The Brotherhood of Pain
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The Brotherhood of Pain is a term used by fans to describe Alex Gansa and Howard Gordon, two of the main writers for Beauty and the Beast (TV).
It was a phrase that was used affectionately before the third season, and much less so after that very controversial season aired.
Some Fan Comments
Pre-Third Season
1988:
An exchange of letters set after after the "Dark Spirit" episode come close to capturing the characterizations which the B&TB writers in the "Brotherhood of Pain" and of course, the fans, know so well. [1]
1988:
One step out of the parameters set up by the Brotherhood of Pain and the reader can be offended or -- what's worse -- bored. [2]
1989
... lately I believe "Brotherhood of Pain" better describes us fans. [3]
1989:
To the Brotherhood of Pain: These twelve episodes need to be the best work you have ever done and the most original. Throttle back the violence, we need it only in carefully measured amounts. Virtually eliminate the rescues, Catherine has seen the light. [4]
1989:
"Father, what have you done?" My sentiments exactly, only mine are directed at Ron Koslow and the Brotherhood of Pain. Oh, I don't think I like this new direction. I want my Vincent back. As I write this there remains just one episode left to air. I am trying to be objective and to keep faith. [5]
1989:
During and After the Third Season
1990:
[The third season was a] sick joke. Whoever named the writers the "Brotherhood of Pain" had the right idea. I realize this letter is going to infuriate many people, but I'm sorry. If I wanted to see a pregnant woman being tortured and brutally murdered, I could turn in to any other mediocre trash that television now offers. [7]
1991:
After the initial stunning, numbing shock of TLBL, my reaction... I addressed one of the many letters I wrote that night or in the following days, to "The Brotherhood of Pain," and asked them if they had always hated the fans — or what? Had they always held us in such contempt and loathing? I was so bewildered — I couldn't understand how all this could happen — how the same people who wrote "A Happy Life" and other favorites could unleash such violence and brutality on a woman at her most vulnerable and helpless. What was done to Linda Hamilton/Catherine was so vicious, so cruel, so vindictive, so humiliating and degrading. How could they imagine that this would be satisfying to anyone with anything approaching normal human emotions? [8]
1995:
As always, thanks to the dreamweavers: Ron Koslow, Ron Perlman, Linda Hamilton, Jo Anderson, Roy Dotrice, Jay Acovone, George Martin and the Brotherhood of Pain - and all the rest of the talented cast and crew. You gave us more than just a wonderful story — you gave us hope and inspiration. [9]
References
- ^ from Datazine #53 for a review of Safe Places #1
- ^ from the editorial of A Child Was Born
- ^ from Once Upon a Time... Is Now #15
- ^ from Passages #16/17
- ^ from Passages #16/17
- ^ from the second volume of The Beauty and the Beast Literary Compendium
- ^ from Tunneltalk v.1 n.4
- ^ from Tunneltalk v.2 n.1
- ^ from the editorial of LifeSongs (1995)