Aback

People tend to shower after their work out. We even saw the changing room sets when Kenny was homo-erotically threatening Martin post-workout. That’s a problem I have with Jazmen as a scriptwriter. Not everyone speaks like a sassy gay man.

I loved these last two episodes, they were instant classic with lots of heart. I’ve been saying from the get go that even in its worst days, BTG has a wholesome quality about it.

It's obviously Ted King. He interacted with MVJ's social media a few weeks ago implying them working together.

Thought Friday’s show was superb. Excellent production values. The songs were decent. Loved the energy. Btw if that’s Kat’s real hair, please KEEP IT that way. I have a fondness for Sharon and Tracy. As for the rest of the storylines… looks like even the latest big story (Martin’s) has fizzled. Good luck going from point A to B. I expect some more friction with Jacob and then everything will be swept under the rag, much like what happened with comic-relief Leslie.

Yeah yet another case of the writers doing a 180 from a story they themselves had plotted. Again, big agree. Anita is obnoxious yet portrayed as a Queen. Such a waste of TT’s talents. Further thoughts: - I loved the last couple of episodes. Especially love it when soap characters get fixated on ordinary details like “Are you coming to the party or not?”. And they go canvassing each other’s sets as if it were an election campaign. It reminds me of Bill Bell’s Y&R. Love it. - I thought Sharon’s panic attack was SO SWEET. Here you have this hardened, sassy woman whose emotions come back to surface and take a toll.

YESSS Big fan here!! ❤️

So exciting… 😅🙄

I’ve yet to understand how Joe was involved in Martin’s story. They’ve explained the Duprees’ version a thousand times already, but what’s that saying—there are two sides to every story… I also wanted to comment on Ted possibly being watered down after the recast. Honestly, Ted has been a non-character from the very beginning. Where’s his fatal flaw? What does he want—and what does he really need? Most of these “characters” aren’t even stereotypes—they’re archetypes. In many cases, there’s just nothing more to them. In other cases, I’d say it depends on what the actor brings to the role and how the character is translated from page to screen. Case in point: Tomas. Here we have this avid sci-fi reader (plot device alert) who was 100% committed just a few weeks ago, and now he’s bouncing between one sister and the other—and then back again—all within the span of a couple of episodes. There’s no clear motivation behind him, no consistency with what we’ve seen so far. And obviously, the robotic actor doesn’t help. (Oh, and by the way—I detest his ugly tattoos.) Finally, I don’t understand what Nicole is planning for the rest of her life. Notice how the word divorce has never even been mentioned. She and Ted are stuck in a lull—just stalling—much like Leslie and everyone else after that “epic” reveal three months ago. And I predict Martin and Smitty will end up in the same boat once this stupid Kenny ordeal fades out.

I echo what Maxim has said upthread. The soaps are dead - creatively. Gone are the days when they would push the envelope with what could be said and shown on television. If they keep coasting their existence, well I’ll liken that to the rise of conservatism because there’s nothing more conservative these days than US soaps.

Honestly it looks incredible

What do you mean 'back'...

If you enjoyed this week, I’m happy for you—and I genuinely want BTG to succeed regardless of my own feelings. But if you’re triggered by criticism, please be advised: the following message will be extremely critical. * * * * * * I don’t even have the words to describe how disappointed and cringed out I am—not just by this week, but by the entire breakdown and plotting of the Martin storyline. As GLATWT and ranger have pointed out, the plot is riddled with holes. Nobody knows if Martin remembered or didn’t remember, why he confided in Nicole, or what the big threat with Kenny even was. Kenny wanted money—so what? It’s not like the Duprees are strapped for cash. So that never really came off as a real threat. And now the Duprees are acting all scandalized that Kenny’s been killed… but it’s not even the first time he’s been killed, lol. I don’t believe for one minute that Marcel actually offed Kenny, he’ll obviously reappear to clear everyone’s conscience. It’s all so bland, uninspired, and straight out of a Harmony book. And honestly, I don’t see how this storyline is supposed to create growth for any of the characters. So really, it’s not even a story. If you look at the last few months, the other major arc was Leslie’s reveal. And that had massive plot holes too—what exactly was Leslie hoping to gain by outing Ted? Weeks later, it’s become clear the writers had no long-term direction. The characters are stuck in a lull, and the writers clearly don’t know what to do with them. The same thing is happening with the Martin plot. The writers don’t know where they’re going—and honestly, they don’t even seem to know where they are right now. That press conference at Orphey Gene with Bill buying time? Completely ludicrous. I disagree with the idea that the show is exploring Nicole’s role in the family. The writers are treating her like an afterthought. Just look at how Kat is used in this storyline—she’s a total non-factor. MVJ needs serious support when it comes to structuring these storylines. She’s no Bill Bell or Agnes Nixon, and sorry but Guza is not the answer. Let’s see what the new head writer brings. Extra comments on other storylines: - Jacob NEEDS to hook up with Kat or Smitty because we need SPICE. This show plays it way too safe. It shouldn’t give viewers what they think they want, but what they secretly crave. And sorry, “spice” is not Dani and Andre hooking up for the upteenth time in their toxic relationship, and it’s definitely not Chelsea talking about her 'fluid' love life. - Naomi calling that invisible number on the photo, and the woman on the other end hanging up on her… really? In just five months we’ve already had this kind of scene with Anita and Sharon, and the mystery-voice-offscreen thing with Barbara. It’s a tired ’90s trope (like giving birth in an elevator), based on the idea of fixed telephones and they’ve already recycled it. I’m sure I’m forgetting more (like Martin and Smitty AIMLESSLY walking around the park), but I’m just really frustrated with this show. There are so many missed opportunities. And no, the show does not cover every single beat.

