CASTLE & BECKETT RACE TO STOP A PLOT THAT COULD SPELL THE END OF THE UNITED STATES AS WE KNOW IT, ON ABC'S "CASTLE"

Jennifer Beals and Josh Stamberg Guest Star in the Conclusion of a Two-Part Story Arc

"Linchpin" - In the explosive conclusion of a two-part story arc that began last week with "Pandora," Castle & Beckett race to find the "Linchpin" in order to stop the first domino in a chain of events which will plunge the United States into war, on "Castle," MONDAY, FEBRUARY 20 (10:01-11:00 p.m., ET), on the ABC Television Network. In the episode, Jennifer Beals ("The Chicago Code," "Flashdance") continues as Sophia Conrad - a smart, commanding and sexy CIA operative who was Castle's inspiration for Clara Strike in the Derrick Storm series of books -- and Josh Stamberg ("Drop Dead Diva") is back as intelligence officer Martin Danberg.

"Castle" stars Nathan Fillion as Richard Castle, Stana Katic as NYPD Detective Kate Beckett, Susan Sullivan as Martha Rodgers, Molly Quinn as Alexis Castle, Penny Johnson Jerald as NYPD Captain Victoria Gates, Tamala Jones as Medical Examiner Lanie Parish, Jon Huertas as NYPD Detective Javier Esposito, and Seamus Dever as NYPD Detective Kevin Ryan.

Guest Cast: Jennifer Beals as Sophia Conrad, Josh Stamberg as Martin Danberg,

"Linchpin" was written by Andrew Marlowe and directed by Rob Bowman.

"Castle" is broadcast in 720 Progressive (720P), ABC's selected HDTV format, with 5.1 channel surround sound. A TV parental guideline will be assigned closer to airdate.

For more information on "Castle," visit ABC.com/Castle