I think they did, but with blinkers on--they had decided that the killer used the stairs, so they must have thought they didn't see the murderer on tape.

Exactly, and they knew she worked there, so she was no big deal until they realized the timing and circumstances that particular day.

I think that the scene where Castle tells his story is my favorite from the episode. I do think it improved over last week - it felt much less frantic.

I think that the scene where Castle tells his story is my favorite from the episode.

That scene, and the shot of NF when his daughter leaves the room at the end. Fillion totally sells that.

Finally saw the first two CASTLE's. Fun, lightweight stuff, but I like both the leads (I find the detective a LOT less off-putting than Emily Deneschel was on BONES to start off with). Liked the second episode better than the first (apart from the poker group not being in the second), which is always a good sign. And absolutely LOVED the "DeGeneres & DeRossi" rejoinder from Castle.

And absolutely LOVED the "DeGeneres & DeRossi" rejoinder from Castle.

That made me hoot! There really were some good shots in the episode.

Yup. Enjoyed this Castle. I hope that they don't make a theme of him spinning a tale, but I did like them establishing that dynamic; everyone listening to him, rapt, then shaking themselves back into their reality.

I like the father/daughter/grandmother dynamic. It's kinda fun. Oh, and imdb tells me the grandma is Kitty Montgomery from Dharma & Greg. Ha.

Anyway, I liked the way the story unraveled, even if it did still wrap up remarkably cleanly despite Castle's protestations that it took longer in real life than in fiction.

I miss Leverage. I'm doubting we'll get a dvd set

I don't see why it wouldn't? It did get renewed for a second season, after all...

I'm enjoying Castle too. Clearly the writers are aware that NF gives good banter, and are using it to their full advantage.

When did detective shows start using story arcs and continuing character elements? I remember the shows from the 70s, where everything was a standalone, except for recurring characters like Wo Fat on Hawaii 50 (loved Wo Fat) and such.

The ongoing character interaction has raised the level of soap opera, but I like the way previous events inform later ones.

When did detective shows start using story arcs and continuing character elements?

The Fugitive had some of that. An overall arc that actually got resolved!

I think it really picked up with Hill Street Blues.

Yeah, I think Hill St Blues revolutionised the form.

I read Beverly to mean she wouldn't get DVDs. They are being made.