For fans of the TV series -- and the authors -- these scenes were an extra treat, a wink for avid readers and viewers.
But the scenes haven't been a part of the ABC series since the death last September of Cannell.
The poker games will be back with Castle's April 11 episode, which airs at 10 p.m.
Richard Castle will be joined by his regular poker buddy Michael Connelly. Dennis Lehane also will be at the table. A new guy will be joining the group, too.
And the poker buddies will be commenting on the loss of their colleague.
"There's a nod to Cannell in that a chair at the poker table. [The chair] is left empty and a glass of scotch is placed there," Connelly told me in an email.
The scene is quite humorous as Connelly and Lehane -- and Castle -- talk about the movies that have been made from their novels. Connelly and Lehane prove to be quite the actors and both are a pleasure to watch. They seem as if they had a great time doing the scene.
This is a poker game to gamble on. And here's a sneak peek.
Cannell, who died from melanoma, held myriad roles in Hollywood. He produced such popular TV series as The Rockford Files, The A-Team, Wiseguy, 21 Jump Street and The Commish.
