Once Upon a Time... Is Now/Issues 015-016
| 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 15
Once Upon a Time... Is Now 15 was published in October 1989 and contains 28 pages.
The editors were Jeanne Cloud, Joyce DeBoard. The co-editors were Raynett Hull, Jackie Bielowicz, and Cheryl White.
This issue contains a long open letter from 'Nea Dodson: Let me present you with a quick primer on interpretation, fandom, and manners.
From the editorial:
In checking in with all my contacts this month, one disturbing piece of news was repeated from every department. There has been an alarming number of threatening and negative mail pouring into the studio and addressed to the stars. We, in this fandom alone, enjoy the rare privilege of accessibility. The fans who are doing this are not going to change the storyline, and are, in fact, only going to alienate those people who have been so kind to us in the past. We all need to be passing along POSITIVE thoughts and hopes, not dwelling on the negative.
I know many of you were upset by the Sept. 23rd TV GUIDE article [1] . Please keep in mind that the same man who owns TV GUIDE also owns one of the tabloids. The article is couched in tabloid terms and contains neither the sub-plots nor the reasons for the things that happened. Keep your faith. Remember that the same writers who brought you the last two wonderful years are working on this one. Be excited in spite of what you hear. From what I've heard, we're gonna be in for one hell-of-a-ride!
Issue 15: Excerpts from the Letters
The season hath ended, and Lord, give me strength. What a marvelous time I've had! I can't believe how involved I've gotten this season; any show that makes me talk to the TV set...well, I simply can't help myself. I'm waiting for Father to turn toward me one Friday night and say, "My dear child, you're in hysterics. Please, calm yourself." (Only when that happens will I lock myself away.) I had to bite my tongue at school because my floormates threatened to throw me out, but at home...well, my sister and I gasp, scream, sigh, cry and talk to the TV to our hearts' content. During "The Watcher," we were quietly urging Vincent to go into Catherine's apartment (I'd say, "One more step...get in there..." and she'd say, "Go, go, go..."), and when that damn phone rang, we both went, "AARGH!!" and threw a pillow at the TV. This elicited a response from our father downstairs, whereupon we shut the door and turned the sound up.
[...]
Beth Blighton, the Pectorally Fixated: Did you catch the chest on the "tear-the-nightshirt" scene? Of course you did; I heard that scream all the way from Michigan. I missed it the first time, but then I saw the candles reflect off of...gold hair?? I rewound that baby three times to make sure....
[...]
I've heard that some CBS brass also think Vincent shouldn't touch Catherine. I don't know if it's true or not, but I wouldn't put it past them (Mr. LeMasters excepted, of course.). I get disgusted when J.R. Ewing [2] touches anybody. But that's a high-rated CBS show. Quoting Luz from "Ozymandias," "That'll make everything okay." I prefer Vincent and Catherine snuggling together listening to Schubert than a chorus of panting bodies sliding on harmonious satin sheets.
Well, that about wraps up thoughts from the wreck of my memory. It'll be a long wait 'til our promised twelve episodes and until then we still have each other. Keep writing those letters.
Hi! I really enjoyed the recent issue of OUT...IN. You always keep me up-to-date on the latest information and I thoroughly enjoy the letters and articles in each issue. I'm rather new to fandom, so I've really been enjoying myself. The B&B fans are a great bunch of people! They've really helped me feel better through this rough time with the cancellation. I've been writing CBS every week and will continue to do so. Ron Koslow's letter was a great inspiration. It's nice to know they appreciate our efforts.
Recently, through a friend's tape, I saw "No Way Down" for the first time. I'd heard there was violence and much action, but nobody had told me how dreadfully distressing it would be. The beloved, noble Vincent badly hurt, wounded, tormented and derided. I do not usually weep at TV shows; I cried considerably at this. I have re-watched (again!) "Brothers", easily one of the most beautiful episodes. It's my belief that understanding and compassion are the two finest qualities anyone can aspire to, and here Vincent manifests them in quantity. Ironically enough — for poor Charles — our hero is at his most handsome.
Was the final episode everyone's favorite as it was mine or what? Up until seeing that one, I had my favorite narrowed down to maybe 4 or 5 — but this one is definitely taken top place.
Hearing Vincent sob on Father's shoulder, being so much at the end of his endurance, hit me like a rock in the middle of my chest. Was there anyone out there that wouldn't have given their right arm just to be there for him?
