Castle – The Resurgence of the Mystery-Comedy on Network TV
What could a new police and detective series possibly have to keep our interest? For one thing, Nathan Fillion is the title star, playing Richard Castle. At first it’s hard to believe that this is the same actorn who portrayed Dr.Pomattor in the 2007 independent film Waitress? Not doubt it is the same person who played Captain Hammer in ‘Dr. Horrible’s Sing Along’. But this new Phillip Marlowe infuses Castle with the right mixture of wit, mystery, and comedic relief. Ladies – there is plenty here for you also. Then there’s Stana Katic as Detective Kate Beckett. She can be seen in cameos for a variety of programs but she now headlines a show of her own – deservedly I might add. Rounding out the ensemble is Molly Quinn playing Castle’s daughter Alexis and Susan Sullivan as his mother Martha Heath.
Even with such a great group of actors it’s the writing that keeps me watching. Written by Barry Schindel, David Grae, Andrew W. Marlowe, and Charles Murray the pilot was a solid introduction to this new series and its characters. After the first show was apprehensive that the writers could keep the intermix of comedy and complex crime stories going for an entire season. I have been wrong.
Driving the show is the tension filled drama between the two lead characters, Castle and Beckett. He is a successful fiction writer who has been allowed to shadow Beckett, much to her chagrin. Castle redeems himself with Beckett even though he often gets in the way, speaks out of turn and manages to be annoying. Slowly, Beckett is learning to have faith in Castle, including his risk-taking, and finds herself caring more and more about him. Beckett’s co-workers aren’t immune to Castle’s charms either. In one episode he perks everyone up with a new start of the art coffee machine.
Castle’s mother and daughter are filled with contrasts. His mother is immature, takes advantage, and bears watching. Wise beyond her age, the daughter holds her grandmother in line and provides a lot of support for her father. Castle is a dedicated dad who frets without reason (so far) for Alexis. She is one of the best actors in the series. Given her youth she should have a long career.
The show has become one of my favorites. I hope it will continue for several seasons. After ordering the Comcast HD Triple Play, I’m especially excited about the upcoming shows. I have come to believe that HDTV is the best way to view all my favorite television shows like Castle, and I look forward to the increased sound and picture quality. I got a great deal that I found online by bundling Digital Cable, High Speed Internet, and flat-rate Digital Voice into one simple low-cost bill. I might be most excited about High Speed broadband from Comcast. The ancient DSL connection I had was so unpredictable and slow I couldn’t watch any videos online or listen to great new music. Now, this will no longer be a problem. And with Comcast Digital Voice, I don’t ever have to worry about per minute phone bills anymore. One flat rate bill gives me the opportunity to call local and long distance to whoever I desire nationwide. If you are in a Comcast serviceable area you should definitely look at the best deals they’re offering right now. Look into them today before these special promos come to an end.