ABC’s ‘Castle’ season 6, episode 1 review: Are Castle, Beckett engaged? Plus, a stunner
We’ll start off this review of the “Castle” season 6 premiere with something that you have been surely wanting to know for quite a long time now: Whether or not we are going to see Castle and Beckett as an engaged couple anytime soon. Well, here’s your answer: Yes! Unfortunately, there is a wrinkle in here that could end up having their engagement be very, very short … and also very tragic. (Warning: Spoilers ahead!)
At the end of the episode, it was revealed that thanks to being in the wrong place at the wrong time after getting himself involved in Beckett’s new investigation, Castle is now suffering from a serious case of poisoning. As a matter of fact, he will be dead within 24 hours. We are hoping of course that he’ll make it through, especially given that the show is entitled “Castle” and we don’t see the focus shifting to Alexis all of a sudden. The real drama to us is going to be seeing how he and Beckett handle what is the worst possible situation for them, and if there is a way he can be saved so that his life will continue as normal.
As briefly referenced, Beckett is working for the time being in Washington, which makes matters rather difficult on the couple. They barely see each other, and Castle is having to do something here that he is not entirely good at in actually staying out of Beckett’s business. Is that difficult for him? You better believe it, and it’s made worse that he doesn’t want to be at home. Alexis has a new boyfriend Pi staying at the place, and he’s a somewhat-delusional guy from Amsterdam who eats fruit and nothing else. We guess the heart wants what the heart wants…
This was a strange premiere in some ways. Ryan and Esposito were relegated to small roles, while Captain Gates and Lanie were basically nonexistent. That is going to change in the future, but for now, the plan here is to clearly try and set the stage for the Caskett relationship, and to see they can make this long-distance thing work. Of course, Castle has to survive first before we even get to that. “Valkyrie” was an intense, excellent hour, and this would easily be the best “Castle” season ever if all episodes are like this.
What did you think of the premiere? Be sure to share below! Stay tuned, as we’re going to have a preview link here where you can find out more about next week’s installment. (You can watch the promo for the episode, called “Dreamworld,” here! It’s going to be a big one.)
Photo: ABC
love and caskett
September 24, 2013 @ 7:17 pm
Just once, I’d prefer Marlowe and company not to trifle with the fans’ investment in the Caskett relationship. Would it be too much to ask for a single episode with a loved-up Caskett revelling in her joy and his unconditional commitment? For pity’s sake, they’ve just become engaged, and yet we are thrust immediately back into the grind of what must be the most ill-fated relationship in television history without so much as a glimpse of how the happy news is received by their intimates! How about dinner and dancing and a big dose of eyes-only-for-each-other? After too many seasons of mostly mutual unrequited longing the fans have earned the right to see Castle and Beckett blissfully happy in each other’s arms, if only for an extended series of moments. Long distance Caskett is rife with difficulty, but without showing the blooming of Beckett and the maturation of Castle under the sweet influence of true love, the evidence this next step in their relationship is worth the struggle is sorely lacking. What should have been played as a celebratory and anticipatory half-hour was turned into a moving but fleeting and ultimately leaden plot development. Character growth has to be shown, it cannot be assumed. Then on top of this heaping pile of dashed expectation Andrew somehow thought it would be a good idea to give Castle a bad case of aerosolized anthrax (or whatever) poisoning and twenty-four hours to live (and unfortunately, Beckett is made to convey this grim news to him as if he is an acquaintance and not the man she loves). The overwhelming focus on the travails of the Caskett relationship is disappointing, but in the context of what this episode should have demonstrated, the growth of that relationship, the introduction of yet another needless contrivance to amp up the drama is downright irritating. I believe in Caskett. I believe in love. I even believe in love during an apocalypse. The trouble is I’m beginning to believe in the apocalypse more than I am in love and Caskett.
Valkyrie what?
September 24, 2013 @ 12:08 pm
The actual discussion after the proposal was lacking in passion. It was clinical in a way. Perhaps some was lost because many of the shots where close in and you couldn’t see Stana’s body language, which she, as an actor, is great at. I also didn’t like the huge jump “2 months later…….” because I thought the reactions of the rest of the cast/characters would have been interestingly hilarious! Also, is it just me or did Lisa Edelstein come across all Cuddy-ish. I did not find her character that strong nor compelling. Nor did I find the rest of the new cast that strong but it’s still early I guess. Pi has some potential though.
Carl
September 24, 2013 @ 4:00 am
You said your focus was on Caskett’s relationship and to see they can make this long distance thing worse. If it’s going to get worse, why bother having Beckett accept Castle’s proposal? As it stands after this first episode, it’s clear that they will be separated far to long to make it work and we’ve seen some info saying that Castle and Beckett will be seeing much less of each other in season 6. We know Castle survives and he will be back in N.Y. with Espo, Ryan, Gates and Lanie but with Beckett digging in in D.C. something has to give between Castle and Beckett and from where I’m standing it’s not looking good and if that’s the case, well then, “I’m Done”.
Orin
September 24, 2013 @ 3:05 am
It was pretty good – there’ve certainly been better episodes, but this one was in no way lacking.