Castle: Teasing 8×01 “XY” – **SPOILERS**

Has Kate’s past come back to haunt her – and her team – again? Well, with Jack Coleman in the guest cast, you’d definitely think so. I’ll share a secret with you… it’s true – but not how you might think. It’s something that puts Kate on the run with a wake of bodies behind her.

The episode opens with a Femme Fatale-type killer taking down her prey in a darkened nightclub. It quickly downshifts to the Castle loft – letting us know that Kate has turned down the running-for-office gig, and took the Captain’s job instead. The chemistry between Fillion and Katic hasn’t waned – the opening scene between them is as cute as ever. And if you’re worried about Rick losing his playful side after marriage, I’d say you’ll get over that *real* quick-like.

There are changes brewing throughout the Castle “family”, both smooth transitions and tense situations. I’m sure these new dynamics will be a constant undercurrent throughout season eight. New recurring guest star Toks Olagundoye hits the ground running, and I really enjoyed her performance.

Some teasie highlights:

• Espo and Ryan have their own version of “Rock, Paper, Scissors”
• Rick meets a new fan
• Castle Investigations has been clearing cases lickety split!
• Kate’s not the only person that goes missing
• If you hate [these] then you’ll want to set a cigar box/plastic bag on fire
• Mr. Rick “Rich Guy” Castle spends a lot of money in this episode
• The Action music during a scene in a warehouse was pretty awesome (just IMO)
• While Bracken is in the episode, this also concerns another part of Kate’s past
• A thread from a different storyline is brought up briefly – foreshadowing?
• Something unexpected happens at the 12th – very unexpected.

So I hope this whet’s your appetite for Monday’s Season premiere of Castle, entitled “XY” on ABC at 10pm Eastern. I’ll be watching, and be talking about it after it airs!