Once Upon a Time... Is Now/Issues 019-020
| 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 19
Once Upon a Time... Is Now 19 was published in February 1990 and contains 32 pages.
This issue contains an essay by Barbara L.B. Storey, see These are difficult times for BEAUTY AND THE BEAST in the world Above..
This issue contains a poem by Betsy Jacobs called "A Fans Prayer":
- Their love is my guide; I shall not panic.
- It maketh me site down in front of the TV.
- It leadeth me into the world of fandom.
- It reviveth my interest in the sponsors' products.
- It putsth me into debt with postage and phone calls for its sake.
- Ye, though I face rag-mags, trash TV and threats of conspiracy, I shall fear no rumors.
- For there is a method to the madness.
- Thy skill and thy talent, they comfort me.
- Thouh preparest a feast for eyes and ears in the presence of mundane friends.
- Thou hast filled my head with wonderful stories, and my mailbox runneth over.
- Surely lemons shall be made into lemonade all the episodes of this season.
- And I shall dwell in the spirit of "Beauty and the Beast" forever.
Issue 19: Excerpts from the Letters
I find myself unwilling to watch anymore; I don't want to find out what Mr. Koslow means by a "rich reward" — frankly, I'm afraid to find out.
Well, gang, here we are again. I wish I could scream at the top of my lungs and people wouldn't think I was nuts!! This is not easy; I am not sure how I'm supposed to feel or how I'm supposed to think. I go from grief to anger and then to tears! It has not been an easy couple of days.
Okay, what gives? I have just learned that CBS is cancelling B&B again! And not only that, they are cutting out three shows so we only get nine instead of eleven.
The cancellation of B&B hit me just last week. When I heard that FOX Broadcasting may pick up B&B I began to write letters.
Here are my gripes about the 2-hour movies: I didn't like the consummation scene (so who did?). I found it hard to believe that Cathy, when escaping the bad guys in the parking garage, STOPPED HER CAR and ran to an elevator. I thought she was much smarter than that. I didn't like them quoting poetry to each other as she was dying. A couple of heartfelt "I love you's" would have sufficed.
.... I'll close with a fervent wish, backed by hopes and prayers, that some intelligent network (what an oxymoron!) will pick up B&B. I can't believe CBS is denying us three episodes. Ted Turner, where are you?? SOMEBODY out there, please help us continue with the dream!
Now that I have just finished watching "Snow" for the second time, I am ready to write my first LOC to "OUT...IN". Am I the only one out here who is not only appalled but profoundly disappointed in the new "retooled" B&B? I have watched the show since the first episode when those words, "Once upon a time..." rolled across the screen and now I most heartily agree with CBS..."It's not a fairy tale anymore." It's a "Nightmare on Elm Street."
The Third Season! Wow! What an explosion of feelings and emotions gush forth, vacillating from sheer excitement to utter dread, wonderment to fear, anticipation to nervous frustration. By the way, has anyone else discovered they have to remind themselves to keep breathing during each scene!? The waiting from week to week to find out what happens next is driving me CRAZY, not to mention how heart wrenching each episode is. Good grief, when do our poor hearts and overworked imaginations get a rest?! When I work through my initial shock I realize, however, I do love B&B fiercely and support and defend it to the hilt just as though it were a child of my own. I'm sure we are all very protective of our dear friends from Below.
Hopefully all the individuals who kept asking for sex and a child are now satisfied. The mystery and romance are now just a memory and reality has come to the show.
This is my first LOC to "OUT...IN" and the only thing I regret is that it isn't a happier one. I have seen the 2-hour opening episode, plus numbers 2 and 3. I, as well as everyone else I know, spent this agonizingly long summer and fall trying to 1) ignore the tabloids, 2) "keep the faith", and 3) "keep it all together". What I saw on Dec. 12th frustrated and disappointed me. I was so happy that B&B had finally returned. I waited with bated breath through those endless (but, I realize, important) opening commercials and was finally able to relax when I saw Catherine walk into the tunnel. My heart was in my mouth, let me tell you! And what happens? He is unconscious when she kisses him; they have "metaphorical" sex ...; when Father finds them they are not even slightly disheveled (!); Vincent can't remember WHO she is; she doesn't feel like telling him she's pregnant when he can't even remember her name; the Bond is broken (talk about telegraphing information); we have NO kiss, NO romance, NO poetry; she is captured and taken away and when Vincent finally does find her, he loses his strength and can't stop the car or even HANG on! He just CRUSHED a bad guy to death with a steel door he ripped off its hinges; he pulled the trunk off a car in "The Watcher"; but (darn it), he just can't quite get a grip on that car! Then, 6 months later (!), we are treated to Catherine's gynecological exam (thanks, Tara Michaels, for that insightful remark). And, to add insult to injury, we get two minutes of Vincent and Catherine together and then POOF - she's gone. The next time he gets to kiss her, she's dead! I'm a LITTLE bit upset, to say the least.
In my last letter I remarked that they (all the people involved in creating B&B) had a chance to do great things again. Well, folks, they’ve done it. There aren’t enough adjectives for me to describe how much I love this season. They have pulled it out of the quicksand in which it was mired last season and have sent it hurtling ahead at warp speed. You could almost hear the pop at the beginning of “Walk Slowly” when it came unstuck.
Although the 2-hour season premiere was rather weak (I’m sorry but I have not waited 2 years to see undulating roses), but the 3 episodes since then have been outstanding. The new opening voiceover is wonderfully done, the scripts have been tight and well- constructed, the production quality is A-One, and the actors are doing some of their best work ever. You can tell the enthusiasm of cast and crew is back. You can feel it.
