Nathan Fillion's Career from Sci-fi to Crime Drama

Nathan Fillion has warmth, wit, and charm. These are also qualities of his character on ABC's crime drama " Castle." Fillion does an amazing job beside Stana Katic (Detective Kate Beckett) in his role as Richard Castle. Castle is a murder, mystery novelist who has been granted special permission by the mayor to nose around the detective bureau while homicides are under investigation. Nathan Fillion has had a number of other roles, but "Castle" must be considered his biggest success so far.

Prior to "Castle" I was unaware that Nathan Fillion existed. Now, I wonder why I never noticed him and understand why "Firefly" fans fell in love with him.

Fillion has played a variety of interesting roles, but none of them have given his career wings with the potential that "Castle" has. His performances have included:

• Captain Mal Reynolds in "Firefly" and its sequel "Serenity."
• A role in "Buffy the Vampire Slayer."
• Appearances on "One Life to Live."
• "Two Guys a Girl and a Pizza Place" opened up bigger roles for Fillion.
• An appearance on "Desperate Housewives."
• Roles in "Waitress," "White Noise," and "Slither."
• Cameo appearances in "Blast from the Past" and "Saving Private Ryan."
• Now, Fillion is the witty writer we want desperately to find in the arms of Detective Beckett on "Castle."

Nathan's most dedicated following found him when he starred as Captain Mal Reynolds on "Firefly," a sci-fi drama. From that role he developed a cult-like following. Years after the show had gone off the air, he won a SyFy Genre Award in 2006 for his portrayal as Captain Mal Reynolds.

Fillion is still considered a fanboy by the sci-fi crowd. True to his roots, recently, Fillion lent his voice to DC comics for "Green Lantern: Emerald Knights," a DC comic animated, DVD movie due to be released in June 2011. (The "Green Lantern" feature film will be released 10 days after the DVD release. It does not star Fillion. Ryan Reynolds is cast in the leading role; he and Fillion are buddies.)

Meanwhile, it appears that Nathan Fillion has found a home on the ABC crime drama "Castle." Appropriately named, the show allows Fillion to act as a character who has the freedom to build his castles in the air while working side-by-side with a savvy, down-to-earth New York City detective.

Fillion is responsible for much of the deadpan comedic lines that help alleviate the tension of the crime drama. He acts, speaks, and works like a writer. He is a little quirky, and is much like I expect Nathan Fillion might be in person.

At best, perhaps "Castle" will keep Fillion out of cheesy movies and cameos such as those he has made in the past. When his run with "Castle" is over - no time soon, we hope - he will have solidified his name, paid his dues, and move on to bigger better projects.

Sci-fi or drama, I'm all for more screen time for the handsome leading man.

Watch Nathan Fillion on "Castle" Monday nights on ABC Monday nights at 10 pm.