Save BATB – Supercharging Your Twitter Presence – Trending
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Don't Shoot the Messenger (A Foreword)
Either this movement is about saving our show or it's not. We have way too many people trying to throw Trend Events, not only on the same days but just in general.
This might sound strange but all these trend events are actually hurting and hindering our social media presence on Twitter by diluting our tweets in Twitter's trending topic algorithm thus preventing us from doing what actually set out to do.
The enthusiasm is great but channel it towards something that will actually help, like letter writing and email campaigns.
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Create a "unique" hashtag
Define the hashtag over on hashtag.org
Schedule a Trending Event and Tweet Chat Event at least one week in advance. Don't forget to make a flier.
Promote the Trend Event and Tweet Chat as much as you can for the 6 days leading up to it.
Reach out to prominent members of your community with the most followers to help spread the word.
The next thing I'm about to suggest might sound crazy but trust me, it will work if EVERYONE does it: Stay radio silent about any and all BATB related hashtags for a full 24 hours the day before your event. I’m serious. If you absolutely have to talk about the show DO NOT use a hashtag.
Another thing I would suggest is to stop trying to trend during peak hours. AKA 6 PM – 11 PM. There is just too much competition to make a dent.
Tweet to important people involved with the show letting them know that you are doing a trend event and what the hashtag is. Ask them to either retweet you and/or join on the fun.
People we should tweet to:
CW Network - @CW_network
CW PR - @TheCW_PR
CW BATB - @cwbatb
Kristin Kruek - @MsKristinKreuk
Jay Ryan - @JayRyan
Nina Lisandrello - @NinaLisandrello
Austin Basis - @AustinBasis
Sherri Cooper - @SherriCooper22
Jenny Levin - @JenniferLevin22
The BATB Writers - @BatBWriters
CBS - @CBSTVStudios
Use the trend established hashtag and the official hashtag for every single tweet.
Our OFFICIAL hashtag is #BATB. Every MAJOR source (Trendrr, Nielsen’s, etc.)that monitors and matters in terms of social media clout still considers #BATB(#BatB and #batb are also fine) to be our official hashtag so treat it as such. Stop making BATB related hashtags all willy nilly, it is NOT helping.
Source 1
Source 2
Source 3 - The writers have stated NUMEROUS times what our OFFICIAL hashtag is. If anywhere there we to be an announcement about such a major shift it would have been there. Guess what? No such announcement.
Source 4 - Our official hashtag ist still plastered all over the official Facebook page and no announcement was made there either.
Source 5 - Look in the damn corner of your TV screen when the show is airing live.
STOP using #BeautyandtheBeast, that information is false. I know The CW’s social media page uses it but are you really going to trust The CW to properly market our show? It’s the main reason why our show hasn’t reached its potential. You should never switch horses in midstream unless it is dead.
I know Austin Basis aka King Beastie suggested we also use that hashtag but again, it was not an OFFICIAL confirmation that is our new hashtag.
I also know you guys feel like this might help better market the show on Twitter and other Social Media sites by reaching new people but I'm not positive that approach will work/is working.
It might also annoy fans of the either the original show or fans of the Disney movie that we have taken over the hashtag and hurt more than help.
We want to come across as a kind, loving, warm, passionate and considerate fandom. You get more flies with honey than vinegar. Don’t be THAT fandom.
Now if there is an actual official article or press release I missed, please send it to me and I will retract this statement. Until then, I stand by this assessment and encourage you to do the same.
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The best times to successfully trend are between the hours of 6 am-9 am EST on Weekdays.
The best weekday to successfully trend is Wednesday. The best time to start the trend is 4 pm and to end is 6 pm EST.
The best days overall to successfully trend are Saturday and Sunday. The best time to start a trend on those days are between 2 pm-4 pm EST.
Trend Events and Tweet Chats should last no longer than 90 minutes, 2 hour tops and that's pushing it.
You should retweet only the best tweets, ones that make good points and highlight the fandom and/or show in the most positive light.
Favorite your personal favorite tweets.
Set a goal for generating between 350-475 original tweets.
Set a goal for retweeting around 150-300 tweets.
If you get put in Twitter jail break out your second account (or create one) and get back to work.
Don't forget to search the hashtag on Twitter and Google 6 days leading up to (after it has been defined on hashtag.org and a flier has been created for the event), during and 7 days afterwards.
Use Twitter's search bar to search the hashtag for new Beasties. Be sure to retweet and favorite Beasties you don't follow to show a bigger sphere of influence.
If you are going to be busy or away during that time be sure to schedule your tweets by using this tool or even Hoot Suite. Also, either in the hours following or the next day, search the hashtag on Twitter and retweet and favorite things as well as from your own timeline.
That's it for now. If you have any questions, comments, suggestions, concerns, feedback and/or have a Fan Campaign you would like promoted on my blog email me.
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I will be writing about how to create an engaging Tweet Chat event shortly and it will posted on Monday morning around 9am so be sure to check it out.
Save BATB - Netflix Alternative - Showcase Email Campaign
It has come to my attention that Netflix isn't a viable option for the Asian Beasties.
One of my followers on Twitter was over on IMBD and ran across an interesting thread.
It seems that Showcase might be a viable option to save Beauty and the Beast. No matter how slim the chance, we have to try EVERYTHING.
See this link.
So, I would like to encourage each and every Beastie to send Showcase an email inquiring about them buying Beauty and the Beast from The CW.
The email address is: feedback@showcase.ca
*We Beasties might also want to start including @showcase in tweets that are directed at @cw_network as well.*
Thanks to @ean_nae for alerting me to this problem.
Save BATB - Phase 5A - Time to Get a Sponsor
The poll opens on Friday, December 13, 2013 and ends on December 31, 2013.
Remember to share this EVERYWHERE!
It's important for every Beastie to know there is hope and a plan in effect.
Save BATB - Phase 4 - Weekly Netflix Trending Party
In order to garner Netflix's attention, I propose we as Beasties, throw a weekly trending party dedicated to Netflix.
We stream our favorite episodes of Beauty and the Beast and live tweet about it. Making sure to include the hashtags #Netflix and #SaveBATB as well as tweeting to Netflix (@netflix).
I suggest we do this every single Saturday starting December 21, 2013 until Saturday, March 15, 2014.
Save BATB - Phase 3 - Streaming Sessions
Mondays we stream all available episodes on The CW site and/or apps as many times as each individual can. Making sure to click on the advertisements.
Tuesday we stream all current episodes available on Hulu as many times as each individual can.
Wednesday we stream all available episodes on The CW site and/or apps as many times as each individual can. Making sure to click on the advertisements.
Thursday we stream all current episodes available on Hulu as many times as each individual can.
Friday we stream all available episodes on The CW site and/or apps as many times as each individual can. Making sure to click on the advertisements.
Saturday we stream episodes on Netflix (that will be our trending and marathon party day for Netflix every week more on that in a later post).
Sunday we stream all current episodes available on Hulu one time and stream as many episodes as possible of season 1 on Netflix.
*Canadian Beasties please stream from Showcase instead of The CW site.*
*International Beasties you can use TunnelBear or similar programs to stream from the CW site.*
We need to reach as many Beasties as possible so please remember to spread this all across the internet.
Save BATB - Phase 2 - Beastie Love Overload
Send polite messages of inquiry about Netflix and their thoughts about acquiring Beauty and the Beast should The CW choose not give it a third season on all of it's Social Media accounts.
Sample: If The CW doesn't give Beauty and the Beast a third season I hope Netflix would consider saving it. I love Netflix and this would make me a loyal customer for life without a doubt.
Their official blog - for the US & Canada (other countries are in the drop down box)
Facebook - Be sure to like the page and thank them for streaming season 1 of Beauty and the Beast
Twitter - Follow them and tweet them nice messages such as 'I'm watching season 1 of Beauty and the Beast on #Netflix right now.'
*If you don't live in the states or Canada, please find your country's Netflix account.
Every Beastie both American and International should leave 1 message per day, per social media account beginning tomorrow, Saturday, December 14, 2013 and ending Tuesday March 11, 2014.
Remember to share this EVERYWHERE!
We going to need every single Beastie both American and International to pull this off.
Let's get to work.
Save BATB - Phase 1 - Netflix Letter Writing Campaign
Well, things aren't looking good for our show but that's OK, we have options and voices to Roar loudly with. There is hope and I have a plan. But I am going to need quite LITERALLY every Beastie and every single form of social media to make this happen.
My greatest fear has come true and it doesn't look like The CW wants to give Beauty and the Beast a third season.
Well, there is one place that Beauty and the Beast could thrive as well as be fair to the international Beasties who love and support this show despite their voices not mattering because they don't live in the US, Netflix.
This plan of mine to Save BATB, has 6 phases. Phase 1? A letter writing campaign, that will be addressed directly to Cindy Holland, the Vice President of Original Programming at Netflix.
