Once Upon a Time... Is Now/Issues 017-018
| Zine | |
|---|---|
| Title: | Once Upon a Time... Is Now (Out-In, Out/In, Out...In) |
| Publisher: | |
| Editor(s): | Jeanne Cloud and Joyce DeBoard (issues #1-#27), Jeanne Cloud, Loreen Vanderkrats, and Linda Lakin (issues #27-#33 -- tho perhaps as far as #45), Jeanne Cloud and Loreen Vanderkrats (issues #46-#60 -- tho perhaps as early as #34) |
| Type: | letterzine |
| Date(s): | 1988 to 1996 |
| Frequency: | sometimes monthly, sometimes bi-monthly, at the end much more infrequent |
| Medium: | |
| Size: | digest-sized |
| Fandom: | Beauty and the Beast (TV) |
| Language: | English |
| External Links: | |
| Click here for related articles on Fanlore. | |
Once Upon a Time... Is Now (Out-In, Out/In, Out...In) is a Beauty and the Beast letterzine. It is digest-sized.
See List of Letterzines for similar fanworks.
Contents
The zine is a collection of letters from fans (titled "From the Helpers") of the show discussing aspects of the show including the actors, characters, stories, and fanfiction. This zine also contains photos (both xeroxed and original), some original artwork, con reports, open letters, and sometimes clippings and interviews.
Some regular features were: "OK Good...OK Fine" (the editorial), "From the Library" (zine listings), and "On the Pipes" (fan clubs).
There were 60 issues published between 1988 to 1996.
Issue 17
Once Upon a Time... Is Now 17 was published in December 1989 and contains 16 pages.
This issue contains:
- a retyped article by Stephanie Dubois for "The Weekly Satellite TV Guide, August 20-26, 1989, called "Ron Perlman: The Man Inside the Beast"
- "Report of the 'Beauty Meets the Beast' V.I.P." by Carol B, see V.I.P. Weekend: Beauty Meets the Beast
- the article from "Daily Variety," October 24, 1989 called "TV Gives Melanie's Career a Boost"
From the editorial:
Season's greetings! What a great Christmas present we have received. By the time you receive this, our show will have finally aired. Most of us right now are sitting with remotes in hand catching all the great promo's on our VCRs and trying to make it until Dec. 12. I hear of parties springing up everywhere to view the season opener. I know I have one planned.
from issue #17, the editors' wishes for Winterfest
from issue #17, a greeting card for fans with the signatures and salutations of Jay Avocone, Jo Anderson, Ron Perlman, and Roy Dotrice
from issue #17, Linda Lakin
Issue 17: Excerpts from the Letters
As I flipped my 1989 B&B calendar to the gorgeous November photo of Catherine Chandler, I was reminded of how quickly "A Happy Life" can be turned into a "Reign in Hell". I am counting the seconds until the controversy over what will and will not happen in the next 14 hours of B&B is resolved. But I must admit, the entire situation has created an interesting opportunity to observe the unguarded reactions of fellow fans. Ever since that fateful Thursday, on May 18th, when we discovered that our show was in trouble, each of us has had to deal with the stress of anxiety, anger, fear, and disappointment. It is those who have accepted their emotions and acted in a responsible, mature, and trusting manner who serve as an example of what can be accomplished when you bring tunnel community concepts into the "real world".
They are the ones who have been supportive (no matter what their personal position is) in the faith that Witt-Thomas et al will continue to create under the motto: "only the best is good enough". They are the ones who made their numbers known by writing letters to CBS, politely "thanking" them for renewing our show and expressing their excitement at the prospect of an early debut.
They are the ones who carefully examined any newspaper article or rampant rumor and found their truth "within" the quotation marks — not in the emotionally charged suppositions of those who have an ax to grind or a newspaper to sell.
They are the ones who have found the strength to continue their efforts to unite fans, offering moral support and a positive atmosphere in which we wait for the return of B&B.
They are the ones who did everything they could think of to help the show then channeled their efforts toward what B&B is really about — shelters for the homeless, food kitchens, and kind of volunteer work, just people helping people.
They are the ones who have no need for empty platitudes, for they have shown by actions what it means to be a Helper in the truest sense. I applaud each and every one of you.
I only wish that every B&B fan could earn this right to be called a "Helper". Maybe then the whole world could have "A Happy Life".
