TV Report: Castle

[gnomi]

mabfan and I both like Nathan Fillion, so we decided to see what his new show "Castle" was like. Because it took us almost a week to watch the premiere, I'd heard/seen a bunch of reviews, and I knew that among my friends the reaction was mixed. So I went in with semi-low expectations (people whose opinions I highly regard had given it a "meh" or worse), but to my surprise I liked it. It's never going to be highbrow entertainment, but it's fun.

Without spoiling anything, I'll say that I like most of the main and prominent side characters, and I'm a fan of mystery books so I'll keep watching.

And this means that three "Firefly" actors (Summer Glau, Adam Baldwin, and Nathan Fillion) have shows currently on the air, yes? Am I forgetting anyone?

Comments

[caryabend.livejournal.com]

I don't know that it won't be self-aware. Castle certainly knows his genre, and he applies it to his world to great effect. He then turned it around with the idea of doing research into his new "character" based on somebody that he's attracted to. Seems awfully meta/self-aware to me. The trick will be if the writers can continually keep it on point, as this has to straddle the line between "crime procedural" and "cop farce".

[hbkurtzwilde.livejournal.com]

you make a good point, and I agree. Though I'm worried as well about that fine balance devolving into 'romantic comedy' when the characters seem well-crafted enough to carry a stronger story line.

I noticed several points when there was a set-up and a payoff later in the show. Particularly that "Apples! Apples!" line, but there were other good ones. That's a hallmark of good mystery writing, and gives me reason to hang in there with this show.