Oh, and by the way, I’m crazy about Diana. At last, a woman with a mind of her own. She does her job, she does it well, without asking permission from anyone about what to do or how to do it. She’s objective but caring, strong without being domineering. And isn’t it refreshing and unusual for TV to see a down-to-earth woman who wears no makeup and chews her nails. Where the relationship will go as far as Vincent and Diana are concerned is anybody’s guess, but it really doesn’t matter to me one way or the other. I know there are people who miss Catherine and all that went with that, but I just consider this new season as the next chapter in Vincent’s life. The story does show that he is not getting over the loss of Catherine. And that’s good - he shouldn’t ever. She was his one, great love and he’ll take that love to his grave. To do any less would be out of character for him and so far everything I’ve seen has definitely been in character. I happen to like the main character in this story. He’s one of the most endearing and attractive tragic heroes to come along in a mighty long time. It is not his lot in life, his fate, to be happy. It never was. Even the “original” beast never had his “happily ever after”. Only the prince had that. And Vincent is that rare combination of beast, prince, and beauty. That’s all I really need. And that’s all I have to say this time except to comment on the only thing wrong with this season: each hour is too short and the week between episodes to long. P.S. Possible topics for next month: Was it A) Bestiality, B) Necrophilia, or C) Immaculate conception? Stay tuned.
Just like everyone else, I have been on an emotional roller coaster since May 18th. How did we ever survive all of the insurmountable obstacles that were thrown at us: the cancellation, the retooling, the departure of Ms. Hamilton, and the not-knowing when or if the show would air? But, we did survive! Just like everyone else, I have spent the past seven months of my life tearing out my hair, beating my chest, wailing like a banshee, choking back endless tears, screaming in outrage, groveling to the network, writing countless letters, investing a fortune in phone calls, printing and postage, and putting at least a thousand miles on my feet while crusading for B&B. But we did this out of love for a show that became very important to all of us, for a concept that had become larger than life....
.... When I think of what B&B has already meant to us and when I think of its promise and its possibilities, I am filled with such hope, such excitement, for "tomorrow". This show must be given the opportunity to realize that potential. We must do everything within our power to get this show renewed! And, quite frankly, I don't feel that we have the luxury of a wait-and-see-how-it-turns-out attitude. We need to get behind this effort and we need to do it now. Nothing that we say or do will change what is already in the can for these 12 episodes, but if the show is renewed, then maybe, just maybe, we can have some influence on the direction of next season...
Please do whatever it takes to get "our" B&B back — work a little harder, push a little longer. When I remember the love and the sensitivity that it has brought into our lives for two years, it would be a tragedy for our final memories of this show to be what we have seen the past four weeks which is only the shell of what we once had. B&B deserves better than that -- we deserve better than that. When this show finally leaves the air for good, it should be with our spirits soaring and our pulses pounding. It should be with our deepest regrets and with our tearful promises that we will never, ever, let its exquisite memory fade!
I write to express my anger and disappointment at the cancellation of B&B. I feel a great deal of anger towards CBS, but I feel equally angry at those fans who criticized the 3rd season of this show and ultimately forced uncertainty to be come a reality. I do not feel you are fair to Witt-Thomas Productions or to the writers. It is not so much that you are repulsed by the new direction of the series, but rather that Linda Hamilton was no longer a part of the show. Please do not forget that Linda Hamilton made a conscious decision to leave the series. You then complained that all would be well if they had re-cast Catherine. Had Catherine's part been re-cast, I fear you then would have complained that no one could replace the "real Catherine".
CBS was looking for a reason to cancel B&B. By writing and calling and otherwise publicly criticizing the few shows that were aired, you gave them the reason they needed. Ultimately, I lose and you lose, because now we have nothing. Several days ago, I received a form letter in the mail that stated the fans would not support the FOX network's supposed interest in B&B unless the show returned to its original, "TPTB-Speak: "Retooling," "More Bittersweet," "Relative Few," "Richly Rewarded," and "Nay-Sayer"|untooled" style. All I had to do was sign my name and mail this trash to FOX. Do you know what the most pathetic thing of all is? Whomever devised this hate mail didn't ever have the guts to sign their name to it. The postmark was Encino, CA, so you know who you are. .... Do you remember when Vincent said to Catherine, "We are something that has never been..."? I hope that those fans who were so desperately compelled to criticize the last few episodes we had can live with the reality that "We are something that will never be again..."
Issue 20
Once Upon a Time... Is Now 20 was published in March 1990 and contains 28 pages.
This issue contains a review of Destiny #3.
From the editorial:
Another quiet month with no real news on the contracts to report. Hopefully, something will break soon and we can all relax knowing our fate.
[...]
As you have no doubt noticed, we DO print letters from people who do not like the 3rd season. The only letters we do not print are letters that focus on an attack on cast, crew or other fans. Telling why You don't like something is an opinion. Saying someone is stupid for believing a certain way is a personal attack. As editors, we try to be fair, but we, as fan/editors are not without our own opinions and make no apologies for that. Since so many of you are new to fandom and to this publication, I would also like to add that we do not print letters intended for other publications, nor do we reprint letters written to the cast, crew, production office, etc. Most of us belong to several newsletters, fan clubs, etc and it would be a waste of our space and your time to give you duplicate material. If you send a letter to us, please don't send it to anyone else.
I go to the mailbox 6 days a week and it is always an adventure. The other day I received a book I wish I had had 12 years ago when I got into Star Trek fandom. It is for those of you new in fandom (and those not so new) and tells you everything you wanted to know about fan courtesy, how to order a fanzine, how to submit a story, what to do if you feel "ripped off" by a zine editor and just about anything else you'd ever need to know. It cost $3.00 and you can order it from Susan M. Garrett... I recommend it highly.
