Castle Season 2 starts

Castle did not disappoint with its second season premiere. I could not stop smiling, or giggling, which may make be a little bit morbid considering it's a show about solving murder, but it is endlessly funny.

Though the episode began with Castle at the police station, having photos taken for an article about his involvement in crime-solving, Beckett has not forgotten the promise he broke last season or gone back on her decision that he would no longer be part of her team. Still, the issue goes on a back burner as the chief orders Beckett to work with him one last time for the sake of the article. It is important that police look good every once in a while.

Unlike many premieres this Fall, this episode did not feel like a transition. Sure, you were reminded of who everyone was, that Castle dug up information on the murder of Beckett's mother though she told him not to, that he and his mother and daughter all live together, etc. All those things necessary for first time viewers. And you had the set up for this year's main plot - Beckett's mother's murder. But that did not dominate the plot.

I can neither say that murder is a vehicle for telling the story of Detective Kate Beckett and Richard Castle, novelist, nor that their story simply adds a through-line to a cop show. The two are entirely integrated.

While pursuing leads, Castle was his charming and unabashed self, offering Beckett a pony for his forgiveness. While evidence was processed, he joked about how the scene would play if this were CSI. While infiltrating a backroom poker game, he played his hand to the best of his ability. All this, of course, irritating Beckett. But we cannot ignore how fabulous she is. Seeing Rick get himself in trouble at the poker game, she followed him in, dressed in a sweater she transformed into a dress, and saved his ass. Did I mention she did it with an awesome fake Russian accent? Kate Beckett is tough and hot. I want to be her.

As the case was closed, and the episode neared its end, Beckett refused to allow Castle to continue working with the cops. She would not change her mind despite his arguments. As frequently occurs in the show, Castle's inability to understand exactly how the world works was solved by his levelheaded daughter. She was angry that her boyfriend screwed up and offered up cheap excuses rather than apologizing. Castle realized he had not properly apologized to Kate.

When he did, and sincerely meant it, he left the station. Just as he exited, she said she'd see him tomorrow.

While I did not need that resolution to be made in this episode, most people would not have wanted that hanging over their heads for a week. So we have fixed the conflict, and where will they go now? Can't wait to find out.