BTG: February 2025 Discussion Thread

[Alan]

Yes!

First Lines, Wednesday February 26:

Doug: "Randy Parker! What's up my man?"

Randy: "Doug McBride! You tell me." 

Both are recurring characters. We are still waiting on one contract player's first appearance: Tom.

 

Still a work in progress:

https://beyondthegates.fandom.com/wiki/Category:Current_characters

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[Contessa Donatella]

There are a few fans in my soap group on FB who are saying the acting is too soapy & not natural. I haven't been sure how to respond. I love the soapiness! I don't need "natural". And, as to the question of relatability, I'm there four-square 110%!

Thank you! In case you can't tell, I am now collecting YOU.

Listmaker, extraordinaire, Contessa

 

[brockreynolds]

Not the characters... the general "feel" of the production model. 

[dragonflies]

It's cause it's different than the other soaps, you can feel the difference, the main thing is BUDGET 

 

 

[Taoboi]

That's an interesting theory, too. 

 

 

[Liberty City]

The production is definitely different from the four other soaps, all produced in Los Angeles, where they've always been based since their premieres. We have to keep in mind: this is a new soap, in a new production location. And they don't have the predetermined production model the others have. They can and are doing things their own ways, and that's exciting.

[brockreynolds]

It's kinda the same reason I was a Knots Landing fan, and didn't watch Dynasty.  This show in some ways is coming off like a Dynasty clone dipped in chocolate. That type of show is enjoyable on a certain level, as a spectator sport, but it doesn't envelop your emotions and draw you in like natural performances do. 

[Taoboi]

Boo!!! lol. But I understand. 

 

I haven't live post in forever so I've been enjoying watching it live as well. And I definitely enjoyed posting with another HW fan who has fun shade. And pictures.

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[BetterForgotten]

They also had to build everything out from scratch as it was a completely new studio that they inherited. I think, over time, a lot of the kinks will be finessed to a more cohesive look and feel. Most new daytime soaps that have launched have had to deal with this. BTG's situation is unique in that most of the production crew didn't work on soaps in LA or NYC, so they are looking at things from a slightly different lens - which isn't bad, and makes the show more unique than the standard fare we've had for years on daytime. 

[Antoyne]

It’s been so fun seeing all our HW’s group make their way to the BTG thread!

[Contessa Donatella]

Of course, the conclusion you draw is entirely subjective, which is not unlike many things on our soaps. BTW, I didn't watch either KL or DYN. But I do find that "heightened dramatic reality" if you will, has the best chance in provoking catharsis in me since we don't want just pathos. For just one example I greatly admire Susan Seaforth-Hayes which all do not. And, so-called "chem" is IMO entirely subjective, also.

Such good & important points to make!

Great! This is really good. Thanks again!

Edited February 27 by Contessa Donatella

[Liberty City]

Exactly! Plus, being produced in Georgia as a brand new soap gives them the license to create their own unique-looking soap, which I think is the best avenue for them. They don't have the same problems the other four soaps have. I mean, when AMC went from New York to Los Angeles, yes, [some] things changed, but overall it looked like the same show in terms of filming/production, which I am sure they needed to maintain.

With Beyond the Gates, we don't have that. We've already seen some new filming angles and techniques in how they're establishing their own visual look. And I enjoy it a lot; I mostly watch on CBS.com during live airing, and last night, I took a look via Paramount+, and it looks twice as good on my 4KTV in comparison to CBS.com's airing or even the YouTube clips being posted.

[AmandainNC28655]

 

[Chris B]

I really enjoyed episode 3. It's odd how comfortable the show feels despite some of the issues with the performances which I'm sure will even out over time. They really did pick a good place to start the story so we truly are in the thick of things. I think that's whats helping me jump into the show. I don't feel like they're wasting a lot of time setting up like a soap typically would at the beginning.

I love love loved Leslie in this episode! From the first moment I saw her I have called her Sally Spectra in my mind. I know they're not the same but she gives me the same joy I got from Sally. That delicious blend of warmth, comedy and deviousness. Of course she is much more dangerous than Sally but I just know she's going to be a lot of fun.

The other big highlight for me was the family meeting. While some of the younger actors have work to do I feel like when you put them with the vets it instantly elevates them. In the first episode there was a moment between Martin and Dani that made me burst out laughing and made me believe their relationship. I also find Martin at his strongest opposite Vernon. There's been talk of ages but I feel like the chemistry is so strong that I find myself fully believing they're a family.

[Antoyne]

I will say it does look quite nice on my 70 inch when I watch the replay on Paramount + in comparison to when I watch it on cable during the live showing on my tv in my office when I’m working. I would still bring down the lighting just a tad bit though since they use so many light colors for the homes.

It really feels like at times we’ve been watching this family for years and that the actors have all been playing this family together for years. There’s an undeniable chemistry between the Duprees that truly make it feel like a real family.