If you have wonderful penmanship feel free to hand write you letter. If you do not have wonderful handwriting then please feel free to type your letter up.
Below you will find a template of a business letter that I think will come across as the most professional while also capturing our passionate spirit and selling points.
Address the letter to:
Cindy Holland
c/o Netflix, Inc.
100 Winchester Circle
Los Gatos, CA 95032
***Be sure to put something that will identify it as a part of this campaign (#BATB, The CW's Beauty and the Beast, #BATBSeason3 or #SaveBATB)on the outside of the envelope.***
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Dear Cindy Holland:
My name is ___. I am __ years old. I currently reside in ____. I am a loyal and devoted fan of the TV show, Beauty and the Beast, which airs on The CW Network in the United States and Showcase in Canada. Recent events have led the fans of the show to believe that it will be cancelled once its episodes are burned off in the summer of 2014. Naturally, the fans don’t want that to happen.
The reason why I am contacting you is I hope to spark your company’s interest in saving the show and giving it at least another season, whether it be a shortened 13 episode run or a full 22 episodes. Beauty and the Beast is a show that is very conducive to “binge” watching. It is a high social media performer. It has a very culturally diverse and rich fan base from all around the world. It is one of the most streamed shows on The CW official website, Hulu and I believe on Netflix as well. It has a healthy international fan base that doesn’t get counted in its ratings which is a shame. The show could benefit from a network that could provide a worldwide release of the episodes at once or closer together than most syndication and import deals that mainstream studios strike.
The Beasties, as the fans of this show are known as, are fiercely loyal, dedicated, and supportive, especially, fiscally. They are known for impressive early DVD pre-order sales and giving out iTunes season passes for the show as holiday and birthday presents to their friends and family. We are ready, willing and able to do anything it takes to save our show. There are efforts going on right now to get an official sponsor for the show. Beasties are also willing to fundraise if necessary.
Beasties know no bounds when it comes to people who are kind to their show. If the show was saved by Netflix I am positive there would be a considerable uptick in not only new accounts but upgraded packages as well. Beasties are also very good at promoting and trending on all of the various social media websites. What could be better than perpetual free advertising?
In the coming days you should expect a lot of letters that look like this. This is only the beginning of the Beasties courting process. Hopefully by the end of our campaign we will have convinced you and your company that this could be a mutually beneficial endeavor as well as lucrative opportunity for your company.
In closing, I would like to encourage you to seriously entertain this thought as well as keep an eye on all of your social media to see just how serious this fandom is about saving its show and how that can become a profitable venture for Netflix.
Sincerely,
Your Name Typed
Your signature in blue or black ink here.
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Remember to spread the word EVERYWHERE!
We'll need every single Beastie both American and International to pull this off.
Back to the Beginning - Perfect Lemon Drop Recipes
Well, as some of you may or may not know, this past Monday, Kristen and I did a live tweet event, where we watched 1x01: The Pilot and 2x01: Who Am I?
While I was watching The Pilot, I remembered how much a like Lemon Drops, both the drink and the candy. So, I decided it was time for another 'Beastie Inspired Treat' recipe post.
There's a virgin option, a shooter version and a twist on the classic version.
Enjoy! But please drink responsibly.
The Virgin Lemon Drop
Ingredients
Sprite
1/2 cup of Lemon juice
Lemonheads candy
1/2 cup of Sugar
2 cups of Water
Ice Cubes (optional)
Directions
Step 1: Mix water, sugar and lemon juice in a pitch. Stir until the sugar is completely dissolved.
Step 2: Fill the rest of the pitcher with Sprite.
Step 3: Put in two handfuls the Lemonhead candies
Step 4: Serve over ice cubes (optional)
The Classic Lemon Drop Martini
Ingredients
1 1/2 oz. vodka
1/2 oz. triple sec
1 tsp. superfine sugar
3/4 oz. freshly squeezed lemon juice
Directions
Step 1: Mix the Grey Goose vodka, triple sec, sugar and lemon juice in a cocktail shaker half filled with ice cubes.
Step 2: Shake well to make sure sugar is blended.
Step 3: Pour strained liquor into a sugar-rimmed martini glass and garnish with a twisted peel of lemon.
NOTE: To create a sugar-rimmed glass, take a lemon wedge and rub the drinking surface of the glass so it is barely moist. Dip the edge of the glass into sugar.
The Lemon Drop Shooter
Ingredients
vodka
sugar
lemon juice
Directions
Step 1: Pour vodka into an ice-filled glass until 80% full.
Step 2: Using a spoon, drop sugar on top until it forms a large peak on top of the ice.
Step 3: Pour in lemon juice until the glass is about 90-95% full, and using your spoon, stir the mixture for about 30 seconds (or until the ingredients are perfectly mixed).
Note: Exact measurements are not used due to the fact that certain people prefer different amounts of sugar and lemon juice.
The Champagne Lemon Drop
Ingredients
1 (12-ounce) can lemonade frozen concentrate, thawed
1 bottle extra-dry Champagne
1 1/2 cups sparkling water
1 lemon, thinly sliced
1/3 cup lemon drop candies, crushed
Directions
Step 1: In a pitcher, stir to combine lemonade concentrate, Champagne, and sparkling water.
Step 2: Using a slice of lemon, moisten the rim of each glass.
Step 3: Dip rim into crushed lemon drop candies.
Step 4: Pour in the Champagne mixture and garnish with sliced lemons
The Twisted Lemon Drop
Ingredients
2 oz vodka
1 oz Cointreau® orange liqueur
1 oz fresh orange juice
2 oz fresh Meyer lemon juice
Directions
Step 1: Squeeze fresh meyer lemon juice.
Step 2: Squeeze fresh orange juice.
Step 3: Run lemon peel on a cocktail glass rim then dip in sugar.
Step 4: Combine ingredients in shaker with ice.
Step 5: Strain into glass.
Step 6: Strain no more.
Beauty and the Beast - 2.08 - Man or Beast? - Review: I dropped a tear in the ocean...
‘I dropped a tear in the ocean. The day you find it is the day I will stop missing you.’
I dedicate the final recap and review of 2013 for Beauty and the Beast to all my lovely Beasties who have turned out every week to read my words. Thank you for reading, commenting and supporting me. Thanks for pushing and helping me to become a better writer. The title of this recap and review sums up not only how I feel about the show but you all as well.
Beasties, I’m going to miss you and the show so much. I want you to have a safe and happy holiday season. Don’t forget to keep on voting for Kristin and the show for the PCA’s. Please remember to be kind, polite and civil, to the crew, cast, guest stars and especially each other when interacting on any social media platform. True Beasties never give up, stick together and believe in each other and our show. Don’t be that fandom. The BatB Fandom is generally regarded as warm, welcoming, understanding and passionate lot. Let’s try and keep it that way. Together we Beasties can overcome almost anything. OK? OKAY!
I’ll be posting something new and fun at least twice per week, for every week we’re on hiatus over on my blog. Expect meta-analysis articles, ratings news, renewal prospects, fan campaigns, polls, challenges, updates on the Beastie December Challenge and a whole lot more, so check it out and check often.
The hosts of the DVMPE’s Beauty and the Beast Podcast cordially invites you live tweet with us over the hiatus, every Monday from 8 pm – 10 pm EST. I will be posting a schedule of the episodes and hash tags we’ll be using on Twitter, the Facebook page and my blog. Hope to see a lot of familiar screen names.
Now on to your regularly scheduled recap and review…
This week’s episode was written by John A. Norris. The last episode he wrote was 2x03: Liar, Liar. I think this is my favorite between the two. We have also had a returning director, Stuart Gillard. The last episode he directed was 2x01: Who Am I. The combination provided a stellar mid-season finale.
Since so many people seemed to love last week’s format, I think this is the one I will adopt for good.
Synopsis: A DIFFICULT DECISION ALTERS CAT AND VINCENT'S RELATIONSHIP FOR GOOD --- Vincent and Cat find themselves at odds on how to deal with Agent Reynolds, which forces Vincent to wonder if he is more beast than man. Cat makes a drastic move that will forever change her relationship with Vincent.
We got strong Cat, soft Cat and vulnerable Cat. More importantly we got cunning Cat who tricked and manipulated Agent Reynolds like a boss. Cat went through such a diverse of emotions in this episode. She's on the verge on a breakdown which I think will be cathartic. She needs to slow her roll way down and really digest and process everything that has happened to her. She doesn't need a man in her life right now, so I really hope they don't shove her into a romantic relationship with Gabe. The only relationship I want to see her in is one with Tess filled with drinking, shopping and open honest discussion. I love that Cat drew a line in the sand about her conviction on what is right and what is wrong. I love it even more that she put her money where her mouth was and defended her beliefs. When it rains, it pours and Cat is drenched. I'm curious to find out who her umbrella and port in the storm will be when we return.
