As a seasoned TV enthusiast who has witnessed the rise and fall of numerous shows over the years, I must say that revisiting ‘Beauty and the Beast‘ was like stepping into a time machine transporting me back to the 80s. The show served as an impressive training ground for some of today’s most successful TV heavyweights, such as George R.R. Martin, Alex Gansa, and Howard Gordon. It’s fascinating to see how these creative minds honed their skills on a series that, at first glance, might seem light-hearted compared to the epic tales they would later weave.
George R.R. Martin is most famously recognized as the writer behind the epic fantasy book series titled A Song of Ice and Fire, which was subsequently turned into the critically acclaimed and Emmy-winning HBO television show, Game of Thrones, and its spin-off prequel series, House of the Dragon. Martin also serves as a co-executive producer for both shows, and for the original series, he contributed significantly by being part of the writing team that developed the storylines and dialogue for episodes such as “The Pointy End,” “The Bear,” “Blackwater,” “The Maiden Fair,” and “The Lion and the Rose.
Known as “The American Tolkien” by Time Magazine, George R.R. Martin is not limited to just the Westeros books and television series. Initially, he made a name for himself in television writing before shifting back to novels due to frustrations over unproduced TV pilot scripts. He also felt constrained by aspects such as budget limitations and the necessity to shorten episodes, resulting in the omission of certain characters or action sequences. However, despite these disappointments, Martin significantly contributed to the small screen, even though not all of his television projects were outstanding. His input undeniably elevated their quality.
One standout television series for him is “Beauty and the Beast,” which aired on CBS from September 25, 1987, to August 4, 1990. It’s another captivating fairytale tale that fits his affinity for fantasy, but it bears little resemblance to “Game of Thrones.
‘Beauty and the Beast’ Updates the Popular Fairy Tale with Contemporary Themes and Settings
Full of creative flair, energetic, and delightfully immersed in its extravagantly orchestrated action scenes, the show titled Beauty and the Beast is a blast to watch. Originating from the well-known tale by French author, Jeanne-Marie Leprince de Beaumont, the captivating series features Linda Hamilton (from The Terminator series) in a compelling portrayal. She plays Catherine Chandler, a successful New York lawyer known for her exceptional career and a particular fondness for taking on challenging cases with a history of bad luck.
One day, a lawyer with a Suits-esque demeanor encounters a shocking, terrifying assault (a case of unfortunate confusion). She’s tenderly tended to by Vincent, a compassionate yet powerful lion-man who dwells in the labyrinth beneath New York City, as part of a hidden society. Vincent possesses empathic abilities that alert him when Catherine is in peril. These powers prove useful when she switches from her law firm to the district attorney’s office, a role that exposes her to even greater danger.
Vincent sports pointed teeth resembling fangs, a snout reminiscent of a cat, a flattened schnoz, and fingernails curved like claws. The artistry behind this transformation was masterminded by the legendary FX artist Rick Baker, who strongly advocated for Perlman’s casting because he felt the actor possessed distinctive facial characteristics. On the screen, Perlman employs a voice that is more alluring than in his other television roles.
The movie deviates significantly from the traditional fairy tale, and one such departure is that Perlman’s character doesn’t transform into a conventional ideal of beauty upon receiving Catherine’s affection. Instead, the narrative prioritizes self-acceptance and appreciating others for their true selves. As a result, Vincent’s inner qualities – his kindness and bravery – continue to be highlighted, and Catherine learns to love him just as he is.
As the story progresses, it shifts focus from Catherine and Vincent’s relationship towards exploring the lawyer’s connections with everyone in The World Below. In a daring solo campaign, Vincent takes on the city’s crooks, particularly the cunning ring leader Paracelsus, skillfully played by Tony Jay.
