Castle

:

Season 1
  • Network: ABC
  • Series Premiere Date: Mar 9, 2009
Season #: 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1
User Score
8.4

Universal acclaim- based on 403 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 353 out of 403
  2. Mixed: 17 out of 403
  3. Negative: 33 out of 403
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  1. drlowdon
    Aug 15, 2023
    8
    Having killed off his popular mystery character Derek Storm, Richard Castle is suffering writers block and finds himself unable to even start his next book. When the NYPD asks for his help catching a serial killer taking inspiration from his books he meets Detective Kate Beckett. Strong, sexy and independent she is everything he has been looking for, and not just for his book...

    At its    Having killed off his popular mystery character Derek Storm, Richard Castle is suffering writers block and finds himself unable to even start his next book. When the NYPD asks for his help catching a serial killer taking inspiration from his books he meets Detective Kate Beckett. Strong, sexy and independent she is everything he has been looking for, and not just for his book...

    At its heart Castle is a police procedural that finds the duo tasked with solving a new crime each week. The twisting mystery of each episode is usually fairly entertaining and the ongoing mystery of the story behind the death of Beckett’s mother certainly adds a layer of emotional depth to a number of episodes. It is however the central relationship between Castle and Beckett that lifts the show above the bog standard cop show. Nathan Fillion is as good as ever and his on-screen chemistry with Stana Katic is simply electrifying.
    While it may be a little far-fetched at times this is a show that never takes itself too seriously and rarely fails to entertain.    … Expand
  2. PolyWogg
    Feb 11, 2019
    8
    OVERVIEW

    Richard Castle is a successful best-selling author, twice married and twice divorced, living in a spacious Manhattan condo with the single actress mother (Martha) who raised him and a bright teenage daughter (Alexis). He has money, toys, and rotating women, but he's bored. So bored in fact that he has killed off his best-selling character, Derrick Storm, a rogue prone to    OVERVIEW

    Richard Castle is a successful best-selling author, twice married and twice divorced, living in a spacious Manhattan condo with the single actress mother (Martha) who raised him and a bright teenage daughter (Alexis). He has money, toys, and rotating women, but he's bored. So bored in fact that he has killed off his best-selling character, Derrick Storm, a rogue prone to danger. Castle's looking for something new.

    Enter Kate Beckett, a strong forceful female homicide detective. The fact that she's also hot is irrelevant to her, but not to Castle. A serial killer is committing murders and staging them to look like kills from Castle's books, so Beckett needs to interview him. He's all play, she's all business. She doesn't think that he's likely involved, but she has to interview him anyway.

    Castle is hooked. He convinces the mayor to "let" him work the case as a consultant/advisor, much to Beckett's dismay, and the game is afoot. Castle helps solve the case, and the successful partnership continues so Castle can do research.

    As the opening narration reveals, every writer has his muse, and Castle thinks he's found his. He even bases a new character on her -- Nikki Heat. A strong forceful female homicide detective who works with a roguish mystery writer to solve cases. With a small difference -- in his books, the two are lovers, which Castle wants to replicate with Beckett. But like I said, she's all business.

    EPISODES THAT I LIKED

    The season premiere of the short 10-episode season was the best of the bunch. It established Castle as the bored playboy looking for something with more meaning and Beckett as the uber-serious detective in need of some enjoyment in her often-dark life. After that, prep school punks (E03), political intrigue with city council (E04), home invasions (E07), a link to an old eco-terrorism case (E08), and a child kidnapping (E09) are no match for Beckett and Castle, with Beckett grudgingly beginning to accept that Castle has something to offer besides annoying her.

    EPISODES THAT WERE WATCHABLE

    Episode 5 deals with a dead girl, found frozen but thawing, and while her story is interesting, the real contribution is you get to hear Beckett's origin story (how her mother was killed in an alley, nobody caught for the crime). It should have been awesome, it should have been riveting. But except for a couple of decent scenes, the episode was rather ho-hum. The last episode of the season looks at a dead surgeon and the mob, but again, except for a final scene or two near the end dealing with Beckett's mother's murder, the episode is rather lackluster.

    EPISODES THAT I DIDN'T LIKE

    Both episodes 2 and 6 are mostly odd...a dead nanny with a weird motive that comes out of nowhere, and voodoo killings that have nothing to do with voodoo. Plus some overwhelming backstory with Castle's ex-wife that is excruciating. They are definitely the weakest two of the season.

