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<i>Castle</i> – “Child’s Play” Recap. Jerkface.

Season 7, Episode 4

Air Date: Monday, October 20, 2014 at 10/9c on ABC

Rating: ★★★★★

 

“Yes, but being 90% kid myself, I have an ability to get into the minds of children, and I have the perfect plan.” – Castle

 

[warning] SPOILERS AHEAD [/warning]

 

As Castle episodes go, “Child’s Play” may not move the key story lines forward much, but it sure is a fun one to watch! Castle (Nathan Fillion) going undercover in an elementary school? It’s like putting a duck in water. In “Child’s Play,” an ice cream vendor is murdered and during the preliminary investigation, Ryan (Seamus Dever) discovers a field trip permission slip belonging to a second grader at Kennedy Elementary who may have witnessed the crime.

The circumstances surrounding the murder lead Beckett (Stana Katic) and the gang to suspect the Russian mob’s involvement. Three people are dead and the killer is still at large, hunting for something one of the victims had. The identity of the child witness isn’t clear so Beckett sends Castle undercover at the school to get “into the minds of the children.”

Castle plays Princess very well! He’s even wearing the wings!

I appreciate how the writers showcase Castle in “Child’s Play.” His interaction with the kids is so relaxed and authentic, it’s like he’s known these kids forever. The way the scenes are written between Castle and several of the school children is really wonderful. How cute is it to see Castle playing “princess” with Emily (Rachel Eggleston)? Castle even acquires a nemesis in less than two days. Granted his new archenemy is eight years old but Jason (Quinn Friedman) gives Castle a run for his money. The signs Castle and Jason surreptiously put on each other’s back are humorously insulting. . “Jerkface” for Castle and “Frog Breath” for Jason. Way to be an adult, Castle.

Mrs. Ruiz isn’t keen on Castle’s “perfect plan” to get the kids to talk…she’ll warm up…eventually.

Mrs. Leslie Ruiz (Michael Hyatt), the second grade teacher, isn’t pleased about this undercover sting in her classroom but she warms to Castle a bit…well, maybe not until the very end. “I enjoyed the challenge. In my experiences, it’s the most difficult children who prove the most rewarding. Isn’t that right, Mr. Castle? Mr. Castle!” When she scolds Castle for making faces at Jason, I had to laugh. There are a few kids in my life who have provoked me to want to make faces, and worse. Friedman plays his part extremely well. I don’t blame Castle one bit.

The part of “Child’s Play” that addresses Castle’s two month disappearance comes in the form of his mother Martha (Susan Sullivan) and daughter Alexis (Molly Quinn). They have unresolved anxiety and their constant doting and catering to Castle is a bit much, especially Alexis. I’m glad the writers are finally addressing this. It’s been a few weeks since Castle’s return but we haven’t seen the emotional toll it has taken on his family, other than Beckett.

As a parent of an adult child, I empathize with Martha. Her only son went missing and all the doubt circulating around his disappearance, making it seem as though Castle was the bad guy, had to have made her feel defensive. Then, there’s Alexis. Her father was gone and with having to play the part of the adult in their father/daughter relationship, she really takes her role to heart in “Child’s Play.” From making dinner and giving her father his favorite ice cream for dessert, to demanding he come home immediately after school – it’s obvious Alexis is afraid of losing her father again. In the end, Castle has his grown-up moment with Alexis and all is well.

While the case of the ice cream vendor is tragic, it almost takes a back seat to the actual investigation and Castle going undercover at the school. Even the scenes with Alexis and the emotional tie in to Castle’s disappearance play second fiddle to Castle finding his inner child. While entertaining, I’m hoping the next few episodes focus more on Castle and Beckett’s relationship, discovering more clues about why Castle was in Montreal, who the mysterious Henry Enkins (Matt Letscher) really is, and what exactly happened in Hollanders Woods when Castle was 11 years old. Come on writers, stop teasing us!

 

What did you think of “Child’s Play?” I’d love to hear from you. Leave me a comment and/or tweet me @judybopp.

 

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Photos: ©2014 American Broadcasting Company. All Rights Reserved.

 

Judy Manning

Dream chaser extraordinaire! Judy tends to be a tad sarcastic and kind of goofy! She is an avid admirer of all things supernatural, paranormal, celestial and mystical. She loves to read, write, and watches way too much TV. She enjoys many genres of film and music (and let's be honest, most music from the 80s). She also has a wicked sweet tooth. Cupcakes beware.

Judy Manning

Dream chaser extraordinaire! Judy tends to be a tad sarcastic and kind of goofy! She is an avid admirer of all things supernatural, paranormal, celestial and mystical. She loves to read, write, and watches way too much TV. She enjoys many genres of film and music (and let's be honest, most music from the 80s). She also has a wicked sweet tooth. Cupcakes beware.