Beyond the Gates
‘Beyond the Gates’ Creator Michele Val Jean Reveals Top Three Favorite Storylines She Has Ever Written For, and All From ‘General Hospital’

If there is a story or script from one of your favorite soaps over the last three and a half decades that is most memorable to you, it’s probably because veteran soap writer, Michele Val Jean had something to do with it.
The current creator, head writer and executive producer of CBS daytime’s Beyond the Gates has been razzle dazzling us with some impressive cliffhangers in the infancy of the newest soap opera on the block which debuted back on February 24, 2025. Already in its second season, and recently renewed in a tremendous show of confidence by CBS for seasons three and four, this week its spotlighting the highly-anticipated crossover event when characters from The Young and the Restless arrive at Fairmont Crest airing now through June 12.
Val Jean has tenured history in daytime from: being a script writer for Santa Barbara (and breakdown writer), Port Charles, Generations, and lengthy run a few times at General Hospital where she served as script writer, breakdown writer, and at one time head writer of the ABC soap, to being a long-running script writer at The Bold and the Beautiful, to finally landing her very own show as its head writer with Beyond the Gates.

Photo: CBS
Earlier this week, Michael Fairman TV chatted with Michele at the Toast to Black Excellence event in Los Angeles, featuring cast members of Beyond the Gates and The Young and the Restless as a precursor to their multi-arc crossover event and asked Val Jean what has been her favorite story in soaps she has ever written for. She responded that she had a top three and they all happened to be from her time on General Hospital and in the 90’s.
GENERAL HOSPITAL CLASSIC STORYLINES
Michele revealed her top picks, “Elizabeth’s (Rebecca Herbst) rape, because that was personal, Kevin and Ryan (dual roles played by Jon Lindstrom), and Stone’s (Michael Sutton) death.”
When speaking of getting the opportunity to write for mild-mannered Dr. Kevin Collins and his psycho killer twin, Ryan Chamberlain, Michele explained, “I was always like a true crime person and Claire Labine (ex-head writer, GH) loved the vibe Jon Lindstrom and I has as writing and acting were concerned. Claire said, ‘Go with it. So, she basically let us work out who these characters were and I was like, ‘I finally have my own serial killer!'”

Courtesy/ABC
DOUBLE TROUBLE
“One of the first scenes I wrote for Ryan was in the police interrogation room and Mac Scorpio (John J. York) and Sean Donely (John Reilly) were standing behind him. He was sitting at this table and in his jumpsuit and there was a light shining on him and he started confessing to all these murders. It was like a 7-minute monologue and it went on and on. He had so many murders (piled up). and then at one point, he goes, ‘Wait, a minute!” He got confused about all the women he had murdered and I said ‘I love this character!'”
GH fans will recall Ryan debuted first in 1992, and then Kevin joined the main characters in 1993. Val Jean recalled, “When Kevin came onto the canvas, he was so arrogant. He thought, ‘Oh, I’ll go fix my brother.’ It took Ryan about five minutes to figure out who Kevin was. The next thing you know, Kevin’s in the middle of a mental institution going, ‘I’m not Ryan!’ And, Ryan’s out on a date with Felicia (Kristina Wagner) I think we must have killed Ryan off six times. That was fun!”

Photo: ABC
PERSONAL VANTAGE POINT
In 1998, Val Jean wrote Elizabeth Webber’s rape storyline. She notably based the controversial and critically acclaimed storyline on her own personal experience with sexual assault.
Michele reflected, “Elizabeth’s rape was really important to me because I was watching the Campus Disco in 1979 (when Luke raped Laura), and I was raped when I was 12-years-old. I know what rape looks like. I wanted to win Tony Geary (Luke) an Emmy because he hadn’t had one since 1983. I also wanted to call a rape a “rape,” and I wanted to heal myself, because back when I grew up on the south side of Chicago in the sixties, you didn’t go to therapy. You pulled yourself up by your bootstraps, and you went on. There was a trial and my rapist went to jail. Once that was over, there was no more talking about it. So, those were my three reasons for doing that story. I managed to do all three, and that was the most personally satisfying.”

Courtesy/ABC
STONE AND ROBIN
Perhaps, there is nothing more iconic and important, than the death of Stone Cates, who tragically dies of AIDS. The episode where he passes away with his girlfriend, a young Robin (Kimberly McCullough) who now has contracted HIV by his side, aired on November 29, 1995. Val Jean had noted on social media that it was both an honor and a heartbreak to write this episode.