I finally saw what I needed from Vincent. I was tired of tunnel vision. I was tired of him just accepting his circumstances and not trying to change them. Vincent finally got angry about what was taken from him. I saw a glimmer of hope that he has more than just a physical attraction to Cat, a felt a little sliver of some emotional connection. What I didn't see however was a man who wanted to safeguard his humanity. If the question is if Vincent is more man or beast, I'd have to say he's more beast at this point. Even without Tori around getting in his head and/or beastly emotions. Vincent was just as shocked as Cat that she shot him. I hope he can understand that she did it for his own good as well as her own good. Cat simply would not have been the same person had she let Vincent go through with it. I guess we now know why, TPTB decided to take away Vincent's self-healing abilities. Looks like things are coming together and the bigger picture is becoming clearer.
Tess is getting back to being that friend we all came to know and love back in season 1. She was there for Cat. She only got one littledig in on Vincent. She managed to brighten up a very dark episode. Now, if only she'd stop playing games with JT's heart I'd have absolutely no beefs with her. I'm happy to see them correcting the character of Tess and getting back to the character's roots of being funny, relatable and Cat's best friend on whom she can rely.
JT didn't get nearly enough screen time but at least he was in the episode and got to spend a little time with his lady crush, Tess. Austin manages to make the most of what he's given and managed to make me smile and go, 'Awww', in the short time he did have. Can't wait until he and Vincent get to spend more time to bond.
Well, kids, we got out official confirmation, that Gabe is indeed a good guy with pure and true intentions. I found myself once again falling back in love with the character. This episode reminded me of why I gushed so hard about him at the beginning of the season. The hug he got from Cat was earned and I have no problem with it. But I will have a problem with them getting romantically and/or sexually involved. Gatherine, is a brotp not an otp that I can get behind. Gabe handled the Agent Reynolds situation like a boss. His poker face is an epic myth in the making. Can you believe that Agent Reynolds knew the whole time that he was a beast/former beast? Do you think Agent Reynolds knew there was a cure for beasts? The interactions that I would to see more of is Tori and Gabe. I think that might be the better protege/mentor relationship I'd prefer and also gets her out of the awkward position of being perceived as getting in the way of VinCat.
He got his in the end. I was happy he didn't manage to weasel his way out the predicatment. But then again, I wasn't quite ready to say goodbye to Ted Whittall. But he does have another show that provides higher billing so I understand. But more importantly, this leaves Cat as an official orphan once more. I truly do believe that Bob started off with the best of intentions but somewhere along way got corrupted and twisted. I know he loves Cat but the damage is done and Cat is going to have to write him off completely.
That little she-beast is out of control and in desperate need of spanking. I just hope Vincent is not the one to give it to her, at least not in the literal sense at any rate. Her beast senses have awakened. She has her first kill under her belt. She has an odd sway over Vincent on top of being a beast power amplifier. I don't like it. Tori went from being sympathetic in her introduction, to plot device in the next episode, to sultry vixen who wants to woo Vincent to the Beast side permanently. I love the idea of a female beast but I don't like bratty, ungrateful, sheltered little twits who know nothing of the world. PS: could she have picked anything more gouche from Cat's closet (fishnet shirt and a black leather jacket, what was she trying out for an updated version of Grease?)
Underneath it all, there's still hope for VinCat. Cat wants it. Vincent wants it. But the writers feel like they need a break to learn to appreciate each other. I agree they fell for each other much too fast last season and was hoping them falling in love all over again would be a slow, beautiful courtship that captured and reflected the beginnings of their epic love story but made it feel more mature and earned. I also think that they both need time apart to digest all the events that have happened and piled up in such a short amount of time. I trust the writers and more importantly, I trust Sherri and Jenny's vision, they are after all the biggest VinCat shippers around. Have hope, faith, trust and most importantly patience and things will turn around.
Grade: A-
Reason: I felt the hope and frustration from the characters finally. So many of my concerns were addressed and I think on the way to being fixed. What I wanted to see from Vincent, frustration, anger and despair that he should have been feeling this whole time about what was done to him has finally come to fruition. Cat drew a line in the sand and was firm in her convictions, with no waffling finally.
Tess was a supportive friend, an ear for listening and a shoulder to cry on. Gabe is confirmed to be tried and true in his motives. The Tori/Vincent conundrum is shaping up to be the mentor/protege relationship that I hoped for. Bonus: We got to see and have it semi explained to us just how those nifty beast powers work. Agent Reynolds got what he deserved enabling Cat to actually keep a promise for the first time ever, it feels like. I didn't grade this episode as a mid-season finale because I'm firmly convinced that 'Don't Die on Me' was suppose to be it and nothing can really top 'Bridesmaid Up' as far as I'm concerned so it wouldn't be a fair comparison. I like shows that are well-balanced between mythology and character exploration.
But if I had to choose, I'd go with character development and that's just what we got for better or for worse. The material gave every single character a moment to shine. I'm back on Vincent's side. I'm back to rooting for VinCat. Cat is my favorite character once more. It was a great episode to keep my mind churning for the next six weeks to be sure.
Awards
Character of the Night
Finally! I felt utterly compelled to make Cat the character of the night. Kristin gave us one hell of a performance. The writer gave her some really meaty material to sink her teeth into.
Best Character Interactions
It was a three way tie for me this week.
I loved the return of the friendship between Cat Tess, finally.
Cat and Bob in all their scenes were just really amazing together.
Cat and Vincent broke my heart in every scene they were in together. The wanting, the longing, the trying to overcome despite all odds. I love they gave us an emotional roller coaster when it came to those two. They gave us hope and glimpses while still staying true to the story they think is best to tell.
Favorite Moments
1. JT smiles when he finds out Tess will be accompanying him on the body snatch mission.
2. Cat smirks on her way out of Bob's office after successfully setting the trap in motion.
3. Vincent rolls his eyes when Gabe begins to explain his plan.
4. Cat and Vincent hug.
5. Cat and Gabe hug.
Favorite Lines
1. Tess: Let's deal with one beast at time. First we'll deal with your father and then we'll deal with little miss glowy eyes.
2. JT: Perfect.
3. Cat: So no kicking him in the face?
Favorite Scenes
1. Vincent and Tori team up to save themselves from the explosion
2. Cat confides in Tess about her feelings toward Vincent.
3. JTnT go to pick up Zack's corspe
4. Cat and Gabe go to Agent Reynolds office to rattle him
5. Cat and Agent Reynolds say their "goodbyes" and Cat assures him she will find the person responsible for Vincent's death.
6. Cat pleads with Vincent not to kill Agent Reynolds and ends up shooting him.
7. Cat drawing her line in the sand with Vincent and pleads with him to keep his humanity intact.
WTF Moments
1. Vincent causing the car wreck.
2. Vincent not taking one single second to check on Cat.
3. Vincent not being able to be soothed by Cat causing Cat to shoot him.
4. Tori killing the guy with glasses
5. Tori sassing Team Beastie
Burning Questions
1. How long until VinCat is back on track?
2. Is Vincent going to get back all of his memories?
3. If Vincent does get back all of his memories, does that mean he'll be the old Vincent most Beasties love?
Theory
The theory I'm holding out hope for is that the Vincent we've seen walking around is a clone and the real Vincent is somewhere in a Muirfield freezer waiting to be rescued.
Repeated Element
Last week, was the phrase alternate universe. This week it was: beast can only get worse, not better and revenge vs. justice.
The Theme
This week's episode theme was a little different. It didn't relate to more than one character. This episode was for all intent and purposes a Vincent centric episode and so the title reflected that fact. I didn't mind it but I prefer when the theme of the week connects to more than one or two characters. I just like that feeling of things being interlocked and interwoven.
Good News
Sherri and Jenny confirmed via Twitter that there will be no more kisses shared between Vincent and Tori. Although, sex can occur without kisses, especially if one is channeling their beastie side.
It has also been confirmed that the character of Tori will not be sticking around for the rest of the season. It has been speculated that she has 3 more episode at most.
Polls
Last Week’s Results – Do you like the idea of female beast? – Despite all the grumblings about Tori, a lot of you Beasties are intrigued by the idea of a female beast. Glad to hear it, me too, but that leaves so many unanswered questions.
This Week’s Poll - BatB Great Debate #8 – How would you rate the first half of season 2 of Beauty and the Beast? Feel free to leave your comments about this poll on the Facebook page.
Make sure you vote and comment on this week’s best scene poll as well.
Shameless Self–Promotion
The DVMPE's Beauty and the Beast Podcast is proud to announce that we scored a Beastie fan favorite to be a featured interview, that person is costume designer Catherine Ashton. The interview will be transcribed and posted here on Spoiler TV but be sure to listen to the podcast as well.
If you want to participate in Operation: Show Your Love - a campaign that encourages Beasties worldwide to send in verbal and written submissions into the DVMPE's Beauty and the Beast podcast that states why Beasties love our show that will be given to the cast and crew as a holiday gift,be sure to check my blog this Wednesday for all the details.
Also don't forget to participate in the Roof Notes Campaign, it'll be going on starting December 2, 2013. Click here for more information.