My random takes: - Pacing, Tone & Overall Fatigue Honestly, watching this week’s episodes felt like a chore. I’ve officially started watching the show at 1.5x speed. Maybe it’s the post-break slump, but I’m kind of out of the mood right now. The show lacks guts right now. Everything feels half-assed. Like they’re scared to take real risks. Stakes are so low it’s laughable. Example? Smitty and Jacob should’ve hit the sheets already. Same for Jacob and Kat. We need MESS—not the delusional Dani Dupree brand of chaos, but actual emotional messiness. Also: does Martin take a nap in every episode? - Dialogue & Continuity Issues Since when is “good dialogue” just ripping off social media catchphrases Continuity continues to cheat viewers. One cliffhanger ends with Dani raging at André and Ashley, and the very next episode she’s all smiles and sass at their table, while they act like nothing happened. What?? The Leslie investigation has lost all momentum. It’s just spinning in circles at this point. I’ve lost track of the plan and the plot holes—and honestly, I don’t even care anymore. - Visuals & Styling I officially can’t stand the following wigs: Dani’s, Kat’s, Naomi’s—and OMG, Madison’s. - Plot Directions I honestly couldn’t care less that the trees in “the remote” were dead. I’ll still take that over another scene at Orphey’s or Uptown. But really… why was Martin running to the park? Did he get a push notification that Samantha was chatting with a dangerous man or something? 😂 The whole Martin/Joey/secret/money storyline is ailly, convoluted, straight out of a Harmony plotline. And Joey being portrayed as some sort of threat? Please. He’s not scary, let alone terrifying. - Villains & Recycled Conflicts How many criminal enemies are the Duprees going to rack up? We’re five months in and we’ve already had Leslie, Kenneth, and now possibly Alison… And I agree that Leslie has entered Passions villain territory I’m not liking it Shallow note: Randy is officially the hottest man on the show. 🔥

So how does moving to a new studio affect their sets as JMC seems to imply?

I really don’t understand how staying in the same studio where they could afford glitz and glamour 40 years ago suddenly is the reason they haven’t been able to afford glitz and glamour anymore. The rent went up?

It’s funny they should rerun the first week as if it helped introduce new viewers to the show when in fact that first batch of episodes was so exposition-heavy and IMHO ill-conceived that it was almost like starting a soap midway 😂

Same. I don’t care to see the actors thrown into a parking lot. Outdoor shots should be contextualized and useful to the plot. Those scenes in the first week were not - they were random and uncomfortable (I’m thinking of the Nicole and Ted shoot with Andre especially) One day they should have taped outdoor was when Ted followed Leslie to her apartment. A little bit of context and mystery there would have been nice.

And in the meantime: Nicole has 2 offices, Ted has one office at the hospital yet the job he always talks about is at the 'clinic'. Make it make sense. I love they're giving her layers. And yes that also means being hypocritical or judgemental at times. Same. Been saying that from day 1, re: Dani's accusations. But MVJ likes to reassure us she has a plan, so... ROTFL! BTW Chelsea and Madison are the new Derek and Ashley. They're equally boring. This ordeal with Kenneth makes me wonder: will BTG be a constant turnaround of villains threatening the Duprees clan? In 4 months we've had Hayley, Leslie, now Kenneth and possibly Madison/Alison...

I wonder if there is an objective way to do that. We know fanbases can make more noise than necessary, so it's hard to understand exactly what the overwhelming feedback is really. Precisely. For instance: does Dani still have a drinking habit? lol Was it dropped or is it just 'rotating'? It'd help if they at least showed the secondary characters (ie Marcel) in the weeks where their story is not frontburner. We hadn't seen the guy in months. Huh? I don't understand your criticism. That was supposed to be a hint that Kenny is a racist. Further comments on this week: - every episode was sleep-inducing except Friday; - I think the plotting of Martin's secret has been a complete mess, with people still unsure who between Martin, Vernon and Anita knows what and how. - Copaganda Jacob and his constant chip-on-shoulder, holier-than-thou attitude is obnoxious. Plus he's such a useless detective, he gets out-detected by all of his family. - I zone out every time Haley is on. I swear she's had the same scenes since the start of the show. Please get her out of that tacky living room. - Madison must be mentally unstable.