Issue 20: Excerpts from the Letters
Remember in "Peter Pan", when Tinkerbell was dying? We had to clap. Clap louder and louder and she came back to life! Like Tinkerbell, there's still that tiny spark of life in B&B!!!! Let's keep "clapping" louder and louder 'til B&B is back full blown life!! Don't let those last 8 words spoken by Vincent in "A Time To Heal" ("Then, remember me as you would a dream.") become our beautiful show's epitaph!
I am am VERY pleased with Diana! She reminds me of me! NO — I'm not on an ego excursion, folks! I, too, have long, red hair and green eyes and tend to analyze things logically before reacting emotionally. (My husband calls this "holding things in".) EXCEPT, WHERE B&B is concerned! I, like the masses, was LIVID at Catherine being killed off, but, thanks to talking to Jeanne Cloud, was convinced to shut up and wait. (Thanks, Jeanne!) Diana is tough, street- smart, intelligent, rational, beautiful, and sensitive. She's a great compliment to Vincent and to the show! I can't believe that next week is the last show we will see. Like everyone else, I feel totally frustrated, extremely angry (and betrayed) and utterly HELPLESS. The last one being the hardest to deal with.
I became a B&B "addict" from the very first show and needed my weekly "fix" as desperately as any junkie looking to make a buy! At the end of last season (when cancelled), I took up arms and went into battle to try to save "my" show. I had to go "cold-turkey" 'til Dec. Now we’ve been served a wonderful "hors d'oeuvre" —and been told "That's it!" "No entree!" A-H-H-H-H!!! Could we suspend the law against murder, just for a FEW minutes!! So, once again, I'm back battling for the life of B&B. I have written/called everyone of "importance" that I can about keeping our show on the air. A lot of the time, I feel as tho' I'm flogging a dead horse. BUT, there's still this tiny spark! Maybe I'm trying so hard because I grew up having to fight like hell for something I wanted; I think more because of the love I feel for/from this show. B&B has became my extended family. If my husband or kids were threatened with being "killed", I wouldn't stand idle and LET it happen!! I won’t stand idle while B&B is being torn from my life either!! I literally ache inside at the though of loosing Vincent!!! Loosing Catherine was excruciating heart-pain enough! (Although, I understand Linda's decision and commend her on sticking-to-her-guns about being a full-time Mommy.) Life without Vincent would go back to being life without any escape from the hard reality of day-to-day existence. There are NO other shows that I wait in rabid anticipation to watch! I don't care WHAT night it’s on! (I do like Wed.) I don't care WHAT station it's on (Preferably one I get so I don’t have to move.)! I will watch and tape it.
My reaction to the new season: I'm trying very hard to remain in a loyal and stalwart fan but so far it is proving very difficult, more difficult than I had anticipated. When I first read "It's not a fairy tale anymore" my mind easily accepted that, but nothing I had read could have prepared me for the 2-hour season opener. I'll admit it right now, my husband and I (yes, I am one of those lucky ones whose husband loves the show too) have become real believers/fans of Linda Hamilton and the way that Catherine was "killed off" was unnecessarily cold and unfeeling. I am 32 years old and expecting our first child in February after many problems trying to get pregnant. I could therefore identify with what Catherine might have been going through, being confined for 6 months with no love or emotional or physical support, and then being subjected to the type of labor she endured and being denied the pleasure of holding or seeing her child. It was more than I could bear. And when Vincent carries and places that poor dear lifeless body of his true love on her bed in her apartment and then leaves her with only that ghastly short white gown on, it infuriated me and broke my heart the way Catherine's demise was handled. After all, she was not a stranger but half of the show!
I cannot imagine a successful show without Linda Hamilton. It is her acting as well as Ron Perlman's that makes this show believable. It is the combination of the spirit and innocence of Catherine and the trust and faith she places in Vincent, being fragile and brave at the same time, a very complex character - indeed. After Linda, anyone else would be a disappointment. Catherine has made Vincent what he is now. Without her he is but a shell, as is the show of its former self. All of the characters have become like cardboard figures acting out and reading their lines with little feeling or emotion. I can understand and appreciate the need for attracting a larger rale audience, but what about the ones who tuned in for the love, the tenderness, the enchantment? It is gone, and for how long and at what expense? I suppose we have to ignore "It's not a fairy tale anymore" and believe in B&B. After all, only love, faithfulness to a premise and devotion could break the spell of the original fairy tale and I, unlike our dear Ron Koslow, know that not all great love stories necessarily end in tragedy. The magic of B&B is gone and I hope it will be returned to us before there is nothing left. "I know in the deepest part of who I am that whatever happens now, Vincent, we will endure. We will." I hope so....
Now the cancellation [of the show] wasn't a real surprise. Hey, I can read the ratings numbers as well as the next guy. The surprise was the SPEED with which it came down (Happy New Year to you too Mr. Sagansky!) and the terrible shock of learning we wouldn't get to see 3 episodes that had already been filmed. It's just too cruel! We've waited 6 months for these promised 12 hours. We've been patient, we've been supportive, we've been loyal, we've been suckers. Never again. It will be a cold day you-know-where before I watch CBS again.
Anyway... After a good cry and a self pep-talk, I called Stephanie Wiltse to find out what was happening and if there was anything I could possibly do. I was thrilled to hear that there actually was a game plan, maybe we weren't dead in the water, 1) Notify everyone, 2) Get letters and telegrams to CBS asking them to please show all episodes, 3) Ask FOX to pick up the show. Simple enough....
