"Eat, drink and be merry."
The only thing worse than a boy who hates you: a boy that loves you.
— Markus Zusak, The Book Thief
Friendly Reminders
•Don’t forget to live tweet with the show (@cwbatb) every Monday night at 9 PM EST/8PM Central on The CW.
•Trend events begin at 6 PM EST and end around 1 AM EST.
•The official hashtag according to Nielsen and Trendrr is STILL #BATB.
•Also remember to only use two hashtags in your tweets, otherwise it is filtered out as spam.
The Recap & Review
Title: Catch Me If You Can | Written by: Eric Tuchman | Directed by: Norma Bailey
Synopsis: CAT AND VINCENT FIND THEMSELVES IN A COMPROMISING SITUATION — Feeling pulled between her current boyfriend and her ex, Cat has to decide between Gabe and Vincent. While Cat and Vincent work together to save Sam’s latest victim, Cat’s decision gets complicated when she and Vincent find themselves in a compromising situation.
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My thought on this week’s writer…
Well, we haven’t seen Mr. Tuchman since episode 2x05: Reunion, you know that episode that began our crazy descent into VinCat falling apart and Gabe’s foothold of being front and center and near Catherine in every episode for all her emotional turmoil and what not. How fitting that his latest episode be the one to launch a cannon ball into the raft of a ship that was Gatherine. But at least he managed to get Tess into more of the action and balanced the gal pals and the bromance unlike the last few episodes so a few brownie points on that front. I also did not envy his draw for having to write this episode which was the crucial step of beginning to put VinCat back together.
Vincent’s stock has soared and I’m more in love him right now than at any time this season (with the exception of Hothead). Meanwhile, Cat’s stock has plummeted and basically hit rock bottom and nothing short of her becoming police commissioner, kicking Gabe to the curb and telling Vincent that they shouldn’t rush back into a relationship but they should start building toward a healthy “FRIENDSHIP” before getting back together would I have made me happy so, I gave him a serious pass. I will say the dialog wasn’t as repetitive and sophomoric as it has been for a few episodes so even more brownie points on that front.
Let’s just move on, shall we...
My thoughts on this week’s director…
I absolutely loved the visual aesthetics this week. It was a perfect blend of light and darkness and Ms. Bailey really captured all the subtle nuances of all the facial expressions that went down this week. It’s nice to have a very accomplished female director on set every now and again and if we get a season 3 I hope to see her back. I could gush for days about all the cool little things she did that I noticed but I won’t. I just want to say she blended in but she also stood out and it made screencapping and gif making a joy and a lot less arduous this week.
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Cat – Brace yourselves, people, this is yet another rant about what the hell happen to the character of Cat. I always knew Cat was going to get the short end of the stick when it came to getting back with Vincent. But man this is a low blow. Now Cat is a cheater too?! As a writer my preferred method of character development especially in preparation of putting a character in a new romantic entanglement is too build them up while also leaving a few believable flaws intact. The Cat that I have known this whole time would never cheat on the person she was in a relationship with.
Also even though Kick Butt!Cat did show up, she wasn’t as awesome as she has previously been. She missed her shot at Sam, she had a huge tussle with Sam that she almost didn’t win (when previously, she has gotten the upper hand on beasts) and she lost her voice in how to proceed on case (usually the means justify the ends, especially when an innocent life is at stake) because it made Gabe uncomfortable. But most disturbing of all she let Gabe give her an ultimatum not, once but TWICE and was seemingly ready to comply both times. Are you serious? Where is my strong, kick butt, independent Cat at? The love triangle between her, Gabe and Vincent has left Vincent smelling like a rose and mud on her face and Gabe gets to be self-righteous if Cat tells him what happened and even gets a little sympathy in theory if Cat hides it from him. Oh, and I almost forgot the icing on the cake, she was more worried about her car than she was Sam’s victim. Also she came across as meek and mild while Gabe scolded her about her ties to Vincent. It has just gotten gross and pathetic at how Beauty and Beast has begun to fail the Bechdel miserably and unapologetically. Even the men can barely go a scene without talking a woman.
– Yep, he’s still sucking up screen time and kissing Cat with those pathetic, passionless pecks on the lips. What was Gabe thinking about offering Cat a key to his place so soon? You’ve got pace yourself buddy. Gabe might not be the big bad villain wise but Gabe is not the man for Cat. Possessiveness indicates jealousy and jealousy is an awful trait. Yes, Gabe’s worries are valid but that’s what you get when you go after a woman who has so much emotional baggage and a close tie to her ex. Gabe will never measure up Vincent in Catherine’s eyes. He knows and she knows it. Deep down Cat doesn’t want a normal life which is all Gabe can offer her. A good life sure but a life where she is settling nonetheless. I don’t feel bad for Gabe because surely he didn’t honestly see himself winning Cat, did he? I honestly feel like Gabe had another agenda when wooing Cat. I just can’t put my finger on what it is. I’m dying for them to make Gabe interesting again because right now, he seems neutered and flat. Make Gabe the bad guy again, it was fun. I love having Sendhil Ramamurthy around just not when he’s taking time away from the other characters in a meaningless subplot that no one cares about and no one is rooting to succeed. Gabe has his so-called redemption, if the writers aren’t going to make him evil and not let him have the girl and he’s no longer running the precinct what is left for him? Looks like it’s time for Gabe to ride off into the sunset alone, I guess.
– Austin Basis maybe King Beastie but JT Forbes is King of the Pep Talks. They finally gave me what I’d been asking for – a real pep talk that I actually believed that didn’t feel forced or had hints of over compensation in it. I was tired of JT being the mouth piece for the audience, enough was enough. I’d been missing that pragmatic JT. That JT that looked out for Vincent’s best interest and encouraged Vincent to not be so entangled with his emotions and with Cat. I got that JT back and the only that could make me happier was if JT got to be his own person outside of Vincent and actually started having good things happen to him on a permanent basis.
JTnT – No comment because we still don’t know what exactly happened in that hotel room in upstate New York a few weeks ago. Instead of even more of Sam’s surly behind how about a text message or a phone call between then in the background? Too much to ask for apparently and that’s a shame. But anyway…
Sam Landon – What an arrogant, cocky, heartless, smug and smarmy bugger he is. Can we just kill him already, pretty please? I don’t care about Sam. I don’t believe he is that smart. I don’t believe anything about this character. Everything that has been written for the character has come across as flat and one dimensional. No one likes a know it all. Everyone has an Achilles’s heel. If you’re not going to make the villain sympathetic (which technically due to Sam’s sob story we should be) then at least make them menacing (which I also don’t get from Sam). Every time Sam comes around and manages to escape the gang’s clutches, it’s just a poor reflection on them. The excuses for having Sam still around and a so-called viable threat are flimsy at best and an intelligence insulting plot device at worse. I don’t think it’s a coincidence that both Gabe and Vincent told Sam to shut up, it’s almost as if the writers know this character doesn’t deserve the screen time. So the question becomes why not write him better? Tom Scott Everett is a big get and they should have written or adjusted the material to respect that. I just don’t feel like the best is being pulled out of the man and with material like this I totally understand and find it unfortunate. Sorry, if that was too similar to the things I said about Sam in the last review, it still stands and now make that doubly so.
– Well, at least Tess was in more than just the first 10 minutes this week. She’s still pretty, tough, sassy wallpaper. Poor Nina. I feel so bad for her. Where is her character development? Why did she get stuck with the arc of being Gabe’s cheerleader? Why the low key estrangement between her and Cat? Tess couldn’t even get a much deserved birthday party for crying out loud. I just don’t get why they put the character of Tess on the back burner for so long and then they throw this big inorganic leap of so-called character progression at us, only to leave it dangling in the wind. Just ugh! Tess should be more than a cheerleader for Cat and Gabe’s relationship. She should actually be doing for Cat what JT was doing for Vincent, telling her to follow her heart and do what makes her happy.
