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Ben Gavin Exits ‘Beyond the Gates’ as Derek Baldwin Dies in the OR; But Who Will Be Revealed as ‘The Impaler?’

By Michael Fairman

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Photo: CBS

Beyond the Gates said goodbye to one of its original cast members on its Wednesday, May 20 episode when Derek Baldwin (Ben Gavin) dies in the operating room after being fatally shot saving the life of Jacob Hawthorne (Jibre Hordges) and Grayson Perez (Jordi Vilasuso).

Derek’s death will have lasting ramifications because Grayson feels it was all his fault that Derek followed him to the warehouse where danger was lurking. However, Jacob said if it wasn’t for Derek’s quick move they would have both wound up dead. Still looming is who is “The Impaler” that is in charge of this entire illegal blood plasma ring? Today’s emotional episode featured Ben’s former girlfriend, Ashley (Jen Jacob) becoming emotionally-wrecked after learning Derek had died.

In an exit interview with TV Insider, actor Ben Gavin explained what went down when he learned Derek was going to meet his maker back in December of 2025. “It was definitely a shocker. They made it pretty clear this was something that they needed, and for the sake of the story, it couldn’t just be anyone. It had to be someone that they started to really care about to hook the audience, and I understood that.”

DEREK WAS KILLED-OFF DUE TO THE GREATER GOOD OF THE STORY

As it turns out, Beyond the Gates executive producer, Julie Carruthers informed Gavin that he was going to die a hero. “And Derek’s got a hero complex, so it’s only fitting,” agreed Ben. “I get the nature of it, but it didn’t make it any less difficult to swallow.”

Derek’s last scene was with the love of his life, Ashley. It’s one Gavin will always remember, sharing, “The very last shot I did was where I tell Ashley to not be afraid and that I love her. They really took their time with it, which I appreciate, because there are not many opportunities on a soap where we can really take our time with moments; it’s run and gun. So, I’m lying on this gurney, and I’m going through all the mental stuff before the shot, and then nothing’s happening, and I’m kind of like, ‘Alright, let’s do this.’ And then everyone came out onto the stage, and they said, ‘You’re wrapped.’”

Now the question is, how will Ashley and Grayson move forward in their relationship knowing that Derek died saving Grayson and Jacob? And we still need to learn the identify of “The Impaler.” Who do you think it could be?

So, will you miss Ben Gavin as Derek Baldwin? Do you think the series killed the right character off the canvas? Weigh-in via the comment section below.

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Grayson should have been killed off .

I feel Grayson should had been killed off. Derek was so good. Lia should go to jail asp. I will miss Derek.

Nothing personal, but Ben Gavin (Derek) is a terrible actor. I knew his days on the show were numbered. He’s not even good enough to star in a high school production.

LMAO

But I think he would be a good firefighter. 😉

Amazing week thus far; not surprised by Derek’s exit, as the red herrings were all there. Ben Gavin seems like a sweet guy and took this on the chin. Wishing him the best in his future endeavours. As for the Impaler, I do believe it is:

Spoiler
Douglas McBride working on behalf of Joey Armstrong.

2 ideas for keeping Derek’s character on the show:
1-Don’t let him Derek actually be dead, but a plot to say he died on the operating table to hide him so he can be the the key witness in the upcoming trial for the undercover sting, because the shooter go away and he was the only one in the warehouse to see the shooter’s face,
2-Let him come back as his twin brother and tell how he and his twin told each other everything and he knew what Derek was doing at the warehouse and were texting when Derek saw the gunman and jumped in to save the two lives.
LET THE “GOOD GUY” CHARACTERS STAY ON THE SHOW AND FIND A WAY TO KEEP THE FLOW OF PEOPLE WHO ARE DOING GOOD THINGS AS DEREK WAS AT THE FREE CLINIC STAY ON THE SHOW. TRY TO KEEP EVERYONE ON THE SHOW ALIVE. WE DON’T NEED ANY MORE KILLING AND DYING, THE CRIME SERIES SHOW US ENOUGH.