I hope that you are taking the time to send positive comments to all the people involved with creating our show. They need our support now too. The wait for the new season to begin is as difficult for them as it is for us. (Except for one small detail: They know what's going to happen!) Since we have honed our letter writing skills on CBS and the sponsors, a quick letter to the gang at Witt-Thomas should be a cinch.
If Ron Koslow wanted to hold our attention over the summer, he certainly succeeded with The Trilogy! WOW! There was no way I was going to forget B&B after that! (As if I ever could!)
I want to thank Mary Glenn, A. 'Nea and all the other fans who have written to say, "Wait a minute! Don't attack the creators of our show because of some rumors spread by the tabloids and 'tabloid-type' publications." (Like the TV Gag!) We have been constantly surprised and delighted by the show. Surely we can trust the people who have brought this marvelous show in to our lives. And for heaven's sake people, STOP spreading those rumors! I think we should all live by the rule: If you don't hear it from R.K.'s lips, forget it.
[...]
Hang in there everybody and keep the positive comments pouring in. (I'd like to be a little spider on the mail room wall at CBS.) And every time you hear someone say, "It's not going to be the same show!", tell them that change is a part of life and not necessarily bad. Let's watch and see what happens.
Thank you to all the wonderful fans who have devoted so much of their time, energy, and dedication to preserving a treasure worth more than gold. I know we still have rough waters ahead, but we all, production staff and fans alike all across the U.S. and into Canada and Europe have each other — so when your hand is cramped from writing and your ears are weary from listening (to sometimes vicious rumors) and you despair — don't give up! We are family and we are strong TOGETHER. We can lean on each other and thus shall ring the bells victorious! B&B will survive! We all can make it happen! Let's pull together and wholeheartedly support each and everyone of these people: actors, actresses, writers, producers who are giving their all to bringing us this "pearl of great price"
No one who loves B&B should be writing negative letters to Mr. Koslow, CBS, etc. What's the point? Koslow and Witt-Thomas and everyone else involved in the production of this marvelous show have proven they know what they're doing. Have they ever let us down? Never. Should we tell them how to do their jobs? Not me! Can we trust them to bring us another wonderful, enthralling season? Absolutely. So if we're going to write letters (and we should), let's write positive, supportive letters. A nasty missive to the B&B staff stating that we're not going to watch the premiere because "I read so-and-so in some tabloid" is the equivalent of an adult throwing a childish temper tantrum. Disgusting! I CAN'T WAIT until the two-hour premiere and just the suggestion that we may see it before the end of the year is enough to cheer me up!
I guess my reaction to the end-of-the-2nd-season trilogy is pretty much the same as everyone else's: I'm overwhelmed. I am stunned that Ron Perlman didn't win an Emmy this year. What he accomplishes with his body, voice, and eyes, beneath the burden of all that make-up, is simply amazing. The whole cast, the writers, everyone outdid themselves. The end of "The Rest is Silence" was a TRUE cliffhanger. I am going to ignore all rumors and look forward with delicious anticipation to the next season.
Father's line in "The Rest is Silence": "Mary, anyone who loves Vincent already knows what it is to be afraid." is on the money — I think that must apply to most B&B fans this fall as rumors fly and turn up in print. Hopefully, by now we all know if we had reason to be afraid and hopefully we didn't. I'll admit that I sent a semi-hysterical letter to Mr. Witt after the TV Guide thing, but not, I hope, a nasty or harassing one; at least, it wasn't meant to be. I'm quite sure there are still a lot of interesting directions the show could go even if it turns out that Catherine is really dead (Why do I keep hearing Bones say, "He's dead, Jim."?). It all depends on what kind of pressure CBS is bringing to bear. Then, too, I keep reminding myself that there's often a LOT of difference between an early script and what gets filmed.
[...]
Anyway, here's hoping the show is back soon, that it's wonderful, that the ratings are great, and that CBS orders more episodes. Another year or two's worth would be nice, if anyone on the production team felt like living in the eye of the hurricane for that long. Whatever, so far it's been magic.
To all of you: I believe in the dream of B&B. I believe in Vincent and Catherine. I believe in all of us together keeping the magic there where we are always free to take from it. So I'm pleading with you all, relax, accept the insight of Ron Koslow as we all have since we first discovered it. With the feelings it stirs up in all of us, how can we lose?
