The first few episodes of the current Season 8 of the American crime drama TV series “Castle” on ABC turned off many viewers when showrunners Terence Paul Winter and Alexi Hawley decided to separate protagonists Rick Castle, played by Nathan Fillion, and Kate Beckett, played by Stana Katic.
As a result, the show suffered a huge drop in its ratings. That prompted the showrunners to make amends by devising a plotline that would have “Caskett” rekindling their romance, which happened in the seventh episode or just before its midseason finale.
But none can be more devastating to the fans of the show than recent reports that confirmed that ABC shall no longer be renewing the contract of actress Stana Katic for Season 9 of “Castle.”
The departure of Stana Katic from “Castle” means that her character Kate Beckett would likely meet her demise during the Season 8 finale.
Critics believe that there is no other way for the showrunners to make the exit of Stana Katic from the show as graceful as possible than through Kate Beckett’s death.
Can still hold its own
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,” notes Collider.
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.
It turns out that ABC and ABC Studios have decided not to bring Katic and Jones for budgetary restrictions for the final season of “Castle.” The TV series is already in a tricky situation because of declining ratings amid increasing cast salaries over the years. That is why ABC had to take drastic measures.
Actress Molly Quinn felt horrible for the departure of Stana Katic and Tamala Jones from the show and that she was really heartbroken just like the millions of fans of “Castle.”
However, she still insists that “Castle” can stand on its own without Kate Beckett, especially when one fan remarked that it is not Castle without Beckett. She posted on Twitter that it will be different alright, way, way, way different but Nathan Fillion is Castle, notes TV Line.
An amazing experience
Series regular Nathan Fillion, Jon Huertas, Seamus Dever, and Susan Sullivan also regret having to say goodbye to fellow co-stars Stana Katic and Tamala Jones. But they really have no other recourse but to accept the fact that the show still has to move forward even if it is going to be its last year.
The network released a statement by saying that Kate Beckett has been a beloved character of “Castle” for the past eight years. ABC said that it is grateful for Stana Katic’s talent and dedication to the series and it hopes to continue the relationship.
ABC also cited that Tamala Jones has also been an integral part of the series and that they are grateful for her for being part of “Castle.”
For her part, Stana Katic refused to comment on the circumstances of her exit from “Castle,” alluding that the rug was pulled from under her.
Castle (the jokester) and Beckett (the straight man) are/were extremenly successful as was Jerry Lewis and Dean Martin. Jerry and Dean broke up and Jerry faded into obscurity except for a charity show once a year that he emceed. Dean Martin on the other hand continued as a star on tv, movies and as a singer. Nathan has now lost his straight man (and none could be better than Stana) and I predict that Stana will continue to star in her career whereas I have doubts about Nathan. Another mistake by ABC and that is why they are always at the bottom of the big three (CBS, NBC and ABC).
Shirley, Since the show ,Castle, is about their relationship -with kate gone so is the show . Abc needs to cancel the show and move on to something else.
Beckett and Castle are one and I am really disappointed a such a move. I personally will not see the finale and will stop seeing it next year. I know a lot of fans out there will agree with me and should do the same.This show Was To me one of the best love stories on Tv a and to
End it like Abc is going to end it , I agree when they say that’s why ABC is always at the bottom. No Clase don’t know a good thing when you see it .
Since ABC doesn’t seem to care about what the fans think,maybe we should just boycott it all together
ABC no wonder why you are last keep the bad shows and get rid of the good ones