Constance Sartor Walker
Creative Writer
Durham, NC

In all honesty, I didn’t care for the Derek character. I don’t know why but the character just didn’t catch on with me. As for who the Impaler might be, I hope it’s a real shocker when that comes out.

Hell no they should have not killed him off the show!

I’m very sorry to hear this. I liked the Derek character. Derek died saving Grayson!!!!!!!!! If I was Ashley, that would spell the end my relationship with Grayson.

The very best of luck to Ben Gavin in his future.

i’m sure people will disagree but i think killing off Derek was a mistake and i think people were always putting Ben Gavin down but again it was a mistake to get rid of him

Would you like to give a reason why you think it was a mistake? I think the reason a lot of people disagree with you is because they feel he’s simply not a good actor. He’s always had a very difficult time expressing the character’s different emotions. That’s a career-ending flaw for someone who wants to maintain a long career in major productions.

Joey!!!

Oh, I like Derek I wish they could’ve kept him on couldn’t. They had killed someone else like the bad guy.

I want to be shocked by the news of the impaler identity. I’m thinking Carlton, Kial, Doug McBride, or even Nicole or Donnell. Why did Nicole leave the cotillion so abruptly? Donnell arrived late due to a “flat tire” but that could be an excuse. Leslie or Joey would be too obvious.

They could have killed off the psycho woman, head of the hospital. She wouldn’t be missed, but Derek will be, unfortunately. Great storyline otherwise, they could say they just said he died because of the impaler not exposed, and bring Derek’s character back. It happens, its a soap.

I Remember Derek so well when he first came on as the character I really like him why on earth you would take him off instead of taken Lia. And Grayson ŵhat a horrible mistake why do you people always taken the ones people enjoy watch I am so disappointed.

Ben Gavin was doing a better acting job with his Derek character. Too bad that he is moving on to other projects.

Either Doug McBride isn’t dead and he is The Impaler or Derek isn’t dead and he’s going into Witness Protection.

Bingo! Doug McBride has to be The Impaler. It all adds up. He was financially devastated, knows the hospital’s people and inner workings, and knows exactly how to deal with blood plasma.

As far as Ben Gavin (Derek Baldwin), he’s gone because he simply wasn’t a good actor. There are some other pretty bad actors who still remain, but Gavin was the worst of them all. But because Gavin is probably a very nice guy and great to work with, it’s likely the producers and writers decided to let him go out in magnificent glory. I wish him the best, but if he stays in the entertainment industry his success will most like be behind the camera.

I will miss Ben Gavin as Derek as he was a force for good on a show where more than one person gets away with doing bad things without consequences (Leslie, Joey, Hayley). Ben brought loveable every man “Derek “to life (in spite of some qurstionable writing for his character). I’m sad that Ben (and the character of Derek) are gone.

Well said. I didn’t like his storyline with Ashley. He was one of the few that put Leslie in her place. I also liked his scenes with Eva. Most frustrating is he wasn’t involved with the impaler storyline. So why is he the one who dies, and not Derek, Grayson, or Smitty? Poor storytelling.

In Miss Derek . He was a great guy. Now Ashley can leave town and be ghost.

All good things must come to an end. I wish Mr. Gavin the best but I believe his future is bright. I definitely see him snapped up by another soap or in prime time fairly soon. As they say when one door closes another one opens.

Yes, a bright future in a field other than acting. You’re delusional if you actually believe that he’ll be “snapped up” by another soap or some prime time show soon. Or even not so soon. If I’m wrong, come back here and boast about it. Until then, let’s keep listening to the birds chirping.

All bad things must come to an end, too.

I love all the characters.

I think it should have been Grayson and Ashley and Derek found there way back to each other.

The impaler has to be Doug McBride. He was in desperate financial trouble with Joey, so Joey said this was his way out.

