The Castle Renewal Thread

[verdana]

Looks like they're are two showrunners now on board.

 

TPW and Alexi Hawley.

 

Castle Sets New Showrunners for Season 8 at TV Guide.

 

On the heels of the show's Season 8 renewal, Alexi Hawley and Terence Paul Winter will take over as co-showrunners, TVGuide.com has learned. They will replace David Amann, who stepped down recentlyafter taking the reins from creator Andrew W. Marlowe at the end of Season 6.

Hawley, who wrote episodes in Seasons 2, 3 and 4, previously served as an executive story editor, co-producer and producer before moving on to such shows as Body of Proof and the recently canceled The Following. Winter, a long-time producer on the show, has written 13 episodes over the past five seasons.

 

[tljgator]

And now, Alexi Hawley added as co-show runner, per TV|Line...

[verdana]

The problem with the Castle fandom is that it is mainly concentrated on tumblr and twitter, meaning the most the fan reaction you seem to get is #crying or #myunicorncantleave. This fandom could not organise a piss up in a brewery, let alone any coordinated fan campaign of years gone by.

LOL Agreed. I've seen that kind of stuff on twitter about Stana being a perfect unicorn and it cracks me up every time. 

[verdana]

I'm waiting for the next one now. I hope they both see eye to eye.

[verdana]

Checked out his IMDB writing credits to remind me what he did:

 

- Headhunters (2012) ... (written by)

- Kill Shot (2011) ... (written by)

- To Love and Die in L.A. (2011) ... (written by)

- Lucky Stiff (2011) ... (written by)

- Under the Gun (2010) ... (writer)

- Wrapped Up in Death (2010) ... (written by)

- A Rose for Everafter (2010) ... (story)

- Love Me Dead (2009) ... (written by)

- Fool Me Once... (2009) ... (written by)

 

Never rated Killshot but I loved the LA episode, not so keen on Headhunters but that could have been because it was part of the douchebag arc.

Hope he's picked up some fresh ideas whilst he's been away on other projects to use on Castle. I liked Body of Proof.

Edited May 9, 2015 by verdana

[FlickerToAFlame]

BTW the news about who was the first choice just dropped and THAT is who I thought you guys would love.

Do you mean Alexi?

[madmaverick]

And the new show runner is TPW! from tvline.com

 

Oh TPW, you should have stayed off twitter if you were going to be showrunner.  Heh.  

 

ETA:  Left the comment box open while I went off to do something.  Came back and voila, one more showrunner!  This is more unpredictable than some episodes of Castle! ;)

 

I wish I hadn't read the news from that TV Line link.  Not so much to do with TV Line and even Matt's recaps just get a brief glance these days, but the comments below that article were just nasty.  It's been a long time since I read the comments there so I don't know if this sad level of discourse, if it can even be called that, has been the fandom norm for a long time or if negotiation drama is bringing out the worst of the worst.  I just don't see how a nice tweet to Castle fans to relax and rejoice about a S8 of the show happening can be wilfully misinterpreted so maliciously .  Ever grateful for the safe, sane refuge of respectful Castle discussion here.

 

Anyway, I had been pleased with the idea of Schindel but TPW is a good choice too if they had to promote from within.  Definitely more enthusiastic about TPW than I ever was about Amann, simply because I like the former a lot more as a writer than the latter.  Hopefully TPW can tighten up the storytelling and deepen the characterisation across the board and bring about a higher quality of writing in general.  But the key question is still whether Marlowe will be hovering as de-facto boss.  If he continues to be, then I won't have expectations of any real change.  Not even a change in the lighting level.  Kinda sad that our requests even include something like that, but if they genuinely reassessed the 'look' of the show, they'd do something about the lighting and Castle's wardrobe.  Next Castle fandom drama: recasting the lighting guy and the wardrobe guy!  ;)

 

Castle managed to deliver lots of drama even with no new episodes ;) Usual high-stakes conspiracy but with a simple touch of human folly, brilliant two-parter material.

 

 

Hehe.  You forgot mythology. ;)  All manner of myths are being woven and spread without basis in fact.  And I would say there's an overdose of folly, amongst other things.

 

Also color me tired of these more and more obvious games media, network and some of the cast play with fans. I thought this recasting "leak" was the new low, I can't see it as anything other than Seamus and Jon generating hysteria for leverage in negotiations, and can't respect that.