Podcast - If you have time rate, review and subscribe.
Facebook Fan Page - If you could be a dear and like the page it would be greatly appreciated. I’m actually trying to get some of the cast and crew on the show, so all the follows, likes, ratings and reviews would be very helpful right now.
My Blog
Want to see what’s happening in the Beastie Fandom for the rest of the week click here.
Don’t forget to watch the show over the hiatus on Hulu, The CW Site and/or the streaming app. On a loop in the background if you feel so inclined. Also don’t forget to click those ads. We need to stay active, vigilant and be as profitable as possible.
Beauty and the Beast returns Monday, January 13th, 2014 at 9PM EST/8PM Central.
Don't forget to promote this and all positive Beauty and the Beast articles in all the social media you can. For instance be sure to click the like button, retweet this and +1 this article if you like it and appreciate this reviewer's hard work.
Feel free to sound off in the comments below.
Code Word Pumpkin: Beastie Inspired Treats - Thanksgiving Edition
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Beastie Inspired Treats: Thanksgiving Edition
I have always dreaded the Thanksgiving Day season because of one simple little reason.
No, it’s not the disparaging comments of grandmother who wonders why I am still single, work such long hours in an unfeminine profession, have yet to produce one single great-grandchild and wear slacks in lieu of pretty floral dresses she makes me.
It’s the pumpkin flavor attack. You just can’t get away from it, it’s in pies, cookies, donuts, coffee, even cakes. I love cake and now it too is being violated with pumpkin flavor all in the name of the Thanksgiving season.
But I did get inspired by this week’s terrible choice of code word from Beauty and the Beast’s episode 2x07: Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner so I decided to dig up 3 cool pumpkin flavored recipes.
Enjoy!
Recipe #1 – Iced Pumpkin Cookies
Makes 3 dozen| Prep Time: 20 Minutes | Cook Time: 20 Minutes | Ready in: 80 Minutes
Ingredients
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup butter, softened
1 1/2 cups white sugar
1 cup canned pumpkin puree
1 egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups confectioners' sugar
3 tablespoons milk
1 tablespoon melted butter
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Directions
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, ground cloves, and salt; set aside.
2. In a medium bowl, cream together the 1/2 cup of butter and white sugar. Add pumpkin, egg, and 1 teaspoon vanilla to butter mixture, and beat until creamy. Mix in dry ingredients. Drop on cookie sheet by the tablespoon; flatten slightly.
3. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes in the preheated oven. Cool cookies, then drizzle glaze with fork.
4. To Make Glaze: Combine confectioners' sugar, milk, 1 tablespoon melted butter, and 1 teaspoon vanilla. Add milk as needed, to achieve drizzling consistency.
Recipe #2 – Pumpkin Flavored Ice Cream
Makes 10 Servings| Prep Time: 15 minutes | Process Time: 20 minutes |Freeze: 2-4 Hours
Ingredients
2 cups heavy whipping cream
1-1/2 cups canned pumpkin
1 cup packed brown sugar
1 teaspoon ground ginger
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon ground cloves
Directions
1. In a large bowl, combine all ingredients; stir until the sugar is dissolved. Fill cylinder of ice cream freezer two-thirds full; freeze according to manufacturer’s directions.
2. Refrigerate remaining mixture until ready to freeze. Transfer to a freezer container; freeze for 2-4 hours before serving. Yield: about 1 quart.
Nutritional Information
1 serving size:1/2 cup|261 calories|18g fat|11g saturated fat|65mg cholesterol|87mg sodium| 26g carbohydrate|2g fiber|2g protein.
Recipe #3 – Pumpkin Bread
Ingredients
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons cinnamon
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 cups sugar
3/4 cup vegetable oil
3 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3 cups shredded fresh pumpkin
1 cup toasted pumpkin seeds
Directions
1. Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F.
2. Sift the flour, cinnamon, baking soda, baking powder, and salt together.
3. In a separate bowl, mix the sugar, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla. Combine both mixtures and fold in the shredded pumpkin and pumpkin seeds. Once the ingredients are all incorporated pour into a non- stick 9 by 5 by 3-inch loaf pan. If your pan is not non- stick coat it with butter and flour.
4. Bake for 1 hour and 15 minutes. At this point a knife inserted into the middle of the loaf should come out clean. Cool for 15 minutes and turn out onto a cooling rack. Cool completely. For muffins temperature should also be 325 degrees F., but bake for 30 minutes.
Nutritional Information
Calories: 205|Fat: 11 grams|Saturated Fat: 1 gram|Protein: 3 grams|Carbohydrates: 26 grams|Sugar: 12 grams|Fiber: 1 gram|Cholesterol: 35 milligrams|Sodium: 154| milligrams
Beauty and the Beast – 2.07 – Guess Who's Coming to Dinner? – Review: All aboard the train to Nopesville
'All aboard the train to Nopesville’
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Now on to your regularly scheduled recap…
Up for discussion this week is episode 2x07: Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner? This week’s episode was written by a new comer Wendy Straker Hauser. This week also welcomed yet another newbie director into the Beastie family, Jeff Renfroe. I liked the addition of Wendy Straker Hauser in the writers’ room and can’t wait to see what she does next. Her dialog was an upgrade from the last few episodes. She fleshed out the character of Tess and made her warm and vulnerable and hopefully on the path back to being likeable. She also understood what makes the character of JT so beloved among us Beasties: sass, heart and being the voice of reason.
As mentioned in the comments of last week’s review, I’m going to be tinkering with the recap and review hybrid format. Please be sure to tell me what you like and what you don’t.
Cat
The beginning of the episode pleasantly surprised in regards to Cat. She didn’t gloss over what happened last week. It was really affecting her ability to touch and even look at Vincent. She doesn’t bottle up her concerns she puts them out in the open. Now that’s a Cat I can get behind. Too bad it doesn’t last. In this episode, Cat waffles between a take charge attitude (even if her plan was terrible at least she came up with a plan) naive and wishy-washy. She once again let Agent Reynolds pray on her deepest fears and lets him tap into the furthest depths of her mind where all her doubts about Vincent reside. She even goes as far as quote Agent Reynolds verbatim when confronting Vincent with his treachery. One minute she is calling Agent Reynolds ‘dad’ the next minute she’s offended he’s called her ‘honey’. Cat is quick to defend Vincent without really evaluating if she even believes it herself. She forces herself on him at one point in what I think was an effort to take her mind off her doubts and try to remind her about the good things Vincent (even a Vincent who barely remembers her) has to offer.
Vincent
The character of Vincent is irrevocably and irreparably tarnished beyond recognition in my eyes. I forgave him for the Alex thing. I over looked the shoving of Cat. I also try to think positively about all the hell that Cat has gone through due to her involvement with Vincent and chalk it up to developing a backstory for their “epic love”. But it is now starting to have all the telltale signs of a toxic/borderline abusive relationship. I love the darker undertones and anti-hero trappings because that gives Jay Ryan something to sink his teeth into and for that I’m glad. However in terms of character development it depresses the hell out of me. Vincent was once a strong, silent, brooding, reluctant hero once upon a time. I could understand his motivations. I was willing to cut the man some slack. But now, it has become too much. There have been seven episodes thus far and only one episode (that episode being Hothead) where I really felt for Vincent, wanted, no need, for Cat to cut him slack. But at the end of this episode, I find myself agreeing with Bob Reynolds at this point, sometimes there is such a thing as enough is enough when it comes to love. I don’t know how or when they are going to bring back Vincent from this edge of darkness but it better happen soon or I’m afraid a lot more Beasties will jump ship and never return.
VinCat
Well, we took no steps forward and about 10 steps back this week. I’m not feeling the chemistry between VinCat right now (and the writers assure us it’s written into the script that way). There are so many other ways to put VinCat on a temporary time out without rehashing the Alex storyline. Vincent could have just insisted on leaving Cat without setting up the painful trap of her to witnessing him kissing another woman (again). He also didn’t have to reiterate that Tori was ‘like him’, implying she was a more compatible mate (I know I wasn’t the only Beastie who took it that way, right?). On the other side of that coin was Cat blurting out for all of Team Beastie to hear, that she does indeed think he is an out of control beast is nearing levels of the other beasts on Vincent’s list. She is pulling away from Vincent at the beginning of the episode (and I agree with that choice otherwise Cat would have really started looking like a desperate chick that would over look anything to be with her man). But really, they should have been talking about the incident instead of making out altogether.
Tess
Finally, we get some insight into the psyche of Tess and I could not be happier. She came across as vulnerable and more importantly relatable. I’m glad we’re exploring this thing with JT. If Vincent won’t bond with him and Cat has no need for him now that she’s found Vincent, then why not let him have a friend in Tess. I love that the writer really played up her tomboy side and made her a “cub scout”. Even if it is unrealistic, Boy Scouts as an organization is no joke. They are a very stodgy and uptight bunch. I like that Tess got to show of her smarts on not one but two occasions that really helped in putting the pieces of the puzzle together. Ms. Wendy even made sure to make Tess light hearted and fun. She even came across as self-coconscious about her appearance and demeanor. Man, Grandma Vargas really has done a number on poor Tess.
