- Title: Castle – An Embarrassment of Bitches
- tv.com: link
When the judge (Ed Francis Martin) at a dog show is murdered shortly after giving out the prize for Best in Show Beckett (Stana Katic) and Castle (Nathan Fillion) are called into investigate. There are no shortage of suspects as they uncover angry dog owners, dog breeders, drug trafficking, a rabid member of paparazzi (Scott Lowell) with a doggie cam, and a reality-television star (Hilarie Burton) who was seen leaving he victim’s dressing room right around the time of death.
The investigation uncovers a canine therapist (Nana Visitor), a secret breeding program, and rumors that the victim was taking bribes to rig the results of recent dog shows. It also turns out the victim was training drug sniffing dogs for the United States Government and was helping a U.S. Customs Agent (Kevin E. West) take down the Vasquez Drug Cartel.
Much to Espisito’s (Jon Huertas) displeasure, after taking quite a shine to her despite her tiny dog and annoying boyfriend (Justin Hartley), the team uncovers a connection between the reality-television star and the cartel, but the episode has time for one last twist before revealing the killer.
A fan of White Collar, I love seeing Burton get more work. She’s terrific as the reality-television star who secretly knows how ridiculous her life has become. And the tease of a possible relationship with Espisito is one of the show’s more intriguing ideas. Also providing some amusement, and another trademark will-they/won’t-they Castle moment are Beckett and Castle’s co-doggycare duties as each takes turn taking care of the victim’s dog.