Same.  If actors want to gain leverage with fan support, then have the balls to openly solicit it yourself on twitter.  Whomever's behind this, it's not cool to create a "leak" like this "anonymously" to a fan website with a large fandom following.  Reeks of underhanded fan manipulation for their own ends.

 

Stana is out and the role of Beckett will now be played by Archie Panjabi

They do have the leather and heels in common.  Hmm... bisexual Beckett, that would be a twist lol!  A Kalinda type guest star could be fun on Castle.

 

LOL the questions some fans ask, I usually don't like Hanning's habit of making sarcastic put downs to fans but I smiled at this one.

 

 

I chuckled at the one about the same question being asked every day... honestly don't get why people do that.  Guess it's the twitter equivalent of going on location again and again.  Or Lanie saying 'lividity' over and over again heh.

 

Am I the only one trying to read what Chad's plans are for the future from that tweets of congrats to TPW? lol

 

 

Creaseys certainly know to bond with showrunners past and present through twitter. ;)  Is it confirmed that Dara is leaving because I only saw that info here?

 

So ready for this drama to be over.  Should I hope that the finale generates enough drama on its own as a diversion from all this?  ;)

Edited May 9, 2015 by madmaverick

[FlickerToAFlame]

I wonder if it was going to be Schindel if State of Affairs (Alexi's show) got a second season, but when it was cancelled they went with Alexi/TPW.

[madmaverick]

So did they always want someone who had been involved with the show before, past or present?  Was Schindel first choice?  I'm sorry he passed but they must have been close to a deal if his name ended out there.  Alexi Hawley being in was dependent on the fate of The Following?  I suppose they want to have more than one pair of inexperienced hands at the helm since neither have been showrunner before (ETA: corrected, looks like AH has been showrunner before on other shows), but in a time where they must be looking at the bottom line, isn't it more expensive to have 2 showrunners than one?  On the other hand, this does make it more likely that Marlowe really is out.  

 

May have to refresh my memories on the episodes AH has written, but generally, I favour his earlier episodes more than his later ones like with most longtime writers on Castle.  I did like the Kyra episode.  Didn't love Killshot either except for that scene with Beckett and Esposito.

Edited May 9, 2015 by madmaverick

[verdana]

Alexi Hawley Joins ‘Castle’ As Co-Showrunner at Deadline

I like this site, gives it to you straight.

Hawley had been on ABC’s radar for Castle but he didn’t become available until Fox officially cancelled The Following yesterday. This marks Hawley’s return to Castle where he got his break as a writer, getting his first producer credit. Before his stint on the Kevin Williamson thriller The Following, CAA-repped Hawley created NBC’s State of Affairs.

 

Hawley and Winter succeed David Amann, who recently stepped down as Castle showrunner. The series star, Nathan Fillion, is set to come back. Still up in the air is the return of co-star Stana Katic, who has not yet reached an agreement for a new contract.

 

[verdana]

Oh TPW, you should have stayed off twitter if you were going to be showrunner. Heh.

Yeah I was thinking exactly the same thing poor bugger.  Didn't he have to be dragged kicking and screaming on to twitter in the first place?

madmaverick. As for TV Line comments I read them most weeks when Matt's reviews come out and it's a combination of the good, the bad and the ugly. I do think that this saga has brought the worst out in some unfortunately. 

 

Creaseys certainly know to bond with showrunners past and present through twitter. ;)  Is it confirmed that Dara is leaving because I only saw that info here?

They sure do know how to brown nose...sorry bond heh. Can't blame them though this is Hollywood and it seems par for the course if you want to get on and make connections you suck up to everyone you think might be able to help you. I have to ask again about Dara because like you I've only heard that here nowhere else.

 

but in a time where they must be looking at the bottom line, isn't it more expensive to have 2 showrunners than one?  On the other hand, this does make it more likely that Marlowe really is out. 

May have to refresh my memories on the episodes AH has written, but generally, I favour his earlier episodes more than his later ones like with most longtime writers on Castle.  I did like the Kyra episode.  Didn't love Killshot either except for that scene with Beckett and Esposito.

I'm curious about that too, what with budget seemingly being a factor they've hired both but then if Marlowe is out it makes a bit more sense, if he's around when the dust settled then the phrase "too many cooks" springs to mind. 