I recently heard the rumor that supposed fans of B&B have been sending hate mail to Ron Koslow, Ron Perlman and Linda Hamilton. I know that everyone is afraid that the show we all have struggled so hard to get back on the air, may not be the show that we have come to love. But writing hate mail has always been and always will be the wrong thing to do.
I don’t think any of us would like to have the problems that Ron Koslow and his staff have at this moment. They are trying desperately to get this show back on the air and make it true to the original concept. And I, for one, have all the faith in them. I can't even imagine them doing anything but the right thing for this show — remember that it is their dream that we are fortunate enough to be living.
Why anyone would want to write Ron Perlman hate mail astounds me. This man has forsaken his family to play this part and we should hope that by the grace of God that he can continue. We should be lighting candles not sending hate mail.
I know that there have been a lot of rumors about Linda Hamilton and I understand everyone's frustration, but she needs your love and good wishes now, not your hatred. She is struggling to have a family, something she has wanted for a very long time. Are we so selfish that we can't be happy for her.
I know that you all believe that the show will be drastically changed and that it is all of Linda's fault, but I know that that is not the truth. I can't explain why, but I know that the shows we will see this season will be more bold and exciting and, yes, maybe even sad, but we must remember to have faith in the people we have cane to love.
This show has taught us the joy of loving. How can anyone hate so much and claim that they are a fan?
It would appear that B&B is well on its way to developing yet another parallel to "Star Trek". I am speaking about the paperback novel [the novelization of the first episode] (and the promise of more to come) of course. Even if the series ends with the abbreviated upcoming season, I suspect that Vincent and Catherine will carry on in print [in these official books] for years (or even decades!) to come.
I was amazed at how fresh the story seemed to me, even though I had seen it many times before (I own the video tape even though I have to rent a VCR to play it). I suppose it had something to do with being written largely from Catherine's perspective. We were able to get into her head, read her thoughts and learn all the little details that were barely hinted at in the actual pilot episode. Then again, perhaps it was the little scenes that were added (Vincent's conversation with Winslow, the Tunnel kids skateboarding in the Reach, Joe's hilarious analogy of the DA's office to the Chicago stockyards) which did so much to "flesh out" the color and personalities of these wonderful characters. I was especially happy to see Winslow again. His was a character that was taken away from us much too soon. However, I suspect that (like Tasha Yar) he will be with us always on the printed page.
I also enjoyed the "story-within-a-story" about the flood in the tunnels, for several reasons. Sometimes I think B&B is a little too romantic for its own good. It's important to realize that life in the tunnels isn't all reading groups and concert recitals.
[...]
Was it just my overactive imagination or did Ms. Hambly drop a couple inside jokes in her story? First, there was the other Vincent, the "good-looking Italian punk, bodyguard to one of Tom's shadier contractors. Was this, by any chance, Vincent (Vinnie) Terranova from "Wiseguy"? If so, it touches on B&B's theme that appearances can deceive. Terranova, who projects the image of a dumb-jock mobster, is actually a Federal agent and quite well-read, having been shown to be conversant on the works of Thomas Malthus and Mark Twain. The other joke I noticed was the business near Isaac's gym: "S. Pliskin's New York Tours". Unless I miss my guess, that was Snake Pliskin, the anti-hero of "Escape From New York"! Anybody who has seen that movie can well imagine what an unusual tour guide ol' Snake would make!
I get panic attacks when I see those blatant headline stories about our show's future, but I try to keep my head and ignore the junk and sensationalism. It is comforting to read the official fanzine publications for the truth.
Well, well, well. How much more can this fandom take? First we had Black Thursday and fought like hell to bring B&B back from the Jaws of Death. Next we dealt with the pin heads at CBS to make them understand just how wonderful and important B&B is (has it sunk in yet?). All summer, we have written our hands down to nubbins, proving to everyone who would listen (and even those who, at first, wouldn't listen and now do), time and time again, how wrong the CBS executives have treated the quality of our show. Next, through VQT, we again proved how valuable Ron Perlman is to B&B by voting and awarding to him the title of Best Actor in a Dramatic Series. Not long after that, we learned that B&B was nominated for eight Emmy Awards. After such a long, rough ride these past few months, with some special occasions and recognition added here and there for a "lift", B&B fandom was positive that Ron Perlman would shine down on everyone at the Emmys and obtain the highest honor of all—the Emmy for Best Actor in a Dramatic Series. On the evening of September 17, 1989, I'm sure many, if not all of us, sat with baited breath to hear the outcome of our program.
