I love Halloween episodes. They’re less cheesy than Valentine’s Day drivel, and generally funnier than Christmas and Thanksgiving episodes (plus, we don’t have to deal with guest-star relatives). This All Hallows Eve week we got two gems: The Mentalist and Castle. Since y’all always say I give The Mentalist and Criminal Minds short shrift, I’ll start with the faux-psychic (particularly since there was no meeting of the Minds this week).
Anybody who’s been watching procedurals as long as we have (I know you’re out there, McMillan & Wife fans) has to appreciate the occasional homages to Columbo thrown into The Mentalist. In Thursday’s episode, Jane (Simon Baker) tracked down the murderer of an architect almost no one seemed to like much. Was the killer the wife he once cheated on? The lady whose family manse he bought? The ghost of the mausoleum’s original owner? Nope, none of the above.
Anybody who watches True Blood knew it was the former owner’s nephew, Drew Abner (Michael McMillian). How’d we know it was Li’l Abner? Because McMillian plays creepy Rev. Steve Newlin on Blood, so by the Transitive Property of Evil, we knew he did it. Just like every time you see Garret Dillahunt (The Sarah Connor Chronicles) you know he’s gonna be one long stretch of bad road, like on last week’s SVU, when he was an out-and-proud pedophile. The Transitive Property of Evil may not be iron-clad, but it gets you there most of the time. At any rate, the Columbo moment came when Jane questioned a local antiquarian (at least I think that’s what he was) about the murder. Just as Jane is about to go, he has a question. Again he’s about to exit the shop, again with another question. It’s classic Columbo, only Peter Falk never ended those encounters by calling the interrogated a “deceitful old bag of bones.” That’s pure Jane.
Of course the big news of the episode is that Rigsby (Owain Yeoman) finally told Van Pelt (Amanda Righetti) that he loves her. While it’s true that I have a stated preference against procedural relationships, that’s mainly to keep the primary stars of the show from getting together too soon, and killing the chemistry. In this case, we never have to worry about that since Baker and Robin Tunney have sexual chemistry that could be measured in micrograms. But when secondary characters pair up, particularly in secret, that’s big fun. I can’t wait till someone finally does bust them, then Jane reveals that he knew all along. Of course, looking at next week’s preview, it looks like Jane is the one getting busted. Did a certain malicious jerk of an agent find the bug someone planted under his desk? Seems so.
Which brings us back, as everything does, to Castle. Nothing on television makes me happier these days, and that includes Hoarders, Mad Men, Judge Judy, and the Fox Sunday cartoons. Once again, little moments won the day, rather than the case itself (vamp kid staked through the heart by the wicked stepmother who’d offed his mommy). Can we just go ahead and declare Nathan Fillion the funniest non-comedian on scripted television? Please? The look on his face when he popped up as a “space cowboy” in one of the show’s wink-wink refs to Firefly was—man, I hate to use this word—darling. (Yeech, I’m mad at myself for sounding so prissy.) “There are no cows in space,” Alexis (Molly C. Quinn) blithely informed him. Then he had the quip of the night with, “You wanna bite me? You buy me dinner.” Then there was his maniacal laughter, holding (of all things) a Dremel. Why must he be so awesome?
Of all the ingredients in Castle’s success, perhaps the most critical is that this show marks the perfect marriage of player and part. Rick Castle is a man we want to hang out with, almost as much as we want to talk Dr. Horrible over black-and-white milkshakes with Fillion, himself. Take the scene where Alexis frantically calls Dad because her friend Paige accidentally (we’re giving her the benefit of the doubt, right?) imbibed spiked punch at a Halloween party. There was a moment when Alexis begged Castle not to call the girl’s parents. And because Rick Castle is Cool Dad, for a moment it crossed my mind that he might relent. But no. He called the parents, ready to take the heat from Alexis, and did the grown-up thing. Listen, I adore my dad, and I’m certainly old enough to take care of myself, but if my father ever wants a parental hiatus, I’d be more than happy for Rick Castle to step in.
