Passages (Beauty and the Beast letterzine)/Issues 016-018
| 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 16/17
Passages 16/17 was published in July 1989 and contains 36 pages.
This issue has 20 letters, many article reprints, and a cartoon depicting Beauty and the Beast (TV) fans and their letter campaign.
I just got back from my first convention - Galaxy Fair/Art Con II that was in Dallas, Texas. What a blast! David Greenlee (Mouse) and George R.R. Martin (writer/producer) were among the guests. David and George are terrific people. David is a sweetheart! When he arrived on Friday night (May 26), there were only a handful of B&B fans there. We were all sitting in a small conference room enjoying B&B episodes, "Shades of Grey" to be exact. After that, we all sat and listened to "Of Love and Hope." We were so entranced that we didn't see David walk in. He said, "Hi, guys" before we saw him. Immediately, the tape was turned off and our undivided attention was given to David. Does the character, Mouse, fit him? YOU BET! My pictures prove that! It was wonderful to be able to sit and talk with him. He's very friendly and incredibly nice. David sat on the floor and we all gathered around him. Each of us got a hug, picture, and autograph. What a great evening to remember. He thought that the season finale was to be shown THAT night. How we wished! We tried to pry information from him, but he was good and didn't give too much away. He did tell us that Mouse was the last to be with Vincent before whatever happened happened. He said that Mouse did a lot of crying and that Ron had no voice by the time they finished filming that episode (I wonder why?). We had hoped he would sit with us and watch "The Outsiders" since he had never seen it before, but he had a schedule to follow. Oh, well!
That was another experience...to watch an episode with fellow fans. There were some in the room who had not seen that episode, so we all tried to allow them to "enjoy." Well, you know how that is. No one could keep quiet...a lot of "Oh, God" "Sigh!" "Oh, No!" "Ahhhhhh!" It was really interesting, but, the best part was...PREVIEW TIME! Immediately, everyone got out of their chair and moved within inches of the TV to see what was in store. NO ONE knew what to expect...and when they showed what was to happen, I know everyone in the hotel had to hear us. All that was heard was this huge AHHHHHHH that pierced the atmosphere. When the previews were over, every single one of us high-tailed it for George and began to question him. What really had us upset was seeing Vincent shot (again!) George only smiled at us and said, "I didn't write it, Koslow did." Did he honestly think that would shut us up? So, we went to David. Everyone asked if Vincent gets shot again. He calmly said no. So we asked, "So, what happens?" and David told us that it was deeper than what we saw. All you heard was "OHHHH, NO!!!!" It was so funny to hear everyone in unison express the same feelings.
We continued to run into David and George the entire weekend. The best part was that everyone treated them with respect. They allowed them to breathe and enjoy the convention as well. My friend and I seemed to make an impression with everyone since we were from Maryland. People couldn't believe we had come all the way from Maryland. Why? Even David was surprised. When he asked me why I had come to the convention, I told him because of him and George. The look on his face was priceless! Needless to say, the entire weekend was the best I've had in a long time. I hated to leave. I understand that next year they are planning to have Roy and invite back David and George. Guess who will be there? You got it!
I know all of us are thinking of B&B, especially now, and if each of us dares to dream, let's live the dream through our letters to CBS and all who can help in our goals to save Vincent and Catherine.... As for me, I have promised myself to write 12 letters a month to CBS. I've also written to our local newspaper, radio stations, and our own local channel who gives us "Once Upon a Time..." I challenge all of you to do the same and more. Sure, it's time consuming and stamps don't come cheap, but the outpouring of love has to touch even the coldest heart of CBS...and this is all from a person who thought it was silly to get that carried away about a song, a TV story, etc...
Everything is everything , if we believe and love...
Thanks for listening, and especially thanks for being here for me. I'm not alone.
That song, "Wind Beneath My Wings," does anyone else think of Vincent and Catherine when you hear it on the radio? I do and I can picture the two of them so clearly. It makes me all warm inside just to experience that love. Don't anyone try to tell me that this is "just" a television show...even if it is. It far surpasses anything seen or experienced on television in the last two years. Unique. That sums it up.
When television first sprang into being, certain programs became communal events. Families and friends would gather en masse to laugh at, cry over, and discuss their favorite shows... That small screen was the hot topic of conversation in the work place, schools, and homes. Even when they were bad, those early shows seemed to project an aura of excitement, because television in its infancy was an experiment: novel, innovative, and involving. Beyond mere entertainment, it stimulated us, made us think, made us feel. In short, we didn't just watch television; we experienced it.
Over time, our perceptions gradually altered, and TV became "the boob tube," "bubble gum for the eyes," and "a vast wasteland." Sadly, those descriptions were often quite apt. The powers that be chose the path of least resistance and began to serve up predictable formula. They concluded that much of their audience was all too willing to mindlessly stare at the flickering images. What once represented an active interest degenerated into an exercise in passivity. There have always been worthwhile things on television, but in recent years, the odds of finding them seemed about as likely as discovering a pearl on a plate of Oysters Rockefeller. Inevitably, the novelty wore off, and it was no longer chic to be enthusiastic about television. It seemed far more sophisticate to criticize and complain about its shortcomings.
Today, we view TV with an absent-minded distraction. We listen with one ear, watch with one eye, and concentrate with only half a brain. If truth be told, most of television hasn't warranted or deserved more than a fraction of our attention.
Then, lo and behold, on September 25th, 1987, we became collective witnesses to a near miraculous event. "Beauty and the Beast" premiered that night, and many of us haven't been the same since. It was as if someone had scanned our minds, searched our hearts, and presented us with the images that were found there. What choice did we have but to embrace this show with an unprecedented fervor?
Thanks to the creators, cast, and crew of "Beauty and the Beast," television has once again become something to be experienced, shared, and discussed. But this time, instead of small family gatherings, we have a national and international family of friends and fellow fans. In letters, on the phone, and at conventions, I communicate with people from coast to coast.
What you said about our letters to the sponsors is TRUE! I've received several responses, and it must be doing some good. We're going to win this battle yet... Everybody, wear your Beast t-shirts! This is good publicity. Besides, the looks you get walking through the mall are great! I wear mine all the time and the expressions I see on people's faces are either, "What the heck is THAT?!" or "Hey, it's Vincent!"
