Yes, a key character really will die on the Castle season finale. Series creator Andrew Marlowe says it will be someone viewers have seen "many, many times before."

Among the other season-concluding tidbits Marlowe spilled to TV Line:

• The relationship between Beckett and Castle will play an "essential" role.
• Neither Gina nor Josh will appear.

• A "significant amount about the conspiracy" behind Beckett's mother's murder will be revealed.
• Fans should prepare for a cliffhanger and "a pretty explosive climax that has to do fundamentally with Beckett and Castle’s relationship."

The Castle season finale airs on May 16.

Matt Richenthal is the Editor in Chief of TV Fanatic. Follow him on Twitter and on Google+.