[...]
However, we still had the Best Actor for Drama category to look forward to. Unfortunately for us that it was near the end and we'd have to wait a little longer. But, we have been use to waiting, so we remained calm and the anticipation grew. Finally, the time arrived. They announced the nominees — who stood and applauded when Ron's name was read? Thought so! Me too!! There we sat, hands completely stuffed in mouth, eyes wide with expectation, heart beating faster and faster and louder to the point where it sounded like a bass drum in our ears, knees shaking...and then the famous words, "And the Emmy goes to..." and they read...CARROLL O'CONNOR! My heart sank! My eyes almost popped out of try head. My jaw dropped. My hands came out of my mouth and with a big, deep breath, the words of W-H-A-T?? rolled out of my mouth!! CARROL O'CONNOR? No way! In my total amazement of the words I had just heard, I happened to notice Ron's face — the disappointment and devastation in his eyes was almost too much to bare. That man deserved that award. He proved himself time and time again how much of a superb actor he is. I would love to know the rationale behind this decision because no one can stand here and tell me that Carroll O'Connor's character in "Heat of the Night" surpasses Ron's Vincent. There is NO way in God's name that that is true!!
[...]
After that, what is left to say? This slap in the face is going to leave a big red mark for quite sometime. I feel so sorry for Ron. I really do. *sigh* There is definitely no justice in this world! All we can hope for now is that B&B will be back soon. From the looks of these new programs, only a very few might survive. All I want is our show made. The waiting has got to be almost over. We just need to keep the faith a bit longer. We need to really support everyone/ but most of all, we need to keep the family spirit going, and we will! Remember! B&B fandom is a special one and with all the let downs we have had, we know that we will survive. We will!
P.S. Ron Perlman. Just a note of confidence: No matter what anyone says, in our hearts, you DID win that Emmy! We thank you for everything and hope you will continue to portray Vincent in the loving and compassionate manner that only you know how to do. I'm sure I can speak for all of us. Here's to you, Ron! - A big hug and kiss from all the fans!!
First of all, let me say congratulations to Linda and Bruce on the birth of their son, Dalton!
I have just returned from the B&B convention in Minneapolis [1] and I must tell all of you that the fans were not a happy group of campers! All of us are very concerned about the upcoming episodes and, especially, the role of Catherine. Therefore I feel I have to put some of my thoughts about Catherine and Linda Hamilton on paper before I "implode" on myself (a favorite adjective from CBS).
[much about the character of Catherine Chandler, snipped]
This past summer I've heard and read rumors that many fans feel they could accept a replacement for Catherine as part of CBS's retooling plans. We would never accept this for the role of Vincent and Ron Perlman. Linda Hamilton has been devoted to B&B, has made many personal sacrifices, and has put in long hours at the expense of her personal life to give us the character of Catherine. Now we are faced with losing her totally. I speak for myself and I may be missing the whole point of this beautiful love story, but I feel that Linda Hamilton is Catherine and I am one fan who will accept no substitute! Are we going to let CBS destroy this beautiful fantasy by settling for any kind of garbage they give us in the promised twelve episodes. We cannot have the Beast without the Beauty!!
Let's stop the complaining, accept the changes, and WELCOME Ms. JO ANDERSEN to the series. Write to her and let her know we are looking forward to seeing her in the new episodes. She is GORGEOUS and a great selection! I know it's hard to accept the changes (it took me awhile to do this), but we must so that the show can continue!! Who knows, Ms. Andersen and Mr. Perlman just may have the CHEMISTRY needed and we'll be saying, "Ms. Linda Hamilton, WHO??!!" Just kidding, Ms. Hamilton; we could/will never forget you and wish you the very BEST with your new family!! Let's give Ms. Anderson, Mr. Perlman, Mr. Koslow, and the series a CHANCE. Try it, you may get to LOVE IT!!!
