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Castle Season 2 Episode 23

Overkill

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AIRED: May 10, 2010

8.5

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Episode Summary

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A robbery-homicide prompts Beckett to invite Det.Demming to assist on the case; the investigation becomes a competition for Beckett's attention, since both men race to solve the case.

Fan Episode Reviews (6)

Excellent

9.0

By Graeccus, May 06, 2013

Good case. Funny tauntings and man-upping one another. Funny script.
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A clever title goes here!

10

By kvsgrl23, Dec 18, 2012

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The ongoing tension between Castle, Beckett and Deming escalates tonight, with playful rivalry becoming fierce competition and some heartbreaking moments as Castle senses that this may be one story he can't write the end to.moreless

8.0

By ollyhume, Feb 13, 2011

The ongoing tension between Castle, Beckett and Deming escalates tonight with playful rivalry becoming fierce competition and some heartbreaking moments as Castle senses that this may be one story he can't write the end to.

The episode begins with a cleaner discovering the word 'Murdere' (not my typo) written in rather gelatinous looking blood on a mirror and on further exploration, the body of a man who has been bludgeoned to death. We soon find out that the blood is in fact fake and I was actually a little concerned on how obvious that fact was to me (maybe it's time to watch fewer Zombie flicks). The murder victim is the owner of a line of Male cosmetics and the fake blood points to the first of our mandatory pile of suspects. But before we get too ahead of ourselves, it's important to introduce the far more prominent source of intrigue; Castle's jealousy towards Demming. This is set up nicely, with an interaction between Castle and his daughter. Alexis has just finished reading the draft of her Father's next book and although her review is glowing, she does have one suggestion that may need addressing. This turns out to be Castle's inclusion of a character called 'Sleming' who we learn, appears out of nowhere and behaves like 'a bit of a doofus'. The writer aggressively scribles out his name and we get our first taste of the not so underlying tension between the writer and the detective.

Beckett invites Deming to join the investigation, due to the possible significance of some books stolen from the murdered man's room. She seems to thrive on the rivalry between the two men, as they compete to win her affections by scrambling together clues to the case. This leads to some great moments, as Castle gets caught out several times making childish comments under his breath, such as "well he's your boyfriend" and that his lead is "much better than some stolen books". Several pointed looks are exchanged between the men and it's clear that both are aware of the other's agenda.

This theme continues throughout the episode and swings from harmless teasing, to real moments of poignancy, as Castle realises that his mother's insight that "in life not everything's gonna go your way", may be painfully accurate. Martha's rivalry with a fellow actress acts to mirror Castle's own frustration and he projects some of his anger onto her situation, proclaiming that you should not thank a rival but crush them. This was an excellent way of highlighting his real feelings, which often get lost under his layers of charm and charisma.

It may be apparent that I have not given much attention to the actual crime, the reason being, that it is totally overshadowed by the developments between the lead characters. Arguably one of the less interesting mysteries, the key suspects are somewhat neglected in the first half of the episode and I found it quite difficult to keep track of who's who. It follows the same formula of the whodunit, where everyone is a possible suspect, but unfortunately it fell into the trap that so many crime shows do, of placing one highly recognisable actor into the mix, one you know will play a more prominent role than at first seems apparent. Fortunately, the case turns out to be a little more involved than 'he/she did it', but I still guessed the killer the first time they appeared on screen.

The first twenty minutes did feel a little confused and it was difficult to feel invested in the crime mystery, due to that fact that most of the interviews and questioning drew focus towards Castle's facial expressions and glances at Beckett and Deming. I admit that my mind did wander in some of the earlier scenes as the slew of suspects were still being introduced. However, the developments in the case and a greater concentration on some of the characters involved in the murder, lead to far more intrigue and even though the unveiling of the killer was somewhat of an unbelievable scenario, the build up was exciting.

Overall

But the real star of this episode was Castle's jealousy and his realisation that he is losing the battle for Beckett. A slightly more sombre atmosphere, with fewer laughs than usual. These quieter moments are handled perfectly however, with simple glances instead of unnecessary monologues. The case itself is a little too involved for its own good and it was slightly contrived in the end. We all love twists, but this one felt a little forced and unusual (I mean the odds of that scenario actually taking place are incalculable).

I do like the direction they have taken with Beckett and Castle and respect the writer's hesitation in simply continuing a persistent state of flirting like other shows do, but I am wary that the programme begins to take itself a little too seriously at the expense of its humour and charm. Hopefully, they will continue the slew of one-liners. They were still there tonight, with several digs at Castle's metro-sexuality and it's here that the show and it's characters shine.

Review published at http://playeraffinity.com/tv-reviews/Castle-Overkill.htmlmoreless
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Noooooo! Get your grubby paws off our detective, detective!

8.5

By GreyMinerva, Feb 13, 2011

I can't bear it! Here's this wonderful, sweet platonic relationship with lots of UST that's been gradually developing and deepening - and in wanders this handsome male version of Kate and apparently sweeps her off her feet!

I REFUSE to give up on Becket and Castle - they're my OTP in this show, and while the good detective may have charm, skill, a good heart and blah, blah, blah, he's just not going to cut it compared to Castle.

