Beauty and the Beast (1987)

Beauty and the Beast (1987) is an American fantasy Romantic/Drama television series, which was aired on CBS from 1987 to 1990. The series was created by Academy Award-winning writer/director Ron Koslow and was helmed by a multitude of talented directors including Victor Lobl, Gus Trikonis, and others. Characterized by its blend of romance, crime procedural, and fantasy, the show was internationally acclaimed and amassed a dedicated fan base over the years.

The storyline is inspired by the classic fairy tale "Beauty and the Beast'', yet adds a distinctive contemporary twist to it. It delivers a poetic portrayal of love, brimming with an array of emotions - anger, sorrow, joy, and affection. The setting of the tale is partitioned into two contrasting worlds: the gritty, unforgiving cityscape that embodies New York City's ambivalence, and the labyrinthine magical world located beneath the city surface.

The narrative unfolds when the central protagonist, Catherine Chandler, played by Linda Hamilton, an atleast on the surface, successful corporate attorney, captures the attention of Vincent. Vincent, interpreted by Ron Perlman, is a noble man-beast, endowed with a lion-like countenance and an extraordinarily kind heart. After saving Catherine from a nefarious assault, Vincent extends his cryptic world as a sanctuary, fostering an unconventional yet profound bond between them. The hauntingly handsome Vincent, though an outcast by society's standards, epitomizes poetic knowledge and philosophical wisdom. Hamilton's portrayal of Catherine is similarly layered and nuanced - she's a gentle soul grappling with her complex situations, seeking solace in Vincent's world.

Their connection is steeped in shared secrets, empathetic support, and an inexplicable spiritual linkage. Catherine becomes the metaphorical "beauty" who recognizes the profound "beast" beyond his monstrous demeanor. Simultaneously, she finds her inner strength and courage, leading a dangerous dual life - pursuing justice in hazardous criminal cases by day, and becoming a part of Vincent's fantastical world by night.

Beauty and the Beast offers an unconventional narrative that deeply explores human emotions in a visually stimulating environment. It also features a robust supporting cast, including Roy Dotrice as Father (Vincent's wise mentor), Edward Albert as Elliott Burch (Catherine's former love interest), and Armin Shimerman as Pascal (the undercity's message coordinator). These characters each contribute to the series' intricate and rich narrative tapestry, providing additional depth and dimensions to the story.

The show is equally applauded for its lyrical narration - an ode to the unseen beauty inherent in empathy and love, betrayed by the exquisite dialogues rendered throughout the episodes. The soundtrack, primarily composed by Lee Holdridge, further enhance the series' emotional weight with its soul-stirring music, perfectly capturing the essence of the unusual world presented to the viewers.

Utilizing impressive production values for its time, the series creates a sublime subterranean world beneath New York City known as the "Tunnels". As a haven for the marginalized, this subterranean world is akin to a utopia where unity, empathy, and kindness prevail over divisiveness. The topography of the tunnels - mysterious caverns, cozy living spaces, labyrinthian pathways - is as exciting as the contrasting world above.

The series strike a fine balance between the depiction of these worlds. In the world above, Catherine navigates through high-stakes legal cases, crime fighting, and personal dilemmas, whereas in the world below, she experiences the enchanting world of Vincent - a place filled with heart-warming tales of acceptance and love. Throughout the series, Catherine's struggles on the world above find solace in her time spent with Vincent, forming the central emotional crux.

Over three seasons, the intense narrative oscillates between thrilling case-solving ventures to exploring the poignant dynamics between the main leads, earning Beauty and the Beast a dedicated audience base and critical acclaim. It portrays a unique take on romance, showcasing a heightened sensitivity that refracts poetic nostalgia.

While Beauty and the Beast maintains a period charm, it doesn't shy away from exploring dark and complex themes. This balance of themes - romantic, dark, fantastical - combined with memorable performances and compelling storylines results in an unforgettable viewing experience. Thus, it is no surprise that despite its relatively short run, Beauty and the Beast is revered till date and has undeniably etched its mark in the annals of classic television.