TVSquad

(S02E09) Oh, yet another "hooker with a heart of gold" story. She's putting herself through law school! She had dreams when she came to New York in a rusted out Beetle, only to have them dashed! Scarlet was such an annoyingly stereotypical character, that she was beginning to sour what was an otherwise enjoyable episode. But really, that's my fault. Because if I would have had more faith in the beauty that is Castle, then I would have known that things were not as they appeared.

That's what I ultimately ended up loving about this episode: it went along in such a predictable route: bring a suspect in during the first five minutes, then release him because it's the first five minutes and we obviously can't find out who the killer is for at least another 40 minutes or so. Have the hooker, but then make us see what a sweet girl she is. This episode of castle lulled the viewers into complacency by showing us things we've seen a million times before-- only to turn it all on its head.

I was right with the Beckett and Castle with this one, where I really felt as though I were unraveling the mystery as we went along, as opposed to most procedurals where I feel as though I'm just along for the ride. This episode was almost like one of those murder mystery dinners-- but in the best way possible.

I loved the way we twisted and turned through all of the suspects. Starting with the obvious: the man with whom the victim was arguing right before his death, going all the way through the organization, only to end up right back where we started. Then, once we thought we had figured it all out, they threw in another twist, when we find out that Scarlet was kind of behind the whole thing all along. All in all, it made for an enjoyable hour of television, but there is something we need to talk about:

So, what is with all the close talking? I mean, I understand that there is palatable sexual tension between Beckett and Castle, but dear lord. Every time they started working through the case and coming up with a new theory, they were so close that I'm pretty sure their nose hairs were touching.

It's weird based on Beckett's character that she didn't at least comment on being so physically close to Castle (although it's not weird based on the fact that she's a human, because, Nathan Fillion. Come on.). what was even weirder to me though is that nobody else in the station mentioned it. I would have thought that Ryan and/or Esposito would have had some sort of smart-ass comment about it.

The Castle family was kind of on the periphery this week, which is my only small complaint with the episode. However, even though Alexis didn't get much screen time, her storyline really worked for me, because it was yet another example of how good of a father Castle is. He's not "the cool dad," he's just "the good dad," and that's so much better. Although he has way more restraint than I do. I was yelling at the TV, "ask her, ask her! Berate her! Find out what it is!" The fact that he didn't though, is a real testament to his character, although come on, Alexis. Be less boring! Your big secret is that you were thinking of doing a three-week exchange program? At least get something pierced!

[Watch clips and episodes of Castle at SlashControl.]