Mastodon Mastodon Mastodon Mastodon Mastodon Beauty and the Beast - Ever After - Review


    Enable Dark Mode!

  • What's HOT
  • Premiere Calendar
  • Ratings News
  • Movies
  • YouTube Channel
  • Submit Scoop
  • Contact Us
  • Search
  • Privacy Policy
Support SpoilerTV
SpoilerTV.com is now available ad-free to for all premium subscribers. Thank you for considering becoming a SpoilerTV premium member!

SpoilerTV - TV Spoilers

Beauty and the Beast - Ever After - Review

26 Jun 2014

Share on Reddit


This episode was a super-fun burst of fresh air that showed how Beauty and the Beast can take a little time off for an amusing caper while still weaving the events back into the ongoing story arc and advancing the main plotline - a fairly difficult balance to achieve!  While Vincent and Cat's journey into suburbia showed that they are both just as incapable of living a normal, humdrum existence as J.T. assumed they would be, Tess and J.T. shouldered the brunt of Gabe's lunacy this week as the show's resident creepoid continued down a very dark path.

I'm going to include some lyrics from Amanda Mair's song "Said and Done" to supplement this review, as this episode connects with that song's sense of hope to find a place for oneself in the world while remaining true to oneself, too.  That's really what Cat and Vincent's journey entailed in "Ever After," with the episode title indicating that the happy ending does await them even if it's not going to be a quick and easy fix.  

"Can I be where I want to be 
In a town by the sea where time has ceased to be
Is there love waiting here for me?
Familiar faces waiting to be unveiled

Gonna take you in
Gonna feel this love
Gonna keep you by my side
Gonna stand up straight,
Go out and take what's mine"*

Agent Knox was grateful enough about VinCat's assistance in the recovery of Agent Mallory to offer them the chance at witness protection - an opportunity to evade the police hunt for Vincent that has had our heroes living on the run in a constant state of peril for weeks now.  But said chance for escape from trouble was a respite in a big, comfy house where anyone else's dream trip just made Cat long for the action back in NYC.  Although Vincent gave the simple life more of a real try, even arguing with Cat that they should settle in without trying to make or find trouble, even he couldn't help surrendering to the undertow of Catherine's cop instincts.  
Possibly the best moment of the episode was Vincent carrying Catherine over the threshold and saying "let's get used to it."  He is just so effortlessly, perfectly romantic, and scenes like this make me envision a wedding down the road for these two!

"I don't wanna turn back time and change me
I just want to live through it again and then
I wanted then to see where I would be,
When all is said and done"*

In what seemed like a winky little homage to Castle, Cat's new identity of "mystery writer" "Veronica" (a name which also brings to mind the delightful detective Veronica Mars) at least gave her a bit of an excuse for her "nosy neighbor" behavior.  However, when a suspicious situation across the street exploded into an actual murder scene, there was no way Catherine was going to leave well enough alone (especially with a slow-moving officer on the case who ended up being the murder weapon himself.  Someone had to do the real detective work).  I enjoyed the laughs this episode afforded, especially Vincent complaining to a fish about his problems (Jay Ryan was beyond adorable and hilarious there) and Cat being unable to let go of her tough NYC girl persona enough to see that a neighbor was waving, not flipping her off.  Also, Vincent showing up at the door of the murderous neighbor and asking just out of curiosity if she killed her husband was priceless.  "I hate it when she's right," Vincent quipped with regard to Cat, reflecting that she was perhaps also simply right that a quiet existence would never suit the two of them.
Vincent and Catherine's arguments had some level of deeper meaning, since they had to face the fact that living this idyllic type of life would never really work for them, and that to some extent adventure will always be on the menu due to their personalities and drives.  But it was clear enough that their squabbles would be resolved with little problem.  That was soothing and let us enjoy this lighter part of the episode for what it was.

"Can I see what I want to see?
These old streets used to mean the world to me
Here is something more
Give me all I never knew before."*

The only elephant in the room with the whole suburbia getaway was why VinCat didn't take more advantage of the chance to just relax and enjoy each other's company (if you know what I mean, teehee) for a while instead of becoming slowly but surely riddled by anxieties about how to disappear into their new identities and be reasonable about the changes from their accustomed life that come with them.  I can certainly buy that these issues would ultimately put an end to the whole relocation thing, but Vincent and Cat definitely spent a lot more time being antsy and worried than embracing the first time they've been alone and relatively safe together for a while.  But then, if they weren't complicated and quirky, they wouldn't be our VinCat.

In any case, the understanding they came to by the end of the episode was perfectly sweet, with Vincent acknowledging that he would never want to change Cat because that keen, brave detective is the woman he fell in love with.  After being unable to start over in a new place even for a short time, and after returning to a city that's still gunning for Vincent, he and Cat managed to find the silver lining and keep fighting.  After all, knowing what one doesn't want is just as important as knowing what one does.  I suspect that when VinCat get their happy life together, it will be far from quiet and peaceful, and it will be squarely in the big city.  As J.T. mentioned, they're city people through and through.  And by their very natures, as a cop and a soldier/doctor, both Vincent and Catherine have instincts that will always lead them to help others even when it's highly inconvenient to them.

