Castle Review: Resurrection (Season 7 Episode 14)

We’ve had some fun with Castle working as a P.I., and we’ve had some nice romantic moments between he and Beckett. But it was time to see the other side of the crime drama, so the timing of “Resurrection” couldn’t have been more perfect.

Before we get into the drama, though, let’s start at the beginning. There’s this tiny moment when Alexis gives Beckett a goodbye kiss on her way out the door — just after kissing her dad goodbye, and doing it in such a way that you’d think Beckett had always been a part of the family. Beckett is as shocked as Castle, reminding us that they are, in fact, still newlyweds. I love the way we’ve been seeing these small scenes in the home with coffee and breakfast and even conversations with Castle’s mom. On this particular morning, the couple even starts casually talking about the possibility of children. I wonder if that’s something we’ll see happen soon?!

Of course, there’s always a case to pull Castle and Beckett away, and this week, that case is something bigger than they could have possibly imagined. Laney is the first to feel that something is off with the victim, and the team quickly realizes that Dr. Kellie Nieman (Annie Werschling) is somehow involved.

Not far behind her is 3XK… maybe? And thanks to Castle’s experience with this particular villain, he’s brought in to consult with the NYPD on just this one case.

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That means he and Beckett get to work together again as partners (yay!), and after having them be separated in this capacity for a while, it’s even more wonderful to watch. This may also open the window for Castle to come back permanently; but for now, Gates is clear this is a one time thing.

Even though they find a guy who looks exactly like Jerry Tyson a.k.a 3XK (Michael Mosley), he does a pretty great job of selling the story that he is someone else altogether — a man named Michael Bordreaux who had cosmetic surgery courtesy of Dr. Nieman. His voice should probably be a tip-off, but we know the cops need real, tangible proof. They’re able to pull fingerprints, but wouldn’t you know it, they don’t match those of 3XK. Hmmm…

What’s always been interesting about 3XK is his ability to play mind games, and it makes for fascinating television. This guy has everyone on their toes and second guessing themselves. That also gives us a chance to see those wheels turn in Castle’s mind as he tries to figure out the connections in the case. He’s got some great insight, especially when he brings up mother issues while interrogating Michael Boudroax. That has to be one of my favorite scenes in this episode. Castle remains convinced that this guy is 3XK, despite an awful lot of proof to the contrary.

And can we talk for a minute about how amazing our two villains are in this episode? Dr. Nieman is perfectly cold, and 3XK/Michael Boudroux — who we only realize is probably definitely 3XK by the end — is creepy in his ability to portray another persona entirely. The way he smiles and laughs, and then turns just a little cold on Castle when the two are along together — it’s chilling.

Even more chilling than that is that song! “We’ll meet again” plays when Beckett answers her phone, just before she is kidnapped. Oh, Beckett! Why did you have go out there alone!

Other thoughts:

• The flashbacks in this episode are very well done. They aren’t forced, and they are used to give us a reminder about 3XK as much as they are to show the emotions of our main characters.
• That look on Beckett’s face when Gates tells her Castle can consult on the case is absolutely adorable. Partners back together again!

Well? What did you think of “Resurrection”? How much are you looking forward to seeing the second part? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

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Castle airs Mondays at 10/9c on ABC.

Ashley Bissette Sumerel

Ashley Bissette Sumerel is a television and film critic living in Wilmington, North Carolina. She is editor-in-chief of Tell-Tale TV as well as Eulalie Magazine. Ashley has also written for outlets such as Rolling Stone, Paste Magazine, and Insider. Ashley has been a member of the Critics Choice Association since 2017 and is a Rotten Tomatoes-approved critic. In addition to her work as an editor and critic, Ashley teaches Entertainment Journalism, Composition, and Literature at the University of North Carolina Wilmington.