Maybe I'm weird, but there's something about a strong, powerful hero becoming sick and needing his lady that has always gotten to me and seeing him with his head on Catherine's lap with her stroking his face that had me riveted to the spot, undoubtedly with my eyes bulging out of my head.
And did every one's heart throb like mine when he pounded on Catherine's door and nearly shouted her name as opposed to his usual careful and gentle whisper?
How about the frenzy in his chamber as he searched for the one particular book he needed to hold on to himself?
We've waited for two years to hear him finally say the words to Catherine that his ever action has spelled out—and it came at such a bittersweet time. In my opinion, there couldn't have been a better setting or a better time for him to tell her he loved her then in her home after she cared for him day and night.
While other shows think they are displaying fine acting by bed-hopping, screaming, reciting sick and tired-out jokes about any and all relationships, this show displays the gamut of emotions without degrading anyone.
My letters to CBS have been polite as everyone has told us they should be, but I'm really reaching my limit. Everything [Kathy B] said in your last newsletter is true. CBS has this prize show and they seemed to do everything in their power to make sure it is not a success. They have a show that has won many awards, has sold many, many products relating to it — not only the obvious recording of Ron Perlman, but all the other, less publicized items from T-shirts to posters — and yet they decide the one polling company says there aren't enough viewers so we'll pull the thing and tack on another mind-numbing sit-com. I pray that all our letters are doing some good to bring about change. And if that change DOES come, I pray that CBS wises up, reads [Kathy D's] list of stupidities, and revamps the way they advertise so everyone gives it the fair chance it deserves. I've been frustrated by things before in my life, but never have I felt this helpless. As others have said before me, I feel like a member of my family is gravely ill and I'm desperately trying to find someone with more power than myself to cure them. Maybe combined, we all have that power.
Thank heavens I’ve found you all! I live in a semi-rural area about forty miles south of St. Louis, MO., it's a growing area, but I'm six or so miles from the nearest store and have yet to find as totally addicted fan as myself within my local phone area! My long distance phone bills these last two months or so have been horrendous but—I desperately need constant contact with other B&B fans (Fanatics?). It is so marvelous to have discovered how many, many, many of us there are and how often we've all thought we were alone in our love and fascination with this phenomenon and that is what it really is! Before B&B I considered myself a sane, dignified, sensible, emotionally in control of myself, to the point of being very reserved and shy, 48 year old adult woman. What happened? Like many others I have read about I heard THAT voice and things went off inside my head and heart that I had forgotten about or didn't know were there! As a long time confirmed romantic, ie. Tennyson, Barrett/Browning, my all time favorite has always been "Jane Eyre" (I was ecstatic when they were reading that in the season finale!) I feel Ron Koslow is this century's Shakespeare. He's creating on TV (as long as they let him) rather than in books. These beloved characters of Vincent and Catherine will rank in today's romantic literature as Romeo and Juliet have in the past.
My poor right hand has developed permanent writer's cramp from the unnumbered amount of letters I've written all the powers that be! Small sacrifice; for this experience I'd gladly sacrifice anything to help this show continue!
Isn't B&B fandom wonderful! Although, here lately I believe "Brotherhood of Pain" better describes us fans. To those who write saying you feel that you are the only B&B fans in your particular city: How do you know that for sure and, of course, you're not. I know for a long time I thought I was as none of my family or friends were "true" addicts of this show like myself and it was so painfully frustrating not to be able to share the magic of B&B with someone else. (Except my dear husband who enjoys the show almost as much as I do and Fridays at 7:00 pm the lights go out, candles are lit, the phone's answering machine is turned on to catch the first ring, and woe to the person that may knock on the door!)
Do you ever get the feeling that the writers/producers are sending us messages such as in the episode "Orphans" — "We are something that has never been before; we must go with courage and we must go with care" and in "The Watcher" — "We've endured much." "Yes, we have and I know, in the deepest part of who I am, that whatever happens now, Vincent, we will endure — we will." And there are others...
I'm going to try to write a coherent letter, but I'm so angry, it might not be possible. I would wait until I've calmed down; however, I don't think I ever will, so here goes. I am sick and tired of national magazines' aiming at B&B and Linda Hamilton.
When I got to work today, one of my co-workers laid the STAR on my desk open to a small article about Linda and her carriage and TV production problems. I don't know if it was true or nor, but it's none of my business in any case. I threw the STAR in the trash which is exactly where that garbage belongs.