Speaking of J.T., after his week off, he returned in high form, spouting awesome wisdom like this to Catherine and Vincent:  "We'll get Gabe.  Mostly because if we don't, you can't come back.  And that's not gonna work for any of us."

So J.T. promised to "pick up where Vincent left off" in the search for Gabe.  After killing the witness who'd fingered him for Sheckman's murder, Gabe tried to fend off the consequences by maintaining his innocence with Tess and the Captain even though he just kept seeming more and more manic with every pasted-on smile or high-pitched proclamation of being in the right.  Plus, Gabe's stopped shaving, and it looks good, but we all know that on t.v., that equals crazy in a previously well-kempt character.  

Admirably determined to resolve the Gabe drama so that Vincent and Cat could return to the city where he so aptly noted that they belong, (the emphasis on J.T.'s New York attitude this week was awesome, too - "I'm walking here!") J.T. found it hard to track the culprit without beast skills.  But geek skills can be awfully handy too, and J.T. found a way to follow Gabe's cell signal back to where he'd been hanging out, burning bodies (ugh!) - in that eerie repository of secrets, the dungeon.

Once Tess and J.T. made their way to the dungeon and discovered the remains of Gabe's unfortunate victim, they were quickly swept into a standoff with Gabe himself.  Then J.T. lobbed accusations and threats at Gabe as Tess ran interference, determined to protect her man when he fails to protect himself (which is always). By the way, the J.T.'nT. moments were fabulous this week, including his calling her his girl earlier in the episode.  Gabe eventually won out in this face-off  after repeating his bizarre spiel about capturing Vincent in order to protect Catherine.  He reminded Tess and J.T. that the dungeon cannot fall under police scrutiny, as the evidence archived there could come back to get Vincent as well.  Meh!  Honestly, to use the bones to get Gabe behind bars, I might be willing to run that risk and deal with the possibility of those other issues later.
With Gabe growing more and more out of control and VinCat recommitted to staying in the city and in the fight, events are ramping up to an inevitable confrontation by the end of the season that will determine the characters' fates.  Things can't continue this way much longer, and eventually, Gabe must be taken down, though here's hoping our "fab four" remain as unscathed as possible during that process.  

What did you think of this episode?  Share your thoughts in the comments!

*lyrics taken from the song "Said and Done" by Amanda Mair.

About the Author - Virginia Mae Fontana
Virginia is happy to be reviewing The Vampire Diaries, Hart of Dixie, Nashville, Beauty and the Beast, Witches of East End, Covert Affairs, and Continuum for Spoiler TV. She is a college English instructor and enjoys obsessing over films and pop music - in addition to tv shows, of course! You can find her blog, SugarRushed, at http://virginiamaeblog.blogspot.com/ and her Twitter handle is @SugarRushedBlog
Recent Reviews (All Reviews)

19 comments:

  1. Great review Virginia as always, the was a fun and refreshing episode. Vincent was too adorable in the episode. Catherine was the quirky Catherine we love and JT&T were adorable too. It is sure time for Gabe to go! This last 2 episodes are going to be so intense, can't wait!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Awesome review! Nodded my head in agreement the whole recap! Thank You

    ReplyDelete
  3. Thanks for your take on this episode. While I do agree that there were some light, refreshing moments and I like the JT/Tess interactions, I cannot in any way get into this being an episode that should have happened at this juncture. It has been shoved down our throats all season that this is BATB 2.0 and we get an episode where Cat can't sit for one moment and enjoy being alone with the man she will do anything for and go anywhere with and Vincent is letting Cat destroy those few stolen moments. In my opinion, the writers are trying to capture the balance of the successful season 1 by adding some humour-it is a little late for that. Having those funny moments weaved through an episode is great amidst the darkness but this whole episode was so out of place at t his time, IMO. The writers have gone from darkness in the first 15 episodes of season 2 to making this couple into an everyday, run of the mill couple with busy lives and not time to be alone and in love. These episodes in my view, should be VinCat 2.0 as well. They act like they have kids and never get time to be alone. Yes, the ending scene was sweet and romantic but where is the sizzle; the heat; the passion! There should be some almost X-rated scenes with these two on the run. We have done the "what is normal"with this couple-time to get on wit what is really going and bring Gabe down-clear Vincent's name and try to build a life together in their normal.
    If this episode had happened in season 1 after they got together , I would have totally bought into it where they really were discovering who they were and what their normal was. And season 1 had so much humour in each episode, so it would have fit but not t his season. We needed every second to count. We are just getting a reiteration of season 1 and an inopportune one at that, in my opinion. We have totally lost the essence of these two and I really hope in the next two episodes we get that back or at least I get that back. Everyone has their own take and I respect that but this episode really made me shake my head and go WTF?
    That is 3 really WTF moments I have had since 216:
    1. Cat saying to Gabe "my only regret is that things did not work out between us"
    2. Cat saying to Gabe " I loved you"
    3. Cat not taking this opportunity to get some!
    Sorry I don't see things the way you do, but do really enjoy reading your reviews!
    That is one of the things that really make this an awesome show in my mind-everyone takes something a little different away from it!