Vincent – Finally, JT gives a pep talk that I can get behind that isn’t just fluff. I’ve been saying this for quite some time; Vincent will never be the Vincent of old until he realizes that he needs to fight for his own soul and pursue things that will make him his own person and satisfy his idea of what happy looks like. Vincent is a hero and that trait literally runs through his blood. Not only is he a war veteran, he was a doctor AND a firefighter. At the beginning of the season he wanted nothing more than to rid the world of bad beasts. We never really got the chance to see what he would do with a created beast that wasn’t out harming anyone. He took Tori in and started to teach her about being a beast and tried to get her involved in learning about her beastly heritage. He even wanted to save Zavier from Sam. I feel like Zavier was a missed opportunity to rectify the shortcomings of the Tori situation. Give Vincent someone to mentor and train and care about outside of Cat and JT as well as someone he can relate to on level that no one else on the show can.
– You guys know I’m not a shipper but totally understand that Cat and Vincent’s relationship is the crux of the show. I think I’m always fair when I assess their standing from basically an outsider’s point of view (let me know in the comments if you agree or disagree). I enjoy their relationship and what it brings to the narrative of the show as well as their individual character development. I also love the onscreen chemistry between Jay and Kristin and am absolutely without a doubt sure that if it wasn’t these two together BATB would probably not have the fan base that it does. With all that said, I wanted them to put Vincent back together and for him to want things out life for himself. I wanted him to be his own person and have something outside of Cat and even JT before he got back with Cat. I wanted him to reconnect with his nephew, actually grieved the loss of Tori (she should have meant SOMETHING to him on some level if he choose her over Cat) and most of all begin making steps toward becoming a healer once more, since that is where his bliss lies. But no both Cat and Vincent’s character development gets shortchanged once more because they’re destined to be together and can’t be apart to grow and be better for themselves and each other. If their core relationship issues don’t get fixed we are destined to have another contrived split if we are lucky enough to get a season 3. This coming together while inevitable is also a cheap shortcut and very inorganic in my eyes. What I wanted when VinCat got back together was too very strong people in their own right who wanted to come together to and start a new relationship on the up and up. That’s just my two cent, though.
Grade: B-
Awards
Character of the Night
• Vincent, without a doubt. Three weeks in a row, I think that’s a record or some sort.
Best Character Interactions
• Vincent and JT
Line of the Night
• JT: Hey, don’t look at me. I’m just making this crap up.
Scene of the Night
• Vincent doesn’t give up on Zavier and manages to revive him.
Highlights
Favorite Moments
• Cat’s facial expressions every time Gabe talks down to Vincent while she is in the room.
• The big fluffy robe made an appearance.
• The return of the leather jackets (especially Cat’s black and burnt orange one and JT’s jacket)
• Gabe in yet another tight V-neck sweater (Sendhil’s pectoral definition does things to me)
• Tess subtle facial expressions when she talks to Cat (she just wants to yell at Cat to stop being a hot mess and you can’t tell me otherwise)
Favorite Lines
• Vincent (referring to Sam): Can you believe this guy?
• JT: and you let him live?
• JT: So you’re not perfect, what’s more human than that?
• JT: You know maybe should stop thinking about what Cat wants and start doing what you want. (That’s a real bro moment) and see where that leads. What do you want?
• Tess: You’re not going to tell me that’s what separates man from beast next are ya?
Favorite Scenes
• The VinCat kiss
• The VinCat hug
• Vincent saves Zavier
• JT’s pep talk to Vincent about deciding and pursuing his desires.
• Cat and Tess talk about Gabe giving Cat a key to his place.
Repeated Elements
• Ultimatums
• JT pep talks
• Beasts don’t get better they only get worse
• the theme of ‘Man or Beast?’
Theme
• the heart wants what the heart wants, consequences be damned.
Biggest Surprise of the Episode
• VinCat is seemingly back together by the end of this episode.
• Xavier isn’t stuck being a beast.
Grievances List
•.Still no word on what went down with JTnT at the hotel.
• I don’t like the way this love triangle ultimately makes Cat look, which is fickle, needy and not very independent.
• Another car accident, really?
• There was no security at the CIA bunker?
• There was not a huge swarm of government officials after the CIA bunker blew up?
• Sam would have been swooped up immediately and taken off US soil for rendition.
•
Again, there were a whole lot more but I'm choosing to my battles from here on out. If you want to hear the whole conversation be sure to check out the podcast this week.
Burning Questions
1. Is that capsule full of beast blood? Is Sam going to make himself a beast?
2. Sam is way too cocky. But why?
3. Why won’t Sam let Team Beastie help them?
4. What happened to Cat and Tess’s boss?
WTF Moments
• Gabe gives Cat a key to his apartment.
• Gabe waltzes into Vincent’s place unannounced to tell him Cat is his.
• Tess still appears to be on Team Gabe.
• They didn’t just let Vincent kill Sam.
Side Note: If you don’t get this review’s title reference this week, boy will you ever next week.
Polls
Last Week’s Poll Results –BATB Great Debate #14 – Do think VinCat will actually be on the right track by episode 2x16? Well, 73% of pegged it right by saying that they would be.
This Week’s Poll –
BATB Great Debate #15 - How will you feel if VinCat is not back together at the end of 2x16?
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
Facebook Fan Page
Email
Fun Fact: If you like the show Reign and are a Royal like am I, I'm happy to announce that I am now one of the reviewers here on Spoiler TV for Reign. Be sure to check out my review for the show this week!
About the Author
Lilith Hellfire is a 27 year old female who currently resides in NYC, NY. She spends her nights either blogging, DJing or podcasting. She's a rabid fangirl of the following shows: Arrow, Beauty and The Beast, The Originals, Justified, Sons of Anarchy and Revenge. She writes about Beauty and the Beast and Twisted for Spoiler TV.
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Well, now it's your turn to sound off in the comments section below. I look forward to reading your thoughts.
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Thanks for the review.
ReplyDeleteCan't believe I'm the first person to comment!
I love this show. I am all for Vin/Cat reunion. I am really tired of Gabe,,,he needs to move on to somwthing else besides Cat. Tess and JT need some romance time also.
ReplyDeleteI am tired of the Sam arc. Not working. I don't care how VinCat get back together as long as they are together!!! Gabe needs to leave. Great review. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteThanks for reading and commenting. Also your name and icon is just too dang adorable.
ReplyDeleteMy burning question is how Sam is able to keep Vincent from tracking him. Vincent can track everyone except Sam? Why? And there were different pieces of their dreams from last episode that happened in this episode. In Cat's dream, Vincent said the screw Gabe part. He said it in this episode too, only he said it to Gabe. And then the part where she came over to his place and tried to break it off with him, only this time she didn't kill him, she kissed him like they were about to in his dream. It was like both of their dreams intertwined and became reality.
ReplyDeleteYeah, they kind of used the dreams as clever foreshadowing which was cool. I guess Sam knows how to evade all the beastly tricks which begs the question, why we trusted his positive read when he said he had a new victim even though ultimately it was true. Answer: Because it served the plot and no one really cares (at least in the writers' room).
ReplyDeleteThank goodness people agree with the Sam arc. I was thinking I was the only one.
ReplyDeleteYeah, I'm right there with you.
ReplyDeleteGreat review, agree with most of your points. Sam can't turn into a beast he doesn't have the correct DNA. Suppose, just suppose that Gabe is behind Sam's son's death and that's the reason why he keeps letting him go and using the excuse that there isn't enough evidence to prosecute. Plus I thought Gabe quit the precinct so why is he still there? The other thing that pisses me off is Vincent's house is grand central station, anyone can just walk in. The gall he has to walk into Vincent's house and give him an ultimatum like that. Vincent should have kicked him out on his ass. I loved the "screw you Gabe". I'd like to point out that this is the second beast to heal completely after dying and then being revived. Is this how they will eventually heal Vincent? Cat sleeping with Vincent is cheating I agree but we've waited so long to see them together I'm going to overlook the faux pas. Can't wait for next week. May will not come soon enough for me.
ReplyDeleteWe don't actually know if Sam has the gene or not, there are more people out there with it that Muirfield couldn't get their hands on. Yeah, Vincent not locking his door has been a running gag since the beginning of the season. Not sure what it's there to represent.