Then when I got home from work, I picked up the new TV GUIDE and promptly looked through it hoping to find some B&B news. Sure enough, there in the Insider section was a small article. I was furious after I read Everyone has a right to their opinion, but that kind of "personal attack" doesn't belong in the TV GUIDE. Did someone hold a gun to Mr. Eisenberg's head and force him to watch "The Terminator"? Doesn't he know Lawrence Eisenberg's nasty comment about Linda. Who the hell does he think he is? how to turn his damn TV set off?
I can't understand why the TV GUIDE lets him get away with that. First, it was that totally off the wall remark about the Psycho rip-off and Vincent climbing the Empire State Building and now this. Obviously, Eisenberg had to dig down deep to find something to criticize about Linda. He certainly can't find fault with her beauty and not about her acting ability, so he picks her voice. It's a damn shame that Vincent isn't real; he could pay Mr. Eisenberg a visit and knock his head off.
It took an hour or so before I could look through the rest of the TV GUIDE, but I should have just skipped it. In the next section, there was a nice, informative article about Ron Perlman and the album "Of Love and Hope"; then they had to ruin that by making that stupid remark about Alf and the Dead-Cat Book! Was that supposed to be funny? How does Shakespeare, poetry, and classic literature compare with "1001 Uses for a Dead-Cat?"
I strongly encourage everyone to write to TV GUIDE, not only the Letters Department, but also the management and complain about personal insults of this nature. I'd rather see them ignore B&B than constantly put it and Linda and Ron down!
I am worried about the new season. I am referring to B&B without the Beauty. I admire Linda for wanting time to be with her baby, but she will be sorely missed. Fran what I have been reading, she will be sprinkled throughout the new episodes. I believe we women in the audience picture ourselves in Cathy’s shoes and by watching Vincent and Catherine together, we fantasize that it is us. How many of us remember waiting for the last 5 minutes of each show for those wonderful balcony scenes?
Of course, I don't know the plot line which will explain why Catherine is not around so much. I hope the writers will keep Catherine "alive" in the episodes that she does not appear in by having Vincent talk about her to Father or having Vincent remembering her through flashbacks, etc. Also, keep the hope alive in Vincent and Catherine (and in us) that someday they will work out all their obstacles and will be together. WE need to have the hopes and dreams for Vincent and Catherine.
Last of all, I want to have the chance to say a BIG THANK YOU to all those involved with the making of B&B. It is obviously a show that is made with lots of love and it shows. Thanks for giving us so much more than the usual TV show does. You give us a "movie" each week. It is too good to be called TV show.
Best Wishes for a wonderful third season!
...now for the problem of the character of Catherine. Will CBS never leave this beautiful show alone? I believe we could all write a thesis on "How to Kill B&B".
You are absolutely right about why we are so attracted to Vincent. His complete, secure MASCULINITY and MALENESS are probably the primary reasons. When he walks through the tunnels with that unconscious swagger, his dark cloak swaying behind him, that golden hair streaming over THOSE SHOULDERS, the lust in my heart reaches a fever pitch and I don't at that moment care about his "beautiful heart and givingness" — just about that most magnificent body, the awesome strength carefully controlled, beneath the doublet and swaying cloak, and....if only I could reach out and... .Ahhhh, well....We each dream our own dreams. Thank you for listening to me. I have enjoyed enormously "meeting" so many of you through your letters and look forward to future issues with great anticipation.
When I found out about Pipeline and, through them, "OUT...IN", I was ecstatic. I read my first issue of "OUT...IN" with tears in my eyes at the thought of so many kindred spirits. I could almost feel the love flowing through the papers. After two seasons - I was NOT alone. I could hardly believe it.
I'm sure that all of you have heard the latest, ugly rumors going around regarding Catherine being killed off, Vincent turning into the Incredible Hulk, and the like. The media has had a bad tip off from someone and is running away with the ball. Now, it appears that B&B fandom is taking sides — those who don't believe any of this nonsense (and that is what it is, PURE NONSENSE!) and are continuing their support and writing efforts, etc. and those who are taking every word to heart, are speculating, getting very paranoid, and are beginning to blame Koslow and Company — to the point that they are sending him hate mail and threatening to stop supporting the show and never watch it when it airs! I seriously cannot believe this! We have fought so hard these last few months and now this? Who are you ridiculous people? Why are you blaming Ron Koslow? You are taking the words of some asinine news paper articles such as "The Globe" over the words of Ron Koslow? What is happening with everyone? Don't you realize that this negative attitude will definitely hurt the show? Don't you realize that you are jumping to conclusions WAY before you should? The two-hour premier hasn't even been aired and there are people stating they will not watch it simply because of what they have heard. COME ON!! Cut the man some slack!
