New Television Show Review Castle

I am not usually self indulgent, but I can't help myself on this one. On Monday, March 9th, at 10P.M. on ABC, the new show "Castle" premiered. Not only did the main character have my last name, but also my first name, Richard, or Rick. To say that this got my attention is easily dismissed, but the character also is a famous author, who writes mystery novels. While I am not a famous author, the character being a writer also had my attention.

So, needless to say, I watched the show with great anticipation. So much with the self indulgence, now on with the review.

The show opens with a murder scene, in which a body is covered with rose pedals. One of the detectives at the crime scene, (actress Stana Katic, who plays Detective Kate Beckett, NYPD), announces that this scene seems familiar, and goes on to explain that it is from a book that she read from author Richard Castle.

In the meantime, we learn that Rick Castle, (played by actor Nathan Fillion), has killed off his main character in his famous books, and is now suffering from writers block, which we can all relate to. We meet his Mother, Martha, (played by actress Susan Sullivan), and his 15 year old Daughter Alexis, (played by actress Molly Quinn).

Detective Beckett meets Rick Castle to interview him about the copy cat murders, and sparks start to fly between them. She is a big fan of his, but all business, and very professional. She asks for his help to try to figure out who the killer is, because now there are 3 murders, none connected to the other, but all from his books.

The evidence lead the police to a mentally deranged person, and they close the case, much to the chagrin of Rick. He continues to investigate, and is eventually joined by Det. Beckett, who also questions if they have the right person.

Continuing their investigation, the evidence leads to the Brother of the flower covered victim, who stands to inherit millions with the death of the victim, and the fact that his Dad is dying. Case closed, end of story, so we think.

Throughout the show, "Castle" speaks to the Mayor, and a judge, who are big fans of his writing, to help gain favors in the case solving process. Although this irritates Det. Beckett, the ties help solve the crimes. Although she seems to like Castle, she says so long to him. The next day, while she is wrapping up the case with her superior, she is informed that the Mayor has given Rick Castle special access to her, so he can research his next series of books.

The show was very entertaining, and reminded me of the show "Moonlighting," with Cybil Sheppard and Bruce Willis. Aside from a few quirky sound effects, I was entertained for the entire hour. Needless to say, every time the show displayed a pile of his famous books, I got excited. But the characters were well written, including the Mom and Daughter. I think the show has a lot of potential, and hope it stays on for a long run.

Not surprisingly, I give it a 9 out of a possible 10. Check it out next Monday night at 10P.M. on ABC, you may be pleasantly surprised!