Passages (Beauty and the Beast letterzine)/Issues 009-010
| 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 9
Passages 9 was published in January 1989 and contains 30 pages.
It contains 14 letters and some reprints of articles. One of those articles was Strangest beast that he ever saw... on TV, and it gained a lot of angry comments from fans.
Excerpts from fan letters:
For me, the emotional draw of the series is the giant "knot" in my chest from week to week and the promise for the year seems to indicate even more anxious moments. After watching Beauty and the Beast on Fridays, it is impossible to watch anything else and lose the euphoria this series gives.
I am so frustrated, I could chew nails (and I don't mean the ones on my hands!). We have had five new episodes now, and I've only been impressed by two of them: "Chamber Music" and "Remember Love." In these two, I thought that the relationship between Vincent and Catherine had progressed and felt that, at least, the producers were trying to give us a little relief. But the others! Grrr!
I'm so happy the new season is finally underway. I, too, was literally counting the days! It was somewhat disappointing to have things start with such a downbeat episode, (actually, the entire season so far has been incredibly sad!).
I'm not convinced Vincent is a virgin. I don't suppose I have any solid reason for believing that, but I don't think there is any evidence to suggest he is. Any experience is probably limited, I'm sure — but everything about Vincent is so sensual to believe him totally ignorant. I imagine he would be the perfect lover, too, ever so gentle (even with the fangs and claws)! Is it just me, or are there others who think Vincent has a beautiful neck? Every time he lifts his head back, I wish I could bury my face in it!
First of all, if I'd been Cathy [in the episode "God Bless the Child"], I think I'd have been a whole lot more jealous. I know she loves and trusts him, but for heaven's sake! The girl's still going to be down there. She's already confessed she loves him and is not afraid to love him in the other sense of the word, and, somehow, her strength of character didn't impress me a whole lot. The only man I would trust in circumstances like that is my husband, (Hmm, maybe he's more like Vincent than I thought!), and we've been married almost ten years, with four kids, and I know he's not sexually frustrated. And here stands Cathy, who doesn't even offer him a kiss! It's Christmas time, girl! Ever heard of mistletoe? I'd have risked life and limb to tack some up over that spot he favors on the balcony. (Know what that is up there, Vincent? No, dear, it's not just a plant!)
I cannot believe I've been such an avid fan of B&B since its inception and so oblivious to all the clubs and zines existing to support it! USA Today mentioned in passing that there was a B&B fan club in its review of the first new show- but offered no address (how cruel!). Because I didn't know where else to go, I sent a letter to the show asking if they could help. They sent me a short list of clubs and publications dealing with B&B. "Passages" was the first to respond to my inquiries - although I'm looking forward to receiving others. I was even more surprised when USA Today later printed there were 35 publications, etc., devoted to B&B. How I passed through more than a year never having any idea of the magnitude and devotion of B&B followers, I'll never know! You'd think I'd been living underground! (Sometimes I wish!) But like so many others, I am new to this fandom business. Forgive me if I carry on too much, because it's like I've had this little bubble inside me waiting to burst and now it has found a place to let go. I never believed I was alone in the way I felt, but I never knew where the rest of you were or how to find you. I knew you were there, but you never felt real to me until now. It's a good feeling.
This last part may be ill-advised of me, but I'll open my heart about it anyway. I hope against hope that B&B fandom stays as amicable as it is right now. Warring factions have a way of cropping up over the most bizarre points of contention, like the James Thurber story in which a married couple got a bitter, nasty divorce over whether Greta Garbo or Donald Duck was the greater! The backbiting and constant feuding that developed in Star Trek fandom just took all the joy out of it for me, and I "gafiated" [Getting Away From It All] for a long time from fandom in general. If my fantasy isn't yours, please don't feel we can't be friends just because you can't share my vision - and please, please don't feel I'm rejecting you if I can't share yours.
B&B has survived myriad challenges last season, surely they can exceed the complexities of politics and money this season. But we can make a difference. We can. We must write to everyone multi-level frequently. We must join organizations promoting high-quality entertainment productions.
Other than the unacceptable mortality rate [of some favorite characters], I'm really loving the new season! Koslow & Co. apparently were listening - we're seeing New York with seasons and less-than-perfect weather at last, and V&C are being given some happy time together without a crisis always ruining it. We're also seeing Catherine included in the community's life and celebrations (which means we get to go, too-hooray!), and the powers-that-be are allowing V&C to be much more affectionate with, and confident of, each other. So we are getting a lot of what we wanted, even though they're teasing us unmercifully with the (lack of a) kiss!