BTG deserves to be honored by the Daytime Emmys for the outstanding accomplishments they’ve made in just over a year of being on the air. Everntually, I think they’ll start winning a lot of the traditional categories. The show is just so enjoyable to watch.

My favorite characters are Leslie Thomas, Bill Hamilton and Dani Dupree. Leslie is hilarious, always has great comebacks, and delivers her lines and facial expressions better than anyone else. Bill’s complexity at being both a mean tough guy and a wonderful nice guy is great. And Dani is cool-as-heII bada$$ who is always a breath of fresh air.

A good actor totally becomes the character. The viewer doesn’t even think of the person acting; they’re just immersed in the story and believe the person is actually that charcter.

A bad actor just recites their lines and cannot connect with the motivation or emotions of the character. The viewer actually thinks about how the actor is delivering the lines, so they are thinking of the actor as an actor rather than fully believing they are actually the character they’re playing.

As an example, when BTG viewers see Vernon Dupree, Anita Dupree, Dani Dupree, Bill Hamilton or Leslie Thomas on screen, they believe they are actually watching real people instead of actors playing characters. They pull us in to the story as if it and them are real! You don’t once think about how the actor merely recited a line from a script.

You’ve made your critique of his acting skills. You will not convince us though by repeating your opinion over and over. You think he is a bad actor who can’t connect with others. Judging from the intense reaction his character’s death is receiving on social media he connected with most of the audience just fine.

You’re in denial. Soaps don’t fire good actors who have an “intense” following from “most” of the audience (unless they’ve violated the morals clause in their contract). This is very simple… If he was anywhere close to as good as you tell yourself, he wouldn’t have been fired. You’ll never see him on any other soap because none will hire him.

Reality check here. Soaps fire good actors all the time for storyline purposes. It’s called business. It doesn’t matter whether you are popular or not. Look at Days of our Lives. Carson Boatman and Raven Bowens were recently fired from the show. Kelly Monaco was fired from General Hospital. You are entitled to your views. I and the thousands of people who have expressed regret at him leaving are entitled to ours. In any event I will always wish any actor the best in his future endeavors.

Delusion is not reality. Gavin was arguably the worst actor on the show. And even at a bargain-basement salary, his bosses determined that he still wasn’t a good value. That is why he was fired. So if he had such an intense following by most of the fans, as you claim, it would’ve made absolutely no sense to get rid of him. Many fans predicted his demise starting within months of the show’s premiere. But if it will make you feel better to believe that it was for “business” and “storyline” purposes, I understand. If Gavin is passionate about acting, I’m sure he’ll be able to get minor roles here and there in low-level productions. But getting work on one of the other soaps, or a major prime time show, is never going to happen.

I am not a casting director or a producer and I am not privy to the salary structure of those on this or any other show. Nor do I choose to speculate on a producers storyline decisions. I continue to think Ben Gavin has a bright future in acting and look forward to seeing him and the rest of the cast of the show in future entertainment productions. As you and I are not changing our opinions, please have a nice day and be blessed.

Sunglasses will not be necessary to watch his “bright” future in acting.

It’s time for Joey to leave that show. And stop all the crime. It’s turning BTG into a mob crime soap. I’ve lost my desire to watch it.

Come on, Betty. Hang in there. Crime and the mob is intertwined with politics, right? And Fairmount Crest sits in the heart of the country’s politics. I think the crime element mixed in on BTG makes it exciting.

It’s time to send Joey Armstrong back to General hospital. That’s where he’s needed not on BTG. The mob needs to get clothes down on this show. They are turning this show into a criminal show.

Lmao. Jon Lindstrom (the person) is actually getting work at Beyond the Gates, where he was not at General Hospital. Not to mention, he’s very happy playing Joey Armstrong, and it shows in the quality of his work.

Actually, the actor who plays Joey is far better off on BTG than GH. It’s a much juicier and more interesting role since his days tackling dual roles on GH ended, and he’s doing an amazing job at playing this great character. I would be very disappointed if he left BTG, whether voluntarily or not.

