Lilith Luvs TV

A Beastie Inspired Treat: The Mind Eraser

After episode 2x04: Hothead aired I was dying to find out just what were in those darn ‘Mind Erasers’. I hope these weren’t cause of Cat’s urges to start a bar room brawl, because they are pretty freaking tasty.

About the Drink
When drunk properly, the Mind Eraser creates a head rush similar to the one you get when you've eaten ice cream too fast. The drink is a sort of lowball shooter. It's built over ice and served with a straw. The trick is to drink the all of it through the straw in one shot. When you do this the carbonation gives you a quick head rush before the alcohol sets in to do its job. The Mind Eraser is a popular party shooter that poses the challenge of finishing it off in one drink.

I have come up with 4 variations of the drink. Sorry but I could not find a tasty virgin option this time. Next time you have a Beauty and the Beast viewing party try serving up one of the following drinks, it’s sure to be a hit.
Bottoms Up!

Recipe #1

Ingredients:
1/2 oz vodka
1/2 oz Midori® melon liqueur
1/2 oz Bacardi® 151 rum
1/2 oz lime juice

Instructions:
1. Shake with ice
2. Strain into a shot glass
3. Serve

Recipe #2

Ingredients:
1/2 shot Kahlua® coffee liqueur
1/2 shot vodka
1 shot Sprite® soda

Instructions:
1. Place three to four ice cubes in a small, narrow glass.
2. Carefully layer the kahlua, vodka and finally the sprite. (Sprite should be about half of the shot, or to taste.)
3. Serve unstirred with a wide straw.

Recipe #3

Ingredients:
2 oz vodka
2 oz Kahlua® coffee liqueur
2 oz tonic water

Instructions:
1. Pour vodka, Kahlua, and tonic water into a rocks or old-fashioned glass.
2. Serve with a straw.

Recipe #4

Ingredients:
2 oz Kahlua® coffee liqueur
2 oz vodka
2 splashes butterscotch schnapps
2 oz 7-Up® soda

Instructions:
1. Fill a cocktail glass with ice, a
2. Carefully layer in each ingredient; kalhua, vodka, butterscotch schnapps, then 7-up.

“The moon of his life and the sun and stars of hers“

Beasties we finally have some good rating news. Click here to check it out!


I just want to say that I’m proud of us Beasties. We got a world- wide double trending event two weeks in a row. We also moved up on the Monday night Get Glue chart to #3 from an abysmal #7 rank last week. Just keep on roaring louder and harder every single week. Please also note that it is PCA voting time so, you know what that means, right?. Rally the troops and steady the F5 button, we’ve got work to do. Let’s make Beauty and the Beast a two time champion this year.

Also TV Guide has been showing us a lot of love lately so be sure to give them so page views on all of their Beauty and the Beast articles.

Now on to the regularly scheduled Beauty and the Beast recap and review…

This week's episode saw a fan favorite return to the writers' room, a one, Roger Grant. There was a new comer in the director's chair this week, Michael Robison. The two came together to make one hell of an episode.

Cat and Vincent just can’t seem to escape each other’s orbit no matter how they try. This week was no exception. Just when a few Beasties thought all hope was lost for VinCat along comes this episode. Redeeming and triumphant. Beautiful and poignant. But more importantly, just in the nick of time.

This episode gave what quite a few of the Beasties have been craving, Cat stopping and taking the time to put her life back together and reconnecting with Tess. While only the latter and not the former happened on screen, I was glad for both. But more importantly this episode put VinCat right back on track but in an unexpected way. Was it too soon? Perhaps for some. Was it needed? Desperately so.

We finally seemingly have a time jump of about one month according to the first scene’s dialog. Cat has been busy trying to deal with all the craziness that is her life and nothing seemed to help. Not crying, meditating or a kickboxing class seemed to help poor Cat so it was up to one of Tess’s good old nights out on the town. I loved the bestie banter about clothing options, wine and therapy. And real talk, Cat really should look into therapy to help deal with her sister leaving and finding out about her father not being her biological father. Her life is a mess and Vincent’s might not be able to heal all of it. Just saying.

It turns out that Cat isn’t the only frustrated party involved in the beastly time out. We are treated to a rare Vincent work out scene. He is doing his classic pulls and some very hardcore pushups with his fists. He has no Cat and no mission and that’s makes for a very intense Vincent. I’m sure Agent Reynolds has noticed and seems like he desperately trying to get Vincent back on task.

Cut to a building on fire and a man seemingly controlling said fire. We have found our beast of the week and it looks like he might be the titular ‘hothead’ of the episode. The news woman is reporting on the fire and the serial arsonist that is at large. Gabe is rushing his office filling in wall of weird and talking to the TV. He has a breakthrough and pokes his head out of office demanding someone go find Chandler.

But Chandler and Vargas are out having some much needed fun. They’re in a dive bar shooting pool and blowing off steam. Although, Tess is open to NOT pretending like everything is OK. Cat says she just wants to forget for one night. An overly inebriated dude bro spots Cat, stumbles over to her and makes a pass at her. Cat turns the guy down but he won’t take no for an answer. Push comes to shove literally and the beginnings of a ‘Roadhouse’ fight scene ensue. Unfortunately for Cat she has roundhouse kicked a federal judge in the head.

