Passages (Beauty and the Beast letterzine)/Issues 011-012
| 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 11
Passages 11 was published in March 1989 and contains 18 pages.
This issue contains 9 letters and many reprints of articles.
Excerpts from fan letters:
I was distressed that some few fans (if we can call them that), are overzealous in their activities. Makes one wonder if they are watching the same program I am, or at least, what message they are getting. Can't be the same message of love and tolerance to all that I am getting.
There is another point that bothers me. I once wrote to Mr. Koslow telling him what I wanted to see. I was diplomatic about it, but I did. Wanted the big kiss, the marriage, you know. Then I started to think - WAIT A MINUTE!! I'm a painter, an artist, and I HATE anyone telling me how to paint my pictures — even if they buy them. Mr. Koslow and staff are artists, too. I paint with oils and they paint with words and film and I, for one, will never tell them what I want again unless asked. A note telling him how much I like an episode, or which is my favorite and giving him my encouragement for unfolding His Vision, and I'll be happy with whatever IT is, is all he'll get from this fan. If I'm wrong, maybe he will let me know. Discussing B&B with other fans or arguing with CBS and censors is another matter. I will argue until I am blue, with them to give Mr. Koslow all the room he needs to fulfill that vision.
A little note to all those who write fanzines out there. I gave Ron P. and Linda H. copies of mine last week, and Linda said they were the first zines she had ever seen! Aren’t people sending her anything? I was really surprised. After all the love and hard work she's put into the show, she seems to have been ignored by the writers among us. Hey, guys—get to it! She is a wonderful person with a great sense of humor (sounds a lot like Ron, doesn't she?).
[...]
By the way, Ron Perlman says "Bless you" to all of those fans who write in support of the show. Keep positive thoughts for a third season and may you all have happy dreams of Vincent.
I feel CBS can't afford to lose this show. Let's convince them this is their "St. Elsewhere", and like that show, we would like to see the producers, not those mythical Nielsen families, determine the end of this magical journey.
By the way, a friend sent me a video tape of the Cedar Rapids convention. Did you know Roy Dotrice had great fun with some of our letters in issue 9 of "Passages"? We provided him with so much comedic material he might owe us union wage for comedy writers.
Issue 12
Passages 12 was published in April 1989 and contains 25 pages.
It contains 14 letters, some article reprints, and an essay about Viewers for Quality Television called The Affiliate Program.
Excerpts from fan letters:
I would encourage anyone to respond in whatever way possible when anything they read or hear reminds them of B&B. I think we are quick to write to each other or to fanzines, but we hesitate to approach those who need to be informed about B&B. People who are on the "outside" don't know what to make of the show and they haven't watched it enough to discover the literature, the philosophy, and the social issues that the program touches upon. It is om- duty to make the public aware of B&B's extraordinary depth—and we must witness to the fact that this isn't just a TV show: it is actually changing people's lives for the better. C'mon, everybody — or before long, we won't HAVE a TV show!
All right, allow me one more paragraph...devoted entirely to THE KISS!!! This did this scene so perfectly! So cute how she stopped, turned, walked forward, and planted that soft, tender kiss on his cheek. It was SO SWEET! (Do I sound mushy here, or what?!) Also, notice how he gently tilted his head forward a bit to receive it? She had such a mischievous little grin on her face as she turned. You could tell he was stunned as he watched her walk away! All I can say is...anyone who isn't satisfied with this scene, and the entire episode is totally unAmerican.
[This letter was written by one of the handful of male fans who contributed letters to "Passages."] In issue #9, we read the article by Mr. John Lofton of The Washington Times. It was advised that this be filed under "O" for other opinion. He was at least honest in saying that he did not understand it, and did not want to. He obviously did not want to before he even turned on the TV. I found the whole article outrageous! I find it so not because I am devoted to the show, but because I am devoted to responsible journalism: Mr. Lofton flunks in that category.
So he doesn't understand, it, so what? I don't understand Buddha; does that make him somehow ridiculous? If I go in depth to ridicule something that I do not understand, does that reflect on the work I am criticizing, or myself?