I forgot to ask you Betty: Why should the mob get clothes down? Do they own a clothing store?

Ironically, you can’t even blame Bob Guza for the mob storylines on BTG, since he left the show several months ago. When Joey was still a relatively minor character and none of this plasma black market dragonshit was going on.

Joey does seem to have his “Sonny Corinthos” elements to him though. And why not? Jon Lindstrom picked them up by working with the original for so many years.

whos blaming bob guza? who even mentioned bob guza? oh and who is bob guza? lol. btw i dont think betty spaghetti cares one bit about whos responsible for the mob storylines. she just wants them to go away.

Beyond the Gates

Ashley Jones Makes Her ‘Beyond the Gates’ Debut in a Shocking Reveal as ‘The Impaler’

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As had been teased, the Monday, June 8 episode of Beyond the Gates brought with the the identity of The Impaler, the long-talked-about head of the blood plasma ring that involved Grayson Perez (Jordi Vilasuso), Dr. Lia Whitmore (Cecelia Specht), got Derek Baldwin (Ben Gavin) killed and had Jacob Hawthorne (Jibre Hordges) going under cover to nab the criminal.

Only in a major surprise and best kept secret, The Impaler turned out to be Joey’s Armstrong’s (Jon Lindstrom) younger sister, Heather, played by Ashley Jones! As we previously reported in April, Jones had joined the newest CBS daytime drama but we never knew what part she was playing until now.

This marks the first time in her veteran soap opera career she has played a nefarious evildoer. Previously, Ashley has been recurring as The Bold and the Beautiful as Dr. Bridget Forrester, portrayed Professor Parker Forsyth on General Hospital, plus got her soap start as Megan Dennison on The Young and the Restless. 

Courtesy/CBS

SIBLING RIVALRY

If you caught today’s Beyond the Gates, in story, as Joey was awaiting coming face-to-face with The Impaler, he instead gets paid a visit from a woman in a cloak that initially concealed her face. When she revealed herself, Joey knew exactly who it was … his sister.  Joey wondered how she is involved with The Impaler.

Apparently, it’s been a long while since the siblings had seen each other. Heather informed Joey she lived in London, and as Joey was trying to figure out the connection between her and The Impaler, she dropped the bombshell, “Oh, my dear brother. I am The Impaler.”

Joey initially laughed her off, until she explained she intentionally made everyone believe The Impaler was a man as a decoy. Suddenly, Joey realized this is not the same version of his sister he knew before, especially when she said, “I’m not the little girl you have to protect anymore. I’ve found my power.”

In the further backstory of the Armstrong children, Heather brings up how their father has used physical violence on Joey, while she dealt with his belief that a woman’s place is in the home, and raising children and to leave the mob business to the boys. As it turns out, Heather wants to work side by side with Joey combining forces to run their illegal activities. Later, when Joey admitted to Vanessa (Lauren Buglioli) that his sister had come to town. and he doesn’t really know of her true intentions, he left out the fact that Heather is The Impaler!

Photo: JPI

PLAYING A VILLAIN ON DAYTIME

Speaking with Parade, Jones said that she knew early on that she would be The Impaler, but wasn’t sure what that actually meant, “I hadn’t watched enough of the show, so I did a little research, explained Ashley. “I was like, ‘Oh, they talk about the Impaler a decent amount,’ and then I knew that I was somehow related to Joey Armstrong. So, I knew those two things, and I knew she was the head of a crime ring, and that was kind of all the information I got.”

Jones shared her enthusiasm to getting to play a villain on a soap, adding, “This is probably one of the more complicated characters I’ve ever played. There’s a lot to her,”  obviously, at this point, people will know she’s the Impaler. She’s kind of the villain. I haven’t played this in Daytime really ever.”

