You may wonder how a new mystery/detective series could get you to watch when network and cable TV is saturated with them. First, Richard Castle is played by the talented Nathan Fillion. Can this really be the same person who played Dr.Pomattor in Waitress? Fan’s of Joss Whedon’s ‘Firefly’ and ‘Dr. Horrible’s Sing Along’ will also be familiar with Fillion. Like the great fictional detectives of the past, Castle uses a mix of comedy, romance, and whodunit to craft an engaging story arc that will keep you watching. And female fans will find a lot to appreciate as well. Stana Katic, as Detective Kate Beckett, carries the female counterpoint to Fillion’s Richard Castle. She has earned a role co-starring in her own show, after playing parts in various episodes of other shows. Add to that Castle’s daughter, Alexis (Molly C. Quinn), and his mother, Martha Heath (Susan Sullivan) and a police force filled with well-portrayed supporting actors.
Even with such a great group of actors it’s the writing that keeps me watching. Written by Barry Schindel, David Grae, Andrew W. Marlowe, and Charles Murray the pilot was a solid introduction to this new series and its characters. After the first show was apprehensive that the writers could keep the intermix of comedy and complex crime stories going for an entire season. I have been wrong.
Castle and Beckett are the classic pair who have a relationship filled with sexual tension, the male pushing, the woman keeping him at arms length. He is a successful fiction writer who has been allowed to shadow Beckett, much to her chagrin. Although he often gets in the way, speaks out of turn, and manages to be annoying, he also redeems himself. Slowly, Beckett is learning to have faith in Castle, including his risk-taking, and finds herself caring more and more about him. And he has small ways of endearing himself to the staff, such as buying them a very upscale coffee machine.
Castle’s mom and daughter are both full of contrasting elements. His mother is immature, takes advantage, and bears watching. Wise beyond her age, the daughter holds her grandmother in line and provides a lot of support for her father. Castle is a dedicated dad who frets without reason (so far) for Alexis. She is one of the best actors in the series. Given her youth she should have a long career.
I cannot wait to watch the next episode. I hope it will run for a long time. I’m especially excited about upcoming shows because I just ordered the Comcast HD Triple Play. A short time ago, I finally got my own HDTV so soon I will be able to relax watch all of me favorite TV shows like Castle in high-def sound and picture. I discovered an unbeatable deal online that lets me bundle all three digital services offered by Comcast, Digital Cable, Digital Phone, and High Speed Internet, into a low monthly bill. Beyond Digital Cable with HD, I can’t wait to try out my new broadband internet service from Comcast. The ancient DSL connection I had was so unpredictable and slow I couldn’t watch any videos online or listen to great new music. That won’t be an issue now. And with Comcast Digital Voice, I don’t ever have to worry about per minute phone bills anymore. I can talk to whoever I want, local or long distance, anywhere in the country and only have one low bill. If you are in a Comcast serviceable area you should definitely look at the best deals they’re offering right now. I don’t know how long they’ll last!