 

As for Hawley's previous efforts I have to say I prefer his early work, especially Rose for Everafter that was full of some lovely moments, I liked the actress who played Kyra. I don't remember all of them though, yeah the only bit of Killshot I liked was that scene with Espo and Beckett, aaah those were the days when Esposito wasn't acting like a little git. *sigh*

Edited May 9, 2015 by verdana

[smiley13]

Why do they call these people "showrunners?  Are they Executive Producers, or is their title in the credits really "showrunner"?

[verdana]

Or Lanie saying 'lividity' over and over again heh.

 

Now you happen to mention Lividity Lanie, Tamala seems happy to be back but then it's not exactly hard work, she doesn't have to learn many lines. 

 

Tamala Jones @tamalajones  ·  3 hrs 3 hours ago

I love saying this #we'rebaaaack

#4thosewhodidn'tknow #CastleS8 #ontheway @ABC_publicity @Castle_ABC #ABCTV… http://www.whosay.com/l/KrEaxos

 

Edited May 9, 2015 by verdana

[S55]

BTW the news about who was the first choice just dropped and THAT is who I thought you guys would love.

 

I'll be honest and say that knowing Alexi is coming back is the first thing to make me cautiously optimistic and looking forward to another season.  So I'm glad their first choice came through in the end. And I say this as someone who also watched The Following, haha. Now I need more info on that writers' room makeup. ;) Though I saw a tweet from Chad that makes me suspect he's gone too, but I need more info to be sure. 

[verdana]

‘Castle’ Sets New Season 8 Showrunners; Stana Katic Still Unconfirmed at Variety

[S55]

Oh TPW, you should have stayed off twitter if you were going to be showrunner.  Heh.  

 

I had the same thought last night. He might regret ever being talked into going on Twitter. Or maybe he'll be sassy like other showrunners. I'd probably respect him if he chose to be like Julie Plec, Hart Hanson or Shonda. Like them or not, IMO they know how to use Twitter better than most in TV. I appreciate sass and snark since I consider Twitter an appropriate outlet for that when it comes to TV. 

I wonder if it was going to be Schindel if State of Affairs (Alexi's show) got a second season, but when it was cancelled they went with Alexi/TPW.

 

I actually think The Following getting canceled had more to do with that. SoA wasn't doing so hot from the get-go, and its cancelation didn't shock many. But TF had more star power behind it (and had been on longer), so when it got the axe, I think that sealed the deal. 

 

ETA: And after seeing the Deadline excerpt, that seems to be exactly how it went down. 

Edited May 9, 2015 by S55

[verdana]

I'll be honest and say that knowing Alexi is coming back is the first thing to make me cautiously optimistic and looking forward to another season.  So I'm glad their first choice came through in the end. And I say this as someone who also watched The Following, haha. Now I need more info on that writers' room makeup. ;) Though I saw a tweet from Chad that makes me suspect he's gone too, but I need more info to be sure. 

If the Creaseys depart I wouldn't be as bothered now as I would have been earlier on in the season, I'd happily get rid of Christine Roum she's written some consistently poor episodes. Adam Frost could go too and I wouldn't be upset seeing the back of Jim Adler either.

Edited May 9, 2015 by verdana

[S55]

I'm not sure that leaves anyone in the room, verdana. ;)  And you'd keep Amanda Johns? Heh. Too bad we can't get David Grae or Liz Beall back as both their shows on CBS are already renewed. And I suppose Will Beall is a pipe dream too. 

[turnitwayup]

Why do they call these people "showrunners?  Are they Executive Producers, or is their title in the credits really "showrunner"?

 

If you have netflix, watch the showrunners: the art of running a tv show doc. They usually get exec producer credits and do all the day to day stuff like hiring and working with directors, keeping things on budgets and on time, and basically oversee everything that goes on. Also likely in charge creatively so the tone and season long arcs and usually writes a few eps.

[verdana]

Why do they call these people "showrunners?  Are they Executive Producers, or is their title in the credits really "showrunner"?

Well I checked out Wiki and it says this:

 

In the United States television industry, a showrunner is a person who is responsible for the day-to-day operation of a television series—although usually such persons are credited as executive producers. The term is also occasionally applied to people in the television industries of other countries.

