Castle has been on quite a run lately. A season three pickup, beating a new episode of CSI: Miami two weeks ago, and even better numbers last week. Then they follow all of that up with “Wrapped Up In Death” which was another shining example of everything I love about the show. There was a clever case, full of twists and turns, a great guest cast, and a big ol’ barrel of Castle gags. I’ve now officially moved Castle to #3 on my list of favorite shows.
While the case was very fun, it wasn’t exactly what you would call original. At this point, the mummy’s curse almost qualifies as a television standard. Eureka, Psych, Buffy… lots of shows have done it. Despite having been done before, and the fact that a few of the reveals were quite obvious (you knew the sarcophagus would be empty, right?), it still made for a great episode. Between the murder and Castle’s struggles with the curse, both real and fabricated, everything worked out just right.
I’ll admit, I missed on Stanford (Currie Graham). I was going with Rachel (Navi Rawat) as soon as we found out that she was the mysterious girl from Medina’s apartment. Call it channeling my inner DiNozzo. Although, that was at least closer than my pre-show pick of Bentley (Erick Avari). That one was based on nothing other than Avari being perfect for that role. I totally would have bought Castle’s publicity suggestion if Beckett hadn’t shut it down as too Scooby-Doo.
Speaking of Scooby, that was just one of the great comedic bits tonight. I loved how they followed it through with the “would have got away with it” line, and capped it with Beckett’s “Ruh Ro.” Still, Scooby and the gang take a backseat to all the shenanigans surrounding Castle and the curse. If ever there were a character perfectly suited to be cursed, it’s Castle. Before he could even protest that he didn’t believe in the curse, we all knew that he did. That’s just the kind of thing to eat away at him.
The pranks from Beckett, Ryan, and Esposito were hilarious. But the real fun came from the “real” effects of the curse. The dog attack, with the bonus of the wolf whistle back at the office, was great. My favorite bit of the show though, was Castle’s reaction after the elevator incident. That quick little scene when he is just completely flummoxed is the picture-perfect example of why Nathan Fillion is the exact right person to be playing the part.
I just can’t say enough good things about the show. It’s really come into its own in the second season, and I’m thrilled that we’ll have a whole new season next fall. Finally, for those of you that dig all the Mayan legends/history stuff, keep an eye on your television viewing guides for History Channel’s “Apocalypse Island” special. Tons of great Mayan lore.
Clacked by Brett Love 
on Apr 06, 2010 @ 00:51 EST5EDT
This was a fun episode. This cast is working really well together.
And yes, Beckett’s “ruh ro” was perfect.
wich would be your second favorite show??? (been Supernatural your #1 I guess :)
*POST AUTHOR*
Nattyff, you are correct. Supernatural is #1. The Venture Bros is #2.
I have a sneaking preference for the heavier episodes that show us more about the characters like Sucker Punch and the two parter but this was a lot of fun. Indiana Castle was perfectly played, as was Castle’s fear of the curse. Love Beckett, Esposito and Ryan pranking him.
*POST AUTHOR*
If I had to pick one or the other, I’d come down on the same side as you Kate. Those episodes ultimately have the bigger payoff as they stack up and we learn more and more about the characters. It’s why I’ve always felt that TV was better than the movies, actually. That being said, I think Castle is doing a pretty good job at balancing the two.