TV Tonight: Failin' Fillion

I'm hearing mixed reviews on the first coupla episodes. I have been dreading Castle for weeks now - ever since I saw the first press release, and then the terrible promos ('they're on each other's case', for chrissakes). I just cringed every time I saw a preview and didn't see how this could be anything less than hideous, and was concerned that Fillion would be branded as a series killer. However, I saw the first 13 minutes on youtube on Friday and what I saw was definitely better than what I was expecting. Maybe it was an issue of lowered expectations, but I'm gonna give it a chance. Fillion was definitely the strongest link in the chain, appearing to be having a blast with the role and bringing some real charm and charisma to a role that - in other hands- could just have easily gone the lame-irritating route. It wasn't great TV by any means - I'm usually not a big fan of procedurals in general - but at least this one has some likable leads. We'll see. . .

I initially thought this looked really, really stupid, but the more ads I see, the more I'm intrigued. If it were in the time slot immediately after Chuck (I think it's an hour after Chuck ends, correct?), and if I had no plans for Monday nights post-Chuck, I probably would watch the first episode.

@Dave - did you ever check out Lie to Me? I am caught up, except for the 4th episode, and its still "aiight". Are you watching Leverage? I checked it out over the weekend because I read that Mark Sheppard (my favorite actor) was a recurring character. I had not expected to like at all, but I'm now about 7 episodes in and I am liking it quite a bit.

@shara says -- Leverage is really fun. And it only has room to improve in its second season....totally my favorite new show of the year.

@chaddog - as of episode 6 or 7, i'm not seeing much Mark Sheppard - just the one appearance so far. Does he show up more in later episodes, or am I setting myself up for disappointment? You mention a second season - has it been renewed yet, or is that wishful thinking?
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Mr. Shara Says is delighted with it as well, its like Oceans 11 with a tone that, for some reason, reminds us both of Dead Like Me. Timothy Hutton is really well-cast, and I'm totally digging VooDoo from FNL in a role where he gets to laugh and be goofy and funny. From watching FNL I had NO IDEA that he has such excellent comic timing, and such a handsome smile (uh, that's him, right?). And Lindsey from Angel! Loving his long hair and general bad-a$$ery, but still have NO IDEA what his name is on this show - so we're still calling him "Lindsey" until further notice. His character always got on my nerves on Angel, I like seeing him in this role way better.

@shara says -- he's more of a recurring bit part...making big appearances in the last 3 episodes or so (I think). The show has been renewed and will be back with new episodes in the summer (I think).
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And Mr. Shara Says hit the nail on the head with the Oceans 11 idea, but I'd say the show is more "Chuck" or "Life" in tone than Dead Like Me -- keeping it light and fun, with just enough quirks in the characters to make them interesting. Definitely a show that did VERY well for itself this season, and one that has BIG TIME room to grow in the future.

dude, just finished the leverage marathon. Wow - the last coupla episodes were freaking awesome.

Why oh why didn't I listen to you James? I thought my expectations were low enough, just wanted some low-level charming fun. But it's less Moonlighting and more like a lamer version of Murder She Wrote, with a cuter lead. But the Simon Baker effect doesn't apply to something as boring as this - I couldn't finish.

This might be a show that plays better for people who aren't huge TV watchers. I watched the pilot and my biggest problem with it is that it's basically like all the other cop shows (hundreds at this point).

I have to say I excepted more from a show with Nathan Fillion. Not that there was anything wrong with his or any of the other performances. Great to see the mother who played Kitty on Greg and Dhrama. But, what horrific writing. I made it through and then rewatched the premiere of Ashes to Ashes. Let's just say, I'm wondering again about the decision that led ABC to cancel Life on Mars.

R.I.P. Firefly. Really feel left out in the cold by TV these days as I can't stand typical cop, doctor or CSI type shows. I liked "Life" til recently. and lost interest in "Life on Mars" after the first 4 episodes or so. Seems to me the networks like to candy coat the same old plots with a unique angle to get you interested - then drop the uniqueness after a short while. Currently there are a couple of comedy s and a couple of reality shows I watch but no dramas.

James -
I'll trust your judgment: Fillion's great, but the show looks like it blows . . . and your post above pretty much seals the deal.

Thanks for saving me from disappointment!

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Well, I actually enjoyed 'Castle'. Chuckled a couple of times. I liked the pacing and interested in seeing where they go with the overall idea. Will be watching.

All of you folks that did not have any hope of Castle being a show worth watching need to come back and make some corrections here.

I saw the you tube teaser and thought it need to be tightened up a bit. The first episode did not knock me off the lazy boy.

But it has developed in just a few short episodes into quite a fun watch.

I am not looking for Masterpiece theater. I am looking for something fast paced, fun, and visually pleasing to the eye.

I have found it, it is Castle.

For me, it picked up after the first couple of episodes. Sure, it's nothing new, but the serious cop gets devil-may-care partner is executed well here. Supporting cast, including Castle's daughter, is terrific.