BEYOND THE GATES EARLY FAVORITES
Now, Michele is setting new favorites in her repertoire with Beyond the Gates. She revealed that so far, there have been two standouts. The first, the violent altercation on a deserted country road where Martin (Brandon Claybon) fatally struck one of two racist white men with a tire iron to save his grandfather, Vernon Dupree’s (Clifton Davis) life and his own.
“I am most proud of Martin by the side of the road (story), because I didn’t think the CBS network would let me do it, but the network has been so supportive. I took a lot of personal satisfaction from that. I’ve never experienced anything like that! ” Another top pick? I loved the anniversary party when Nicole’s (Daphnée Duplaix) marriage got all blown up!
So, are some of your all-time favorite storylines the ones Michele Val Jean chose? Elizabeth’s Rape, early Kevin/Ryan and Stone’s death on General Hospital? What about the racism storyline centering around Martin Richardson and the bombshell reveal on Beyond the Gates that Ted had an affair with Leslie and a child, which came to light at the anniversary party of Ted and Nicole? Let us know via the comment section below.
She is a master storyteller. I miss that type of quality writing on GH. They have an excellent cast, but it has too much espionage for me.
She is a master storyteller. She knows what a good, human-based story is, and she is doing that perfectly on Beyond the Gates, and I am so thankful her voice is prominent.
Did not like the way she gave Laura no point of view in the rape revisit. So busy trying to get Tony an Emmy she couldn’t write a balanced story.
I truly appreciate MVJ, but if she wanted to give anyone an Emmy in that story it should’ve been Genie.
The Kevin/Ryan dilemma and Stone’s death were pivotal stories in the 90s – second only to BJ’s death.
Being that she is a survivor herself, I am surprised that the topic of Ted being incapacitated and obviously unable to give consent to Leslie on BTG has been handled so lightly. Or does MVJ not believe that Black men can be SA-ed too?
This crossover timing is messed up!!!
Nikki acknowledged the tornado before that happened on screen in Maryland, worried about where Victor was and Jack and Diane being all good does not make any sense.
SAD!!!
That’s the handy work of Josh Griffith!
Beyond the Gates
‘Beyond the Gates’ Actress Jen Jacob Reveals Pregnancy

Congratulations are in order for Jen Jacob (Ashley Morgan, Beyond the Gates) and her husband, musician Jesse Ruben. The two will be welcoming their first baby girl to their growing family in March of 2027 after Jacob that she is pregnant!
Jen took to her Instagram account and shared sonogram images of the couple’s little bundle of joy growing inside of her. She captioned the montage of images, “Mom & Dad have entered the chat. Baby girl coming March 2027 🩷” The post is set to the music of Thurston Harris’ “Little Bitty Pretty One.”
This marks the first child for the duo who have been married for the last 8 years and recently celebrated their wedding anniversary just last week on October 7.

Photo: JjacobIG
Ruben wrote on the occasion, “Eight years ago today, I got to marry my favorite person. Jen Jaccob, hank you for saying yes, and being the best, most patient and kind and loving partner. How lucky am I, to get to do life with you. I love doing life with you.”
BEYOND THE GATES CAST OVERJOYED
Upon the news, several of Jen’s Beyond the Gates costars were on the ready and jumped in the post comment thread including: Daytime Emmy nominee Arielle Prepetit (Naomi).“I’m gonna be an auntieeeee!! Yasss!♥️” That was followed by RhonniRoseMantilla (Chelsea), who aded, “YAYYYYY BTG BABY BTG BABYYYY💕💕💕”
Daytime Emmy nominee, Karla Mosley (Dani) wrote, “❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️ love love LOVE – there aren’t enough hearts in the world.” Meanwhile, Daphnee Duplaix (Nicole) added, “Can’t wait for our newest family member!!!!” Lauren Buglioli (Vanessa) expressed: “EEEEEE!!! Aunt Lauren loves you baby girllll”

Photo: CBS
WILL THE CBS SOAP OPERA FOLLOW SUIT AND MAKE ASHLEY PREGNANT?
Meanwhile on CBS daytime’s Beyond the Gates, Ashley still remains unlucky in love. Her ex-boyfriend, Derek Baldwin (Ben Gavin) died, she had initially split with suitor Grayson Perez (Jordi Vilasuso) after the The Impaler blood plasma reveal, but now seems back together with him. Previously, Ashley had a flirtation with Andre Richardson (Sean Freeman), which could still come back around in the future.
No word yet if Ashley will become pregnant on-screen during the time of Jen’s pregnancy or if she will be hiding behind the nurses station desk to cover her baby bump at Garland Memorial Hospital.
Share your congrats to Jen and Ben on the announcement of their baby on the way via the comment section, and let us know if you think Beyond the Gates should or will, write Jen’s pregnancy into the story for Ashley?
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Beyond the Gates
BEYOND THE GATES Preview: Hayley and Ashley Spell ‘Double Trouble’

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.
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