There is a long history of people trying to destroy or ridicule that which they do not understand. It is the poorest and saddest tradition of critics. It is exactly the sort of review that I have been anticipating.
Why? First of all, most reviews are written by men. There seems to be a larger proportion of men than women doing reviews. Or at least the reviews I find are all written by men. Now, I have always been afraid that the show would earn the label of "For Women Only." Unfortunately, it seems to have done so to a large extent. The movement of B&B to the Monday time slot is evidence of that; more than one source has relayed that there are hopes of boosting the ratings by airing after "Designing Women" and "Murphy Brown," both of which have large female audiences.
Mr. Lofton takes the hard-line macho point of view first off, and immediately closes his eyes and ears. He has decided already that there is something soft and weak about the series, and to endorse it would be to associate himself with softness and weakness. Better to attack first! That is the action of a coward.
These are the 80's, right, Mr. Lofton? The "sensitive male" is out. B&B is silly and stupid because no man, ever, would feel like Vincent, right? Poetry is dumb and it just ain't believable the Beast doesn't want to get her into bed, eh? I can't read your mind, Lofton, just base my opinions on what you've written, but can I be too far from wrong? If you can judge this show by one barely-glimpsed episode, I can make some judgments about your attitudes by one review.
I've known people with similar attitudes, and they're cowards, too. Anything that hints of a weakness, or feeling, must be suppressed. Anything less than perfect emotional control means weakness, and eventual collapse
into spinelessness, homosexuality, AIDS, and death according to the opinions given to me by these people. Real men never feel sorrow, or longing, or tenderness, or self-doubt, is that it? I exaggerate for effect, but I think the point is clear. There is a deep-seated aversion in some men for this show that has nothing to do with the quality of the show itself. Something in B&B makes these people uncomfortable at some deep level that they are not in touch with. This discomfort manifests itself in disapproval for B&B. These people, who refuse to come to grips with some aspects of themselves, are cowards; it always takes more courage to confront things than dismiss them.
I am not demanding that EVERYBODY love Beauty and the Beast; far from it. I'm just asking that people give it a FAIR chance.
Mr. Lofton never did. (If you read this, Lofton, I'd love to hear your side of it. I think we all would.)
Hello fandom! It's great to find another show after all these years that rates a fandom. I'm wondering how many B&B fans come from a Star Trek fandom background? Quite a few, I'll wager. I see a strong kindred spirit and creative integrity in common between the two shows.
[...]
I'm sorry I fought against watching this show for so long, but over the years I have developed a strong "anti-network" (ABC-NBC-CBS) bias. Reason being, all the drivel they have pumped at us for so long. Unfortunately, we get drivel because Madison Avenue runs the game with market research and profit margins holding sway. Trek was the first show to buck the system — and they lost round one. But, they ultimately won out in the long haul. I think "Network" has not dismissed that face and B&B's existence is proof positive. I am particularly happy that CBS Exec. Kim LeMasters set the series in motion. That's an advantage that Star Trek never had, and it should give us all great hope and encouragement in what will ultimately come down to an all-out battle to keep B&B going. We need to remember Vincent's credos; "Nothing is impossible" and "never give up." I am certain there are many people like me out there that haven't given this show a look-see, and I'm glad CBS is willing to go looking for them on Monday nights.
The Vincent/Catherine relationship is at the same time very contemporary (reflecting many of the conflicts couples face today) and also (because of Vincent's unique background) one of the great classic romances of all time. Reconciling "two worlds" as Catherine and Vincent must, parallels the two-career dilemma faced by many couples today. Also, the AIDS virus is pressing more limitations on sexual behavior and lending plausibility to their more restrained relationship. Their emotional and spiritual bonding reflects for me what may be a "reprioritizing" of the courtship ritual; reflecting a return to the coupling of emotions and minds as a preliminary to the coupling of bodies. Furthermore, I feel that women are generally tending to repulse against the shallow stereotype of masculine macho beauty and are beginning to look for, weigh more heavily, and to demand qualities of gentleness, intellect, and expressiveness in men. Vincent embodies all of these qualities, so it's no wonder he is so attractive to Catherine, and by extension, to all of us!