No worries. Gabe comes to the gals rescue and bails them out. But not before giving them but mostly Cat, a stern lecture. Gabe just a few episodes ago you said you use to be cool and I believed you. But now you just sound like a blathering little narc. Anyway, after the stern talking to, Gabe dismisses Tess so that he and Cat can have some alone time and discuss the latest beast that’s on the loose and his plan to catch him, which regrettably involves Cat reaching out to Vincent. Cat thinks Gabe’s idea is bad and doesn’t go along with it. She says that she needs to save herself first. I like that, it seems as though the old Cat is still in there somewhere.

In move so bold I’m now sure Gabe has to sets of balls, he marches himself right over to Vincent’s unlocked houseboat and tries to enlist Vincent into working on a mission for him. Gabe was completely honest about their history. And apparently his intentions for wanting to save Gabe and reunite him with Cat. I’m pretty sure this scene might have sparked a few slash fiction writers’ imaginations because when Vincent grabs Gabe by throat, I have to admit, I found it a little hot.

Vincent traipses off to the closest tall building to use his handy dandy beast senses and in no time flat he’s on the trail of the beast of the week. The beast is shocked that someone found him. He quickly realizes that Vincent too is beast, though he does not have the same cocktail that allows him to be fire proof and have a little control over the flames. The beast of the week makes quick work of disabling Vincent and leaves him to be engulfed by the flames.

Meanwhile, Cat and Tess are having a spa day in Cat’s apartment. Complete with massages, pedicures and aromatherapy candles. Cat is kind of coming unhinged and talking about the case around civilians while Tess tries to do not only damage control but ignore Gabe and try to get Cat to focus on herself. But to no avail. Persistent Gabe has won out.

Cat and Gabe head over to the hospital to see Vincent. Though they are not the only ones. Agent Reynolds makes his way over as do the arson investigators. But not before VinCat steal a sweet and tender moment together. Also not before Cat scolds Vincent about the risks he taking. Agent Reynolds skulks off when he sees the arson investigators. The arson investigator come to question Vincent, or “Victor” as Gabe dubs him. They don’t get much out of any of them and the young arson investigator is frustrated and quite the ‘hothead’. Turns out, this Aaron kid is Vincent’s nephew and that revelation causes Vincent to have a code yellow. A code yellow which triggers a flashback. Gabe shoes everyone out of the room and hopes Cat can calm him down. Cat cannot calm him down and an overwhelmed Vincent jumps out of the hospital window, to a stunned and shocked Cat and Gabe.

Shortly after Vincent’s escape from the hospital an annoyed Agent Reynolds calls Vincent. He tries to get Vincent back on track while giving him assurances that this will be all over soon and he can get back to his normal life. But until then he’s the only one that can stop the beasts. He also gives Vincent some background on the beast of the week. His name is Eddie Long. Muirfield bought him from a prison. He was not only a pyromaniac but a structural engineer as well. Agent Reynolds tells him to lay low while they track him down and to avoid anything that may act as triggers to his memories. Well, that could only mean Cat was about to show up. And she does. She’s sitting on his couch waiting for him to see if he is OK. Cat wants to know what he remembered and Vincent tells her. It turns out Vincent was a firefighter before he was a doctor. Something neither Cat nor us Beasties knew before.

Back at the 125th precinct Gabe is packing a bag filled with all of things he might need to kill a beast and revive a man. He enlists Tess help for the most simplest of task but receives the highest levels of sass. Tess once again queries Gabe’s motives as well as his feelings for Cat. Gabe basically admits his feelings for Cat but assures Tess that his intentions are pure in wanting to save Vincent. Both Tess and I still remain unsure and a tad bit leery.

Cat has managed to quell Vincent about his worries of being recognized at the firehouse by his nephew. Though it irks me to no end that there were apparently no pictures of Vincent left anywhere in the Kellers’ possession. Aaron is none too pleased to see the very two people who stonewalled his investigation. But his partner welcomes their help with no questions asked. With both sides providing information the case is cracked easily. Aaron slinks off right before a 4 alarm fire to Segen headquarters is called in. The very place they were just suspecting of being the next target as did Aaron.

Everyone rushes over to Segen headquarters and Cat and Vincent share a moment and a kiss. Vincent feels an imperative to save his nephew and thinks that maybe just maybe in the heat of the moment his training might kick in. Gabe also shows up to the scene with a bag filled with the tools he and Cat are going to need to test out their cure on Eddie.

Aaron has found Eddie and dear he has a gun. But that gun does no one any good. The beast incapacitates Aaron post haste and the poor little lamb is knocked out. Thank goodness Uncle Vincent was there. Vincent soon runs into Eddie and manages to get the drop on him. Just when Vincent was about to have the upper hand, he gets distracted by Aaron’s distress signal and flashbacks of his brother William. In the end a vision of William leads Vincent to where Aaron is passed out and Vincent scoops him up and leads him to safety.

