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There are a number of reasons for watching the shows that we do. Some of them are the kind of brainless shows that we can watch while we’re focused on something else. Others are shows that we’ll watch with moderate interest if we have the time. Still others are the kind that barely last in our DVR’s queue—the kind that we race to watch each week. For me—and many, many others like me—ABC’s Castle is that kind of show, thanks to its consistent blend of wacky mysteries and lovable characters.
The fifth season of Castle finds mystery writer Richard Castle (Nathan Fillion) and NYPD Detective Kate Beckett (Stana Katic) awkwardly moving forward with the relationship that (finally) began at the end of season four. Their new relationship is a major factor in the season’s drama—and, for that reason, this season often focuses even more on the characters’ interpersonal relationships than on the actual cases. Castle and Beckett struggle to keep their relationship a secret—and to make it work. Detectives Ryan and Esposito (Seamus Dever and Jon Huertas) also wrestle with some bumps in their partnership. And Castle’s daughter, Alexis (Molly C. Quinn), struggles with moving out of the house and into dorm life.
That’s not to say, though, that the cases lack interest. The murders are as quirky as ever, and the season finds Castle and Beckett in all kinds of unusual settings—from sci-fi conventions to cupcake bakeries. There are cases involving dead DJs, reality TV stars, and even Santa Claus. And, for the show’s 100th episode, there’s even a clever adventure inspired by Hitchcock’s Rear Window.
But while the creative cases keep the show interesting from week to week, it’s the characters that keep audiences coming back season after season. This isn’t the same old police procedural show; it’s a fun-filled series about a bunch of likable characters who just happen to investigate some pretty creative murders. Instead of focusing on the murders, though, the show focuses on the characters—on straight-laced, by-the-book Beckett, who finds herself struggling to accept her feelings for Castle. It’s about fun-loving playboy Castle, whose job as a writer involves dreaming up all kinds of outlandish scenarios—which gives him a completely different perspective on the team’s trickier cases. It’s also about his sweet, sensible daughter, Alexis, and his drama queen of a mother, Martha (Susan Sullivan). And it’s about Ryan and Esposito—both of whom have their moments to shine this season.
Castle isn’t just one of those brainless background shows. It’s the kind of show that audiences tune in to watch week after week because it continues to surprise and entertain them with quirky cases while keeping them invested in a charming cast of characters. It’s funny; it’s dramatic; it’s suspenseful. And that makes it worth picking up season five on DVD before settling in for the premiere of season six.
DVD Review:
As you might expect, the five-disc DVD release of this fun-filled show also includes some entertaining extras. In addition to some commentaries and deleted scenes, you’ll also find bonus features like Martha’s Master Class, which takes a closer look at the carefully choreographed 100th episode (but it contains some pretty big spoilers—so don’t watch this one until after you’ve watched the episode!) Lot Cops, meanwhile, follows Seamus Dever and Jon Huertas on a wild and crazy day of tactical training.
The best of the bunch, however, is Your Home Is Your Castle, a special hosted by HGTV’s Vern Yip, who takes a look at the show’s sets—particularly Castle’s penthouse and Beckett’s loft—while offering a few design tips along the way. And, of course, there’s the latest blooper reel—which, as always, is absolutely hilarious.
If you’re a fan of the series, you’ll want to add this set to your TV on DVD collection. But before you set it on your shelf, be sure to check out the extras. They’re sure to help tide you over until the sixth season starts later this month.