    EPISODE-BY-EPISODE REVIEW

    S01E01 Flowers for Your Grave - Castle wants new, and Beckett is certainly that 5/5 stars

    S01E02 Nanny McDead - Nanny dead, and no butler to blame 2/5 stars

    S01E03 Hedge Fund Homeboys - There's no honour among adolescent wanna-bes 4/5 stars

    S01E04 Hell Hath No Fury - Politics? Hookers? Murder? Just another day in NYC 4/5 stars

    S01E05 A Chill Goes Through Her Veins - Every story has a beginning, even Beckett's 3/5 stars

    S01E06 Always Buy Retail - Voodoo rituals and whirlwind Meredith? Both blow into town 2/5 stars

    S01E07 Home is Where the Heart Stops - Jewelry thieves, violence, and ball gowns 4/5 stars

    S01E08 Ghosts - Eco-terrorism, ghost writers, and poker showdowns...I'm all in 4/5 stars

    S01E09 Little Girl Lost - Child kidnapping, an ex-bf, and a stuffed bunny 4/5 stars

    S01E10 A Death in the Family - Send one hitman after another...oh, about your mother 3/5 stars

    THE BOTTOM LINE
    Beckett brings the serious, Castle makes it fun    … Expand
  3. greenisgood
    Feb 4, 2019
    8
    Just 10 episodes and I already want more.... I am wayyy late to the Castle party and I cannot believe how I missed this show when it was originally being aired.... The mysteries are not suuuper deep as I would like them to be, but the execution of the screenplay is done well enough to overlook it.
    The fact that this show has ended slightly dampens my excitement to watch the rest of the    Just 10 episodes and I already want more.... I am wayyy late to the Castle party and I cannot believe how I missed this show when it was originally being aired.... The mysteries are not suuuper deep as I would like them to be, but the execution of the screenplay is done well enough to overlook it.
    The fact that this show has ended slightly dampens my excitement to watch the rest of the seasons... But Castle's character is just too suave and bordering on a sexual harassment complaint raunchy for me to not watch the Show to its eventual climax in Season 8. Special mention to Stana Katic for playing the role of a hard ass cop and yet oozing sexuality on screen, enough to make me wonder why I have not really seen her in prominent Movie roles, it's a real loss.
    Either ways the chemistry of the team is palpable and enjoyable and Kudos to all involved.    … Expand
  4. daeneryswift
    Apr 19, 2016
    10
    definitely, one of my favorite shows! It's so smart and it never fails to make me laugh! Nathan and Stana are amazing! The dynamic between their characters is incredibly well written and so real! The whole cast has a special place in my heart. So sad to hear about Stana and Tamala, though :(
  5. MeritCoba
    Jun 13, 2015
    5
    Forgettable
    That's what you are,
    Forgettable Tho' near or far. (after nat king cole) It is hilarious that a show like Castle gathers a nine from the users while the average score from the critics just barely raise it above a five. The gap illustrates the problem with user based reviews: you have a bunch of fanboys that give said show a ten - which is bizarre to say the least - and    Forgettable
    That's what you are,
    Forgettable
    Tho' near or far.
    (after nat king cole)

    It is hilarious that a show like Castle gathers a nine from the users while the average score from the critics just barely raise it above a five. The gap illustrates the problem with user based reviews: you have a bunch of fanboys that give said show a ten - which is bizarre to say the least - and nobody else gives a hoot. Who is going to comment on a show you do not like, hence do not watch?
    Well, I do.
    I just saw about twenty minutes of the show by sheer coincidence, and it reminded me of various other moments that I ran into this show. I recall switching channels when the advertisements interrupted and then forgetting all about it.
    In this particular episode the killer drugs someone with scopolamine so that person becomes a will less tool that can be used to perpetrate a murder. A murder by proxy, therefore. I wonder why not more murders are committed that way. In fact, we better hush this one up, before you know it, extremists my use this to send us waves of drugged citizens to murder the rest of us.. Why does the Cia not drug the water supplies of the IS and turn them into will less tools?
    Perhaps because it is nonsense?
    I sat totally baffled at this sheer piece of dribble and waited for the canned laughter to erupt, but none came. In fact, the whole show seems just take this in one serious stride and get on with it. Was it meant to be funny or meant to be serious? It seemed neither: it just came over as nonsense.
    The more baffling is that non of the people involved were actually funny. The male lead seems have problems changing his facial expression so it is the same most of the time. Of course he tries to place a funny remark here and there, but it just doesn't feel like it is funny. The female lead is even less convincing: she is there be pretty, flutter her eyes and gape at the smartness of Castle. You see that is why pretty blond women exists in shows. There is little to no chemistry between the two.. if there was meant to be one and thus no engaging dialog.
    I watched the show amble along. The main suspect had a watertight alibi and so an trap was planned by Castle(i got a plan, baby. Oh.. Castle you such a smartypants!) The suspect was informed that the guy he had drugged was set free because a rich uncle had put up the bail. This suspect thus feared that the guy he used would come to find him to take revenge.
    Oh my god. How can this guy, being smart enough to drug a guy to have him perform a murder, be so stupid as to fall for such an obvious trick?
    Again one piece of nonsense was followed by the next and it was somehow meant to be funny.
    I get it..
    But you know. If something serious is meant to be funny, then it somehow misfires when that serious thing is just sheer nonsense. But if it is sheer nonsense, the cast somehow should act accordingly. Instead nonsense was dealt with a seriousness that belied all funniness.
    It is as if the cast wasn't quite aware that is was all baloney.
    If that is the case, then that is the biggest joke of all, but I suspect that a more mundane explanation is that this show is hogwash and thus..

