Beyond the Gates
‘Beyond the Gates’ Review: Historic New CBS Soap Opera Puts Spotlight on Black Excellence While Serving Up Secrets, Betrayals, Lust and Family Ties
Beyond the Gates is finally here and it is well worth wait! The series is making history in so many ways. First, the show is the first daytime drama on network television in more than a quarter-century; in a genre that too many had discounted and viewed as antiquated. Second, when CBS unveils the show, it puts the spotlight on Black excellence, with the wealthy and powerful Dupree family at its epicenter.
But make no mistake, beyond the gated community of Fairmont Crest, where much of the action and familial drama takes place, viewers will be transported to a soapy world of secrets, lies, backstabbing and double-crosses, romance and some noteworthy performances that will make this show a must-watch in your daily soap schedule.
Created by veteran soap opera writer, Michele Val Jean, who serves as Beyond the Gates’ head writer, executive producer, and showrunner, she, along with CBS Studios/NAACP venture executive producer, Sheila Ducksworth, not only have delivered a well-rounded cast of characters within the framework of the show, but planted Easter eggs related to Black history throughout its sprawling 27 new sets, plus an authentic look and feel for its characters with its hairstyles and wardrobe, which reflect current fashion trends and Black excellence culture.
Photo: CBS
One of the more glorious aspects of the series, is its use of licensed music; familiar tunes that fit the action and tempo of the show, when so often soap operas don’t have the budget to do such things. Let’s hope as the series moves forward they can continue this, as it is so gratifying to hear.
On today’s premiere episode and in the first scene, the hit track, “Best of My Love” plays from the legendary girl group, The Emotions, as we are taken beyond the gates to the Fairmont Crest Country Club as Dr. Nicole Dupree Richardson (Daphnée Duplaix) drives through the very upscale community located in the Maryland/D.C. area.
Photo: CBS
From that point on, the rest of the Dupree family are introduced; the matriarch of the family Anita Dupree (Tamara Tunie) a very successful former singer, who turns out to be an EGOT (Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, Tony) winner and her husband, civil rights activist and retired Senator, Vernon Dupree (Clifton Davis).
However, when we meet Anita and Vernon’s other daughter, Dani Dupree (Karla Mosley) she is a powder-keg ready to explode, who is crushed and betrayed by the news that her ex-husband, Bill Hamilton (Timon Kyle Durrett) is planning on getting hitched to his much younger girlfriend, Hayley Lawson (Marquita Goings) who happens to be Dani’s daughter’s former friend. She vows to “Make cheaters pay for blowing up my life!” The role of Dani is played by soap opera veteran, Karla Mosley, in a role that will make her the “Erica Kane” of Beyond the Gates. Mosley is remembered for her previous work as Christina Boudreau on Guiding Light and The Bold and the Beautiful’s Maya Avant, who in 2015, became the first main cast transgender character on a daytime drama.
While Dani continues to spin out over having Bill and Hayley’s relationship thrown in her face, she also has two daughters with her manipulative ex: Naomi Hamilton Hawthorne (Arielle Prepetit) a civil service attorney, who is married to DC robbery and homicide detective, Jacob Hawthorne (Jibre Hordges), and Chelsea Hamilton (RhonniRose Mantilla), a reluctant burgeoning high-fashion model and major social media influencer. Both young women are not so happy with dear old dad as the story begins.
Photo: CBS
Outside the world of the Duprees, those being introduced to the new soap will meet many other characters who have complex backstories, and agendas to sink your teeth into. Nicole is married to renowned plastic surgeon Ted Richardson (Maurice Johnson). There is Ted’s nephew, Andre Richardson (Sean Freeman), who we learn lost his parents in a plane crash and who has a penchant for the ladies. Ted and Nicole also have a daughter Kat Richardson (Colby Muhammad). She is trying to help her cousin, Chelsea get away from a modeling career, which would be much to her mother’s chagrin, since Dani Dupree is a former high fashion model to boot!