But what did you think, Coppers? Do I swoon too much over the mystery writer? How long do you think Jane will be in the pokey? Who’s deeply curious to see how Criminal Minds goes when Morgan (Shemar Moore) takes over as boss? And should we cry about Trauma getting the axe? Speak to me. And remember, let’s be careful out there.
Photo Credit: Cliff Lipson/CBS
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I was SO excited that Rigsby and Van Pelt finally hooked up this episode. Jane of course knows what’s up, as per usual, but something tells me he’ll keep it under wraps for as long as those crazy kids can.
And Alynda, I just want to say I have been loving this new column! I am a total procedural junkie, and this is the perfect place for me to get my fix, so to speak.
Of course Jane knows. He pegged Rigsby and Van Pelt’s mutual attraction in the first episode of the series.
Thanks, Julia! And Hork’s totally right—Jane called it from the beginning. I just can’t wait for the moment when he tells them he knows they actually pulled the trigger.
I think she might be pregnant – she put her hands accross her stomach a few times in the episode and then was talking about timing being off…
I love those two together, glad he manned up and told her his heart. He’s so adorable!
One can NEVER swoon too much over Nathan Fillion or Castle. They are just too awesomely perfect.
I also loved the phone call but for the not-even-a-nano-second-goes-by leap up from Castle to go fetch his daughter and his friend. THAT was Cool Dad.
And how about Beckett watching over fEGGan??? That was great, I LOVE how they’re getting Beckett to be SO much fun.
But yes, the Space Cowboy entrance and the maniacal laugh a la Dr Horrible’s opening scene were the best moments in a perfect, perfect episode of a perfect, perfect show!!!
I have a vid of Nathan telling the end of a funny story about a practical joke played on Seamus Dever at my blog!
http://thefillionstation.blogspot.com
Loved Castle this week! That’s my guilty pleasure of the week, definitely. Castle and Beckett are so great together, and I didn’t know I was such a big Nathan Fillion fan until this show! He’s just perfect in the role, as is Molly C. Quinn – what a terrific young actress. However, Alynda, you missed recapping one hey of an SVU this week… FBI agent Dean Porter was back, romancing Olivia, getting under Elliot’s skin, and just generally causing trouble over on SVU – would’ve loved to hear your take on it! If you’ve been a fan of the show for a while, you know there is history dating all the way back to Season 7 with Porter and Olivia! NBC usually reruns the new SVU ep from Wed. on Saturday nights @ 10… I’m definitely catching this week’s ep again!!
I really liked Olivia and Dean Porter together!!
No one can swoon too much over Nathan, especially in this week’s episode and his wonderful 12 seconds of Mal. “Darling” is just exactly the right word. Long live Castle.
You said it!
I missed the Mentalist, so until it’s added to hulu et al., I’m out of luck there. But Castle? That episode made my week. From the best opening scene in living memory, through all those glorious moments you mentioned. (The evil laugh was a personal favorite.) I also loved that the writers worked in Castle getting bitten by a vampire: I keep imagining him telling that story years from now, and probably with a little added color. (He’s a writer after all).
I’ve got to say, as much as I loved season one, I think season two has been better across the board. Light and fluffy? Of course. But the pure unadulterated fun of Castle seems to wind up as a bright point on my week, every week.
I completely agree with you on “Castle.” Nathan Fillion is fantastic, and the show does a great job of not taking itself too seriously. My husband and I never miss it. We’ve turned it into a date night! ha!
Castle is the best. Nathan Fillion is the best thing on TV. I LOVED the shout-outs to Firefly. But you forgot Alexis’ best quip about her father’s costume: “Didn’t you wear that like 5 years ago?” LOVE CASTLE!!!!
Right, Isolde! I DID forget that line! I love that show. I am so pathetically in their pocket. I should feel a little self-loathing for that, but I so do not.
Castle was brilliant, as always. I want him to be my dad too. And now I need to go to my DVR and watch The Mentalist immediately, for I am a hardcore Wayne/Grace shipper. I get the feeling that I shall be filled with much glee when I’m done with it.