I was dreading the "cliff-hanger." Now I know why. How am I going to be able to LIVE with this? Catherine follows Vincent's roars into that dark, mysterious chamber. She screams "VINCENT!..." and that's all, folks. With only twelve episodes planned to start mid-season?
I have felt that I've been in a nightmare ever since Thursday, May 18th. we are actually in a situation that I've prayed all season we would not be in. Even though I am upset, I'm entertaining lots of faith and hope that Beauty and the Beast will be back on the air.
I feel very badly for all the production staff, cast and crew of this wonderful show. I know that they are aware of all our support and love for then, and the work we are doing to fight for their show and ours. I'm sure they all are affected very deeply by all of this, but I think, second only to Ron Koslow, Ron Perlman is affected the most. This show is his first real big break. The character of Vincent is so very much a part of his heart and soul. It would be so unfair if it were taken away from him now.
Keep the dream alive in your hearts and continue those letters, phone calls, and telegrams. God bless you all.
Lost in madness, what an appropriate end to this insane season! Since we have many months to comment on this second season, right now I just want to vent my spleen at CBS and offer some random thoughts.
First off to the cast, producers, writers and crew of B&B, you did a magnificent job this year no matter what the network thinks! I feel the early season episodes are getting a bad rap. What the first part of the season lacked was balance. The action and danger of later episodes like "The Outsiders," and "The Watcher" needed to be intermixed with episodes like "Remember Love," "Ashes, Ashes," "Fair and Perfect Knight," "Brothers," etc. As mentioned before, a bit too much focus on the guest stars and not enough on the romance between Vincent and Catherine in the first half of the season. I blame not only the producers but a lot of us fans as well for this lack of balance. After all, didn't we tell them we wanted more tunnel stories and a kinder, gentler beast? The last part of the season almost over-balanced to tragedy, violence, despair and madness. I found myself saying "Oh, come on now!" when Vincent was shot for the second time in the span of a few episodes in "Hollow Men." I think this second season was, unfortunately, a learning experience for all of us, both producers and fans, as to what works and what doesn't work on this show. Too bad some CBS executives don't seem to have the intelligence to understand this.
I admit I'm a little bit upset at Ron Koslow and company for ending in a tragic cliffhanger when they've known for some time that they teetered on the edge of cancellation. I admit I feel kind of jerked around by everyone, but like the producers, I intend to use this anger to fuel my efforts toward keeping this mythological show alive. I do admire their courage in taking their hero to the darkest depths of his soul, leaving him lost in rage and madness. They've left us with much to debate in the coming months. I'll be curious how fandom reacts to Vincent's battle with his bestial aspect in the coming months in this and other letterzines. Of course, like the rest of us, I'm more anxious to get this show back on the air to see how Koslow and company resolve Vincent's madness.
This retooling the silly network uses as their excuse for not having B&B on the fall schedule is scaring the hell out of all of us. Only because Koslow is back, and hopefully Martin, Gansa and Gordon as well, do I have any faith at all when B&B comes back that it will be the same show we've all grown to love passionately. Still, having inhabited this earth for 36 years and having seen network television screw up or cancel just about every show that dealt in fantasy and/or romance that gnawing knot of fear will remain. When Koslow is quoted in TV Guide as saying about 'Vincent's romance with Catherine? "I think that will turn bittersweet".' What does that mean? I thought it was already bittersweet! I think most of us true fans want to see this romance grow even deeper, perhaps even sweeter. Yes, we know they still have trials to face, obstacles and fears to overcome. How much more tragedy, sadness, pathos can any of us stand? Well, I guess we have to put our faith in these guys, and pray the core of this fandom doesn't become the ones betrayed in the efforts to please the couch potatoes with the Nielsen boxes.
As to CBS, I have to believe one or more top executives in New York has a personal vendetta against this show and/or its producers. My feeling is that it stems back to the '87 season when Witt/Thomas threatened to not make the 'back nine' unless they received more money from CBS. Of course, CBS has a history of cancelling and mishandling their quality shows in the last few years. Check out the paperback edition of Peter J. Boyer's book "Who Killed CBS?" (someday we might get credit for pages 418-22 for a look at how CBS makes its prime-time schedule decisions and the lack of respect and even outright hostility the production and advertising community has toward this network.)
CBS has made this a woman's issue, too, for in renewing "Tour of Duty" and "Paradise" haven't they told us that they value male viewers over female viewers? Guess we're supposed to be happy they left the prime-time soaps on, except most B&B fans I know don't watch "Dallas" and company. Trying to broaden shows to reach different demographics ruins them. Funny thing is, I know CBS considers B&B a female show, yet at work I have more men talk to me about the show than women. I think B&B has a substantial male audience, but perhaps they are not the prolific letter writers the female fans seem to be. To all the men who have written to Passages, I'm enjoying your PoV. The real beauty of this show is it touches the soul no matter the age, no matter the sex, no matter the race.
CBS has mishandled this show most of the past two seasons. First off, in the Friday 8/7 time slot, I don't think they can hope to do much better than B&B already does. Of course, the Monday experiment might have worked if they would have given B&B a longer time to establish itself in the slot. But ;no, they had to try it against one of the hottest movies of the year, and they had to interrupt the momentum it had just begun to gather in its Friday time slot. CBS is its own worst enemy! Have they ever really told the audience what this show is about? They've never really bragged about the Emmy wins and nominations, Ron Perlman's Golden Globe and VQT award, and the marvelous critical acclaim this show receives. They've never told anyone this isn't some little cartoon, that it is filled with great literature, and production values rarely seen on the small screen. It seems they're almost ashamed of this show! Why does it take fans to tell this network that they have a quality product? This same network tried to cancel "Cagney and Lacey" in the past, and nearly killed "Designing Women." They didn't even learn a lesson from all the flak they took over the underhanded way they cancelled "Frank's Place." These guys have no ethics! Why Kim LeMasters stays at this network is beyond my understanding! Someone, (Stringer? Tisch?) had LeMasters apologizing and looking bad for some very disastrous PR decision the last two seasons. If CBS doesn't get B&B back on the schedule and in a good slot with good promotion, I for one will never watch CBS again. Not that I'll watch much in the fall, they'll have only two other shows left that I watch. I hope the Nielsen families who watch B&B are like the fans I know. Most of us watched CBS's other programming looking for B&B promos. If they are like us then CBS is in for a disastrous fall (which they will deserve).
