Ep 1. Driven

In Castle season 7 episode 1, titled "Driven," detective Kate Beckett is still reeling from the marriage proposal thrown at her in season 6's finale. Meanwhile, Richard Castle is dealing with the fallout of his disappearance, as his sudden reappearance in the last season led to some questions and raised eyebrows.

As the episode begins, Castle is eager to get back into the swing of things, but Beckett seems to be more skeptical of his sudden reappearance. However, the case they're working on quickly pulls them back into their partnership, as it involves a vicious murder that has all the hallmark signs of a serial killer.

The victim is an up-and-coming race car driver named David Reeves, who was found murdered in his home, surrounded by photos of himself both on and off the race track. Castle and Beckett immediately jump into action, trying to track down any possible leads on the killer.

Their investigation takes them deep into the world of car racing, as they learn more about Reeves' colleagues, competitors, and business associates. Some of their prime suspects include Reeves' ex-girlfriend, fellow racer Rachel Goldstein, and his sponsor, wealthy businessman Cal Cooley.

As they dig deeper into Reeves' life, Castle and Beckett begin to uncover some shocking secrets, and they soon realize that they might be dealing with something much more sinister than just a run-of-the-mill serial killer. The case takes them on a wild ride through the world of high-speed racing, as they try to track down the killer before he strikes again.

Throughout the episode, Castle and Beckett's relationship is tested as they navigate the ups and downs of the case. Beckett is still grappling with Castle's sudden return, and she's not sure if she's ready to take that next step with him. Castle, on the other hand, is determined to prove his commitment to her, both professionally and personally.

In the end, they manage to solve the case, but not without some major twists and turns along the way. The killer is revealed to be someone that they never would have suspected, and the motive behind the murders is even more shocking.

As the episode draws to a close, Castle and Beckett are left with some big questions about their future together. Will they finally take that leap and get married, or will Beckett's hesitations get in the way? And what other dangers lurk ahead for them in the world of crime-solving?

Overall, "Driven" is a thrilling season premiere that delivers all the heart-pumping action and drama that fans have come to expect from Castle. With a fast-paced plot, strong character development, and plenty of surprises, it's an exciting start to another great season.