Passages (Beauty and the Beast letterzine)/Issues 007-008
| Zine | |
|---|---|
| Title: | Passages |
| Publisher: | |
| Editor(s): | Karen Bates |
| Type: | letterzine |
| Date(s): | March 1988 to at August 1989 |
| Frequency: | monthly |
| Medium: | |
| Fandom: | Beauty and the Beast (TV) |
| Language: | English |
| External Links: | |
| Click here for related articles on Fanlore. | |
Passages (March 1988-August 1989) is a letterzine with eighteen issues. It hailed out of Nebraska, US and was the first letterzine devoted to the Beauty and the Beast universe.
The letterzine had the attention and support of TPTB. In issue #16/17 (July 1989), the editor wrote: "I would like to thank Mr. Roy Dotrice and Mr. George R.R. Martin for their gracious support of this publication. A thank you is so little in return for their timely gestures."
From Datazine #54: "A forum for comments, critiques, discussion and exchange of ideas for anyone interested in The Beauty and the Beast universe."
The letterzine ceased just as fans were getting information that the last season was going to have a different direction and tone. These fans did not yet know the extent of these changes, and their optimism that TPTB would "do the right thing" was combined with their wariness. See the progression in the comments in individual issues. Also see Things Began to Heat Up: February 1989.
See List of Letterzines for similar fanworks.
The Issues
See these subpages for details about individual issues, including quoted opinions and summaries of fannish views on topics current then, and now.
| Passages (Beauty and the Beast letterzine) Issues | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Issues 001-002 | Issues 003-004 | Issues 005-006 | Issues 007-008 | |
| Issues 009-010 | Issues 011-012 | Issues 013-015 | Issues 016-018 | |
Issue 7
Passages 7 was published in November 1988 and contains 30 pages.
It contains 14 letters, numerous clippings, and the fourth part of the Creation Con interview transcript with Howard Gordon.
Excerpts from fan letters:
I, too, am getting annoyed by the impression many people seem to have that B&B is a sappy romance appealing only to women. Just within my own family, I have three nephews, all happily married with children (responsible, fairly sane, wage-earning adults, in other words) who are as devoted to the show as their wives are. They watch it together, love to prowl through my growing collection of goodies, and at least one of the men is getting a B&B t-shirt for his birthday, as a gift from his wife who hopes he reciprocates for Christmas.
[...]
I was glad to see letters from two in [males] in "Passages" 6. Let's hear from more of you guys. I specifically would be interested in why you watch: Do you just like quality TV in general (calling all "Masterpiece Theatre" addicts)? Do you have a taste for elegant fantasy with classical overtones? Do you lust after Catherine? (A couple of us have admitted to lusting after Vincent.) I personally see an interest in B&B as a sign of intelligence and good taste and applaud [K K P's] use of reaction to the show as a litmus test for potential relationships.
Something else I would like to hear discussed by other fans. A friend recently shocked me with the sexist statement that ONLY women write fan fiction, including all the slash. While we females are churning out fiction, he insisted, the men are off discussing star fields and weapons systems and technical diagrams. Come on. Is that right? Really? Where do all the men who write fantasy and science fiction professionally come from? Do they spring full-blown onto our pages or do they ever serve an apprenticeship as fan writers?
I was alarmed recently when I read Ron Koslow's comment that the show's status with the network is still 'iffy'. I am devoted to v and I want to see it run long and prosperously. However, experience has made me an equally devoted watcher of the television numbers beast and I am convinced that no matter how enthusiastic the current viewers may be, only more viewers will guarantee that the show will stay on the air.
Although writing to B&B's network personnel, actors, production team, and sponsors lets all of them know there really are warm bodies out here rooting for the show, the best 'rooter' for the show is CBS itself. The bottom line for a television show is number of viewers which translates into number of advertiser's dollars. When viewer enthusiasm establishes a firm core of support for a program, as has happened with B&B, the network is the powerhouse which can follow through with all of its resources to heavily promote the show to a national audience and lift the show into the higher ratings the network demands.
It is maddening to see a program having all the dramatic and literate qualities that critics mourn television lacks and which the public despairs of finding in episodic television so undersold and under-publicized as is B&B. The program deserves much more than the tag of 'a cult hit' and I cannot understand why the network is hanging back and advertising a fine dramatic series as being a show written for women and, by implication, all women who watch the show lavish a slavish devotion on the leading male character whom they regard as a fantasy father/lover substitute.