Then, there is Nicole and Ted’s son, Martin Richardson (Brandon Clayborn), who has huge political aspirations, but is haunted by nightmares, who is married to his husband, Bradley “Smitty” Smith (Mike Manning). The two are raising two teenagers as well, but there is unrest in their relationship. And what’s a soap without a busybody realtor? Think a bit of GH’s Lucy Coe here. The character of Vanessa McBride (Lauren Buglioli) knows the dirt in Fairmont Crest and is harboring some secrets of her own.
Photo: CBS
You will also be introduced to Nurse Ashley Morgan (Jen Jacob) and her boyfriend firefighter Derek Baldwin (Ben Gavin), and be on the lookout for Dana ‘Leslie’ Thomas (Trisha Mann-Grant) and her daughter, Eva Thomas (Ambyr Michelle) who may have some machinations of their own, Tomas “Tom” Navarro (Alex Alegria), an attorney who works at Bill Richardson’s law firm, plus more characters as they are revealed throughout the first week of episodes including the debut of three-time Daytime Emmy-winner, Cady McClain as Pamela Curtis.
Photo: CBS
Beyond the Gates has all the earmarks of a tantalizing daytime drama featuring: juicy dialog and simmering plots. It’s multi-cultural representation through its diverse characters and cast makes it inclusive, important, and most refreshing and reflective for the times in which we live. By week’s end, the potential for numerous showdowns and cliffhangers exist that will have you hooked, and make you want to continue to visit the world of Fairmont Crest, the Duprees and all their friend and enemies, hopefully, for years to come.
So, after you have checked out today’s premiere episode airing on CBS and streaming on Paramount+ at 2PM ET/1PM PT, let us know your first impressions of ‘Beyond the Gates’ in the comment section below.
It’s visually stunning! I laughed out loud at some of Dani’s antics, and Tamara Tunie (Anita) is awesome. However, there was too much exposition/back story in the dialog. I know it’s new and they need to introduce characters and setting, but it could come out more naturally if spaced out over days or even weeks. It’s a soap opera, after all, with lots of time for storytelling.
This soap is soaping. It’s different in the best way possible; the previews did not do it credit. Usually I watch General Hospital at 2pm, and it drags. But this hour FLEW by!!! I am hooked!!!! Strongly written drama. Thank you Michele Val Jean and Sheila Ducksworth!
Scott I thought it went by quickly as well. In a great way. Really enjoyed it. I’m in.
I’m locked in, as well. Anticipating today’s episode.
Being a 40+ year soap viewer, have to say I was very impressed with the first episode. If nothing else, Karla Mosely will have me coming back every day! Thought she was as fantastic as I was hoping she would be.
I’m so sick of hearing about this dumb show the dialogue is so stupid.
Sure, Jan.
Then don’t watch it.
I gave it a chance and loved it!
SO SO SO good!!!
I totally loved the first episode. Definitly destination tv for me. I’m so glad that all those involved had the determination to bring a new soap to life. I only hope that there will be no recasts right away. This has been a problem with a lot of new soaps starting out. One had too many just in the first two weeks. Not a good thing if characters are to be established.
Well….they are filming May Sweeps right now, and it appears as if no one has been recast yet!
Wait, am I reading this right? There’s a gay male couple who are part of the main Dupree family who are raising kids? Well, hallelujah. With the way General Hospital treats its gay and Black characters, I hope this shows trounces GH in the ratings.
Explain please.
It might if people actually watch it. I’m interested to see who they blame if this soap fails.
This hour flew by! I absolutely loved it! Karla as Dani is definitely one of the main reasons to watch! Tamara as Anita is a classic soap matriarch, and it’s nice to see so much representation of POC. I also loved the realtor, Vanessa, you can tell she will be involved in the drama. And Hayley is clearly in over head as the young mistress.
Michele Val Jean and her team definitely delivered. I can’t wait to delve more into the secrets and drama in Fairmont Crest! I wonder who will be the first to die or be apart of a major plot like a whodunit? I could definitely see Bill. I will be tuning in. Y&R can definitely take notes. BTG was fast paced and entertaining. I hope they stay the course! BRAVO!
