Pudd'nhead Wilson vs. Castle Analysis

1. vs. The Dueling Detectives

2. Standard Detective Novel Plot Points Peaceful State Before Murder Murder False Clues Solution Arrest of Murderer Return to Peaceful State

3. Peaceful State Nothing to do but watch Castle on TV

4. Peaceful State Kitties sleeping on the porch

5. Murder Ohnoes! We don’t see murder/murderer

6. Murder Takes a while but finally fatal stabbing We see murder/murderer

7. False Clues Other host wants his job Ex-wives with a grudge Affair Blackmail Studio Exec death threats

8. False Clues Mysterious Woman Luigi and Angelo

9. Solution Epiphany due to observation Confronts/arrests murderer

10. Solution Epiphany due to observation Accuses murderer in court

11. Return to Peace Happy Ending!

12. Return to Peace Doesn’t really happen Sad ending emphasizes racial biases