The show suffered a tremendous loss of audience here after the women's sections of our major newspaper ran such an article. I saw a backlash to the article in my office and in my immediate family when the men dropped the show and many women are now closet fans lest they be perceived as nut cases. (If only its wimpy, women's tearjerker image could be replaced with one of strength and prestige to recover the men and appeal to both men and women.)
Since February of 1988, I have been tracking Beauty and the Beast's publicity in my area and, compared to repeated media coverage, other network's gamer for their shows and actors, and even the promos CBS gives its other shows, the exposure for B&B has been scant. As an example of what an excellent show can do when its network backs it, I saw NBC take "Hill Street Blues" and drag it by the scruff of its neck into a top rating in its roster. It was done by constantly, I mean night after night, slotting meaty teasers into program breaks with repetitive over-voicing that the critics loved the show and by repeated newspaper and magazine coverage of the cast and production team using photos, bios, credits, anything any of them had which could be used to plug the show. Fox network is still pounding away, successfully, on "Star Trek: The Next Generation", by no means a great show, and CBS is now pumping up "Wiseguy".
"Beauty and the Beast" deserves the same kind of jumping up and down by CBS to let the public know that not only does CBS have this wonderful program the critics love, but that CBS loves it, too, and knows the public will love it just as much. Given a good publicity shower when its season begins and continued punching up well into the season to combat cross programming, B&B will get the numbers the network wants along with giving the network credit as an entity that cares enough about its audience to present and support quality programs.
I hope that my continued watching, writing, and talking up the show along with that of my 18,000,000 fellow fans will help persuade the network that last season was enough foreplay and it's time to get down to some serious promotion for the success of this excellent program.
How many days 'til my birthday...how many days until Christmas?" Then, the wait to me, a child, seemed an eternity. Now, as a responsible adult firmly rooted in reality, it only seems interminable. I'll console myself [while waiting for the new season to start] with reading "Passages," the other Beauty and the Beast publications, going over scripts, watch the tapes, and writing my own stories. I'm luckier than most because I'm involved with a very active Supporters of Beauty and the Beast group located here in Denver. We talk often, write stories, publish a newsletter, and meet once a month to keep abreast of the news from Cahuenga Boulevard and Seward Street. I look forward to "Passages" because, more often than not, I've met at least two of the letter writers and it's like renewing old friendships and sharing news and confidences over a cup of coffee. It's nice having friends who understand and share your obsession.
[...]
Forty six days, 1,104 hours, 66,240 minutes, 66,239; 66,238; 66,237; 66,236...
It's been over six months now since the season finale and I have been living off of reruns and wearing my VCR tapes thin. This is the first time I can remember actually looking forward to Fall.
I've written Koslow, et al, with my wishes and hopes for the shows this season. My biggest concern is the pernicious rumor that Catherine will have an affair this season. I cannot believe that the writers would even suggest such an ill-considered move. I believe Ron Koslow, George R.R., Gordon, and Gansa have enough talent and wit to find a way of dealing with Cathy's frustration without relying on 'the other man' formula. Vincent would probably be understanding and forgiving, but I would be totally disillusioned. I would still watch, but some of the magic would be gone. Let's hope that this rumor, like many others, has no basis in fact. How do you feel about it?
For so many of us, B&B is our first experience with "fandom". Before B&B I never wrote a fan letter, never wrote a letter to a television studio or network praising the merits of a show. There was nothing on television worth taking my time to write about—up until now. Nothing comes between me and my television at 8:00 p.m. Friday evenings.
Like everyone else, I want to see Vincent and Catherine progress to a more intimate relationship. However, I believe this has to be done with extreme care. Each of us has our own idea of how this consummation should take place (I know I do) and may be disappointed if the scenario doesn't go according to our individual fantasies. I have confidence in Ron Koslow creating the perfect story line in which this happens and in Ron Perlman and Linda Hamilton for not letting Vincent and Catherine step out of character. But honestly, wouldn't you love to see Vincent plant one on her for once? It doesn't even have to be on the lips. Her forehead or cheek would suffice for the time being. Or...how about a lingering kiss on the palm of her hand?