The real shame is that a few thousand Nielsen families control what all of us get to watch. I consider the VQT surveys every bit as valid as the Nielsens. The typical B&B viewer I've found is a person who watches very little network fare, and chooses their viewing very carefully. The very kind of viewer a network should be seeking to attract. Yet CBS seems to view us as some kind of freaks. They brag on the "Wiseguy" fandom, yet seek to ignore us. If they were smart they'd enlist and use this fandom to build their viewing audience for this show and their network. I'd think the intelligent, literate audience this show garners is the kind of audience advertisers covet. Looking at the ratings, you must have to take an IQ test to be a Nielsen family member, and if you score above-average, you're disqualified. Truthfully, I have to believe the Nielsen company seeks families that watch a certain number of hours of television, below which you won't qualify, which any beginning statistics student could tell you skews the results. If the network don't start listening to viewers like us, I hope Fox and the cable networks bury CBS and the others in the future.
Perhaps the fact that an intelligent, literate show like B&B can't make it on network television bodes poorly for the very future of this country. We all know this, the citizens of the U.S. are becoming less and less literate and educated. That's another factor that incenses me, for a show like B&B educated as it entertained, and encouraged young people to read and understand literature. But no, because it didn't have the right demographics, or someone has a personal vendetta, that doesn't figure in the decision. I could fill a whole issue of "Passages" railing at CBS and American network television. Most of us could.
The only good thing that may come of a shortened third season is to keep Ron and Linda healthy. I hope the producers shoot wisely around Linda's pregnancy, for I feel any extended absence of her character, Catherine, would endanger the show's chances for a fourth season even further. I think most of the fans realize the show doesn't revolve around Vincent, but is a unique chemistry between Vincent and Catherine (Ron and Linda) and, of course, Roy, Jay, David and the others we've grown to know and love.
I'm one of those people who can be heard laughing from a few floors away and dozens of doors. Every Wednesday I would cackle madly at the hijinks of "Perfect Strangers." It has to be one of the top ten comedies of the decade. Once it moved and laced into our ratings, I discovered that I would not only probably never see it again, but I would probably not deliberately see its stars again. I adored "Frank's Place" and expect the best of its creators in B&B's slot in the fall, but I will probably never see their new show even if it moves. I am not a petty person, not the captious sort who makes "getting back" a personal rite. It's just a cold, hard fact that truths beyond knowledge can be cold hard facts, too. If this is the end, I'm delighted that Vincent ripped Paracelsus' heart out with his tush on a table.
[...]
That a show of these merits struggles so for survival convinces me that television must play a much more minor role in my life. I'm a fast reader. I can put away a Newsweek in an hour news show. There are countless cultural tapes from "Othello" to Nureyev and Fontayn in "Romeo and Juliet". My TV will fast become a monitor for crises and tapes. I have all of B&B and considering how much delight I derived from countless far-lesser "Star Trek" shows over twenty years, I doubt I'll waste my time shopping for a new passion. I fantasize parading before CBS with a picket sign. Front reads: "Don't watch B&B, you're not good enough for it." Back reads: "Don't watch B&B, you're not bad enough for it."
[...]
It's eerie to see how B&B was treated by the very institutions it struggles to support and to improve, how so many progressive industries were threatened by changes for the better. B&B's opposition, active and passive consisted of an awful lot of false shine of humanity.
I'd like to talk about what B&B has meant to me, personally. I have a Christian's view of the Tunnels, I see it as a very Christian place. It's subtle, but it's there. Father and Vincent both mention prayer quite often. They celebrate Christmas, we've seen. Honesty, truth, charity, love most of all, are valued. Stealing is not tolerated. When Vincent has had to kill, he looks so ashamed, and seems so distraught, I think part of what happens when he hangs his head in shame, is he's silently asking forgiveness. He always waits until the last minute, he almost gets killed before he strikes out, but he has a hard time accepting this.
When B&B premiered, I was going through the hardest thing I'd ever gone through in my life. [many very personal, and very religious, comments snipped]
through the "pipeline" that CBS received 3,000 telegrams on Friday, May 19th... all from loyal viewers urging the "powers that be" to renew "Beauty and the Beast" for another season. I also heard that the Network's answering machine tapes were completely full by the following Monday morning... undoubtedly with the disbelieving voices of hundreds of those self-same viewers, stunned by the CBS decision to relegate B&B to back-up status.
"The Rest is Silence" ended but one hour ago. I wonder what those answering machine tapes will reveal this Monday morning! I grew up in the 60s, a decade where many folks kept as many picket signs in their closets as they did shoes. Twenty odd years ago I shied away from the protests. Tonight, however, if someone were to call and ask me if I'd be interested in marching in front of the CBS New York Offices, I'd be on the next flight out! Seriously, I realize that's a fantasy (someone PLEASE tell me it's a fantasy. I already checked on rates for a ticket from Charlotte to NY!). There is definitely a need for all B&B fans to band together now to save this incredible show!
I don't think any of us who read "Passages" need to be reminded to write CBS. Anyone who has called the CBS Complaint Department already knows that it most surely has been deluged with calls. (That's the only excuse I could find for the incredible rudeness I encountered when I called.) We need to get the word out to all the other B&B lovers who have no way of knowing what is happening! There are plenty of people out there who are content to think that CBS will bring the series back in mid-season because that is the "official word" they've read in some newspapers. Worse than that, there are loyal viewers who aren't even aware that the show has not been picked up for another season! I have run into several such people in the past few weeks.
It's easy to believe that everyone has the same information we have...but it's quite the opposite. Not everyone has the luxury of reading "Passages" each month or any of the other information sources that exist for B&B fans. These are the folks we need to reach! Whether it's taking out an ad in a weekly newspaper, distributing flyers and petitions or writing editorials for the local periodicals...every little bit could help! Call-in programs on local radio stations are another avenue to get the message across. Many morning D. J.s love to stir things up on the air, especially if the subject is entertainment oriented.