Nothing historic about this soap opera. It’s full of bad over the top acting. The Duprees come off as a powerful family, where even the minority country club employees kiss their behinds. ” THANK YOU SO AND SO FOR TAKING MY, OVERLY EXPENSIVE WRAP THAT YOU COULDN’T AFFORD IN YOUR FAMILY’S GENERATION.”
There is plenty of eye rolling, finger and lips snapping, that will remind you of one of those house wives show. Danni Dupree is supposed to be some high up full of class, who act immature and classless, because so man dumped her for a younger woman. She blame the guy, because she gave a promising career in modeling for him. The Duprees better keep their daughter in check, before she does something stupid and criminal. Then again the Duprees are like the Quatermaine and Newmans their children can murder someone and they snap their fingers and it’s all washed under the rug. They put on a good show for the little people, but in truth they are dubious, back stabbing immoral cut tĥroats.
The amount of anger and projection coming from this comment, whew………..
Lol.. I was thinking “if anyone is on top a soapbox” whist I read it.
I’m loving it so far!!
Great show love watching
I love Beyond The Gates I’ve, been watching this show from day one with my mother Rose were from ILLINOIS!!! I want to thank Sheila Ducksworth, Michelle Val Jean, and the cast. My favorite casts are Vernon, Anita, and Dani. My favorite phrase is “We are the Duprees we, are rich and powerful”. I love the cliffhangers they have you hanging on to your seat and the cast are gorgeous. Beyond The Gates You Are Simply The Best!!!
I’m surprised at the lack of lavish decor in the homes and fashion. I’m a young & the Restless fan and accustomed to over the top
Interior decorations and beautiful hi fashion.
Next week on all-new episodes of the soap that has everyone talking, CBS daytime’s Beyond the Gates, Hayley (Marquita Goings) and Heather (Ashley Jones) are thrown into each other’s orbit, especially when conniving Heather seems to hatch a plan.
In the video teaser for what goes down in the DMV October 12-16, while at Uptown, Heather seems to order a drink for her new friend, who turns out to be Hayley. Suspicious, Hayley says to Heather, “How do you know my name?” But anybody with a bone to pick with Heather’s brother Joey (Jon Lindstrom) can be of use to her! Has Hayley met her match?
Meanwhile, Heather is seeing purring over Carlton (Robert Christopher Riley) and using a letter opener to open his shirt!
Then, after Vernon Dupree (Clifton Davis) took matters into his own hands last week and rescued the kidnapped Hayley, he believes he struck a deal with her to keep her mouth shut about the secret of Martin’s (Brandon Claybon) past and what happened in the racist attack that the Dupree family, Bill (Timon Kyle Durrett) and Joey have tried to contain for the last few years. However, now Vernon calls Joey about a problem and Joey guesses the problem’s name is Hayley Lawson!
At Garland Memorial Hospital, Ashley (Jen Jacob) congratulates Shanice (Ernestine Johnson) on her engagement to Ted (Keith D. Robinson). However, Nicole (Daphnee Duplaix) happens upon the scene and has a very different reaction to the news. In addition, Kat (Colby Nixon) gets pretty snotty with Eva (Ambyr Michelle)!
Now below, check out the official Beyond the Gates spoilers for the week.
Monday, October 12
Nicole comes clean to Dani. Vernon and Anita defend their family. Naomi and Smitty prepare for the worst. Bill revels in victory, but Hayley takes another jab. Izaiah extends an invite to Elon, while Jacob wants new Impaler intel
Tuesday, October 13
Martin waits for big news, while Smitty waits in shame. Nicole does an about face with Ted. Naomi shuts Jacob down. Samantha challenges Tyrell. Ashley steps in when Shanice is overwhelmed. Carlton’s dalliance with Heather takes a sharp turn.
Wednesday, October 14
Vernon’s on high alert while Bill’s left out of the loop. Dani puts her foot down with Chelsea. Nicole tries to steady Samantha amidst slander. Naomi feels the heat when Jacob comes under fire.