I hope Vincent and Catherine do get together, but only after marriage. This show is so great for children, and I feel its high moral tone is essential to its success. It is part of what sets it apart from the rest of the 'sleaze' on TV! I also hope they don't try to get too socially relevant, I want to be taken away from the everyday world to that "once upon a time" world. Also, please, Mr. Koslow, don't let Catherine get involved with anyone else — it would ruin the show, and make a mockery of the love story you've so wonderfully given us. Ideals and ideal love are what B&B is all about, don't lose it, please.
One writer asked if dog lovers felt the same about Vincent [as cat lovers do]. Well, this is one who does. I have a beautiful buff cocker spaniel and he has all of Vincent's tender expressions.
"Passages" and other B&B periodicals. I've been surprised to see almost everyone involved [in producing them] is a woman. I'm new to letterzines and fanzines. I hadn't thought of B&B as a woman's show. My husband and I have always watched B&B together and I know several other men who watch it. (One man stopped after a few shows because he was bothered by its violence, I don't know if his wife still watches.)
My husband is tall, gentle, noble, supportive, sweet and romantic. Several women friends of mine have told me they think of him as being like a big teddy bear. This is a common way for women to characterize a man who's both tall and gentle. I never think of him that way...but I am comfortable with thinking of him as being Vincent-like, since that includes his romantic and loving part.
To me, New York is full of beautiful fantasy elements. There are things like the extraordinary model rooms in Bloomingdales, exquisite window decoration at Tiffany, restaurants that create the feeling of other places and times, street fairs that transform whole blocks or miles of an avenue into exotic marketplaces filled with crafts, antiques, foods and entertainers. Even the community of people who live Below remind me of my circle of friends. Many of them are in the arts, we share poems and other lovely writing with each other and look for beauty in all areas of life. So v fits right into my life and my view of Manhattan.
I do expect Vincent and Catherine to kiss in the new season. The producers have done such a fine job so far, I'm happy to just watch and see what they do. But in response to letters in Passages: I don't think a kiss has to he initiated by either one or the other of them. It is more romantic/poetic for both of them to be ready for that step in their relationship at the same time. Things like that happen in real life and they even have their bond to help them be in tune with each other. The bondkiss was mutual, not initiated by one.
We are all so fortunate to be living in this time of video cassettes to be able to watch B&B even if we can't manage to be near a TV when it's first shown, to be able to re-watch shows anytime we want, share it with friends, etc. The first person I knew with a video recorder was a "Star Trek" fan who, 21 years ago, bought the only type available: very expensive professional equipment, so he could make copies of the original shows.
I speak not only as a fan of the series, but as a would-be, some-day, trying-damned-hard writer wishing to explore the dynamics of this relationship: emotional, psychological, physical, mental, romantic, and on & on & on. What do we wish the signature of this series to be: a breath-taking poetry reading? a beautiful embrace? a unique and lovely portrayal of true and pure love? or another rescue scene...? What about: insight studies? conflicts of loyalties? the clash of two worlds? reconciling the dream of the Bond with the realities of their lives? Or twenty-five rescues per season...?
It is not only the bodies of his adversaries that are being mauled and mangled right and left-it is, as well, Vincent's psyche, his personality, the appealing sensitivity and innocence of his very being that is in danger of damage. The lovely fabric of his inner serenity is being torn with this. If we must rescue and rescue, why not intimidate more and lobotomize less? It worked on Mitch Denton, didn't it?
In closing, may I make a statement I may have to someday eat, but feel strongly about: I will never write a 'traditional' Vincent rescues Catherine scene! Any more than I would write 'And Vincent strolled down Fifth Avenue at high noon-and it was not Halloween...', I will not resort to a rescue as the emotional or tension high-point of any story—it is simply outside my parameters as a writer. While I do not object to 3rd party rescues nearly so much (and have even written one or two), I feel passionately that rip-snorting good stories can do without those scenes entirely. I would like very much to have the reader's reactions to this theory; am I standing alone out here, memorizing the 'Ancient Myths' passage and, for the first time in my life, loving my name? (Hey, there is no thrill like THE THRILL of Vincent whispering your name!) If the spelling of my name were not after a favorite and worshipped aunt, I'd seriously consider changing it...)
Question: why does our dear, sweet Vincent have to be a virgin? When one looks at his actions from a certain perspective, he certainly demonstrates all the symptoms of a guy who's been badly burned in the past and is now terrified of another serious emotional involvement for fear that the same thing might happen. What if, say when he was seventeen or eighteen, he did have a brief sexual relationship with an
equally young female tunnel dweller who, for whatever reason, left him. I know at least three separate people who are currently working on story treatments of this very idea.