And TV Tropes:

 

In short, the executive producer who serves as the head writer. The longer answer is that the showrunner is the person who gives the show its tone and direction.

The initial showrunner is usually the creator (frequently the writer of the pilot). As the years pass, the original showrunner may leave and a new one may join - this can often be a Jump the Shark or Growing the Beard moment.

 

I'm not sure that leaves anyone in the room, verdana. ;)  And you'd keep Amanda Johns? Heh. Too bad we can't get David Grae or Liz Beall back as both their shows on CBS are already renewed. And I suppose Will Beall is a pipe dream too.

 

You think my cull is a bit much? Yeah I've laid waste to the writers room there, as for Amanda better keep her on to make up the numbers. Oh I'd love Will Beall to come back! But he's writing film scripts so fat chance, I like your other choices too. 

[S55]

Not to throw a wrench into anything but even if there is a big confirmation that Stana inked a deal…that isn't really reason to breath a sigh of relief either because it doesn't mean she will be there for the whole season. Look at Josh Charles on The Good Wife.

 

Not saying that will happen, just making a point. 

 

Yup. Unless they say she's doing "X" number of episodes (like they announced for David Duchovny when The X-Files went into season 8), we may have no idea how long she's signed on for this next season. I always keep in mind that possibility for TV (since my Phile days, ha).

 

I imagine for some to have her come back and leave before the end of the season might be as undesirable as her not coming back at all. But I'd like to think I'm a realist enough to see, from what has happened on other shows I watch, that anything's possible. But I suspect many in this fandom aren't like that, haha. 

[verdana]

Thanks Hal, something to bear in mind.
 

I imagine for some to have her come back and leave before the end of the season might be as undesirable as her not coming back at all. But I'd like to think I'm a realist enough to see, from what has happened on other shows I watch, that anything's possible. But I suspect many in this fandom aren't like that, haha.

 
If that scenario did occur I'd be disappointed she wasn't going to do a full season but also grateful for whatever I did get. If she agrees to do X number of episodes then clearly that's all she wanted to do end of story. 

Edited May 9, 2015 by verdana

[Nadine]

I go to bed, wake up and there's another co-showrunner. Wonder what tomorrow will bring? Heh.

I do like Alexi's writing so look forward to his return.

[KaveDweller]

Yup. Unless they say she's doing "X" number of episodes (like they announced for David Duchovny when The X-Files went into season 8), we may have no idea how long she's signed on for this next season. I always keep in mind that possibility for TV (since my Phile days, ha).

 

I imagine for some to have her come back and leave before the end of the season might be as undesirable as her not coming back at all. But I'd like to think I'm a realist enough to see, from what has happened on other shows I watch, that anything's possible. But I suspect many in this fandom aren't like that, haha. 

 

I remember on the last season of Alias there were rumors of Michael Vartan leaving and ABC kept insisting he was still going to be in that season.  Then they killed him at the end of the first episode and people freaked out. But they did bring him back from the dead for the final few episodes so that they could have a somewhat happy ending.  I hope that if Stana or Nathan was going to miss episodes they had them scattered around the middle so that the ending could be on an upbeat note.

[Samantha84]

Also, I'm kind of frustrated that Shonda Rhimes has another show for ABC. I'm mostly disillusioned with her at this point. And I'm just waiting for when they rename ABC to SRN - Shonda Rhimes Network - because that's what it's turning into.

 

"The Catch" is produced by Shondaland but Shonda is not writing or showrunner; as she explained on twitter. 

As I stated on twitter .  .  . Dick Wolf will have 5 shows on NBC come this Fall TV season but I don't see people complaining about him taking over NBC. Shonda's shows [either through her production company and/or ones she's showruner] bank ABC a lot of money so of course they're more likely to green light them. 

[KFC]

But if Amann was forced out then the question is why? I know the guy wasn't popular around here, but he wasn't all that much different that Marlowe. He spoke the same. Nothing really changed in the final cut of the episodes. Did people just not like him?

 

Amann left of his own accord. He wasn't forced out. He'd been thinking of leaving for a while.

[Nadine]

"The Catch" is produced by Shondaland but Shonda is not writing or showrunner; as she explained on twitter. 