What do you think about the reveal of Ashley Jones as Joey’s sister, Heather being the notorious Impaler? It seems that Beyond the Gates as pulled off yet another shocker! Weigh-in via the comment section, but first check out the reveal from today’s episode.

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Beyond the Gates

BEYOND THE GATES Preview: Victor Newman Touches Down in Fairmont Crest and Martin’s Fundraiser Turns Into Its Own ‘Disaster’ Movie

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It’s finally here! The bombshell week of all new episodes of Beyond the Gates begins on Monday, June 8 with the reveal of just who is the mysterious “Impaler.” That is  followed by Tuesday, June 9 when six of prominent residents of Genoa City arrive at Fairmont Crest for congressman Martin Richardson’s (Brandon Claybon) fundraiser.

However, as had been previewed, once Victor Newman (Eric Braeden), Jack Abbott (Peter Bergman), Diane Jenkins (Susan Walters), Kyle Abbott (Michael Mealor), Devon Hamilton (Bryton James) and Abby Newman (Melissa Ordway) get to the major soiree, a tornado rips through the D.C./Maryland area trapping new friends, old enemies and loved ones together.

And as teased in Michael Fairman TV’s interview with Y&R’s Peter Bergman and BTG’s Daphnée Duplaix (Nicole), Bergman concluded, “Just when you think they just got through all this crazy wind, something happens that is just nuts!”

Now below take a look at the official Beyond the Gates spoilers for the week of June 8-12 below.

Monday, June 8
The identity of The Impaler is revealed. Vanessa leans on Dani to help alleviate her anxiety. Ted and Andre update each other on the current state of their romantic relationships. Leslie is determined to secure an invitation to Martin’s upcoming fundraiser.

Tuesday, June 9
Victor Newman touches down in Fairmont Crest. The Richardson-Smiths prepare for Martin’s fundraiser. Naomi talks to Dani about her fears for Jacob’s well-being. Meanwhile, Jacob locks horns with Elon at the station. Leslie crashes Mona’s event.

Wednesday, June 10 
Jack, Diane & Kyle Abbott along with Devon and Abby [Y&R] arrive at Martin’s fundraiser. Naomi convinces Ashley to join her at the club. A tornado strikes Fairmont Crest.

Thursday, June 11
The country club takes a direct hit from the tornado. Bill and Dani need to rely on each other while Eva and Kat are forced to work together. Hayley ends up in close proximity to someone surprising.

Friday, June 12 
Joey’s actions earn him favor with a VIP. Ted deals with multiple crises. The drastic measures one duo takes has extreme consequences. Anita spies something peculiar and then issues a warning.

Now below, watch the CBS promo for this week’s all-new Beyond the Gates.

Then let us know, who do you think will be revealed as The Impaler? Do you think anyone will die from Fairmont Crest during the tornado? Weigh-in via the comment section.

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Beyond the Gates

Peter Bergman and Daphnée Duplaix Preview ‘Beyond the Gates’ and ‘The Young and the Restless’ Crossover and What Befalls Jack and Nicole Amidst a Tornado (Exclusive)

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Get ready for an action-packed story arc when several of Genoa City’s most prominent residents descend on Fairmont Crest for a fundraiser for congressman Martin Richardson’s (Brandon Claybon) campaign which kickstarts the four episode CBS daytime crossover event between Beyond the Gates and The Young and the Restless.

Beginning Tuesday, June 9 and airing though Friday, June 12 on CBS and streaming on Paramount+, in true soap opera fashion, a tornado is heading straight towards the D.C./Maryland area and strikes during the soiree, putting everyone’s life in peril.

Participating in the crossover from The Young and the Restless are: Jack Abbott (Peter Bergman), Victor Newman (Eric Braeden), Diane Jenkins (Susan Walters), Kyle Abbott (Michael Mealor), Devon Winters (Bryton James) and Abby Newman (Melissa Ordway). 

