Smart, funny and self-described as “ruggedly handsome,” Richard Castle is the lead character in ABC’s new comedy/drama series,Castle, and believe it or not, a New York Times best-selling author, as well. His novel, Heat Wave, has been on the Time’s list for several weeks.
Given that Castle is not actually a living, breathing person, but merely a fictional character on a TV series, that’s a pretty neat trick. And I was curious to know how the show’s producers pulled it off
As a famous mystery novelist the TV Castle is originally asked to help the NYPD solve a copycat murder based on one his novels. He works with Detective Kate Beckett (played by the actress Stana Katic) and decides that she would be a great model for his next book. Using his contacts with friends in high places, he gets permission to accompany her while she investigates her cases.
To make the book feel real, the novel reprises the plot of several episodes of the show, which has Beckett reading from the pages Castle has written based on her. Additionally, Heat Wave was available for purchase at the same time the book within the show was released, with Richard Castle (Nathan Fillion) showing up for book signings.
Fillion, the actor who plays Castle, is smart, funny and yes, very handsome. (Okay, I do have a small crush on him, which is why I watch the show.) I think that he brings the character to life with humor and style. But, Fillion is not an author.
Yet, several real life, big deal authors have been part of the series as Castle’spoker playing buddies. Appearing as themselves, they include James Patterson, Michael Connelly and Stephen J. Cannell, anyone of whom could have penned Heat Wave.
Just like these authors, TV Castle gives interviews, has a Twitter page and has a nice “about the author” blurb on Amazon describing his previous novels and his life in New York City.
Trying to uncover the real author’s identity is impossible. No one is talking. The online gossip seems to favor Cannell, who has created dozens of TV programs and authored many mystery novels. Personally, I wouldn’t rule out the prolific Patterson, who might enjoy plotting and writing a series like this.
In an online interview, Castle creator Andrew Marlow insisted that there’s no mystery: “Richard Castle. The roguishly handsome best-selling author of the Derek Storm mystery series. He’s charming. He’s a good writer. And I don’t know why you’re trying to take credit away from him. The guy worked hard on it.”
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11 comments:
This is one of those shows that have episodes that work and ones that don't. I wonder which ones Castle writes! Filming every scene with his daughter as if they were lighting a religious icon doesn't help.
Ok. Between Scott D. Parker and now your post I am going to do something I normally avoid: watch a current TV show. I enjoyed Fillion in Firefly and am looking forward to watching Castle. I will have to check out the book when I get back to that side of the el mundo.
I love watching Castle as much for Lee Lofland's reviews on his The Graveyard Shift blog (where he provides commentary on the accuracy of the police procedures and forensics) as for the entertainment. It can be a fun romp.
(And Lofland makes it clear, he provides his commentary to help writers avoid glaring mistakes if they're writing police work--he enjoys the show as a romantic comedy.)
I just recorded an episode of this show (haven't watched it yet), because I'd heard good things about it! New series usually take at least half a season to find their feet, I think, and I think the Fillion fangirl crushes can't be hurting viewership.
Considering how Dollhouse worked out, Joss Whedon nothwithstanding (holding nose), I'm hoping this one with a Firefly alumnus is better.
Actually, thanks to your post, I know a whole lot more about the premise than I did five minutes ago. Thanks!
I love Castle even though it's about as faulty on the life of writers and the lives of New Yorkers in general as it is on police procedure. (I, too, like Lofland's analyses -- http://www.leelofland.com/wordpress.) Oddly, I have no desire to read the book.
This isn't the first time a character has written a book. I know at least a couple of soap opera characters have done it. (I am pretty sure those were "memoirs", but I don't remember well enough--it was several years ago that I remember seeing them.)
I'm not, in general, a huge fan of tie-in fiction, though people say this one is exceptionally well-done.
I adore the show because they seem to be doing it for fun sake. And Nathan Fillion is from HERE! I miss Firefly though.
I love CASTLE. It's not technically accurate in terms of either police procedure or the writer's life, but it's fun. And Nathan Fillion isn't difficult to watch. ;)
I am a huge Castle fan.
I like the show BECAUSE it is so unlike real life. I get enough real life on CNN!
Terrie
Nice post, Cathi. My husband and I enjoy watching Castle. I don't worry about what's authentic on the show, it's pure entertainment. I love the chemistry between Castle & Beckett.
If you didn't catch Nathan Fillion in "Waitress" it is definitely worth the trip to the library, Blockbuster, or getting it via Netflix, On demand, etc...I LOVE that movie.
I had not heard a word about this novel. Thanks for the heads-up.
I'd like to echo Kathleen's statement about "Waitress". It's a charming movie, and Fillion plays against type as a small-town doctor.
I love watching Castle for pure entertainment, and avoid thinking about silly details like realism.
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