These are but a few of the things each of us can do to make CBS aware of the rare and precious treasure they have in B&B. Most likely, each of you have other suggestions...and I look forward to reading them in Passages in the months to come. (After all, unless a miracle, occurs, it will be at least 7 months before we see any more of our Tunnel family.) If we cannot enjoy B&B this Fall, we must do everything in our power to insure its earliest return...and help bolster the subsequent ratings once that long-awaited day arrives.
As Vincent said at the close of "Ceremony of Innocence"..."It's not over."
I almost feel sorry for CBS. The battle has just begun!
I just finished reading the write-up in the TV Guide (Jun 10-Jun 16) on "B&B and the Baby." They are turning V&C's relationship "bitter-sweet"? What is that supposed to mean?... Someone please tell me I misinterpreted that remark.
Right now we're all upset at the lack of respect CBS seems to have for Beauty and the Beast, one of the most literate series of quality ever to be shown on television. Word was - at first - that it had been cancelled. Word is — as of now — that it will return as a mid-season replacement in January 1990, for a twelve-episode run. WE WANT A FULL TWENTY-TWO EPISODES! WE ARE NOT WILLING TO SETTLE FOR LESS!
Unfortunately, despite what we want, the function of television is to sell deodorant, or whatever else its sponsors manufacture, and the bottom line is that, if a show doesn't sell enough deodorant - i.e., doesn't attract the required number of buyers for the products of the sponsors who ultimately pay the bills, the show doesn't survive. Now, of course, this doesn't seem fair, neither do the Nielsens, for that matter, but there it is. If we want to convince CBS that they've made a mistake in not placing Beauty and the Beast on the fall schedule, we have to use methods of persuasion that they will understand, economic ones. If they want Beauty and the Beast to sell deodorant, then we should make sure that it does. We should make sure that CBS realizes how much deodorant it sells. To that end, I would like to propose a little strategy.
[detailed instructions on contacting and pressuring various PTB snipped]
So here we are. But where are we? I feel very insecure about the type of third season we will receive. I'm worried about preservation of the quality and integrity of the series as a whole, but most especially I fear for the character of Vincent. I'm concerned about the circumstances under which we are getting a partial third season. What kind of pressures will CBS exert? Will they hang the ratings and the lack of a full three seasons of episodes for syndication over the heads of Ron Koslow and company? Can we dare hope for good scripts under these conditions?
Whatever the perils that lie ahead, I am convinced that we the viewers and consumers are the only hope for the survival of Beauty and the Beast. We have the power to stand up to CBS and we must exert our right to have a say in the type of programming that goes on the air. We have big challenges ahead...
[...]
Thanks, Ron Koslow. The season finale will keep fan fiction going crazy at least until we get back on the air, and probably beyond. I understand the writers are at work on third season scripts, which prompts me to make a few open comments to the creative forces.
To Ron Koslow: Thanks for being the creative and sensitive soul that you are. How much richer you have made our lives with the wonderful characters you have created and their world which allows us to examine our own lives and world with a new perspective. I just ask that as you go through what I know will be trying times ahead, you always remember what you felt in your heart when you created "Beauty and the Beast" and remain true to those convictions and ideals. Don't let them be compromised by anyone or anything for any reason. I look to you as the protector. This beautiful story must live as art or not live at all. It must be told as you meant it to be told and not diverted by outside influences. Remain steadfast and know that you have our support and love.
To the Brotherhood of Pain: These twelve episodes need to be the best work you have ever done and the most original. Throttle back the violence, we need it only in carefully measured amounts. Virtually eliminate the rescues, Catherine has seen the light. An estrangement between Vincent and Catherine early-on would be okay. The tunnel folk need a chance to give care and comfort to Vincent. I would like to see tunnel-based stories. Perhaps a light humorous episode based around the tunnel kids helping Vincent recover. I'd like another Father episode, as he was neglected last season. If there is an estrangement between Vincent and Catherine, let Vincent break it by writing to Catherine. (I always felt that Vincent should reveal his inner feelings and love for Catherine initially by writing to her.) I could go on and on, but the point is give us good scripts; thought provoking and challenging. Give us more of the best you have given us in the past and be inspired to forge new territory. But above all, don't compromise.
To Ron Perlman: The words I have postponed writing to you in order to campaign for the series. How lucky we are that the right actor came along to the right time and with the right emotional baggage to give life to one of the most incredible characters of all time. The care, blood, sweat and toil that you put into your performances leaps right off the screen. It is a lifeforce. I know this series is physically and emotionally draining, but your efforts are appreciated and the pain is felt by us all and every effort is treasured. I look to you as the final protector of the integrity of Vincent. I listened carefully to what you said on "Good Morning, America" about there being no reason to change Vincent and your words of affirmation that you would walk the final mile for the character. I don't know how high a price you would have to pay to do so, but the words repeat themselves; Vincent must live as the character you have given us or not at all. I congratulate you on your Golden Globe. I respect that award above all others and thank you for the most eloquent and sincere acceptance speech I have ever heard. If you do not win the Emmy for Best Actor this year then there truly is no justice in this world.
To Witt-Thomas: There are many shy people like me out here who are doing things for this series that they never thought they were capable of; such as approaching local newspaper and TV on behalf of Beauty and the Beast. It would be helpful if you could establish a number that we could call, at our expense, for the most current information on the series. I'm involved with groups that have such lines and they are invaluable. I'm not concerned when talking to reporters that my information is accurate, up to date, and reflects the wishes of the studio. I know the Helpers Network has a similar service, but I'd like to see it available from the source, on a recording, updated weekly or as needed and available 24 hours a day. Also, thank you for venturing into feature films with a fine effort that relates so nicely to B&B. In "Dead Poets Society", once again we are seeing outstanding reviews and happily big audiences in my area. I wish you every success in future endeavors.
To fellow "Passagers": As I said earlier, it is up to us. We need to make B&B a household name by the end of the summer. We do that by writing letters. (Vicki Burke at "Whispering Gallery" has put together the best B&B letter writing guide I've seen.) We also must cultivate the media in every town no matter how small, and we must introduce others to B&B. There are many people out there who haven't found the series yet. We are fortunate to have video. Share your tapes. Every person we find means one more viewer for the series when we go back on the air. Finally, proposals to help get us through the dark times until we have new episodes. As you write to Passages, select your all time favorite episode and tell us why you like it best. Also, how about a round table on where the plot is going after "The Rest is Silence." Let's all re-read Jane Eyre this summer.