Eddie thinking he has gotten away is met by Cat and her gun. She told him not to move but he did and she dropped faster than I could blink. Gabe rushes up from behind and tries to recreate the circumstances that killed his beast. But it didn’t work. Maybe it didn’t work because Gabe’s a first generation beast. How come they didn’t think about that possibility yet?

Once again, our case of the week is wrapped up nicely, though the media has gotten wind of it and Tess is worried and thinks Gabe should be worried as well. It’s not clear if Gabe is as worried as he should be. But what is clear is that he very disturbed that his little experiment didn’t work out. Tess thinks his pursuit is noble but she also still thinks he is carrying a torch for Cat.

Back in the bullpen Aaron stops by to thank Cat and see if Vincent is around. Cat hands Aaron back his gun and tells him that he should be glad that he wasn’t the one to pull the trigger on Eddie. As well as to stay safe because the world just can’t afford to lose anymore Kellers.


The closing scene starts with VinCat walk and talking and reflecting about memories and emotions. The episode could have honestly ended there but the writers did even better. The walk culminated in a visit to the 9/11 memorial. Vincent wanted and/or needed to feel his brothers’ presence. To acknowledge their heroism. To honor their memory. He also ponders that if he hadn’t become a doctor maybe he could have been there to save them. Cat reminds Vincent that he could have died that day to and not been able to be here now to save his nephew. Cat tells Vincent the past is the past and that all one can do is remember, learn from it and move forward. And she hopes that they can move forward together as well. The scene ends with them holding hands and tears in my eyes.
It seems as though they are going to fall in love all over again, but perhaps in a different and even better way. They both obviously have a lot to uncover about themselves and maybe just maybe they can do it together and build a love even more epic than season 1.

Grade: A
Reason: This episode was almost flawless. Almost. If they could have just given me one scene with JT then all would have been right in the world. I just feel like he should have been given the heads up about JT’s memory returning. I’m biased, don’t judge me. But everything else was basically perfect. The lovely addition of Bryan Dechart as Aaron Keller, Vincent’s nephew was wonderful. He breathed life into the role and connected with both Kristin and Jay very well.

The action of the episode was dangerous and beautiful. Just the way we Beasties like it. The episode was shot beautifully. The lighting was just right. I especially loved all of the light and shadow during the VinCat hospital scene. Jay actually was able to do all of his own stunts, which is impressive. Everything came together to make this the best episode yet of Beauty and the Beast.

That last powerfully poignant moment of reflection at the 9/11 Memorial had me bordering on the edge of tears. VinCat is back and with a vengeance. Might not be the old one we fell in love with but this new VinCat has the potential to be something even more wonderful. I love that we got to explore even more of Vincent’s back story. It added so much needed layers and depth to the character. I thought that it was wonderful to bring in the Keller family since the Chandlers are no longer a part of the story.

Family is and should always be an essential part of the show because what love could be more epic than that of familial love. Familial love is a love that is unconditional and forgiving. And to steal a line from another one of my fandoms, ‘family don’t end with blood’. Sometimes the family you make is better than the one you’re born into, so here’s hoping now that VinCat is back on track, Team Beastie will be whole once more and better than ever.

Awards

WTF Moments
1. Vincent use to be a firefighter
2. Gabe basically admits he has feeling for Cat to Tess

Character of the Night

It was a tie for me between Vincent and Aaron.

Why I Choose Aaron – Aaron was a catalyst for Vincent’s potent and powerful memories this week. It was nice to find that Vincent could another pull and trigger besides Cat. Aaron also very much embodied the Keller spirit. A hothead? Sure. Stubborn? Absolutely. But at the core a hero ready to dive in head first. I like that heroism is practically hereditary when it comes to those Keller boys. I wouldn’t mind seeing him again. I think that spark the really lit Vincent’s memories was Aaron as Aaron represented hope and in a sense the yearning to make a connection and to have ties that bind him to the world as oppose missions that keep him from living in it fully. I believe Aaron reminded him of not only his brothers but himself as well. I found the addition of a Keller family member to be a wonderful juxtaposition against the fact that the book is closing on the Chandler family chapter. Aaron has the potential to be so much for Vincent, past, present and future. It not only taps into the beast side of him but more importantly, the human side of him.

Why I Choose Vincent – Let’s be honest. Vincent was THE star of the episode tonight. Jay Ryan killed every scene he was in. Whether he was frustrated, happy, scared or overwhelmed he put his emotions and facial expressions on display. I love that writers are giving the character of Vincent more layers and depth. I’m super excited to see what Jay is going to do with all of this new information.

Best Character Interactions

This award goes to VinCat this week without a doubt. With scene after scene of sweet and tender moments, how could it not?

Favorite Moments

1. Vincent rescuing his nephew
2. Code Yellow makes a come back
3. Vincent’s flashbacks
4. Vincent jumping out the hospital window
5. Tess giving Gabe an actual compliment while still managing to tease him
6. The VinCat kiss

Favorite Lines

1. Tess: But Cat do you really think you can just wake up one day and be done with Vincent?
2. Aaron: Well, look who it is… bad cop, mute cop.
3. Cat: Because you feel it too. Memories aren’t just playback. The trigger emotion and emotion doesn’t lie. It’s real. It reveals who you were. Who you are.
4. Cat: Vincent we can’t change the past as much as we both may want to. The best we can do is remember it, learn from it and move forward. Hopefully, together.

