Beauty and the Beast – Cat and Mouse – Review: “Fight or Flight?”

Hey Beasties! I’m back and still absolutely in love with the direction of this last part of the season so far. I don’t know about you but I’m smitten as a kitten with Beauty and the Beast’s latest installment, episode 2x18: Cat and Mouse. It was another good, solid outing for the show. The stakes are higher than ever but at least VinCat is finally on the same page.

I’m happy that the question of whether or not Gabe’s menacing smirk over a glass of wine while watching the news about Vincent’s unfortunate circumstances meant something or not certainly did get answered rather quickly. On the one hand, I’m a little annoyed that Gabe is going back to being a big bad instead being quietly shuffled off into oblivion. On the other hand, I’m glad they are trying to give Gabe a more believable purpose than being a White Knight and that means Sendhil can stick around a little longer. Y’all should know by now how much I really fancy the man (and what his purposeful presence if used properly could do for the show).

If I had to sum this episode’s events it would be rather simple: Cat and Vincent showed us yet again just how brave their love is. Gabe showed his true colors and ends up standing alone on the side of line he drew. Tess continued to be a damn good gal pal and JT continues to go above and beyond the call of duty thus solidifying his title as ‘Best Bro EVER’.

This week we had the story being written by Amy Van Curen (who you should totally tweet and thank - @BatBAmy) and the teleplay was by Brad Kern. Not to sound like a misandrist or anything but when it comes to BATB they ladies tend to knock it out of the park much more frequently than the men. At least in my opinion. This was another strong story where everyone got a chance to shine and gave an ensemble show vibe as oppose to the VinCat melodrama hour. I love how someone finally had the balls to just show Gabe for what he is and what he always has been. Gabe is the worst kind of guy, the guy that says if I can’t have you no one can. He preyed on Cat when she was vulnerable. Even last week when Cat flat out said she wasn’t a prize to be won he still said he would try. At this point he might as well put on a fedora and grow a neck beard (if you don’t get the reference Google dude bro or brony).

Jeff Renfroe returned to the director’s chair this week. Last seen directing episode 2x07: Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner? I have to say I love this episode more. He really focused on the actors and made all the other background stuff disappear. But we were back to the intentionally poorly lit scenes this episode for the most part, which you guys know I’m not a fan of. But it was done to match the tone and stakes of this episode. You can’t shoot happy cheery lighting if you want to get across a sense of dread and danger at every turn. He captured our cast’s performances to the T and that’s all that really matters in the end.

I definitely think this episode had one very strong theme running through it this episode; which of course is where the title of this review comes from, fight or flight. VinCat has had a notable stint of running away from each other when things get tough. To be fair, I know sometimes that decision was made to keep the other safe. But when has that every really worked in real life, or on TV? Just when they were ready to take on the world at the end of last season they were torn apart (which is something I’ll never be over, to be quite honest). It is also something that better not happen at the end of this season! I’ve been eagerly anticipating the moment VinCat collectively decided that they were mad as hell and they weren’t going to take it anymore. My wish has finally come through. Although, I must say that I really love how Cat is willing to sacrifice her/their happiness if it means that Vincent can be safe. Doing whatever is necessary for the other person despite the consequences truly is one of the hallmarks of love. It also was something Vincent was willing to do for Cat last season at various times, the high point of that situation being him taking pills that could kill him just so he could give Cat a sense of normalcy (never going to be over Date Night, sorry, not sorry).

There was a ton of Tess in this episode which of course I’m over the moon about. I really like how they showcased just how much Tess loves Cat and the lengths she is willing to go to protect her. Some of my favorite scenes in this episode heavily showcase Tess and toughness. We actually opened this episode with Tess and I don’t think we done that ever, at least not if Cat wasn’t talking to her. I’m a fan of this ensemble show take that these last two episodes have featured. And for the life of me I’m not sure why it hasn’t been sooner or at least more often. This show has a small cast and the fandom loves each of the core four fiercely. I noticed as I live tweeted last night there were still people who were readily willing to doubt Tess’s devotion to Cat. For the life of me, I’m don’t know why. Tess is just as loyal as JT despite the wishy- washiness of how this character has been written this season the underlying motivations have always been that Tess just wants what’s best for Cat. It hurts my sole whenever I see Tess hate. From day one I was drawn to the character and eager to know more about this tough chick who came across as a man eater. I’ve been enjoying the softer side of Tess even though it has been a more subtle style of showing and not explicitly stating.

Austin Basis as usual killed as JT Forbes. I really like exploring the other facets of JT besides the one liner king and the exposition machine. I like that he was vulnerable and a little whiney when Tess wasn’t taking his calls. I’m glad that even though he hates goodbyes he was still obviously affected by Vincent having to leave and it was displayed in a truly JT fashion – he drowned his sorrows with scotch and gummy bears. I love the bromance between JT and Vincent and that shouldn’t be a surprise because I say it often enough. Scrubs was one of my favorite shows because of the unique male friendship that J.D. and Turk had. It was really refreshing. The relationship between JT and Vincent is just as equally as refreshing. It obvious they love each other and the chemistry between Austin and Jay is amazing. I’m also always blown away that the friendship between the boys can at time rival the love story between Cat and Vincent.

