CASTLE: Stana Katic Shines in “Kill Shot”

One of the things I love about Castle is that the writers don’t forget about significant (or even small) events in the characters’ lives. In tonight’s tense episode, “Kill Shot”, the team is investigating what appear to be random sniper attacks in the city, triggering strong reactions from Kate. We saw her working through her own sniper attack back in the season premiere, but since then she’s been fairly on target with just a couple of wavers. Tonight, the trauma comes roaring back.

“Kill Shot” is a spotlight episode for Stana Katic as she takes Beckett across a tightrope, trying to maintain her professionalism in the midst of an emotional and psychological storm. Esposito, Ryan, Laney and especially Castle try to help her, but it’s a lonely, sometimes terrifying battle. One member of the team steps up in a powerful way, and that actor turns in an excellent performance, but he or she shall remain nameless at the risk of spoiling some really terrific scenes between the two of them.

Nathan Fillion forgoes his usual charming, glib Castle portrayal in this episode, choosing instead to underplay and give us a glimpse at the man behind the charm. I was impressed that while Castle clearly wanted to be the one who guided Beckett through her turmoil, he understood that he wasn’t the best person for the job. Some Castle/Beckett ‘shippers may not like that he isn’t able to be everything to her, but to me, it showed how well he knows her and how much he cares that he put aside his own desire and made sure she had the best help he could provide.

“Kill Shot” is an intense episode, almost a psychological thriller, with some outstanding performances from the regular cast. The episode airs tonight at 10/9c on ABC.