Episode 5 of Season 6 of Castle, "Time Will Tell," is an interesting take on the concept of time-travel, T-t, and was reminiscent of the general concept of Time Cops. It implemented several components of T-t theory and referenced numerous T-t tropes such as the Butterfly Affect. Unlike other episodes of Castle that trend toward the science fiction genre, "Time Will Tell" leaves the concept of T-t open and even points toward its being definite and legitimate. The episode features some characters acting outside of their usual character: Castle and Alexis's father-daughter relationship and Beckett verbally and non- verbally conceding that the unproven can exist.
The director's take on T-t theory seemed consistent with the convolution of the episode, as if this particular case was akin to wrapping one's mind around the space-time continuum. With the origin of events unsure and without concrete motive for the actions of the villain, Garret Ward, due to his silence, it is difficult to ascertain truth from the ramblings of "time cop" Doyle, a self-proclaim time-traveler on a mission to stop Ward. Never knowing the true genesis of Ward's actions, the viewer is left to piece together chronology that in Castle's time-frame is inconsistent, but, in context with accounts from Doyle and about Ward,the events have meaning albeit questionably. The uncanny consistency between the little the viewer hears of Ward and the volume the viewer absorbs from Doyle, along with Doyle's prediction of Beckett and Castle's marriage, make for an intriguing argument. Doyle's comments on their marriage seems to validate his story to Rick, but T-t has alternative, rational explanation throughout the episode, mostly generated by the pragmatism of Kate Beckett, until its conclusion. However, even Beckett acknowledges the possibility of T-t after she spills her coffee, and, even before that, she admits that she does not know what to believe in regards to T-t when questioned by Castle. This open-minded Beckett is one that has not been seen and adds a depth to the character. Kate is not just the hard-nosed practical homicide detective seen in the prior 5 seasons. Has she turned a corner and changed? Unlikely, but it's an interesting facet to her character.
Meanwhile, the episode exposes that Castle isn't always the trusting father portrayed in the previous 5 seasons. Just like most fathers and parents, he is resistant to the passage of time in their children's lives and the changes that come with it. Alexis reveals her plan to move in with her bf, Pi. Pi is a new development, and Rick is not comfortable with the decision. The proponent for his child to rebel and be irresponsible, Castle finds himself filling the role of active parent where usually he exhibits a passive approach which features a loving, healthy, and supportive attitude. The gravity of Alexis' decision in Castle's eyes is a microcosm of the urgent display by Doyle in stopping time-criminal, Ward. If allowed to go unchecked, both parties fully believe these will be decisions of dire consequence in the not too distant future.
Both Beckett and Castle's actions are atypical for their characters, but it's only fitting for an ending that is atypical. With the disappearance of Doyle from Precinct 12 at the end and the stain pattern on the document, little doubt is left that T-t is possible. Unlike previous fringe science fiction episodes, the subject matter of T-t is one of the most incompletely researched and improperly studied phenomenons featured. The other topics are more studied and have been dis-proved over a larger sample of studies. however, T-t theory can't be technically debunked due to its theoretical nature and endless possibilities for study. The director and writers were able to draw their own conclusions that affect Castle's Universe but don't necessarily reflect our own.
Overall, this was an entertaining episode, and, in that, it was a success. I doubt most viewers watch Castle, ABC, or television, for that matter, for its artistic value and high-acting. Most viewers are hooked by the dramatic elements. This is not to discredit Nathan Fillion, the Directors and other actors. I have no qualms about their respective acting and theatrical prowess. That is only said to clarify that if you are a fan of the show thus far, this episode is well within reasonable expectations and, in my opinion, exceeds them. To expect a Terrence Mallick production is absurd, and to critique the acting of consummate professionals like Nathan Fillion and co. without qualification is laughable.
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