Liberty City

I hadn't even thought about Martin in regards to the "politician's son" because we hadn't seen the son yet. Haha. I was thinking, Vernon! Unless the user was referring to Martin's son with Smitty, and I misunderstood. THEY DID IT! THEY DID IT! This is FANTASTIC!

I think it's Martin; we didn't see their son, did we?!

Already been confirmed.....

Jerome gives me....

Oh they ain't playing around! A punch?! WHEW! I agree: the set felt too... melted, if that makes sense? But, at the same time, it also felt familiar, as if I'd seen it in my life. Almost an older-type hospital of sorts. As for Jen Jacob, I adore her. Ben Gavin (Derek) is the one who I believe is dragging her down, because I've seen her primetime work, and she gets it. He's the weakest link who I'd vote off the island.

It's giving regret; giving her life up for a man that left her in the end for someone she considered family. A younger, newer model at that.

Maybe to just spread the wealth?! I know one of the editors there used to be at Soaps In Depth.... She's from Real Housewives of Potomac, which is in the DMV area, where Beyond the Gates takes place.

The thumping of the music at the end. WHEW! Oh?!?!?!!? Wouldn't really call it a leak, though.

🥰 All those damn "tions" groups! But amazing write up, Errol.

THIS! This is what I love!

Yessssssssssss. I have my thoughts but won't reveal them, yet...

Omg....

I agree; that is so refreshing, and it will be interesting to see the dynamics between Martin & Smitty.

Yessssss!! This is a brilliant sign!!!!

I'm guessing around 5pm when the others go? I know the half-hour specials went up even earlier.

But that's also realistic: we've seen mothers project their own delusioned wishes regarding their youth onto their children, and their rose-coloured perceptions of their own marriage.

I have a feeling they'll come on their own. EXACTLY! It's giving SOAP with characters, not plot points to appease audiences.

Material is already giving, cannot wait to see what else comes!

Strong lead; the use of music is outstanding. Yes, the lighting is better than the previews we got, and I think I know why. You don't want to overcast shadows on actors that are unflattering. The alternate opening?! It slayed!! The sets, camera movements, etc. feel rich. It's brilliant. Pure brilliance. The drama is drama-ing. It really is! And the mood music sets a supporting tone instead of drowning out the scenes (ie: GH) So far, most of the cast works for me. The only one I have yet to vibe with is Ben Gavin (as Derek Baldwin). If they have to recast, he's the one to be recast. Marquita Goings (as Hayley Lawson) is going to be a standout from the "new" cast. I'm calling it now. Lauren Buglioli (as Vanessa McBride) is where it's at; she's a gossip. I feel it. But I also feel she's loyal to the Duprees. Oh Bill is devious. So devious. Dani's anger/rebelliousness from the previews feels more fleshed out in this episode than it did in the previews. I'm understanding the why of how she's feeling, and it's valid. The vibe of the Dupree family is everything. A family. A unit. And it works. The difference of commercials is refreshing, as well. CBS Media Ventures is doing their thing. Dani, Anita & Vernon all stopped before Hayley, as they walked away was everything. Removing Karen Huger's hand snap was disappointing, but I get why they did.

Credits for Monday, February 24, 2025: Created by: Frank & Doris Hursley Executive producer: Frank Valentini Head writers: Chris Van Etten, Elizabeth Korte Writers: Micah Steinberg, Charlotte Gibson, Cathy Lepard Director: Gary Tomlin

💯 Auntie Vivica continuing to sell those warranties. LMAO.

31 minutes you all!

This is a great memo that should be pinned up, stickied, repeatedly circled back to, etc.

The 46-minute mark is where they begin to discuss her more adult-centric/cos-play type of career. And then the 1:04:00 mark is where things begin to pop off.