I am happy to note that we all share the same concerns for B&B "retooling" and Catherine's role in future episodes. Our love for this remarkable program is obvious in each letter even though there are differences of opinion. One thing is apparent — the status quo — that magical Friday night anticipation — will be no more and we neither know what will follow nor can we have any say in the show's future. I believe that is what hurts us most. We are just bystanders with no power to project our wishes. We can only hope the writers are allowed to continue as they have been doing in spite of the upheavals that have occurred.
The relationship between Vincent and Catherine had reached a stalemate at the end of "A Happy Life". It was obvious to me and a few others that this was the end of the fairy tale (they lived happily ever after...) or, if this show was to continue in an interesting and believable manner, some outside conflict would have to be created to keep them apart...
[...]
"The Outsiders" gave us our first glimpse of Vincent's inability to accept the wild side of his nature. This was returned to again and again throughout the rest of the season and became a central theme of the closing trilogy. I for one believe this worked very well. However, therein lies a new problem. Remember that insurmountable conflict with a possible solution in the future? Now we either have a raging beast who can never make love to a woman without shredding her - or they boink and we're back to square one — the "why ain't Catherine down there having kittens anyway?" dilemma. That's the trouble with having the conflict INSIDE the relationship. It either ruins a perfectly viable character (Vincent) or it must end. If we have a conflict imposed upon them from OUTSIDE we can keep the tension, the longing and a sympathetic view of the characters.
At the end of Season 2 they had only one direction left in which to go. And anybody near my soapbox at the time would have heard me saying it then.
One of the participants in the relationship had to be removed. The choice became obvious. Immediately after the final episode aired my outspoken theory was that Catherine would die in childbirth. Not exactly correct but close enough for horseshoes and hand grenades. My initial impulse was to jump up onto the coffee table and tap dance for joy. Instead I've settled for wearing a silly grin all summer and occasionally humming a happy tune. When Linda Hamilton's decision to leave the show was announced I felt that this was not necessarily a bad thing. The character of Catherine and her alleged romance with Vincent had become pointless and redundant. It was and is time for a big change.
I am avidly anticipating the new season. They have a chance to do great things again. (But between you and me folks, unless I see Catherine on Quincy's table, I'll be keeping an eye out for her in the final episode. That's TV 101.)
OK, I know we have all read at least one "Beast With New Beauty [article] and have probably taken the bait and gotten all upset. But think about it. ANYTHING is possible with this show; that's what is so unique and wonderful about it! It makes us think and pursue ALL possibilities. How many have read an article recently and just taken it for what it is - a LOT of rumor and perhaps just a bit of truth to get us riled. It makes VERY good publicity for the show as well. Here is this show that has thousands of loyal fans and, after working so hard to keep it on another season, are confronted with yet another "upset". It gives the media something to work on and at the same time takes the heat, off CBS a little and places the monkey on the backs of B&B Productions and the fans. AND it gives B&B some publicity during this hiatus; whether truthful or not, it has kept B&B in the news and, by getting us upset as well, will probably generate a lot of new viewers when it returns. People who have never tuned into B&B (and yes, there are some poor souls out there have never even heard of our show!) will be more likely to tune in and see what all of this hoopla is all about. So, has all of this been "leaked" as we are being led to believe or was it intentional?
[...]
We must give thought as well as to the believability of all of this. We are all being led to believe that Linda Hamilton will be leaving. I just can't believe, nor will I allow myself to believe that Catherine, i.e. Linda Hamilton, will no longer be part of this miracle we know and love! OK, so she is "replaced" with another actress, but the chemistry, the bond, as we know it, will be gone. Isn't that what we all tune in for, that feeling that we get whenever we see Vincent and Catherine in one of their more romantic moments, their interaction? Honestly, can you imagine feeling what you feel when your favorite scene appears with Catherine and Vincent looking into each other's eyes and someone else is there in Catherine's place? Right, I'm sure...OK, think about one more thing: What better shock/surprise for us all if Catherine "returns" alive and well in the 12th episode!? Remember "...And Death Shall Have No Dominion." But then again, what if Linda Hamilton has actually decided to leave the show? We all love Vincent and Ron Perlman, but have we unintentionally overlooked Linda Hamilton's role in B&B? B&B fans have extolled Vincent, but what of his leading lady? Surely by now, Linda must feel a LITTLE slighted. Even the merchandise available is almost totally "Vincent". If she has decided to leave, who can blame her? We had better wake up and give thanks to and extol the talents of Linda Hamilton as well, if it is not already too late. We all need to write her as well and express our sincere appreciation for her hard work and dedication and that we are supporting her — no matter what her/CBS's decision is about her future in B&B. Well, just some food for thought and to remind everyone "we must go with courage and we must go with care" and remember what we are dealing with here; psychological intrigue, mystery, fantasy, and love, not to mention the masterminds behind it all — all based on a fairy tale where, in Once Upon A Time, anything is possible. So, "remember love" and keep the faith.
