Castle: The Controversy

Last week the unexpected news that not only lead actress Stana Katic but also supporting cast member Tamala Jones on the long-running and one-time fan favorite series Castle were basically fired – should the show return for a 9th season this fall – because of ABC’s presumed efforts to “help cut costs on the aging procedural.” This news, of course, hurt a lot of fans of the two actresses, who cannot image the show continuing without either of them.

The argument can be made that the show is called Castle so it can continue without anyone except Rick Castle himself (aka lead star Nathan Fillion). The argument can also be made that the show doesn’t work without all of its supporting characters especially Kate Beckett, who obviously became an integral part of the show and a part of Castle’s life.

Regardless of where you stand on this situation, two very talented actresses are now free agents, being able to move on to other projects of their choosing. There is also an underlying issue that has been whispered about for years, but for which has never fully been proven: Stana and Nathan do not get along.

Since their animosity has only ever been rumor or insinuation, there is no way to know just how bad things have been between the stars. That being said, the firings seem a little harsh and, quite frankly, unnecessary. Sure it’s been repeatedly reported that Stana’s one year contract was coming to its conclusion at the end of this season. I wish I could speak to Tamala’s contact, but I simply don’t have those details.

In my opinion (and perhaps others feel the same way), wouldn’t it make more sense to just bring the show to an end THIS season? After all, the show has not only been suffering from lower ratings since the departure of show creator Andrew Marlowe but has also been suffering from less than interesting storylines. To a lot of fans, it would just be better to let the show come to an end now – giving Castle and Beckett the send-off they deserve and giving good endings to the other cast members. Let the show finish as strong as it can this season rather than bring it back in a modified format – without Beckett and Lanie – and have it suffer even more than it already has for the last couple of seasons.

The final decision on the show’s future is, of course, in the hands of the powers that be at ABC, but I think those people in power should think long and hard about that decision.

What do you think?