Here's Why Castle and Castle is a TV Hit
The second season of the Nextflix original series offers a gripping tale of power struggle.
In what is a better upgrade from the first installment, season two of Netflix’s original project Castle and Castle (aka C&C) does offer a good storyline for a legal drama series.
Set in a law firm, the six-episode series follows the lives of the Tega Castle (Richard Mofe Damijo) and Remi Castle (Dakore Akande), a power couple who run one of the most successful law firms in Lagos. The couple’s conflict of interests and career dimensions tear them apart further after a case that divided the loyalties in the firm separated them in the first season. Their son, Ben (Denola Grey), also returns to Law School in Nigeria to normalise his UK-earned law degree, while his parents remain hardly on speaking terms.
Directed by Kayode Kasum and Waltbanger Taylaur, the show intelligently tells a drama about the legal world, infusing Nigerian realities with exceptionally built and explored characters.
Episode one kicks off strongly with the wake of Remi Castle’s victory with the REMCO account, redeeming the company’s reputation and moving to a new office that is flush with new clients. We see Remi settle into what she finally wants – the lead partner at C&C – with Tega suspended from practicing law. Soon enough, though, she discovers that signing with REMCO and fighting with her husband does come with its own consequences as her family is faced with a scandal that could ruin the reputation they have worked for as a unit.
Remi’s father Duke Akintola (Bimbo Manuel), who sits on the boards of several companies, including REMCO’S, takes it upon himself to save his family name, which causes more problems for Remi and Tega. The story makes a fan-favourite out of Akintola, who portrays his villainy in a way subtle enough to make you see the reasoning behind his actions. Akintola is Remi’s nemesis, and though his actions hurt her, they also bring her healing.
Interestingly, every character in the series serves their purpose energetically, and it was evident that the directors rode on the chemistry that the actors brought into their role delivery. I was also very interested in Deyemi Okanlawon’s character as Kwabena alongside Dorcas Shola Fapson; their love-hate relationship provided the necessary spice and drama needed when we take a break from the Castles. It is also essential to highlight the women-centric themes discussed in the series, ranging from sexual harassment to inequality amongst spouses. Although, I think the way the sexual harassment issue between Dorcas' character and Silva from REMCO was not correctly utilized and didn’t really send in the right message.
As refreshing as the comic relief from Alabi’s (Kenneth Okoli) sisters, Bisola Aiyeola, Bimbo Ademoye and Mimi Chaka, their screentime felt a bit excessive. The sisters kept running in circles to deliver the same lines without an actual motive, making each episode longer than necessary.
Nevertheless, the dialogue and plot development this season are definitely worthy of commendation. The screenplay written by Adze Ugah works well enough for the audience to enjoy a six-hour legal drama series that is relatable and Naija-centric.
In terms of technicalities, the cinematography by Idowu Adedapo made the actors intriguing to watch; the camera angles and use of warm lighting for the majority of the scenes indeed told a story. The high and low angle shots simply made an interesting view. Lagos was also made a character in this project, with the aerial views and shots showcasing the city’s aesthetics. The production design for the office was also enriching and will make the law profession enticing to the viewers. Remi’s costumes also stand a massive chance for style inspiration, as all her looks were sophisticated and every inch a CEO.
The series ends with a powerful cliffhanger that would make fans want more, but can we have an actual court case next season? We have seen the Castles and their associates enough in the office; it would be engaging to see the Nigerian legal action actually play out in court. That will then create the legal drama that the project’s creators really want to sell to the audience.
Overall, you’ll find this project very entrancing; it offers the kind of simple yet intense storytelling that Nollywood currently lacks.
Castle and Castle is currently streaming on Netflix.
