Beyond the Gates
Ben Gavin Exits ‘Beyond the Gates’ as Derek Baldwin Dies in the OR; But Who Will Be Revealed as ‘The Impaler?’
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.
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:
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.
Next week, CBS daytime’s Beyond the Gates serves up a week of repeats to shed the spotlight on some recent major episodes, in case you may have missed it, all before the 4th of July holiday weekend.
This is not the first time the newest network television soap opera on the block has aired a week’s worth of encore presentations. However this time, the episodes focus on the fabulous Cotillion storyline which is juxtaposed with the blood plasma ring warehouse shakedown which saw Derek Baldwin (Ben Gavin) get shot and eventually die.
Also included in the week is Grammy and Tony Award winner, Jennifer Holliday making a guest appearance on the soap, and singing an original song from the series musical supervisors team during the Duprees Easter brunch, and more.
Photo: CBS
Take a look at the rundown of what you will see next week on Beyond the Gates below.
Monday, June 29
The Duprees get ready for Samantha’s cotillion. Jacob meets with Ren. Ashley is in a panic as Grayson prepares for the worst. Bill questions Hayley about her past. Lia puts Derek in the hot seat.
Tuesday, June 30
Grayson completes his assignment, but then all hell breaks loose at the warehouse. Samantha and Jessica make their cotillion debut while Nicole has to deal with an emergency.
Wednesday, July 1
Someone dies while a Platinum Deb is crowned. Vanessa questions Joey about the chaos of the evening. Tyrell and Jessica slip away for their first time together.
Thursday, July 2
Special Guest Star Jennifer Holliday sings for a friend. Nicole takes Kial to her family’s Easter brunch. Ted advises Carlton. Anita puts Anastasia in her place. Hayley feels like an outsider in a sea of Duprees. Grayson receives a threat. Naomi and Jacob find a way to connect.
Friday, July 3
Naomi and Jacob spend their anniversary apart—both remembering their love story from first date to wedding vows. Izaiah helps his brother out while Naomi leans on Ashley, Dani and Bill.
Beyond the Gates returns with all-new episodes starting Monday, July 6 where it will pick up right from where it left off following the Friday, June 26 cliffhanger.
So, from the encore episodes listed, which are you are you most enthused about seeing again, or do you wish there was no break from traditional all-new episodes? Weigh-in via the comment section below.
Beyond the Gates
RATINGS: ‘Beyond the Gates’ Scores Third Most-Watched Week Since Its Premiere With ‘The Young and the Restless’ Crossover Event
The tornado that ripped through Fairmont Crest and put the lives of the characters of Beyond the Gates and several from The Young and the Restless in jeopardy had viewers tuning-in for the week of June 8-12.
The highly-publicized crossover event kicked off on the Tuesday, June 9 episode of Beyond the Gates where six residents of Genoa City came to to visit the D.C./Maryland country club for a fundraiser for Martin Richardson (Brandon Claybon), only no one expected a twister to tear into the proceedings, leading to several storylines intersecting as people were trapped with one another with Eva Thomas (Ambyr Michelle) being the most severely injured and now requiring a liver transplant to survive.
According to the ratings report from CBS and Nielsen ratings and as supplied to Variety, Beyond the Gates brought in on average 1.8 million viewers throughout the wee. That is up 11% from its season-to-date numbers and it makes the crossover/tornado episodes its third most-watched week for the soap since Beyond the Gates premiered back on February 24, 2025.
Photo: CBS
A GENOA CITY TOUCHDOWN
With the strength of the story, its special effects and bringing over cast of the top-rated, The Young and the Restless which included: Eric Braeden (Victor Newman), Michael Mealor (Kyle Abbott), Peter Bergman (Jack Abbott), Susan Walters (Diane Jenkins), Melissa Ordway (Abby Newman) and Bryton James (Devon Hamilton), the Thursday, June 11 episode was the week’s most-watched.
According to the numbers, the Wednesday June 10 episode brought in the most total viewers for the week with 1.87 million (up 17% week-to-week), followed closely by the Friday, June 12 episodes which had 1.84 million watching.
Photo: JPI
Over on The Young and the Restless, the week of June 8-12, also saw an increase based on the early return that week of Shemar Moore as Malcolm Winters wrapping up his leg of the story where viewers learned he had a son Holden Novak (Nathan Owens) with Stephanie Simmons (Vivica A. Fox), and survived his bone marrow transplant surgery thanks to Cane Ashby (Billy Flynn).
Y&R scored 3.11 million viewers for the week up 2% from its season average with the June 8 and June 9 episodes featuring Moore averaging 3.2 million viewers and up 9% year-over-year.
So, did you enjoy the tornado episodes of Beyond the Gates and seeing the residents of Genoa City crossover to Fairmont Crest? Share your thoughts via the comment section on the latest ratings for the two CBS daytime soaps.
Beyond the Gates
‘Beyond the Gates’ Star Karla Mosley Weighs-in on Dani Dupree’s Love Life Endgame: Are You Team Bill or Team Andre?
Last week, viewers of CBS daytime’s Beyond the Gates watched as a tornado ripped through Fairmont Crest. In its wake, people were trapped with one another or seriously injured.