In closing and to everyone: I know I'm asking a lot. Maybe it's impossible, but I don't think so. As usual, Vincent says it best. We must go forward with courage and with care. May we all live by those words as we tread into the future of Beauty and the Beast.
"Father, what have you done?" My sentiments exactly, only mine are directed at Ron Koslow and the Brotherhood of Pain. Oh, I don't think I like this new direction. I want my Vincent back. As I write this there remains just one episode left to air. I am trying to be objective and to keep faith. If this change in character will eventually lead Vincent to the light, I guess I can accept it. But now, I want to see him down on his knees before Catherine begging her forgiveness! How could he have forgotten their love? where is his faith? He is treating Catherine and Father abominably. I understand that Vincent is going through a deep personal crisis, that he is lost to himself, and feels that he is not worthy, indeed that "it is not safe" to love him, but I want my gentle Vincent back.
Sometimes it seems that CBS is doing its damn best to kill this show. It gets lousy or next to no promotion, a poor time slot to begin with, and more pre-emptions than any other series I have ever watched. I supposed you've all heard by now that our show did not get picked up for fall by CBS, but that 12 new episodes were ordered for a probable mid-season replacement. What exactly does that mean? It was cancelled, but it wasn't? I'm confused. I feel drained and kind of hollow. We have to wait till January to see a new episode? Then what? I guess I should be happy that at least this isn't the absolute end.
It's just that for two years I have lived and breathed B&B. I don't think five minutes have gone by in which I haven't thought of it, sighed over it, analyzed it, worried over it. "You are my life, tell me what I can do..."
They did it! I can't believe it, but they did it! UGH! Actually, I should say HE did it! How could HE? HE took our show from the fall lineup! Who is HE? HE is Mr. Howard Stringer, Broadcasting President, CBS, New York. Before I continue, I have to apologize to Kim LeMasters. In my last LoC, I said I would be the one to lead the brigade that would storm the doors of his CBS office. I would like to say I was wrong on that aspect.
It's Stringer's office we need to attack! I'm still up for the lead!
[...]
Now back to "the situation." My big question (as well as everyone's) is WHY? WHY. Mr. Stringer? WHY did you take our show off the fall lineup? WHAT is your excuse? WHERE is your reasoning? It can't be the quality, NO WAY!!! It can't be the ratings; they have held their own for two full seasons and have improved more toward the end of this season. I may also add that there are programs that have been renewed for next season whose ratings were way lower than B&B. So, WHAT IS YOUR PROBLEM? Am I angry? Am I upset? You're damned right!!!! I'm sure that I'm not the only individual who has the same feelings! Am I right, guys? This is a major slap in the face to everyone involved with B&B. Can you imagine what they are feeling? After all, everyone had very high and positive feelings that we had our third season in the bag. EVERYONE — not just the fans, but the cast, crew, writers, producers, Mr. LeMasters, EVERYONE! That stinks! It really does!
WHAT is it with the networks? You read and hear that they try their best (?) to please and give (HA!) their viewers programs that are wholesome and down to earth. Programs that the entire family would enjoy. Well, I'm sorry to have to admit this, but the fall lineup reeks. It really does! Anyone agree with me? A show of hands, please? CBS has (had?) something wonderful with "Beauty and the Beast" and what happened? They (HE) took it away from us! When I say "took" it from us, I mean took away a full season. I am grateful that HE could open his eyes a little and see that B&B is more than just another television program. Enough to allow it to return as a mid-season replacement. Still, January is a long way off. How do we know that HE will not go back on his word? Why should we feel this way? Look what just happened! WE HAVE EVERY RIGHT TO FEEL LIKE THIS! Well, we have just begun to fight! We don't give up that easily. Just because we have 12 episodes, doesn't mean we keep quiet! KEEP IT UP, GUYS! LET'S STICK TOGETHER!!
I hope everyone is still writing CBS. We really need to keep it up. I've heard that there are some fellow fans who are so upset and angered that they have completely given up with writing. PLEASE don't let this happen! We need to stick together! That is what CBS wants-they want us to give up so they can win. WE WON'T LET THEM!
Issue 18
Passages 18 was published in August 1989 and contains 30 pages.
There are 23 letters and two clippings in this issue.
The editor states that this is the last issue. See August 1989: The End of the Road.
I'm sorry to hear that "Passages" will no longer be around. However, I'm sure it's a lot of work and an infinite amount of time. Through you, I have been united with some new friends, and that alone was worth the few issues I was able to receive. You and the other publications have kept the spirits high and from reading them, I know that this entire mess with CBS will be overcome. 'We will not let this defeat us." Somehow I know that B&B network will keep in touch. We will endure.
I can't believe this is going to be the last issue of Passages. I can't begin to express how much I've enjoyed each issue. Before I read about all the B&B inspired fanzines and letterzines; I felt I was alone in my devotion. Now I feel as if I've become part of a family. I can't quite explain how this show affects me. It touches something deep inside of me that's been dark and cold for a long time. It has given me hope for a future of love instead of hatred and violence. I've never given my heart and soul to a television show before. I've never cared if a television show was going to be on my TV set in the fall. I've never written to a network or producer/creator thanking them for a television show before. Finally, I have never written to a fanzine before about my feelings on a television show. I know now the reason for this—I've never cared about what was on TV before. For this reason I'd like to thank the cast and crew of B&B, for this unique experience. I'd also like to thank all of "us" who cared enough to help bring at least 12 episodes back to our television sets in the winter. Without this caring we would have had nothing. I just hope they don't give in to the ignorance of those who won't accept something "different", and "retool", (why fix something that's not broken?) the show into the same trash that's high in the ratings now.
I'd be honored to hear from all of you who care as I do. Let's keep the family unity alive.
I'm still plugging away in my plodding way with the letters to sponsors and CBS. In addition, I've written to "Entertainment Tonight", "Showbiz today," "Phil Donahue Show" and Howard Stringer. I've had some very nice replies from sponsors, at least, they're polite, and one from Ron P., himself.
All this has been very difficult on the emotions, on the pocketbook, and on the rest of one's non-fannish life, but we can't give up. Let's be like the widow in the gospel story, who hounds the judge, day and night, until he gives up!