I spent the next 8 hours with the phone attached to my ear (there are many of you out there who know what that feels like). If I put it down, it rang right away. I called everyone I'd ever had a number ford, including Helper's Network in England and Helper's Network in Germany. Both were glad to be included in the fight and premised prompt support. (Thanks guys!) I thought FOX might be impressed by some immediate European response. (I heard they were.) At least my phone company loves me. I think I've just financed their new office wing.
For me the light at the end of this Tunnel (albeit a small one) was the hope that FOX would pick us up. Well, 24 hours later, they do seem interested. Their establishment of the Hotline number for us to call "certainly made me smile." I'd love to see FOX make a success of this show. I believe it certainly could be a hit for them...
So again we find ourselves in "a struggle for our lives" with a possible new network. Writing letters, sending telegrams, making calls — didn't we just leave this party?!
Anyone remember when you didn't thing about TV, just turned it on? OOH, there's a thought...
If by the time you read this you have one more letter left inside you, please direct it to Republic Pictures and encourage them to put the 3 lost episodes on video tape soon. They have a 1-800-826-2295 number, if your hand isn't as sore as mine.
The real heartbreak is that the cast and crew can go on with their lives after this show, but Vincent will be no more. Never to have Ron put on those closes, that make-up, to not have him breathing life into Vincent... (sob!).. .a part of him WAS real, you know. I could fee him "separate and apart" from Ron. The loss of that real, magical part is what hurts the most.
If this turns out to be the end and it is over, I will remember, always the amber lighted Haven I found in the Tunnels...Father, who's fretting and stern looks I love dearly...Mouse, who always makes me smile...Mary, who showed me how to care...Pascal, who taught me pride in a job done well...Jamie, who taught me true loyalty to those you love... Joe, who showed me that right and wrong don't come with a price tag...Elliot, who proved to me that we all grow and change when we dare to love...Diana, whose compassion and passion for others really taught me...and all the other special souls Above and Below who have filled my life these past 2 1/2 years.
I really am having a hard time with this. I'm not ready to let go, so I guess "I'll cling to the wreck of my memories" and hold on even tighter to my dreams.
Once upon a time, there was a beautiful species of butterfly, ft was so lovely and unique; most people thought that they had never seen a butterfly quite as wondrous or as rare. After a timer the butterfly was not to be seen anywhere. It had gone away. Much to the delight and excitement of everyone, a cocoon was discovered that held hope for all.
With anticipation and a bit of nervousness, everyone waited for what seemed too long. Then, happiness brimmed in the hearts of all? the cocoon would soon reveal the new life. Would it be as beautiful a butterfly as the other? Would it be as wondrous and special? Would it appear as the other had looked?
The cocoon opened and out flew a very fast and strong creature; a creature bearing some resemblance to the butterfly, but for the most part, looking much more like a dragonfly. Now, there is nothing intrinsically wrong with a dragonfly; it has special and fascinating characteristics. Yet, many of the faithful stared at the dragonfly with shock and disappointment in their eyes; they had loved the butterfly and couldn't help their sense of loss.
The people experienced a flood of emotions and none of them knew quite what to do. Just as they were sorting out their feelings, it appeared as if the dragonfly might leave them as well. Some were glad to see the dragonfly go; other were frightened still others called out for their beloved butterfly to return to them.
The tiniest of them all spoke up in a whisper, "I love the butterfly? it still lives here", she said as she touched her chest, "and I know I'll never forget about it.” She then sat down with a piece of drawing paper and her crayons. With the innocent skill of a child, she drew a lovely picture of the most beautiful butterfly that any of them had ever see. Then, they watched in awe as she created another magical picture with her crayons. When she was done, they asked her about the drawing.
[...]
I felt so disappointed when the cocoon opened and the dragonfly appeared! After observing the characteristics of the dragonfly, I was mildly fascinated, but I longed for my butterfly. Nov, I'm not that upset over seeing the dragonfly leave, but I will pray that somehow the butterfly returns to me. If it doesn't come back to me, I'll gather sane "crayons” and create remembrances of it to keep the dream alive in my heart.
Nov let me see if I have this straight according to some past articles I have read. The TV censors were afraid that shoving Vincent and Catherine making love or even kissing would offend scene viewers. Something to do with the fact that Vincent my not be quite human, right? This explains the lack of anything resembling a love scene. But it's OK to show a pregnant woman being held prisoner for six months, then being put to death as soon as the baby is born without even being allowed to hold it. I'd love to meet the one that made up that rule.
After watching "Though Lovers Be Lost”, I felt numb. And more than just a little irritated. I knew Catherine was going to die, so I was ready for it. But I still should have cried. I didn't. Not really. Just a few tears at the end. As I sat on my couch after it was over, it came to me why.
I have been a "Star Trek" fan since my son, who is now 23, was born. When the first ST movie came out, I was ecstatic. They were finally doing something new with my show. I went opening day with my son, my daughter, and my mother who were all pretty familiar with the show because of my involvement with fandom. I was so excited, I could hardly sit still. After the movie, as we piled out of the theater, my mother commented on how I didn't look too thrilled with the fact that I had at long last saw a new "Star Trek". And a movie at that. I spoke the first thoughts that came to mind, saying "I'm not sure what that was, but it wasn't Star Trek. I mean Spock was there, Kirk was there, McCoy, all of them. Even the Enterprise. But that was not Star Trek. Something was missing." Several people in the crowd overhead me and agreed. I went home and watched a few episodes to see if I could figure out what was missing. It was a feeling. Just a feeling. One the TV series left with you, but the movie didn't.
