18 minutes ago, Contessa Donatella said:

@Alan were there LINES yesterday? If not, perfectly okay.

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.

 

21 minutes ago, Contessa Donatella said:

Who knows where a really good character guide is?

Still a work in progress:

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

🤭

13 minutes ago, brockreynolds said:

I have to say... not feeling this show. I'm wondering if my problem is with the directing. The performances come off as "PERFORMANCES"... not organic and natural. It seems like there is a "Real housewifey" vibe running through it. I wonder if people will have a hard time finding these characters relatable. 

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%!

3 minutes ago, Alan said:

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

🤭

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

Listmaker, extraordinaire, Contessa

 

12 minutes ago, Antoyne said:

Can you explain what you mean by Real Housewives vibe? I watch all cities of housewives and nothing about these characters feels like them. Not being argumentative just curious.

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

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

 

 

A #BeyondtheGates promo on Peacock?? Their marketing campaign has been marvelous! 🫢

— BJ Van Griffin (@MrVanGriffin) February 27, 2025

3 hours ago, AmandainNC28655 said:

Okay so after yesterday's episode, I am looking at the Leslie storyline a different way. Perhaps her late love Alan, was a patient of Nicole's (since she is a pyschiatrist) who she couldn't save??? Leslie and her daughter in turn blame Nicole for his death.  By trying to weasel their way into the Richardson home, could they be plotting to kill Ted and essentially make Nicole lose everything. Make her suffer as they feel they've suffered??  Could make for an interesting twist. 

That's an interesting theory, too. 

 

 

2 minutes ago, brockreynolds said:

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

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.

3 minutes ago, Contessa Donatella said:

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%!

 

 

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. 

42 minutes ago, Cheap21 said:

Its been fun posting live with everyone (something I havent done in probably a decade on this board) but I have to go into the office today (UGH!) so wont be able to watch till later

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. 😜 

 

 

3 minutes ago, Liberty City said:

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.

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. 

16 minutes ago, Taoboi said:

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. 😜 

 

 

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

32 minutes ago, brockreynolds said:

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. 

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.

21 minutes ago, BetterForgotten said:

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. 

Such good & important points to make!

41 minutes ago, Alan said:

Still a work in progress:

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

🤭

Great! This is really good. Thanks again!

Edited February 27Feb 27 by Contessa Donatella

21 minutes ago, BetterForgotten said:

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. 

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.

39 minutes ago, Taoboi said:

That's an interesting theory, too. 

 

Thank you @Taoboi.  It was one thought that just crossed my mind last night as I was watching yesterday's episode.  What do you think about the show adding another core prominent family to give the Dupree's some competition?

 

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.

5 minutes ago, Liberty City said:

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.

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.

2 minutes ago, Chris B said:

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.

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.