Issue 18
Once Upon a Time... Is Now 18 was published in January 1990.
Issue 18: Excerpts from the Letters
Today, I am in mourning. I can't believe that Catherine is dead. What does the future hold for Vincent? I feel such a sense of loss and betrayal by CBS. Why? Why? Why? Maybe I'm taking this too seriously. But I never thought a TV show could affect me this way. I'm hoping that I'm not alone. I so looked forward to last night. I searched for articles about them and any news about a release date I could find. I read about Jo Anderson and a possible baby, but I truly never believed they'd let Catherine die.
I'm hoping against hope that maybe that doctor wasn't such a bad guy after all and Catherine, like Juliet, is only feigning death. But somehow, I doubt it. What should have been a joyous time for Catherine and Vincent has turned into a terrible nightmare and I feel trapped in it with them.
Other things about the show make me nervous, too. Vincent forgot Catherine's name. Could he maybe have forgotten his true feelings for her, too? And could this, along with the baby, have blocked their telepathic link? And will they use this memory loss to explain how he is capable of falling in love with this new character, if indeed that is to happen? Will we listen to Vincent speak of undying love for another woman, only proving that like all things, even love is not forever?
I feel like kicking Gordon, Gansa, and Koslow for putting us through this, but I guess I'll have to be satisfied with watching Vincent force Gabriel to eat his own guts. I wish there were some way to put everything back the way it was, but after seeing "Walk Slowly", it's clear that is utterly and totally impossible. In a way, it's a relief to have the last vestige of hope removed forever. We can, at last, stop torturing ourselves with false hopes.
"Walk Slowly" was my kind of show. If I owned stock in Kleenex, I'd be rich now. It was wonderful. And didn't Ron Perlman do a superb job as the dark beast? I loved the confrontation between Vincent and him. I was also glad to see so many of the former stars from different episodes at the grave site. Made us all know how loved Catherine was.
I am looking forward with much excitement to the coming episodes. I think Jo Anderson was great. She is so different from Catherine and we needed a contrast. I love the color of her hair and the many independent mannerisms she portrays.
.... From the way this season has started, we can thank Ron Koslow for keeping the faith with the fans. He told us he would keep the spirit of the show in tact and I finally believe he has kept his word. It is still as touching to me as it was last year and the first year. Thank you, Mr. Koslow.
We have paid a high price for the return of B&B. This is a shabby attempt to use the show's title for a totally different and horrendous series, dismal and melancholy beyond words. The essential elements of the original series, love and caring, have been neatly removed. What remains is so far from the original as to constitute a different series entirely. Perhaps there are fans who would pay any price for the return of B&B, even at this cost but I am not one of them. The qualities that made this show an essential part of us, one that all took to our hearts have vanished. Yes, this price is much too high for me. Once Upon A Time is Gone...forever.
This is my first LOC, but I just had to write and share some positive thoughts about season 3. I am very excited about the new direction. Yes, the season opener was difficult to watch. The death of Catherine was very painful and I mourn the loss of her and Linda Hamilton. I also wish they had shown a little (OK — a lot) more detail in the lovemaking scene. However, I think we must understand the enormity of the undertaking for this episode. They had to get all the way from Vincent’s crisis to Catherine’s murder while making it all seem plausible. They had to introduce new characters and set the stage for future episodes, all the while taking into account Linda’s advancing pregnancy and desire to leave the show. Whew! All in all, I think they handled a difficult situation rather well.
The next night’s episode erased any doubts for me. It was so beautiful, sad, and compelling. I was in tears several times. I am eagerly awaiting all future episodes; may there be many. I realize there will be more violence and I know that upsets some fans. However, from what I’ve seen and heard, the stories are going to be very powerful and well acted. Personally, given the cruelty of Catherine’s death, I strongly suspect I’ll be cheering each time one of the bad guys “gets his”.