JT
Can I get a heck yeah? JT is back and even though the show is still going down a road that I don’t want to walk down, at least I know there will be a bright spot. JT comes across in the writing as a plot device but thanks to the talent of Austin Basis, he breathes life into a character that could easily be forgotten and not deemed as important as we Beasties think/know he is. His absent is felt and dearly missed anytime he is MIA. It’s because he brings the funny, the sass and most importantly, the common sense. He’s the one that explains things. He’s the one that gets stuff done. He has a unique relationship with everyone on Team Beastie that serves a purpose. He’s Vincent’s best friend who gave up everything to find a cure for him and help him stay hidden. He was there for Cat when Vincent went missing, making sure she at least ate something and got some sleep. He’s Gabe’s foil and the audience’s reminder that we really shouldn’t be too trusting of Gabe. And now, he’s providing a sounding board for Tess and could quite possible be her love interest. JT is a jack of all trades and the king of the Beasties hearts. Let’s just hope the writers have figured this out and don’t pull that crap ever again.
Gabe
I liked Gabe in this episode. He wasn’t pushing up on Cat. He was showing genuine concern for someone who was not Cat. He was seriously trying to crack the case of Vincent’s mysterious handler. He took one for the team when they were confronted about them investigating Vincent’s missions. He came a running when Cat beckoned for the files. He sticks up for Vincent and even coerces Tori into falling into line, even though she wanted to go. All in all he didn’t come across as too skeevy and lovelorn. Let’s hope the character of Gabe stays this way and doesn’t try to get involved with Cat in a romantic fashion.
Agent Reynolds
I loved Agent Reynolds in this episode. He was so conniving and unscrupulous. He had a backup plan for every situation. The thing I loved the most was his faux indignation and then pretending to put it all together on the spot. Not only did that give him leverage against Vincent but also gave him a chance to really do a number on Cat. Bob was a slick talker and all I have to say is, ‘Well played sir.’
Grade: B-
Reason: On first watch this episode ranked at about a B+, but upon further inspection as well as retrospection, I settled on a B-. Initially, I was on a ‘oh thank the heavens JT is getting screen time’ high. After that particular buzz wore off, some harsh realities of this season’s storytelling began to wash over me. The JTnT kiss was a little too forced and wreaked of fan service. Not that I minded but at the same time I don’t want the writers stooping to that, if you can understand where I’m coming from on that point.
I don’t like rehashing storylines that I did like, let alone the ones I hates. Tori equal Alex 2.0, end of story, knock it off. She’s even a read head just like Alex was. The show is called Beauty and the Beast. This is supposed to be a show about an epic love. I understand it’s a drama first and foremost but it’s starting to feel like a daytime soap (and not in a good way). A person’s hopes can only be dashed so many times before there’s nothing left to pick up.
The story was fast paced and well plotted for the story they wanted to tell (though a few things felt rushed as usual). They’ve given us a great villain in the form of Agent Reynolds as well the phenomenal casting choice that is Ted Whittall. But I didn’t come to the party for the appetizers; I came for the main course.
Awards
Character of the Night
Agent Reynolds – Sure he’s the cause of all this strife in season 2 but at least he’s an effective villain who accomplishes what he sets out to do and looks good while doing it. He’s a classic villain who has, style, class and grace as well as being manipulative, cunning and calculated.
Favorite Moments
1. We got a mini flash of Jay Ryan’s abs just before the make out session was cut short.
2. Vincent’s eye roll when Cat tells Agent Reynolds that he wasn’t interrupting anything.
3. They use “Referendia” to figure out the coordinates. At least it’s not Bing, like the rest of the shows on The CW.
4. Vincent chokes on his ‘not pumpkin’ cookie.
5. A drunken Tess decides to make weird voices while inquiring whether or not JT would like some more pizza.
Favorite Lines
1. Vincent: A perfectly fine and in control assassin.
2. Tess: It looks like the holiday section threw up on you.
3. Tori: I’m not going to tweet about it.
4. Gabe: DETECTIVES! I was just explaining to Tori how we all need to be careful about what we say in front of people.
5. JT: So you’re just going to expose Vincent to your FBI father whom you’ve only known for two seconds?
Favorite Scenes
1. Gabe talking to Tori about what happened with her father.
2. When the gang is all there on Vincent’s houseboat working together to save Vincent.
3. Vincent calling Agent Reynolds and giving him a piece of his mind.
4. Tess and JT decide to spend Thanksgiving together.
5. Cat and Vincent try to come up with a code word
Best Character Interactions
It was a tie between Gabe and Tori and JT and Tess.
I would prefer it if JT and Tess aka JTnT would go more in the direction of Brotp than lovers but if this union is destined to soften up Tess, flesh her out and get her out of the role of Gabe’s wing man, I’m down. I think this union would also be beneficial for JT in regards to the fact that it doesn't seems like Vincent is really either a) remembering him or b) reaching out and trying to bond with him so why not give him another character to play off of and create new and interesting bonds in the process. You all should know I would go along with just about anything if that meant JT were to get more screen time.
I liked the character interaction of Gabe and Tori. I can’t really explain it. His interest and concern seemed so genuine. It served as personal reminder that at times I actually like the character of Gabe and not just the actor, Sendhil. The times I like Gabe best is when he is being smart, helpful and not pining after Cat. Yes, he had an ulterior motive in the fact that he wanted to keep Tori quite but honestly it would have been easier to just let her fall asleep (and perhaps not wake up) with her concussion. I feel like Gabe might see a lot of his younger self in Tori, lest we not forget that he too was once a victim of being trapped in a gilded cage.
WTF Moments
1. When JT kisses Tess. I cheered so loud my boyfriend came in to see what was going on (he thought I was watching The Mentalist and that Jane had killed Red John or something). If VinCat is on the fritz, I’m going to need another couple to root for. You know it ain’t gonna be Cat and Gabe or Tori and Vincent so why not my second favorite BatB Brotp – JTnT.
2. When Tori kissed Vincent, my blood boiled and I rolled my eyes so hard and so long, I got a little dizzy. True story. I like the actress that plays Tori. I think the introduction of a female beast is cool. What I don’t appreciate is a forcibly contrived and tired plot that only serves the purpose of creating drama for the sake of drama. The VinCat romance is already on thin ice and the tarnishing of the epic love has Beasties leaving in droves out of frustration. There was infinitely better ways for VinCat to break up.
3. When the building blows up with Vincent in it. Are we truly expected to believe that the lead male character isn’t going to survive the explosion? Are we Beasties truly supposed to be concerned about Tori after just one episode (especially since her kissing Vincent was perceived to be the straw that broke Cat’s back)? Oh writers, whatever am I going to do with you?
Burning Questions
1. Is the use of “condor” a continuity issue? One minute, it’s the handler’s code name, the next minute, its Vincent’s code name and then suddenly it appears to be Vincent’s verbal trigger.
2. So is it canon yet that when a beast’s eyes flashes that greyish-white it means they’re horny? If not that’s my theory and I’m sticking to it.
3. Why are Tori’s beast’s eyes red? Is it because her hair is red? Is it to represent that her beast power is to induce rage within other beasts?
Polls
Last Week’s Results - Who should Cat end up with? – Well, the Beasties are still rooting for VinCat despite it all, me, I’m still hoping for Evan Marks to return all supercharged and beastly to give Vincent a real run for his money. Not really but any option is better than Gabe at this point (sorry to the one person that voted for him last week).
This Week’s Poll - BatB Great Debate #7 – Do you like the idea of a female beast?
My co-hosts Lu and Kristen inspired this question, they were really happy about it. I want to know if you are. Please be sure to leave comments about why or why not. I love when I get to read how Beasties are feeling about hot button issues.
Make sure you vote and comment on this week’s best scene poll as well.
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My Blog
Lilith’s Beastie Challenge of the Month – December
I want to make a podcast to send to the cast and crew (as well as Mr. Mark Pedowitz himself) over the break from the fans telling them why we love the show and how much we appreciate them. If you guys think that would be an awesome idea and want to participate, let me know and I will throw up a form and some guidelines for entries over on my blog as well make a post here on Spoiler TV.
Want to see what’s happening in the Beastie Fandom for the rest of the week click here.
Remember to watch and live tweet (@cwbatb and @BatBWriters) with the show and me every Monday at 9 PM/8 PM Central on The CW.
Feel free to sound off in the comments below.
Beauty and the Beast – 2.06 – Father Knows Best – Review: All the best cowboys have daddy issues
‘All the best cowboys have daddy issues’
Supercharge your Social Media Impact
Twitter Tips:
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We need to hope for the best but prepare for the worse. I want to encourage each and every one of you Beasties out there to participate in Rooftop Notes campaign. You can find all the information here.