    ReplyDelete
  4. Virginia Fontana26 June 2014 at 17:30

    I totally get where you're coming from. As I mentioned, I do find it weird that the writers didn't give VinCat a sexy scene in this episode, and it seems *really* hard to find that omission in character for them.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Virginia Fontana26 June 2014 at 17:31

    Thanks! This episode felt a little like the calm before the storm...I think the last two eps of the season are going to be really intense. I hope! Excited to see what happens next.

    ReplyDelete
  6. Virginia Fontana26 June 2014 at 17:31

    Thanks to you as well! Glad you enjoyed the episode :)

    ReplyDelete
  7. Virginia Fontana26 June 2014 at 18:52

    I hope the next couple of episodes are more enjoyable for you. :) I did find Cat's attitude about the house and situation, while very funny, a bit of a stretch. Btw, sign me up for that relocation program any time!!

    ReplyDelete
  8. thanks virginia for your review! this was definitely not my fav episode of the season (not even in the top 10 lol) and i don't care to see it again and again but i know the last two eps will be so exciting and intense that I am still a happy bunny :)

    ReplyDelete
  9. Liked the funny bits of this ep. Did not love Cattitude's crusade for justice which I felt was very ill-timed and recklessly blew their cover and VinCat not seizing the opportunity when there's no Gabe, SWAT and helicopters in sight is a major faux paux for this ep. My fave bits were mostly all Vincent and the sweet ending. My fave bit of your review is you saying Vincent is just so effortlessly, perfectly romantic. Sigh so he is! ;D And thanks for the tune Virginia ~ going to check that out too.

    ReplyDelete
  10. Virginia Fontana26 June 2014 at 20:39

    Cattitude! I love that! :)

    ReplyDelete
  11. my best friends dad got black Mercedes-Benz C-Class
    C63 AMG visit here
    ------------------------------------------------------

    Here ­­­­­­­­­is ­­­­­­­­­I ­­­­­­­­­started,---,, HuL­­­uJoB.­­­C­­­O­­­M

    ------------------------------------------------

    GO TO THE SITE AND CLICK NEXT TAB FOR MORE INFO AND HELP

    ReplyDelete
  12. Can you explain diehard beastie? I am pretty sure that anyone who is still watching this show is a die hard beastie with all due respect, not liking it or thinking very highly of it doesn't mean we don't get it.

    ReplyDelete
  13. Like you say "anyone who is still watching this show is a die hard beastie..." God knows we (yes, i am a die hard beastie) need to attract more viewers so that the rating goes up (so we'll get a full S3) and i applaud the effort that beasties are doing to promote this show at their own time and resources (even though it should be CW's job!) so i'm specifically referring to "new viewers". If they choose this episode to start watching Batb, i dont think they'll even think twice of watching the series at all because this episode has many layers and depths that's actually a continuity from as far as S1 :( Hope I explain it well. Not very good in english..

    ReplyDelete
  14. Yes I get what you mean. We need to get more viewers. People really need to give this show a chance. If only the CW would promote more. The Beasties are amazing at promoting the show but we need some help! It just boggles my mind that they put show on air but do nothing to promote it. It is such a fan favorite and wins so many competitions! SMH! At least we got S3 and starting to recognize the online presence and potential! And you explained it very well! Where r u from?

    ReplyDelete
  15. I know! sometimes i really don't understand what's in TPTB's head when it comes to Batb :( I'm from Malaysia but have in Paris now due to my hubby's job. Not good in French either ;P And u are from the States i assume...

    ReplyDelete
  16. I live in Canada. So on Paris you are at the same place as us?

    ReplyDelete
  17. canada??!! same place as batb's filming? unfortunately s2 hasn't even showed in paris yet. so i watched stream on CW :)

    ReplyDelete
  18. Is it just me or did someone else notice the "I DO" from Vincent before he carried Catherine into their Suburbia hideout? I thought it sounded so sweet, and romantic

    ReplyDelete
  19. Virginia Fontana2 July 2014 at 17:34

    Oh, I need to re-watch the scene! So romantic :)

    ReplyDelete

NOTE: Name-calling, personal attacks, spamming, excessive self-promotion, condescending pomposity, general assiness, racism, sexism, any-other-ism, homophobia, acrophobia, and destructive (versus constructive) criticism will get you BANNED from the party.