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.
Beyond the Gates
BEYOND THE GATES Preview: Hayley’s Poisonous Plot Goes Awry; Heather’s Obsession with Andre Reaches New Heights
This week on all-new episodes of Beyond the Gates, a poison sandwich gets in the wrong hands, Heather’s (Ashley Jones) plot to seduce Andre (Sean Freeman) goes to a whole other level, and Anita (Tamara Tunie) reaches out to her nemesis, Leslie (Trisha Mann-Grant), but why?
In the video preview for the CBS soap opera, first, the vision of Doug (Jason Graham) encourages Deanna (Angela Fairley) as Noah Rollins (Nick Hagelin) walks in on the scene where it appears she is talking to herself! How will Deanna explain what or who she is chatting with?
Meanwhile, Grayson (Jordi Vilasuso) is worried for his safety and that of Jacob’s (Jibre Hordges) admitting that the Impaler may be trying to tie up any loose ends, and he could be next on their hit list! Elsewhere, Leslie is stunned when Anita Dupree makes a call to her about her late mother Barbara. We also know ‘Articulettes’ Sharon (Bonita Brisker) and Tracy (Maria Howell) are back this week. What could be going down?
Courtesy/CBS
Then, Dani (Karla Mosley) receives a note from her husband Andre that says he’ll be back home soon. However, in her hotel room, Heather cuts her own hand and then reaches out to Andre for a secret meeting, where he asks when he shows up, “What happened to your hand?” Then, we see Andre reminding Heather that he’s a married man, but at the same time, he doesn’t think he would ever stop caring for her.
Finally, Hayley (Marquita Goings) puts poison in a sandwich she prepared for Bill (Timon Kyle Durrett). However, Naomi (Arielle Prepetit) somehow takes a bite of the sandwich instead. Later, Bill lays the smackdown on Hayley telling her to, “Stop it right now,” and that she’s, “insulting his intelligence.” How will this fight end? Stay tuned.
Now below, take a look at the official Beyond the Gates spoilers for the week of August 31-September 4.
Monday, August 31
Bill puts Hayley to the test. Dani updates Nicole. Ted doles out some unconventional advice to Andre. Grayson seeks Jacob’s help. Elon gives Joey the third degree. Heather makes a bold move.
Tuesday, September 1
Dani hears a heartfelt confession. Nicole counsels her daughter. Hayley’s brought to tears. Chelsea and Kat can’t seem to escape scandal. Carlton has stunning news for Andre. Izaiah surprises Eva. Naomi bites off more than she can chew.
Wednesday, September 2
Vernon supports Anita as she faces the music. Leslie gets an intriguing proposition. Smitty’s suspicions spiral. Joey comforts Vanessa. Deanna is haunted by grief. One couple finally finds time for romance.
Thursday, September 3
Bill has an unwelcome visitor. Smitty needs Nicole’s expertise. Joey’s pestered by his past decisions. Heather connects with June. Ted does damage control. Ashley leans on Naomi. Elon and Jacob clash.
Friday, September 4
Dani’s distracted from her “Seoul-mate” while Andre unpacks paranoia. Bill stuns Hayley. Heather has a heated stand-off. Vanessa and Deanna discover something from before Doug’s death. Randy attempts to execute Joey’s orders. Chelsea falls out of fashion. Ted shares a twisted toast.
Now below, check out the video teaser for the action this week in and around Fairmont Crest.
Then weigh-in: Do you think this is the end of the line for Hayley and Bill? Will Bill realize Hayley is poisoning him and now his daughter, too? If Heather is willing to cut herself with a knife to nab Andre, what else is she capable of doing? Have you been invested in these current storylines on Beyond the Gates, or not so much? Let us know via the comment section.
While Smitty tries to hold the fort down in his marriage to congressman Martin Richardson (Brandon Claybon) and their two teenaged children, Samantha (Najah Jackson) and Tyrell (Jaden Lucas Miller) on Beyond the Gates, Emmy-winner Mike Manning has also landed another feature film role.
According to Deadline, Manning has joined the cast of Deify with 6 other new cast members for the indie psychological horror film starring Neal McDonough and Skeet Ulrich, which was previously announced last week.