Oh my god, just when thought the character of Gabe couldn’t get any worse there he go running for ‘Tool of the Year’. Seriously, just who the hell does he think he is? I’m going to need some people to remind him that he isn’t a cop. Somebody, somewhere has to have evidence of his misconduct from last season so we can take him down once and for all. I’m just glad the writers decided to vindicate the fans that have never trusted him. It’s a shame that we wasted most of this season on trying to make the audience believe that Gabe could be a good guy and pure intentions. Gabe thinks he is the smartest and coolest guy in the room and that smugness promptly got wiped off of his face as one by one the entirety of Team Beastie basically spat in his face. Did he really think anyone would join his team? It was far too much Gabe in this episode and you knew that was the case when they basically had to shove a scene in explaining why he was back at the 125th precinct and to add insult to injury he even commandeered the poor new captain’s office and made him set up in Joe’s old office. But bonus points for a Joe mention.

Cat rocked during this episode. The culmination of awesomeness was when she confronted Gabe. Now I’m not usually the type to the condone violence but when she slapped the dog mess out of Gabe I cheered. She finally said the words I’d been hoping to hear. She acknowledged that she remembered the crap he pulled last year. Now I can admire Cat for wanting to see the good in someone instead of chastising her for seemingly being an ostrich with her head stuck in the sand because it is convenient. Now, I wouldn’t go as far to say that Vincent is innocent or that it was self-defense but there were extenuating circumstances that Gabe himself witnessed. I honestly don’t know why Gabe is so obsessed with Cat but it has been off putting as hell and infuriating as frack watching her spend time with him when she could have at the very least been spending it with Tess. So glad that chapter is closed.

I was so proud of Vincent this episode. He finally made his intentions known and is ready, willing and able to make a stand. He wants to fight and if necessary go down swinging. A lot of the time, especially this season it has seemed as though Cat was the only one fighting for their epic love. I like this turn of events. Jay Ryan absolutely killed it each of the emotional gambits from angry, to romantic, to downright funny at times. The dinner scene with JT made me light up like a 90 year olds birthday cake. He even kind of patted JT on the back (which he doesn't do nearly enough) when they broke into Gabe’s apartment by acknowledging the lengths and extremes JT has been going to, especially as of late. Vincent is back to being a standup guy; though I wouldn't have even batted an eyelash if Vincent would have choked the life out of Gabe when he has the chance. I was rooting for it and believe you me, I was not the only one. I do admire the man’s strength on that front because if it were me, Gabe would be no more.

I’m still on the fence about Agent Knox. I know Dana vouched for him and all but he is FBI. When has anything good ever come out of our heroes being entangled with that particular branch of the government? I liked that Agent Knox seemed to care about the missing agent beyond her ability to burn a lot of undercover agents. I like that he seemed genuinely sorry that the exoneration was withdrawn. But he seems like he has a secret. I mean he did kidnap Cat and hold her hostage and his partner was very menacing and unaccommodating. He’ll be back in a few more episodes so that should answer my questions, hopefully. All in all I knew the deal was too good to be true. But a girl can dream, right?

A promise has been made and it better be fulfilled!

Vincent: … and I think we deserve a future.
Cat: And we’ll have one, together… I promise.

Another solid hour of BATB that went by much too fast but is definitely making all the right moves and making me a very happy Beastie. Also please don't be discouraged by the ratings dropping back down to our season 2 norm in the demo, we still had a more viewers than the average from before we went on hiatus. Remember Mark Pedowitz knows the show's strengths and weaknesses. We do good solid DVR numbers, are a social media powerhouse, stream online on all the various providers (The CW site, Hulu and Amazon) and purchase content like no other fandom. Not to mention, we do come on after re-runs of WLIIA. Not the best lead-in if they were really wanted our show to succeed. Just saying...

Grade: A-

Until next week Beasties… keep on roaring!

Awards

Character of the Night
• Vincent

Best Character Interactions
• Cat and Vincent (for the win)!

Most Memorable Moment
• It’s a tie: Cat slaps Gabe and Vincent blows down the door to breakout Cat and the FBI agent

Line of the Night
• Tess: So now, what? You’re the paragon of justice. After everything you use to do? Oh, give me a break.
• Vincent (to Gabe): Do yourself a favor and walk away because I do not have time for you right now.


Scene of the Night
• The VinCat leap of faith from the UN building.

Miscellaneous

Burning Questions
• Does anyone else ever feel just slightly annoyed when they recycle storylines? (I mean isn’t this just a Task Force 2.0 situation?)
• Why didn't Vincent just blur away with Cat when she needed to catch her breath?
• Why didn't Vincent beast out in the parking garage when the door was coming down?

Fun Fact – Agent Knox who was played by guest star Anthony Ruivivar just happens to be one of the few men to voice Batman. He voiced Bruce Wayne/Batman in Beware the Batman (2013-Present).

Style Spotlight – Vincent’s coat. Yes, I know, I’m aware of my coat and jacket fetish guys. The only thing missing was a Yankee or Mets baseball cap.

My tweets that resonated with the Beasties last night…

My little #Beastie heart is so full of pride and happiness I might puke a rainbow. #CatandMouse #BATB

— Lilith Hellfire (@LilithHellfire) June 10, 2014

I'm loving how Tess and JT are getting a whole lot more screen time lately. Team Beastie rides again! #CatandMouse #BATB

— Lilith Hellfire (@LilithHellfire) June 10, 2014

I really enjoy the relationship between JT and Vincent it's one of the best bromances ever. #CatandMouse #BATB

— Lilith Hellfire (@LilithHellfire) June 10, 2014

Shameless Plugs and Self-Promotion
My Blog
Beauty and the Beast Podcast
BATB Podcast Facebook Fan Page

What did you think of this episode? How does it stack up against the rest of the episodes from this season? Are you jumping for joy that VinCat seems to be a united front on the same page finally? As always, feel free to sound off in the comments. You know I love you for reading…

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 Reign for Spoiler TV.