"Castle" Shocker: Penny Johnson Jerald Not Returning for Season 8
by Matt Webb Mitovich
May 29, 2015


When "Castle" returns for Season 8, at least one familiar face will be missing from the 12th.

An ABC spokesperson confirms that Penny Johnson Jerald, who joined the procedural in Season 4, will not be returning as Captain Victoria Gates.



Jerald announced on Twitter:

"To my Castle fans around the world, 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."



TVLine hears from sources that Jerald’s exit is one of several creative tweaks that "Castle" will be making for Season 8, under new co-showrunners Terence Paul Winter and Alexi Hawley.

Possibly, maybe, perhaps laying the groundwork for Gates’ departure: In the Season 7 finale, it was revealed that Beckett had “aced” her captain’s exam — while she also fielded an overture to run for the New York State Senate.

http://tvline.com/2015/05/29/castle-penny-johnson-jerald-leaving-gates-season-8/