B&B Companion - Introduction

Special Episode Information (click here for contents)
Extracts from His Major Companion

Please note that this internet version currently only covers the Special Information section

The Beauty and the Beast Companion is divided into three distinct categories of information. Each of these categories contains various items of information related to the episode being described.

Each synopsis details the events of each episode and all action which takes place. The events are usually chronological, but in the interests of readability and paragraph sizing, some events which involve intercutting between differing action sequences have been consolidated into one paragraph and sequenced so as to make the most sense. Occasionally, scenes have been omitted from the synopsis or have been combined with scenes which follow, so as to form a unified framework. For the most part, however, one will be able to watch an episode and follow along paragraph-for-paragraph with the synopsis.

Direct quoting is indicating, paraphrasing is set off by single quotation marks.

All literary quotation are set off in their own paragraphs, and are quoted in their entirety. Literary and musical references apply to complete or partial references or renditions of listed works. Only those selections which are heard or spoken in the episode are referenced.

This section delivers a lengthy critique of the named episode. Elements usually critiqued in each episode are performances by leads and running characters, performances by guest cast members of note, production and craft critiques, and general discussion of the episode and its events from a dramatic standpoint.

The special information section of the companion contains the following elements:

The episode number is the location in the sequence where the episode was broadcast. The pilot episode is episode 1, the next episode broadcast is episode 2, and so forth. In the first three editions of this book, there was a grap between episodes 50 and 52; as episode 51 was not broadcast by CBS during the third season. Also missing were episodes 54 and 55. These episodes begin a completely new story "arc" following the final broadcast by CBS. While these episodes were broadcast in Canada and bootleg copies of them were available to informed fans of the series, this author did not use information about their content until all had an opportunity to view them. These episodes were finally aired once by CBS in the Summer of 1990. They are included here in this book for the first time.

Also, while the episodes were broadcast in the listed order, they were not filmed or necessarily intended to be run in this sequence. For more information about the revised sequence of episode broadcasts, see the essays detailing each season as they are published in the Automatic Quarterly Updates. [For ordering information on updates to this companion, write Loving Companion Enterprises at the address on the cover of the book -- or detach the special ordering blank after this Introduction.]

This box lists the reviewers overall critical rating for each episode. A score of 0.0 would translate to completely worthless (though no episode received this score). Scores less than 4.0 would indicate episodes that could safely be called mediocre. Scores of 4.0-6.5 would translate to average quality for this series (which translates to higher than average quality compared to the typical television drama). Scores of 7.0-9.0 indicate episodes of remarkable quality and worth - and scores of 9.5 or 10.0 indicate episodes which should be part of all fans' video collections.

Critical components include the performances of the running characters, the guest cast, the writing quality and originality, the production quality -- including direction, special effects, costuming, make-up, production design -- all the elements which give an episode its overall look-and-feel. Some of these categories may achieve high levels in an episode which receives a moderate score. Instances of individual components which outshine their moderately-scored counterparts are detailed in the critical essays for each episode.

In assigning critical scores, I have been as objective and methodical as possible. Each episode has been viewed at least three time - some as many as five to six times. The assigned score reflects the quality of the individual episode on all levels and the overall progression of the episode as compared to its predecessors.

4. Violence Rating (0.0 = no violence; 5.0 = moderate violence; 10.0 = extremely violent)

Violence includes all acts of physical or psychological violence resulting in injury or death, including acts committed in self-defense and in protection of others. Gunfire is included in the rating.

Violence also includes psychological violence to the running characters, as well as any and all acts which might cause upset to sensitive viewers.

The average violence rating for all 52 aired episodes is 4.95. Scores of 0.0 indicate no physical or psychological violence. Scores of over 7.0 indicate episodes which might require a few glances away from the set. A score of 9.0 or higher indicates extreme physical or psychological violence during the episode. Viewers with children or sensitive viewers may wish to take notice of those episodes which they have not seen. Forewarned is forearmed.

These two boxes list all supporting cast members and their character name, followed by their actual or stage names.

This section lists four major production categories and their craftpersons for the episode. Major production categories include:

This section lists all major noteworthy points reached in the continuing development of the characters and the plotlines as a whole.

This section lists all authors and composers for literary or musical works which are recited or played in an episode. Only the name of the composer / author and the name of the work is listed. This companion does not detail works which are merely referenced, nor does it delve into theoretical allusions between episodes and literary works. These allusions are best level to a serious journal dealing with Beauty and the Beast and its literary roots. For a more detailed guide to all literary references for episodes of the series, I refer the reader to The Beauty and the Beast Quarterly Update Series, published by Loving Companion Enterprises and available through use of the special order form following this introduction. You may also write Loving Companion Enterprises directly for more information.

This section details points of trivia or special interest for each episode, as well as non-production materials which might be of general interest to fans of the series.

Every three months, beginning in February 1991, there will be a 30-40 page addendum published which will expand your Beauty and the Beast Companion. Future updates will contain essays, feedback, letters, classified ads and display advertisements, articles, fan club information, fanzine addresses, contest, and much more. For information on quarterly update series costs and ordering information, send a SASE (legal size) to Loving Companion Enterprises - P.O. Box 4642 - Triphammer Station - Ithaca, N.Y - 14852 -- or use the handy ordering form on the following page.