Favorite Scenes

1. The opening Cat and Tess scene
2. The VinCat hospital scene
3. Gabe goes to see Vincent
4. Cat and Vincent at the firehouse
5. Cat and Vincent at the 9/11 memorial
6. Vincent working out and telling Agent Reynolds that he can’t focus

Fangirl Complaint

Is it just me or does Stephen Amell's abs have some sort of contract with the CW to be the only set abs to be put on prominent display? Jay Ryan has a nice body and probably works just as hard to keep his physique in top form. It's such a shame Jay doesn't get to show off as often as Amell does. Filed under: #Just Saying

Burning Questions

1. Does Vincent really believe Agent Reynolds is going to let him go back to his life after he is done?
2. Did Agent Reynolds recognize Aaron at the hospital?
3. Why is Vincent’s houseboat always unlocked?

Kudos

Beauty and the Beast’s Visual Effects team on the code yellow eyes during the flashback.
Beauty and the Beast’s stunt coordinator
Beauty and the Beast’s fight scene choreographer

Side Note: I really struggled writing this review (I hope it didn’t show too much). I really didn’t think my words could do justice to describe such a beautiful episode. I was sincerely and deeply moved by this episode. My faith in the writers’ room paid off immensely and I’m looking forward to see what they have in store for the rest of the season.

Polls

Last Week’s Results – The votes are in and a not so shocking turn of events, most of the fans that voted wanted to spend a day with Jay Ryan. He received 70% of the vote.

This Week’s Poll - BatB Great Debate #4 – Which song should be the Beasties’ unofficial theme song?
If you don’t like the choices provided, please leave a comment and include a YouTube link to the song of your choice.
Also, looking for poll topics so tweet me some or leave them on the Facebook page.


Shameless Self –Promotion

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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.

“Life is like a game of chess.
To win you have to make a move.
Knowing which move to make comes with IN-SIGHT
and knowledge, and by learning the lessons that are
accumulated along the way.
We become each and every piece within the game called life!”

- Allan Rufus, The Master's Sacred Knowledge

Title: Win Some, Lose Some
Written By: Amy B. Harris
Directed By: Andy Wolk

Synopsis: It’s the summer of 1985, and, for the first time, 17-year-old Carrie Bradshaw (AnnaSophia Robb) can call Manhattan home. After her boyfriend Sebastian (Austin Butler) and best friend Maggie (Katie Findlay) betrayed her, Carrie is happy to accept the offer to spend the summer living in the downtown loft apartment of her Interview magazine boss Larissa (Freema Agyeman). But as summer turns to fall and Carrie heads into her senior year, she and her friends and family discover that letting go of old loves and embracing new dreams comes with some tough new realities but also incredible new opportunities.

When it was announced that The Carrie Diaries would be getting a second season, I was happy. Maybe a tad bit flummoxed due to the ratings but happy nonetheless. It would have been a shame to leave fans wondering what happened next after a finale like the first season had. So when the opportunity presented itself to receive an advanced look at the season 2 opener, I jumped on it.

I should have probably prefaced this in the beginning but I’m a casual fan of the show. It lured me in because I loved the prequel book which the show is based on. Also I heart the lovely and talented AnnaSophia Robb to pieces. The Carrie Diaries is not one of the shows that I seek out spoilers for. I like to just sit back, be surprised and enjoy the ride. I couldn’t avoid the biggest spoiler of season 2 however which was the character introduction of Samantha Jones.
Samantha Jones is not my personal favorite character in ‘Sex and the City’ but she is a fan favorite in general. In the pictures the actress, Lindsey Gort, looks so much like a young Kim Cattrall it was a little uncanny. But I think something gets a little lost on the little screen unfortunately.

I find the show to be most delightful when it focuses on Carrie’s internship in New York, the adventures that ensue from her job and her relationships with Walt and Sebastian. Carrie’s other friends are not that interesting and her family time absolutely bores me to tears. I guess I wasn’t the only one because in the season 2 opener a few things have been retooled a bit and the main focus is on Carrie’s summer adventures in The City where she is loft sitting for Larissa.

So let me catch you up with where the characters are at the beginning of season 2…

Carrie

Carrie is still nursing her wounded heart and is avidly avoiding both Maggie and Sebastian by avoiding Castlebury as much as possible. She has thrown herself into her summer internship. Which has the perks of partying at all of the hot spots in mid-80’s Manhattan and a stylish loft provided by Larissa. She has a new ‘do and a seemingly new attitude. While Carrie does indeed lose something very near and dear to her in this episode she gains something that is much more needed at this particular time in her life.

Walt

Walt has a guy in his life that he can’t be with until he’s legal so he just going to look at all the hot guys his eyes can handle. He seems very worried about the whole town whispering about him and his sexuality. Much like Carrie, he too is hiding out in the city avoiding things. His friendship with Donna has grown leaps and bounds. Donna keeps him in abreast of what’s happening back in Castlebury and he in turn tries his best to not inform Carrie.