Do you honestly think that Ron Koslow, the creator of B&B would be out to murder his own show? Where is the faith that everyone has had for the last 2 years? A few months ago? In May, we were bashing CBS — a few weeks ago, we were bashing CBS — now, it looks as if some are bashing Mr. Koslow and other fans! KNOCK IT OFF — NOW! B&B fandom does not need that kind of support. I, for one, have worked very hard to keep our program alive and am not at all happy with the news I'm hearing. Who am I to speak out? I am a dedicated B&B fan who loves this program, who has fought for it's existence and wants it to continue for years to come! I know that B&B fandom is a group of intelligent people. How about if you stop ridiculing and start acting like the "family" we are supposed to be! Ron Roslow and the production office needs us! They need our support! Without the fans, where does that leave the show? How about shelved forever? Does that ring any bells? They DO NOT need this harassment!
As for Linda Hamilton's role being "reduced," as we have read, remember, she is having a baby! The lady needs time off! The show will survive with Catherine not seen as much! Come on, guys! Be happy that our program has returned to filming. Everyone is very pleased with the results of the filming. I, for one, can't wait to see the resolution to the cliff hanger and more new episodes, for that matter! Don't ruin it for the rest of us! STOP NOW before it's too late! Appreciation and thanks to all! B&B forever!
Issue 16
Once Upon a Time... Is Now 16 was published in November 1989 and contains 28 pages.
The co-editors were Cheryl White, Jackie Bielowicz, and Michelle Foster.
This issue contains the open letter: I realize that in a group as close as this fandom has become, we tend to depend on the opinions of our fellow fans as to what is worthwhile and what is not..
There are also about eight photos of Roy Dotrice, Ron Perlman, and some fans taken at what appears to be a convention.
Issue 16: Excerpts from the Letters
I feel anyone reading this would probably agree that the airing of the first episode of the third season of B&B will be quite an event, and I for one intend to treat it that way. When the very next new episode is on I'm going to celebrate with as many of the different products of this show's sponsors as I can afford.
Following are my suggestions, as inspired by the Directory of the Helper's Network, Viewers for Quality Television, and the publications of "Condos and Caverns", OUT...IN, "Passages", "Pipedreams", "Pipelines", "Promises of Someday", "The Scratching Post", and "The Whispering Gallery". Also by various meetings held at Media*West Convention IX last May in Lansing, MI and a number of clubs and publications whose names were still being decided last I heard. If you sent me anything in the mail, you know who you are. My thanks are to you all.
First, make a list of the products you plan to use and write to each of the sponsors, (Whose products would have then been bought) "invite then" to "join" you this special night. Maybe even use printed "invitation" cards and send them with the store receipts along with a letter explaining what you plan to do with their particular product.
Once the airing date is known, arrange through FTD (a B&B sponsor) to send a rose to key people directly involved in bringing the show back. The rose, with a message, would be prearranged to arrive the day of the airing, before the show, so it can be strictly a, "Thank you for bringing the show back", and not be any comment on whatever is shown. (That's for afterwards.)
Then take that day off or something, so it can be spent making final arrangements and enjoying yourself with the business of other sponsors, like McDonalds or Wendy's restaurants, or maybe even Red Lobster. If there is a B&B sponsor place to eat that has a giant video screen, maybe it would be possible to arrange for that place to show B&B that night, if a big enough group wants it, by inviting B&B friends to go dutch treat with you or something. It would be a good idea to gather people together to form a club.
If your money still holds out, also spend that day getting pampered in a beauty salon with B&B sponsored products. Then, while you're all spruced up, go to a local event wearing a B&B t-shirt and pink ribbon, handing out flyers or cards asking people to write to CBS in support of the show, with CBS's address and information on how to find out more about enjoying and supporting the program, at the same time remind people what's on that night and encourage them to watch! Distribute the cards or flyers to your neighbors on your way to or from the local event. And if you're celebrating in a group, let the local newspaper know!
If you are celebrating at home, get back in time to pamper or further pamper yourself with more beauty products before the show starts. Then, wearing B&B sponsored products, like perfume or a comfortable nightie, get yourself comfortable and order pizza delivery from Dominos or something and let them know what it's for. Keep a bottle of Bacardi Import drink chilled and on hand. Let Bacardi know you plan to keep a bottle read to celebrate each time the relationship between Vincent and Catherine takes another step forward. (The first real kiss, etc.) Bacardi might then encourage CBS to let the relationship deepen, but as slowly as possible, to take full advantage of this. Get it? Use your imagination concerning other products, I mean! (Well, I meant the former as well...)
