Crime TV Heroes: On ‘Castle’ season 8, Stana Katic’s Kate Beckett, and the future
“Castle” is at its heart a story about a few different things: An author finding his voice, a love story, and a New York police officer finding the best way to serve the city. For some time, Kate Beckett struggled with the weight of her mother’s death and a thirst for vengeance, but over time she’s opened up, found love, and also formed close bonds with the people around her. She’s discovered through the years the best way for her to solve crimes, and taking advantage of every resource that she comes into contact with. She’s a flawed character (as are many others in the crime TV genre), but that’s part of why we appreciate her so much: She’s easy to relate to, since many of us go through our own highs and lows.
There will be times to talk about Caskett or specific story teases; in this edition of our Crime TV Heroes series (which we’re doing throughout the month of April), we want to put the focus primarily on why Beckett is a great TV hero, and why we are so compelled to root for her.
Why she’s a hero – It begins with why she does the job that she does, and it’s not because of money or a desire to fame. She had a chance to run for office, but felt that as Captain, she could do the most good for the largest amount of people. She’s willing to make sacrifices, and put everything on the line for the sake of the people and the city she loves. She’s one of the TV’s best heroes because she is relentless in her pursuit of her truth, and her flaws help to make her human.
Also, it helps with her relatability that she’s not always super-serious, and has a softer, more romantic, and even at times funny side. She entertains many of Castle’s kooky theories, and she does have fun with Ryan and Esposito from time to time. Stana Katic does a tremendous job making these moments special.
What she can still learn – Let’s be honest: We all never stop learning, and for Kate there are times of course she has to know that it is okay to take a step back. Through this season, we hope she learned that she and Castle truly are stronger together, and they are better off working as a unit since they will always be a target regardless. The reality is that because of their relationship, she’s a celebrity in her own right, even if she’s never comfortable with that label. She’ll have to learn to relinquish some control, and like anyone else, she may still be learning what she wants from her future.
Future challenges – What we’d like to see next from Beckett is actually rather simple: More opportunities to get out in the field, where she can best use her skills in a way that she enjoys. While she earned the promotion to Captain, the show and in turn her have to figure out ways to get her out doing what she does best, while still reaping the benefits that come with the promotion. Working this out is one challenge facing the character. Another? Continuing to grasp the concept that no matter what happens, someone out there will probably target her and Castle just because of their fame, and also their long history of putting away criminals.
Is Kate one of your favorite Crime TV Heroes? Share below.
Leo
April 9, 2016 @ 5:26 am
Ms katic is a popular [ 3 People Choice Awards ] and good actress in a series that was tailored for her through six seasons. Her acting skills though good haven’t been recognized by critics or peers. Kate Beckett is a hero in her profession but very flawed in her personal life. She had a fear of commitment, [ three boyfriends but wouldn’t commit] and a manic obsession that proved dangerous. Her obsession to do what she thought was right cost her her Homeland Security job and her obsession with those involved with her mothers’ murder nearly cost her her life and that of her husband. In fact if it wasn’t for the man she eventually married she probably would have had a professionally fulfilling but lonely life. You could see it in her wardrobe how it changed from season to season as her feelings for Rick began to grow. He in fact mentioned it, “you don’t dress that way for Esposito”, to which she had no answer.
Lynn
April 8, 2016 @ 5:41 pm
Ms. Katic is one of the finest actresses to grace the small screen in a long time! Her portrayal of Beckett is perfection! Why the writers tried to change the strong character of Beckett for a while is beyond me! I have some ideas but will not voice them here. Suffice to say strong female characters seem to ruffle masculine feathers. In any event the last few episodes have seemed to indicate the writers have come to their senses somewhat and given us a taste of the Beckett we have long admired . Hopefully we get a season 9 and get back to the original premice of the show. And for God’s sake stop bringing in new cast members,as good as they are they are not required. The original 7 are enough to make the show a keeper. Katic,Fillion,Huertas, Dever,Sullivan,Jones and Quinn. That is the heart and core of the show!
Taurus
April 8, 2016 @ 5:20 am
Yes, Kate Beckett’s character is the strength of the show. Without her, the show is weak and boring. I am looking for a Season 9 – the show runners should be changed for Season 9. Marlowe who created the show and the characters should come back. Kate Beckett (Stana Katic) is my hero.
georgee
April 8, 2016 @ 7:14 pm
As we all watched her grow from season 1 episode 1 she has just gotten better and better. The first 7 seasons were just great with the inner actions of Rick and Kate and the other five. And in this season if the two of them send 5 minutes together at arms length one of the show runners thinks that is to much time. One of the show runners (Hawley) is the piece of the puzzle that does not fit. He told us he was going to put the spark back into the story, he done everytthing but that. With the changing of president at ABC I can not beleive she is clueless on the problems. And if are so lucky to have a season 9 with the origanal 7 on board, she needs to replace Hawley. I can see the show going one of three ways at the end of this season. Going back to the good shows, so many to pick from, but for me 5/19,5/22,6/10 and 7/6. Now the bad one 3/24 but this time she really dies. And if ABC most cancel this show do it like 4/14 the blue butterfly. Castle has been and still is the best ABC has to offer, And if Walt was still alive he would be smiling at that.
Teri
April 8, 2016 @ 12:44 am
Beckett and Stana are both my Heros. They are engrained in my heart forever. I have never loved a character as much as Kate Beckett. I feel there is still so much to explore with the character and I am praying for another season.
fbr
April 8, 2016 @ 12:32 am
Yes, Kate is the best.Even when these last two seasons attempted to objectify this strong as well as flawed women That is the strength of this character. I am still trying to recover from some clown’s idea to allow ‘hoochie mama’ as a term assigned to Kate Beckett.
After years of growth of this character she is reduced to ‘hoochie mama’.
We get a definite effort to degrade the character. The character was degraded and subsequently the show was viewed as less than valid or watchable. Beckett was the strength of this show and we have missed that. They removed that and the show was weakened.
Somebodies on that set hate women. Otherwise, why take a strong female character and unsuccessfully attempt to reduce her to a thing. But in 815 Beckett persevered. The nuance of Stana’s acting talents persevered.
Correct Mary, Kate is the Best. More Kate!
Mary
April 7, 2016 @ 11:01 pm
She is the best!!! Stana Katic and Kate Beckett!!!