Sebastian

Sebastian has been avoiding the country club because Maggie is working there. Sebastian is really upset with himself for kissing Maggie. He is also quite remorseful for outing Walt. He is still holding out hope that he and Carrie might still have a chance of working things out. It seems as though he spent his whole summer pining for Carrie.

Donna

Donna may seem like that same old mean girl mold. But she just wants to have fun and being bitchy to people is her way of having fun. She does have a soft spot though she doesn’t like to let it show. She’s spent her summer at the country club on the lookout for scandals and juicy tidbits to gossip about. She’s really coming into her own as a young woman. I love that show she knows what she wants and how to get as well as not being afraid to speak her mind. She also doesn’t do apologies. She has great insight and I sense she dumbs herself down a bit. Hopefully, a little more time with her cousin Samantha will fix that.

Mouse

Mouse is having fun with her geek boyfriend. Her parents have taken to him like a fish to water. Her and West have decided to take SAT prep courses as well some high level math class to beef up their course loads. Yes, to Mouse that is fun. Mouse is also avoiding Maggie like the plague because of what she did to Carrie. Carrie convinces her to the 4th of July barbeque at the country club and to take West and have a good time.

Maggie

Maggie has had a rough summer and found out that if she wants to go to college she’s going to have to pay for it herself. Thus her mighty need for a job at a fancy place with fancy people who should tip well. Maggie needs to stop playing the victim though. Even with her implied neglectful parents, I’ve never felt sympathy towards the character at all. She’s way too needy, clingy and pouty. Time for this character to really grow up or move away.

Samantha Jones

When we meet her, she is the keeper of the cool aka a bouncer. She’s definitely into the 80’s music scene and the bar that she works at is THE place to be. We can see that oh so familiar sassy, independent and confident streak but there are a lot of hard life lessons to come that will ultimately shape Samantha into what she becomes later on. Right now, she seems very lost and drowning in the real world while desperately seeking to find her place in it. At least she’s found her anchor in Carrie so now she can settle down and begin to blossom.

The Rest of the Bradshaw Clan

Mr. Bradshaw was clueless as ever until Carrie let it slip that Dorrit had a guy in her life. Now he’s on a mission to keep close tabs on Dorrit and her boyfriend. He seems to like Miller.

Dorrit has been sneaking around with Miller and using her best friend as her cover to be alone with him. Now that her relationship with Miller is out in the open and Miller seems to like her Dad I have a feeling her rebellious streak is going to come rearing back, if one of the last scenes is any indicator.

Favorite Moments

• Carrie and Samantha walking down the street together looking very stylish.
• An awkward Bradshaw family brunch.
• Carrie’s opening dream sequence.
• Sebastian tucking in Carrie after a rough night.

Favorite Lines

• Maggie: It takes to tango.
Donna: Not when you’re involved. You just drag the poor soul along.
• Carrie (to Mouse): Well, apparently “in love” Dorrit is just as sullen with my dad as she ever was.
• Carrie: Sometimes you have to sacrifice something valuable in order to win.
• Carrie: I don’t have time for regrets, only fun.

Favorite Scenes

• The introduction of Sam(antha) Jones.
• Carrie and Samantha breaking into Larissa’s loft.
• The arrival of Donna at the loft with Sebastian in tow.
• Dorrit’s rebellious streak returns.
• Walt and Sebastian get to talk it out.

The Standout Character

While the beginning of last season had me all set to hate Donna LaDonna (Chloe Bridges) for life but by the end of the first season, I was on a hate to love her basis. During this episode, it became official I just flat out love her. She’s snarky, sassy and very pragmatic (I guess it runs in the family?). As well as stylish and not afraid to go after what she wants. Best of all she breaks the awkward silences and lightens the mood. Love to hate her or hate to love her you have got to admit Chloe Bridges is a scene stealer.

Best Old School NYC mentions: Limelight, Area and Danceteria

Most Out of Place Pop Culture Mention: Charlie’s Angels

Cool News – Though the actor has not been cast yet, word on the street is that the character of Standford Blatch will be introduced this season as well. I’m sure we here at Spoiler TV will keep you abreast of the situation.

Grade: B-


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Season 2 of The Carrie Diaries premieres Friday, October 25, 2013 on The CW at 8 PM/7 PM Central.

Feel free to sound off and/or ask me general questions about the episode in the comments below.

‘Secret, Lies and Artwork’

It looks like it is once again time to boost Beastie morale, unfortunately. But I do have some slightly good news. While our .3 in the demo remained the same, we did get a slight uptick in total viewership. Now is not the time to time waiver or get complacent, for instance, we didn’t trend #1 on Get Glue last week. It’s time to step our game up Beasties. Don’t get discouraged, instead roar even LOUDER.

There is so much more that we as fans can do to let The CW know that our show should get a third season. Word of mouth is, has and will always be the best form of marketing. With the advent of social media it makes all the more easier. If you would like to know how you can help Beauty and the Beast get a third season click here.