I liked the character of Diana. I thought she was very sensitive in the way she handled Catherine's murder investigation. And I liked her spunk. I've always felt that a fair complected, green-eyed red head would compliment that gorgeous blue-eyed blond better anyway....The possibility of any involvement between her and Vincent could have been interesting. I would have watched it no matter what route they took.
CBS has canceled our show without really giving it the chance they promised. So what do we do now? I don’t know about anyone else, but I’ve got video tapes, fanzines (some of which are really great), clubs, and penpals. And memories. Unique and special TV series such as B&B come along very rarely. I will always be thankful that one came along in my lifetime. And who knows, maybe a few years from now, I’ll walk into a movie theater wondering if “Beauty and the Beast: The Movie” will capture the “feeling” of the series.
I'm so angry and dismayed by what has happened to my beautiful, romantic fantasy that commenting is necessary, even after the fact, as the situation now stands. I'm sure my views will not go down well with some "fans" and if anyone thinks these are not my views, better think again.
However, I do object to certain "insider" comments made in #18. Manipulation? Power mongering? "Grand Poo-Bah" What? Come on, people, get real. This is a TV program we are discussing here, not the fate of the country. Besides which, I feel this publication should not be made a vehicle for anyone's personal in-fighting, which certainly sounds like what is going on here.
And, please, don't tell me I can't protest an accomplished fact? that it's "harmful". There is nothing "harmful" in disposing of a brutal travesty of what was once beautiful.
For two years we have been manipulated and finally betrayed. The betrayal started for me with "A Ceremony of Innocence", and the whole tone and intent of the fantasy took a sharp downward turn. And it has gone from bad to horrendous.
The show has degenerated into meaningless violence and brutality; example — the killing of Cleon Hanning and the display of his body in such a needlessly grim manner. The introduction of psychotic characters, example — Gabriel and Snow, to mention just two.
I don't believe "the show must continue at all costs", regardless of content or intent. Those fans who so insist better be careful what it is they insist upon, they might get it. Personally, I think we already have.
I don't watch B&B to see a"crime-fighter-hero-on-a-never-ending-quest. That's not what B&B was all about...
All we asked for was a live-happily-ever-after ending. A Fairy Tale ending. What we got was betrayal of the highest order. I, too, cannot watch the episodes of the first two seasons; it is too painful.
I have watched B&B since the beginning and it has touched me like no other show. I have been sitting back and reading all fanzines and LoCs and don't usually write, but feel in this case I have to. The season's 2-hour premiere was a bit of a let down to me, but all shows since then have been great....
Now they have cancelled once again — sad! Although I enjoyed Vincent and Catherine, I must admit I enjoy Diana much more. Just loved it when she terminated Gabriel (a villain we can all detest).
We all have changes in our lives, some we enjoy and some we don't, and most of us have experienced the death of a loved one. So if Linda wanted to leave, real fans will let her go an to her "happy life" and give their support to the ones that are left and the new ones arriving.
This is the only way our show can survive. Too much complaining and no network will pick up our show. People who object too much can turn their TV off and let those of us who love Vincent and the rest of the cast enjoy it.
To those of you who say "There'll never be another Catherine," I say "AMEN!" She was a special lady of great love, commitment and self-sacrifice. The magnitude of our loss and Vincent's cannot be measured.(Love ya, Linda!) However, to those who say "There'll never be anyone else for Vincent," I say NONSENSE! No, Diana is not Catherine, by her own admission. Catherine and Vincent's love was unique, but so is every true love, different in kind from any other....
Joy returns. Likewise with love; if he chooses, Vincent is free to love Diana without any betrayal of what has gone before.
Here we go again. Why are B&B fans so lucky to be put on a constant roller coaster ride of emotions...almost cancelled in May...to be brought back as "mid-season" replacement...not enough 2nd season reruns to be even called reruns...an unmerciful 7 months of waiting until the 3rd season premiere (in the middle of Christmas season, no less). Then, just settling in with a new format, no Catherine and...the bimbos at CBS do the unthinkable, yet not so surprising.. .cancel B&B. Now, the big question is who, if anyone, will pick up our beloved show.. .another long, long wait.
The majority of the LoC's I've seen since the 3rd season started are pretty negative in their assessment of this new format. I have to admit that after "Though Lovers Be Lost" I was very numb. Catherine died and I didn't even cry. I think the new format really disorientated me. We were bombarded with new images meant, no doubt, to get things going on this "retooled" B&B (I've come to hate that word). If the writers "had been given a choice, I don't think they would have presented it to us the way they did. CBS gave them the word to retool and so they did.
Were we richly rewarded in the end as the producers kept telling us? I don't know if I'd say that, but the shows were well done. For me, I'll accept B&B in any format.
We really have to remain united in this, our most desperate fight. In unity there is strength, as Father is so often repeating, and that is the truth. The dissenters, the detractors, we would appreciate a zipped mouth for now. While we do not condone what you say, neither are we denying you the freedom of your dissension. But if we want the show back, conditions on its return, have to be put aside. Our fight is to get B&B back, period. Then, if you don’t like what you see, the freedom to voice your feelings is yours. But to put conditions forth to anyone thinking of picking up B&B presents a disunited front. We cannot afford that at this point for it's that strong united front that will move someone out there to say, yes, let's put B&B on our schedule. So, let's stay united. The path, I fear, is a long one before us. We need each other's support to sustain.