Joining Manning as the latest cast addition are: Dennis Haysbert, Ashley Greene, Casey Harnett, Kirk Avecdo, Anji White, anf Nicholas Chimera who’s directing the pic also has a part in the film.
WHAT’S THE STORY OF DEIFY?
Taking to his Instagram with the news of his casting, Manning shared, “A movie about a cult? What could possibly go wrong? Come for the enlightenment. Stay because they won’t let you leave. DEIFY is coming…”
The movie is currently shooting in Chicago and in story, “a cult leader is put on trial after causing his devoted followers to be burned alive. The film is inspired in part by events surrounding the 1993 Waco, Texas, standoff between members of the Branch Davidians church and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, one of the largest civilian firefights ever recorded on American soil.”
MIKE MANNING IS A DAYTIME EMMY NOMINEE
In addition, the multi-talented Manning is a producer on the feature. Previously, Mike was nominated last month in the Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series for the upcoming 53rd annual Daytime Emmy Awards. He previously won an Emmy for his role on The Bay and for being a producer on the digital drama.
Mike’s previous credits include the role of Charlie Dale on Days of Our Lives and the Manny on This Is Us, plus various primetime and screen credits.
So intrigued to find what role Mike will play in the upcoming horror/cult film, Deify? Enjoying him as Smitty on Beyond the Gates? Share your thoughts via the comment section below.
Beyond the Gates
BEYOND THE GATES Preview: Andre’s Blast From The Past Is Set To Turn His Life Upside Down
On Beyond the Gates, Andre Richardson’s (Sean Freeman) “happily” married life to Dani Dupree (Karla Mosley) is about to be tested like never before on upcoming episodes of the CBS soap opera the week of August 17-21.
After the shocking reveal on the Friday, August 14 cliffhanger, viewers learned that the person who was sending Andre ominous text messages is none other than The Impaler herself, Heather Armstrong (Ashley Jones). Clearly from the latest promo for the action at the Bowman hotel and in and around Fairmont Crest (see below), Andre knows Heather quite well, as she makes moves on him.
While all this is going down, Dani tries to diffuse the Dupree family for thinking there is anything going on between her and her ex-husband, Bill Hamilton (Timon Kyle Durrett). Dani’s behavior over Bill being in the hospital has been of someone who is still deeply in love with the guy (specially because of her very public outbursts) and as viewers know, she recently had sex with her ex in the elevator at the country club during a tornado!
Courtesy/CBS
HEATHER ARMSTRONG IS ON THE HUNT FOR ANDRE
Poor Andre has no idea about the elevator liaison, and recently visited Bill in his hospital room to tell him to stay away from his wife, when and if he gets out of his hospital bed! But now, the tables may be turned, if Heather gets her claws into Andre.
Take a look at the official Beyond the Gates spoilers for this week below.
Monday, August 17
Andre is pulled down by his past. Tensions mount between Tomas and Naomi. Chelsea and Kat pair fashion with controversy. Vernon confronts Bill about his intentions with Dani.
Tuesday, August 18
Bill flirts with disaster. Hayley and Ashley clash. Eva’s words instigate Leslie. Carlton gives Ted a major update while Nicole does the same with Vanessa. Shanice fields an unanticipated request. Smitty disappoints Martin.
Wednesday, August 19
Nicole’s plan saves the night for Noah. Dani and Andre color outside the lines. Jacob enlists Grayson and Ashley to surprise Naomi. Vernon’s plans for Anita get interrupted.
Thursday, August 20
Leslie’s forced to reckon with her past in order to move on with her future. Bill and Ted bond over their shared history. An unexpected reaction causes Nicole to self-examine in front of Kial. Eva and Izaiah divulge some hard truths with each other.
Friday, August 21
Chelsea is haunted by unresolved trauma while her father reaches his breaking point. Dani locks horns with Hayley. Randy tails Heather. Madison gets conflicting information from two adversaries. Andre issues a threat.
Now below, check out the CBS promo for all-new episodes of Beyond the Gates.
Then let us know, do you think Andre knows just how dangerous Heather is … or he has no idea? Will Heather blackmail him into sex, or will he go willingly? Is the end of Andre and Dani for good, or will he continue to be the upstanding guy in their relationship, even though he knows in his heart that he cannot compete with the pull of Dani towards Bill? Share your thoughts and theories via the comment section below.
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