ReplyDeleteThat is it for me guys...Catherine a cheater screms enough is enough. I won't come back to watch ANY episode anymore. I'm just done. I knew they would rush to put Vincent and Catherine together but I never thought they would go so low.
ReplyDeleteFor God's sake there is no one in the writers room with a Brain??
They decide to create a show based on beauty nd The beast but they never thought they woudl have a season 2, because I Can't understand how terrible this are. I'm done, I literaly done.
You did a great review and Thank you so much for "helping" me To watch the show with your words...You saved my heart for 45 minutes of purely disaster... I saw the promos and I just couldn't believe it. Now i know that this show is no longer for me.
I wish all you fans good luck, but i can't say i'll be said to see Batb canceled. I will write the names of the writers and producers, if they come nearly close of my other shows will be hell to pay.
Thanks! I'm soooo tires of Sam, Gabe and Cat!!! How are the writers gonna fix this mess??? Can't get why Cat is acting like this, why Gabe is such an ass and Sam, (I don't even get why he's still here! Jay is awesome!! Great performance as always!
ReplyDeleteI understand your frustration. I feel like next week a majority of the beasties might be throwing in towel right along with you. I've heard quite a few good things about the last three episodes of the season so hopefully, eventually you'll watch those.
ReplyDeleteI understand that everyone is upset with Catherine cheating but thats what you can get when so many people are trying to control you and you don't admit your true feelings. Tess said it early in the episode about Cats dream, your father put those ideas in your head about being a beast hunter. Gabe is controling her, her father is controling her and even Tess telling her she is all for the beast cool off earlier in the year. Every thing is screaming you shouldnt be with Vincent!!! But she naturally can't resist the pull to Vincent. In my opinion Gabe was foolish to get involved with her so quickly especially when he knows how clear their pill is still at this time. He set himself up for this failure, i am sorry but it is true.
ReplyDeleteAbsolutly loved the bromance between JT & Vincent, it was priceless and he is a really amazing friend. I am disapointed that Tess is not seeing the warning signs with Cat and helping her make better choices.
The car wreck was so funny and showed me that the pull and chemistry comes natural for VinCat.
I loved this episode and feel like Sam is just a stepping stone to the real Villans this season.
I've stopped taking the show too seriously and just enjoyed watching the great cast. I still enjoyed the show in spite of all the plot holes. We all knew VinCat would end up together but is was an akward ride. VinCat together in the upside-down car was great TV. I LOL'd several times. I agree that the cheating Cat was a disappointment, the kiss was more than enough to get the point across.
ReplyDeleteKeep in mind that Vincent had been watching over Cat for 10 years which made their attraction toward each other so believable. The writers somehow lost sight of that. The Vincent-Tori kiss was forgivable, but Cat and Gabe consummating their "Relationship", before the 3rd date no less, was jumping the shark. Down hill from there. Epic love doesn't work that way. The cast deserves a 3rd season but the writers need to appreciate what they have (or had). Thanks for the review.
I understand where you are coming from, but I have to disagree immensely on several of your points.
ReplyDeleteFirst of all, with Cat's characterization, I am not surprised of how 'needy' she has become since the first season. Yes, at the start of the series, Catherine was independent; she didn't need a guy to tell what to do or where to go in her life. However, when she became intertwined with Vincent, in the first season, they made their love more about their 'coincidental' encounters than anything else. Vincent saved her; therefore, I think--in the back of his mind--he feels like it's only natural to fall in love with her. He fell in love with her because, in the pit of his darkness, she was the light (even during his ten years of hiding when he would check up on her). Catherine had this mental notion of a savior--Vincent. She didn't know it at the time, but when he saved her again 9 years later, she fell for him because 'it only felt natural' as well as because he was a 'new' project she could fix. I'm sure she didn't see it that way, but if you look at the facts of her past, she fell for the 'bad' boy once again, repeating a pattern. I know it sounds shallow, but because of these two factors for Vincent & Catherine, I feel like I understand why the writers chose to re-root their love; what "if" the situation were reversed? It's a great 'chiasmus' to play with. My point being, Catherine--through the evolution of S1--depended more on Vincent. That 'need' for Vincent echoed through her desperation to find him during that three month lapse. So, yeah, Catherine is fickle. She's confused. Tell me, in real life, are people not allowed to change based upon surrounding situations?
(To be continued)
Part 2:
ReplyDeleteAnother thing; JT's pep talks. I'm sure I've mentioned this before, but
I, for one, love his pep talks. As of right now, JT is Vincent's anchor
to his humanity. V may not realize it, but JT is more than a best
friend--especially at this point in the series. (besides, JT even made a
great one-liner about his pep-talks).
Yes, Tess has lost some
of her spark, but I believe it's because she hasn't been with a guy in a
while. We still don't know what's up with JT&T (I'll give you
that), but I find Tess to be Cat's anchor to her sanity. If not for
Tess, I'm sure Cat would go insane by now. Tess helps Cat see things
clearly (even if it isn't something to our liking).
Oh, and another thing to add to Cat: I don't see her as a cheater. Okay, yes, she's 'with Gabe,' but now she slept with Vincent. If you noticed, throughout the episode, everything VINCAT-wise was spontaneous. Cat did not plan to bump into V (literally) on the street. She did not plan to hug him when she did. She also did not plan to have sex with him (which, clearly, she does). The whole episode was all about spontaneity in terms of VINCAT. Cat is obviously confused and conflicted between mind and heart. (mind being Gabe, heart being Vincent). She is bound to 'do' things that will continue to confuse her. Until she can firmly tell NO to Gabe, she's going to continue to be confused.
(to be continued)
Good review.Fans still want Vincat together and hopefully the last episode before the break,will put them together, and they can get rid of Gabe.Everyone almost hates his character now which isn't good.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you.
ReplyDeleteTotally agree with you comments smallville999.
ReplyDeletePart 3: Time to address the rest of your grievance list:
ReplyDelete"Another car accident, really?"
~What's wrong with car accidents? It is a repeated theme, yes, but if you think about it, a car accident brought Catherine & Vincent closer together in S1 (before the whole Alex debacle).
~A car accident tore them apart (Daddy Reynolds)
~A car accident 'brings them together' literally (I think you see this pattern)
I actually like the pattern, if I say so myself. :) Like the episode, car accidents are also spontaneous...something we can't control. It's the same with VINCAT; they are physically unable to control themselves around one another. ;)
"There was no security at the CIA bunker?"
~There was one guard at the CIA Bunker. There was no need for more security, because, I assure you, the CIA were probably not thinking "Oh! Gotta have extra security today! A beast is going to try and break into the facility!" The servers were guarded by low oxygen levels--something no "human" without a mask can get to. If an intruder walks in with a mask, they're bound to be noticed; the guard would have killed any normal intruder right away.
"There was not a huge swarm of government officials after the CIA bunker blew up?"
~How do we know there wasn't? There's only 40 minutes in an episode; everything cannot happen 'on screen.' The bottom of the building was, as you said, 'blown up.' Before government officials can even go to a building with an explosion, Firemen have to evacuate the building and assess the building to make sure it is safe before re-entering. (why no firemen? because we only see the 40 minutes that are crucial to the show; we cannot see everything we would like to see).
"Sam would have been swooped up immediately and taken off US soil for rendition."
~In what part of the episode did Sam commit 'rendition?'
Definition of rendition (from Google:) "the practice of sending a foreign criminal or terrorist suspect
covertly to be interrogated in a country with less rigorous regulations
for the humane treatment of prisoners."
Again, I ask, where did you see this? (I'm not trying to refute it; I'm trying to understand this point).
Thanks for reading my three comment long babble. Please enlighten me though with your thoughts, Lilith. Just a question, how many times have you seen the episode? Perhaps you might see it differently if you watch it again?
Just curious as to why you think a majority of the beasties might throw in the towel? Is that because she still cannot get rid of Gabe?
