The CW is on it, already providing some previews of some of their season premieres… and yesterday, we landed the season premiere of Beauty And The Beast.
This one is a huge fan favorite around this site, so hopefully this preview-review will do it justice, even if there are a few criticisms. The premiere is called “Who Am I?” and the title has multiple meanings. But you’re here for some teases, so teases we will bring!
Getting more focus. The stage is set for Heather to move to Ravenswood, I think, and Joe’s departure is mentioned off camera. This gives the time to focus on the current main characters from the show: Cat, Vincent, Tess, J.T., and Gabe. Reynolds seems to play an important part of the premiere, too.
And speaking of Reynolds… Anyone who saw our Comic-Con video interview with Kristin Kreuk knows that I didn’t realize that the actor playing Cat’s actual father is Ted Whittall, who people might remember as playing the guy who trained Lana in the Smallville episode “Power.” He also had a recurring role in Smallville Season 10 as “Rickhttp://www.ksitetv.com/wp-admin/post-new.php Flag.” He looks so different here, and acts different – perhaps as a testament to his acting ability. He has a great scene with Cat that makes us wonder how soon more of him will be revealed. He’s someone to watch.
The new beast-out looks really cool. I know the show would never do a show without pretty people full-time but I would love it if, eventually, things got closer to the original series and we had a more beastly Vincent full-time. Just maybe not so rage-y and throwing things while he’s Hulked Beasted out.
Cat doesn’t give up. In those months where Vincent is missing, Cat is relentless in trying to find him, and J.T. is helping. One might say she’s wearing herself a bit thin in this time, even neglecting other parts of her life (like her sister) in the process.
A heartbeat away… There is a moment where Vincent is able to tell Cat is near him just by hearing a heartbeat. This ability comes in handy later when he has to save her… because “saving each other” is what those two do, right?
There ARE a few things about the premiere that I admit, I really didn’t like. And this is one that’ll probably tick off the “Beasties,” but I have to be honest: Catherine comes off as a bit desperate and somewhat creepy by the episode’s end. Chances are, who knows, I might react the exact same ways that she does if I was in the same situation, but it still felt too much like “writing that epic love story” over actual character moments or growth. This might be intentional, but for me, it comes off really weird. Maybe it’s because I’m a guy, but give the guy a little space and time to get re-acclimated to the world before assuring him that your love is epic.
On a similar note, with Catherine being a cop, once she’s found Vincent she should know how to keep tabs on him no matter how fast he is… and if his senses are enhanced, he should be able to tell when she’s following him down a busy street. I don’t know. Maybe I’m thinking too much. You’ll see what I mean when you see the episode.
“Who Am I” airs Monday, October 7 at 9PM (ET) on The CW. Want more? Take a look at some promo images from the season premiere and if you’d like, come talk about BATB on our forum – if enough people come to chat, we’ll set up a full forum in time for Season 2!
24 Comments
Thanks for the teasers and for giving the show another chance. I know you had issues with it last year, but it seems like they are willing to make big changes to fix it. I am excited for more action scenes and a faster pace. I hope with this new start it will pick up new viewers. It seems like this is a great place to jump onboard the show. I am excited to get to see these two characters fall in love again against a backdrop of more intrigue, mystery and action. Thanks again.
It has definitely gotten better… it was on the upswing last year but as you said, the S2 premiere is an ideal jumping on point, for sure.
thanks for your review, glad you think the show has improved. we are definitely looking forward to an improved season 2
Really liking what you wrote here. Didn’t think I could be looking forward to it anymore than I already was, but reading all your positive comments about how much it’s improved have made me that much more anxious to see it for myself. Let’s hope that new/returning viewers will see that as well and stick with it this year!
I watched all of season 1 this summer and was completely hooked! But last fall I actually only watched the first couple of episodes then let it slide because I wasn’t that into it. But a few more episodes in and I completely fell in love with the characters and the mythology. So even during season 1 it got a lot better, and it sounds like there are even more improvements on the way for season 2. I won’t miss Heather or Joe, and I’ll enjoy more time with the main characters. Just like I won’t really miss the procedurals and will enjoy more time with the mythology. I like that Cat’s father adds a whole new element, making it even more personal for Cat. And I personally like that Vincent has a beast living within him that he has to battle to control–I think it’s far more interesting than someone who merely looks like a beast on the surface.