Yes, the show has changed. I am sure it is not a change that the cast or production team would have initially wished for either. However, circumstances made it unavoidable and must all move forward. Change can be a positive thing if we don’t allow ourselves to be blinded to an interesting new plotline. Vincent’s story cries out to be told and I, for one, intend to listen.
The new season? Beautiful, exciting and excruciatingly sad. The first thing running through my mind is Kristopher Gentian’s saying “Nothing is forever”. Ron Koslow has done something very special with Catherine if we can see it through our own pain. He has immortalized her love of Vincent. I will remember Catherine and Vincent in my heart as I do Romeo and Juliet. She has also left a very precious gift of love behind for Vincent with their baby. I know we all wanted them to go on forever; we want this show to go on forever. It won’t, but this special love will live forever in our hearts..
Just before watching “Chamber Music” at the start of season two, I felt such excitement and joyful anticipation; the media nightmares of the season three left me experiencing a rather disturbing set of emotions. Considering the fact that I was worrying before having just cause, I tried to view the movie with an open mind. Admittedly, there were tender and meaningful scenes; the journal gift, their first conversation back in his chamber, the concert scene, but holding a pregnant Catherine captive for six entire months was obscene, drugging her was abusive and subjecting her to a torturous, isolated existence was repulsive.
Such excessive terror culminating in her murder was wholly unacceptable. The abuse, torture and isolation of a pregnant Catherine was a representation of Evil, it demonstrated just how dark the human mind can be; it is contrasted to the light and goodness we see in Vincent and in his love for Catherine. Vincent is Beauty, Gabriel is Beast. It’s the ancient archetypical struggle. I understand that. I still reject the manner in which this struggle was developed and portrayed on the show. I find that killing Catherine was completely unacceptable, unless it was used as a vehicle for evoking extreme emotions and a channel for the show to evolve through-while intending to eventually reveal that her death was somehow unreal; perhaps a dream (whose dream?) or a pretense (for whose benefit?).
This one episode alone could elicit hundreds of pages of comment, analysis, conjecture, speculation; there isn’t space in this publication. Let’s all write to one another, phone one another, meet one another and delve into those fascinating areas of discussion! Let’s go beyond the anger, shock, disappointment and revulsion and see what there is to understand. I feel in the next evening’s episode, “Walk Slowly”, the original B&B spirit was wholly apparent. I expect that Catherine’s voice and her spiritual appearance will come to Vincent often.
I was greatly pleased with the character of Diana. I think she’ll be the cause of some very satisfying events, sort of like a catalyst, and we’ll be glad she’s around. It’s Vincent’s story now, he’ll tell it and I’ll watch it. She lives, always, in his heart, mind, and soul. Catherine will be our Beauty still.
The spiritual conception is an entirely different matter! Wow, it was a surprise to learn that Catherine and Vincent were blessed with a child through their physical joining (her kiss when he had collapsed in the tunnel) and not sexual intercourse. I know, some of you believe that they made love “off camera”, but that is not my opinion. Isn’t it great to have a variety of ideas about the conception? And all the implications of the loss of the bond, or the alteration of its manifestation! Incredible. I believe we’ll all be amazed at the outcome of this, most fascinating season three.
Keep the dream alive.
Well, I feel as though I have been run over by an emotional dump truck. “Though Lovers Be Lost” was a disappointment to me. What happened? WHY wasn’t the consummation scene handled better than that? I thought all those suffocating rules were going to be “smashed”. I did NOT get what I wanted. During the roses and lava scene I was muttering to myself, “THIS is IT?? That’s all??” It’s sad to say, but that first bitter disappointment (even before the credits stopped rolling) set the tone for the rest of the show. After seeing it twice more, I feel better about it. I have come to realize that it was an excellent piece of drama; good action, good adventure, good music, good acting, good everything. It really lacked nothing, nothing except the one thing that I always came to expect from B&B: Romance. There really wasn’t any, was there? I guess we have, indeed, been retooled. Or is that tattooed? I felt pretty let down and pretty numb after the first viewing.
Then came Dec. 13th, and I found I wasn’t numb at all. “Walk Slowly” was one of the most touching things I have ever seen. I cried harder than I did when Melanie died in “Gone With the Wind”! Oh Vincent, Vincent, Vincent...to bear such sorrow... When the funeral scene was shown, and Vincent was speaking from his heart, saying goodbye to Catherine, I really lost it. I had to watch it three times before I was coherent enough to completely understand all that was said. Those last lines, “You’re safe. You’re safe now. Sleep, my love.” GAD! Even now, it makes me teary eyed.