Now on to your regularly scheduled recap…
Up for discussion this week is episode 2x06: Father Knows Best. This week’s episode was written by a character development extraordinaire and myth arc virtuoso respectively, Roger Grant and Brad Kern. This week also welcomed another newbie director into the Beastie family, Paul Kaufman. I found this to be a fantastic rebound combination after last week’s lackluster affair.
Well, I looks like The Power That Be, heard my fangirl complaint because we got some Jay Ryan abs action, and it was an unobstructed view from above. Now, that’s how you open an episode; Vincent, alone in his bed, with his shirt off. He’s remembering VinCat’s greatest hits all by himself (now if only he could remember all that JT has done and sacrificed for him, I’d be even more ecstatic). He’s cruelly awakened by a foghorn but hey, that’s to be expected when you live on a houseboat.
A happy Vincent rushes over to Cat’s place to see if what he dreamt were truly memories indeed. He catches Cat in heated physical altercation with her sparring dummy; seems that keeping the knowledge of whom Agent Reynolds is to herself is causing some internal stress. Vincent asks Cat about the things he remembered and they share a happy moment. Vincent gives Cat a lusty look to which she replies, she sweaty. Vincent offers her some advice about how to improve her kickboxing skills. Cat tries it and it works a little too well when Cat kicks him in the face.
Vincent excitedly tells Cat that he only has two missions left. When he’s done he wants to celebrate alone in the woods with her. Cat gets a dejected look and suddenly remembers that she is a cop. She doesn’t like Vincent being judge, jury and executioner. She goes on to him she can’t get excited about him killing two people. Beasts, Vincent corrects but Cat reiterates that they are still human beings despite what was done to them. Vincent seems less excited but tells Cat that she should go have a talk with Agent Reynolds before he sulks away.
Back at the 125th precinct Gabe is holed up in his office staring at wall of weird and digging through Muirfield research that JT left for him while he went on a retreat. Tess comes barraging per usual. They chat about Gabe wanting to find Vincent’s handler and how Vincent’s time might be running out. Gabe has found a name to track. Tess questions Gabe about why he hasn’t told Cat about his feelings. Gabe says he’s trying to save Vincent, he owes Cat (and VINCENT) that much.
Agent Reynolds aka Condor rings up Vincent to fill him in on the beast of the week. The guy’s name is Kurt Windsor and he’s sort of a big deal. They need this kill to be clean and precise, no mistakes. Not much is known about this beast. The beast is also paranoid and has a high quality alarm system. The window of opportunity is slim. Sounds like a bad mission begging to go sideways if you ask me.
Just as Agent Reynolds is wrapping up with Vincent, Cat shows up at his office. He hurriedly rushes Vincent off the phone and tries to play coy with Cat. But Cat just drops the bomb: she knows he’s her dad. She wants to have a cup of coffee with him and chat. A stunned Agent Reynolds nods and is left speechless (for once). Cat exits stage right.
The following morning Cat and Agent Reynolds actually have that cup of coffee and a chat. His paternal instincts are in overdrive as well as sneaky side. He gives Cat just enough information while trying to pry more out of her. Luckily, Cat is reluctant and is holding her cards close to the vest as well. He comments on how she has her mother’s eyes (and the Potterhead in me squees, just a bit, not to mention, I’ve always thought that myself). He explains the situation about Thomas adopting her and respecting Vanessa’s wishes. He goes on to explain that he had every intention of being in her life after she turned 18 but after her mother died, he didn’t want to come across as opportunistic and callous. So, he just let her be but watched over her as well. A news story breaks up the father-daughter bonding time. There’s been a high profile kidnapping and there’s a $5 million dollar reward. They both spring into action to leave but Agent Reynolds does manage to get into Cat’s head and cast some doubts about Vincent before all is said and done.
Cat rallies the troops and they connect the dots about the kidnapping and it being part of Vincent’s mission to kill Kurt Windsor. Tess tries to prepare Cat for the possibility that Vincent might be the last name on the list but Gabe brushes that under the rug and Cat is too focused to even be bothered really. Cat heads over to Vincent’s houseboat and finds an earring that belongs to Tori (or at least it better belong to Tori). She’s not able to snoop too much before Kurt and his small army arrives and tears the place to shreds. She manages to get out sight unseen but has to do so by taking a dip in the rancid river that is the Hudson.
Tori has been taken to a place deep in the woods. She is tied up to a tree while Vincent preps the area with sharp, pointy spears. He tries to get Tori to calm down and explains the situation to her. He didn’t kidnap her, he saved her. She mentions that she saw him beast out, so that lead her to believe otherwise. Vincent provides some insightfulness and says that she was always a captive under her father’s watch. Vincent explains he didn’t ask to be a beast but her father did. Vincent goes onto explain why her father has been marked for death. Tori gets it deep down but he still her father. To prove his point, Vincent removes a tracking device from her arm, much to Tori’s astonishment. Vincent didn’t remove because he wanted to lure Kurt to the spot they were at.
Cat gets the bright idea to try to talk to Kurt and offer her help. Agent Reynolds is there as well. They go up to have a chat with Kurt and while they’re waiting Agent Reynolds tries to pry about Cat’s boyfriend. She once again defends Vincent and states that he’s good to her. Kurt of course turns down their offer of help and shoes them out of his residence. But not before Cat recognizes Vincent’s stuff and puts two and two together about where he took Tori. He took her to the place they were going to go to celebrate his “retirement”. She rushes off and leaves Agent Reynolds behind.
Vincent and Tori discuss the woes of being a beast and what keeps him sane. The thing that keeps him sane being Cat. They really have a great chat, so much so that an awkward hug happens. As Vincent hugs Tori his eyes glow a different shade and then he senses someone in the woods near them. Of course it’s Cat and of course she’s gotten tangled up in his trap. Vincent rushes to her rescues just in the nick of time before a spear impales her eye. She sees Tori and I honestly don’t know what that expression on her face was supposed to be. She warns Vincent that Kurt is not coming alone and that he needs to get of the woods. Kurt shows up hot on their trail. But everyone is gone. His guards note that there are three sets of tracks. Kurt accurately guesses that someone came to warn him. His bodyguards ponder what the kidnapper could possibly want. Kurt replies that the kidnapper wants him but he’ll rip the guy to shreds at the first chance he gets.
Cat and Vincent take Tori back to an empty lair. Tori suggests that she call her dad. Vincent is down for that so that the call can be tracked and he can have the element of surprise once more to be able to trap him. Cat lightly scolds him that in the woods he was going to spear him not trap him. Vincent asks what else could be done. Cat pitches the flat lining idea. Vincent is sick of that idea and notes that it has only worked once. She thinks that Kurt might go for it if it means that he gets to have his daughter back. Even Tori is not sure if that is incentive enough. Cat and Tori go on to have a heart to heart about what it means to have a beast in your life while Vincent is on the defensive and is looking every door and window to fortify their position.
Gabe is now at the liar as has it all prepped for flat lining surgery. He explains the procedure and how it worked on him. They lock him in some nearly inescapable handcuffs and begin what needs to be done. Kurt wonders what will become of him after is fully human. Probably prison but Cat thinks that is still better than the alternative and at least his daughter can visit him there. Kurt is skeptical but is willing to try. But first he wants to see Tori in case it doesn’t work. Vincent leads Tori out and she goes to hold her father’s hand. In a code yellow spike from hell, Kurt beasts out and breaks free. This leads to a pretty intense beast off that results in Vincent ripping Kurt’s beating heart out. Everyone in the room is shocked, as am I. I wasn’t aware we were watching ‘Once Upon a Time’ or maybe more aptly since it’s The CW, ‘The Vampire Diaries’.
A little while later, Gabe fills Tess in and she has the most understated reaction ever. She simply states that it seems like Vincent has taken a step backwards. She ponders how Cat is going to take it. Gabe chimes in with his two cent and a surprisingly non-judgmental way as well. I’ll chalk it up to shock.
Agent Reynolds officially becomes a part of the show and earns his stalking badge as he catches Cat off guard at her favorite coffee shop and orders her exact, overly complicated cup of coffee. She accuses him of staking her out. He sees he isn’t that he just took a chance and was pleasantly surprised to see her there. Un-huh. OK! He tries to get her to open up to him but Cat manages to stay somewhat guarded. Agent Reynolds once again manages to get deep into Cat’s psyche by asking her questions that would lead her to think maybe just maybe Vincent is a lost cause and isn’t getting better.
With all of the thoughts that Agent Reynolds has left churning in her head, Cat heads over to talk it out with Vincent as delicately as possible. She tries not showing how scared she is off and he tries to not think about whether or not his humanity is indeed lost for good. They tentatively hug but both are silently brooding and trying to hide their concern so that they can comfort each other.
