Why So Blu?

Castle: The Complete Fifth Season (DVD Review)

Together at last!  After four seasons, the action and the passion heat up like never before when “Castle: The Complete Fifth Season” arrives on DVD.   Now that Castle and Beckett, aka “Caskett,” have finally given into their true feelings for each other, how will it affect their work?  As they try to keep their new relationship under wraps, the unlikely duo continues to fight for justice.  Escape into the action and mystery with all 24 unforgettable episodes and never-before-seen bonus features, only available on this spectacular five-disc set.  “Castle” stars Nathan Fillion as Richard Castle, Stana Katic as NYPD Detective Kate Beckett, Susan Sullivan as Martha Rodgers, Molly C. Quinn as Alexis Castle, Penny Johnson as NYPD Captain Victoria Gates, Tamala Jones as Medical Examiner Lanie Parish, Jon Huertas as NYPD Detective Javier Esposito and Seamus Dever as NYPD Detective Kevin Ryan.

Show  

If you are reading this season five review, I’m going to assume that you’ve been watching the show and if you haven’t you should start at season one and stop reading this. For those of you planning to ignore my advice and jump right in at Season Five or Six, Nathan Fillion stars as Richard Castle, mystery novelist working with the NYPD.  Originally he was forced upon Detective Kate Beckett (thanks to a friendship with the mayor) as he gained information for his upcoming novels.  Castle proudly sports his bullet proof vest labeled “writer” and has honestly become a part of the team, and a decent detective at times.  Fast forward a few seasons and Castle and Beckett are dating and getting pretty serious. Castle’s mother Martha (Susan Sullivan), and daughter Alexis (Molly Quinn) are his family but this far into the show Detectives Esposito (Jon Huertas) and Ryan (Seamus Dever) are like family to Castle and especially Beckett.

Season Five picks up immediately where the Season Four Finale left off with Castle and Beckett’s relationship progressing. Beckett is still haunted by the death of her mother and in the first episode she has found someone, Senator William Bracken (Jack Coleman) to blame.   Nathan Fillion has a very distinct sense of humor and I love the character Castle the most when the actor’s own sense of humor comes through.  During this season, Castle has a lot of not so funny moments and shows that he’s able to play more than just the wisecracker.  When his loved ones are in danger you see angry Castle and he’s very convincing.  In another episode, all the evidence points directly to Castle as the murderer.  Castle’s relationship with everyone close to him is tested as he finds himself behind bars.

“Castle” has a great ensemble cast at this point, but the show always manages to bring in great guest stars as well.  “The Final Frontier” is directed by Jonathan Frakes and features a murder at a sci-fi convention.  This episode contains the expected, but still amusing, Firefly references.  “Reality Star Struck” stars Gina Torres, Fillion’s Firefly co-star.  One memorable episode suggests that Bigfoot is to blame for murders in New York City and the episode explains a lot about the differences between Beckett and Castle.  Beckett is a by the books girl, and Castle is so willing to believe in the impossible.

If opposites attract, then their relationship may have a future.  By the end of Season Five their relationship is beyond uncertain.  Without revealing any spoilers I’ll say that I don’t like where the show is headed at this point.  I think it’s a little too much manufactured drama.  But I still love the show and will tune in, and reserve judgment, until I see where the writers are going with this.   “Castle” reminds me a lot of the “X-Files.”  Beckett is the no nonsense Scully type and Castle is her Mulder, often willing to believe in the unbelievable.  As with the “X-Files,” some of my favorite episodes are stand alones about catching the bad guy with no back story needed.

“Castle” Season Five was released on DVD on September 9, 2013 just in time for “Castle” nuts to re-watch before the season six premier.  As with all Nathan Fillion related items I proudly reveal my not-so secret crush on the man.  As a reviewer I have to admit a slight bias when it comes to all things Fillion.  The season premiere of “Castle” Season Six is scheduled for September 23, 2013 and I highly recommend watching all, but certainly at least Season Five before jumping into this series.