If you want privacy for your own little celebration, rent a hotel room for the night for you alone or with friends or that special someone. Maybe even have a "convention" that's not really a convention for that one day and night so you can all watch together. It might make good training for the real thing, or another way to get enough people together to form a club. Then publicly tape everyone's reactions to what is shown that night as it is shown and then afterwards interview for comments from your group and send a copy of that tape to CBS and other B&B VIPs. If you are going to be at an actual convention that night, suggest to the convention committee to arrange for a special B&B party with a giant video screen. Make these arrangements as soon as possible to give the word time to pass around, especially once the actual airing date is known and allowing for the infamous 'last minute' changes. If we can make this day an event for the sponsors, local affiliates, and CBS & Company, as much as it is for us, it could result in a gentle and yet I believe effective pressure to bring the show back and keep it back; especially if we treat the matter in a patient but insistent way. In other words, ask CBS to bring back B&B as soon as possible, but not so fast that it interferes with the quality of the show or health of the people involved. Ask them to take the time to be as certain as possible what day they wish to air (The better to arrange our celebrations and publicity pushes) and treat CBS like it WILL be bringing back the show because they are SMART...
Last but not least, don't forget to have fun while you're doing this.
Some fans seem to be experiencing a high level of anxiety over Catherine's possible fate and/or the direction of the Vincent/Catherine relationship. Look, folks, there is nothing you or I can do, or should even try to do, about it so just calm down. Query: Have Mr. Koslow, et al ever let us down? I'm not talking about minor continuity slips or even the occasional bumpy script. What I mean is, have they ever betrayed either the characters or the philosophy of the series? Well then, what are you worrying about? Mr. Koslow has asked us to believe that none of them would be doing this if it wasn't what they wanted. Why not use our energies more productively, i.e. writing to sponsors, local affiliates, newspapers, etc. If we don't have faith in the integrity of the production company, then we have learned nothing in the past two years and may as well have been watching a test pattern. To paraphrase "Miracle on 34th Street", "Faith is believing in something when common sense tells you not to." I believe, I believe.
The rumor mill seems to be working overtime these days: Catherine's dead, no, she's not; Linda Hamilton wants out, no, she's staying; Vincent is having electrolysis, buying 3-piece suits at Barney's and enrolling at CUNY.
Actually, if you don't take than seriously, the rumors can be mildly entertaining, rather like the party game of "gossip". Please, just consider the "stuff" you read/hear (from sources other than those we know we can trust such as PIPELINE, HELPER'S NETWORK and our own beloved OUT...IN) to be of no more substance than cotton candy and you'll be all right.
Sorry about the soap box. This isn't' what I wanted my first LoC to be, but I have received so many calls/letters from fans in a panic saying "Did you read/hear/see what...." that I just had to sound off.
Your mini-editorial [in issue #14] is something that had to be said. I could kiss you, but what I would really like to do is to present you with my own "Say It Again" award of 1989. You said more than a mouthful. Sure, we all have lots of ideas for the show's direction and these do show up in the wonderful fanzines. But - Ron Koslow is the creator of B&B and he has done mighty well this far in enlarging the characterizations, tightening the plots, and pointing in new directions. There are some episodes that left me limp as a dishrag or euphoric enough to drift off to sleep and dream the sweetest dreams. As far as I am concerned, B&B does give me everything.
I've noticed though, that some fans seem to be greatly annoyed with so many small and large details — they want more — of whatever they believe there is less than enough — and in a most demanding way. They just about threaten to take their business elsewhere if the characters don't shape up.
Hey — no fair! B&B is loved by all of us, but it's not our baby. We didn't design it; Ron Koslow did. He fashioned it into the show we adore and its development on every level has been miraculous. So, let's stop the carping and instead, let's make our voices heard in support of this treasure. I, for one, will be eternally grateful for its just being there. As you said, Jeanne, we can do more good by keeping it in the public eye and, yes, by displaying our B&B wearables which will always get a response! And we can live up to its concepts of love and good spirits to all.
