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‘Beyond the Gates’ Creator Michele Val Jean Recalls Writing Tony Geary’s Daytime Emmy-Winning Story Where ‘General Hospital’s’ Luke Revisits Raping Laura

By Michael Fairman

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Photo: CBS

As General Hospital fans, co-stars and former colleagues mourn the loss of eight-time Daytime Emmy winner, Anthony Geary (ex-Luke Spencer), tributes and remembrances are pouring in across social media, television entertainment and news program and more.

Now, in a just released new episode of Soapy Hosted by Rebecca Budig and Greg Rikaart, Beyond the Gates creator, head writer, showrunner and executive producer, Michele Val Jean, chats on her soap opera writing experience, and launching the first daytime drama on broadcast television in over 25 years and the first Black-led, one-hour soap in history, to boot.

In an ironic twist on timing, this conversation with Val Jean was taped back in October of this year around the presentation of the 52nd annual Daytime Emmy Awards as explained at the opening of the episode by Rebecca Budig, but released today on December 16. Anthony Geary passed away on Sunday, December 14 from complications from an unnamed medical procedure three days earlier at the age of 78.

Photo: ABC

Michele Val Jean spoke on her time on General Hospital as a script editor and script writer, working under then executive producer, Wendy Riche. Val Jean began her GH journey in 1993 and had several writing stints throughout her career with the ABC soap opera.

Speaking on writing for and working with the legendary Geary, Val Jean explained that she spent a lot of time in his dressing room changing the dialogue for him, but from that grew trust and was key to opening the opportunity Val Jean had hoped for, to reframe Luke’s rape of Laura (Genie Francis) at the Campus Disco back in 1979, and to call it out for what it was.

MICHELE’S PERSONAL STORY, GOALS FOR GENERAL HOSPITAL AND TONY GEARY

Val Jean expressed, “We (Tony and I) got to be friends, and we got to the point where he trusted me enough to agree to do the rape story.”  Then in a heartbreaking moment, Michele shared that she had been raped as young girl, so she knew from experience what is what and it needed to be corrected in story.

“When I was growing up I was raped. I had just turned 12, and I had lost my father three months before. He died in July. I was raped in September. So, I know what rape is. I know what it looks like. So, when Luke raped Laura, and she’s screaming ‘No!” and he’s taking her down to the floor, that’s rape, and because Tony and Genie had so much chemistry, the show started to call it a “mutual seduction,” explained Michele.  “And I was like, ‘That’s not what I saw.'”

Photo: Almay

“So when I was on the show and I had some input into story. I had three goals. One, was to call a rape, “a rape.” Two, was to win Tony Geary am Emmy because he hadn’t won one since 1983. And the other one, three was to sort of exercise my own demons, because where I grew up on the south side of Chicago, you didn’t have therapy. There was a trial. My rapist went to jail. And then after all that was over, I was just supposed to put it behind me and move on. It was really shattering.”

The head scribe used her tools as a storyteller to work through her pain and grief of her own rape, but to also clear up any confusion is soap history that Luke did indeed rape Laura. “So, I wanted to kind of put myself back together through telling that story. I knew I couldn’t come at it directly because Luke and Laura had been together for decades at that point. I had to come in through another door, and that was through Lucky (Jonathan Jackson).”

“YOU GET AN EMMY!”

Finally in 1998, Val Jean spearheaded the story that would see Luke’s admission to his son that he raped his mother. “So, I had Lucky come on the aftermath of Elizabeth’s rape and see how shattered she was, and to go through her recovery with her. Then, find out that his father had done that to his mother and that just blew up the whole family. Everyone involved in that story got Emmys. It was like Oprah! ‘You get an Emmy, and you get an Emmy.” We (Tony and I) worked really closely together through the whole thing. I felt like it was like my rapist didn’t own that afternoon anymore, I did,” recounted Michele.

Photo: CBS

Rebecca Budig shared on the story point, “I commend Tony because a lot of times you don’t want your character to look bad and that’s a big admission, right?” To which Val Jean, replied, “He embraced it. I put him on a couch, sat him on a couch, and gave him a nine minute monologue with flashbacks when Lucky said, ‘I need you to tell me what happened that night.’ And that is what Tony won the (1999) Emmy for. It was that monologue.”

THE NEW FRONTIER – BEYOND THE GATES

Later, Rebecca and Greg speak to Michele about the importance of the creation of Beyond the Gates and representation of Black characters and families on the soaps. “I didn’t like that black people were always the “best friend,” or you know, a family who would be there for a minute and then they move on, expressed Val Jean. “It’s really, really gratifying to be able open the door to this world.”

In addition to Val Jean, Beyond the Gates costume designer, Jeresa Featherstone sits down with Greg and Rebecca and shares how she draws inspiration for her crowd-pleasing looks that have come to define Beyond the Gates and how she gives each character on the canvas a distinct look and fashion sense.