Let's be frank. Goodness knows, I didn't expect to be swept away by the idea of a fuzzy hero.
So I suspect a lot of men out there are still a bit confused by the adulation by myself and many other women for the hefty Vincent, the Beast half of "Beauty and the Beast," which has gone on summer hiatus. Vincent's beefy, tall and hairy. I mean really hairy. He's got a nasty temper when roused and a pair of sharp-clawed hands. But he's really a pussycat at heart and loves to read Emily Dickinson and Charles Dickens' "Great Expectations." I'm not talking Rambo here.
So, what is it about this guy, anyway?
Here's my take on the situation: Besides all the above-mentioned traits, I think it really comes down to the fact that Vincent's a cat. Albeit big for my lap, but-ooh-definitely cuddly. He's as sweet as you could want and as un predictable, except of course, when the heroine Catherine is in trouble. Then the lion comes out in him—with a roar-as it were, and you'd better not be the troublemaker. He's got lovely cat's eyes, turned up at the comers and blue, like a Siamese, and he has a cat's wonderful, enigmatic smile. But he speaks with a warming purr, just like my cat when I come home and head to the kitchen.
Issue 8
Passages 8 was published in December 1988 and contains 30 pages.
It contains 17 letters, many article reprints, and descriptions of some new episodes.
Excerpts from fan letters:
Well, the episode met with my expectations in quite a few unexpected ways. I feel the writers and producers are attuned to what the fans want and the relationship between Catherine and Vincent is developing (albeit subtly). I was constantly reminded that they are definitely A COUPLE!! One of my favorite scenes was when Vincent took Catherine through the tunnels to her entrance after their "date" and the wonderful looks that they exchanged when Catherine suggested they meet again (I may be overly romantic, but they sure looked smoldering, flirtatious and quizzical all at the same time to me). I also noticed the show's attempts to "lighten up" a bit for which I am grateful.
At first, I thought Catherine's reaction to the rain a little melodramatic, but then I realized, of course, she would be exhilarated just being able to share a happy moment with Vincent. It was great seeing them laugh together. Speaking of laughing, I'm glad for the humorous moments.
The first show of the new season was filled with nice things but overall I didn't think it was successful.
Vincent saying of Catherine's favorite part of the music: "It is beautiful" or some such thing, sounded as if the writer was trying to make us see a tie between them based on a mutual appreciation of the music...but the statement was so bland and non-specific it was almost meaningless.
[...]
I hope the rest of the shows go back to the old feeling. I was embarrassed by Catherine's "dancing" in the rain...her ecstatic release of tension was so out of context it looked like an acting exercise, not part of her life.
I believe we viewed a potentially very erotic scene in the beginning. Think of it...Catherine getting soaked in the rain. Talk about a potentially sexy silhouette. He could have been devouring her with his eyes. He at least soaked up the view. (Pardon the pun) Ah, it's too bad the Vincents of this world are few and far between. Sigh. Either that or they're hiding in plain view.
The trapunto vest project of mine is complete. I wore it to the Maryland Renaissance Festival. I was surprised how many people recognized it right away. I'm glad to know there are other B&B fans who are interested in costuming. I can't wait to go to a con with other fans dressed as tunnel folk.
Roy Dotrice [at Star Con Denver ] was an absolute joy! Unlike many celebrities new to conventions, Roy appeared to be right in his element. Far from being frightened of the adoring masses, he seemed to be just as delighted to get a look at us as we were to get a closer look at him! We were treated to a bit of Shakespeare, an absolutely masterful example of stage presence. You could have heard a pin drop in the last row during one of these off-the-cuff performances. When Roy dropped into character, it was as if someone had thrown a switch somewhere and transformed him.
He was quite appreciative of our loyalty as fans, mentioning several times the quantity and quality of letters received on behalf of B&B, and how they really did make a difference to the network. I understood him to mean that we figured highly in the show's running a full season last year, and renewal for this year. Roy paid us quite a compliment too, saying that it was quite inspiring knowing that so many of us out here do notice the subtleties employed on the show, and enjoy the use of literature.
I was fortunate enough to meet so many nice people in Denver, both old and new acquaintances. There was a comment made that it must be a prerequisite to be a nice person before you can be a regular cast member on B&B - I think the same thing applies to B&B fans!
hope they open the first show with a ten minute, Vincent and Catherine, liplock! Who'd want to kiss those furry lips? Several million females, that's who!