The last scene was not a VinCat scene, it was of Tori. She comes home to her fabulous empty home and is of course sad. She glances into the mirror and notices something different about her face. Upon further inspection, her eyes shift and glow, looks like she’s a beast and didn’t even know it. Or did she? Fade to black…
Grade: B+
Reason: I’m just going to say it. No JT, AGAIN! He’s on a retreat? Really? But we’re just going to use the lair in his absence? RUDE! No, JT? Then we don’t use the lair. What’s wrong with Gabe’s pad? Or an abandoned warehouse (there should be plenty in New York City)? Moving on… I really liked this episode. I loved the chemistry between Ted Whittall and Kristin Kruek as well as the cat and mouse game between their characters Agent Reynolds and Cat. It’s nice to know that Thomas Chandler knew the whole time. I would have hated to add cuckolding to list of sins that have been pinned on Vanessa Chandler.
I loved the addition of Tori (I think we can safely assume that she’s not the love interest, so breathe easy for now my lovelies). I think that the character of Tori, at least in this episode, helped both Vincent and Cat express things they wouldn’t have necessarily been able to otherwise. Very little Tess was featured in this episode as well.
The character of Gabe is really racking up a lot of screen time and it’s starting to take away from the established characters. I love Sendhil. I love the character of Gabe. But they need to stop shoving him in over face at every turn. They also need to either give VinCat a full time out or put them back together once and for all. These yo-yo games of the heart are really irking a lot of the Beasties, myself included.
The beast of the week was not a man I was the least bit interested in, nor did I want him to be saved. They were too many vagaries and nothing made sense. I know that it’s supposed to be a mysterious arc that will get unraveled and all but the set up was a little shaky.
But all in all, this was a fast paced, well plotted and engaging episode. I loved the visual effects for the beast modes. Also, the jaw dropping moment of Vincent ripping out that guy’s heart was bananas and unexpected as heck. I love when Beauty and the Beast surprises me.
Awards
Character of the Night
Tori – I was all set to not like this character for whatever reason. But I was pleasantly surprised with this character introduction.
Favorite Moments
1. Cat kicks Vincent while training
2. Vincent saves Cat from being speared
3. Sally (the blue mustang) makes her triumphant return
4. Vincent in his bed with no shirt (don’t judge me, I’m human)
5. Vincent remembering VinCat’s greatest hits
Favorite Lines
1. Cat: How much money is too much money?
2. Kurt: You’re either really brave or really stupid.
Cat: Well, I’m not stupid.
3. Cat (picking up an earring): This better be Tori’s.
4. Cat: I know my beasts.
Favorite Scenes
1. VinCat kickboxing training session
2. Vincent and Tori have a heart to heart in the woods
3. Cat and Tori have a heart to heart in the lair
4. Cat and Agent Reynolds have coffee (both times)
5. Cat makes the beast of the week an offer to save him in exchange for his daughter
6. Tori sees her beastly reflection in the mirror
Best Character Interactions
It was a tie between Tori and Vincent and Tori and Cat. I’ve very smitten with this character. I’m flush with excitement at all the potential this character has. She could be Vincent’s confidante. She could Cat’s little sister. She could a complete surprise altogether and be playing Team Beastie. But right now, she brings a balance to the show, that Tess and JT, an avatar for the audience. Tori gets to be told all the things out protagonist can’t say to any other character, allowing us much needed insight.
Burning Question
1. Would you guys prefer a straight up review, or do you like my hybrid recap and review method?
Polls
Last Week’s Results – Is Gabe going to be the good guy this season? - Well, it was a three way tie between the choices of Yes, No and Not Sure. Thank you all who participated and especially those who left comments.
This Week’s Poll - BatB Great Debate #6 – Who should Cat end up with?
Also, I’d like to encourage you to leave comments. I’m dying to know why you love your particular pairing and I’m sure other Beasties would love to know as well.
Make sure you voted and commented on this week’s best scene poll as well.
Shameless Self –Promotion
Podcast
If you have time rate, review and subscribe.
Facebook Fan Page - If you could be a dear and like the page it would be greatly appreciated.
Twitter - @lilithhellfire
My Blog
Lilith’s Beastie Challenge of the Month – December
So, our winter hiatus is coming up fast and it’s going to be a long one, 6 weeks to be exact. Everyone over on the DVMPE’s Beauty and the Beast podcast will be live tweeting select episodes over said break, as well as doing a special edition episode about the season so far.
I also wanted to make a podcast to send to the cast and crew (as well as Mr. Mark Pedowitz himself) over the break from the fans telling them why we love the show and how much we appreciate them. If you guys think that would be an awesome idea and want to participate, let me know and I will throw up a form and some guidelines for entries over on my blog as well make a post here on Spoiler TV.
Want to see what’s happening in the Beastie Fandom for the rest of the week click here.
Remember to watch and live tweet (@cwbatb and @BatBWriters) with the show and me every Monday at 9 PM/8 PM Central on The CW.
Feel free to sound off in the comments below.
Beauty and the Beast – 2.05 – Reunion – Review: Plot holes, continuity errors, bad judgment and easy fixes, oh my!
‘Plot holes, continuity errors, bad judgment and easy fixes, oh my!’
OK, first things first, time to get the Beastie morale up a little bit…
So, awesome job, we are 3 for 3, when it comes to double trending on Twitter worldwide, here in the states. Even without any cast members officially live tweeting with us, we did it. We held our #3 rank on Get Glue from last week as well.
We need to hope for the best but prepare for the worse. I want to encourage each and every one of you Beasties out there to participate in Rooftop Notes campaign. You can find all the information here.
Now on to your regularly scheduled recap…
Up for discussion this week is episode 2x05: Reunion. This week’s episode was written by a painfully obvious new writer, Eric Tuchman. We also had a new director, Fred Gerber. Let’s just say, I’m not in hurry to see either one of them return.
I’m just going to address this big pink elephant in the room. They messed up the formula. Beasties want to begin and end an episode with VinCat, not Cat and Gabe. Stop trying to make Gatherine/Gat/Cabe/Chanwen (they don’t even a good shipping name, how do the writers expect us to get behind it, for Pete’s sake?) happen. I want to like Gabe but he is fast becoming persona non grata, much like Tess for a large portion of the Beasties I know. I don’t know what’s going on with her. While she brought the sass and the funny, there was a certain oomph missing that I can’t put my finger on. Gabe has flat out admitted not only his sexual attraction for Cat but his romantic intentions are broadcasting loud and clear as well. With a death hanging over the fandom’s head and so many parallels to Evan Marks, we might want to break out the white calla lilies for Gabe’s grave. For the life of me, I cannot understand why the writers would try to shove this pairing in our face, if the reason isn't they're going to kill off Gabe.
I’ve gotten ahead of myself, excuse me. This week we open the episode with the beast of the week on the hunt. When he kicks the door into Vincent’s unlocked houseboat, it becomes apparent that he is on the hunt for Vincent. Right off the back, viewers become pretty certain this won’t end well for the beast of the week. One does not simply tread on Vincent’s territory without consequences.
Next up to bat is Vincent. He comes wandering into Cat’s bedroom via the fire escape because he wasn’t sure if he was allowed to use the front door. He wants to “trigger” some memories. Cat’s surprised to see him. But she is not having any of what Vincent is serving. She has decided she needs some time to herself and suggests he go hang out with JT and try to trigger some memories with him. Vincent licks his wounds and out he goes as Cat’s friends arrive.
Back at the 125th Precinct, Gabe is getting chewed out by the major. Tess barrages in as usual and begrudgingly asks what’s wrong, as well as for a raise. Gabe explains just what a mess Joe left as well as the pressures of keeping all the new beast related cases under wraps. Gabe seems a little stressed and with good reason. This leads me to wondering if something is about to give to move the story in whole other direction in regards to beasts and how Team Beastie hunts them. Perhaps, we’ll those answers next week.
Meanwhile, Cat is having a good old time with her three gal pals from high school. Everyone seems to have a rather fun, interesting and fulfilled life. They of course are jealous of Cat’s itty bitty waste that hasn’t changed since 10th grade. They also reveal that Cat has always liked “bad boys” and guys who were projects; the implication for the viewer being that some things never change, which a lot of Beasties got fired up over and with good reason. Mr. Tuchman, you did not read the room well on that front, sir.
Since we didn’t get any JT last week, I suppose they ordered a JT and Vincent bonding scene. But if you blinked you might have missed it. Then we were back to Cat’s place as she bids her visitor adieu. Beth, of course has left her purse in the bedroom. Cat goes to retrieve and sees a figure “hiding” behind the curtain. She mistakenly thinks it’s Vincent. But it is not Vincent. It’s that beast from the beginning of the episode. Vincent’s trail has lead him to Cat. Vincent scent is all over her (and it reminds me of Buffy when Angel tells Buffy that he can smell Spike all over her). He demands for Cat to tell him where Vincent is. He calls Cat a bitch, which totally caught me off guard and begins to get rough with her. Cat miraculously is able to hold her own against a beast, an non-tranquilized beast mind you (I swear there better be something more to her otherwise it’s just a bit ridiculous), she even gets a good kick in which draws blood and a few shoots off at the beast. The beast gets scared off and jumps through window and down to street. Did I mention that all while this was going on Ms. Beth was right there witnessing the events? No? Well, she was. Did I mention Beth was a reporter? No? Well, she is. That can’t be good.
