Well now… was that what you were expecting from the return of Castle? I missed it by a long shot. Given the way things ended between Castle and Beckett last season, I fully expected to pick up right where we left off. If not that day, at least near it. Just as I fully expected the summer with the ex to be cut awfully short. After all, there is a reason they are divorced. As we know now though, that just wasn’t the case.
Instead, Castle did spend the whole summer away, putting the wraps on his latest book. It’s so very un-GRRM of him. That time away, although productive, did make for some hurt feelings back home. While it wasn’t the story I had imagined, I certainly enjoyed how it all played out. From Beckett’s borderline-jealous interrogation to the cold shoulder Castle received from the guys, it all set the stage very well.
Of course, you knew that wasn’t going to last. The inevitable reuniting of the team came as expected, but was still a very feel good moment. Everyone fell back into that familiar pattern, and we (the viewers and the squad) had our Castle back. I’d go so far as to say it’s the best premiere I’ve seen so far. Although, I feel I should disclose that it’s the only one I’ve seen so far. Leader in the clubhouse though, for sure.
Anyway… to the case. This was an excellent example of the Castle style in that all the twists and turns make it nearly impossible to clearly summarize. So rather than try, I’ll just say, “A sculptor, a vending machine operator, and a chemistry teacher walk into a burlesque bar…” Because really, what more do you need to know? Add in the usual allotment of possible suspects and we were all left making best guesses. I was on the loanshark until it was too late to actually figure out Kitty and her husband were the real culprits.
The one piece differing from the usual Castle case was that climactic shooting at the end. I had already guessed that Beckett was going to shoot over Castle to get the baddie, but totally didn’t see Castle shooting past her. Still, I don’t think we’ll be seeing Castle involved in a lot of gunplay as we move on.
And that brings us to the bet. Much like the team getting back together, it was kind of a given that Castle would win the bet. The little nod at the end is interesting though. Did Beckett really know about the counterfeiting before Castle? I like to think yes, but I don’t think we’ll ever know for sure. Either way, that little “See you tomorrow?” bit at the end was quite the “Awwwww” moment.
At the end of the day, it was an excellent kick off to the new season. It tied up the split in the team from last season, even if it did leave some of the details twisting in the wind. And, most importantly, it got the team back together so they can tackle more adventures, much to our amusement. It’s great to have Castle back.
Bonus travel advice: If you liked Kitty’s club, and you find yourself in the Jet City, please be sure to check out The Castaways at The Can Can Cabaret. They’re awesome.
Clacked by Brett Love 
on Sep 21, 2010 @ 07:43 EST5EDT
I’ve seen a bunch of the new premieres, and while none of them are disappointing, many of them are just ‘meh.’ Not Castle. I completely agree with you that this is the best premiere so far and I loved every second of how it played out!
I totally agree. I was looking forward to the reunion all summer. And the writers as well as the cast didn’t disappoint.
I couldn’t stop laughing when the team found Castle standing next to the dead guy, just after they let him go. Hilarious.
*POST AUTHOR*
That was great, especially the look on Castle’s face. Amazing how well they blend the comedy into the show.
Best show on TV, hands down!
Between season 1 and 2, the writers created a realistic reason for Castle and Beckett to be apart for the 4 months so I was expecting it again this season when I heard that Castle was heading off for the Hamptons for the summer to finish his book. What I didn’t expect at all was that he would go back to Gina, a woman he’s never had a good work to say about. I kept watching Castle’s twitters, hoping to hear they had broken up but sadly, all he had to say was how much he missed
Gina when she headed back to the city. Now we heard that they are still together.
I’m going to be the dissenting opinion, Brett. While NF and SK were right on their game, all the other actors did good work and the writing had some very good moments, in the end I’m dissatisfied. I lost respect for Castle when he went back to Gina knowing that it was Beckett he really wanted. I lost respect for Beckett when she deliberately threw the game and let Castle win the bet (confirmed by Terri Miller’s tweets) because she wanted him to stick around but couldn’t tell him so. The writers’ fear of putting them together in a relationship has turned her into a fifties bimbo. (I was hoping Beckett would win the bet so Castle would have to work to get back in instead of everything given to him on a silver platter, the eternal golden boy.)
There was lots of good stuff, the directing in the hall of mirrors scene, Esposito’s reaction to Castle when he realized that Castle had been in town for a while but broke his promise to call them, and the acting of both Fillion and Katic. But the magic has gone out of the show for me now.
Hi, this is not my place to judge whatever comment you wrote on the premiere of castle season 3 but I have one things to say, the magic is still there.
Kate, I bet the difference. In previous seasons, we were clear on Castle intention but it was Becket that wouldn’t come along. She had this wired idea that Castle wants to have a fling with her nad forget her after. And finally at the end of season 2, she realized that Castle intension were sincere and she lost the opportunity to be with him.
This season is going to be about Backet chasing engaged Castle. Castle in relationship status would stop him from pursue Backet.