ABC’s ‘Castle’ season 8, episode 4 review: ‘What Lies Beneath’ is somewhat scattered
Going into Monday night’s “Castle,” we thought that “What Lies Beneath” was going to be a story all about a beloved novelist who passed away thanks to some promotional material released a couple of weeks ago … but it really wasn’t about that at all for most of the hour. Instead, we had an hour stuffed full of conspiracy, twists, turns, and other wrinkles that you more than likely don’t see coming.
We’re really still trying to make sense of this episode. It was far more complicated than your standard “Castle” episode, but it was also moderately funny. To us, the best moment of the entire hour was Castle hiring Ryan to be a rat, as the guy is trying to come up with some new ways to pay the bills. Both he and Ryan were trying to figure out ways to move up in the force, and thanks to Beckett, they both got tickets to take the Sargeant’s exam!
Aside from the mystery, one other compelling little bit of story was getting a chance to see a fun moment between Castle and Beckett for a change! These are two characters who really have not had enough of an opportunity for that lately … but sadly, no solace for those of you hoping for a reconciliation this week. They’re still not back to where the once were. (Insert sigh here.)
In the end, this episode is probably not one we are going to remember too much when we come around to the end of the season. The big reveal was ultimately just that the wife did it, which is about as fundamental an answer as you are going to get with a murder mystery. Part of our ho-hum feeling right now may also be due to like “Castle” episodes that are even more outlandish at times in the investigation process. Grade: C+.
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Rich
October 16, 2015 @ 2:45 pm
All if they pull a Mark Harmon with the new guy we need to not watch this slop. What is wrong with these people. There are not 8 more seasons of Castle. If they want to do a Stana Katic spinoff, then do it. A simple McMillan and Wife season with some well written episodes and then a Baby makes 3 cliffhanger lead in to season 9 and we all go home happy. I even don’t mind the secret case arc, but the breakup/win her back / love interest. Idiotic!
Leo
October 16, 2015 @ 8:14 am
I hope the writers realize joining Caskett ASAP is the only hope the series has to servive. The fall episodes have been an unmitigated disaster, each week recording a new all time low in the ratings .
Vikki
October 13, 2015 @ 4:38 am
Just stupid, not “fun” and still heartbreaking. The separation is so unnecessary and far from being resolved. Next week looks even worse, if possible.
Charles Neale
October 13, 2015 @ 12:22 pm
Vikki I wholeheartedly agree and to top it off they are giving Beckett foil or love interest lawyer in an upcoming episodes so stupid writers need to get act together. Losing more fans and even reviews are staring to decline just look at Matt’s a grade c for last evenings episode.I wander if writers read these reviews?
BLB
October 13, 2015 @ 2:25 pm
I’ve wondered the exact same thing! Do the writers read these reviews??
Buddy
October 13, 2015 @ 4:08 am
The only thing that I liked about the episode was that Beckett finally began to do the smart thing to resolve her issues. She stayed in her office and used her detectives to handle cases so she could work on identifying Bracken’s partner. By doing this she also added some protection of Castle. She also confirmed that she was using Vikram to work with her in resolving her problem.
Finally got to see a “smart” episode instead of an inane “fun” episode and/or a “time wasting” episode. Solve Beckett’s problems, get Caskett back together and then maybe I can relax enough to enjoy a “fun” episode or two.
Jo1
October 14, 2015 @ 1:38 am
I totally agree with you and your reflection. But this prompt, and recurring character too, which will stick Beckett, really worries me. What you think, compared the Caskett and the future of pur principal romance…?
BLB
October 13, 2015 @ 3:15 am
One word for tonight’s episode: boring.
Buddy
October 13, 2015 @ 4:15 am
I imagine that you realized the priest was not blind as soon as you saw him walk as I did. They identified the thief in City Hall all too easily and getting the wife to confess was too easy also.
On the positive side, however, they actually started doing what was necessary in finding Bracken’s partner as I mentioned above.
BLB
October 13, 2015 @ 2:23 pm
Agreed! You knew immediately the priest wasn’t blind. Glad they’re doing something to find Bracken’s partner because I want this storyline ended ASAP.