I continue to be amazed at the ongoing argument regarding Vincent being a man or a beast. The office insists he's a beast, the viewers insist he's a man. Again, why hasn't Vincent said how he perceives himself? If he sees himself as a beast, why does he speak of responsibility, morality, self-sacrifice, and pure love. How can he talk of "Having a love" if he's less than human, or be loving to his father, or hold Catherine's hand, or share an embrace, or read the classic writings, or listen to classical music. The writers may see him as a beast, a sub-human, but that's not the character they've developed over the last year and a half.
I knew I'd enjoy V&C really kissing, but I got a preview of how much it could affect me during the hug at the end of this episode. When Vincent moved toward Catherine, it looked as if he was about to kiss Catherine and I let out a little scream. It happened each time I re-ran the tape, even though I knew they were going to hug! (If I didn't already own a VCR, I'd have to get one just for B&B. Once is not enough to see these extraordinary scenes).
After reading VQT, more than ever, I wished my letter about my liking parts of that show hadn't been written or published. I hate to think of anyone connected with the show reading it. They are doing such incredible work and my disappointment with aspects of that show only demonstrated that I'd lost perspective.
Issue 10
Passages 10 was published in February 1989 and contains 30 pages.
This issue contains 12 letters and many reprints of articles. It also has an editorial from the editor, something that had not been done before in this letterzine. See Things Began to Heat Up: February 1989.
Excerpts from fan letters:
It's really wonderful to be in the midst of the new season and have new episodes to discuss and debate. I enjoyed reading everyone's comments...
I feel the writers and producers have hit their stride and once more are slowly moving Vincent's and Catherine's relationship forward. Unfortunately, I don't know about anyone else, but I'm hearing a lot of negative comments from fans. I hope we remember as of "AFPK" we are only a third of the way through the second season. Let's give Koslow and company a chance. Remember, "Passages," and most of the other letterzines, sprang up after the conclusion of the first season, giving us a full 22 episodes to dissect. If we had commented on the first seven episodes of last season would we have been completely happy at this point? I think not. I'm sorry, but I also think it's unfair for fans to try to influence major story lines. I've heard a lot of the rumors on upcoming episodes. Yes, they can be very upsetting. If Charles Chandler is to die, I'm sure we will all share the pain. But good drama sometimes requires great sacrifice. Sometimes that sacrifice is the death of someone we love. That's real life, that's drama, something unfortunately lacking in most of the TV shows this season. I mean, who can get excited that Hope and Michael of "thirty something" have borderline radon gas in their home. I can't!
If we protest every rumor that disturbs us, then we may as well tell the producers: don't bother to take risks. We have to allow them these risks if we desire to see V&C's relationship become more than platonic. I think we also have to allow them time. I believe by the end of the second season, we will be pleased. I'm sure we will not be completely happy, but that would only come if Vincent passionately kissed Catherine, then swept her into his arms and carried her into his chamber or off her balcony and into her apartment. Network television historically avoids risk for fear of upsetting the majority. I believe we want to see the B&B producers go beyond anything that's ever been on network TV before, so let's have faith. While I don't believe in protests or criticism of future episodes based on rumors, I do believe it is fair to critique episodes that have aired. If Ron Koslow, or the writers, or any member of the B&B crew read these letters, I want them to know that this fan, and most of us I believe, realize the care and long hours they put into making this show, and we feel bad when we criticize their work. And that is only because we love this show so passionately ever3fthing takes on great meaning. I think we realize they can't possibly please all of us. For me, their worst episode is better than 90% of the rest of TV.
Like a few people have mentioned, the ratings aren't great so far this season. We must all keep sending letters to CBS and the sponsors or it may not be renewed next year. I know it is still early in the season and hopefully the release of the album in February will help the ratings, but it is never too early to let "the powers that be" know there are a lot of us out here that are faithful viewers. Also, there are t-shirts available for sale, and it is a great way to advertise the show. Okay, I'll get off the soapbox, and besides Tm probably not mentioning anything all of you don't already know. You'll have to forgive me, I just don't want to see the dream end.
