Castle – It’s fashion week in New York….

…and the clothes are to die for.

“Inventing The Girl” is a perfect example of what I really like about Castle. There is certainly a formulaic aspect to the case of the week, but they manage to do it in an interesting way. This week, I was sure I had figured out whodunit three different times before it all became clear. That formula we’ve all seen a thousand times is so much more fun when it keeps you guessing. And, of course, it doesn’t hurt that the case is so neatly wrapped in all the various other goings on that come with Castle, the character. From the magazine coming out, to Martha’s audition, right on through to the Riina and Alexis reunion and Beckett’s begrudging request for a copy of the book. More than anything else, Castle is just fun.

A big part of the fun in these shows is figuring out the case. This week, that was a tricky bit of business. I immediately picked out Sierra when we met her, because that was some seriously solid motive. Then the stalker, Will, appeared, complete with the photographic evidence. Those hopes were soon dashed with the revelations about the photographer, Monroe. That quickly went away from us as well, leading to the great reveal scene where Beckett was going to show all of us who really did it. Did you guess the husband? Or Teddy?

It made for a great case. Then, as has become the norm for Castle, the real charm came from all those other little things that surround the case of the week. It’s as if Nathan Fillion was made for this role. He manages the various jumps from suave, to playing the cad, to doting father, so well. Two of those little side stories really stood out for me this week.

First, the Rina affair. Castle’s reaction to finally learning just how it is that he knew Rina was great. And it led to a much easier to solve mystery when we learned of his “date.” The real kicker, though, was his explanation to Martha, that he’s just trying to look out for her. Castle is such a softy. And second, the exchange between Castle and Beckett regarding the new book. It’s a nice call back to her fascination with his books that we learned about in the first season. The back and forth of  it — “Why didn’t you ask?” – “Why didn’t it occur to you?” — was also very cute.

At the end of the day, things are moving along just fine for Castle. The show has really found its groove, with Castle and Beckett, as well as all the supporting players. The only negative I have for this week, is that the preview for next week’s “Fool Me Once” looked so good I almost wish we could have seen it tonight too.

Clacked by Brett Love
on Oct 06, 2009 @ 00:03 EST5EDT