This isn’t the first time Hartley and Dever have appeared onscreen together. Hartley previously appeared in an episode of Castle, which, perhaps not coincidentally, was also dog-focused. In Season 4, Episode 13, “An Embarrassment of Bitches”, Hartley played a reality star who was the prime suspect in the murder of a dog trainer. In a further parallel, in the episode, lead actor Nathan Fillion finds himself temporarily responsible for a four-legged friend, just as Colter later finds himself pooch-bound.
After Castle, Dever has had guest-starring appearances in a number of television series, including True Lies, Legion, and the DC comics-related Titans. In 2019, Dever met up again with his Castle co-star Nathan Fillion in an episode of Fillion’s action series The Rookie. In addition, Dever’s onscreen Castle partner Jon Huertas is featured in the episode titled “The Bet” as well. Since 2020, Dever has also taken a shine to NCIS. The actor has appeared in three of the franchise’s series: NCIS: Los Angeles and NCIS: Hawai’i, and he currently has a recurring role in the flagship series NCIS.
Other actors who have guest-starred on Trackerinclude Jensen Ackles (Supernatural) as Colter’s brother, Gil Birmingham as a friend of Colter’s father, Sofia Pernas (The Brave) as a fellow tracker, and Amanda Wong (When Calls the Heart). Jennifer Morrison (Once Upon a Time) has pulled double duty on the series, guest starring in Season 1 before directing an episode in the second season. Castle actor Jon Huertas has also served as director for several episodes of the series.
Justin Hartley Has Also Appeared in ‘Castle’
Justin Hartley — you might know him as Kevin Pearson from This Is Us or as Oliver Queen in Smallville. But did you know he also made an unexpected stop in the crime-solving world of Castle? Yeah, that Castle — the one with the witty author and the tough NYPD detective. If you missed it, don’t worry — we’re about to deep-dive into that often-overlooked cameo and explore how it fits into the bigger picture of Hartley’s career.
Who Is Justin Hartley, Really?
Before we dissect his Castle appearance, let’s rewind a bit. Justin Hartley is a seasoned television actor with a long and varied resume that spans genres like soap operas, superhero dramas, and heartfelt family series. He’s not just a pretty face — he’s a performer with range.
TV Royalty: Hartley’s Rise to Fame
Hartley first grabbed attention on Passions, but fans really started taking note when he suited up as Green Arrow in Smallville. Later, This Is Us catapulted him into mainstream fame, making him a household name. But tucked in between all those roles is a blink-and-you-miss-it appearance that’s worth revisiting.
Justin Hartley’s Role in ‘Castle’: A Hidden Gem
Let’s get to the juicy bit. Hartley appeared in Castle Season 3, Episode 4 titled “Punked,” which originally aired in 2010. It wasn’t a recurring role or even one that was heavily advertised, which is why so many fans are shocked when they rewatch and spot him.
Who Did He Play in ‘Castle’?
In “Punked,” Justin Hartley plays a character named Trey, a slick, modern Wall Street-type who’s connected to the steampunk-themed murder mystery that drives the episode. His role, while not a lead, is pivotal to the plot — offering clues and red herrings in classic Castle fashion.
Why You Might’ve Missed It
You probably missed it because, at the time, Hartley wasn’t quite the megastar he is today. Plus, the episode’s elaborate costumes and complex murder plot tend to steal the spotlight. But once you know, you’ll never not see him.
Hartley’s Versatility: From Capes to Crime Scenes
This Castle appearance might seem minor, but it’s actually a perfect example of Hartley’s incredible range. He can go from playing a bow-wielding vigilante to a Wall Street suspect without breaking a sweat. That kind of acting flexibility is rare.
From Soaps to Steampunk
From daytime drama (The Young and the Restless) to period-themed crime procedurals like this episode of Castle, Hartley proves he’s not afraid to experiment with his roles — even if it’s just for one episode.
The Episode in Review: Why “Punked” Stands Out
“Punked” is one of those Castle episodes that doesn’t quite follow the show’s usual formula. It mixes Victorian-era aesthetics with modern-day storytelling, creating a strange yet captivating vibe. Hartley’s presence adds an extra layer of intrigue — a modern man caught in a murder mystery with old-school flair.
The Steampunk Twist
The plot revolves around a victim found murdered by what appears to be an antique bullet. This leads Beckett and Castle into a subculture of steampunk enthusiasts. Hartley’s character becomes a suspect, as he’s involved with the victim and part of this quirky circle.
Hartley’s Scene-Stealing Presence
Though his screen time isn’t massive, Hartley delivers his lines with charm and cool confidence — just enough to make viewers raise an eyebrow. He’s memorable, even if you didn’t realize it was him the first time.
Why Guest Appearances Matter in an Actor’s Career
You might wonder — why would an actor like Hartley take a small guest role? Simple: range, experience, and exposure.
Building a Diverse Portfolio
Actors who want long careers know the value of versatility. A role on a mainstream procedural like Castle gives them access to a whole new audience — and it doesn’t hurt when casting agents see you’ve worked across different networks and genres.
Every Role Is a Learning Opportunity
Even a short guest spot allows actors to work with new directors, writers, and co-stars. These experiences all help refine their craft.
Fan Reactions: “Wait, Was That Justin Hartley?”
In the age of rewatch culture and streaming platforms, fans often go back and binge old favorites like Castle. That’s when the “Hartley sighting” happens.
Social Media’s Double Take
Twitter, Reddit, and fan forums occasionally light up with posts like:
“Just rewatched ‘Punked’ and OMG is that Kevin from This Is Us???”
It’s like discovering an Easter egg in your favorite show.
Nostalgia Hits Hard
For fans who’ve followed Hartley’s career from Smallville or even Passions, seeing him pop up in Castle is a fun reminder of just how long he’s been killing it on screen.
What This Means for His Legacy
Hartley’s Castle cameo is just one thread in the rich tapestry of his acting journey. It proves he’s been grinding long before the Emmy nods and prime-time fame.
Every Role Leads Somewhere
This guest role may not have made headlines, but it reflects Hartley’s dedication to the craft. It’s these stepping-stone parts that prepare actors for the big leagues.
Final Thoughts: Don’t Sleep on Hartley’s ‘Castle’ Cameo
So there you have it — Justin Hartley in Castle, hiding in plain sight. It’s a fun detour in his career, and one that shows just how far he’s come. Whether you’re a diehard fan or just discovering his earlier work, this little nugget is a must-watch.
