Here is some video directly from The Fillion about the gig, courtesy Game Trailers.

Like any good browncoat (aka Firefly fan, for the lesser geeks), i’m gonna have to compare the new show to Firefly.  I know, it isn’t quite fair for either of them because space cowboys are hard to compare to pulp crime novelists, but i’m gonna do it anyhow.  Is Castle as good as Firefly?  I’ll give it a qualified heck yeah!  The full cast of characters isn’t as well rounded and interesting as the Firefly crew was, but it the plot lines are much more cohesive and consistent.  I know for a huge chunk of the browncoats out there characters and interesting twist on scifi are all they need, so i need to say this too.  Part of what is going to color peoples’ opinions on this is if they are fans of mystery, pulp fiction or cop dramas.  I know i have a soft spot for all of em, so when i saw an odd hybrid of Malcolm Reynolds and a bit of Jayne Cobb masterfully mixed together as a witty womanizing writer i was quick to accept the show.

I guess i should use this as my opportunity to explain what the show is all about.  Nick Castle (Fillion) is a successful writer that has just ended a long running series of detective novels and is stuck trying to find a new direction for his writing.  When a series of murders are committed that copy scenes from Castle’s books the detective in charge questions Castle because she recognizes the scenes and suspects an obsessed Castle fan.  Castle quickly proves his worth to the case not just because of his familiarity with the subject, but also with his high profile connections and unique author’s perspective on how crimes are committed.

Now that the plot points are taken care of i guess i just need to say that the show is real fun to watch.  Seeing the chemistry and quality acting that results from that chemistry is just awesome.  I was a bit nervous when i saw that the casting had filled the role of the tough NYPD detective (Stana Katic) with someone that looks like she walked off a fashion show catwalk.  The only thing i recognized her from was a practically non-speaking role from the latest Bond movie (Canadian Secret Service girl).  It didn’t take long for her to prove she was more than just another pretty face though.  She pulls off the stoic and complicated detective character perfectly, creating a great contrast to the Castle character’s playful spirit and disregard for rules.

What it comes down to is that the series is well crafted and fun.  Give it a chance and just try not to get hooked.  I know i’ll be back for more when season two rolls around.

I give it an 92% positive review.  The browncoat in me just wants a couple more fun, unique, perminant, characters to fill out the show.