So, what do I think? I'm waiting to see what happens. I think we are going to get one hell of a ride during these next few episodes. I remain hopeful, a little more cautious now, but hopeful. Call me a diehard, but wouldn't it be wonderful if it was all a mistake and Catherine came back in Episode 12....
It's Tuesday afternoon, and I'm counting the hours until 8:00 Wednesday; this is getting bad; I've got more to do than constantly think about this show. Actually, it comes in spurts; I do have a few lucid moments here and there. What do I think of the new season? I think it's wonderful, exciting, tragic, tender, outrageous, devastating, and very sad. I'm tickled pink it's back on, and I'm dying to see what "new roads" it's going to explore. I'm open to any new direction the show might take; now that Catherine is gone, anything is possible, and I'm anticipating some new turns and twists.
I am sorry to report that I am of the "This is not the same show and cannot hold the same place in my heart" school of thought As Father said in "The Rest is Silence", Catherine is a part of the miracle of what Vincent is; take her away and we have a whole new Beast. Just listening to the voice-over in the new opening credits sequence tells me that what we have here is the classic clandestine hero dedicated to fighting evil (a la "Batman" or "Spiderman"), combined with the "fugitive on a perpetual quest" scenario, a la "Starman" or "The Incredible Hulk". Certainly these sorts of scenarios can be done well, but they are not a part of the Vincent we came to love in the first 2 seasons. By adding these new pat TV formula elements to his character and taking away Catherine, we lose the romance. (Let's face it, we can't have the romance back, because Vincent can never love anyone again as he did Catherine, and to have him do so would be to violate everything the writers established about their relationship and thus be unbelievable.) The romance is one of the most important elements in making this show so wonderful.
In order to maintain the romance, given the fact that Linda Hamilton would no longer be available (And I applaud that lady's ability to maintain a realistic sense of perspective and priorities despite tremendous pressure to forsake what is truly important in her life simply for the sake of a television show. Those who would object to her choice need to take a hard look at their own sense of priorities.), I feel the role of Catherine should have been re-cast.
This is not to say that I'll stop watching B&B. I'm an addict, and an addict doesn't stop when the drug goes bad. (This one hasn't gone BAD, but it certainly won't be giving me the same high.) I'll take B&B in whatever form I can get it. I'm sure Ron Koslow and company will do the best crime-fighting-hero-on-a-never-ending-quest format program TV has ever seen.... I enjoy a good chunk of food for thought far more than devoted blind raving about B&B as if it were flawless, which nothing in this world is.
I am compelled to write this letter to share my pain with others. On Dec. 12th a part of me died. For the past two years I have lived with Catherine and Vincent in their worlds. From their first embrace to Catherine's dying words I was with them.
I met them in "Once Upon A Time in the City of New York". I shared their first anniversary in "Temptation" when they exchanged gifts. My soul soared when they fell in love in "To Reign in Hell". I celebrated their second anniversary in "The Watcher". I knew their loneliness in "A Distant Shore". I felt their first kiss in "Orphans". And I cradled their love in my arms when Catherine died in "Though Lovers Be Lost..."
This was a beautiful dream — a world of love, tenderness, warmth, words, and music - something everyone could share. But now it is over. Beauty is dead, the rose has faded. Good-bye Catherine, remember love (thank-you Linda).
After finishing typing all 29 pages you just read (UGH!), I [Joyce DeBoard,] felt I should maybe be allowed a short LOC. Jeanne, don't faint! This isn't my normal behavior. I prefer a quiet existence in fandom allowing my photography to be my contribution more than being involved in fan-type activities (I don't even read zines). However, this quiet existence doesn't mean complacent feelings.
Now is the time to think POSITIVE! If you've had non-positive thoughts about these last episodes, think positive about the two years before and discovering fan friends who have enriched your life. I met six Star Trek fans more than ten years ago. Today, they're my family! We need to support our B&B family of friends and those who blessed us with "just another TV show", "Beauty and the Beast".
References
- ^ This is the Creation Con on Oct. 21-22 in Minneapolis, MN.