Now on to your regularly scheduled recap and review…

This week’s episode was entitled ‘Liar, Liar’. I must say it captured the theme of the episode quite well. This week we welcome another new writer John A. Norris into the Beastie family. Meanwhile, we had a familiar name to the Beastie family in the director’s chair, Bradley Walsh. His last contribution to the show was episode 1x14: Tough Love. But my preferred episode that really showcased his directorial eye was 1x04: Basic Instinct.

This week’s episode opens yet again directly following the events of the previous episode. It’s the following morning after the shove that shocked the Beasties around the world. Apparently that shove was a lot harder than any of us thought because that is one nasty bruise around Cat’s neck. While Cat is standing in the mirror and desperately trying cover up the bruise by applying concealer to the unsightly bruise, she gets a phone call from Gabe. She assures him that she has a plan and that they will discuss it later.

No sooner than she could rush Gabe off the phone does Heather come bounding in with coffee and news. Heather has been offered a job. The job is in Miami. Heather makes a date with Cat to hash out the pros and cons of taking the job. In the process notices Cat’s terrible job of concealing Vincent’s temper. She makes a few pathetic attempts at explaining what happened and Heather seems convinced or at the very least not too terribly worried. The exchange ends with Cat deciding to wear a scarf.

Next we were treated to a lovely moment of JT working out via jumping rope to an awful and out of place song which gets cut short by Vincent barraging into the lair. JT appears unsettled but happy to see Vincent back in the lair. But that all gets cut short when Vincent confesses to what he’s done. Since Cat did not tell him what happened, JT thinks that Vincent is talking about his memory loss and gives him a few VinCat relationship highlights. Frustrated and ashamed of himself, Vincent just blurts out that he physically hurt Cat and wants JT to tell Cat that he is sorry and that it will never happen again.

Vincent is barely away from the lair before he gets a call from Agent Tucker, his other handler. Just as Agent Tucker is giving Vincent the details about his latest mission a beast ambushed him from behind while Vincent is forced to listen. The new beast picks up Agent Tucker’s phone and taunts Vincent a little before hanging up. These events leave Vincent as stunned and confused as the rest of us Beasties.

Cut to a beautifully lit diner scene with Cat and Gabe. Cat and her scarf are there to convince Gabe to go along with yet another one of Cat’s ridiculous plans. Gabe ever the incredulous ally gets in some good digs at Cat before acquiescing to her whims. In the middle of the conversation, Tess calls Gabe and interrupts him for a change. There’s been another beast attack and of course she thinks Vincent is behind it. Cat and Gabe rush right over to analyze the crime scene. Guess who shows up? Yep, none other than Agent Reynolds who starts a pissing contest with Gabe over jurisdiction. But Cat comes to the rescue with her charm to smooth things over and assurances of keeping him in the loop.

JT calls Cat and scolds her about not telling him about what happened with Vincent. Cat seems surprised that Vincent confessed to him. The phone call proved to be serendipitous because it gave Vincent an alibi so he couldn’t possible have been the one to kill Agent Tucker and lets Tess and Gabe know that in a very no fuss no muss sort of way.

After learning of Cat’s plan and having Gabe agree with Cat, Tess gets coerced into helping Cat learn how to pass a polygraph test. First, much to Cat’s dismay, antiperspirant has to be applied to hear forehead. Sweat is the number indicator of lying. Then she is given a thumbtack to place in her shoe to elevate her blood pressure to fudge the baseline. Tess starts with the questions and a worried Gabe tries to distract Tess from the Vincent incident. But the ever suspicious Tess is curious to know what’s up with the scarf. Cat tells her that it’s a hickie. This annoys Tess almost as much as when the truth is revealed about what really happened to her neck. But Gabe cuts the practice short.

Agent Reynolds aka Condor calls Vincent and sends him to the crime scene to see what beast they’re up against. Vincent arrives to the scene of the crime and begins to use his beast senses. A beast with a flair for the dramatic (and magic apparently) interrupts him for a more face to face taunting. He informs Vincent of a list (of names of Muirfield created beast is what we’re left to assume) that has his name on it. All while subverting Vincent’s attempts to capture him.

Meanwhile, Cat is all wired up for her reconnaissance and/or rendezvous with Vincent on his houseboat. Gabe and Tess provide back up and listen in via the wire. Cat timidly enters the suspiciously unlocked houseboat. She calls out to Vincent but he isn’t home so she snoops through his laptop and discovers a juicy email just might provide some answers. She downloads it to a thumb drive and just in time as an angry Vincent is about to return. Vincent looks happy and sad that Cat is there. Cat tries to dance around the issue of what happened the night before to keep it from Tess. But Tess knows that it’s something more. Vincent asks for a second chance at a date and Cat says yes.

Cat hauls JT into the precinct so that he can decrypt the email where Gabe and Tess hover around uselessly. They bicker yet again about the virtues of Cat’s plan and Cat’s motives and what the real leads are and are not. Cat blows them off for a change and actually leaves to meet Heather. While they are doing that Agent Reynolds is calling Vincent, again. He has some intel on the mysterious new beast. As well as an update from the police. It seems as though the police have details that shouldn’t be possible. There seems to be a security breach somewhere. Vincent thinks it’s from his handler side but slowly begins to piece the puzzle together.

