Castle Review: XY (Season 8 Episode 1)

Things have definitely changed.

The Season 8 premiere of Castle, “XY,” breaks away from the traditional formula to give us a dark, mysterious way to begin the season.

There’s a time jump, and we learn that Beckett has been promoted to captain rather than taking the opportunity to run for office. That also means a change in roles once again, as Castle returns his attention to working as P.I. But we aren’t given a chance to see how this plays out just yet, and we’re also left with questions about what’s happened over the past several months.

We’re also introduced to a new character, Hayley Shipka (Toks Olagundoye), who is already adding something special to the show. I’m the first to admit that I’m resistant to change, but I like her. A lot.

What I don’t necessarily love is the change for Alexis. Don’t get me wrong, I want to see Alexis be more involved on the show. I even buy that she would somehow end up working with her father on cases. What I don’t buy is that she’d been doing so for a month without telling him a thing. The scene when Castle finds her in his office feels a bit strange — almost as though it’s a dream that Castle is bound to wake up from soon.

The focus, however, turns to the mysterious disappearance of Beckett. The episode feels cinematic as we start to learn clues and try to figure out for ourselves what exactly has happened.

Unsurprisingly, it all comes back to Beckett’s mother. Somehow.

What Bracken says to Castle is going to be important for the rest of the season. He reminds Castle of Beckett’s obsession, and tells him that Beckett will “never be happy being just Mrs. Castle.” Foreshadowing, much?

For a show to make it to eight seasons, it has to keep us on our toes, but it also has to maintain a common thread. I think it bodes well for Castle that we’re beginning this season by remembering something so very central to Beckett’s character and to the story overall.

I do wish we could have done that without the spiders, though. Rarely is Castle the kind of show that makes me shield my eyes, but that that scene did me in.

Then at the end of the episode, there’s a shooting in the precinct. That scene gives more opportunity for Ryan and Esposito to shine, which is always appreciated.

Next week, we’ll be getting the same story again, but from Beckett’s point of view. It’s a unique way to tell a story, that’s for sure. I’m excited to see where this season is heading.

Other Thoughts:

• Are we going to talk about what happened to Captain Gates? Inquiring minds want to know.
• Ryan and Esposito arguing over the desk is one of my favorite moments. Also, Ryan and Jenny are having another baby!
• Jack Coleman returns as Senator Bracken, who reminds us of why he makes for a remarkable villain.

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What did you think of the season premiere of Castle? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

Castle airs Mondays at 10/9c on ABC.