ABC’s ‘Castle’ season 8, episode 2 review: Is Beckett leaving Castle?

One episode into the Terence Paul Winter – Alexi Hawley chapter of “Castle” last week, we were somewhat unsure as to whether or not the tone was working.

Now that we’ve seen “XX,” we are feeling much more strongly about the creator’s vision … however hard that may be. This was a pretty fantastic hour that worked hard to tie together many important elements of the show’s past, and also said farewell to someone who has been a huge part of Kate’s mythology: Bracken. The disgraced Senator was killed in prison as a part of a lengthy conspiracy spot, one that spanned multiple different villains and even Kate’s time in Washington.

As a matter of fact, right when we started to think that the case was resolved, we learned that it seemed like one of Beckett’s former higher-ups in Allison Hyde was involved. Then, it turned out that she was seemingly gone, making us think that all of this could be over … or was it? Beckett knew that the real culprit behind everything was still out there, and she has to make it her mission now to figure out where it is. Her determination is something that we admire, but it also caused one of the biggest shockers of the fall season so far.

The story concluded with Beckett leaving Castle for the time being to pursue what or who is out there, knowing that this could cause a rift between them and leave him heartbroken. Are they splitting? We’re not saying that; she is instead trying to protect him, but doing it in a way that is only going to be hurtful. When are these people going to learn they are actually better together?

We understand that some out there may be frustrated with the end, but we do feel like this is a strong story the new showrunners are telling still, and one worth following. Also, we’ve seen enough teasers over time to know that somehow, Rick and Kate are going to find a way to keep working together. So while “XX” and this story may be a risk, we at least admire the effort to shake things up this deep into a run.

Are you enjoying where the story is heading this season? Let us know in the comments, and click here for some other news, including a preview for what lies ahead! Also, be sure to sign up here in the event you want some further TV news on all we cover, sent right in your direction via our CarterMatt Newsletter. (Photo: ABC.)