Yes, Castle was much, much better last night.

Also, the expression on Castle's face when Alexis said that she and her boyfriend were moving in together was priceless.

The Mentalist: Yes, what a waste of Bradley Whitford, if true. I choose to think it is further indication of Jayne's mental state (unhealthy) and I know that juries actually can do what they want but can't see them actually completely acquitting him.

Castle's interactions with Alexis as she's growing up are gems. Loved his mother and her costumes.

I gave up on the Mentalist ... last year, I think. I've occasionally channel-surfed by, enough to gather that he'd killed Red John (or someone he thought was him) but never stuck around.

I'm finding that I really dislike the long, drawn-out arcs of personal angst in shows. Jane and Red John; Langston and whats-his-name the killer; Beckett and her mother's killer; Hotchner and Foyet/Reaper. Don't know if it's just me or if anyone else gets tired of them.

But at least with Hotch/Foyet/Reaper, they introduced the character midway through S4, didn't angst over it until he showed up in the season finale, had it create an issue for Hotch for the first several episodes of S5 and by November sweeps, it was essentially done, in that the character was irrevocably disposed of.

They did the same with the Emily/Doyle arc as well (more out of necessity, but still, they didn't belabor the point).

H50- the writers had TOO much fun.

"How long have you two been married?"

That felt like an old-school Castle. And I didn't mind the reference to Beckett's mom since it was in comparison to one of the suspects. But I've never minded when Castle gets a little heavy.

H50 - don't like the new girl. Not just because she fucks with my ho!yay, but because she's a waif. Grace Park is slender, but you can see the muscle tone, and you believe that her punch packs a wallop. This chick? Not so much.

Was that Lilith from SPN?

Gibson tweeting pictures of his CM costars' feet

[link]

I'm tired of heroes with tragic back stories. I want to see a cop show where the protagonist got into it because s/he wants to right wrongs and fight the good fight and do noble deeds. Not because there's something they need to avenge or find the truth about or because it's the family business and they were compelled. Think of all the plot twists where people are wondering what secret such a protagonist is hiding.

(Yes, there are shows like that out there, the pedants needn't belabor the point, but there aren't enough of them.)

Well, it would be so cool if they hadn't cancelled L&O Original Recipe because not too much backstory there. (I am enjoying L&O:UK.)

Maybe there will be a swing back to that sort of story.

H50 - don't like the new girl.

Me neither. I find her line delivery weird. I'm trying to be open minded, though.