I, like everyone else have been touched by the cancellation of our show, but I hope this won't affect how everyone feels about what we now have gained from B&B. What made B&B so special was the magic, the dream of what could be. I have heard from a few friends who seem to think just because the series stops being aired the fanzines, letterzines, conventions, and everything involved in fandom will suddenly cease to exist. B&B isn't the first program to be cancelled before it's time nor will it be the last. I still find it hard to believe that we won't have the chance to see Vincent and Diana's relationship develop. I don't know how others feel, but I love Diana and even in the few shows she featured in I prefer her character to Catherine's. I am sure I will be hung from the highest tree for this remark but I never could believe in Catherine and always wondered what Vincent saw in her. The flaws in Catherine's character (not Linda Hamilton), who I thought did the best with what she was given) never gave me the satisfaction I wanted, I could never truly believe and care enough for her. I believed in the romance but not the woman, with Diana I have found a strength missing from the show before. I have heard many complaints about this 3rd season, it being too violent, Vincent being out of character. Well, my feelings about that is that the situations accounted for the violence. Vincent being out of character, he just lost his Catherine, he was in grief and not really himself. It is really too bad that the show stopped when I am sure the series was ready to return to the Tunnels, the magic and romance that made B&B so different and special.
Since it seems as though B&B has taken on a life of its own (like Star Trek), I think we can expect the debate regarding the merits of the third season to go on for years—or decades.
The final episode has aired, & the series is done. (All right—for now) And while I would never contend that some of the third-season shows weren’t well-written, I think the deterioration in the spirit of B&B is best characterized by the fans themselves.
First and second season fans got together in a spirit of good fellowship, to discuss how inspiring the show had been; what it had taught them; how it had helped them through difficult times. Remember? But third-season fans (that is, those who only discovered it then, or others who’ve talked themselves into the new “retooling”) seem to gather mainly to debate plot points in a story line full of holes you could drive a truck through and to argue about whether or not Vincent and Diana age going to “do it.”
In other words, this third season isn’t inspiring anybody toward anything — reading the classics, helping the homeless, being gentler with one another. This alone ought to be telling us something about what happened to something beautiful, that we loved. I suspect that some of you do feel the loss but are still trying to rationalize it. Note: The network cancelled B&B, but is bringing back “The Brady Bunch” for an hour each week. This says a lot about their estimate of our intelligence — but even more about theirs.
Today I sent a large Vincent postcard to CBS. It said, simply, “It’s 8 pm Wednesday night. Do you know where your viewers are?”
I want to comment on your warning that there are people out there pretending to speak for "everyone." If this is true, who would be gullible enough to believe them? There are probably as many different viewpoints of the show as there are fans — just look at the letters in the Jan. issue. B&B folks are nothing if not opinionated, and they have the courage of their convictions, maybe it's because we've always had to stand up to people who ridiculed us for falling in love with a TV program. Or maybe it's because (me of the messages it gave us was the validity of listening to our own feelings and "following your heart." Some people loved the third season; some hated it. But I have yet to see anyone change another fan's sincere opinion, simply by stating their own. Yet it sounds like we're supposed to worry that someone else's viewpoint could hurt us.
I had my first good laugh since Dec. 12th (no — make that my second; I forgot A. 'Nea Dodson's critique of the consummation scene.) at the alarming announcement that a group of fans were "trying to keep B&B off the air permanently." If thousands of determined well-organized fans, fighting desperately for months, couldn't keep it on the air, why should we be afraid this "small group" could keep it off?? The mysterious conspirators are never named, and taking the trouble to inform your readers of their existence only confuses some and makes others suspicious of their fellow fans. (Why does "Song of Orpheus" come to mind?) It does nothing to promote the tolerance that should be a legacy of B&B. Why not invite these people to write and either refute the allegations or explain why they feel the way they do? An open dialogue would be far more constructive than vague warnings that encourage distrust.
The show has once again became as "astral body", slipping farther away from us than ever. Unfortunately, its fate was in unsympathetic hands# but the fate of the fandom it created is in ours. We can finger-point and complain about each other# or we can respect those who are "different" and try to learn free them. What's happened to the show is tragic# but it wasn't in our power to prevent. It could be an even greater tragedy if intolerance alienates fans from each other, because that is in our power to determine. Smaller minds than ours destroyed the show. Are we going to let them destroy the incredible phenomenon it gave rise to as well? I'm talking about the network of fans who, whatever their opinion of the "retooling," care passionately about B&B. Time wasted in fighting with each other could be better used to fight for the show's resurrection. For the romantics among us, it's a matter of keeping the dream alive. But even if you're feeling too betrayed and cynical for that approach, remember what we've lost and what we stand to lose, and don't let the "buttheads" win.
To all my fans and friends: Thank you for the warm words of hope and encouragement. I found the January issue to be most comforting. As one who is still hurting, your uplifting comments and varied opinions on Season #3 were just what the doctor ordered. Yes, I did feel much better. All medicines do not come in bottles. Jeanne, I would also like to thank you for your editorial. Happily, yours was as message of faith and common sense.
Unfortunately, I can't say the same for other mail recently received. Some messages were full of hope and suggestions as to what we could do in our attempt to salvage the show. But others were accusatory without reading between the lines. Those "advisers" pointed their fingers at any fan who had dared to dislike the 3rd season and placed the blame on them for its failure. In other words, it was more than okay to like Season #3 but a breach of faith to dislike it.
Please, spare us more agony. It wasn't enough that B&B was dropped, then hiatused, causing us no end of pain and tears and hard work to reinstate. And when it finally returned, there was much disappointment in the new storyline. But don't pile on the guilt. Most of us, whether or not we approved, are still in shock and mourning for the show we held so dear.