I find that post really crass. I wouldn’t have that much time to deal with online ‘haters’ (and I’m not sure that’s the right definition). But oh well.

This week was a complete snooze fest. Sorry, but if this is what BTG is turning into, I’m worried. Kat is way overexposed, and the actress just isn’t bringing any layers to the role (much like her OG father, honestly). She’s playing everything for comedy, even in scenes where she should be terrified of a potential killer. It just doesn’t work. Leslie has gone full cartoon villain. The actress is phenomenal, but the writing isn’t doing her any favors. Such a wasted opportunity. Dani lusting after every man in sight is borderline MeToo material. And I don’t even see the supposed “high stakes” around people finding out about her and André. The reactions will just be a collective “oh well.” Dr. Madison is ridiculous, and Chelsea is straight-up toxic. The busboy spying on Martin? Embarrassingly dumb. Why does that country club keep hiring the most suspicious people imaginable? The Articulettes’ insta-reunion was rushed and completely forced. Yet another missed opportunity. And can we talk about the constant bar-hopping? I’ve had ENOUGH. Build some damn offices Sorry for the rant, but the show is starting to feel off. Yes, it still has that wholesome vibe, but it’s veering into safe and lazy territory. Worst of all, it’s not taking any risks. Everything feels half-baked. Bill felt sick—oh wait, never mind, it’s nothing serious. There’s a literal criminal wandering around town—but it’s all played for laughs. A man slept with a woman under false pretenses—but hey, it’s just about laundering money for her business, no big deal. Something is really off.

I think they’re desperately trying to cover his awful tattoos. But anyway them being unable to style short kings properly has been a major pet peeve of mine for a while now. I honestly don’t understand what some people expect from actors to even begin considering them for recognition. Let’s be real—awards mostly mean that an actor is respected by their peers and has some level of cultural relevance. Actual judgment on the acting itself? That’s often secondary—highly subjective and shaped by the times. I completely agree on both points. If you’re an actor or a dancer you shouldn’t get any tattoos (sorry not sorry). Tomas’ tattoos are ugly too. And regarding the couples- you’re completely right. These writers are unable to write romance. Further comments: - Kat cannot be this dumb to keep tampering with evidence over and over again. And I’m officially not a fan of the actress—every time she’s in a scene with Leslie, she doesn’t seem intimidated at all. She plays it like comic relief, which is just too much, especially when paired with Leslie’s histrionics and over-the-top antics. Leslie is older, dangerous, and has literally been portrayed as homicidal—Kat should be at least a little scared. • I also didn’t like Kat playing damsel in distress with the hotel manager. It gave off the same weird energy as Dani with the cop. I would’ve much preferred the version Paul Raven suggested, with her sneaking in through housekeeping. • And yes, Dani again accused Hayley of faking the pregnancy—this time even specifying she might be using a pillow under her shirt. (No fake miscarriage being mentioned) I stand by my take: this is ridiculous writing. No one in the real world—except us, the chronically online soap watchers—would even think of such a conspiracy theory. Haley is no Beyoncé. • What in the world was Chelsea wearing in her hair the other day? And this whole thing with Madison is beyond cringe. Chelsea’s coming off as needy and toxic—basically like every other Dupree. • I’m glad the casino storyline is moving forward, but it’s still boring as hell. Honestly, I’d be so here for a plot twist where Vanessa and Doug take Joey out. • The direction and editing lately have been rough. Abrupt cuts, weird pacing… something just feels off overall. There’s a strange uneasiness to how it’s all coming together. • And finally: Tomas is too much of a saint. Where are the messy sluts when you need them? (Vanessa doesn’t count.)

Is nobody going to mention the cringefest that is 'Carl Ivati'?

👏👏👏👏

Like I said I wasn’t talking about characterization. It makes sense that Dani is in denial. However literally no one in the real world would accuse someone of faking a pregnancy. Why? Because it’s just not feasible. What is Dani supposed to expect from Hayley—that she’ll be hiding a pillow under her shirt 24/7? Come on. The accusation has no legs, and that’s exactly why nobody would ever go there. A far more plausible accusation—one that actually has been made for centuries—is that someone might lie about who the father is. Dani only vaguely hinted at that, but at least that angle would make some narrative sense. I’d go for a coworking space that would be home to these small businesses like Kat and Chelsea’s bag startup (the whole police station trope feels like copaganda to me)