I found several things vaguely disturbing, however. Perhaps I've been spoiled by the amazing quality of past productions, but the camera work seemed a bit sloppy, jerky, and not completely thought out in "Chamber Music". Some of the shots appeared to have been done with a hand-held camcorder.
[much snipped about camera work]
Overall, I got a feeling of...flatness, from the photography that I'm not used to seeing, from this show. I don't claim to be an expert, or even a knowledgeable amateur, just a rabid fan, which in a way is a statement in itself, because if it was glaring enough for me to notice it...
Last week while eating breakfast, I saw the first promos for the opening season episode of Beauty and the Beast and I almost choked on my Rice Krispies. "Their love...so pure...so passionate...so forbidden!" Have the producers of the show, CBS staff or whoever's responsible for that, been lingering too long over the bodice-rippers in their local B. Dalton? Is this the aspect of the show they are promoting first and foremost? I sincerely hope not! This is too fine a show to be relegated to the catch-all "forbidden lust" dumpster so many other series
and mini-series fall prey to. Besides...forbidden by whom? Certainly not by the thousands, perhaps tens of thousands of passionate (in the truest sense) fans, as indicated by the plethora of fan fiction I've been reading.
I expected the "opener" to be a landmark Vincent/Catherine episode that would set the tone for the year ahead; and while the relationship has taken a turn, Catherine was left to be a mere "supporting player - a part smaller than in any other previous episode. How disappointing!
The sensitivity, class, beautiful score and, of course, beautiful photography made Ron Perlman even more incredible, but I needed a pure Vincent and Catherine show and 1 felt cheated and disappointed - especially after all the speculation, expectation and as a follow-up to "A Happy Life." All the articles concerning the second season seemed so positive, but 1 was hoping for more character development and more romantic tension.
As a footnote, my tension was so high I had my VCR set incorrectly and ended up getting a basketball game for 45 minutes. I feel sick - needless to say - "Anyone want to sell a copy?" 1 think I am going to cry!!!
I'm not asking that the show be turned into 'sex in the sewers', but what's wrong with two single people who love each other sharing tender kisses and hugs? As many have stated before me, Vincent seems to kiss everyone except Catherine...maybe she should grow a beard.
I want to thank those who keep reminding us that we, as fans, must work for what we want. If that means writing letters, of joining organization like VQT, it really isn't much to ask. I personally want to thank those, like Karen Bates, Jeanne Kisner, Liz Gibney and Jane Lamb and the other brave souls out there who put out B&B fanzines and letterzines. Those of you who have never worked on a zine cannot imagine the Love, Sweat and Tears that go into it. To put one out every month is a staggering undertaking.
I hate to tell you this, but ninety-five percent of all wruters in media fiction are female. Ninety-nine point nine percent of slash writers are female. What's sexist about a statement of fact? After all, eighty percent of comic fans now are male, and ninety-five percent of sf fans during the forty's and fifties were male. About half the men who write sf and fantasy professionally come from sf fandom (a related hut quite different field, which right now seems to be split 50/50 among genders); the other half, along with half the women, simply started writing pro. It's not a requirement to write fan fiction first. I'm surprised but very pleased B&B (and NewTrek, for that matter) seems to be attracting more male fans. Maybe because it is the first fandom to have a strong heterosexual component to it?
Before heaping blame on the writers and producers for their very cautious and gradual development of the romance, we need to recognize that the "beast-touching" issue is a very sensitive one. We all recognize that Vincent is human (or better!) and deserving of Catherine's full affections, but the last thing the show needs is an "anti-Beast" campaign waged by rabid, letter-writing moralists -- such things make networks, and especially sponsors, very nervous. (Do you original Trekkies remember when some NBC affiliate stations refused to air "Plato's Stepchildren" because of the Kirk/Uhura kiss? Seems ridiculous now, but --!) It's a very delicate line B&B must walk—how to gratify the fans, keep coming up with fresh and interesting stories, and avoid offending the self-appointed "guardians of our morals"! (The "NAABP" is a great idea - after all, Beast People need love, too!)
I wholeheartedly concur that we should embrace the spirit of IDIC and indulge each other's different fantasies and points of view about the show. We can agree to disagree - that's what makes "Passages", and fandom, so much fun!