Castle is one of those rare shows that have been able to find the perfect blend of writing, acting, and chemistry among the cast. They have the ability to handle tragic and gruesome crime scenes with respect and sincerity, while at the same time not taking each other too seriously. A balance that makes the show enjoyable to watch every week.
Richard Castle, is portrayed by Nathan Fillion, who is most well known for playing Malcolm Reynolds in the short lived Joss Whedon series Firefly, which later spawned the movie Serenity. Castle is a famous mystery novelist, who after meeting at a crime scene, has found NYPD Homicide Detective Kate Beckett, portrayed by Stana Katic, to be his muse for his newest line of novels. He bases the character, Nikki Heat, on Beckett’s life story and the cases he shadows her on.
As a very clever tie in you can actually buy the Heat Wave novel, written by “Richard Castle”, which is frequently used and referenced in the show. http://www.amazon.com/Heat-Wave-Nikki-Richard-Castle/dp/1401323820
While in the beginning Beckett resisted the partnership, seeing Castle as a hindrance to her investigations. But over time Castle and Beckett have developed an enjoyable love/hate relationship. He frequently gets on her nerves with his mischievousness while at the same time she has admitted to enjoying it, as it is a welcome distraction from the very dark cases she works. There is the “will they or wont they” aspect to their partnership, but unlike other shows, the characters address it and make light of it instead of letting it become frustrating to the fans.
In this week’s episode, “The Late Shaft”, Dancing with the Stars host, Tom Bergeron, plays a late night TV host, Bobby Mann. Castle is appearing on the show to promote his newest Nikki Heat novel. After a short interview, Mann quietly tells Castle he believes “they” want him dead. Castle, somewhat unsure of whether to take him seriously or not, is shocked to find out the next morning that Mann has been found dead, due to a supposed heart attack. The police believe the M.E.’s reports that it is nothing more than a heart attack given Mann’s history of heart problems. Castle urges them to investigate further based on Mann’s warning to him. Beckett agrees to look into it further and they find proof that there may be some truth to Mann’s paranoia. As Castle later says, “You’re not paranoid if someone is actually trying to kill you.”
After checking Mann’s notebook and seeing that he was considering changing his signature line, Castle insists that he and Beckett need their own signature line. It is these lighter moments of the show that keep the story from going where so many other procedural shows have gone before and allow the characters to have fun with each other in the midst of a murder investigation. It also gives us lines like these: Castle: We should have our own signature line! “She’s armed. He’s dangerous.” Beckett: Hmm no. Castle: How about, “A whole new chapter in crime solving!” Chapter! Get it? Beckett: Oh! No.
After test results come back, it is determined he was in fact intentionally poisoned by a common cooking substance that had deadly interactions with his medication. It soon becomes not just a murder investigation but also a juggling act to keep information away from the press.
The investigation is made more difficult by Mann’s seemingly erratic behavior the night of his death, making it hard to determine where he was and who he was with in the final moments before he died.
As a reflection of Nathan Fillion’s own fondness for twitter they use the social site to help locate the area where Mann was last seen, because as Castle explains, a celebrity in a Bugatti Veyron, people aren’t just going to notice it, they’re going to tweet it.
The great part about Castle is that they don’t just give you one suspect; they give you eight, which makes it very entertaining to watch. Since I don’t want to spoil it for you by telling you exactly who did and didn’t do it, let’s just say that are so many suspects with means and motives it will keep you guessing right up to the reveal.
The episode ends by showcasing what may be one of the best father and daughter relationships on TV right now, which is very refreshing to see. Molly C. Quinn, who plays Alexis, Castle’s daughter is a very talented young actress. I expect she will have a great career in the years to come.
One of the things that lends to the success of the show is that the cast and crew seem to have just as much fun off screen as they do on. They truly love their jobs and it show in what they do. Many members of the cast and crew are on twitter and are very entertaining to follow so I’ve listed them for anyone who would like to check them out! Also listed is CastleTV.net, a fan run website and the best place to go for all things Castle!
@NathanFillion – Nathan Fillion
@Stana_Katic – Stana Katic
@Jon_Huertas – Jon Huertas
@tamalajones – Tamala Jones
@TerriEdda – Terri Miller
@WriteRCastle – Richard Castle
@CastleTV – Castle TV.net
I would also like to say congratulations to the cast and crew of Castle on being picked up for a third season! Hopefully there will be many more seasons to come!
Loading ...
Recent Comments