Season 8 of the American crime drama TV series “Castle” is heading to its season finale slated to air on ABC on May 16 and it promises to be an exciting hour of storytelling.
However, it will come off to many viewers of the show in two different perspectives. First is the excitement that the team of Kate Beckett, played by Stana Katic, and Rick Castle, played by Nathan Fillion, along with the members of the 12th Precinct, shall finally be able to take down the mysterious LokSat.
The second perspective is not-so-good one as the Season 8 finale episode is to become officially the last for Stana Katic after she was dropped by the producers for Season 9 of “Castle” for reasons of budget considerations.
It would be exciting to find out how her character Kate Beckett will bid her goodbye to the TV series which she has been a part of for its full length of eight years. While it is understandable that the actress will have some disappointments, a TV show is still a business above all which is what prevailed in her case and not what she or the fans want.
An incredibly dynamic and large episode
Executive producer Terence Paul Winter said that the Season 8 finale of “Castle” is going to be an incredibly dynamic and large episode where Castle and Beckett are to be really tested.
Winter said that they will have to call on all of their friends including Esposito, Ryan, and Hayley, to help them bring down the mysterious LokSat which has eluded them in the past seasons, details Cartermatt.
Having the LokSat case as the focal point of the episode draws a level of excitement since the series will finally come to resolve a mystery that has really been around the entire season.
But it is also understandable to see why it is hard for the loyal fans and viewers of the TV series to be excited about it because they are about to part ways with one of the most beloved characters, if not the most beloved character, of the show.
A character that never stopped developing
The relationship between Rick and Kate in “Castle” has always been the focal point of the TV series. But if one takes precedence over the other, it is arguably Beckett. “Castle” is her story and deals about how she stuck up with an unlikely partnership with a crime novelist who inspired her to solve her mother’s murder and how she eventually fell for him, details Melty.
The good thing about Beckett is that she never stopped evolving and developing in the TV series.
At the start of the TV series during its premiere season, Kate was seen as a ‘by-the-books’ cop who took no nonsense from anybody. And viewers have really seen her evolved until she became the chief of the 12th Precinct of the NYPD.
‘Caskett’ is what “Castle” is about when the TV series evolved into a romantic-action suspense drama series so it would be interesting how the show would cope when it airs its ninth and possibly final season later this year without Beckett on it.
The situation of “Castle” would be similar to what happened to the American medical drama TV series “Grey’s Anatomy” Season 11 also on ABC early last year when Patrick Dempsey no longer renewed his contract and his character Derek Shepherd had to be killed off. The TV series went on with its Season 12 beginning in September last year as the show’s main title-roler is still Ellen Pompeo as Meredith Grey.
Many are saying the same thing is true with “Castle” since the actual title-roler of the TV series is Nathan Fillion.
In addition to Stana Katic, series regular Tamala Jones, who plays medical examiner Lanie Parish, shall no longer be returning for Season 9 of “Castle.”
ABC has reportedly been negotiating with Fillion to return for what will likely be a shortened 13-episode Season 9, which seems to be the final season of “Castle.” But the network never approached Katic to renew her contract.
First of all they talk of an “exciting” finale episode of the season. Apparently they did not recognize the fact that if all episodes of all eight seasons had been exciting they would not be faced with loss of viewers. Also, I might mention that I have not heard if the roles of Ryan, Espisito, Hayley and Vikram have renewed contracts. Actually I do not see the need for Hayley or Vikram in a season 9 if the LokSat case is settled this season. Likewise, with the talk of moving Castle’s PI business to LA I see no need for the roles of Ryan and Espisito. Then to take it further I see no need for Nathan Fillion since Stana Katic is the major anchor of the series. And finally for budgetary reasons why even plan for a season 9 when the sponsors will back out after a third or more of the viewers quit watching.
2 questions come to mind.
How can the death of the critical female lead in this show be considered entertaining?
Bottom line – the woman got fired while the men continue to get paid. Did Fillion take a pay cut to help with cost considerations?
Who wrote this, an ABC publicist? While it is true this is business, the fans made the show. The show’s premise was a writer and his muse. While NF holds top billing, the fans came for the relationship between the characters Castle and Beckett. No one is going to watch season 9 except for hardcore NF fans. That’s not enough viewers to even start a season 9.
If it is about the money, if ABC wants to continue to make money off the re-airing of former seasons, the story should end on a good note and the show cancelled.
Good luck s9 ratings have always tanked without Beckett and when he did his PI act.When he did episodes with Molly again they tanked.Gee just think how the ratings will go after the time jump and he has a new love interest.
ABC should be nice to the fans and have a two hour finale showing alternative endings, one with a happy ending for the fans who have stuck with this show from day one even with the horrible episodes this year. For me, Castle is not Castle without Caskett. ABC owes us that. And if they have a DVD for this season I wouldn’t buy it unless it has the happy ending on it. I don’t think I can watch the ending if they split up or Beckett dies. Way to sad.
no Beckett just cancel it
Unlike the 7 previous years, ABC feels the need to advertise Castle actively. And why not, have such articles written by a NF hardcore fan.
Be honest and rename the show Firefly and let it die, as the previous version, after a few episodes. Good luch with the few remaining viewers
The NF & SK chemistry is great. It was the attraction for most of us. However, would Stana have wanted to come back for S9?
Funny, unlike the 7 previous years, ABC feels the need to advertise Castle actively !
Ratings strongly dropped since decision was taken, early Season 7, to reduce Beckett’s screen time and importance. That dropping could have ring ABC’s bell.
If the real reason to fire Stana Katic and Tamala Jones was cost cutting, ABC obviously should not start season 9 ! With a second look it will allow Stana Katic to get back to light after having been forced into shade too long.
Remember the Academy Awards when the blacks were arguing against the unfair treatment and lack of consideration they are getting. It is a well known fact that women are also getting treated badly. They make less money than male actors and they usually get subordinate parts. In detective shows (I.e. NCIS) the women police officers are the ones that always get shot so it should come as no surprise that it is Beckett who is killed as opposed to the less talented white male actor.
I read somewhere that ABC should make their decision whether to have a season 9 or not on or about May 4 or 5. I guess it has something to do with determining whether or not to have a season 9. Determining whether or not to have a season 9 would, of course, impact on the season’s final episode.
#Istandwithstana #nobeckettnocastle
Even though the show is called Castle it’s really about Beckett and her journey to find her mothers killer. I tune in to watch a police drama not a father and daughter attempt at Nancy drew/Hardy boys private investigators. ABC don’t waste your money renewing Castle unless you bring Stana back. This is all about saving money anyway isn’t it?
No Beckett no show… Well not for me 8 YEARS of the best show because of Stana Katics role of Kate Beckett NYPD Detective and of course what became Caskett the love story we felt every bump and every joy along the way. It was unique and now the journey ends
No Beckett = no show. Stana is/was the star of the show, no matter what ABC is saying. The way that she and Tamala Jones is being treated is a shame. Not even offering them a contract is a travesty. I wish both of them well and hopefully we will again see them soon on another TV series.
BTW not that ABC cares but after the season finale I will no longer be watching a watered down Castle.