A long time ago, I was completely in love with this TV show:
The original Beauty and the Beast debuted in 1987 and ran for three seasons before it ended horribly (in my opinion). But it started out as an amazing show that starred Linda Hamilton and Ron Perlman. It was romantic and featured a wonderfully developed group of misfits who had banded together to create a hideaway under the subway tunnels of New York City. I clearly remember that it came on every Friday night, and back then, before I had a way to record it, I anxiously awaited each Friday night as if it were the single most important moment in my life. Watching it now (yes, I did purchase all three seasons on DVD), it’s pretty cheesy, especially the 80s clothing and hair styles. But it had a sort of magic that seems to be missing from today’s shows. Maybe it was the melodramatic, sweeping soundtrack, and those “almost” kisses between Catherine and Vincent that always ended in hugs. But I loved every minute of it, up to the end of season two when things went terribly wrong. Here’s the opening title sequence that pretty much sums up the show (back when title sequences were over a minute long!):
Now, the CW is resurrecting the Beauty and the Beast story in typical CW fashion:
Updated, obviously, and this Beast has a lot less hair…here’s a peak at the show:
The CW’s Beauty & the Beast premieres Thursday October 11th. And yes, I will watch it because I’m curious. But I’ll be judging it against the original…watch out, new Beauty & the Beast!
I watched Beauty and the Beast. I like it, but I don’t think I made it through all three seasons.
As for remakes, think of The Haunting (’63) and the remake (’99). Loved the original. Enough said.
I agree with you Roberta! In almost every case the original is better.
Original BATB with Linda and Ron was pure magic …. the ‘third season’ was nothing short of a nightmare that many fans don’t acknowledge, and to call this CW show a reboot is inaccurate, wrong, and infuriating.
Totally agree, Debbie. The story line is completely different. I’m still curious, though. But I’m betting none of the original show’s magic will be present!
OMG, I totally remember this show! Unfortunately I’ve come to find that the newer versions don’t usually live up to my memories of the original version. I try not to re-watch shows from my childhood because seeing them today usually spoils the magic contained in my memory. I have, however, seen some fantastic movie remakes like The Thing and Fright Night.
The remake of Fright Night has got to be one of my all time faves!!
I LOVED the orginal B&B – it’s my favorite show of all time! But I am curious about this new version also – I think that it can be a good, even if very different, show.