I am looking really forward to Vincent and Catherine “falling in love” all over again…that is what the show should be about…..and the best part of it
Great review! Thanks for the hints and personal impressions! You made me even more anxious to watch S2 (if that’s even possible!). I’m very glad to see that you are open to give a second chance to BATB! I’m sure this year we will ROCK!!
Thank you, great article, we Beasties are extremely excited about the new season and the direction that it’s going. Very positive for a great season2!
Thanks for your review, little criticism but hey we are up for it. Cant wait for S2 to start and as you I think will come better and improved….don’t agree with having a full beast kind of guy around rather than a beast within waiting to come up…I think I like watching Jay Ryan on my screen than a hairy beast ;)
Thank you so much for the review! Not everything can be perfect, so we understand the criticism. It’s true that last season had some details and I’m really happy that the show has changed for the better. I’m also really excited that it’s not JUST about the “epic love story,”, which I loved, but if they include action/fighting scenes, it can only get better, right? I’m waiting even more eagerly than before for S2. Thank you again!
Thank you for your review. I love your criticism and I don’t remember thing last winter when I should this website because of #batb that the people covering the show for KSiteTv did not like it and I was frustrated (my perception). While you did come around in the second half. I think a good review of critics and viewer that come around is what the show needs because sometimes beasties can overlook a lot. I do wish Tess & JT bring a lot more comedic element and not be an item so they can we won’t be faced with relationship drama and angst all around.
One thing I think the supper creepiness of Catherine you mentioned might be the road that leads for Catherine to question who she is without him. But in true TV fashion they might have gone over board.
Thank you again for your tweet teases and for putting up the review as soon as you have.
I liked your preview-mostly lol I can’t wait to see the show. It is my fave show on tv right now. Addictive! I agree with someone above about how it’s more intriguing to deal w/ a beastly character than a beastly appearance bc Vincent’s struggle to control his rage and beast side is more interesting than some guy struggling to be liked when he isn’t conventionally handsome. I love the romance, but am really excited to see the action & mythology upped. The romance is important, but everyone wants a full story & this year w/ the full order up front & freedom from the studio to do the stories they want I know the show will be even better. I think the new beast is awesome. Obviously I haven’t seen Cat in the premiere, but I’m sure it’s just trying to show how desperate someone would be to get their boyfriend back & it will probably be used as justification for when they inevitably take a break to find themselves that she tried really hard to make it work/get him back. I haven’t seen it, but I think you have to think of it like the person above said desperation before re-evaluation. Plus, I want to see her upset & “desperate” to get V back. He would be for her.
Thank u for the review on episode 1 of S2, I can’t wait to watch Batb Season2 and I do appreciate your comments on this show, I have always loved your website since Smallville, and so glad u covering Beauty and the Beast too. I hope this show goes from strength to strength
Given Vincent’s change I am beyond curious about the new Vincat dynamic. Are they shy? Openly flirty? Uncomfortable? Avoiding the issue? I should also add that I love Vincent and Cat together, but am okay with other love interests being introduced because that happens in real life. And with Vincent being messed up now they will likely need to take a step back, which is natural. I hope other beasties understand as we know Vincat are endgame so let’s enjoy the ride and stay with the show and trust the writers. Oh but I definitely don’t want to see them fall in love with other people. I don’t think they would, but I don’t want to see that. Lol They should always be shown to be conflicted and have some part of them always want to be with the other (along with the other non-romance storylines).
Thanks for the preview and getting it up so quickly! Agh! I can’t wait until Oct 7th!
Congrats on beating the Press pack to the Finishline & being the first to post your review!
That’s why Ksite is at the top of my Bookmarked Favourites!
As a BatB fan, I’m always interested in what you have to say, even when I don’t agree.
Your insight & viewpoint usually make me go Hmmm??!!
Look forward to reading more as the season progresses.
Woops! Me again, forgot:
Thanks for mentioning Ted Whittall [Reynolds].