I identify with [a fan's letter in a previous issue] because I went through something similar, only it was death that separated me from the two most important people in my life, and the medium the Lord used to rescue me from my slough of despondency was Star Trek and not B&B. Perhaps, only because I wouldn't have lasted long enough to see B&B. He uses whatever, and whoever, is to hand. His love is from everlasting to everlasting, something I used to doubt, but don't anymore.
This past season of B&B has been so tumultuous: ratings, mid-season rumblings, "the" relationship which has seemingly grown so just between publications of this zine that any comment you might make would almost be obsolete by the time it was published, "Black Thursday," a disrupted finale, a pregnancy, mid-season replacement status and the list will go on and on I am certain. Nevertheless, the strength of our "bond" is what has enabled us to live through this period of uncertainty and I am certain will enable us to achieve success with another season of B&B hopefully, as Ron K stated "Sooner rather than later." Until then, I have some random ramblings. First off, Linda Hamilton. While I personally am not too pleased over the timing of her maternal instinct, as it relates to my purely "selfish" desire for her 100% participation in the series, I truly believe she deserves a note of approval in her portrayal of Catherine. Remember Linda portrays Catherine as written and so often we criticize her because of her scripted relationship to Vincent.
[...]
Karen, the loss of "Passages" with this issue is one more darkness for all of us. Thank you for providing a vehicle for sharing the experience of "Beauty and the Beast."
Well, I know everyone's nerves are frazzled his talk of "retooling," and making the romance more "bittersweet," especially since it comes from Ron Koslow, of all people! I was a little worried, but then I remembered a blurb I read in People magazine a few weeks back: He mentioned something like: Vincent comes crashing into her apartment and Catherine knows she must submit to him (from "The Rest is Silence"). Huh? To me, that sounded like Vincent comes in like a wild man, and Catherine is like, okay, TAKE ME!!! But, we know that is not what happened at all! I would have described that scene much differently. I wonder if this new language describing the show isn't meant to agitate and generate interest in the general public?
[...]
I was very anxious about the fate of the show, for a while, I still am, but I try not to worry. A while back, I prayed about it, and I told the Lord I wanted the show to go on, because it is so special to me, mainly. But I felt at peace, I realized, that no matter what the network does, we will always have the dream and ideals that B&B has awakened in us. I will always remember how much it helped me. How much He used it, to show me "love, in its deepest and purest form exists." The fandom will never let the show die. Even if it goes off the air. Beauty and the Beast will always be. The story will live on, the stories will continue to unwind in our minds, and will be written down. It's like we're witness to a modern day classic, as if something like Shakespeare is evolving right before out eyes. I feel like we can tell future generations about it! Vincent and Catherine will go down in history as one of the greatest love stories of all time. I have the dream now, and even if the network people don't allow us to see the show, the story will live forever. I don't think anyone except those of us closest to it now, the fans, and everyone creating it, realize what a phenomenon it is. People's lives are being affected by it. I am so grateful for what I have, and what I know is to come!
Somewhere in my dim brain, I recall last year, hearing about "no beast touching," but my little cells shut out the idea as being so ridiculous that I didn't think anyone would take it seriously. Then recently, someone mentioned bestiality and dim brain recoiled in shock. This is what is behind the "no beast touching" idea! Guess I never put 2 and 2 together before. Now, I wish my brain would shut down-I am so angry, shocked, sad, humiliated, speechless and sputtering, you name it. Also, I am very ashamed of the humans that came up with this idea and took it seriously. What Nazi mentality. The laugh is on me, because evidently CBS does take it seriously and as long as they do, C and V will get no further in their relationship except backwards, and I am very much afraid that it is exactly what is going to happen next year.
So fellow Beast lovers, I do not know what has been done in fandom to reverse this notion, but regardless, it is time to pick up the gantlet and tilt at windmills again. We are getting good at it. We have had lots of practice lately. Here is some ammunition for those letters. I looked up a bunch of definitions in the dictionary:
- Beast: 1. animal esp., a four-footed animal. 2. a contemptible person.
- Beastly: Syn. brutal, bestial, cruel, brutish, base, coarse, carnal, degraded, sensual, swinish, vile. (Well, except for sensual, I do not see V in there, although he can be brutal)
- Human: 1, relating to, being, or characteristic of man. 2. having human form or attributes.
- Humane: Marked by compassion, sympathy or consideration for others. Syn: kind, benevolent, merciful, forgiving, gracious, charitable, gentle, indulgent, etc. Ant: barbarous,, atrocious, uncivilized, savage, rude, uncouth,
untamed, wild, fierce, murderous, merciless.
I must be a beast. I feel pretty savage and merciless myself right now. Why CBS thinks this and hangs onto it, is beyond me. That I know of, there have been no letters firom people worried about it, and "Entertainment Tonight" sure has not mentioned it, and they would have jumped on it if there was a vast number of watchers concerned.
So, write, write, write those letters.
I had mixed feelings about B&B during the first season (unlike, I'm sure, most of you...), but the second season really got to me. I enjoyed the emphasis on the relationship, as opposed to "save Catherine from (fill in the blank)." Sure, he still did some saving, but there was a lot more emotional intensity. I just about went crazy when they left us hanging in the last episode, and even more so when I heard the show might be cancelled. It was quite a relief to learn it was to be brought back in January—but even then, it isn't too encouraging to learn they might "retool" the show. Or to leam that, due to her pregnancy, Linda Hamilton hasn't been "involved in the planning" of future shows (though she is not, in spite of rumor, to leave the show). AARGH! What are they going to change? They can't improve it, and I think what they're going to do is try to "broaden the audience" by going back to a sort of INCREDIBLE BEAST type of thing, with Vincent "beasting out" three times an episode...
I wish the networks would learn that a small, loyal audience can be very worthwhile. Oddly enough, I know of at least two friends who lost interest this season, which is amazing to me since the show seems to have gotten better and better. It's discouraging. I'm glad to hear from others in the letterzine that their friends are being drawn to the show in greater numbers. (One of my friends complains that Vincent has been altered in the second season to look more "human." I had never noticed that, odd for an artist, but I think she may be right. Never bothered me, though. Anyone else notice that?)
