“Castle” last night

While it’s only part one of a two-parter, I have to admit I’m a little disappointed in last night’s “Castle” episode, “Pandora.” In plot and subtext, it’s very similar (so far) to the season 2 two-parter, “Tick,Tick, Tick” and “Boom!” In both…

(Spoilers hidden under the tag.)

 

• Following a murder, Castle and Beckett stumble into a much larger, more dangerous case.
• Their investigation gets “bigfooted” by a government agency. Then, the FBI. This time, the CIA.
• In each case, rogue former US military/intelligence assets are involved.
• And, in each, Beckett becomes insecure and jealous of Castle’s relationship with the female leading the federal force. In season 2, he’s entranced by the cool technology the FBI has. In this latest episode, she’s upset (but trying not to show it) that Castle had a “muse” (the CIA agent) before her. And possibly a romantic relationship.

I’m sure there are more parallels, but you can see what I mean.

And they fell into a writing trap that often annoys me. If we’re reusing the same plot, we have to make the villain and consequences bigger: in season 2, the conspirators were rogue ex-military plotting to wreak havoc in downtown Manhattan with a dirty bomb. Can’t do that, again, so this time we face a rogue CIA assassin who’s plotting to destroy… the United States!

What’s next? Global annihilation by a rogue president?

Don’t get me wrong. I love the series, and the episode was still enjoyable because of the cast and their chemistry. But this one strikes me as a bit of lazy writing.

Let’s see if part two next week brings any surprises.