Castle Review: Death Wish (Season 8 Episode 17)
Richard Castle has always had a sense of wonder.
One of the reasons his character is so special is because he’s willing to believe. He’s open-minded and has a thirst for fantasy, which often gives him a unique perspective at the NYPD.
It makes him a joy to watch, and on Castle Season 8 Episode 17, “Death Wish,” there is genuine excitement in his eyes when the idea of a genie in a bottle seems to become a real possibility.
Aside from the fact that a victim literally has his head cut-off (I could have done without that visual, you guys) this is a fun, light-hearted episode. Among its strengths are interactions between Castle and Beckett, and the fact that the core cast is the focus. Castle, Beckett, Ryan, and Esposito are on this case together, and new characters like Hayley and Vikram are nowhere to be seen.
Plus, that there’s that sense of wonder for Castle, and that question of whether or not that magic is real that isn’t completely explained.
The conclusion of the case is followed by an emotional moment. Jenny is in labor, and Ryan calls Espo to tell him there are complications.
Everyone heads to the hospital, where Castle says “let’s settle in” then reveals that he used both of his “remaining wishes” on Jenny and the baby.
The whole thing is a bit rushed, and I wished more time would have been spent on it, rather than quickly resolving with good news. Still, I can’t deny that it’s an emotional scene, especially with Castle wiping away a happy tear.
NATHAN FILLION , JON HUERTAS, STANA KATIC, TAMALA JONES
The baby’s name? Nicholas Javier Ryan. Nothing could be more fitting than that.
Beckett wonders if Castle is sad that his wishes have been used up, and he gives her the perfect answer.
Castle: I have no need for genies, because I have everything I could ever wish for.
Other Thoughts:
- Both Ryan and Esposito’s wishes are pretty comical. I could totally see Ryan trying to perform on Broadway.
- Martha interrupts Castle and Beckett in the beginning of the episode for an almost too-awkward, but very funny scene. Hey, at least she had a good reason. She needs Oprah!
- I love that Alexis tries to cheer up her disappointed father by taking him for ice-cream.
- This episode makes me feel a little guilty that I’ve never read 1001 Arabian Nights.
What did you think of this episode of Castle? 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.