Castle is my favorite drama at the moment. (I can’t decide between it and Modern Family for favorite show overall at the moment.)
I love the lightness of it, but also how it has some serious moments as well (like Castle being a responsible parent.)
I also love that all of the characters, regardless of age, gender, race, whatever are all treated in the same way. This even extends to the victims, which are almost equally balanced between male and female, rather than relying on female victimization.
Also, speaking of the victims, I like that the show is able to have “serious” crimes like murder without getting particularly violent.
I also like that they’ve dealt well with sexuality (the bisexuality in the last episode was just a random character trait, not a big thing to be obsessed over) and alternative lifestyles (like the vampire subculture in the last episode).
Further, I love that Castle’s home life is just as interesting as his work life, with characters that I care about and who interact well with Castle. (Unlike, say, In Plain Sight.)
Finally, Nathan Fillion is icing on the cake. *grin*
I don’t know why, but Patrick Jane irritated me a bit this week on The Mentalist. I’m going to chalk it up to me being tired and cranky, I guess. I did love the Rigsby/VanPelt subplot, though. (Count me in as one that thinks Jane already knows, given the look he had when giving out the glasses at the end of the episode. If he doesn’t already know, I don’t think it will be long before he does.)
You know what, Meredith, you’re hitting on something I totally didn’t realize, but of course now it makes perfect sense: Castle doesn’t rely on the modern procedural trope of torturing women to push a plot. I don’t know why I didn’t see that, but it really is huge, isn’t it? You don’t feel terrified of the world after watching this show, like so many others—like you’re a walking victim-in-waiting just because you’re a woman. Well said.
Your right. With other shows I feel like I have to check the locks on the windows before I go to bed. With Castle I just have a goofy smile on my face after its over.
This is so true. I read an article this week that did a study on the depiction of violence on network tv between 2004 and 2009. The violence has increased 2% regardless of gender, but violence against women is up 120% during that same time. How sick is that? And why is everyone so entertained by our victimization? So yeah, kudos to the people involved with ‘Castle’ for avoiding that twisted trend.
I agree. I also love that there are some very strong, smart positive female role models on this show.
Castle totally rocks!!!! Every week I find a new favorite episode, I can’t decide they are all sooooo good!!!!
I’m defininitely looking forward to seeing Derek as the boss on Criminal Minds!
I’m a little afraid it may threaten the dynamic between him and Garcia. That relationship is sacrosanct in my book.
he’s been snippy with her a few times lately.
Also what is up with her boyfriend? Are they not together anymore?
Nathan is the second funniest non-comedian on scripted television. Hugh Laurie is the first. Yes, I know he was a comedian in practically everything he did before House, but House is a drama and Laurie is a dramatic actor in it. Except when he’s not. Then he’s the funniest man on scripted television.
Oh c’mon, Linda, you are totally abusing the letter/spirit of the law with that! Hugh Laurie has comedy in his marrow. I let you have it on a technicality, though.
How soon we forget Nathan Fillion’s stint on “Buffy the Vampire Slayer”. Kind of puts the whole getting bitten thing in a different light…
I don’t think we forgot him on “Buffy” at all! That’s what made ALL his vampire quips music to the ears! Just because no one called him a preacher doesn’t mean that we didn’t get it. Subtle references work, too!
He actually mentioned Buffy in the episode this week!
I’m watching Law and Order tonight and see the return of Elizabeth Olivet, I also heard Benjamin Bratt is bringing back Rey Curtis. My question. Is this the final year of Law and Order? And if so, they better bring back Sorvino, Farina and Noth, and Stone and Robinette. Maybe a kick ass two parter about a case that happened back in the day.
I love Castle and The Mentalist this love Nathan since One Life To Live.He’s so much fun. Jane knows. So, it will be interesting to see how long he keeps quiet.
Another nod to the brilliance that is Nathan. From @NathanFillion: “Look closely, when Mal comes out the door- under the gun, under the boat, just to the right. It’s a nothin’ part, till ya need one.”
Yup, it’s Serenity’s catalyzer from “Out of Gas”
“But you forgot Alexis’ best quip about her father’s costume: ‘Didn’t you wear that like 5 years ago?’”
