We’re not OK with that Castle twist
The game most definitely changed on this week’s episode of Castle as Kate Beckett (Stana Katic) packed her bag and walked out on husband Richard Castle (Nathan Fillion) to go pursue and take down a conspiracy in the Attorney General’s office. While Kate’s newfound stepmother-in-law Rita (Ann Cusack) may understand her decision, agreeing that this was a way she could protect Castle and those she loves, I was left feeling quite the opposite. As the credits rolled I was angry and confused by Beckett’s decision, but overall saddened that the writers once again had her go off on her own, thus separating the couple that gives the show its spark.
For eight seasons I’ve watched Castle because of the magic that is Castle and Beckett working a case together. From theory building (no matter how ridiculous they may be) to the knowing glances shared between the two, that is what sets Castle apart from so many procedural shows on the air today. It’s been a joy as a viewer to watch Beckett grow from feeling like an exasperated, put upon partner of Castle’s, to now be his wife who not only supports his crazy, far out theories and methods, but also finds them endearing. The chemistry between Fillion and Katic, and what happens when Caskett solves crimes together, is why I watch the show.
So why take that away from us now? If I’m watching a show to see that relationship, it simply doesn’t work for me when they are forced apart. These are two characters that are better together and the whole show works better when they are together. Didn’t we learn that during last season’s private investigator arc? Also, it makes no sense to have characters vow to be “partners in crime and in life,” and then have Beckett walk off to solve this mystery on her own. Yes, Rita said this is what had to be done in order to protect Castle, but it’s no secret they are married. If someone really wanted to get at Beckett it’s not a huge leap for them to figure out they should go after Castle. At least if they are together then she’s still right there to protect him.
Even after Castle and Beckett finally got together as a couple, after four seasons of will-they-or-won’t-they courtship, they have never been boring to watch. Seeing them together, working out how their relationship would be both personally and professionally now that they were sleeping together was still compelling television week after week. Sure, the cases of the week tend to get out of this world at times, but I have always been completely content to watch these two face real couple issues head on. There’s still so much for them to explore, from when or if there will be Caskett babies to how Beckett becoming Captain changes their work dynamic, and so much more. This extra layer was simply not needed.
But I get it, there are viewers out there that simply want and need the angst. And I could get on board with that train of thought if I felt like Caskett needed to get a “spark” back or if viewership had dropped off drastically after Season 5 when they became a couple. But that simply hasn’t happened. New showrunners Alexi Hawley and Terence Paul Winter have alluded to the fact that they want viewers to see Castle and Beckett fall in love all over again, but haven’t we been there, done that? We did that for years and now it’s time for us to be rewarded for that loyalty and see them continue their love story as a couple. Let us see what happens to the couple at the end of the movie after the credits roll because I’m betting with Castle and Beckett that’s still a very interesting story to tell.
There’s also the fact that Beckett’s decision doesn’t feel like angst, it just feels mean and I’ve never thought of Kate Beckett as mean. Sure, she’s lied in the past, just as she is now, and always with the same motive: to protect Castle. There’s just something about this time that feels cruel. As much as I love Beckett’s character there comes a point when we have to ask “how many times can Rick be expected to be lied to and still be there waiting for her when all is said and done?” There must be a breaking point and hopefully this is not it.
So while I do agree it’s a little early to go and hit the panic button on Season 8, seeing as it’s only been two episodes, I still have to express my disappointment and skepticism at the path Hawley and Winter have decided to take. Let’s just hope this arc only lasts a few episodes and we can ride it on out until Caskett is reunited and solving crimes together again before we know it. For therein lies the magic of Castle and something I hope hasn’t disappeared for good.
What did you think of Kate’s decision? Are you upset with it or excited to see where the show goes from here? Sound off in the comments with your thoughts.
Castle airs Mondays at 10 p.m. ET on ABC and CTV.
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About The Author
Bridget Liszewski
Editor in Chief Bridget Liszewski comes from a long line of TV Junkies who fostered her love of television from a very young age. She's channeled that passion into covering both US and Canadian television shows, and is thankful everyday for the invention of the DVR. A graduate of the University of Notre Dame, she loves college football and is a fan of sports in general. Bridget is always up for talking TV and you can follow her on twitter at @BridgetOnTV.
I hate when TV shows do this. Any time a major couple like this splits you know it wont last long as it goes against the major element of the show. Those stand alone episodes require the two of them to be together.
it’s like on Supernatural when the boys have a fight. you know it wont last longer than an episode because they have to be together to solve cases —- its the same with castle.
This is not a dark show usually but they are flirting with losing the audience with this just as they lost huge numbers during that whole Kate’s Mom darkness. I don’t know why writers think they can change the entire premise of a show and keep audience, they will leave. I’ll watch recaps and return when this whole plot is over.
I don’t think that she is really gone for a long time. I think it is normal to think about that how to protect the one who love. I’m absolutely sure that she will protect him and find a way to come back very soon. Solving cases together is the show and the showrunner knows that. Think about the time at the FBI. Meanwhile Castle will investigate of his own because he is looking for answers – always.
I’ve had it! I have NEVER missed an episode and any way you slice it as a viewer I feel cheated! I’m very disappointed in the new show runners. I’ve just had it! I will NOT watch until I’ve read somewhere that Kate is back home so while I may be only one fan, they’ve lost me as a viewer until this stupidity is over!!!
Bridget
I hope ABC read this column, because I think you’ve got it right. I HATED the PI arc and I HATE it when writers lazily breakup a couple to add ‘drama’ to a situation. This trope has been used so much on TV, that audiences know that it is a way to add fake tension and nothing more. The showrunners must know what works for Castle, but going back to something that has been already been used too much in this series already shows a certain desparation on their part.
