This review has been supplied by an author who wishes to remain anonymous.
5 Word Progression Review:
Romance –> Careers –> Sass –> Run –> Gunfire.
With some significant changes behind the scenes this season particularly the change in showrunners and the departure of creator Andrew W. Marlowe, it is fair to say there has been some justified nervousness about the future of the show. Fears that too much would change, that somehow what makes Castle a special and much loved show will be lost but after watching the Season 8 opener XY I am happy to say that those fears should be laid to rest.
The episode is packed with a bit of everything, romance, humor, fun, mystery, intrigue, team work and more. There are changes for sure, but they feel natural and don’t take away from anything that makes Castle unique and special.
While only part one of two, there is much to enjoy in the episode as it stands including the introduction of new series regular Toks Olagundoye playing independent investigator Hayley Shipton who I am delighted to say is immediately likable. She is full of cheekiness and sass and just enough attitude to make you smile. Hayley has an appealing British accent, she’s smart and knows how to take care of herself and is definitely good at what she does. I eagerly look forward to getting to know her better.
Alexis has moved in a new direction which I hope will see her become more useful this season. Since the very first season Alexis has helped Castle and Beckett solve cases so it seems natural that she would start using that talent in a more formal way. She seems to be finding her niche and is quickly learning to apply her skills, like father like daughter you could say. Alexis certainly holds her own and proves useful in a way that I look forward to seeing continue. The idea of a strong woman has always been a significant theme in Castle and the idea of seeing more strong women with Alexis and Hayley both revealing themselves as fine examples appeals to me a great deal. There can never be too many smart, strong, and independent women role models on television!
There is a particular scene in this episode that I simply will not be able to bring myself to re-watch, when you watch it it probably won’t take you long to figure out what I’m referring to, it is the stuff of nightmares, so no thanks! Once was enough.
As anyone following spoilers will already be aware, this episode should not be taken as a stand-alone experience, it will need to be taken in context with episode 2 which will pick up where XY finishes, so yes, expect a cliff hanger ending and look at this episode from the intended perspective.
I will be on the edge of my seat waiting for the next episode and I look forward to reading your own thoughts on this episode after it airs on Monday.
Things to look out for:
- A Derrick Storm reference
- Reference to more than one character from the past
- My worst fear
- A shocking an unexpected event affecting an old favorite
What are you excited or anxious about for Monday’s new episode? Discuss below.