Beauty and the Beast - Season 2 ep. 1&2 overview

Now, where were we?

While last season left off with the revelation that FBI agent Bob Reynolds was Catherine's birth father, and Vincent being helicoptered (kidnapped) off to destinations unknown, Season 2 has begun without the usual smoothing out of cliffhangers typical of many cable programs. Though Cat manages to locate Vincent, a rather unpredictable plot twist is dropped on viewers: Vincent has no memory of Cat (or even JT). This begs the question of what sort of twisted brainwashing took place during Vincent's 3-month disappearance.

At ease, super-soldier

The Vincent we see in Season 2 is one that has been re-programmed into a weapon for yet another secret organisation that we will likely learn more about as the season progresses. While his previous priorities were staying hidden and attempting to create something resembling a normal relationship with Cat, now he appears to do little more than follow orders. But upon being reintroduced to Cat, he finds himself drawn in once again. Though he cannot recall any details regarding Cat, their connection is strong enough to warrant a post-amnesia first kiss in Episode 1 and going to bed in Episode 2. He can still recognise her heartbeat from miles away, and finds himself drawn to her, regardless of whether or not he is sure of her trustworthiness.

The gang's all here

Gabe is now human, having cured himself of his Beastly affliction in the season finale, and is now trying to make amends for his previous misdoings. He and Tess have been aiding Cat in her efforts to find Vincent, though Tess' motivations stem from wanting to protect Cat from Vincent, who she sees as being than trouble and a pain-inducing nuisance to Cat's life. Much like last season, JT's story revolves around his need to protect Vincent. Having spent so long looking after him and living in secrecy, JT knows no other life than this. But since the introduction of Cat into their lives, JT is now forming and building relationships with others who are aware of Vincent's secret. Gabe's seasonal story arc will likely continue his search for redemption and adjusting to being human, while Tess' story is wide open to many possibilities; perhaps a functional love interest?

He's too dangerous...

The end of episode 2 poses yet another twist in relation to the events leading up to it. After an intense encounter on the rooftop between Cat and Vincent on their rooftop escalates into his shouting that he does not remember her, and shoving her away from him with Beastly strength, Cat's loyalty and commitment to Vincent is shaken. She goes downstairs, meets JT, and tells him that he was right about Vincent being too dangerous. While this may have been stated in the heat of the moment, it just as easily could be indicative of Cat having reached her breaking point. Is this the end of Cat and Vincent's relationship as we know it? Has Vincent burned a bridge with his strongest ally? Stay tuned to Beauty and the Beast to find out! The show airs on Sundays in Canada and Mondays in the United States.