I LOVED that line, but I especially loved his response. “But I LIKE it!!” Yes, Nathan, we do too.
P.S. Wearing it to the scene of the crime with Becket was especially awesome. You could tell it was killing Becket not to ask what the heck he was wearing, deciding instead to focus on his suspenders. (Back off lady, he’s mine and I happen to love those suspenders.)
I thought she had said “five years in a row”. Wonder if her line was another reference to Firefly. How long has that been gone? Has it been 5 years?
Castle is awesome! Nothing on TV makes me happier than watching this show. “Vampire Weekend” had so many great moments but my favorite was the “you smell like cherries” moment when Esposito walks in and asks if he and Ryan are interrupting something, the look on his face is priceless.
As much as I like Rigbsy and Van Pelt, I don’t really see an amazing chemistry like Jane and Lisbon have. They don’t even need to kiss to increase the temperature in the room.
Yes Rigspelt (I think it’s called like this) is cute but I found Rigsby commitement way too much. A little less is often so much better.
Agreed Jane and Lisbon do have more chemisty. I doubt they will do anything about unless it’s near the end of the series.
I don’t get to watch this show as often as I should but I just don’t see ANY chemistry between Jane and Lisbon, if you find it please point it out so I know what it looks like.
I agree with Jennifer. I don’t see any chemistry between Jane and Lisbon. I watch the show all the time and it is not there.
I would like to see Jane crack a bit more and accept some comfort. I thought the scene with him and the widow was very sad – he doesn’t believe they know how sorry they are for the things they did wrong. I felt bad that he could’nt reassure her but in his eyes you could tell he can’t reassure himself either.
Oh, and as I said above, I think the ‘timing’ might be off between Rigsby and Van Pelt because she might be pregnant…? Anyone else notice she put hands around her tummy a few times this episode and did’nt drink the wine – she put it to her lips and also smelled it, then brought it back down and she made eye contact with Jane.
Maybe I’m sleuthing too much but her comment that the timing was off didn’t sound like a concern about their working together. It sounded like something else is going on in her life. That said I’m rooting for this couple!!
Both Mentalist and Castle are must watch tv, thanks for the great re-cap Alynda
Its early – what I meant above about the conversation b/w Jane and the widow was it is clear he does not believe that his wife and daughter were able to know how sad he was, how he feels badly about everything he did wrong that led to their death…and how much he loves and misses them. He’s given himself a monster of a cross to bear. He needs solace with someone – maybe someone like Alicia Witt’s character whom he seemed to connect with. I don’t see him and Lisbon getting together anytime soon.
For me it’s the quantity of little touches that really lights up Castle. This week we saw Castle with the laptop image from the comic book looking for a building which he then spots and proceeds to march up to the door when Beckett yanks him back from going in first while his non-reaction was priceless. Keep up the great work!
I loved Castle’s girly scream and jump at the coffin. Re ‘The Mentalist’ – Rigsby and Van Pelt have chemistry in spades so bring it on.
“Castle”’s best moment this week. The Edgar Allan Poe costume that Castle was wearing. It was genius and such an original costume. Loved it!
Nathan Fillion is beyond awesome – and no, it will NEVER be time to move on from Capt Tightpants!
No, I’m totally with you on how fantastic Nathan Fillion and “Caste” are. That man and that show bring me joy as well (and I have to say that I grow to love Stana Katic more and more each week). Thank you for being a voice in the wilderness declaring the awesomeness that is “Castle”.
No you do not swoon too much !! Castle is now one of my must see TV shows. I LOVE it. Nathan is fabulous and gorgeous.
I find Rick Castle adorable. And I love the show because even the second bananas – like the detectives and his mom and daughter get to have fun. Double Down was my favortie episode so far this season until the Halloween ep. Seeing him in Firefly mode cracked me up. This is a great show that much like Chuck on NBC does not take too itself seriously and is one the whole family can watch.
Castle and crew just keep getting better and better. Love this show!
Love, love, love both of these shows.