As I stated on twitter .  .  . Dick Wolf will have 5 shows on NBC come this Fall TV season but I don't see people complaining about him taking over NBC. Shonda's shows [either through her production company and/or ones she's showruner] bank ABC a lot of money so of course they're more likely to green light them. 

 

I agree about the comparison about Wolf and Shondaland. Kind of reminds me of the 90s-'00s when John Wells had all his projects on screen when he did. Greg Berlanti's another one that can be added to this discussion, damn he's gone a lot way since his Dawson's Creek days.

[KaveDweller]

Amann left of his own accord. He wasn't forced out. He'd been thinking of leaving for a while.

 

What makes you think that?

[KFC]

I don't think that, I know it to be the case.

[WendyCR72]

I realize this is OT, but since it was brought up: I think Dick Wolf's monopoly is even more impressive than the rest given just how long he has had something on TV. Since 1990. A quarter of a century. Between the whole L&O franchise with the Mothership (20 seasons), L&O: CI (10 seasons), L&O: SVU (16 seasons and counting), two failed other L&O shows (L&O: Trial By Jury, L&O: Los Angeles), one not L&O show but in the same universe with one of SVU's characters (Conviction - with Alex Cabot for one season), and now the Chicago franchise, and his reality crime series on TNT, Cold Justice, which is also slated for a "spinoff" dealing with sex crimes, he seems unstoppable.

 

The man is like a Midas of TV shows.

[verdana]

Thanks KFC. 

 

Checking back down the TV Line comments section when they announced the news about Hawley, Matt said this in response to a fan suggesting that ABC were deliberately sitting on the news of her signing and would announce everyone had signed up Monday.

 

Matt Webb Mitovich says:

May 9, 2015 at 2:20 PM
I do appreciate your sense of “theater,” but no, she is not signed — at least not as of a few hours ago. And believe me when I say ABC would not sit on this news for a half-second.

 

 

[S55]

I agree about the comparison about Wolf and Shondaland. Kind of reminds me of the 90s-'00s when John Wells had all his projects on screen when he did. Greg Berlanti's another one that can be added to this discussion, damn he's gone a lot way since his Dawson's Creek days.

 

And David E. Kelley. I remember him having several shows on at once back in the Ally McBeal/Chicago Hope/The Practice days. 

[verdana]

Terence Paul Winter ‏@OldManWinter14  6 hrs6 hours ago

@AlexiHawley Welcome back to TV's #Castle -- It's good to have you home!

 

Alexi Hawley @AlexiHawley  ·  11 hrs 11 hours ago

Heartbroken that The Following is no more, but thrilled to be rejoining my family at Castle.

 

I wonder if he really was heartbroken? Seems like the writing was on the wall for a while based on a brief read up on TV Line. 

Edited May 10, 2015 by verdana

[Nadine]

And David E. Kelley. I remember him having several shows on at once back in the Ally McBeal/Chicago Hope/The Practice days. 

 

Yep I was going to add him but for some reason the edit button seemed to have disappeared when I made my original post. 

[verdana]

‘Castle’ Scoop: Terence Paul Winter & Alexi Hawley Set As Co-Showrunners For Season 8 by Patrick Munn at TV Wise.

The formal announcement of Terence Paul Winter and Alexi Hawley being named co-showrunners comes mere days after ABC renewed Castle for season 8 and just days ahead of the network’s Upfront presentation. It has been an uncertain time for the show, with prolonged talent negotiations stalling the renewal until this past week.

 

At present, only Nathan Fillion has signed on for next season, Contrary to other reports, however, Stana Katic is close to inking a new deal, with sources saying there is an “agreement in principle”. The other core cast member are also expected back and I’m told there is absolutely no truth in the rumours doing the round that they would re-cast a couple of key roles if the contract issues can not be resolved.

 

[madmaverick]

He's not wrong…but the press is acting like and convincing some of the fans that the studio is sitting on pins and needles worrying that Stana won't sign, or that they don't care if she does.

 

Both couldn't be further from the truth.

Some fans not only need a villain, but they need a victim too.  Maybe it's to play into their Saviour of Show Stana Triumphs over Evil Network narrative.  Not to mention their love of melodrama.  Maybe they caught it from Marlowe?  A poster here said it before but it's true that Castle Fandom has its tropes.  For my part, I don't see why there have to be any of those designated roles.   It's simply 2 interested parties negotiating for what they want like any business dealings.  Actors are entitled to negotiate for what they want, and networks are entitled to make decisions based on business and the balance sheet.