    Forgettable
    In every way,
    And forever more
    That's how you'll stay    … Expand
  6. Tradocks
    May 15, 2015
    10
    Entretenido, gracioso y puede ser dramático si lo desea.
    No quiere llegar a su audiencia a la fuerza uno termina amando a los personajes y sabe emocinarte cuando debe hacerlo.
  7. NikolayG
    Jun 4, 2014
    8
    I enjoy this show when its plots are far-out; when the plots are more standard the show just blends together with other cop shows. But it knows how to spin the high concept stuff and I wish it would so so more often. Unfortunately, though, this show reminds me of Sherlock Holmes with Jeremy Brett, insofar as Jeremy Brett gained a ton of weight (due to medication he was on) and he becameI enjoy this show when its plots are far-out; when the plots are more standard the show just blends together with other cop shows. But it knows how to spin the high concept stuff and I wish it would so so more often. Unfortunately, though, this show reminds me of Sherlock Holmes with Jeremy Brett, insofar as Jeremy Brett gained a ton of weight (due to medication he was on) and he became extremely sick in the final seasons. Nathan Fillion is not ill to my knowledge, but his weight gain is hard to take. In the first few seasons he was a handsome guy (like Jeremy Brett who was nearly cast as James Bond years ago), but in recent seasons Nathan has become so bloated it's just sad. It's particularly striking when, after the current season ended, I went back and watched some earlier seasons. Oh boy what a change! Meanwhile the other cast members remain virtually unchanged. It's like Nathan is aging 3x faster than everyone else, but it's simply the effect of weight on a middle-aged face and body.… Expand
  8. CastleFan101
    Mar 16, 2014
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Can't explain how great this show is, but In these words when Beckett said "Well then Richard Alexander Rodgers Castle, yes, yes I will marry you!" Is was pretty scared when Beckett went undercover and Vulcan Simmons was trying to kill her.… Expand
  9. SchroederRock
    Jan 16, 2014
    9
    Castle is incredibly fun and well put together in its entirety, but the chemistry between Nathan Fillion and Stana Katic on screen is what makes the show something more than just another crime mystery/drama. It never takes itself too seriously but never settles to be just surface level. Seeing the critics dampen the metascore of this fun show is disheartening and reminds me why I can'tCastle is incredibly fun and well put together in its entirety, but the chemistry between Nathan Fillion and Stana Katic on screen is what makes the show something more than just another crime mystery/drama. It never takes itself too seriously but never settles to be just surface level. Seeing the critics dampen the metascore of this fun show is disheartening and reminds me why I can't always trust a review, even if its averaged amongst "professionals". Castle is definitely worth a watch.… Expand
  10. Jaragon
    Dec 2, 2013
    10
    Awesome series i love to watch it, the story and the story, characters and the overall picture also is quite realistic if you compare it with some of the other police-series and they don't have all the high tec stuff policemen have in other series but just some awesome police-work.
  11. AvantGuardian
    Oct 10, 2013
    9
    Castle is a refreshing, fun, humorous detective drama starring Firefly's Nathan Filllion as a world famous mystery novelist who teams up with the FBI, at first for insight into his book, and then because he just loves doing it. Castle is hysterical. He has witty remarks for just about everything and often feels like a kid in a candy store. He's extremely relatable. He loves ScienceCastle is a refreshing, fun, humorous detective drama starring Firefly's Nathan Filllion as a world famous mystery novelist who teams up with the FBI, at first for insight into his book, and then because he just loves doing it. Castle is hysterical. He has witty remarks for just about everything and often feels like a kid in a candy store. He's extremely relatable. He loves Science Fiction, explosions and guy stuff and never takes anything to seriously. On the other hand, his insight into writing makes him an extremely valuable asset to the team, as it is almost always his discoveries that solve the case. Castle is an intelligent, sexy, witty show that is a must see for any fans of Television. If you like House or Boston Legal, you'll love Castle.… Expand
  12. jeff_reviews
    Aug 15, 2013
    9
    Smart, new, and mysterious, "Castle" is a wonderfully written with emotional depth and is plotted out intelligently. With Nathan Fillion as the Richard Castle, you know that your in safe hands with this show.
  13. zombiesalive
    Jun 30, 2013
    4
    I find Castle arrogant and unbelievable in his character. I also find the whole premise of him being able to follow police around to the point of questioning suspects and being allowed to go into situations he ends up in equally unbelievable. The personal stories are irritating time for a bathroom break when they start whining about not making their feelings known to each other, or theI find Castle arrogant and unbelievable in his character. I also find the whole premise of him being able to follow police around to the point of questioning suspects and being allowed to go into situations he ends up in equally unbelievable. The personal stories are irritating time for a bathroom break when they start whining about not making their feelings known to each other, or the heaviness of decisions over everyday problems. The stories can be interesting, but the characters aren't.… Expand
  14. Karonus
    Feb 26, 2013
    10
    This program is very easy viewing with well written character interaction that grows as the program develops. The plot lines are innovative at times with a well paced and packed script. This program transfers very easily over the pond to Europe and has a unique global appeal.
  15. iloveFFC
    Feb 15, 2013
    10
    One of the best T.V shows on right now! Extremely addictive show! Inspired me to study forensics in high school! I wonder if real detectives have this much fun on the job! The characters are very likeable!
  16. Jerzu
    Dec 9, 2012
    10
    Love the show. Nathan Fillion is one of my fav actors. The girl playing his daughter is really cute. I appreciate a show with wisecracking characters.
  17. ironqueen
    Nov 4, 2012
    8
    very interesting cases, a little cheesy at times but pretty addictive. I really love this show, the acting is pretty good, the concepts are enlightening and fresh but there are moments in the script where things seems a little mundane or drawn out especially in the fourth season. Overall though I relatively like the show and for some reason I cannot seem to stop watching.
  18. inuyashalover
    Jul 11, 2012
    10
    love this show can't wait for this season to see what happens between castle a becket this show leaves me every week wanting more from the crime solving duo
  19. TVCritical
    Jan 31, 2012
    6
    This show is not bad it's pretty good but, that's all this show will be just good not great not spectacular not awesome not fantastic not remarkable just GOOD. This show is very watchable and that's its best quality of all. This show boast a pretty sweet set and the thing that draws people back to watch this show is the good stories and good chemistry of its cast particularly the betweenThis show is not bad it's pretty good but, that's all this show will be just good not great not spectacular not awesome not fantastic not remarkable just GOOD. This show is very watchable and that's its best quality of all. This show boast a pretty sweet set and the thing that draws people back to watch this show is the good stories and good chemistry of its cast particularly the between the two leads of Castle and Beckett. The show has nice as aesthetics nice use of its set and pretty good use of guns. The only thing that's great (great is one above good and no higher) in this show is the acting of a select few of its cast and that's it. This show has a unique aspect in that a best-selling book author is used to assist in crimes with law-enforcement and how integral his family becomes to the show which adds a unique quirkiness to this show.… Expand
  20. meg687
    Nov 10, 2011
    10
    Best show I've ever watched. It's grasping, addicting, and simply interesting. I can never changed the channel when this show is on. The characters get your attention and the cases are interesting. An amazing climax with romance. action, and mystery.
  21. mayachensue
    Jun 20, 2011
    10
    I love this show. Great dialogue and engaging characters. The development of Richard Castle's family relationships alongside the crime solving is a wonderful contrast that makes the whole show more genuine and interesting. The only place I can see room for improvement is in the overarching plot, because currently they are in danger of jumping the shark. I hope the writers are sensibleI love this show. Great dialogue and engaging characters. The development of Richard Castle's family relationships alongside the crime solving is a wonderful contrast that makes the whole show more genuine and interesting. The only place I can see room for improvement is in the overarching plot, because currently they are in danger of jumping the shark. I hope the writers are sensible enough to write us a good story, even if it's an ending. Overall though I love the lighthearted tone of this show, and the focus on character development. Can't wait for the next season!… Expand
  22. Aliciaf89
    Jun 14, 2011
    10
    Castle is one of the best written shows on television. The show can be considered a dramedy, the basis of the show being about murder, but the character Richard Castle and his wise cracks makes this show funny as well. The acting is great by everybody involved in the show. Not only are the main characters strong characters, the supporting ones are as well. And the chemistry betweenCastle is one of the best written shows on television. The show can be considered a dramedy, the basis of the show being about murder, but the character Richard Castle and his wise cracks makes this show funny as well. The acting is great by everybody involved in the show. Not only are the main characters strong characters, the supporting ones are as well. And the chemistry between Nathan Fillion and Stana Katic is absolutely amazing. They are great actors.

