Beauty and the Beast Review: How Deep Is Their Love?
Carissa Pavlica
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Welcome back, Beasties!
Was Beauty and the Beast Season 2 Episode 17 all that you wanted it to be?
Well, probably not since it was a little short on those long, sexy kisses we like to see between Cat and Vincent. But we did have an interesting shower scene with kisses, even if it was more cute and fun than romantic.
We never even got to the steam before it was rudely interrupted by ... Gabe.
A lot went down in the episode, and first and foremost Vincent remained worried about all of his friends as they stuck their necks out for him. It was especially difficult for him since he really did murder Tori's father. Without Tori around, there is nobody outside the scope of his friends to lend credence to how it happened or why.
Saying he was protecting Tori from her father would be a great defense, if Tori was alive to talk about it. Since she's not, other plans must be explored. Or you take it on the run. I don't expect Vincent to go far. He'll go underground, but never far from Cat.
Gabe is still around, talking about winning Catherine back. Given the last scene of him watching the news about Vincent, sucking down a cocktail with a smirk on his face, I believe his innocent act is exactly that -- an act.
It was awfully convenient that Cat's father, Reynolds, sent money for a guy to plant Windor's heart in Vincent's fridge, but when Gabe and Reynolds were alone together, it sure seemed like there might have been continued conversations between them since he's been inside.
Could Gabe want Cat so badly that he'd be willing to work with the devil to get at her? I think so.
JT and Tess are a real couple now. They had a bit of a misunderstanding about where they wanted to be in their relationship, and it was all because Tess was protecting Cat. She didn't want to flaunt the fact she could have a normal thing with JT while Cat still suffered the consequences of loving a beast.
It was a really sweet moment between two characters who greatly deserve to be happy. Tess had that time with Joe the adulterer and JT has spent his life covering for Vincent. Having a gal who knows all his secrets and can kick as when needed is perfect. Who hasn't been rooting for them to fall together almost as much as Cat and Vincent?
Of course, we have the central story of Cat and Vincent and their love for each other. Was that ever in question? Nope. But Vincent draws the line at allowing "his gem" to get into legal trouble at his expense. Cat really should have known he wasn't going to let her get into any trouble, but they were both under pressure so we'll cut them some slack for trying to out-save each other.
The story of Beauty and the Beast has always been built around an underground beast who wants to be with his beauty, but for various reasons cannot. Going on the run and hiding away takes the story back into that direction. It's not ideal for those who want to see the two happy, but what is happiness?
Can Cat and Vincent be happy if they're apart, but working to find their way to a perfect ending? Absolutely. It will also make their moments together so much important. They'll make every second count, and that's what has been missing during most of Beauty and the Beast Season 2. Our lovers were at odds and hardly making the seconds count.
We want romance. We want love. We want hot, steamy kisses and we want lines like this:
Cat, don't you get it? You are my gem. I want to take you everywhere with me.
Vincent
Of course, someone is always plotting against them. It makes them stronger when they are together. Reynolds let on that Muirfield was never really dead and gone (thanks, Dad, for not making that clear earlier!) and Cat finds herself captured with a bag over her head as the credits roll. Who is behind it??
What do you hope happens during the next five episodes as we prepare to roll into Season 3? Do you expect Gabe to be behind what's happening to Vincent despite his assurance to the contrary? Hey -- he could have been hiding organs just in case Cat left him. I still can't get over that smirk.
I'll admit I would have been happier if Gabe was gone from Cat's side with his incessant "win you back" talk, but despite anything he does our heroes are stronger than ever. Not prison, not distance and certainly not another man or woman shall come between their hearts again. They'll fight together to find their happy ending. It's just going to take a long time to get there.
Do you think Gabe is still working against Vincent in some capacity?
Carissa Pavlica is the managing editor and a staff writer and critic for TV Fanatic. She's a member of the Critic's Choice Association, enjoys mentoring writers, conversing with cats, and passionately discussing the nuances of television and film with anyone who will listen. Follow her on X and email her here at TV Fanatic.