Unlike many B&B fans, I don't necessarily prefer Vincent. I love both characters. I'm a Catherine fan as well. She's gorgeous, intelligent, just the sort of person I'd love to have for a friend. When I watch B&B, I feel as if I'm seeing two good friends struggling to find a place. I feel protective and concerned. I'd never be jealous of Catherine, or see myself in her place. I love the two of them together! What a great couple.
I am also one of those who fervently wishes that Vincent and Catherine would take the logical "next step" in their relationship. I do not believe that the current "impasse" is either insurmountable OR realistic. When two people love each other as these do, the impediments in the show seem contrived. Sure, Vincent IS afraid of hurting Catherine, so it's up to her to show him it's okay. In "real life," you can bet that Catherine would have made her move long ago. The fact she hasn't is due to the writers and producers not wanting to take the step. My husband and I both have felt very frustrated by the almost-kisses, the constant holding back, against all sense and emotion. After all the little hints we got this season that Vincent does indeed desire Catherine as a woman, I don't understand why we don't see that returned. I mean, Catherine is clearly a woman with normal heterosexual desires, she loves Vincent, and clearly isn't repelled by him. I think most of us in her place would have at least acknowledged that a physical component existed! Drives me crazy sometimes. It just doesn't make sense to me given the characters and the depth of their love. It's not as if Vincent is truly a misshapen monster or that there's any true reason why they can't be truly lovers.
I understand the producers are concerned that a "consummation" might ruin the show, but I think good writing, such as we've seen in many of the episodes, could solve that. We, the audience, are not so simple as to require constant suspense to keep us watching the show! It need not be a blatant step. All we need is a bit of a hint... I'm thinking of picking up a couple of the fiction zines to see how others handle this situation.
Catherine's an 80's woman, and then some. Why is she waiting for Vincent? Why doesn't she grab that hairy, handsome face in her two hands and kiss HIM??? I ask you, does it make any sense at all?
Let me tell you about my experience with the second-to-last episode this season. On the West Coast, we had a news interruption at a crucial point of the episode (on the student revolution in China). As a result, I left thinking that Vincent had indeed clawed his way out of his mother's womb! Can you imagine how upset I was? I couldn't believe the writers would do that to us, or to Vincent. I was wondering how I was going to be able to accept it, figuring I would, but struggling a bit (not only emotionally, but also since I know that such a human-like creature could not be bom fully-formed at three months, and doesn't have the necessary equipment to "claw his way out" in any case). Lo and behold, I call my friend in Minnesota and find out it was later revealed that this was all a hoax. What relief, but what a royal pain to have the show interrupted! I wonder how many other West Coast viewers were left confused.
Please hear my plea: I'm a desperate woman! I must know what happened in the gaps of "Ceremony of Innocence." (Gaps due to Dan Rather's report on China. I live in the Rocky Mountain Time Zone). [...] Please help me - tell me of someone in another time zone who I could write or call. I'm trying to wait for the rerun, but it's excruciating. I know there are lots of us in this time zone, so it would help if you could write a brief summary
I'm glad to know I wasn't the only one to blow their stack when CBS interrupted "Ceremony of Innocence" to bore us with Dan Bather's ridiculous grandstanding.
I've been praying, hoping, crossing my fingers that you wouldn't print my last LoC, but alas, you did, so here I am writing a comment to my comment. After first reading the other LoCs in this issue, it looks like some people almost made the same mistake as I-only they caught it in time-but I didn't discover it until just this past week. So there's my dumb LoC, dumb, dumb, dumb. Okay, what was my faux pas? It was regarding "Ceremony of Innocence" and that awful, awful news bulletin when Dan Rather's plug was pulled in China (why didn't they pull it out sooner). I missed the crucial part of ^ the episode, discovering Father in Paracelsus' penthouse. If I had seen that, I would have known that, from the time "Father" visits Catherine in her apartment, it wasn't actually Father. I waited until the very end for someone to say that horrible scenario, Vincent ripping his way out of his mother, was not true. I waited, and waited, and nothing, not realizing that the key scene had been pre-empted. Once I learned the truth, I was hoping on hope that my stupid LoC wouldn't be published, and then, there it was. Oh well, can't cry over spilled milk, but one thing is certain, Paracelsus sure knew how to get to Vincent and upset his fragile balance - hell, he upset mine! I just can't believe I tried to rationalize that horrible premise of Vincent ripping his way out of his mother. I guess I must have total blind faith in the writers and felt that, if that were the case, it was for a purpose, but every once in a while I would think, have they gone bananas?
There, I got that off my chest. To those who thought I had lost my marbles, mea culpa, mea culpa.
It was odd hearing the story of Vincent killing his mother by ripping his way out of her, knowing that Linda Hamilton was pregnant. I'd expect she found that unpleasant.
If Linda Hamilton won't be involved in the early episodes of next season, how are they going to explain that last agonized cry, 'Vincent!" I plan to write a few more letters to the producers to beg them not to make any major changes to the show. I've already written twice, apparently to the wrong person (Kim LeMasters, whom I also thought was a woman (!); now I learn he isn't the one I should address letters to. Oh, well!)
To say this past season was a difficult one B&B would be a definite understatement. It appears more of the same may be in store for the future—for we do not know what the "retooling" effort will bring, WHEN the show will be back and now it seems likely Linda Hamilton will have a reduced role. It is this latter aspect I wish to address. If indeed, Linda's role is reduced (or heaven forbid-eliminated), the impact upon the show could be disastrous. What would B&B be without the Beauty? IF the reduced role for Linda is the result of a directive from CBS or whomever, I think we have another battle to wage. Linda Hamilton's contributions to her character and the show have been and are too vital for us to let a decision like this stand uncontested. However, if this is a decision Linda has made, a new scenario develops. Apparently this information is generating some flack and hostility directed toward Linda. Such reactions are, in my opinion, unworthy of viewers of this show. If we truly espouse the values and virtues of B&B, we must be willing to provide Linda and others the unconditional love characteristic of the show's
tone—regardless of where such decisions take the show. We must be supportive of her desire to lead a life based upon the values she deems important. To do so will not be easy but it is not too great a price to pay for the treasured performances she has given us the past two years.
Vincent's madness is similar to the pon farr in "Amok Time" of the original Star Trek. It could be handled that way by the writers, but I doubt it will be. I'm also a Trek fan and was attracted to Spock, too. I definitely prefer Vincent; more complex and complete.