    The writing is fantastic and having actors that are able to bring it to life is amazing and this show absolutely does that.    … Expand
  23. haleyblor
    Mar 23, 2011
    10
    Best Show on TV. So much better than that crap, Bones, Dexter & CSI.. The people that think different lack humor and intelligence! Castle is truly a breath of fresh air for all ages to enjoy!
  24. lomomolo
    Mar 2, 2011
    8
    This is an oddly entertaining series. The series isn't particularly smart and it is full of cliches and of course quite predictable. But almost every single character is extremely likeable. The stories are novel and the lines of humorous. What more can we ask for?
  25. fairytales
    Feb 9, 2011
    7
    It reminds me a lot of Remington Steele and I loved that show! I do hope it ends a lot better though... I would also like to see more instances where Beckett is fully capable and smart enough to solve crimes without the help of a civilian with no formal training. Its kind of irritating but other than that... the banter on the show is quite fun to watch. I also hope it takes a cue fromIt reminds me a lot of Remington Steele and I loved that show! I do hope it ends a lot better though... I would also like to see more instances where Beckett is fully capable and smart enough to solve crimes without the help of a civilian with no formal training. Its kind of irritating but other than that... the banter on the show is quite fun to watch. I also hope it takes a cue from Bones and doesn't go down the drain like that one did.… Expand
  26. Huck_Finn
    Sep 23, 2010
    9
    Good Dynamic, likable personalities. Although the series is hardly ground-breaking, it is cute, funny and genuine.