Our biggest concern now is not over that little four-letter word, but rather getting a renewal from CBS for a third season. Already some %$#% critic, Gary Deeb from Chicago, was predicting, based on what he claims is inside information, that B&B is "almost guaranteed to get cancelled." Of course, he had CBS cancelling almost half its current lineup. Win or lose, after this second season we're all going to need a sojourn in the tunnels to heal from the stress each week or worrying over the ratings. When I found out how poorly "Orphans" did in the ratings I felt grieved that episode was picked for the grand experiment on Monday. I think all of us commiserated with Ron K., Alex and Howard, Ron P., and Linda, and everyone in the cast and crew, who poured their hearts and souls into "Orphans." Unfortunately, I think we all know that B&B is analogous to Beethoven on MTV; most American viewers used to junk food TV just can't understand the subtlety and depth of this classy show.
Bursting through the door [of my apartment] at 9:55, I hurriedly gathered together every candle I own and lit them. Popping the cork on a bottle of champagne I bought solely for the occasion, I grabbed a crystal goblet (nothing but the best for "Orphans") and managed to curl up on the sofa just as the theme music began. Like thousands of others, I had waited for 'Orphans" to air for weeks. It occurred to me that after such unbridled anticipation, I might be disappointed in the episode. Sixty seconds into it, I KNEW it would be everything I had hoped. Sixty minutes later, it had far exceeded my expectations!
Don't we all wish we were a mouse in the wall when Father discussed "the birds and the bees" with Vincent. I think Father walked in late on what happened between Lisa and Vincent in the Great Hall and all these years has misunderstood. And Vincent didn't realize he was only being a normal teenage boy with raging hormones and desires. The only difference is, he has claws! Any of us who dated could tell him that what happened was completely normal for a teenage boy. Heck, what happened to Lisa would have probably happened to most of us if our dates had claws (sometimes we probably thought they did). It looked like an accident, of course, our dear Vincent thinks it's his beast half that caused it and has been on a guilt trip all these years.
As much pain as it causes us, the fans of Vincent and Catherine, and especially of Vincent, we have to remember the lesson laid out for us in all of its rich forms. Sometimes the lesson is subtle (I am always amazed at the subtleties in this program) and sometimes it is a slap in the face, but it is always there and it behooves us to remember when we write letters to Mr. Koslow and try to shape the future of the show in our hopes for Vincent and Catherine, that there is a larger vision for the total entity that is Beauty and the Beast, than the pain of its parts.
Beauty and the Beast causes me so much pain, so often, to watch. Sometimes, I do not want to think so hard or feel so deeply. Sometimes, I wish to sit back and relax and let my spirit be salved with the opiate of mindlessness that most TV is, but the way to grow is to "confront our fears" and our pain and THINK I salute you. Beauty and the Beast, for forcing one to think, and to feel just as the finest novel, play, or poem does. Keep it up.
I'm beginning to think I should keep every B&B show on tape. The fans of "Starman" (I'm also one) are suffering because no one has picked it up for reruns yet. "Star Trek: The Next Generation" isn't being sold because it's believed all the fans have VCRs and already have taped everything. I've been assuming B&B will run forever and go into reruns, but I think I'd better not make any assumptions.
I came to my own realization. I did miss those "hurt and comfort" episodes from last season (is this a "dark side" to my nature? HA). I loved seeing the scenes where Father tries to console Vincent as well. And there are no words to describe my feelings when Catherine said the magical words, "I love you." Well, there are words, but I don't want to sound too much like a romantic idiot.
With the end of the second season too rapidly approaching and a third season not guaranteed, we must keep our support strong. Please...write your local affiliates, write the sponsors, write CBS. The loss of Beauty and the Beast would indeed be tragic.