ReplyDeleteActually, rendition isn't just for foreign criminals anymore, it's been known to happen to American citizens as quiet as that is kept. Everyone is entitled to their own opinions and enjoy what they enjoy on the show. I've watched this episode 4 times BTW. I just expect more than what I've been given is all.
ReplyDeleteMan so many Beasties are so touchy about their precious VinCat when in reality the show when have been a whole better had they not pressured the writers to take so many shortcuts and detours that they could be back together so haphazardly. Thanks for the review. Sometimes when I read your review and read the comments it seems like your hyperbole and sarcasm usually goes over almost everyone else's head. To quote a little Shakespeare:The lady doth protest too much, methinks.
ReplyDeleteI just wished that as the season progressed it would have become LESS polarizing rather than more. In your words we have become 'that fandom' in a lot of ways which is a shame. I'm done after next week and wish the fans the best of luck with renewal.
I really enjoy Tuesdays so I can read your review Lilith. I have said before that I appreciate that you stand up and say what most of us have been t hinking for so many months. Though it has been said on so many fansite for so many months, the WTF has happened to this season, as you write a review you have the credibility, so I am hoping the writer's read them at least. I cannot imagine Brad Kerns as his ego would not allow him too.
ReplyDeleteAs far as the episode goes, the ending now THAT was a Significant VinCat moment, not the pathetic excuse for what we saw in the Valentine episode (sorry Sherri and Jennifer, I love you guys and know you are Vincat shippers, and in my opinion the biggest mistake made this year and the reason why the season is in so much trouble is that the reins should never have been taken away from you two in the first place), but what were you thinking?)
Other than the obvious things I have been writing for so long about the things this season, there is one thing that is really pissing me off. I know fans don't get what they want all the time but I do feel that to do things right, you have to listen to your audience at least some of the time. Right from the get go when there were spoilers about love triangles there was an outcry from the fans-don't do it. Test the love, develop the characters but don't do the love triangles. But of course, did anyway. The Tori triangle, though painful to watch was not so bad as far as what we saw. We kinds knew there were in some sort of physical relationship but didn't really see anything till the last episode she was in. The one kiss was edited out for whatever reason, whether it was the outcry of fans-don't know. Then the Gabe/Cat. For some reason t his relationship had to be shoved down our throats, along with Gabe being shoved down our throats. The past 4 episodes we have in our face the kisses, though passionless, the bed scene, the vacation in Cancun, at every opportunity we see Gabe and Cat together. The ratings have not improved though some might like to think so. And I am pretty sure one big reason is the disgust at this whole Cat/Gabe relationship. It is sad to me that no one seems to care what the fans think or want. Even now, with one episode left before hiatus, we still don't know if Cat and Gabe will be over. We already know VinCat not back till after hiatus but find me one fan who can stomach Gabe and Cat still being together at the end of 216. Austin is right about one thing this season, the Shakespearean connection-Will wrote tragedies of which to me what happened to Beauty and the Beast this season is one.
Shows grow and evolve and sometimes you fall out of love with a show. I'm on the verge. I'm not a shipper, I'm here for the girl power, the friendships, the clever dialog, cool myth arc, interesting villains and strong lead characters which are sorely lacking for the most part this season. JT is the glue and even his wash, rinse, repeat pep talk routine is wearing thin. So many set backs and disappointments when it didn't have to be this way. I'm going down with the ship but I thought I'd at least be happier than am I.
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping by and commenting on the thread. Enjoyed our Twitter conversation earlier.Too many downs and not enough ups. I was bored out of mind during the Sam parts, fuming during the Cat and Gabe scenes and wondering about JTnT during commercial breaks.
ReplyDeleteIn my opinion, I don't think it was actually the fans who pressured the writers' to put VinCat back together so haphazardly. It was the networks decision to put show on hiatus that changed the order of things. Maybe if the writer's had actually listened to the fans all along, then more people would have been engaged and the ratings would not have been so dismal.
ReplyDeleteYes, it seems like considering that this was suppose to be a whole season story and we keep being told that it is a whole season story and we have to let the writer's tell that story, there really isn't a lot of cohesiveness to it. So many questions after each episode and so many questions left unanswered from before.
ReplyDeleteThis review column has been a downer for a while now. I can feel the life getting sucked out of me as I read through. Just saying.
ReplyDeleteWell, there is another reviewer on Spoiler TV for the show. Sorry my truth of how I see the show and still manage to find good in every episode sucks the life out of you.
ReplyDeleteHi Lilith! Thanks for the objective reviews!
ReplyDeleteIt is really sad watching how they are killing their own show... Just take a look at Dallas for example, nothing special, the are bringing the same (predictable, boring) elements again and again, and? Already Season3! In BATB they always want to do something 'big', 'game changing' - I have the feeling - and it ends usually badly
My theory is that Gabe(Sendhil) is still present because of some financial/production reasons behind. But honestly? if really only 3% of the US actors community is engaged, why did they not find another character/actor in 2 minutes? (No offense, Sendhil, I know you have family to work for), instead of giving us a ridiculous 'resurrection' arc of Gabe
And probably you know that better than me: what happened to Kelly Souders (producer)? In S1 somehow the best eps (1x15, 1x16) were connected to her in my mind... Again: probably financial reasons :-(
Great review :) very good work. Great #BATB episode and i want to know what is going on betwen JT and Tess to, please give us some answers, its killing me :)
ReplyDeleteExcellent episode!!! Nice review.
ReplyDeleteThank you Kimberly, you understand and I understand what the writers are thinking this season.
ReplyDeleteThank you Kimberly. You and I both understand what the writers are thinking this season. Finally someone else other than myself gets it. Thank you again.
ReplyDeleteThat is what a review is however. It is meant to look at what works in an episode and what doesn't work and actually if you read through the other reviews, they say much the same thing. I appreciate Lilith's honesty and like everything else it is her perspective. I work in a profession where we get feedback all the time and the only way to ever make anything better for the people I am trying to engage is to take those elements that are working and expand on them and take the elements that are not working and improve them. It is only fair that all of the dedicated fans get something out of this show, and what has been presented this season has not worked for everyone, while I respect where you are coming from I am glad that someone is finally trying to make the writers take a good hard look at what is happening this season, and make it more enjoyable for ALL the fans.
ReplyDeleteHi Kim,l like reading your take on things too but a few questions. You mentioned that SO1 love was based on coincidence and that is what led to the love and it seemed the right thing to do to fall in love. Aren't you saying the same thing here though as you just mentioned all the VINCAT moments in this episode were on spontaneity which are pretty close to coincidences.
ReplyDeleteThe other question I have is, aside from your opinion or my opinion of what the season is or not is, I am questioning what they have done with the characters. I see what they are doing with Cat and even why. I think we all get that she is struggling with mind over heart. but the whole character development for all the characters has been unbalanced in my view. Last year both Tess and JT had their own thing going on and this year, they are all about Tess in Gabe's corner, she really hasn't been in Cat's. If she was she would be making Cat try to see where her feelings are and she should have done that from the beginning when Vincent was changed but right from the get go Tess was against Vincent, who saved her and everyone's life several times, and pushing Cat to Gabe.
Then JT, we saw little of him the first 8 episodes, slowly we are seeing more but again he exists solely to give Vincent his pep talks and we are not seeing any of his own story.I love his pep talks and agree he is the key to V humanity, but would the real JT and Tess please stand up.Then there is Gabe who has been in almost every scene in every episode from the beginning. Do you agree that was the right thing to do? To me it seems like the whole season has been building up Gabe to be with Cat and it has taken up a lot of air time that could have been spent on answering other burning questions it seems everyone has. We all get Gabe needed to redeem himself but to me it is over the top.
So well said...the entire season has shoved creepy Gabe down our throats. Trying to make him a goodie was such a mistake and pairing him with Cat (absolutely no chemistry) was the doom of the show. Noone wanted that...he should have stayed a baddie...he was better (not great) at that. The writers never cared for one minute what the audience wanted/needed and I think that is the main job of a good writer..to capture and entertain their audience. All this season did was turn the viewers away...each episode worse than the one before. They could have used the memory loss as a reason to split vincat and actually let both of them be on their own and discover who they were (like they claimed they would) and slowly find their way back to each other. But the writers decided to make Vincent an abuser...Catherine a cheater and weak, need gal and Gabe a goodie (sorry he still as creepy...even more...than he was in S1 but at least he was supposed to be creepy then) Gabe is so non essential to this show that his character has thrown the entire show out of wack...basically broken what was beautiful and epic.