Now below, check out the full episode of  “Soapy” featuring Beyond the Gates creator, Michele Val Jean and costume designer, Jeresa Featherstone.

Then let us know, what did you think about the heart-tugging story of Michele’s past and how she worked with Tony Geary in the key storyline that had Luke admitting to Lucky that he has raped his mother, Laura which shed the optics on the controversial plot point of 1979 ‘General Hospital’ and more? Share your thoughts via the comment section.

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I applaud her for writing the wrong and having it called a rape; a romance should have never been born from it, though.

Another occasion when Genie was robbed of an Emmy!

Exactly. Genie herself said in an interview no writer spoke to her at all or got any input from her. The show was always concerned about Tony at the expense of Genie. And that continued until he retired. You will never convince me he didn’t play a part in keeping her off the show all those years.

Genie also said in a interview, point blank, that Tony was not the one keeping her off the show. Make of that what you will.

But I fully agree, he was always given preference to her, from 1979 onwards. He’s said in interviews, particularly about the 78-83 era, he was treated like a prince. I did appreciate that he said his first Emmy win was 1/2 hers. I haven’t see the subsequent wins, but I have seen interviews where he and JJ say they are confounded that she gets left out.

Watched the entire podcast interview. Michele Val Jean is so down to earth and engaging. For those who love the genre she has lots of soap stories and not an unkind word about anyone. I hope she writes a book. Jeresa Featherstone was so inspiring for someone so young. This was my first time watching the podcast. I plan to seek out some of the earlier episodes. Rebecca and Greg are really really good and very well informed.. They should give up the day jobs and do a podcast full time.

Beyond the Gates

BEYOND THE GATES Preview: Who’s Trying to Silence Hayley?

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Hayley, Beyond the Gates

This week on all-new episodes of Beyond the Gates, Banneker U. homecoming continues on Monday, October 5, when Tyrell (Jaden Lucas Miller) shocks the Duprees and Richardson families, while Bill (Timon Kyle Durrett), Vernon (Clifton Davis), Elon (Malachi Malik) and Joey (Jon Lindstrom) scramble knowing Hayley (Marquita Goings) is in possession of audio recordings that would reveal their involvement in a dark secret.

That secret is a few years back when Martin (Brandon Claybon) killed a racist attacker while severely beating another man named Kenneth, in what followed followed was a  subsequent murder orchestrated by Bill and Joey that was covered up as a “robbery gone wrong!”

Now, in the latest video teaser for the action in and around Fairmont Crest from October 5-9 (see below), Hayley becomes the target as many people want to silence her or gain access to the recordings she has. It was those recording, which Hayley used to blackmail her husband, Bill, in order to stay out of jail for trying to kill him! Oh, what a tangled web we weave.

Tyrell, Martin and Smitty, Beyond the Gates

Photo: CBS

Meanwhile, Bill and Dani’s (Karla Mosley) shared history continues to draw them closer together, while Kat (Colby Nixon) seems to be enjoying her time with Izaiah (Lami), after Eva (Ambyr Michelle) decided not to come to the Banneker homecoming gathering. Will Kat and Izaiah become even closer? Stay tuned.

Now below, check out the official Beyond the Gates spoilers for the action in and around Fairmont Crest this week.

Monday, October 5
Anita hears disturbing news from Vernon. Dani gets the cold shoulder. Bill won’t give up without a fight. Nicole offers Deanna a reality check while Vanessa dodges some big questions. Martin & Smitty enjoy a full house. Jacob & Naomi align their priorities. Tyrell drops a major bombshell on his family.

Tuesday, October 6
Anita and Dani’s update blindsides Nicole. Vernon puts Bill on notice. Hayley scores a big win… at a big cost. Leslie defends her actions. Jacob confronts Izaiah. Kat’s bold words leave Eva shaken. Chelsea issues an important warning.

Wednesday, October 7
Vernon comes to the rescue. Dani presses Bill while Andre troubles Ted. Hayley’s caught totally off guard. Eva faces the future while Izaiah’s distracted. Leslie’s devoted to drama. Marcel and Joey practice persuasion.

Thursday, October 8
Andre dredges up Dani’s past. Anita finds comfort in music while Nicole is candid with Vanessa. Ted and Ashley are in cahoots. Leslie gets Hayley scrambling and Randy is fed up. Noah gives Deanna a different perspective.

Friday, October 9
Vernon shares the ugly truth with Anita. Nicole makes good on a promise. Naomi doesn’t back down. Madison leans on Chelsea after risking it all. Smitty draws a hard line with Martin. Vanessa and Joey hear Heather out. Ted’s trip with Shanice proves unforgettable.

Check out the video preview for this week’s episodes of Beyond the Gates below.

