Liberty City

Writers: Ron Carlivati Cheryl L. Davis Director: Anthony Pascarelli

Cute tribute... but it's clear to see how out of character Sheila has become, especially under the pen of Bradley Bell.

Joshua Morrow FTW!!!!

My primary gripe comes from the need for those to say, "Well, this soap does this," "This wouldn't happen on that soap," etc. This soap is its own creation, without any precedent in its way (i.e., a new regime coming into an established serial), and should own its turn, creating its own precedent to be set for itself (i.e., acting, casting, directing, editing style, music, production, sets, etc.). Yes, everyone is entitled to their own opinions, but those kinds of opinions⏤in my opinion⏤only set this soap up for immediate failure. This is not As the World Turns or Guiding Light; this is not General Hospital; this is not The Young and the Restless; this is not Days of Our Lives. Beyond the Gates is Beyond the Gates, and it should be allowed to be just that at the end of the day. It's the downside of the message board/social media frenzy we're presently in. Yes, we had publications like Soap Opera Digest or Soap Opera Weekly, but it feels like the social media era has, definitionally (again, in my opinion), corrupted the minds of [some] soap viewers beyond significant repair. The focus on certain characters (and then vanishing) is very much a practice of British soaps, and it's a practice I not only find refreshing but also welcome in American soaps (a.k.a., updating the "norm"). The more subtle use of music has been refreshing from other soaps that drown their scenes in music to the point where I'm often taken out of them; the quick cuts, while [sometimes] jarring, also provide a more primetime-like feel, and I think it works for this soap. Again, they're setting a standard that is their own to establish and follow, not what's been done before them, in the same way soaps like Santa Barbara, Sunset Beach, etc., did when they first debuted. Yes, things are adjusted and will continue to adjust, but grace and patience need to be provided and not expected in a snap of a finger. Michele Val Jean (as creator) and Sheila Ducksworth know what they're doing, and I have full trust in them to execute what this soap is to be. Are there bumpy spots? Yes. Is that to be expected? Yes. Is it enough to condemn the soap to a fiery death? No. As has been stated, they film three months ahead (to air), and scripts are written six months ahead, so things will adjust in time. Again, grace and patience are needed. We saw what TOLN did with All My Children (and even One Life to Live) in terms of production back in 2013 and it was a nice change of pace in comparison to the other four soaps; Beyond the Gates has done the same but on a much larger scale⏤broadcast television (via major studios) versus a streaming platform (via a smaller, newer production company). Val Jean is not new to this, nor is she a dummy. She knows her vision. She knows what works/what does not work, and she and her team are going to execute it appropriately. So much so that the network provided a second season pickup, which is all we could have hoped for in 2025. Again, grace and patience are needed. 🙏🏻

According to Rebekah Elmaloglou (Terese), they have one week left of filming, and they supposedly filmed their final scenes on Ramsey Street this past week, as well.

Despite not watching this soap anymore, due to its poor production and writing, I do hope this move can shake [some] things up in terms of sets and overall look, especially in watching older episodes: Some return of the more shadowed look the serial had in the 1980s/1990s. Yes, transitioning to high definition in December 2011 changed that up, but things could be done, via lighting/post-production, that would re-enrich the look of the serial itself. It's the one thing I do believe Y&R did better than B&B was its transition to high definition, while maintaining its signature look (i.e., example). That's the kind of richness this soap needs returned to it. Restoring some sets to their original designs, i.e., the Forrester Mansion and Forrester Creations. I've noticed, in the past decade or so, sets have been downsized a bit, likely due to budgets and overall production changes, etc.; however, it is my hope more of the originals can return in some form, allowing for more filming space, etc. Additionally, the original Forrester sets held "secret doors" and more office spaces/the loading dock than we have now. Hell, we even had the lab where Brooke worked. These things should return. Return of the restaurant set used through the 2000s. It held more classic prestige and history than the kiddy-cornered restaurant Sheila works at, and it'd be a beautiful setting to see returned in some way. Overall, I am wishing them well in their relocation to their new home, and I hope it works out well for them in the end.

Eerily, both passed from cancer in July of 2024 and 2025, respectively. Eerie how things tend to align in this world.