ReplyDeleteI surely can't figure out why Gabe is still present ....financial? Maybe ...or maybe just a friend of a friend (BK?)
ReplyDeleteThanks for the review !
ReplyDeleteI REALLY cannot take Gabe anymore . He should had stayed dead in S1 , it was bad enough to have him back , but then to have him during so so many episodes sniffing around Cat as a creepy boyfriend was just a show killer for me. He turned the show from a show I loved , to a show that frustrated me each week. Each week I hoped it was the last Gabe one , and each week was a big disappointment. And after watching the new promo I can see he will continue in next episode as Cat's boyfriend . OMG..Please, enough of him ! Bring back Beauty and the Beast! No Gabe ! This has hurt the ratings big time, sigh,
in JT's words... *us? choir!* now if only the writers could hear our prayers... honestly I'm at the point I would have rather seen Gabe die than TORI!!! and that believe me is saying something!!
ReplyDeleteamen to every word!! I love angst so I would definitely not have been against the breakup, on the contrary, it would have made me anticipate the awesome reunion even more and made me come back eagerly every week just to see their progress... i would have not even minded the *other love INTERESTS* (*interest* no new boyfriend/girlfriend or screw!! you can be *interested*, take a look around and connsider your options, but that doesn't mean that it has to or will go any further!!) but not the way it was done... they just ruined the essence of VinCat by making them sleep so easily with other people, when they weren't even over, or barely over, each other... that doesn't scream *epic* to me in any way or form! more like desperate actually!
ReplyDeleteEpic would have been for them to find their way to each other, even after 20 episodes if the writers had seen fit, but BEFORE they could cross so many lines they won't ever really be able to get back from!
I agree with Kimberley! In a way, Cat is also 'brainwashed' by Gabe- he is manipulating her. We must remember , V went through the whole :'Who am I' with himself, and finally knew and now knows who he wants to be. Cat is now going through that- 'Who am I', and in the process she is also making the wrong choices, doing things not in her character, all confused, denying her feelings for V, etc. She didn't cheat on Gabe - she is cheating herself, denying her feelings for Vincent- and it's utterly confusing to her, the turmoil of feelings within her. I do think that the Gabe/Cat arc has been going long enough now, but I understand the arc, first V finding himself, now Cat- she also very obviously only feels affection towards Gabe, him reminding her all the time how he has made up for everything he has done - brainwash again, and she is falling into that trap. In a way V & Cat is going through the same things emotionally- and I still think there is something very sinister about Gabe, and it's slowly emerging. I will only be able to tolerate more of Gabe-if he turns bad , lol!!- At least that will turn VINCAT against him! Once Cat knows who she really is as a person, she'll know what she wants, and obviously, that is Vincent,. I understand where the writers are going with this and why. The show is called Beauty and the Beast, not Beauty and the Gabe ;)
ReplyDeleteGood observation on the crashes, i hadn't put that togather but you are right. Loved it thanks!
ReplyDeleteBut the question is, when is that going to happen? I can deal with VinCat not being together till after hiatus, as long as I get more of what we saw in 215 but will you or anyone else feel satisfied if Gabe and Cat are not done by the end of 216? I understand and I think everyone else does why the writers are doing what they are doing, but enough of the Gabe show! He has worn out his welcome, people are looking for an end to that part of the arc and it really needs to happen in 216. I honestly think and I will say this to the cows come home, the Gabe/Cat thing is killing the ratings right now. Our ratings have not improved. Maybe more live dvr but that is not what calls the shots, right or wrong. We really have one more episode to boost the ratings. The writers knew that as soon as Mark P. brought the axe down, so why are we still seeing Gabe and Cat? It is not like they did not have time to change some things. They did and sometimes you need to sit down in the writer's room and say okay we have 4 more episodes, the ratings are not improving, how can we give the viewers what they want, and still follow our vision. They could have ended it at 211 when Gabe said you are not ready and she could have been on her own and discovered who she wanted and become the strong Cat again.
ReplyDeleteThank you for saying everything I wanted to say. I'm so tired of seeing Catherine reduced to... this (I don't even know how to name it).
ReplyDeleteI keep watching the show every week hoping it'll get better, but it's one disappointment over the other.
Lately, I just look at my screen and think "Where the heck went Beauty and the Beast"?
Loved the review. Loved the episode (2.15) I have watched 5 times so far and I loved the car-crash scene! Makes me laugh every time.
ReplyDeleteJay Ryan is enormously skillful in portraying Vincent. Great review.
ReplyDeleteThank you for your comment. I've watched TV for many years too and mainly interested in horror/Sci-fi shows. Never addicted to any show, but #BatB. Comedies seldom make me laugh, but #BatB makes me lol. Romantic shows put me to sleep, but #BatB awakes my dormant emotions. (I started off watching S2 and went on Netflix to watch S1.) I am very thankful to the amazing performance of JR, KK, AB and N. JR & KK's on-screen chemistry is off the chart. A little bit of everything is my kind of show. #Batb is the only show that I post comments.
ReplyDeleteWonderful review! I'm not sure what I'm going to think if Gabe and Cat aren't done by the end of 2x16. I know Cat and Vincent won't be together by the hiatus, but as long as she gives Gabe the boot, I can deal. Also. there are people that think Cat did not cheat after the last episode. Last I checked, kissing, sleeping with someone while you are in a relationship with someone else is cheating! No matter how much I despise Gabe, or how happy I was to see them be together like that again after so long, no matter how out in the blue, never meant to happen it was! It did happen and she knew exactly what she was doing when she kissed Vincent. I don't like how they pushed them together so quickly like that but something is better than nothing! But I guess Cat and Vincent are even now in a ways. They had Vincent cheat as well when he kissed Tori, and there was a huge uproar over that.
ReplyDeleteThanks for your review. I think BATB has improving gradually since the episode 2x11.
ReplyDeleteI loved the Hug and Kisses Scenes from VinCat - this exceeds my expectations.
The final scene, on Vincent's boat was fantastic. Of course I would like to see more, but the Interpretation of Kristin and Jay is so fantastic, that give us imagination (dream) about what comes after.
I don't understand how everybody can consider Gabe as an angel.
I'm disappointed with some actions from Cat too. I hope that the writers have taken care for Cat doesn’t seem an immoral woman in the next episodes.
For me, JT and Vincent made all the difference.
OMG! I can't believe that Cat don't finish with Gabe in the next episode - we don't deserve it. I want see VinCat at the end from all next episodes, as old times.
ReplyDeleteI think it's very clear that no one consider Gabe an angel. If he's indeed a good guy or not, it still have to be proved because the writers are making him really bad since Cat gave him bed-aproval. I don't know what's the real intention behind it, but it's clear to me that the writers don't actually believe he's a good guy.
ReplyDeleteI can't speak for anyone else, only me. But I can say about my impression of the fans' reaction and I think it reflects my own.
To me, it's not about Cat cheating on Gabe. He's a bad boyfriend and a low man. He literally took advantage of Cat and Vincent's weakest points to creep into her life and make himself essential to her. Now, Cat's just like her old girlfriend (forgot her name). She also did everything he asked without questioning (including plotting to kill several people). Therefore, I don't pity him for being cheated on.
The point is making Catherine a cheater. It was bad enough they did this to Vincent. Now, they're making the same to her so they can be even. That's just wrong.
And, as you said, I'm positive they'll make Cat an immoral woman next episode. I'm afraid they'll put her fully accepting Gabe and sleeping with him again, maybe even accepting his apartment's key.
That's the real reason for my indignation.
Hi, Thank you so much for replying to me. I'm really sad about This season. Imaginemy frustration, i fought for this season, i sent a book for the president of CW to save Batb and that was the payment i received.
