An Unexpected Partnership. Recap: Castle - "Like Father, Like Daughter"

[warning]Warning: Spoilers Ahead![/warning]

Season 6, Episode 7
Airdate: Monday, November 4, 2013, 10/9c on ABC
Rating: ★★★★★

“So I insulted her boyfriend, what’s the prison sentence on that?” – Richard Castle

As the title “Like Father, Like Daughter” suggests, last night’s Castle was all about Alexis (Molly Quinn). I would have completely loved all the father-daughter scenes between Castle (Nathan Fillion) and Alexis if the episode hadn’t come to life during this season. Alexis used to be the intelligent, levelheaded, voice of reason on the show and I like to admit I had a lot in common with her. Now, all I want to do is call her the scum of the earth! All right, that’s a little harsh. But really, she has turned into a spoiled little brat who is acting all kinds of selfish. And that is why the only word I want to describe this episode as is “meh.” It was just plain meh.

Instead of focusing on an active homicide investigation, “Like Father, Like Daughter” centers on the 15-year-old murder of Kimberly Toland. At the last court appeal before execution, Frank Henson (James Carpinello), Kimberly’s murderer, is denied any further extension to provide evidence of his innocence. In three days, barring any miracles, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania will execute Frank. In attendance at these court proceedings are college students from Columbia University, including Alexis. She believes Frank is innocent and feels there must be something she can do to prove it.

Enter Alexis spontaneously showing up at the loft after weeks of not contacting Castle–asking for help on the case with absolutely nothing to give in return, not even an ounce of gratitude. “Just because I’m asking doesn’t mean that things are OK between us. I’m still mad at you, OK?” In what universe does that make sense? In my eyes, Castle has done little wrong. He let Pi (Myko Olivier) live in his house for over a month and nicely stated his reservations about their relationship. Yes, the dinner during last week’s episode could have gone better, but he is trying. If my (future) child were to request help in this manner, I’m pretty certain my answer would be a resounding ‘No.’ But Castle loves Alexis too much to turn her down. This is about the point where I started to tune out.

At their first stop in Pennsylvania, Castle and Alexis visit Frank and his fiancé Maggie (Joelle Carter) at the prison. Alexis’ close relationship with Maggie and Frank helps Castle put the pieces together from scratch. Frank rehashes exactly what happened and any useful information he remembers from that night. He recalls wiping his fingerprints clean with a greasy towel, and that Kimberly had just broken up with her boyfriend, Lyle Gomez (Alexis Cruz), a week before the murder. Lyle was never taken in for questioning because the cops caught Frank red-handed at the scene.

After Alexis finagles her way into Lyle’s house for questioning, it is obvious to the father-daughter team that he is not the murderer. However, Lyle does share some new information about a farmhouse that not only was used previously for cooking meth, but hosted several parties over the years as well. Kimberly was there the night of her death.

Back at the 12^th, Beckett (Stana Katic) is concerned about her relationship with Alexis since Alexis hasn’t asked for her help on the case. We finally see a decent amount of screen time for Beckett halfway through the episode — a very disappointing fact in my mind — when Castle finally brings her into the fold to question Frank’s brother John (Wes Ramsey). During this very complicated weave of information from John, Lyle, and Kim’s mom Patrice (Laura Gardner), Castle realizes Frank has been taking the blame for his little brother. This urges Alexis to work harder to find solid leads and evidence proving them both innocent.

At the end of the day, it’s Castle who solves the case, leading to a very abrupt takedown speech by Alexis. From day one, it has been inevitable that Castle’s influence on Alexis might lead her down the crime-solving path, but “Like Father, Like Daughter” was too much for me. I get Alexis interning with Lanie (Tamala Jones) and I understand her joining the Innocence Review law program; I just don’t see her as the detective type. Her kind heart – that was on full display during “Like Father, Like Daughter” – will eventually lead her into trouble, and acting fierce isn’t going to change anything. This is the root of the majority of my problems with this episode. Alexis’s character comes off as discombobulated, distant, and needy, all at the same time. It’s hard to watch an episode that revolves around said character while there are so many conflicting feelings!

All that aside, I thoroughly enjoyed the performances of the entire cast, even if some of their screen time was at a bare minimum. Quinn does a great job keeping Alexis afloat near the end, salvaging a little bit of her relationship with Castle, and beginning to welcome Beckett into their family. I will still continue to hope for a speedy resolution of the problems for the father-daughter duo, as well as the immediate dismissal of Pi in all future episodes. Amen.

Hits

Castle’s boredom at the beginning of “Like Father, Like Daughter” leads him to stacking No. 2 pencils between his nose and upper lip.
What little there was of pure, unadulterated Beckett hair.
Anyone catch the next “47” reference? The smoke detector went off for two minutes and 47 seconds. The writers are just toying with us!

Misses

The episode as a whole completely irked me. I don’t ever remember being so turned off by an episode. Oh wait, season two, episode seven, “Famous Last Words,” which also heavily featured Alexis. I’m starting to see a trend…
Another broken clock alerts Castle to the time of death. This is getting ridiculous. I think this is now three out of seven episodes this season!
Where was Beckett? Oh yeah, not there!

Tune in to Castle, Mondays at 10/9c, only on ABC.

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Emily Reynolds

Hi, you've reached Emily, your TV Goddess. She has an addiction to TV shows, especially crime dramedies and is always available to fangirl with you! She also loves coffee, sleeping, and tweeting. Read her random but awesome musings on Twitter: @tvgoddess47!!!