A pair of uniformed officer show up to take Cat and Beth’s statement. Beth is telling them what she know she saw. They don’t believe her. While Cat feels bad about the lies she’s telling, what else can she do but cover it up. Beth wants to know why Cat is seemingly covering this up. Cat convinces her that she is thinking of Beth and her credibility as a reporter. Beth is like a dog with a bone, she’s not going to drop it.
Of course word gets around the 125th precinct that Cat has been attacked and Gabe and Tess show up. Gabe looks like he could use one of JT’s antacids and Tess is going off on another one of her anti-beasts tirades. Cat realizes that she has a piece of the puzzle, some of her assailant’s blood on her shoe. Gabe wants to keep this from Vincent, so he doesn’t go off all half-cocked against an unknown beast. Tess could care less she lumps all the beast together. Gabe rushes off to have JT analyze the blood and Tess keeps tabs on the investigation.
Cat heads over to JT’s place and not too shortly after her arrival, in comes Vincent with Zack in tow. JT recognizes Zack. But is still leery. Cat is downright perturbed and isn’t buying any of Zack’s phony ma’ams and charm. But Vincent swears that it was all just a misunderstanding and he has explained to Zack how important she is to him.
Fuming, Cat heads over to the precinct to catch up with Tess and whine about how Vincent is siding with Zack and how she should probably not go to her reunion. Tess squashes that and tells Cat to go and have some fun, finally. I agree and even more vigorously when we cut to the next scene and JT, Vincent and Zack are out shooting pool and reminiscing about the good old days. Zack brings up a girl and of course Vincent doesn’t remember. But a waitress that resembles the girl in question triggers a few sexy memories. Zack reveals that Gabriela was his girl and Vincent stole her from him and now he’s going to make Vincent pay by hurting Cat. But not before he beasts out and causes a scene in public.
While that was going on, Agent Reynolds has come snooping around asking questions about Cat’s attack. He offers his help on the investigation but Gabe gives him another assignment, to help track down Cat’s birth father. I chuckle just a bit. Gabe also decides it’s OK to read Agent Reynolds in on the case much to a reluctant Tess’s dismay but she rolls with it. She has discovered that the DNA matches with a cold case murder of a waitress named Gabriela. Agent Reynolds says he will look for Zack. This means he’s going to call Vincent and put him on the case. Which is just what he does, all the while calling Vincent soft and emotional and suggesting that Cat has made him this way.
Vincent wants to try and reason with Zack. He heads back to the church to talk to Zack. Zack doesn’t want to talk; he wants revenge and manages to allude Vincent’s grasp while taunting him about how he is going to take Cat away from him. Well, it was nice knowing you Zack. It’s a shame a pretty face such as Blair Redford’s couldn’t stick around and be a good guy but oh well, you hurt Cat, you called Cat a bitch and now you’re trying to kill her, sorry mister you have to take a dirt nap. Them there is the rules.
Cat has actually made it to her reunion with her friends and with their urging she goes radio silent. She checks in and of course the mean girl is the one to do it, complete with bitch face, snark and a whole lot of attitude. At least Cat gets to tear it up on the dance floor before her night out is interrupted. We learn that in high school Cat saved a nerdling a la Veronica Mars style which resulted in her having a geeky stalker who rocked the mascot uniform, she was voted ‘Most Likely To Succeed’ and she also started a campaign to help the school get a new pool. That leads to an interesting conversation about with Beth about how her father has been making rather large charitable donations toward the pool in her name. That includes this pass August, which is odd because her father died in July.
No time to dwell on that because Gabe and Tess are here to whisk her away to safety. Vincent shows up at damn near the same time with the same idea. Gabe tries to keep Cat to himself but it’s obvious that Cat would be safer with Vincent. Zack steals that creepy guy’s mascot uniform and proceeds to go on the hunt for Cat. Cat and Vincent manage to have a heart to heart about how Cat feels odd complaining about her small problems when they are compared to his. I would have preferred another dance scene but hey, you can’t win them all. Vincent smells him and a big old beast off ensues. The fight drives everyone out of the gymnasium and running for their lives. Zack nearly gets to Cat but Vincent snaps his neck just in the nick of time.
As Zack’s body is wheeled off in the distant the philosophical waxing between Gabe and Tess about how a patriotic solider ends up a deranged beast and dead at a high school reunion in Westchester is interrupted by Beth. She tries her hardest to get a scoop but is instantly shut down. Tess tells Gabe that his affections for Cat are obvious to her. Gabe wonders if Cat knows too. Tess says she doesn't think so.
Vincent apologizes to Cat. He talks to her about how crappy he feels because of all the things she has given up to protect him and to be with him. He promises her it won’t be like this for long. He also says he appreciates everything she has done for him and that he would be lost and more than likely would have ended up like Zack without her. He steals a soft, sweet kiss. Cat shoes him out and tells him to be sure to use the back door because the place is crawling with cops.
On his way out, he sees Gabe going to check on Cat. He stops and stares him down long and hard before leaving. Gabe tries to make with the funny and Cat tries to not let the night’s events get her down in the dumps. She starts sharing pictures from high school with Gabe and notices Agent Reynolds in the background of her graduation picture. She is also holding a donation card in her hand and looks back and forth between the two. This leads her to think that Agent Reynolds just might be her birth father.
Grade: B-
Reason: I really hope this is the lowest grade I give an episode all season. While I enjoyed this episode, there were far too many telltale signs of a new writer. Everyone felt a little out of character. The Gabe and Cat issue reared its ugly little head much to the dismay of a lot of Beasties (myself included). It wasn’t heavy on the action or the character development, which for me personally doesn’t make a good formula. After a beautiful episode like Hothead, to come back on this note was super disappointing. We were ready for passion, exploration and team work. Not Cat brushing Vincent off, like Jay-Z having dirt on his shoulder. Tons of continuity errors, plot holes and easy fixes.
Not to mention very little JT time. He’s starting to become a plot device. JT is the heart and soul and I’m beginning to believe the glue that holds this whole show together. When he isn’t around it’s like a flashing neon sign. When he’s underused it’s very noticeable as well. Maybe just maybe all new writers should be paired with a season 1 vet so that they can catch these issues before they make to our screen.
The guest stars saved the episode. I loved Annie Illonzeh as Beth and having the handsome Blair Redford on my screen (even if he was a douchebag) once more was nice to see. The stakes are raised and I have no doubt the combination of Brad Kern and Roger Grant will get this season’s first A+. I’m expecting awesome character development and amazing moves on the myth arc front.
Awards
Character of the Night
Tess – She brought the funny, sass and heart as well as playful ribbing. I think my romantic Varwen ship has been sunk but I’m still all for a brotp between Tess and Gabe, if only to keep Gabe away from Cat.
Favorite Moments
1. Vincent giving Gabe a long hard stare down
2. VinCat kiss
3. Cat dancing at her reunion
4. Vincent using his beast senses to track Zack down
5. The mean girl asking them why none of the had a +1 for the reunion.
Favorite Lines
1. Tess: and Cat has such a pretty neck, doesn’t she?
2. Tess: Go ahead go get your Ashanti on.
3. JT: You’ve got to talk faster.
4. Gabe: We're all friends here.
JT: No actually we're not.
Favorite Scenes
1. JT and Vincent bonding over sports and junk food
2. Tess telling Cat to go to her reunion
3. Gabe and Tess throwing Beth off the Beast trail
4. Vincent apologizes to Cat and promises her it won’t be like this for long.
5. Vincent and Zack have a beast off.
Best Character Interactions
Gabe and Tess (well, I wasn’t going to say Cat and Tess and VinCat just didn’t do it for me this week, sorry)
Burning Questions
1. Did Cat ever get her shoe back?
2. Is that the last we’ve seen of Beth?
Polls
Last Week’s Results – Katy Perry’s Roar won but in the comments I saw a lot of people were suggesting Florence and the Machine’s Never Let You Go. Over the hiatus, I just might do another song off with these two options.
This Week’s Poll - BatB Great Debate #5 – Is Gabe going to be the good guy this season?
Make sure you voted and commented on this week’s best scene poll as well
Shameless Self –Promotion
Podcast
If you have time rate, review and subscribe.
Facebook Fan Page - If you could be a dear and like the page it would be greatly appreciated.
Twitter - @lilithhellfire
My Blog
Want to see what’s happening in the Beastie Fandom for the rest of the week click here.
Remember to watch and live tweet (@cwbatb and @BatBWriters) with the show and me every Monday at 9 PM/8 PM Central on The CW.
Feel free to sound off in the comments below.
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