Castle returns to Alibi tonight and finally lets UK viewers see the aftermath of Castle and Beckett finally giving in to their desires and becoming just a little bit more than workplace colleagues. But while letting this level of tension slip away is usually a nail in the coffin of a TV show, Castle might just be able to keep this train going.
The reason why is all because the show has never really seemed to take itself too seriously.
While most of Moonlighting’s appeal was due to the central ‘will they, won’t they’ relatuionship, the pull for fans of Castle is completely different. Castle’s become such a strong ratings earner not just because of the brilliant chemistry between its two leads, but because of the light and fluffy script that’s perhaps more prone to cracking a joke than it is a plot twist.
This tone is the crucial factor, as the show is more than well equipped to play with the change in relations, rather than dwell on it. Castle is also massively helped by its cast, led by a Nathan Fillion that’s so full of charm and wit that it’s positively bursting out of the seams. Stana Katic and crew appear to be having a whale of a time, something that can be clearly seen onscreen and is easily the best factor of the show.
From watching the first few episodes of this season of the show, the relationship between the characters hasn’t really changed. Castle and Beckett already saw a lot of each other, now they just get to have a wee bit more fun doing it. The repartee between them is still as filled with flirty looks and teasing, but now we just get more of Beckett trying to cope with Castle’s family.
While Moonlighting suffered enormously after the pair finally got together, with the ratings nose diving and the show lacking anything like the frisson it had before, Castle hasn’t suffered the same fate in the States, with the fifth series just seeing the show keep its spot at the top of the crime pile.
With the show’s same charms still very much present even after its leading duo have decided to go for broke together, it looks like fans of Castle aren’t going to be let down yet.
The fifth series of Castle starts tonight at 9pm on Alibi.
Tagged in Nathan Fillion