 

Of course I want Stana to be back for a full season, but if she doesn't want to, for whatever reason, then they'll just have to do the best they can with it.  No Josh Charles type exit (and I don't think they'd execute something like as well) but the show goes on.

 

You guys named a lot of great show creators whose shows are worth at least checking out.  I'm going to be curious to see what Marlowe's next TV project is but it isn't going to be something that I'll automatically be checking out.  Especially if it's Castle-lite.  Don't think they can hit chemistry lightning twice with another pair of actors like Stana and Nathan.  If his next project is anything like Marlowe/Amann action thriller procedural show, then definitely count me out.  I won't be missing those types of episodes from Castle next season.  If they have to do them, then I'm glad someone else is getting a shot at writing them.

 

I won't miss it if we don't get two Ryan/Esposito filler episodes next season either.  Especially if it doesn't bring anything new to the characters or relationships. Happy to see others get a go or just regular Caskett episodes.

 

Maybe they could made the Sleeper plot work better if it'd happened on The Following?  Heh.  Haven't watched that show since its first season but they sure had to sell some fantastic plots!  Don't know how AH's writing was on that show or how big Kevin Williamson's guiding influence was, but I imagine they played the suspense/thriller card better than on Castle.  Never watched State of Affairs (watched Madam Secretary instead) so can't say how well AH crafted his own baby.

 

Anyone know when the writers get back to work and when all the slots in the room will be finalised?

 

Appreciating Tamala's exuberance for once heh.  It is worth celebrating for a show to get to S8.  When you see all the cancellations, you are reminded that it really is no mean feat in this age of network television.

 

Looking forward to the finale even if we don't get another wedding to look forward to (too soon? heh).  Refreshing break from all this re-signing drama.

Edited May 10, 2015 by madmaverick

[McManda]

"It has been an uncertain time for the show, with prolonged talent negotiations stalling the renewal until this past week."

 

Sigh.

 

I guess that sounds more interesting/gets more clicks than "ABC announced renewals and cancellations for almost all their shows at the same time, just like every other year".

 

I'll be thrilled when negotiations are over. I almost miss the days when everything was kept behind the scenes and if the show was renewed was the only thing we had to "worry" (and I put that in quotes because really, viewers worrying was absolutely pointless to the outcome anyway) about.

Edited May 10, 2015 by McManda

[metaphor]

Dara Creasey has just confirmed that she's gone from the writer's room:

@DaraCreasey: Tmrw I'll live tweet both the finale of @CWJaneTheVirgin where I begin work this wk, & of @Castle_ABC, where I wish everyone the best on S8!

Chad's staying on, though:

@chadgcreasey: Congrats to @DaraCreasey on her new solo gig! I'll miss writing with her, but excited to stay w/ the #Castle family.

Edited May 10, 2015 by metaphor

[S55]

Guess I was wrong in my reading of one of his tweets. Now how long before we hear who else is staying (or any newbies coming on board). Hmmm...

[McManda]

Of the two, I thought Dara was more in line with what I want to see on Castle (though she mentioned that TPW helped her with her solo episode, so maybe it was partly working with TPW), so I'll miss her.

 

It makes sense, though, because other than their one solo episode each they were kind of stuck as doing it together, which is probably not what either of them was really looking to do when they signed on as writers.

[S55]

Dara seemed close to Terri, so I wonder if Terri's rumored departure was something she had wind of and decided to pursue other opportunities. And Chad and Dara have sold themselves as a pair up to this point in their careers, so to have them split up now is interesting. 

[KaveDweller]

This times a million. Making your favorite actor/actress into a helpless victim. When did that become a thing? Perhaps we misuse empathy the way we misuse literally.

 

It's because of how the internet works these days. People get "together" and start talking about something and one person says they feel bad for someone. The everyone else agrees and builds on it. It's like a mob mentality.

 

They basically are over. Now it's comments and redlines. Which will go on and on and on and on.

This may be a dumb question, but what exactly is it that takes so long? If they've been negotiating for months, shouldn't the contract be final?