While I enjoyed the guys grudgingly growing to respect each other, the pain on Castle's face when confronted with The Kiss was just heartbreaking. I don't care how good a match Mr. Staunch Upholder of Law and Order is for our favourite fiery detective - he's just not her ruggedly handsome overgrown man-boy with a heart of gold.

So there.

Now drop a piano on Detective Demming.moreless
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Oooohhhh Castle! Even I felt that one for you, buddy!

9.0

By sandbur, Sep 27, 2010

So, which was the bigger mystery this episode? The whodunnit, or whether Beckett is playing the boys off one another?

She doesn't seem like that kind of girl, so I am assuming that fighting skills and perfect teeth are an actual attraction for her. And what was a minor and somewhat humourous irritant for Castle in the beginning, just kicked him squarely in the solar plexis. And I'm guessing here, but I assume Castle's abs are not as able to take a direct hit as Demmings'!!

As for the murder of the week, the list of potential culprits was, as usual, long and varied and anyone a possibility. Once again, I guessed the cousin but not the exec; I mean, only Castle can give you a 2-fer murder!

And, **heavy sigh, Castle**, I fear it's going to be a long summer for you buddy!moreless
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Cast & Crew: STARS

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Nathan Fillion	Richard Castle
Stana Katic	Det. Kate Beckett
Molly Quinn	Alexis Castle
Susan Sullivan	Martha Rodgers
Ruben Santiago-Hudson	Captain Roy Montgomery
Seamus Dever	Kevin Ryan

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Cast & Crew: RECURRING AND GUESTS

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Michael Trucco	Det.Tom Demming	Guest Star
William R. Moses	Blake Wilder	Guest Star
Julie Blum	Lisa Jenkins	Guest Star

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Episode Photos

Nathan Fillion and Stana Katic of Castle...

© 2010 American Broadcasting Companies, Inc.
Jon Huertas and Stana Katic of Castle in...

© 2010 American Broadcasting Companies, Inc.
Stana Katic and Michael Trucco of Castle...

© 2010 American Broadcasting Companies, Inc.
Stana Katic, Michael Trucco and Nathan F...

© 2010 American Broadcasting Companies, Inc.

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Trivia, Notes, Quotes and Allusions

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TRIVIA (3)
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- William R. Moses (who played Blake in this episode) and Susan Sullivan (who plays Castle's mother, Martha) were both regulars in Falcon Crest. Their characters on that show were mother and son.
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- When Beckett and Castle are speaking with Natasha Piper, Piper's right arm keeps changing position between shots, from being held up by the chair to down by her side.
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- The motel which the victim, Damian Wilder frequented which was located in New Jersey in the episode is actually the Santa Monica Motel in 2102 Lincoln Blvd.
  Santa Monica, CA 90405.
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QUOTES (1)
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- Castle: Wilder? Damian Wilder?
  Esposito: Yeah, you know him?
  Castle: I know of him. This is a photo from one of his ad campaigns. He, he runs a line of boutique men's skincare products.
  Ryan: You mean, like, bathroom stuff?
  Castle: He has got a toner, totally alcohol-free, fantastic. He's got a shaving cream that is ridiculous.
  Esposito: I'm good with the drug store stuff, man.
  Castle: No, no, no, no, no. Hang on. This stuff will change your life.
  Esposito: It's hot.
  Castle: It's hot.
  Ryan: It's hot?
  Castle: It's hot.
  Ryan: It's hot! How do they do that?
  Castle: Magic of modern chemistry. It's like getting a shave from a barber. Matter of fact, that's the tagline: "Barber in a can".
  Esposito: Huh.
  Ryan: So it's probably expensive, huh?
  Castle: Its 50 bucks a pop, but it's so worth it.
  Esposito: Absolutely.
  Ryan: Totally. Yeah.
  Beckett: Guys... a man has been murdered here.
  Castle: And we are... honoring his legacy.
  Lanie: Huh… It's like, "Sex and the City," only with boys.
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NOTES (3)
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- International Episode Titles:
  Czech Republic: Jedna vražda nestačí (One Murder Is not Enough)
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- Featured Music:
  "Workin Man's Blues" by Aceyalone
  "Crash & Burn" by Lifehouse
  "You And Me Belong" by Jes
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- Original International Air Dates:
  Canada: May 10, 2010 on CTV
  Australia: May 30, 2010 on Channel 7
  Slovakia: February 8, 2011 on JOJ
  United Kingdom: February 23, 2011 on Alibi
  Germany: February 25, 2011 on Kabel Eins
  Finland: March 27, 2011 on Nelonen
  The Netherlands: March 31, 2011 on SBS 6
  Czech Republic: May 4, 2011 on Prima
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ALLUSIONS (1)
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- Lanie Parrish: (to Det. Kate Beckett at the crime scene as they watch Castle, Esposito and Ryan talk about a shaving cream product) It's like Sex and the City only with boys.
  
  References the HBO TV series Sex and the City (June 1998 to February 2004) created by Darren Star with characters from the book by Candace Bushnell.
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