“Beauty and the Beast”: Romance abounds in midseason finale

The CW’s new drama “Beauty and the Beast” has become one of my favorite shows to watch this season because of its slowly building romantic element and the smoldering chemistry between leads Jay Ryan and Kristin Kreuk.

Ryan portrays “Beast” Vincent Keller, a doctor and victim of a military experiment gone awry who is in hiding. Ryan plays Vincent in a genuine and sympathetic way, and with plenty of charisma.

Kreuk is appealing and relatable as New York City homicide detective Catherine “Cat” Chandler who had a past experience with Vincent and now they’ve begun a working relationship as he assists her with some of her cases – and a romance is developing also.

This week’s episode entitled “Bridesmaid Up!” centers on Cat’s father remarrying and her dilemma of not having a date for the wedding – and everyone around her wanting to set her up with someone. No one close to her knows about the reclusive Vincent, of course.