[Nadine]

Thanks kfc for giving us the heads up on Dara the other day. I'm curious to see if Adler stays now, because he was another who Amann had worked with previously over at Without a Trace, etc.

[KaveDweller]

Because both people, the actor's lawyer and the studios lawyer have other crap to do. So there are missed phone calls, then emails that need to be responded too, drafts go back and forth. Sometimes no one responds for a day. This can go on until the day production starts. No one has to sign anything until production starts. 

And to all these people involved it is JUST a job. It's not as urgent or dire as it seems to the fans. Even last year with the big hold out with the actors on Big Bang Theory, nobody ran around with their hair on fire.  Perhaps I don't do a good job explaining it or my much frustration with worried fans gets the better of me and I come off like a pompous ass, but there is other way to explain it than what I've been saying.

I guess it's maybe a contract/legal thing? I work for a really large company and it takes forever to do anything involving a contract. I don't get why it takes them so long either, but I guess I should stop trying to figure it out.

[verdana]

Rather Chad had left if one of them had to go, his solo episode was the worst out the two. 

 

Thanks Hal for the explanation, working in a legal firm I can understand why it's taking as long as it is. heh.

 

Anyone know when the writers get back to work and when all the slots in the room will be finalised?

 

 

 

Here is what Terri tweeted prior to this season, so they get back together around early June which makes sense since they start filming early July.

 

Terri Edda Miller @TerriEdda
And we're back. #Castle
3:26 PM - 3 Jun 2014

 

 

I presume the new writers this year will be announced about the same time.

 

won't miss it if we don't get two Ryan/Esposito filler episodes next season either.  Especially if it doesn't bring anything new to the characters or relationships. Happy to see others get a go or just regular Caskett episodes.

 

 

 

It wouldn't be so bad if you did learn something interesting but it usually ends up being more about the case than exploring the character that deeply. I find them beyond boring, especially the Espo ones. If they can't write for the secondary cast properly then forget it, although I'm still wanting a Martha episode because SS deserves one. 

 

I'm going to be curious to see what Marlowe's next TV project is but it isn't going to be something that I'll automatically be checking out.

 

I wish Marlowe and his wife luck with whatever they decide to do but I for one won't be interested in their new projects no matter how tempting. The over use of subtext as a writing tool, their ridiculous prudishness about anything sexual, the love of OTT drama and last but by no means least their willingness to pull the rug out for shits and giggles. If that's how they're going to continue to approach things as showrunners I'll take a pass, let others enjoy their particular brand of "organic" storytelling and love of mythology. 

Edited May 11, 2015 by verdana

[madmaverick]

@DaraCreasey: Tmrw I'll live tweet both the finale of @CWJaneTheVirgin where I begin work this wk, & of @Castle_ABC, where I wish everyone the best on S8!

Guess she "loves her job" on JTV more than on Castle. Nothing wrong with that, just an observation. Wish her the best. Are the writers working harder on JTV if they are beginning work already? Their finale airs the same time Castle finale airs. If Castle writers don't begin till June, then they've still got time to staff their writers' room. Hopefully we'll hear something definitive about all the contracts at the upfronts, but I wouldn't be surprised at this point if things dragged on through hiatus.  Lawyers must be happy with all the billable hours. Edited May 11, 2015 by madmaverick

[Nadine]

Jane the Virgin wrapped much earlier than Castle did, so the writers would be starting back earlier as a result. JtV airs in an earlier timeslot than Castle.

Edited May 11, 2015 by Nadine

[verdana]

Dara is already moving on to buttering up the new boss, things move fast on to the next job. Heh. But at least she's giving the Castle ones a final live tweet.

Edited May 11, 2015 by verdana

[pennben]

Can I ask a dumb question?  Why do folks think Marlowe will hang around and have an influence on next season when he is no longer contractually involved with Castle?

 

Is this something show runners do even when they no longer draw a salary or get credit for what happens on a show after they are gone?

[verdana]

Can I ask a dumb question?  Why do folks think Marlowe will hang around and have an influence on next season when he is no longer contractually involved with Castle?

 

Because as far as I'm aware it's not been officially confirmed that Marlowe has left to pursue other interests unless I've missed a news report. I would expect ABC or Marlowe at some point to clarify his situation. 

 

‘Castle’ Star Stana Katic To Return For Season 8 at Deadline