Written by: Brad Kern
Directed by: Stuart Gillard
Synopsis: Three months after Vincent Keller (Jay Ryan) was abducted by Muirfield, Detective Catherine Chandler (Kristin Kreuk) is reunited with him - but not in the way she planned. He’s changed: his scar has disappeared, his memory has been wiped clean and he returns as a supercharged beast on a mysterious mission. Catherine needs to unravel the reasons behind Vincent’s change if she has any hopes of recovering their epic love, while also trying to solve the secrets that swirl around her own life.
Now that the Season 2 premiere of Beauty and the Beast is less than two weeks away, it is time to get the ball rolling and the Beastie Fandom here on Spoiler TV roaring.
First of all, if you have been avoiding spoilers, like I have (which I doubt because come on, you’re on a site named Spoiler TV), this episode might be a bit jarring. This is definitely a soft reboot of the show. The two leads seem out of character, while Vincent has a reason, Cat does not. I don’t know whether to chalk this up to the writer of the episode (the new co-showrunner Brad Kerns) not really understanding what makes Cat so likable or if this a character retcon that he will be forcing down our throats. The same thing can be said for Tess who seems less sassy and more witchy (which translate to: comes off highly unlikable). I know Brad Kern can write for women (he was the showrunner for Charmed for all eight of its seasons) so I’m willing to give him the benefit of the doubt.
Secondly, I was pleasantly surprised and perfectly fine with them moving away from the procedural aspect of the show. While I am more than happy to see the character of Joe Bishop gone, the actor Brian White will be missed. The 125th precinct is in shambles but no worries, the district attorney has appointed a certain someone (*cough* Gabe *cough*) to fix it and get things back in order. Tess is not a fan of this arrangement and tension (that may or may not be unresolved sexual tension) ensues.
OK now it’s time for me to whet your appetite with some things to be on the lookout for…
The Beauty In This Episode
1. Gabe (played by Sendhill Ramamurthy) is alive and kicking and seemingly looking for redemption.
2. Code Yellow/Beast Mode gets a makeover and I for one, love it.
3. Vincent’s beast senses also get an upgrade (but there is a downside to it that is very interesting).
4. Now that Joe is gone, this frees up Tess from that terrible relationship/storyline and hopefully allows for her to become a full-fledged character and not just Cat’s partner and sassy best friend.
5. There are three fight sequences and Cat is featured in two of them.
6. The darker tone of the show.
7. Vincent out sasses JT (never thought it would be possible).
The Beast In This Episode
1. Cat has put everything and everyone on the back burner in her pursuit of finding Vincent.
2. Cat comes on a little too strong with Vincent.
3. Amnesia/Vincent’s memories being wiped clean (may just be fatigue from this plot device being used in every genre show ever).
4. The super duper heavy-handed exposition in some places.
5. Not enough explanation in other places (granted they might get to it over the course of the season but it was jarring in one particular instance)
6. One of the villains actually has an evil monologue while holding Vincent hostage, it came across a bit cartoony. Maybe they were watching Arrow over the break?
7. The writers will definitely need to be vigilant about the continuity of the scope of these new set of beast senses they have given Vincent.
Putting It in Neutral
1. The scar is gone.
2. The interactions between Gabe and Tess.
3. Vincent’s new attitude.
4. The Big Bad’s agenda (I’m definitely going to need more information).
5. Cat’s family drama.
6. The 125th precinct’s predicament.
7. The music selection. If they do indeed keep the music that was featured, it will definitely be a big improvement over last season.
Grade: A (90/100)
Things you can do (if you haven’t already) to show your support for the show:
Like the official Facebook page (and don’t forget to congregate there after an episode if you can).
If you are on Tumblr, they have an awesome official account there.
Live tweet, with the show if at all possible.
Be sure to follow the official twitter accounts: @cwbatb & @BatBWriters.
If you miss an episode, be a dear and watch on The CW's website or Hulu (if you have it).
Things you can do if you’d like to support this reviewer:
Live tweet with me every Monday at 9 PM (@lilithhellfire)
Be sure to check out The Beauty and the Beast Podcast on iTunes. If you like it, don’t be shy, rate, review and subscribe.
Like this Facebook page and leave comments.
I’m always looking for fans of the show to be on the podcast. If you are interested I record every Monday night around 10:30 pm EST, if you want to be on the podcast just drop me an email (lilith.fairy.hellfire@gmail.com) and we can work out the details.
Don’t forget Beauty and the Beast roars back on to your TV screen for Season 2, on Monday, October 7, 2013 at 9 PM/ 8 PM Central on The CW.
