Castle Returns with New Mysteries & Old Flames

After wooing fans with its delicious blend of witty banter between the world renown mystery novelist, Richard Castle (handsomely and humorously portrayed by Nathan Fillion, best known as Captain Malcolm Reynolds to Firefly fans) and the no-nonsense, by-the-book Detective Kate Beckett (played by the sleek and stunning Stana Katic), Castle makes its second season debut on September 21st.

Stana Katic stars in Castle, returning tonight on ABC.

To provide a quick reintroduction and mini-recap of the first season, Richard Castle was recruited by the New York Police Department to assist in an investigation after a copy-cat murderer staged a scene to resemble one from Castle’s books. After successfully solving that crime, Castle was intrigued by the opportunity to participate in solving real-life crimes and inspired by Beckett herself as a muse to cure his writer’s block. Thus, Castle made an unusual proposal that he would offer his services gratis in order to continue shadowing Beckett in her other cases – a notion quickly accepted by the police captain, a golfing/poker buddy of Castle’s. Much to Beckett’s amazement and dismay, their tag-team approach works exceptionally well with Beckett approaching crimes from the police viewpoint and Castle approaching them from the perpetrator stand-point. Coming at the problem from two different angles has proven to be the key to solving their weekly crimes.

Also lurking in the background is the mystery surrounding the circumstances of Beckett’s mother’s death. Despite being told in no uncertain terms to not go anywhere near that cold case, Castle was unable to resist and dug up some new information. The first season ended with Castle confronting Beckett with what he found, even if it meant incurring her wrath forever. It remains to be seen how Beckett reacted and if Castle will be subjected to frosty repercussions for meddling in Beckett’s personal life.

Castle is a well-balanced mix of the standard police procedural and a funny-bone tickling romantic-comedy. From the first moment they were onscreen together, Fillion and Katic’s electric chemistry was immediately apparent to viewers and remains a key ingredient in luring back the fans for the second season. Add in Debi Mazar’s recurring role as Castle’s book agent and a former fling, and sparks are guaranteed to fly this season.

In a novel (all puns intended) approach, ABC took the summer-break to promote Castle by publishing an actual mystery book entitled “Heatwave” written by the fictional character, Richard Castle, which is published by Hyperion. Initially, the first half of the book was published in chapters on the ABC website, but as of September 29th, the book will be available for purchase in its entirety. For the fan looking to enrich and expand their experience in the realm of Richard Castle, this book is a must read.

Be sure to tune in for the second season premiere of Castle on Monday, September 21st at 10/9c on ABC.