IMO he is a much under-rated actor & will be an asset to BatB!
You are the first reviewer that hasn’t dismissed him.
Hope to hear more of your opinions on Reynolds/Whittall.
Hopefully our fandom can engage in thoughtful discussions for S2 with articles like this.
As the majority of the time, articles about BatB revolve around words like Hot & Sexy …yes I know it’s a CW show!
Streamlining is welcomed in S2 – Joe & Tess (or TOE) needed the axe but I did love Joe’s “Boss” part – he brought some funny times to the first half of S1.
Catherine’s evolution will be the most interesting to watch I think.
Looking forward to reading more of your thoughts on S2 of BatB!
First and foremost..THANK YOU for bringing this article out so quickly! I can see you know how Beasties are about the show. We’ve been lacking information for over 5 months so to see this was a Godsend :)
As for the article itself? Thank you for being as open as possible in reviewing the show and giving it a second chance. I know that as a writer you have to be neutral and straight forward but the fact that you went out to point the good things about the show and the bad things about it gave it a prospective that we can all understand. Since you are a man it is understandable that the romance aspect of it doesn’t drive you but being a woman who truly believes that there are more shows for the male population this show is basically designed for woman. Don’t get me wrong I love a good mystery of the week but what drives this show is the mystery and relationship surrounding the two main characters and their friends, co-workers and enemies. There wouldn’t be a story without Vincent and Catherine and the struggles, obstacles and people they have to overcome to be together..This is what makes this show stand out from any other, if I wanted a good shoot me up or a crime show there’s Hannibal, CSI and all others like that. They *key* here s the couple and them against the world scenario.
I can’t wait for you to bring us more juicy scoop of Season 2 and all the goodies you can, stills,interviews and such.
Once again THANK YOU! I enjoy everything you write. I visit the site often and intend to continue doing so!
Although I do like the slimming down, I do hope we see Joe again at one point… not just because Brian White was such a HUGE supporter of the show, but also, so his character can have some more closure.
Thank you for the review Craig! I appreciate that you took the time to bring us this article on a Saturday. Us Beasties are desperate for any BATB related news ( and I think you’ve noticed that we always are! lol ).
I have to agree with you on the following points.
I agree that Vincent, with all his super-enhanced abilities, should be able to hear Catherine following down the street. If he was able to pick up her heartbeat, then he should be able to hear her behind him.
I also agree that Brian/Joe added a good dynamic to the show in season 1. I don’t want him back full-time. but it would be nice to see some sort of closure for his character, rather than hear that he has gone and left the precinct from someone else.
Thanks again and looking forward to more BATB news from you!
Thanks so much for your review. This is my favorite show on TV right now!! I can’t wait for the return of #BATB. I love that they refined the beast make-up – hate that they got rid of the scar. It was a symbol of something and beasties love it. It sounds interesting that he can recognize her by a heartbeat… but strange that he would given the memory wipe. I guess all will be revealed in about two weeks. Speaking for the beasties at large – thank you for continued coverage of the show.
I cant wait for BATB to start up again jay ryan so hot and the chemistry between cat and vin so amazin roll on October 7th thank you for the article
Very True, Craig! Brian White was a massive supporter of the show & his interaction with fans on Twitter always seemed genuine and not a forced chore. Hopefully Joe does get some sort of closure as we loved the Boss! ;)
Thank you for your review. Although you are a little churlish, you did bring up some good points about season 1. The three quarters of season 1 was magical but the writing lost its way after episode 15. The inconsistencies and the silly lines were about to drive me crazy. It appeared that the writers were so infatuated with the character of Gabe and how to make him the leading role that they lost sight of the story.
The first episode Season 2 has made up for those last few episodes of season 1. We have a new confident, unafraid of the light, unafraid of Muirfield Vincent. Jay Ryan’s acting is making this seem an effortless transition and the ability to make him believable is masterful.
My only complaint about episode 1 was the way they explained the non death of Gabe and how he could possibly become the precinct captain since he had no training in law enforcement. I also don’t care for the way he shoves his face into camera range whenever possible. He is not the leading character and for heavens sake, lets hope we don’t have to survive any of his pathetic lovemaking scenes.