This whole story line is a problem for me. How many times have we been through this with Bracken related stuff? It feels tired to me. I would not be so upset about the angst if the story line were new and fresh. Also, it isn’t it overly simplistic to the point of ridiculous to think that just because she left him, these people wouldn’t still think to use him against her? The way they could use her father, which of course is not mentioned. Story has no depth or complexity at all.
Yup, it really felt mean. You pretty much said what all the fans said, so I’m not gonna repeat it. I’m disappointed that the writes chose this direction. Also [MAJOR SPOILER AHEAD FOR THE NEXT EPISODE!!!!] I don’t like how now Castle is gonna try and win her back. She should be trying to win him back after she broke her vows and left him alone. What the heck Castle writers? What are you thinking?
The show runners did it. They are the murderers. Yes, they are in the process of murdering the show. There’s a dead body in the form of these first two episodes. The murder weapon is a gratuitous and manipulative script rife with inexplicable new characters, absurd plot twists, truly embarrassing dialogue and significant and painful character devolution. I’m not sure of their motivation, but they surely have the means and opportunity. Seriously, we’ve already watched seven seasons. We’re committed. If we’re watching now it’s because we like the show as is. We all know this is the last season. Why mess with us?
Just no. So much no. The leaving is so unnecessary, and not only is it cruel to Castle, it is cruel to the viewers also. They just got married for bleeps sake!! Now he has to “win her back”???? After what, a few MONTHS of marriage? Seriously? They can’t find a way to keep the spark going without this?? NOT HAPPY.
This show is so unorganized. U just don’t get it. If vikram is with beckett bc she will protect him. Y can’t she protect her husband? I just want now castle to completely ignore Beckett it’s enough. She’ll have to win him back. Or better castle dies bc of her and she feels guilty and the show ends.
Why on earth does HE need to win her AGAIN?? He has done nothing wrong to make her leave. They just got married, so why separate them? They say there’s another twist coming in the fall finale and it better be a very good one, because this is terrible to do to a show that revolves around the love story of these characters. She needs to prove to him that she loves him more than some case, and leaving to protect him is not it, especially when he has no clue what’s going on.
Great article Bridget. You hit is square on the head, this feels mean and manipulative on the part of Beckett and the show runners. A break-up wasn’t necessary and the entire Bracke/Johanna story is so done, over, buried. This episode showed a real lack of creativity on the part of the writers. Imagine what great material NF and SK could have gotten out of the drama and angst of Beckett trying to deal with her angst together. They need some serious time with Dr. Burke to deal with Beckett’s obsession and Castle’s unhealthy, co-dependent relationship with his daughter.
I would have found Kate’s leaving easier to swallow if she had to go or Castle would die. But (1) Rita said he’d be safe if she didn’t go after lockstat, so she chose her obsession over Castle, and (2) unless she makes it public that she hates Castle, which the promo photos make clear she isn’t, it seems to me that the man she loves is even MORE vulnerable because the bad guys logically would kill the people she loves, and she won’t be there to protect him. So basically, we have a weak reason for the breakup, or a sign that Kate desperately needs therapy to get over the obsession. And she could have started therapy without moving out!!!
Agree and it seems like it’s gonna last for a long time and the never needed a spark they make it sound like there a old couple
The spark has been gone for me. There had been a lot of episodes ESP before they got married. Where the writers alluded to their relationship but you never actually see it. I binged watched seasons 1-7. There is definitely a drop off. That being said they really didnt need to split them up. Just needs more sexy teasing and flirting. If this group of writers need a split up to reset the button ok. I’ll wait it out but what happens when they get back together? If they don’t put the sexy back in when they do there is still a problem.
What was another glaring irritation to me was Beckett just accepts that this woman is Castles stepmother with no questions asked no investigating or verifying of her cockamamie story. And she just appears out of nowhere.
I disagree with some of the comments.
1.Castle’s relationship with his daughter is perfectly healthy. He wants to protect her while letting her grow up. Her joining the ‘firm’ would be normal in real life
2. I really think the Private Investigator story line is a good addition to the show. He can own the firm, Alexis runs it. Hires investigators and on occasion the cases cross over between PI and the 12th
3. Kate should have taken Rick aside and told him about the Lockstat problem and let them talk it out and decide what to do. I mean that is how they handled Vulcan Simmons
I personally see this arc a major parting from what this show was to be. The new guys told the viewers they knew what they were doing, but like so many ‘Artists’ they want to show everyone that their choice of ‘Art’ is not what the audience wants to see.
Around the country there are major exhibits of ‘Art’ that no one wants to look at.
I am afraid that his is one of those now
ruined the best show on tv for me i hope no body watches , they need a wake up call people want them happy not sad
Now we are all speculating. We can´t say the spark is gone, etc. IMO this is not a break up. There was not a fight. She tells him she loves him, she´s keeping her wedding ring (I saw the pictures of ep 4). I think we will see a new hint of their love, a little bit bitter or sad, but interesting.
It sounds like they will still be working together on cases, but for me that makes a nonsense of the split. Why on earth would KB leave RC (for his own protection) then continue to work with him on cases – ludicrous premise, and as you say just plain mean (to the fans). I will not enjoy their ‘spark’ and banter in these episodes, as even if the world of Castle goes on as if nothing much has happened, it has. The underlying rift will ruin any efforts at humour and fun in lighter episodes for me.
Disappointing in the extreme.