ReplyDeleteA sexist as a Showrunner, a bunch of idiot as writers... People can say what they want, but If things were other way, Catherine was with Vincent and slept with Gabe, everyone would be scream how a cheater she was. I'm not a fan of Gabe, but if she is in a relationship then she is a cheater. Writers did that so thing could be balanced between them. The difference is, Vincent betrayed Catherine with Tori and Alex, Catherine cheated on Gabe with VINCENT.
I knew that there wasn't any way they could bring Vincat back that would be realistic, that i would be happy. BUT this was a punch square in MY mouth. True love is about choices too, no matter what happen in the end of the day you choose that person.
That is not what happen with Vincent and Catherine. Vincent only choses Catherine when there is no other woman available, Catherine is so out of her mind that she goes for the first man that she can rub in Vincent's face.
My money on next episode goes to Catherine will still be with Gabe and they only will be separated Because GABE won't forgive her for the betrayal and She will realize(not before, not in the middle) AFTER, that Vincent is the one for her.
And I still have to listen to Kern saying that THIS is an EPIC LOVE.
I'm not even talking about Jt and Tess because is beyond me. THey basically got two great actors and said "We don't care abou you." It's seems to me, that producers, Kern... Writers, don't know how to work with more than two or three characters at time. Because every single episode, I look at one of them and think "WHAT THE HE**?"
I truly wish i would say "when Things start to be ok i will come back", but I give up. every single time I think, "things can't get any worse, they do".
Thank you for your incredible review, I stopped watching Batb for a while , but I still came here so i could see if it was worth it. Sadly, I don't have stomach anymore. This time I'm done for good. No more, episodes, no more reviews.
I still have one thing to say to the writers. Beasties, I'm really sorry but this will be said during the episode on Monday on twitter. I have to thank them for their ingratitude and terrible job.
Good Luck with the show everyone!!
Wilma, so very well said! I agree wholeheartedly with you! Thank you!
ReplyDeleteThat's the reason i think they made Catehrine cheat on Gabe so they could be in only Kern's mind "In the same place". Muifield was such a strong and important thing on season1. They had eyes and ears everywhere and now it's all over. 8 episodes and Muirfield is gone...Really? What happen with Catherine's adopted father? Why they killed him? There are so many questions from season 1 and now Two that i will never get the answers, especialy because Kern made perfectly clear that what happened in season 1 stayed in season and It's over. Anyway, i couldn't agree more with you.
ReplyDeleteOh, no, Lilith! Please don't say that you are on the verge of falling out of love with this terrific show! We have to be positive and trust that the writers will bring VinCat together. We need a Season 3! Thank you.
ReplyDeleteWay too many loose ends, you said it correctly. Even in this season, are they still interested in the necklace, whats it all about with Cats heritage? Where is Vincent's nephew? I know Sam is the focus right now, but its like they abandoned these other parts in the plot in favour of the love triangle and Cat/Gabe and all the drama that comes with it. I would rather see more time given to the main plot and get these questions answered. Perhaps we just have to get past the next episode hopefully where we can get back on track. But yeah we, may never get those questions answered from season 1. Its disappointing to me also.
ReplyDeleteSorry, I thought you meant the fandom. Yes, I agree, the characters think he's a good guy. I think the only person that really knows what's his true colors is Bio-Dad, but he'll do everything in his power to get Vincent out of Cat's life, including give her in a silver plate to a former murderer.
ReplyDeleteSexist is the term. Thank you for saying that. I'm actually shocked to see WOMEN supporting this storyline and saying it's romantic.
ReplyDeleteSorry and I say this with the utmost respect for your opinion, but I think most of us fans get what the writers are thinking this season. I have a Master's Degree in Education, so I am pretty sure I can figure out where the season is going plus we were told right from the start what the vision was for the season. I don't think the problem is that we don't see where the writer's are going I think and it is evident from the ratings and comments all these months, it is the presentation of that vision that is getting people upset. Some of us believed in the love story from season 1 and didn't think it needed to be torn apart and built back up in this destructive way. But everyone takes something different from the show. What surprises me is that this season was all about a new love story and new characters etc and all you see on twitter, fansites and even from spoilers is that it is not a new love story but the same one just rekindled with the same characters. from season 1 that most of us seem to want back.
ReplyDeleteThank you for saying that, maureen. I actually think is offensive when I see people saying that "they get what the writers want for the story" as if the ones that don't like what's on the screen were less smart than them.
ReplyDeleteIt's pretty clear what the writers want. That's actually one of these writers flaws, IMO, because it's just too obvious and there's absolutely no surprises or things to hope for.
The lack of depth and respect for their own fanbase is what is making people jump the ship, not the fact that people don't understand this pretty obvious and lame story arc.
Ana Paula, I just wanted to comment on your post. You have read my mind on EVERY point!!!! It's amazing that EVERY SINGLE point you made is what I have been feeling/thinking. Like you, I stopped watching BAtB a while ago but I visit message boards to see what's going on. Like you, I am done. Kern and his writers have completely destroyed what was once a beautiful love story. I could have put up with VinCat being separated for most of the season but I draw the line with love triangles. They crossed way too many lines with Gabe and Tori and that was the end for me.
ReplyDeleteDid we EVER imagine that Vincent would cheat on Catherine, or Catherine would be cheating too??!! NEVER! I just had a feeling that the writers would destroy Cat's character because they couldn't realistically redeem Vincent for all the horrendous things he did in Season 2 and the way he treated Cat...so they had to reduce her to his level - now they're 'equals'! It's disgusting! I've NEVER in my life seen such character assassination done to this extreme.
I could go on an on but it's all been said before by others. I've felt such relief since I stopped watching BatB. I feel like I got my life back, because I had invested so much of my time for this show - watching it over and over and supporting it any way I can. I sent books too - I sent about 8 to the CW President....for what? This CRAP?! Take care my dear and all the best
Hey, I'd like to suggest something - I plan on writing the CW President to consider doing Season 2 all over again with a new show runner and writers. This is the ONLY way I would consider watching BATB again. Giving fans a Season 3 would not erase all the horrendous memories and images that were in Season 2. Take care.
I appreciate your opinion and I have the utmost respect for your opinion as well, so I'm going to try to clarify my opinion with the utmost respect to everyone. I have a Master's Degree and a PhD in Psychology, does that mean that I have common sense as well, because I'm well educated? The people who take offense to the opinions of others is nothing more than their own perceptions about themselves. It has nothing to do with the other person stating their opinion. That's the whole problem with this world, we worry too much about how other people perceive us and not worry to much about how we perceive ourselves. In the end, that's all that should matter, is how we perceive ourselves, after all, we only have one person (God) to answer to at the end of our lives, not each other.
ReplyDeleteI agree with the theory about Gabe and Reynolds don't let VinCat in peace, but I don't know nothing about silver plate, that you say.
ReplyDeleteHave a nice day Adele!
ReplyDeleteYou too Maureen!
ReplyDeleteI am wondering why you continue to review a show that you don't like and don't seem to want to understand. It is interesting to me that this website has two reviewers, one who gets it and one who does not. It seems like you are here just to give the haters a place to hang out and bitch about this show. There are at least 6 other sources that I read who review this show and they all get it! Why in the heck do people spend their time commenting on a show they don't even watch like some mentioned below. Because if your reviews are the only thing they are reading about this show, of course they hate it. No one has to like a TV show, but if you dislike it so much, just stop watching it. What possible use is there to continuing to be negative. Anyone who actually watched Catch Me and was not affected by the last scene, is not a fan and does not get what this story is about. And that is fine, but turn the channel and watch something else. Your PS above says to promote this and all positive BATB articles that you can on social media. REALLY you think this was positive???