I really wish the network had communicated with Sheila Ducksworth and company, especially in going into Essence Fest. And perhaps Ducksworth should have reached out and said, "Why? What should be explicitly stated?" etc. But she covered it well.

week ending July 11 Monday, July 7, 2025 (Episode #084) Smitty puts his nose where it doesn’t belong, and Elon is displeased. Randy tells Joey he solved one of their problems but may have gained another in the process, and Chelsea's past comes back to haunt her and Madison. Tuesday, July 8, 2025 (Episode #085) A shocked Martin puts Tyrell on lockdown, Ashley and Andre have an awkward encounter with Derek during their night out, and Dani refuses to give Bill or Hayley what they want. Wednesday, July 9, 2025 (Episode #086) Smitty and Jacob compare notes, and it unearths a startling memory for Jacob; Vanessa serves Joey an ultimatum, and Dani gets territorial over Andre. Thursday, July 10, 2025 (Episode #087) Pamela has an unconventional idea for the modeling agency, Kat sabotages Eva's new position at Ted's office, and Nicole hits her boiling point with Leslie. Friday, July 11, 2025 (Episode #088) Martin takes extreme measures to protect his family, Madison has some major doubts when it comes to being with Chelsea, and the Articulettes are at odds, which could derail their reunion concert.

week ending July 11 Monday, July 7, 2025 – Episode #15747 Lulu is enraged. Sasha makes a horrifying discovery. Gio seeks a new perspective. Anna questions Sidwell. Cody and Brook Lynn clear the air. Tuesday, July 8, 2025 – Episode #15748 Brook Lynn plays defence. Ava confides in Nina. Cody furthers his plan. Mac plays matchmaker. Liz and Portia catch up. Alexis is impressed. Wednesday, July 9, 2025 – Episode #15749 Ric issues an invitation to Elizabeth. Drew cautions Willow. Felicia updates Curtis. Michael offers reassurance. Lucas makes a request of Carly. Thursday, July 10, 2025 – Episode #15750 Drew gets leverage against an enemy. Michael lays out his terms. Jordan is dubious about Portia's claims. Emma questions Josslyn. Kai briefs Curtis. Friday, July 11, 2025 – Episode #15751 Trina is outraged. Anna consoles Emma. Tracy cautions Chase. Rocco makes a bold move. Lulu and Laura discuss family matters.

week ending July 11 Monday, July 7, 2025 – Episode #13160 Victor seizes an opportunity to strike back, Phyllis pursues Cane, and Audra receives mixed signals from Kyle. Tuesday, July 8, 2025 – Episode #13161 Victoria is comforted by someone from her past, Mariah and Tessa ponder their future, and Danny preps to make a big decision. Wednesday, July 9, 2025 – Episode #13162 Jack gives Billy an ultimatum, while Nick and Sharon team up to help Phyllis. Thursday, July 10, 2025 – Episode #13163 Danny pops the question to Christine, Lily makes a bold move, and Victoria makes a painful decision. Friday, July 11, 2025 – Episode #13164 Claire leans on Holden, Kyle and Audra fight temptation, and Adam schemes with Chelsea.

week ending July 11 Monday, July 7, 2025 – Episode #15155 Sophia has mixed feelings. Xander and Sarah argue. Tate and Holly anticipate an upcoming getaway. Chad and Cat bond. Tuesday, July 8, 2025 – Episode #15156 Gwen returns to Salem. Julie and Chad are stunned. Leo struggles with the baby. Rafe busts Ari. Alex and Stephanie share a romantic evening. Wednesday, July 9, 2025 – Episode #15157 Doug III tries to push Ari away. Belle worries about Marlena. Leo opens up to Javi about his past. Bonnie tells Sarah a hard truth. Xander and Gwen reconnect. Thursday, July 10, 2025 – Episode #15158 Chanel supports Johnny. Tony warns EJ. Jada and Belle are stunned by what they uncover. Xander and Philip face off. Friday, July 11, 2025 – Episode #15159 EJ works Belle. Paulina fills Johnny in. Jada interrogates Chanel. Xander and Maggie clash. Sarah tries to convince Philip to come clean.

And what did they think a week of repeats would do?! I mean, seriously...?

Credits for Thursday, July 3, 2025: Created by: Frank & Doris Hursley Executive producer: Frank Valentini Head writers: Chris Van Etten, Elizabeth Korte Writers: Emily Culliton, Scott Sickles, Cathy Lepard Director: Jillian Dedote

Nice-looking DVD box set artwork.