Heather and Cat actually do get a chance to get coffee and discuss her pros and cons list of her new job. They share a few sweet moments that get cut short way too fast. But Heather has something to get off of her chest. Heather is finally able to tell Cat that Papa Chandler wasn’t her biological dad. A stunned Cat lashes out and storms off. Cat arrives home to a waiting Vincent, who has a pretty bouquet and is eager to take her on date as well as get to the bottom of the security breach. Cat tries to throw Vincent off the deception scent but to no avail. Vincent can practically test the betrayal and half-heartedly seeks a rain check for their date. Just to be 100% sure of Cat’s betrayal, Vincent returns home and uses his beast senses to uncover Cat’s snooping.

In the interim, Cat gets a call from Tess. They talk about the FBI and whether or not they are in the loop about beasts. They decide no and that it was a sheer coincidence. Best theory: The FBI was tracking an art thief. Yeah, it’s starting to look like everyone at the 125th precinct should be turning in their badges because this is not ace detective work by any means. In a stunning turn of interrupting events, it’s Vincent who interrupts Tess with Cat this time. Vincent lies about regaining a memory about them going swimming in a hotel. He wants to meet her there to see if it will jog his memory but he wants to do it ASAP, which sets off suspicion alarms in Cat’s head. She agrees to it and immediately calls JT to see which highlights JT gave to Vincent. It’s just as she suspected and she kicks her research mode into high gear. She discovers the meaning of the email and rounds up Gabe and Tess to crash a fancy art exhibit.

Cat and her entourage make a stylish entrance and no time is wasted by Cat to confront Vincent about his faux memory. Sebastian watches from the shadows. Vincent is dragged onto the dance floor by Cat in a steamy and heated exchange of accusations and flared tempers. A slightly annoyed Tess and a seemingly longing Gabe look on at the two. Gabe gives Tess something to search for while he continues to stare at, I mean watch, Cat’s back.

Sebastian rears his meticulously coiffed head and begins his flair for the dramatics once more. Vincent tries to initiate a beast off with him but Sebastian slips Vincent’s grasp by knocking him out. Instead he heads for his father and incidentally, Cat who has managed to lure the man away for his own safety by claiming she destroyed a piece of artwork. Sebastian cuts the power to the elevator and tries to tear through the top like a sardine can but Cat uses a tranquilizer gun on him. It jams and he snatches her up. But she can defend herself when need be and holds her own. Her ratcheted heart beat awakens a knocked out Vincent and he springs into action. Just in the nick of time too. Cat managed to throw Sebastian off balance and toward the edge of the platform but he could have taken her with him. But not on Vincent’s watch. He grabs her arm and in that moment he gets a few flashes from a few of the times he has saved her. Sebastian falls to his death and Vincent carries his body off (which leaves me asking for yet another week, ‘Seriously, what the heck are they doing with the beast bodies?).

After another long, hard day at work, Cat yet again has another visitor. This time it’s Heather. The Chandler sisters have a heart to heart, hug and make up. It warms my heart to see Cat be close with someone again.

In the epilogue scene of the night, we spy Gabe and Tess back at the precinct basically telling us the viewers what happened after the elevator incident. Blah, blah, blah. I could care less. Cut to the good stuff and we see the polygraph machine on Tess’s desk. Gabe spots it as well. Tess tries to get Gabe to take a polygraph but he assures Tess that he has nothing to hide. Tess ponders if he has a crush on Cat (or perhaps unseen darker motives?) and Gabe wonders if Tess’s jealousy is rearing its ugly head again. It appears these two are at an impasse once again.

Finally, we’re back to Cat and she’s dressed for bed. But she can’t rest. She spies Vincent on the fire escape. She’s not amused and accuses him of pumping JT for the tid bit of sentimental information. Vincent tells her about the flashes he got in the elevator. He’s starting to remember her. If he can remember her, he can trust her. But Cat is tired of all of the lies in her life. She points out that the relationship that he was remembering had no lies in it. This one does and she can’t bear that thought. She tells Vincent that she needs to time and space to sort things out and shuts the window and heads for bed.


Grade:A-

Reason: I liked this episode. It was another week of being a little light on the action and the having the myth arc plod along to a crawl. The lack of JT really didn’t help either. But what really made the episode for me was the Chandler family time as did Vincent and his memory flashes. At least there were some twists and turns and a blip on plot development radar (the list). Throw in the fact that Cat finally seems to be coming to her senses and realizing that she and Vincent need some space and my season 2 Wish List has finally begun being addressed. Hopefully, this means that she will start reconnecting with Tess, since Heather is officially out the picture now. I also hope she will start taking her work a little more seriously. It’s time for Cat to start putting her life back together. Also, I hope this will lead to her seeking out her birth father. Yes, that’s my favorite storyline this season. I just don’t want them wasting Ted Whittall, OK?


