"Castle" struggled to get renewed for an eighth season and even then, it took some time for lead actress Stana Katic to sign back on as Kate Beckett along with co-lead Nathan Fillion. Despite these triumphs to keep the show going strong, a new announcement from actress Penny Johnson Jerald via Twitter reveals she will no longer be in the show.
"To my Castle fans around the world," Jerald posted, "as of late yesterday I am surprised and saddened to learn that I will no longer be a part of the Castle family. Thank you all for your support and love. Hugs from PJJ."
According to a report from Cinema Blend, ABC later confirmed that Jerald's character was written off the show although the studios did not confirm if she would at least have a cameo to give her a proper send-off. The more likely scenario is that she will leave off-screen and the first episode of season 8 will use expository dialogue to briefly explain why.
Jerald was brought in starting season 4 as the new precinct captain after Captain Roy Montgomery was killed in the episode "Lockout." She has since been in charge of Kate Beckett but her departure might play a part in season 8's main plot arc.
During the season 7 finale, Beckett was given two very different opportunities: either get promoted and be captain of her own precinct or run for state senate. All indications point to the latter but if Captain Gates is being written off, then Beckett might see a different reason to stay in the force.
Jerald isn't the only one out of the series. Showrunner David Amann also left "Castle" and was replaced by writers/ producers Alexi Hawley and Terence Paul Winter. According to the IBTimes, the new showrunners are planning to implement several "tweaks" to the series which could change the overall tone and feel of the show.
"Castle" season 8 premieres this fall.