We may not have liked the new B&B but we didn't give it up and continued to support it, even if teary-eyed. If blame is to be targeted, just, remember CBS has the ultimate responsibility. We were given their retooled product. Were we supposed to accept it gratefully no matter how changed it was? No matter how we felt about it? If B&B demands blind worship, then we are a "cult". If we are not allowed to voice our opinions, even to disagree with each other, then watching B&B for the past 2 years has taught us nothing and has not changed us for the better in the smallest way. If true, the fairy tale has indeed become a nightmare and we helped create it.
I believed them. Witt-Thomas said those who are distressed will be pleased in the end. I was distressed after the movie aired, but I am definitely not pleased now that the arc has ended. I am truly saddened that CBS cancelled B&B; what a terrible way for a show to end. The conclusion has so many holes in it and is so unsatisfying. I am horrified by Diana's cold-blooded murder of Gabriel. Of course Gabriel was beneath our contempt — he was a villain (slightly overdone at times). Yes, he caused the death of others, particularly Catherine. Still, to have him shot at point blank range by a police officer smacked of something out of "Dirty Harry".
In my stories, and in my allegiance, Catherine never died. I have too much emotional currency invested in her to let go completely or easily. But, I gotta have my Beast-TV! I can't do without B&B. I can't do without seeing Vincent, and the rest — without learning what happens next. I need my regular fix. In order for anything to come about, I have to learn to live with, & find ways to accept, what is. This is not the reality I want, but it is the reality I find myself in. You have to accept a fact first before you can do anything about it. Denial is de facto capitulation, because then you're stuck with the mess, even if you won't pick it up. It's there, and it's always going to be there. It's not going to go away.
I fought for a 3rd season — and got burned. But if I don't fight for a 4th season, that burn will never have a chance of being fixed, of being truly being healed. I may only get hurt again - maybe even worse than I am already - but it's a chance I have to take, because it's the only chance there is. Which is crazy, of course. It would be so much easier to swill beer & watch football till your brain dries up and more socially acceptable, too. If we're all crazy, it's a fine madness. But it is madness.
I and many of my friends are thoroughly devastated by the "new direction," but we by no means want the show off the air. All we want is to retool back to the B&B we know and love, we are watching and will continue to watch any and all episodes shown, but our hearts are heavy and we are encouraging anyone and everyone to write Witt-Thomas and George Martin and beg, plead, cajole, and adjure them to bring Catherine back. In TV Land there are ways to bring people back from the dead. To quote Howard Gordon, "It's a fantasy. Anything can happen." We didn't see her on the autopsy table or in the casket. She could have been spirited away in a coma or, if that doesn't appeal, let it all be a dream. I don't care how you do it. Get Catherine back in Vincent's arms and in his bed where she belongs, please. I think Linda would be amenable to return if approached properly, but if this is absolutely impossible recast the part (Melissa Gilbert comes to mind as a possibility) I'd rather have someone else play Catherine than have no Catherine at all.
We were betrayed. We were lied to. We were used by CBS and Ron Koslow. What a shame that the man who had this beautiful dream and convinced us it was real should be a part to its destruction. The consummation was a travesty. I understand that it was supposed to be a mythic union, not a physical one (producing a physical child?). What a crock!!! Yes, I wanted to see a romantic love scene with flowers, candles and Vincent bending over Catherine but I'd even accept the lava and roses bit if Vincent had been conscious and aware of what was going on before and disheveled and holding Catherine in his arms afterwards.
If...if...if there is no hope of returning to the old format, and you don't know how much it hurts to write this, then changes are still needed. Bring Catherine in for one scene. Let her appear to Vincent in a dream to tell him to stop grieving and reach for love again. Then proceed very gently with Diana and cut down on the violence. Bring back the poetry, sensitivity and caring that we loved and maybe, just maybe there might be some hope for the new B&B.
At the same time that I'm spreading information, making phone calls, and writing letters in the desperate hope of getting back some form of B&B, I feel very ambivalent about my actions. If I'm going to throw my energy into a "cause", why not the homeless, or endangered species? Why a TV show, for Pete's sake? I have never before campaigned on behalf of a cause, due to a basic cynical and pessimistic belief that I can make no difference. I'm pretty doubtful about getting any results in this campaign now, too, but still I take part. I am a mass of conflicting emotions on this.
In addition to my own personal confusion, part of me feels that we may be unfair to those who have worked on B&B in our overwhelming vehemence in trying to get this show back. These people have lives to lead and careers to follow that nay not be personally fulfill able any longer by the creative outlets provided by B&B. Any major player in this production who decides not to take part in any reincarnation of the series no doubt can't help but suffer some feelings of guilt at disappointing so many of us. Ron Koslow, George R.R. Martin, Ron Perlman, Roy Dotrice, and many other both behind-the-scenes and onscreen fit in this category. While trying to avoid actually making any DEMANDS on these folks, fandom has come damn close to it and has made it clear that we expect them to channel their creative energies on our preferred project should the opportunity arise. Our happiness depends on it!!! We don't MEAN to be unfair, but I can well imagine how pressured these folks would feel if somehow this show actually got the change to go back into production.
For instance, stop for one minute, take a step back, and consider this question honestly: Ron Perlman violated a rule he'd made for himself in order to play Vincent. Now, 3 years later, having put so much into B&B, could we blame him for wanting to move on to parts where he could show his face. To avoid, if that is still possible for him, Leonard Nimoy/Mr. Spock syndrome? Is it fair of us to ask that he carry Vincent's shadow with him for the rest of his career? To which you reply, no doubt, he doesn't have to if he doesn't want to.
