I heard that Castle’s premiere this season was way down in ratings, but that has never concerned me. Generally, I don’t care one whit about ratings, only if I enjoy the story, and I almost always enjoy stories with Castle. Last year’s finale could have easily served as the series finale, but it got renewed, so it was time to pick up some of the pieces.

Gates is off to become Deputy Bureau Chief, so Beckett is now Captain of the squad. Which puts Castle in the passenger seat for awhile, and thus back to his P.I. business. Apparently, Alexis likes the business too and is playing Nancy Drew. Something weird is going on with her either as a character or as an actress — she was about twice the size of the previous waif, with arms the size of Popeye. No explanation, so I started to feel judgmental or something.

Anyway, Beckett lies to Castle about where she’s going on her first day as Captain, and when things go to hell in a handbasket, Beckett is nowhere to be found but it is obvious she was there and she was bleeding. Castle and the boys follow in hot pursuit, but it feels like last year’s episodes where Castle was missing. I don’t know how long the story will be dragged out, but it was at least a two-parter with a to be continued at the end. Bracken was in the episode, but since the actor playing him is busy over on the Heroes: Reborn reboot, I don’t think we’ll be seeing much of him here.

Okay episode, and Castle was okay without Beckett. Not sure about Alexis’ new role though.