Golden Boy Preview: “McKenzie on Fire”

What we know: McKenzie’s brother Patrick was killed on the job two years ago and she’s still very much affected by the loss.

What we learn about the case: When the bullets from an open investigation match those from her brother’s homicide, McKenzie wants to seek justice for her family.

What we learn about McKenzie: Her family is a clan of cops. Patrick was the glue that held their family together and they’ve all been a bit adrift since he was murdered. McKenzie seems to want this investigation to be “done right now” as opposed to “done right.”

What we learn about Owen: He might not be as ready to retire as he’s leading everyone to believe, especially when it’s his “slow and steady” approach that helps them make progress with their case.

What we learn about Arroyo: On top of all his other vices, he’s a very possessive, jealous guy. That should cause some really interesting problems down the line.

What we learn about Clark: Although he doesn’t always listen so good, he will always do what Owen tells him to. And he’s there for McKenzie no matter what.

Golden Boy airs Tuesdays at 10/9c on CBS.

Castle Preview: “Target” [VIDEO]

[WARNING: SPOILERS FOR TONIGHT’S EPISODE]

It’s a Castle in crisis tonight on ABC. We’ve seen “Target” and it’s a good, emotional, suspenseful and intense hour of TV. It really shows off the love Castle and Alexis have for each other. In fact, abc.com currently has a photo gallery of some father/daughter moments that you might want to check out.

Synopsis for “Target”: In the first of a two-episode story arc, Castle & Beckett begin a murder investigation that also exposes a plot to kidnap the daughter of a wealthy Middle Eastern businessman. Dylan Walsh guest stars as FBI Agent Harris, an even-keeled professional brought in to help find the kidnappers.

We don’t want to give away much but here’s some of what you can expect:

• You have to know from the preview that aired after last week’s episode, that Alexis is in serious danger. She’s been kidnapped. Now whether she’s the target or in the wrong place at the wrong time remains to be seen.
• Get ready for a Rick Castle you’ve never seen before. He’s scared for his daughter. And at one point in the episode, he’s scary in the name of his daughter. Haven’t seen Nathan Fillion like that since he played Reverend Caleb in Buffy the Vampire Slayer. Even though Castle’s situation is every parent’s nightmare, it’s good to see Fillion stretch his acting muscles in this way. He does a damn good job.
• Look for Beckett to be supportive of Castle, of course. We feel like she’s his rock. But she has to be focused on the matter at hand as well. The goal is to get Alexis back. But there are a couple of moments where we felt the Caskett love shining through.
  
• Alexis is definitely her father’s daughter. She’s strong, resourceful and awesome.

• Dylan Walsh (Nip/Tuck, Revenge, Unforgettable) plays the federal agent in this two-parter. But look for him to be nothing like the Dana Delany, Jennifer Beals or Adrian Pasdar federal agents that came before him. This guy (at least so far) isn’t in any sort of contentious relationship with either Beckett or Castle.
• Skyler Stone (Cousin Mike from FOX’s Raising Hope) also guest stars — he’s one of the bad guys.
• Love how everyone is concerned for Castle and Alexis…including Gates.
• The ending is quite unexpected.

We’re going to need the next week to go by quickly because we need to see the second part (“Hunt”) a.s.a.p. Castle ”Target” airs tonight at 10/9c on ABC. Photos courtesy of Richard Foreman/ABC.

Face Off Preview: “Two Heads Are Better Than One” [VIDEO]

In this episode the artists team up to tackle larger-than-life giant characters based on the ancient fable, Jack, the Giant Killer, featuring guest judge Bryan Singer.

We like seeing the dynamics of team challenges. Who is stronger in design and in leadership? Who is just skating by? Here we see that Jenna continues to struggle with her bum hand. Maybe it’s time to send her home.

Face Off airs tonight at 9/8c on Syfy.

Face Off Preview: “When Hell Freezes Over” [VIDEO]

What do you know about demons from other cultures? If you’re like me, you know almost nothing. And to have to pick a demon based on the name alone? More than a little scary. So when the contestants are randomly paired they have absolutely no frame of reference to fall back on. And that’s what makes this challenge so exciting. Well that, and there’s a twist.

I don’t know whether or not I like the twist, but I will say some teams handle it beautifully and other teams barely even address it. One contestant struggles with this challenge because of a physical liability and almost all of the teams stumble at one (or many) points throughout this three day challenge. Some of the demons are truly grotesque and some are just awful. I don’t know if I completely agree with who gets sent home but I’m really happy with who wins.

Face Off airs Tuesdays at 9/8c on Syfy.