Awards

Character of the Night

My character of the episode is Heather Chandler. If you have to ask why, just re-watch the episode. Nicole Anderson killed it. The writers gave her awesome dialog. Not to mention some deep heartfelt moments with Kristin. I really think the writers gave the character of Heather a lovely send off. At the same time I hope we see her at least once more before the season comes to a close.

Favorite Moments

1. Tess getting a dig in at Cat about her constant lying about Vincent while teaching her to beat a
polygraph.
2. Tess asks about why Cat is wearing a scarf.
3. Cat kicking a little beast butt in the elevator shaft.
4. Vincent showing up on the fire escape.
5. Vincent having memory flashes while saving Cat in the elevator shaft.

Favorite Lines

1. Tess: I don’t know if I’m relieved or disturbed.
2. Cat: You think… You think I should wear a scarf?
Heather: Yeah…people are going to think you have an abusive boyfriend.
3. Gabe: Hi?! That’s you’re big idea?
4. Cat: Right now, I have a date with my sister and that’s real.
5. JT: Maybe he just wants to see you in a bathing suit.

Favorite Scenes

1. Vincent uses his beast senses and realizes Cat was snooping through laptop.
2. Vincent coming to confess to JT.
3. Cat and Vincent hash it out on the dance floor.
4. Cat luring Clifton into the elevator to protect him from Sebastian.
5. Cat closing the window on Vincent.

Best Character Interactions

My vote goes to Tess and Gabe. I know there are a lot more JTnT shippers out there but Varwen(?) is the secondary ship to beat in my opinion. I don’t think they are showing us all of these Tess and Gabe scenes for nothing. Week by week she is slowly warming up to Gabe. Gabe is also doing a bit of that 3rd grade playground flirting by antagonizing Tess every chance he gets. It’s fine if you don’t see/feel that palatable sexual tension yet. But mark my words, you will.

Runner Up – Cat and Agent Reynolds. Oh she is going to be so mad whenever she finds out. But I like that she tried to soften him and play nice with him. Charming Cat is my second favorite Cat. The first being kick butt Cat.

Polls

Last Week’s Results – Vincent won this one by a landslide, receiving 65% of the vote, even after he pushed Cat.
This Week’s Poll - BatB Great Debate #3 – Which actor would you most like to spend the day with?
Feel free to leave the reason why in comments section of the poll.

Friendly Reminder: Nicole Anderson’s new show, Ravenswood, premieres tomorrow night, October 22, 2013 right after the Pretty Little Liar’s annual Halloween special episode at 9 PM on ABC Family. Be sure to show it some love.

Shameless Self –Promotion

Podcast

Remember I’m always looking for fellow passionate and enthisastic Beasties to join me on the podcast.
I record every Monday night around 11:30 PM EST, all you have to do is drop me an email via lilith.fairy.hellfire@gmail.com and we can hash out the details.

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.

Beastie Inspired Treats: The Nutty Professor


After episode 2x02: Kidnapped aired I was dying to look up the ingredients in that ‘Nutty Professor’ milkshake. I found two very tempting options.
The first one I think I will definitely be making my regular Monday night Beauty and the Beast watch and live tweet treat.

Caution: It’s an adult beverage that contains alcohol.

INGREDIENTS


• 1 ounce Bailey’s Irish Cream
• 1 ounce hazelnut liqueur, such as Hiram Walker or Frangelico
• 1 1/4 cups vanilla-bean ice cream
• Whipped Cream
• Almonds (or really any nut of your choosing)
• Chocolate Sprinkles (or any garnish of your choosing)

DIRECTIONS

Place liqueur and liquor in a blender and top with the ice cream. Blend on medium speed until it’s incorporated, about 1 minute. Pour the milkshake into a parfait or tall glass, leaving about an inch at the top for the whipped cream. Top with whipped cream and/or other desired garnish and serve.

The other recipe I found was a healthy treat that I might incorporate into my get ready for ‘Spring Break’ diet plan.

Ingredients

• 1 CUP 1% CHOCOLATE MILK
• 2 TABLESPOONS LOW-FAT VANILLA YOGURT ADD TO SHOPPING LIST
• 1 TABLESPOON FROZEN ORANGE JUICE CONCENTRATE
• 1/2 BANANA
• 1 TABLESPOON SLICED ALMONDS
• 2 TEASPOONS CHOCOLATE WHEY PROTEIN POWDER
• 2 TEASPOONS GROUND FLAX SEED
• 6 ICE CUBES



Directions

1. Blend together any liquid ingredients (milk, yogurt, juice, etc.) and protein powder; this will help break down the grainy powder and make sure it's evenly distributed.

2. Next, add mushy ingredients, like precooked oatmeal and fruit, then add ice at the end.


3. For a thicker shake, you can toss in more ice cubes; you'll add volume without the calories.

Nutritional Information

CALORIES 172.6 CAL

FAT 3.6 G

SATURATED FAT 1 G

CHOLESTEROL 7.5 MG

SODIUM 93 MG

CARBOHYDRATES 27.4 G

TOTAL SUGARS 21.8 G

DIETARY FIBER 2.8 G

PROTEIN 10 G