Airing from 2009 to 2016, crime and comedy series Castle was quick to delight audiences, not in small part due to the electric chemistry between the two leading actors. The idea of a writer following around an NYPD detective and helping solve cases was brought to life in a funny yet compelling way that kept fans glued to the screen for seven years.
Even though the show didn't get the ending it deserved, it still has immense rewatchable qualities. The adorable banter between Richard Castle and Kate Beckett never ceases to entertain, the cases are interesting, and the eternal "will they, won't they" is enough to have some crawling up the walls in desperation - in the best possible sense. If you're in a mood to revisit this particularly lovable shows, here are the best episodes to play, ranked according to IMDb.
The Lives Of Others (9.2)
"The Lives Of Others" sees a wheel-chair bound Castle recovering from a skiing accident. Now that he can't participate in cases and has a birthday coming up, Castle resorts to using his brand new pair of binoculars to...spy on his neighbors!
He eventually witnesses a murder and tries to alert Beckett, but no one seems to be taking him seriously. What follows is both shocking and, to some extent, a hilarious twist that would surprise the most astute of viewers.
Resurrection (9.2)
One of the recurring storylines of Castle surrounded the vicious serial killer 3XK, that first made an appearance in season 3 and kept haunting Castle and Beckett for seasons to come. "Resurrection" marked the first of a two-part series of events that led the pair into a confusing and dangerous spiral.
Once Castle and Beckett find him yet again, he swears they are mistaken. In an attempt to put him behind bars for good, they find themselves immersed in a complex mystery.
Knockdown (9.3)
The only mystery more thrilling that 3XK was the murder of Beckett's mother, an event that shaped her life in many ways, including her giving up a career in law to become a detective.
In "Knockdown", one of many episodes that attempted to put together the puzzle that was this case, the lead detective on the case at the time tells Becket he has valuable information. But when he shows up dead, Castle and Kate once again dive deep into finding out who is behind it all.
Probable Cause (9.3)
Season five marked the first few stages of Castle and Beckett's relationship, something that fans reveled in. But by the time "Probable Cause", the fifth episode of the season, came around, everyone was shocked when a woman turned up dead and everything pointed to none other than Castle.
He swears his innocence but goes on the run, and Beckett is conflicted about whether or not he was cheating on her. Could he do it? Who would have a motive to frame him for murder? It's all possible in this high-stakes episode.
Target (9.3)
Most of the cases Castle and Beckett work on have no connection to themselves and their families. But ever so often, like in case of Kate's mother's death, they make their way to the show and make for some amazing episodes.
"Target" sets into a motion a series of dangerous events when Castle's daughter, Alexis, is kidnapped alongside Egyptian tycoon Anwar El-Masri's daughter Sara. Castle is left in agony and ready to move Hell and Earth.
Veritas (9.3)
Episode twenty-two of season 6 was the one that finally put the case of Kate's mom's death to rest. After years of chasing ghosts, people dropping dead, and Beckett almost losing her own life in the process, everyone cheered together as the man responsible for it all, Senator Bracken, is finally put behind bars.
Reckoning (9.3)
"Reckoning" was the follow-up to the thrilling and intense "Knockdown", the episode following 3XK's return to Castle and Beckett's life, who are now risking it all to achieve justice.
Kate is now missing, having been abducted by 3XK and his accomplice, who now plan to kill her and assume her identity in a very twisted mystery. Once again, Castle is left in shambles but will do whatever is necessary to save Beckett and once and for all put an ending to this excruciating saga.
Knockout (9.4)
The season 3 finale was emotional and earth-shattering for fans of the show. When killer Hal Lockwood escapes from jail and takes the life of rogue cop, Gary McCallister, Kate's life is in danger.
Secrets begin to surface surrounding Beckett's mother that sends her on a wild hunt for more clues and insight into who orchestrated the crime. The episode ends on what is perhaps the biggest cliffhanger Castle had ever seen, as fans were left without knowing the fate of one of the most important characters.
Hunt (9.4)
After his kidnapped daughter's case doesn't seem to be leading anywhere, Castle decides to take matters into his own hands and find Alexis through his own means - which includes traveling to Paris.
The stakes are higher than ever before, as his relationship with Beckett can take a major hit, his daughter is in danger, and the mystery surrounding her kidnapping seems stranger by the minute.
Always (9.5)
For the duration of four excruciating seasons, fans clenched their fists every time Castle and Beckett denied their feelings for each other, or simply refused to pursue each other romantically.
"Always" was the climax of years of this dance, after an entire episode of Beckett once again digging up clues about her mother's death. By the end of the whole thing, Kate shows up at Castle's place and they finally give in to the obvious love that had been looming over them for so long.