For Dani Dupree (Karla Mosley), she found herself stuck in an elevator with her ex-husband, Bill Hamilton (Timon Kyle Durrett). And wouldn’t you know, one thing led to another, and the two gave into their unresolved feelings for one another and did the deed.
Meanwhile, Dani’s current husband, Andre Richardson (Sean Freeman) suffered a minor injury to his leg, and was worried sick in the ballroom because he had no idea where Dani was after the twister decimated the place. Eventually, Dani and Bill part ways go back to their families and act like nothing happened.
Photo: CBS
When Dani is reunited with Andre, he professes his love for her even more than ever. As for Bill’s current wife Hayley Lawson (Marquita Goings), she could care less because she was making out with Kyle Abbott (Michael Mealor, Y&R) in a closet at the country club!
THE TORNADO MAY HAVE CHANGED DANI’S HEART
For months, Beyond the Gates viewers have found themselves torn; rooting for Dani and Bill to get over themselves and get back together, or rooting for Dani and Andre, because its clear he truly loves her, even though their marriage may not have started out as the greatest love affair of all time.
Karla Mosley opened up to PEOPLE on Dani’s romance plight and who the writers of the soap might ultimately pair her with, expressing “I cannot say. I honestly have no idea.”
As it seems now, this triangle of Andre/Dani/Bill is about to heat up even more following Dani’s elevator exploits. However, according to Mosley, the popularity of Dani and Andre came as surprise to the writers, which has led to the romantic drama. “The writers did not think Dani and Andre were gonna pop off the way that they did,” explained Karla. “Originally, they thought Bill and Dani would be back together by the end of season one. And then it was like, ‘wait, what is happening?’”
Photo: CBS
WRITERS ARE TAKING THE PULSE OF THE FANS
The decision to not have Dani and Bill reunite within season 1 or half-way though season 2, Mosley shares is a sign of the times: “The old soap trope is the torn woman who goes back to her man. But I think there are enough women now who are like, I want to see her win.”
In the end, Karla believes that in this case, fans speaking up, can also translate to the writers room and influence their potential decision of who should be the ultimate man for Dani. She tells Beyond the Gates viewers, “Keep talking about it, y’all.”
Meanwhile, questions remain: Could Dani and Bill’s elevator sex find her pregnant with his child, which would make this whole situation more messy? Stay tuned.
Now, let us know, who do you want to see Dani ultimately with … Bill Hamilton or Andre Richardson? Weigh-in via the comment section below.
GENERAL HOSPITAL: Cassius Faison’s Cover is Blown
Tom Ligon, ‘The Young and the Restless’ Lucas Prentiss, Dies at 85
Shemar Moore Led ‘S.W.A.T. Exiles’ Lands Home at Starz for Upcoming Fall Season
GENERAL HOSPITAL Preview: Carly in Danger to Save Josslyn; Cody May Be Onto Cassius, and a Mysterious Arrival
John Oliver Lands Roles on ‘General Hospital’ and ‘Days of Our Lives’
Maurice Benard Gives High Praise to ‘General Hospital’ Writers; Teases Upcoming Sonny Scenes with Anna, Jason, Justine and Ric
THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL: Hope Floors the Runway and the Forresters!
DAYS OF OUR LIVES: Jacob Martinez Debuts as Javi Hernandez First Look Photos
‘General Hospital’ Alum Chad Duell Drops First Single EDM/Dance Track ‘If You Need Me’
Al Calderon Reflects on ‘Major Chapters’ Coming to an End on ‘Days of Our Lives’ and ‘Brilliant Minds’
GENERAL HOSPITAL: Cassius Faison’s Cover is Blown
GENERAL HOSPITAL Preview: Carly in Danger to Save Josslyn; Cody May Be Onto Cassius, and a Mysterious Arrival
THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL Preview: Hope and Katie Take a Victory Lap Before All Hell Breaks Loose with the Forresters
WWE ‘Night of Champions’ Shocker: Sami Zayn Pins Cody Rhodes for Undisputed World Heavyweight Title
DAYS OF OUR LIVES: Jacob Martinez Debuts as Javi Hernandez First Look Photos
-
General Hospital1 week agoMaurice Benard Gives High Praise to ‘General Hospital’ Writers; Teases Upcoming Sonny Scenes with Anna, Jason, Justine and Ric
-
Recaps4 days agoTHE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL: Hope Floors the Runway and the Forresters!
-
Days Of Our Lives3 days agoDAYS OF OUR LIVES: Jacob Martinez Debuts as Javi Hernandez First Look Photos
-
General Hospital4 days ago‘General Hospital’ Alum Chad Duell Drops First Single EDM/Dance Track ‘If You Need Me’
-
Days Of Our Lives1 week agoAl Calderon Reflects on ‘Major Chapters’ Coming to an End on ‘Days of Our Lives’ and ‘Brilliant Minds’
-
Beyond the Gates3 days ago‘Beyond the Gates’ Set to Air Week of Encore Episodes
-
Days Of Our Lives1 week agoDeidre Hall Marks 50 Years as ‘Days of Our Lives’ Dr. Marlena Evans
-
General Hospital4 days agoGENERAL HOSPITAL: Britt and Rocco Say Their Goodbyes, Then She Gets Arrested; Anna Reveals “Nathan West” is an Imposter