What has happened to the show? I am sure none of you can tell me you haven't noticed a decline in overall quality. I think the main problem is in the direction the show is heading: NOWHERE!! It is becoming obvious now that the show needs new developmental plots and character devices. I read in a letter last issue [of "Passages"] that there are plans to kill Charles Chandler and some of you are in an uproar. Catherine needs something in her life to learn and grow from, perhaps with her father's death this will lead her closer to Vincent. Speaking of Vincent, he has been a great disappointment. Now that the show's main attraction has become popular the creators seek to make him indestructible. What was once a warm, sensitive, caring and believable character has become a fantasy super-hero. Many viewers feel the show's sole reason of success is due to Vincent. I disagree. I think the attraction of the show is in the contrast of ideas that combine both worlds.
The thing that made this show so special for me is that Catherine's world above ground is almost like that of our own, and clashes with Vincent's. Watching the tunnel people live their lives and watching Catherine's world live theirs makes us stop and think about the society we live in. With each episode last season, the two worlds would clash and provide wonderfully fascinating results.
[...]
On the subject of killing off characters: people die, it is a fact of life. If you are referring to pointless killing for a cheap and quick reaction, I would have to agree. A good example of this is the death of the character Winslow. I think Ellie's death was well thought out and done with exacting and tasteful harmony. Her death showed us that we must deal -with life the best we can and work with each other to get over hard times.
So where is the show headed? That is a question I don't think anyone can answer. I will say I have asked friends and family if they still avidly watch the show with eager anticipation. The reply that comes in is no, that the show has become "background" during dishes, laundry, etc.
Thank God for Fan Fiction! Though I'm new to fandom, I've managed to luck into a pretty good list of B&B fan fiction, zines, and other related material. What a wonderful way to explore Catherine's and Vincent's first kiss in a variety of ways - pick your favorite. What a creative, talented group of people have taken B&B to their hearts and given it back in their writings-like a dream, only better. I'd be happy to share/swap my list with anyone who is interested. I'd love hearing from you!
My husband calls me "sick" because of how much I love the show. No one comes between me and my television on Fridays at 8:00. I push my husband out into his office to occupy himself. (This may seem heartless, but when he watches the show he makes fun of Vincent the whole hour.) Then I turn the lights down low, I get a cup of tea, and I enjoy V&C for an hour. Thank goodness for VCRs. I must watch each new episode at least ten times each week. I just can't get enough of this great show.
A rumor is circulating in Fandom to the effect that Beauty and the Beast plans an episode in which Vincent 'beasts out', going into 'rut' and actually stalking Catherine as a result of it. This rumor is untrue! IT 'WILL NOT HAPPEN.
A story which explores the bestial aspects of Vincent's nature would be a very valid study of him. We have all seen the manifestations of this nature and have been given some of his feelings about it ("Terrible Savior" is a a good reference). An episode which explores this in more depth would add immeasurably to our understanding of Vincent, and I welcome and applaud it. I also trust it will be handled with good taste and respect and not played for 'shock value', but this is being twisted by rumor into something which it is not and that will damage this series if it is not stopped.
As much as I love Beauty and the Beast - and I do with all my heart - even I would turn away from it should such a story as Vincent portrayed as an animal in heat (please excuse the indelicacy of that wording) ever be aired. The relief I felt when told the rumor was not true was overwhelming. I truly believe most fans agree with this and I wanted to reach those fans with this reassurance.
I learned of this rumor to begin with from the Fandom network — the Pentagon should have such a grapevine (as a friend of mine puts it!) - so I turn to that same network to help squelch the rumor. [Editor's note: "Passages" is not part of this rumor network.] The information that it is not true, along with a request to help get the word out about it, comes to me through a telephone conversation with one of the series' executive producers. I trust his words absolutely and ask all the fans to do the same.
Kim LeMasters has once again steadfastly defended B&B and declared his stalwart support for it despite its ratings struggle, this time as he was facing the annual CBS affiliates meeting last week to explain why the network is still #3. Now, more than ever, he deserves our grateful and encouraging cards and letters, to CBS itself, the show's sponsors and to your local CBS stations. We are his best ammunition! And let's all hope and pray that NBC's newest attempt fails utterly to dislodge us from the #2 position in our time slot, or we have serious trouble on our hands. (Of course, best of all would be for "Father Dowling" to drain away viewers from "Full House" so we could reclaim our rightful #1 spot on Friday nights...)