Video   

For DVD, “Castle” looks better than most.  The detail in everything from sets to flesh is impressive.  The fifth season is presented in widescreen 1.78:1 ratio.  The show takes place in New York City and the dark city streets are a character of their own.  If I had the show on Blu-ray to compare, I’m sure I’d find more to complain about but without the comparison I’m happier than usual with a DVD presentation.

Audio   

“Castle” The Complete Fifth Season is presented on DVD in Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround Sound. Volume does not need adjusting for Castle’s lowest whisper or the loudest gunfire.  English SDH, French and Spanish subtitles are available.

Extras   

The special features are unique and well thought out. They give a good look at many aspects of the behind the scenes action and include commentaries worth listening to. The DVD set includes a bonus set of Castle trading cards and game card.

The DVD contains the following extras:

Disc One:

• Deleted Scenes – “Missing Photo” from “After the Storm,” “I Need Your Help” from “After the Storm,” “He’s a Rat” from “After the Storm,” and “Tessa’s Boss” from “Probable Cause.”

Disc Two:

• Audio Commentary – The Final Frontier with commentary by Director Jonathan Frakes, Actor Nathan Fillion and Costume Designer Luke Reichle. Apparently, spandex is the final frontier and Nathan Fillion added two very funny lines. We learn that Dragon Con is Nathan Fillion’s favorite because they have the most costumes. Fillion makes a point to regularly point out the efforts of the lesser known people that make the show happen. A commentary worth listening to/watching. It’s especially interesting to hear Nathan Fillion discuss Castle’s ego and shortcomings.
• Deleted Scene

Disc Three:

• Audio Commentary – Target with commentary by Executive Producer/Writer David Amann, Director Bill Roe, and actors Susan Sullivan and Molly Quinn. Although he is not featured here, much of this commentary is devoted to the discussion of what a great person, actor, father figure and friend Nathan Fillion is. The listener also learns that Castle’s New York scenes are sometimes shot in LA.
• Deleted Scenes – “Suspect Senator” from “Recoil”, “Outrageous” from “Reality Star Struck”,  and “Blood in the Van.”  “Blood in the Van” is the only deleted scene that would have made a difference. In the deleted scene, Beckett (and the audience) finds the blood in the van before Castle. Having Castle discover it with the viewer, is much more powerful.

Disc Four:

• Audio Commentary – “Hunt” – with Creator/Executive Producer/Writer Andrew W. Marlowe, Executive Producer/Director Rob Bowman and Actors Nathan Fillion and Molly Quinn discussing the second half of Fillion’s most emotional Castle episode. It’s interesting that instead of just talking, the others ask Fillion questions. It’s also neat to learn that Nathan Fillion was a fan of Nip Tuck (I love finding out we have things in common). This commentary features lengthy discussion
• Audio Commentary – “The Lives of Others” – Castle’s 100 Episode with commentary by Creator/Executive Producer/Writer Andrew W. Marlowe, Writer/Producer Terri Edda Miller, Editor Marta Evry and Composer Robert Duncan. Without any actors, this is a much more technical commentary, but still worth listening to.
• Deleted Scenes – “Castle Calls Beckett” from “Hunt”,  “Be Careful, Over” from “The Lives of Others”, and  “Happy Birthday, Castle”  from “The Lives of Others.”

Disc Five:

• Martha’s Master Class – Castle’s mom presents a whole new way to experience the 100th episode.
• Your Home is Your Castle – Interior design star Vern Yip gives you exclusive access to Castle’s penthouse and Beckett’s loft.
• Lot Cops – The always unpredictable Jon Huertas and Seamus Dever bring fans along on a tactical training course to ensure authenticity in the series.
• Deleted Scene
• Bloopers – A lengthy blooper reel featuring various actors flubbing their lines and having fun on set.

Summary   

“Castle” the Complete Fifth Season has an amazing guest cast including many actors you’ve heard of and some great ones you’ve never heart of.  There is a lot more relationship and family drama than usual and maybe a little more than necessary.   My favorite episodes are stand alones with Castle and his trademark humor assisting Beckett to catch another killer.  The supporting cast is outstanding and this is a show worth watching in order.  This is a show and season I highly recommend!

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