Thursday, October 15
Anita and Nicole fight for optimism. Martin’s declaration gets derailed. Bill wants more from Dani and finds common ground with Ted. Naomi has a plan for proof. Joey’s admission shocks Vanessa. Hayley meets her match.
Friday, October 16
Andre loses his cool in front of Dani. Naomi takes Bill by surprise. Leslie hears some hard news. Eva snaps and Kat claps back. Hayley attempts to make good with Randy. Heather moves in on Joey.
Check out the action in and around Fairmont Crest next week on Beyond the Gates below.
Now let us know, are you enjoying the deliciously wicked personalities of Hayley and Heather? What do you hope happens next? Share your thoughts in the comment section.
Beyond the Gates
‘Beyond the Gates’ Fall Preview: Michele Val Jean Reveals Twists and Turns in Fairmont Crest, Teases New Faces
Beyond the Gates continues to be the buzzy and noteworthy soap opera as it heads deeper into the fall. With 15 Daytime Emmy nominations (a record for a first-time nominated show), the action on-screen has been just as exciting as of late.
Now, series creator, head writer, and executive producer, Michele Van Jean teases what viewers of the CBS soap opera can look forward to in the months ahead and into 2027 with TV Insider. Val Jean clarified that the show is already written into April of next year with new faces joining the cast down the line.
Michele shared, “As we go down the journey with The Articulettes, that path is going to lead back to (their manager) Dante Green. So, we’re going to be seeing him eventually. It’s not imminent because we write really far in advance, but you’ll be meeting Dante Green. And then we have a female robbery/homicide cop that’s going to come onto the canvas eventually.”
DANGEROUS, DUPLICITOUS AND DEADLY
While that’s a bit down the line, here’s a few tidbits for a few of the core characters happening soon; starting with the matriarch and the patriarch of the Dupree family, Anita (Tamara Tunie) and Vernon (Clifton Davis). ”
“They’re going to steer their family and community through some troubling times,” explains Michele. Adding, “Anita will get to make exciting moves in her music career as we started to see with The Articulettes, but she’s going to meet with some unexpected obstacles along the way that will test how much she really wants this. Vernon will not be afraid to take serious measures to protect his family and bring down anyone who threatens them.”
Speaking of “serious measures to bring down anyone who threatens the Dupree family,” let’s find out what’s in the future for Hayley Lawson (Marquita Goings): “This fall, she will be brilliant, beautiful, and cold as ever. She’s definitely not done scheming, and she’s not done with Bill, I’ll tell you that,” assets Val Jean. “She’s good at making bad situations work in her best interest, and we’ll get to see her do plenty of it.”
Photo: CBS
HOW TO SURVIVE A MARRIAGE
As for Dani Dupree (Karla Mosley) and Andre Richardson’s (Sean Freeman) marriage, trouble ahead! Michele explains “She’s (Dani) going to find her marriage and herself in danger and be forced to make some severe decisions. And Andre’s secrets will catch up to him in the worst way possible as Heather closes in to make good on her threats.”
Meanwhile, Dani’s sister Nicole (Daphnee Duplaix) makes inroads with her relationship with Dr. Kial Rollins (Greg Vaughan). However, Val Jean warns by year’s end,”Her (Nicole) world will flip completely upside down in a way no one sees coming, including her.”
Finally, the warring brother sister duo of Joey (Jon Lindstrom) and Heather Armstrong (Ashley Jones) will get even more intense and fraught. According to Michele, “Joey will wrestle with the reality that his sister is not who she used to be. And as Heather sinks her teeth further into the community, she’ll go to new despicable lengths for chaos and control, but she may not get the last laugh. You’ll have to watch it.”
So, what are you looking forward to the most this fall on Beyond the Gates? What is your favorite storyline right now? When the soap opera casts the character of Dante Green down the line, and a new female cop, who do you think would be a great fit for the roles? Let us know your thoughts in the comment section below.
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.
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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