‘Beauty and the Beast’ Is Much Less Morally Gray Than ‘Game of Thrones’
As a movie enthusiast, I’d say in the captivating world of “Game of Thrones”, most significant characters are predominantly driven by the pursuit of elevation. Power is the overarching objective, which often manifests as greed and ego ingrained within numerous characters. Yet, these ancient fictional figures exude a certain coolness due to their complex portrayals. On the other hand, “Beauty and the Beast” leans more towards righteousness rather than wrongdoing. In this tale, there are scarcely any morally ambiguous characters. Vincent and Belle (Catherine) strive solely for the well-being of others and act in accordance with their personal moral compasses.
Going further, individuals within The World Below find contentment in their circumstances. Notably, George R.R. Martin exhibits a deep fascination with those belonging to the lower class, as he perceives their daily lives as carrying an enchanting, chivalrous essence that surpasses the refinement of upper-class society. In contrast, most of the city’s impoverished inhabitants are not yearning for the possessions held by those above them in the world.
Vincent, for instance, doesn’t strive to seize control over New York, but he possesses the power to do so. Similarly, inhabitants of The World Below have fashioned an idyllic lifestyle for themselves, leveraging their human-given talents and resources such as books, jewels, and various charming items. By showcasing the appealing living conditions of The World Below’s members, the series subtly offers thought-provoking insights on homelessness in New York—a pressing issue that gained attention in the ’80s and remains largely unresolved today.
In a chat with The Hollywood Reporter, George R.R. Martin expressed his doubts about finding any resemblances between the two series.
Working on “Beauty and the Beast” and “Game of Thrones” were quite distinct experiences. The skills I developed during my time on “Beauty and the Beast” proved valuable when I moved onto other projects, including “Game of Thrones”. However, there’s no direct link between these two productions.
Absolutely! If you’re a fan of “Game of Thrones,” it’s definitely worth continuing to watch as the narrative offers a unique experience that you won’t find in most ’80s TV shows. The visuals are not only visually appealing but also draw you into the storyline.
‘Beauty and the Beast’ Was a Perfect Training Ground for Various TV Heavyweights
George R.R. Martin wasn’t solely responsible for the success of Beauty and the Beast; numerous talented individuals contributed to its creation, some of whom later accomplished significant feats in their careers. Among them were Alex Gansa and Howard Gordon, who served as showrunners on 24. Afterward, they collaborated to develop Homeland, with Gansa receiving an Emmy for Outstanding Writing for a Drama Series for his exceptional work on the pilot episode of this hit spy TV series.
Instead of “Game of Thrones,” the CBS series didn’t have an organic ending. Actress Linda Hamilton had to depart due to her desire to have a child and pursue other film projects. Her character was written out by being killed off. Following this, the show’s ratings significantly dropped.
George R.R. Martin recalls:
The outcome wasn’t what I had anticipated. If Linda hadn’t departed from the series, it could have run for at least five seasons. We were faced with an unwanted decision: either find another actress to play Catherine Chandler, or write her off the show by killing her, which is what we ultimately decided on; or we could think of an alternative, like having her move to Australia suddenly. The moving to Australia idea was considered, but it seemed too weak for a tragic love story. In essence, our options were recasting or death, and we opted for the latter as it was more dramatic.
About swapping Catherine for a new primary female character, Martin believes it was essential yet seemingly unwise. Now, he comprehends why the loyal fanbase might have departed.
Originally, this was a classic tale of love, known as Romeo and Juliet. But hold on, things aren’t what they seem. Not Juliet anymore, it’s Romeo and Harriet! Here’s a new, captivating love story for all eternity!
Even though it seemed otherwise at the time, this situation ultimately turned out to be a fortunate turn of events. If Martin hadn’t become dissatisfied enough to move into writing “A Song of Ice and Fire,” we may never have experienced one of the most remarkable series ever crafted. It’s possible that “24” wouldn’t have been created either, had the story of “Beauty and the Beast” continued its course.
Beauty and the Beast is available to stream in the US on Paramount+
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2024-12-21 05:02