stay a detective with the boys at the 12th.

Though her bosses at One Police Plaza gave her quite the scare when they took a shot at her detecting methods and relationship with Castle, but she didn't back down. She defended herself, her partnership and marriage.

"You're wrong, sir. In every case you have referenced, I have not only successfully brought the killer to justice but I have done so with the utmost respect for the law and for the department I represent," Beckett said. "And regarding my relationship with Mr. Castle, he has proven to be a brilliant partner and he's always had my back. And as far as his fictional representation of me, I'm proud to have been his inspiration and I am proud to be his wife.

"You asked how I expect to lead? By continuing to fight for what's right, not for what's easy. My job is to protect the citizens of New York and and I will do it by doing my job better than anyone else and getting results.

"I don't cross the line. I put myself on it," she ended her speech with.

Her bosses told her they were basically pushing her buttons to see how she would respond and that she's the prefect person to run for senate because she can't be corrupted and she's a "hero" the people can get behind.

The powerful speech by Katic was one of the best Beckett moments this season and quite frankly, the series. She was strong, determined and like a a fierce lion protecting herself and her family.

And at the end of the hour when Castle gave a speech for his mystery writer award, he thanked all those in his life, but most importantly he dedicated the award to Kate Beckett.

"Seven years I thought I would never write again and then you walked through the door, and my whole world changed," Castle said. "This is because of you, because of us," he said to Beckett. "Always."

It was a nice heartfelt moment to end Season 7 with, especially considering at the time the episode was filmed the show runners didn't know if ABC would green-light Season 8, which they have. The only question marks surrounding next season is Beckett's career path, since both Fillion and Katic inked deals to return for Season 8.

Lagniappe:

  • That final scene with the entire cast was the first time that all of the actors appearanced in a scene together, per a tweet from show creator Andrew W. Marlowe.

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Julie Boudwin can be reached at jboudwin@nola.com.