Photo: CBS

Now, as is soap opera tradition, when a tornado strikes your soap town, expect the story to be anchored on who is stuck with who? Is it an ex-husband, a former flame, a hot stranger, feuding sisters, anything and everything is on the table for this one, folks!

As a prelude to what fans will see, Peter Bergman and Daphnée Duplaix (Nicole Dupree Richardson, Beyond the Gates) visited the Michael Fairman Channel to give us the ultimate tease. Below are just a few nuggets we learned from the conversation.

JACK AND DIANE CAN’T SEEM TO FIND COMMON GROUND

Already on the outs with his wife, Diane, how does coming to Fairmont Crest impact a reconciliation between the two? Peter Bergman shared, “One would think you could build on that and that it would bring them closer together. A fellah can dream! Jack was hopeful that this little exit to Maryland might rekindle some things, might help things heal. However, Jack goes back to Genoa City fighting for his marriage.”

Courtesy/CBS

WILL NICOLE CHOOSE A MAN WHILE IN THE RUBBLE?

As for Nicole, she has been playing the field dating two men: Dr. Carlton Fitzgerald (Robert Christopher Riley) and Dr. Kial Rollins (Greg Vaughan), and she still has her ex-husband Dr.Ted Richardson (Keith D. Robinson) wanting her back, might the epic tornado bring her some clarify?

Duplaix explained, “Nicole is still very much in, ‘I am having fun. I’m discovering myself. Do not give me any pressure. Don’t stress me out,’ mode. She does want to give her heart to somebody, but is still scared. So she’s like, ‘let’s just sit back and have some fun.’ As for Ted, I’m still friendly. I’m still kind (towards him).”

Both Daphnée and Peter reported they were most impressed by how Beyond the Gates was able to pull off a natural disaster ripping through Fairmont Crest, so the enormity of it could be played out on-screen in soapy fashion, but leveled up the Beyond the Gates way.

THE MAKING OF A SOAP OPERA TORNADO

“This was movie level quality on a daytime soap,” exclaimed Duplaix. “We used a completely different stage to be able to have the amount of people that we had in these scenes. It was pretty incredible and intense. I think everybody held their own from the front of the camera to the behind the camera, and I think the fans audience are going be not just surprised, but definitely satisfied.”

Twenty-five time Daytime Emmy nominee and a three time winner, Peter Bergman, certainly knows a thing or two about soap operas. Through the year, he has made no bones in previous interviews that he is a student of the genre and does watch other soaps and actors from those respective soaps. Peter was well aware that Beyond the Gates in its year and a half existence has delivered every time they have a major reveal planned.

Courtesy/CBS

ANOTHER SHOCKER IS ON THE WAY

Bergman agreed and added, “So, you are a brand new show. What do you know about what really works in daytime television? Let’s work the things that really work and those shows that have been on 50 years, are not looking for those moments. They’re just kind of keeping the whole thing going. These people are artistically and scientifically looking at what works. Beyond the Gates is a really clever show in that way. There are Cliffhangers left and right. Great idea.”

In the end, Duplaix and Bergman summed up what viewers are about to see best, with Peter giving us a major spoiler alert to be on the lookout for. “It’s all exciting. There’s twists, there’s turns. Things you’re definitely not going expect to happen,” stated Duplaix. “The thing that we are used to as far as natural disasters in the soap opera world are there, but the storylines around what you expect are going be really fun to watch.” Peter concluded with (and wait or it!), “Just when you think they just got through all this crazy wind, something happens that is just nuts!”

You can check out the full conversation with Peter Bergman and Daphnée Duplaix below from You Tube’s Michael Fairman Channel, followed by the official Beyond the Gates promo for the crossover event. We say, look closely at who’s with whom, and what is going down and compare notes from our interview with that, and let us know if you think you have some things figured out!

Now, are you looking forward to the crossover between Beyond the Gates and Y&R? what do you think will be the surprise twist at the end of the tornado episodes? Weigh-in via the comment section.

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