Then let us know, who do you think might be chloroforming Hayley? Will she get away with her blackmail, and be able to out maneuver everyone to continue to have a ‘get out of jail free’ card? What do you think Tyrell has to say during Banneker homecoming that will come as a surprise? Share your thoughts and theories via the comment section.

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Beyond the Gates

TUNE-IN: ‘Beyond the Gates’ Banneker Homecoming Episodes, EP Sheila Ducksworth Speaks on Impact HBCUs Have in Real Life

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Beyond the Gates Cast

As previously reported, kicking off today, is a two-part Beyond the Gates, when The Duprees gather to celebrate Banneker University’s homecoming weekend.

The producers and writers are taking an opportunity to spotlight the rich traditions of the long-held tradition of attending Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) through its fictional university.

The episodes are today on CBS and stream on Paramount+ on Friday, October 2 and next week on Monday, October 5, where in true Beyond the Gates fashion, there will be some surprising drama that ensues when someone shows up!

Beyond the Gates

Photo: CBS

BANNEKER REFLECTS THE IMPORTANCE OF HBCUS

Sheila Duckworth, (executive producer, Beyond the Gates) spoke to Soaps.com to give some insight on the decision for the series to illustrate the ties that bind with HBCUs.

“It was important that we have this school as almost a character on our canvas, right from the beginning. Beyond even education, HBCUs have been pivotal when it comes to everything from economic progression and fostering a sense of community to the development of leadership skills,” explained Ducksworth. “From the beginning, we wanted to illustrate that what the Duprees are able to do in the world was a direct reflection of the impact HBCU’s have in real life.”

EVERYTHING HAS ITS PURPOSE

The EP talked about how purposeful the elements that integrate Banneker into the overall story of Beyond the Gates are including: the Dupree family door knocker that is a lion, the mascot for the fictional university, plus, the upcoming fight song that the cast will sing together on the Monday, October 5 episode, and the painting the hangs at Fairmont Crest.

That portrait of Vernon Dupree’s (Clifton Davis) father, George Cheeks Dupree, that hangs prominently at the country club, was named after CBS executive George Cheeks (now Chairman of TV and Media, Paramount), and as Ducksworth says of the legacy of Vernon’s father, “He was the architect of Fairmont Crest.”

So, are you looking forward to these episodes honoring HBCU traditions with the Dupree and the Richardson clans? What surprises do you think might be in store come next week? Let us know via the comment section below.

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Beyond the Gates

‘Beyond the Gates’ Honors HBCU Tradition with Banneker University Homecoming Episodes

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Beyond the Gates Cast

Beyond the Gates is set to air two upcoming episodes on Friday, October 2 and Monday, October 5 on CBS, which will feature the residents of Fairmont Crest gathering at the Dupree family home for a spirited tailgate ahead of Banneker’s Homecoming, decked out in the university’s signature crimson and gold.

The episodes celebrate African American heritage by showcasing the longstanding homecoming traditions of historically Black colleges and universities (HBCU’s) through the show’s fictional Banneker University.

With five generations of the Dupree family having attended Banneker, Homecoming is more than a celebration – it’s a cherished family legacy. For the Duprees and the Fairmont Crest community, it offers an opportunity to honor their shared history, celebrate their HBCU pride, and come together for a special day filled with family, friendship, and tradition.

Banneker

Photo: CBS

BANNEKER U. FIGHT SONG

The excitement culminates with a spirited bus ride to the game, where the entire group proudly sings “Fight On,” Banneker University’s beloved fight song and we know the cast members of Beyond the Gates CAN SING! Ahead of the episodes, CBS released some promotional photos and more to engage viewers to tune-in to the 15-time Daytime Emmy nominated daytime drama.

The series is produced by CBS Studios, as part of the CBS Studios/NAACP Venture, in partnership with P&G Studios, a division of Procter & Gamble. Created by head writer Michele Val Jean, executive producers include Val Jean, Sheila Ducksworth, Julie Carruthers, Tracey Thomson, Leon W. Russell, Derrick Johnson, Anna Saalfeld and Lela Coffey. The series is distributed by Paramount Global Content Distribution.

Beyond the Gates

Photo: CBS

Beyond the Gates is broadcast weekdays on CBS (2:00-3:00 PM, ET/1:00-2:00 PM, PT) and is available to stream on Paramount+**.

*(live and on-demand for Paramount+ Premium plan subscribers, or on-demand for Paramount+ Essential subscribers the day after the episode airs)*. *Paramount+ Premium subscribers will have access to stream live via the live feed of their local CBS affiliate on the service, as well as on-demand. Paramount+ Essential subscribers will not have the option to stream live, but will have access to on-demand the day after the episode airs.

So, are you glad to see Beyond the Gates continuing to shed light on Black excellence through its soap opera platform? Is the Dupree family, quickly, if not already, become one of your favorites families in all of daytime drama? Let us know via the comment section below.

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