It’s that time of year again!

The time of year when Andrew Marlowe and the rest of the Castle writers give us an extra present. The time of year when they push out a two-part episode that is filled with tension, adrenaline and something that always hits close to home. The best part about these episodes? They never fail. Time to talk “Target," TV Fanatics.

The Castle Season 5 two-parter kicked off with the kidnapping of Alexis and her friend. Turns out Alexis was in the wrong place at the wrong time and her pal’s rich father is hated in Egypt. So what is going on here? Rewind...

Where In the World is Alexis Castle? Beckett and Castle realize that Sara could have been taken for ransom. Castle figures out his little girl is with her and the stakes have changed. Here comes a different side of Rick Castle. The side that threatens felons for the location of his daughter and shows up where he shouldn’t so he can take her home. I’m pretty sure this is a side of all fathers and can’t even imagine how to handle the situation. 

On the upside? Alexis does. Girl is definitely her father. Knowing how to pick locks, trying to identify their location. Skyping with her dad and dropping the phone so they can trace it and show whats on the floor (was that an X)? After chasing down leads to the farm house, I thought for sure the girls would be outside of New York. Never for a second did I think they would be in Paris. Good twist, Marlowe!

Beckett’s Role. How do you go from being the girlfriend/partner to the lead detective on the kidnapping of your boyfriend’s daughter? Kate Beckett will obviously figure it out. After rushing to his side and hugging him in front of Gates - after saying she doesn’t care who sees - Beckett is on a mission to find the daughter of the man she loves. And she will stop at nothing to do it. 

The two had a serious exchange where Castle asked her not to promise to find Alexis unless she can because he will never forgive her otherwise. Could you fathom the strain that would go on this relationship if things don’t end well? You have to assume that Alexis walks away from this and back into the arms of her father. But could you picture it if she didn’t?

Meet Agent Harris. Veteran actor Dylan Walsh appears as the FBI Agent helping out with the kidnapping case. Most of the time, these two-part appearances make you suspicious and worried. But for some reason, the character of Agent Harris brings out a calm in everyone. Here is hoping the man gets the job done and quick. And it wouldn’t hurt if he stuck around for some time. Walsh is looking fine!

The Spotlight is On. We’ve discussed many times the lack of screen time that Molly Quinn gets on the series, especially now that her character has moved onto college. Her scenes have always been sweet and endearing, especially those with her father. Hopefully this will clue in the staff to give some bigger arcs to the little Castle. 

One Man Show. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: Nathan Fillion is a genius. The man is able to portray so much emotion just through a facial expression. He can bring the laughs, the smiles, and even sometimes, the tears. This episode proved that Fillion is an amazing actor, as he portrayed maybe the hardest role he has had on this show so far. Scared father. The character is living a parent’s worst nightmare. With Fillion playing the role, you are feeling exactly what he is feeling. He deserves a statue after this season, especially after this episode. 

Leave it to Castle to go from a fun and lighthearted Valentine’s Day episode (“Reality Star Struck”) and come back with something that is bound to make you hold your breath. It’s no secret I love the two-parters. And the best thing about this installment? There is another one on the way.

So while we wait until the next episode, hit up the comments and check back for the official Castle Round Table later in the week, where the staff of TV Fanatic will be discussing the tense events of “Target.” Until then, Castle fans!