    Nathan Fillion has continually impressed since his days with BTVS, and the surrounding cast compliments his humor and charm.
  27. ejw
    Apr 18, 2010
    10
    BEST COP SHOW EVER. I dont even like cop shows. But this rocks. Especially with Nathan fillion and the lead female is great too. Excellent writing.
  28. JoeT
    Apr 13, 2010
    10
    Great banter between Castle and Beckett and the supporting cast is great. Fun stories and trying to figure out whodunit is worth the hour. Great fun!
  29. heribertos
    Mar 30, 2010
    10
    Intelligent, smart sexy and characters and story line that are magnetic. You start watching and are so enthralled by the characters and story that you want to catch up with everything you have missed in previous episodes.
  30. Frank
    Mar 25, 2010
    8
    Very, very funny! Excellent writing and cast, deep characterization. Most episodes feature fairly convincing cases that are rarely contrived enough to insult our intelligence. The only mainstream crime show I will watch.
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Awards & Rankings

81
#81 Best TV Season of 2009
7
#7 Most Discussed TV Season of 2009
23
#23 Most Shared TV Season of 2009

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
54

Mixed or average reviews - based on 22 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 6 out of 22
  2. Mixed: 13 out of 22
  3. Negative: 3 out of 22
  1. Entertainment Weekly
    Reviewed by: Ken Tucker
    42
    It's going for a screwball comedy/mystery mash-up, but Castle is just an implausible muddle.
    Read full review
  2. The Hollywood Reporter
    Reviewed by: Ray Richmond
    50
    The pilot and second installment are fun but utterly implausible, and the chemistry between the leads is passable but mostly forced.
    Read full review
  3. Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
    Reviewed by: Rob Owen
    60
    There's nothing in ABC's Castle viewers haven't seen a million times before, but the cast elevates the pedestrian material.
    Read full review
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