I know this might sound corny or used before, but I have never felt so strongly for a show in my short life span and I don't think I'll ever feel this way again! Honest Folks! I've watched the show. Stared at it intensely as if I were in a dream-like state, but not really 'Watched" the show like some of you have. You notice the moves, the smiles, and the eyes of Vincent and his love, Catherine. You see meaning in some of the slightest things that I take for granted when I'm watching. You make me feel like I really didn't watch it at all and that I need to go back and watch it again to pick up on the subtle hints that I missed.
I get so enthralled and lost in the moment until when I watched "Dead of Winter" and "When the Bluebird Sings" again for the second time, I really had to pay close attention to the actors and a lot of stopping and rewinding so I wouldn't just drift off in the story.
The concept of a "twelve-episode arc" is intriguing. The prospect of "more danger, more momentum" is exciting. I just hope that the so-called "big surprises" are in keeping with the spirit of the show. It's frightening to realize that so many details of the show, not to mention large story-lines and basic characterizations, may be tampered with. We have to trust Koslow and hold our collective breath until the story reappears on the airwaves. It seems we all want Catherine and Vincent to continue to grow closer. The opinion seems to differ when the aspect of physical intimacy is raised. Some wish them to kiss, others don't; some wish them to consummate in physical union, others wish them to limit themselves to their spiritual connection.
During shooting days when Linda is not available, they still can film a "relationship" scene through the use of narrative. For example, Vincent can talk to Father about a visit Above with Catherine. He can relate to Father what happened during their date. Tender, romantic gestures can be described in that manner. Sure, I'd rather SEE Vincent kissing Catherine's thorn-scratched hand, but I would enjoy hearing him describe the event to Father, too. That way Vincent can convey his emotions in words. That would be better that way then, as compared to a show with little or no Catherine in person. Vincent could read letters from Catherine, too. Perhaps Father, Joe, and others can get bigger parts now. Jamie and Mouse, too! Like I said, we'll have to trust Koslow and company!
I agree that if we haven't seen it, it hasn't happened! The writers may tease us to no end, but I don't believe they would cheat us out of seeing the very moments we live for!
I don't know about anyone else, but I'm not letting CBS and the morons that BE ruin my summer! Back in June, Vicki Burke held her second annual Beast Feast in Grand Rapids. "Guest of Honor" was Howard Stringer. Actually, it was a jackass pinata with Mr. Stringer's face and name attached to it (with "What? Me worry??!!! written just below his picture.) An unnamed fan filled the pinata with gummy worms and dum-dums. How appropriate! As the party wound down, a couple of fans converged on "Mr. Stringer" with baseball bats and, well, let's just say they vented their rage. Speaking of fans, I'd like to say that Michigan has some of the hardest working, talented, and just-plain-nice people who love this show.
Estrangement between Catherine and Vincent when their relationship is the heart of B&B? MAYBE, and I emphasize lightly, MAYBE as a way of getting around Linda's pregnancy, but not for too long a period since, I feel, it could endanger any chance of a fourth season (have to be positive).
I hope fans can also understand Linda Hamilton's need for personal time with her new baby. I had to work when my sons were babies and I hated it! We should be thankful Linda is coming back at all! With all the garbage CBS has dished out, I would have been tempted to just say, forget it! Thank you, Linda, for continuing to give us 'a dream,' I know what it is costing you.
Good point about the parallel between Vincent's madness and the craziness that the series went through last season. Perhaps the writers were projecting the insanity they were experiencing onto their main character. It makes sense. Although I am a staunch advocate for the gentler beast, the tunnel and "other " people stories, I agree that they need to be carefully interspersed with the action V&C based stories. I wanted the cliffhanger and think that it was the right strategy under the circumstances. There needed to be an extra boost to sustain interest and to give us something to chew on during what Ron Koslow knew at the time would be a long hiatus. I agree that our real enemy is the Nielsen boxes, but I think we're beginning to expose them as inaccurate. Your comments on CBS are right on target, and thanks for the info on Who Killed CBS.
Ever since I started watching B&B, I've always thought of the Tunnels and its people (along with Vincent) as being very Christian. That is basically why I was hooked on the show so easily, and why it is really totally different from anything else on television. The Tunnel world is not a Utopia. Father and his people argue ("Fever", "Outsiders"), they have sickness and death ("Ashes, Ashes"). They are a family, help each other, work together, accept people no matter what or who they are (Vincent, Lena, the Russian dude) the children aren't smart aleck brats who demand their own way; they are taught fairness and gentleness. They try to avoid violence and have peace ("Outsiders").
I believe Father is a Christian and it warms my heart to hear him and Vincent talk about prayer, as in "A Happy life." I would love to see Vincent on his knees praying for Catherine's safety. Also, if we get back on the air by Christmas, if Narcissa's voodoo spell comes through for us, I really, really want to see Vincent reading the story of Jesus' birth from the Bible in the Christmas episode. This would make up for not having a Halloween episode this year again!
Vincent's Christianity may be the reason he cannot accept his violent side that causes him to kill, and perhaps also the reason he has not slept with Catherine. He is a gentleman, a very gentle man, honest, true, loving, accepting, and unselfish. He has been taught morals, the right values, and knows the real meaning of truly being in love. He loves Catherine unconditionally; he's romantic, has a sense of humor and loves children. This is the kind of man I will be praying for as well.
Since I have become so involved with the series, I've learned how precious and wonderful God's gifts to us are. I have this habit of looking at everything through Vincent's eyes. A sunrise, the Tennessee countryside, the mountains of West Virginia, and even the cotton fields of Louisiana would be fascinating to Vincent! It makes me thankful for the everyday things I take for granted.
Besides writing to the sponsors, CBS, producers and the cast and crew about a third season, I am also praying for renewal. If the "Moonlight Sonata" is God's favorite piano piece, then "Beauty and the Beast" has to be His favorite television series. I'm serious, I believe the Lord has more power over the fate of the show than the Nielson, anyway. Have faith in Him, as well as Koslow and the writers.
There seems to be a lot of women out there falling in love with Vincent. Well, I'd like to know, are there men out there with similar Vincent-like qualities? Because if there are, I'd like to hear from them. I've lived in the cold too long and I want to know if there are any hopeless romantics like me out there searching for more of their kind.