In regards to the consummation and bestiality issues of B&B, one needs to observe Batman. This simmer's biggest hit and moneymaker has, as its central character, a man/bat (fantasy like B&B) who, from what I have read, consummates his relationship with the heroine and then hangs from the ceiling like a bat. Did this consummation between the man/bat and human female enrage the public and cause them to demand that this not be shown? No! Instead, they flocked to Batman! Whether or not you view this consummation as pure fantasy or immoral behavior, the point is that the public accepted this behavior as portrayed and have been given the opportunity and trust by the filmmakers to determine for themselves how to view this behavior. We view Vincent as a man/beast/feline creation (mammal) just as Batman is a man/bat (mammal). Both have relationships with human females (mammals). Both have extraordinary powers that help to make them special and wouldn't be available to them if not for their "beast" side.
[...]
So, perhaps all the assumed controversy surrounding Catherine and Vincent's future doesn't exist. The overshadowing fact which the public embraces is the overpowering, true love they see shared by these lovers. True love that desires to overcame the impossibilities it faces with a spirit of adventure, excitement, hope, and enduring love—to follow the road never taken before. An exploration of how much of Vincent's love and desire for Catherine comes from his bestial side would certainly prove interesting.
What path will the writers and network chose for these lovers?
Mr. Martin at the N0SF3 Con explained to his audience that the writers view Vincent as a beast contrary to the beliefs of many viewers. However, it should be noted that Vincent has been acknowledged in televised episodes to be part man as well as the writers' beast.
I too, have been upset by all the rumors flying around about Catherine being killed off, to our not even getting the 12 episodes promised. I felt that I could not accept Vincent falling in love with another BEAUTY, after the soul-mate he found in Catherine. That kind of love could only happen once in a lifetime. I know Linda H. is having a baby and I respect her for wanting to spend time with her child, so I'll take whatever I can get—even if only cameo roles for Linda.
All of this was really getting to me when my issue of OUT.. .IN came in the mail. When I read that letter from Jeanne on the inside cover of #14, I knew I had to change my way of thinking. Jeanne, you are right. I, for one, am going to put my faith in Ron Koslow and CO. and trust that they know what they are doing. They have given us two wonderful years and he does deserve our full support. Thanks, Jeanne, for setting me straight. You really gave me something to think about.
I am anxiously awaiting the third season — no matter how many shows they give us. I just want to be part of the "family" again and have something to highlight my week. B&B is the only show that has truly made me feel warm and good inside when it's over.
Well, how are all of you holding up under the weighty mantle of a multitude of rumors? I know it's difficult, but we must endure even though accosted with "the slings and arrows of outrageous fortune." I did read an encouraging article quoting Ron Koslow to the effect that the 12 upcoming episodes will be about courage and faith, and that we must also show courage and faith. (Okay, Ron, I trust you, and I'll try to be brave. I liked the part where you said we will be richly rewarded in the end...)
.... It has been a stressful six months! From the first rumors last April of the CBS pullout, to Black Thursday, then the long weeks and months that followed spent bouncing letters off the giant CBS monolith.
The Network's lack of faith toward this program has been clear and sometimes just short of seeming like deliberate sabotage. All of the preemptions, the conspicuous lack of promotion, the scrambled showing of the eight re-runs we did get to see, not showing the ending trilogy as promised and not including it at all in their fall line-up. It is enough to get you down.
Still even with all of this, there have been some incredible bright spots. The promise of twelve new shows, the enthusiastic support of many, many of the sponsors and the fans themselves! Such spirit!!!....
[...]
My biggest concern now is for us, the fans. There is so much growing unrest. Sure, by now we have all heard the rumors...Catherine will be killed off, Vincent will become more like the Incredible Hulk, these stories are everywhere. Even TV Guide had a short "Will Beauty Meet a Beastly End" that touched on torture and death.
Come on! This is B&B we are talking about. The Creators have never wavered or failed us before. They would not be a part of something like this. I just do not believe it. Consider the source...if it is a paper or magazine that you know is not usually true, then why believe it now. Or if it helps, just look at all of this as publicity. Maybe a few new viewers will tune in just to see what all the talk is about.
The last thing we want to do is blast the creators or each other or Linda Hamilton, before we see what is in store. Please do not prejudge. Ron Koslow deserves our continued caring and support. We can not know the battles he's fought for Vincent, Catherine and all of us.
I have faith that the Producers, the Writers, and the Cast will stand by her, as will I.
Of course there will be changes. For anything to grow and evolve there must be change. You can be sure that they will be handled as they have always been handled... with great sensitivity, much love, amazing empathy for the characters and for us as an audience.
Remember, this was their Dream first. We are very lucky to be able to share in it.