I put it to you that he could be losing either way. If B&B gets the chance to go back into production, and Mr. Perlman continues to play Vincent, he suffers typecasting in the future. It may become even more difficult than ever for him to win roles that do not require heavy makeup. (Personally, I feel this risk is already pretty great.) If he decides not to do Vincent, he will suffer many recriminations from selfish and thoughtless people. (Ask Linda Hamilton; I'm sure she can tell you how many of these types there are and how they can mess with your mind. As I understand it, people sending her fan mail are now getting their letters back unopened. And stars don't issue directives to have that kind of thing done with their mail unless provoked.)
All of this may well be moot; this series may never come back. But does anyone else out there feel these conflicts within themselves? Have we gone off the deep edge? I don't know. But reading any issue of OUT...IN and seeing the intensity of the emotions expressed therein will tell you that it's a valid question.
I wrote a previous LoC shortly after the first 2 episodes stating that I was still hooked on the show and that we would all probably heal in time with Catherine's death. What an error on my part! I've reassessed my attitudes and values since the show's demise and oust agree that Catherine was the integral pivot point that drew me into the shew. I dreamed through her, with her, about this special relationship. Now nightmares replace these pleasantries.
Apparently, many others have grown weary of just Vinney's snarls, slashes, and sadness. He was never happy this year, never content, and neither was I.
Did anyone really feel good about themselves after a single episode? What little insights for our own personal lives did we learn from the series this year? None! The 2 previous years gave us insights applicable for daily living (as well as beautiful poetry).
[...]
Yes, fandom is divided rightly so. "Pipeline" and the Helpers Network are calling for $ pledges to insure video rights. Bullshit, not with this year's format. Everyone I cared about has changed in character or been killed off. Father was never himself. Mouse was nonexistant, and Elliot was killed. I miss Devon, Dr. Peter Allcott, etc., but most of all I miss Catherine/Catherine's character. WE just lost too much.
Diana will never replace Catherine. Catherine was so classy. You noticed she's already dumped her boyfriend and told Vincent she couldn't forget him? I would have thrown a brick through my RCA had Vincent touched her with Catherine not yet cold in her grave. But I'm sure the writers had plans to link them together in future episodes to appease us.
It wasn't the same show this season. I feel I've lost too much. Damn, I need some laughter and happiness ever after, as a fairy tale should be.
I felt very good about the way the season ended with the Naming Ceremony. I was left with the feeling that, after all the trial, trauma, and heartbreak, all was well in the world and everything was in its proper place (not unlike the final episode of “Hill Street Blues” or the last “Lake Wobegon” monologue on “A Prairie Home Companion”). But a little voice keeps nagging me: “There is more to be told.” And somehow, I am confident it will be told, perhaps on a cable network, perhaps in future novels and graphic novels, maybe even in a big screen movie! B&B (and B&B fandom) is embarking on a new leg of the Voyage now which will perhaps become the most significant one yet. It is almost exactly twenty years ago that I saw my first episode of “Star Trek”, nearly a year after it was cancelled. I am one of the vast majority of Trek fans in that regard. Here’s hoping that history is about to repeat itself!
After watching the first 2 episodes of the third season, I decided to keep my volatile temper under control and refrain from writing a letter until the final episode had been aired and I could rationally put my thoughts on paper. Now that it's ended, I feel as if I have been watching another TV series (Robocat) because it certainly wasn't the B&B that had captivated me and many others for two seasons.
The two hour movie was one of the worst experiences of my life. How could the writers and producers of this beautiful romance portray Catherine as a woman alone and pregnant being tortured, drugged constantly, and then killed without ever holding a child being born out of such intense love and passion? Hey, Guys, were you smoking something when this script was written? This was a definite vendetta against not only the character of Catherine, but Linda Hamilton, as well. As a woman, I was totally outraged by the treatment of someone who deserved so much more. Linda struggled through this episode during a very difficult pregnancy as well as her own personal problems and this was very apparent in her face. She was simply used, abused, and discarded! What a horrible send off to a very classy actress!
That pathetic consummation scene was like something out of a Pee Wee Herman movie. Exploding roses and flowing lava! Vincent, if Catherine made "the earth move for you," you were still out in La La Land as were the viewers. All of us are a little more intelligent than that. Gone were any traces or hints of the tenderness and compassion that they shared. Instead, it was like watching 2 total strangers. "You're the woman I love, but I can't remember your name." Not only did Vincent forget making love to Catherine but he can't even remember who she is. I haven't met a guy yet who can't remember his first time! Even Ron P. and Linda H. seemed to have difficult in keeping a straight face throughout these scenes. Was the scene of Catherine vomiting due to the drugs or more Linda's reaction to the script?
I believe that Linda and Ron fought very hard to keep this romance progressing, but it wasn't meant to be. I have heard and refused to believe that there were creative differences between Linda and Ron Koslow and it became apparent to me as the episodes progressed that she lost the battle, but in reality we were the real losers. As all of the promos said, it was no longer a fantasy. I deal with reality everyday and for one hour a week, I could escape into this wonderful world of fantasy and love. Thank you, CBS, for bringing me back to the cold, cruel world!
[...]
To the writers and producers, I would like to express my disappointment at shattering the dream after being told everything I was reading and hearing were lies. Who was lying to whom?...
In conclusion, I would like to say that I will miss the series, but I still have hope that it will be returned to us. After all the tears, I know that for me, Catherine will live forever. Vincent and Catherine still remain in the cave and beyond that "The Rest Is Silence."