Captain Gates won't be around in "Castle" season 8 but the ensemble isn't getting any smaller. According to TVLine, ABC is actively on the lookout for two new cast members that presumably has to do with Beckett's change of career unfolding in the new season. 

The first character is named Hayley, who is described as a "quick-witted, free-spirited" security specialist in her late 20s. She also happens to be a former LAPD cop who identifies her sense of duty as something that needs to be done, and on top of everything, by whatever means necessary. 

It is still an absolute mystery why "Castle" season 8 needs to throw in a character like Hayley, which is deemed a "fractional" recurring role, into the mix. She won't appear in every episode but it is still unclear just how a security specialist fits in into everything. 

TVLine thinks that having Hayley onboard illustrates Beckett's plan to run for New York State senate, which is heavily speculated, and Hayley will take care of her security as she campaigns. However, with Captain Gates' exit, the speculations now incline more toward Beckett taking on the vacated post. 

Hayley won't be the only fresh face in "Castle" season 8. ABC is also in search of an individual who can take on the role of a male "high-strung, East Indian" tech analyst, which is a "major" recurring character. This will presumably have an impact on Tory in the new season. 

With only sparse details to play with, it is tough to tell where the show is headed and determine what sort of business the pair of characters will engage in upon the show's return. For now, viewers will be playing the waiting game as the new season won't air until Sept. 21.