[s2e21] Den Of Thieves -

: The victim is linked to Ike Thornton , Esposito's former partner from the 54th Precinct who disappeared years earlier.

The investigation begins with the death of a thief, but quickly spirals into a deeply personal mission for Detective . [S2E21] Den of Thieves

: Esposito is forced to confront the possibility that his old mentor may have "gone bad" and joined the crew of Victor Racine , a ruthless crime lord who has eluded the police for decades. : The victim is linked to Ike Thornton

: "Den of Thieves" examines the sacred bond between partners. Esposito’s unwavering (though tested) faith in Thornton mirrors Castle’s own evolving role as Beckett’s partner. : "Den of Thieves" examines the sacred bond between partners

: The episode title refers not just to the criminals, but to the feeling that Demming is "stealing" Beckett away from Castle, and Racine’s ability to "steal" the lives of cops who get too close.