Grade: 86%
CASTLE begins season five much in the
same way that season four ended. In fact, the action picks up the
morning after last spring’s finale, which is probably why the premiere
is titled “After the Storm,” a reference that could apply to the
confrontation at the station going down, or the alter ego of the
fictional Nikki Heat finally falling into bed with the man behind
Derrick Storm.
“After the Storm” begins on a light
note, Castle (Nathan Fillion) and Beckett (Stana Katic) almost being
caught in bed together by the early return of Martha (Susan Sullivan)
and Alexis (Molly C. Quinn). This scene nearly repeats soon after at
Beckett’s apartment with Ryan (Seamus Dever). Beckett and Castle have a
warm connection that begs to be handled in a fun way, and this episode
delivers that.
What can be said about the new couple’s
decision to sneak around, rather than let family and friends in on the
fact that they finally hooked up? Is it immaturity, as Beckett (not
unjustifiably) accuses Castle of? Or is it embarrassment, as they both
ask the other? I don’t think it’s either. I think that Castle is sincere
when he says he’d like to keep her for himself just a little while
longer. Given Beckett’s lack of enthusiasm for public sharing, it’s not
so surprising that she agrees.
Letting the leads of a series get
together always carries a risk. After the disaster that was
Moonlighting, dramas that are about more than sex have been a bit
gun-shy in pulling the trigger. However, Chuck and Fringe did it just
fine, and Bones hasn’t suffered any negative backlash. Perhaps these
success stories are what finally prompted CASTLE, four years in, to try
making the move themselves.
The important thing to maintain after
getting those characters together is the chemistry. If sex changes the
witty banter and tension between them, it can ruin the moment. Unless
the relationship develops into something much deeper than before, which
can keep things interesting. CASTLE has chosen the former option,
allowing Beckett and Castle to trade their barbs as usual, which not
only means they will be able to keep their secret from their loved ones
for awhile, but also allows CASTLE to not change its formula very much.
This is probably wise for now, though eventually, should the show
continue more than another year or two (a very likely possibility),
there will have to be some shift to here the romantic feelings become
more than just playful.
Romantic affection isn’t the only type
to be found in “After the Storm.” Esposito (Jon Huertas) and Beckett
remain suspended from the force, leaving Ryan to try to work the case of
who killed Beckett’s mother on his own. He quickly realizes that’s not
going to fly, and recruits Beckett and Castle to help him out. When the
three discover that Esposito has been chasing his own leads, they come
together, despite lingering tension between Esposito and Ryan.
At first, CASTLE was a two person show
about the titular male lead and his professional partner and
inspiration, Detective Kate Beckett. As the years have gone on, though,
Ryan and Esposito have slowly become more developed as characters.
“After the Storm” features both on their own, showing off their cop
skills, as well as revealing the deep loyalty they still feel towards
Kate. This team mentality is not only inspiring, it will likely be the
norm going forward, as it should be.
Gates (Penny Johnson Jerald) may not
seem the fuzzy type, but she would like in on some of that love. She
doesn’t say so explicitly, but she does get to give a peek at a side of
herself we haven’t seen before, praising Beckett for her loyalty to
Montgomery, and expressing hope that she may one day be seen in the same
light. It’s a touching moment, more than a throw away, and at the time,
Gates seems like she may deserve it. True, she’s tough, and refuses to
let Beckett and Esposito cut their suspension short (providing an excuse
to skip a few months to account for the summer before next week’s
episode). But that doesn’t make her a bad guy.
Yep, status quo is not quite restored at
the end of “After the Storm.” But it soon will be. It’s kind of a shame
because this is the opportune time to shake things up. Beckett and
Castle getting together is some movement, but the placement of Beckett’s
mom’s case on the back burner once more is disappointing. It will
probably be a series-long arc, but knowing that doesn’t make it any
better. Ah, well. This is the curse of the procedural.
Overall, CASTLE returns with charm and
humor intact, wonderful guest stars like Jack Coleman (Heroes, The
Office), Geoff Pierson (Dexter, 24), and Tahmoh Penikett (Dollhouse,
Battlestar Galactica), and a thrilling, action-packed piece of mystery
for it’s newest hour. For a case-of-the-week crime show, that’s about
all a fan can ask for.
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