ReplyDeleteThank you for saying what I have felt after reading all of the above comments. Lilith if this review is indeed the only one that many viewers or potential fans read then it would turn them off in droves. That's hardly promoting a positive campaign to get S3. Honest reviews are well and good to a point but if they are to the detriment of a show fighting for it's life, a show that many of us believe in and love then this lets the team down. Do I like everything about the S2 story lines - hell no, but I focus on the parts I love and let them be my guide, not focus on parts that at the end of the day don't serve anyone by analysing to the death in a negative fashion. And my problem with all of the negative stuff is that many fans don't know where to draw the line and then tag the actors, crew and writers into comments and social media posts that they don't deserve to get. Some of it is appalling and reviews like this don't help in my opinion. People start to feel justified to vent their anger inappropriately and that just leaves a sour taste in everyone's mouth.
ReplyDeleteMuch like what some have already said here, I don't understand why you need to be this negative about a show that is already struggling to get more viewers and get the ratings up, and fans that maybe interested read this and what do u think they will think? Because if I hadn't been watching this amazing show from the start I most certainly wouldn't now. I'm sorry I honestly don't mean to be rude but you are not helping this show at all with these constant negative reviews lately. I assume u want BATB to do well? You could have fooled me.
ReplyDeleteNo one is saying Lilith isn't entitled to her own opinion we all are, but I don't get why the negativity and bringing up cheating....We are fighting tooth and nail to get a 3rd season by being positive on social media sites, whether it's reviews, articles or whatever, why can't reviewers talk about the nice things instead of constantly focusing on the negative. I've read other articles and not one has been this down about the episode.
ReplyDeleteand maybe people will want to see what all the discussions are about-any show that incites this much passion just might be worth watching.
ReplyDelete1. Perhaps 'coincidental' was not the right word to use. Perhaps this might make things clearer:
ReplyDeleteVincent & Catherine's relationship was unique, yes, in S1, but founded on 'an ends of the universe' type of circumstance. Because of Vincent's beast, he was in hiding. Catherine protects his secret. Basically, as Catherine said in episode 9 of S1, she likes not having to have to share Vincent with the world. Vincent fell in love with Catherine because she was the light within his darkness (as I have said before). Catherine fell in love with Vincent because (1) he saved her, (2) he was the only one she could be honest with due to the lies she had to tell, (3) he had a connection to her past, (4) it felt right. What I'm trying to say is that Vincent & Catherine met by coincidence (they had no idea who one another was, but they were linked to Muirfield). Unlike anyone else, Vincent could understand the trauma Catherine went through when watching her mother die at the hands of Muirfield. People thought she was crazy when she saw a beast; he confirmed her she wasn't. It's hard to explain, but because neither could share each other with the world (Vincent couldn't share Catherine with the world because he couldn't be a part of the outside world), it was almost as if they created their own little world , and that they were the only two in it. (now, doesn't it make sense that the last two people (male & female) in the world would feel as if there was no choice but to fall in love?)
In Season 2, however, the situation changed drastically. Vincent has no memory of Catherine; she has to share him with his handler, and realize that the Vincent she knew and love was not the same Vincent she was dating. When Vincent goes on all of these missions, Catherine struggles with it because he is not her little secret anymore. Later, after they break up, Vincent goes public. Now, even though VINCAT have broken up, Catherine still protects him, but like I said, the situation has changed drastically. I think...in S2...in regards to VINCAT, nothing 'happens by coincidence.' I say 'spontaneous' because Vincent and Catherine are deeply connected more than they even realize. The hug and the kiss was not a coincidence--it was destined. Spontaneous? Yes, because it did happen in the moment, but ViNCAT are more than just linked in the 'coincidence' sense; their soulmates. Them coming back together is bound to happen.
I guess, if you completely forget about S2 and just look at S1, everything looks 'coincidental' because before S2, we don't know how deep Vincent & Catherine's relationship is. However, if put next to S2, S1 love seems less coincidental and more like 'it's the natural thing to do.' In S2, their love is not based on the natural thing because they have to re-meet one another, and fall in love not because destiny says to or because it's right, but because it's what they 'want.' Vincent, more than ever, realizes how much he wants Catherine to be with him... in the beginning of S2, Vincent's groin wanted Catherine but not his heart. (he slept with Tori mainly because they were two beasts so it seemed like the natural thing to do but he didn't love her). Now, Vincent realizes what Catherine means to him; through being her 'friend' and treating her as a 'friend,' he has learned to love her with his heart. Catherine, right now, loves Vincent with her heart (she just has built up walls during her relationship with Gabe because she's too afraid to admit the fact that she loves Vincent and not Gabe.) She has never once said she loves Gabe; I think she 'wants' to love him, but she can't admit it. The 'love' she might have for Gabe is all in her head, and she must realize how to make her mind follow her heart.
Make sense? (sorry for typing so much)
2. I don't necessarily think Tess is in Gabe's corner. Tess is pro-Cat so she'll support Cat in whatever way possible. Cat wants to be with Vincent for the first part of S2; she's down with it, and doesn't want to intervene, but I think, based on the pain Vincent's disappearance has caused for her friend, Tess feels like Gabe--who, at the point in the season--is trying to redeem himself, could be a genuine guy for Cat. Yes, Tess kind of eggs Gabe on/ teases him, but even though she knows of Gabe's feelings for Cat, she never once tries to convince Cat to date the ADA.
ReplyDeleteI also think Tess starts feeling weary around Vincent because of the killing of Li Zhao. V is beastlier than from before so Tess worried for C when C wants to try and humanify Vincent again. I think Tess was supporting Cat, but at the same time, glad that G cared for Cat in case things fell apart with Vincent (which they did). However, I do think that Tess could have laid off of on the whole Gabe thing, and just offered her own shoulder for Cat to cry on. That, I wish would have happened, but we can't always get what we want, can we? :/
3. Yes, I kind of wish they would expand more with JT. I am kind of curious if he still has a teaching job at Hudson University.
4. I agree with the part with Gabe. He definitely is getting too much show time. I have a feeling that they're building Gabe's character up for a reason...I feel like he won't be the respectable ADA much longer... (but that's just my theory).
I guess the reason I feel that Tess has been too much inGabe's corner as that seems to be her sole purpose this season and that is so not the Tess we know and love. I don't see her as being so supportive of Cat this year as you do. I feel let down with the character development this year. I understand what they were trying to do and why, though I don't agree with it. I just think it would have been more palatable for more fans in a different way, but just the way I see it.
ReplyDeleteOkay I see and understand where you are going and I like it. I guess the only thing I see differently is for me their epic love started in season 1 and was still there in season 2 but buried or on hiatus, so to speak, because of changes. What was still connecting them throughout even Vincent's darkest side was Cat's heartbeat. I have loved that connection t his year. Now I see that through everything you are saying that love has resurfaced but never went away. I don't see that kind of love as ever disappearing and needing to start again, but I do agree there is a different facet to it this year.
ReplyDeleteI couldn't agree more with you and i still have to listening people saying that My opinion only push people away and that I'm not a loyal person. I'm really sorry, but my loyalty goes for people who doesn't underestimates my intelligence, and that's what Batb has been doing.
ReplyDeleteWhat pushed fans away was the storyline, So half of the viewers give up and there is nothing wrong with the show?? Last year I used to say that Batb didn't have the ratings the show deserved, now I have to say that they are way above. It's sad, really sad, but that's the truth.
Hi, thank you so much for your words, its good to see that I'm not the only one. Specially because lately, (not in this site thank god), I've been receving a lot of hatred from beasties. Like it's my fault the show is almost canceled.
ReplyDeleteI couldn't have used better words "I've NEVER in my life seen such character assassination done to this extreme." I wonder what Jay Ryand And KK think about it.
Kern arrived and tried to creat a new show, new characters and well we all know how that turned out. Like I said i wrote all the names of producers and writers, The CW has a way to "recycle" and throw these people to other shows, If one of them specially Kern comes close one of my favorite shows things will get ugly.
Now I know, no matter if the project seems good, if Kern is involved I won't watch for sure.
You know one of my friend said that If they wrote season 3, as season 2 was Vincent's dream while he was in Muirfields power, she would come back. Maybe it's a way to make things right, but at this point i doubt Kern can do something good, because the show is pretty much dead. I don't think The Cw will risk it. Last year, if I'm not wrong, Batb ended season 1 with 1.26 viewers, now the show is reduced to what? 0.86 at most?
I wish you all the best and Take Care you too. :)
Now that would be a Plot twist if it turns out
ReplyDeletethat Gabe was responsible in some way for Sam's son's death. It would certainly
prove that he's not this great guy that he has supposedly become. Also I can
definitely forgive Cat's sleeping with Vincent even if she is in this forced
relationship Gabe. Cat and Vincent's relationship was torn apart this season
and the ending to Monday night's episode was one of the bright spots in season
two.
Exactly.. I'm not throwing in the Towel I still love the show and I am still hoping and praying for a season three.
ReplyDeleteI totally agree with your assessment of the
ReplyDeleteCat/Vincent and Gabe triangle. Catherine's heart will always be with Vincent it
was a natural progression that she would gravitate back to him, she loves him!
Maybe Gabe Tess and yes even Cat should have considered this before she was
basically pushed into a relationship with Gabe.
Yes, because she's human, She has a very strong attraction to Vincent, they were both caught up in the moment, it happens. It is very easy to see and understand why they feel into each others arms and also into bed.
ReplyDeleteI just watched ep 16 and I don't understand how you think viewers will want to throw in the towel?! The ep was awesome!! Cat got her backbone back and V finally stepped up! What's not to like?
ReplyDeleteI too was disappointed with the way the writers ended the ep. Cheating is no way to start or restart a relationship, it portrays Cat poorly and sends a bad message any way you slice it. However, after watching "About Last Night" I do think the writers handled it in the best way and while she did still sleep with V while being “with” Gabe, they (writers) did have the decency to end that relationship. 24 hrs sooner would have been nice, but it’s ended none-the-less. IMO this weeks ep had more of a S1 feel to it and for the first time this season I was grinning from ear to ear and had that flutter of excitement when VinCat light up my screen. Last season I rewatched every ep probably 10 times! lol This season, with the exception of Hothead (which I may have watched 2 times) I haven’t rewatched at all. I’ve already watched About Last Night 2 times, I enjoyed it SO much I rewatched it right away. I understand your frustration, I do! Because I’ve been frustrated too! And if you really have lost all interest in the show, then the fandom is sorry to lose you. But I think you would like ALN. And I encourage you to watch it before throwing in the towel. If you still feel the same, then I guess it’s time to quit, but honestly, this weeks ep is FINALLY getting the show on track.
ReplyDeleteAgreed. With this episode, the show officially jumped the proverbial shark. Catherine's admirable character has been completely degraded to that of a deceitful cheater with no will of her own.
ReplyDeleteThe show should now be retitled "The Beast and the Beast", now that Catherine has shown her beastly side in cheating.
ReplyDeleteThe "epic" love story is completely destroyed (after the nearly fatal blows of Vincent already cheating, and Catherine so easily going over to Gabe).
I didn't want Vincat together.
ReplyDeleteThank you for your kind words, and I'm sorry but this time I'm done. My problem with the show was never Vincent and Catherine separated, My problem was how they did that. For me, There is no epic love anymore, the magic is gone. I knew that in the end, writers would do their "best", romantic scenes, Vincent and Catherine fighting for each other, but after 15 episodes of disaster?? Like i said I can't just pretend those episodes didn't exist. They wasted so many good storylines, for what??
ReplyDeleteI wish you all the best, but Batb lost a fan for good. Take Care.
really funny...love the lamp post comment. there is no passion. now that we have seen episode 16, remember the bedroom scene where Cat and gabe were sleeping on the same bed, they were so far apart, no intimacy at all. now Cat and Vincent are close to each other in their bed and you see the intimacy.
ReplyDeleteyou are so right, they cannot stay away from each other, that is a lost battle and it finally culminated at the end of this episode.
ReplyDelete*will you or anyone else feel satisfied if Gabe and Cat are not done by the end of 216? I understand and I think everyone else does why the writers are doing what they are doing, but enough of the Gabe show!*
ReplyDeleteno I definitely won't and amen to that... I'm at a point where I forward any scene where Gabe and Cat are alone together in his apartment because I so don't need to see more of their poor attempt at trying to be a normal couple and failing miserably! the lamppost in front of my house turns me on more! lol
you said it, enough of the Gabe show, and enough of this couple that has no rhyme or reason, no chemistry at all and doesn't make a damn once of sense! we want VinCat!!!
*They could have ended it at 211 when Gabe said you are not ready and she could have been on her own and discovered who she wanted and become the strong Cat again.*
they could have and they definitely *should* have, at least there would have been a chance to salvage the *epicness* of VinCat's love, now even if they do get back together, which they eventually will unless the name of this show as changed and no one thought to warn us, I don't think I'm gonna find it *that* epic anymore :(
I see Cat, and Tess Vincent considering Gabe as a good man and resign myself with this.
ReplyDeleteIf the idea is to make Catherine be one cheater and even an immoral woman, honestly, I hope someone open her eyes before. Don't be possible all this happen, missing only seven episodes to finish the season.
I want believe that your theory is not true.
I totally agree with you!
ReplyDeleteSadly, I cannot disagree with you on most of the points.
ReplyDeleteNevertheless, I love this show. I love seeing the undeniable on-screen chemistry
of VinCat that all the fans are longing for at the end of this episode. I found #BatB is unique among all
the current CW dramas, except Supernatural (which I’ve been watching for 9
years). Disregarding the producers/writers totally destroy its uniqueness this
season and diminish the likability of the Cat’s character, I’m still hanging on to
the positives, enjoying the action, drama, humor, romance/bromance and the great cast, especially the talented Jay
Ryan’s breathtaking performance this season. At this crucial stage of surviving
a renewal, I do pray for a 3rd season because the cast & crew deserve
to be appreciated, and I hope the producers/writers will redeem their wrongdoing
and take into consideration of all the constructive reviews if there’s a 3rd
season. If not, I will watch all the remaining Season 2 episodes dutifully and
heart-brokenly.
Agreed. But, I'd like to comment on a few things. Everyone is blaming Catherine for being with Gabe for sleeping with him for being weak for hesitating for being unsure. Yes it's frustrating and every time I see her kissing Gabe I want to throw something at the tv. Let's look at Catherine's life. In s1 she finds out her mom is not the person she has always counted on and in the past has done some questionable things...betrayal 1. Her father is not her real father who dies without explaining why or how that happened...betrayal 2. Her sister leaves town, be it with Catherine's blessing still leaves her with no family to talk to...betrayal 3. Vincent is kidnapped, comes back with no memory of her pushes her away and wants nothing to do with her even though it's not his fault...betrayal 4. She finds her real father who ends up being basically a criminal then uses her...betrayal 5. Her best friend has her own problems romantic wise... Not a full betrayal but one nonetheless 6. Yes she was strong in s1 girl power ruled but after all that has happened to her she is broken. Now Vincent has finally come to the realization that he is a beast and has to accept that part of himself which makes him more confident in his love for Catherine and wants her back. If any of us had gone through what she has gone through and the love of your life comes back in your life and the powerful feelings that you had for this man resurface would any one of us not do what she has done??? I'm not saying cheating is ok but she is vulnerable right now. She has never told Gabe she loves him. I think he was temporary replacement. Everyone needs human comfort. If you have no family what do you do? Of course you don't need a man in your life to be happy but let's give her a break!!!
ReplyDeleteKimberly- I think you may understand the writers better than most of us. What you’re saying makes sense even if I don’t agree with the direction the writers have decided to go this season.
ReplyDeleteI don’t agree with those saying Cat is a cheater. It’s not that black and white to me. It reminds me of that scene in the movie The Notebook when Alli gives in to her feelings and sleeps with Noah when she had a fiancé. It wasn’t planned but it happened. She broke off her engagement and went back to her true love and I think that’s what Cat will eventually do.
Regarding Gabe I will not feel bad for him at all once he and Cat are over. He was a fool to get in the middle and get involved with Cat on a serious level. I guess he forgot how crazy VinCat were about each other and how she never stopped looking for Vincent when he was kidnapped. That type of love doesn’t go away in a matter of months.