BTG: March 2025 Discussion Thread

[ReddFoxx]

Ashley seems to be in the vein of those old soap characters that were supposed to be really noble. But the character is quite underdeveloped and comes off as a recurring one more than a contract one.

[Vee]

I've spoken too much about this already, but I think a major white soap name would've pulled focus from the core Black cast. But I do think they could've gotten someone from a prior soap in a B-lead role to come in, because some of these n00bs are too undercooked for me. Tomas, Derek, Martin and Ashley are all painful, though Ashley isn't as bad as the other three, just deeply boring.

[skiman12082004]

I rewatched this week's episodes. It's only been three weeks but BTG  already feels like an old friend. The foundation MVJ has laid cannot be disputed and I love the way things are progressing.

I think JHC is doing a remarkable job and I can already see the improvements with production. BTG is definitely my new favorite show.

As for the "stories", Dana/Leslie has quickly become a favorite. Trisha Mann-Grant is fantastic and a true find.

I've seen others post about some of the more green performances, but I implore patience. There are veterans on the others soaps that are still horrible and we accept it. I've grown to love/hate Martin and Brandon Claybon is slowly improving. Derek is a supporting character and the story is still developing. Ben Gavin has expressive eyes and I think with time we're going to see him really grow into the role. As for Tomas, Alex Alegria is very stiff, but he's sexy and he has chemistry with Colby Muhammed. 

After three weeks I give BTG a solid A-.

Edited 13 hours ago by skiman12082004

[janea4old]

That's what they did with Cady McClain.  She even said on her instagram "I'm proud to be a supporting player" and she has appeared in the closing credits as recurring.    Per Cady's instagram, Cady is still artistic director of a theatre in Westchester, NW, and also she's teaching at an acting studio in New York.

That still doesn't deal with the Ashley/Derek actors being on contract.   But maybe they'll feature them less later on, after the current contract cycle.
 

Edited 14 hours ago by janea4old

[1974mdp]

Tomas was VERY stiff, but I'm inclined to give the actor a tiny bit of a break. It was the first episode they really used him to any real capacity. Hopefully, he loosen up a bit as Martin seems to be....slowly...doing.

Lord, Ashley and Derek...something has to change with that quick. It FF material for me.

Still, overall, BTG, after just three weeks, is head and shoulders above all the other shows currently on. I really have grown to like Nicole. Dani can be a little grating, but I think she's truly losing her mind.

[Chris B]

I will say, I do think that 3 weeks in most of the cast has settled into their roles nicely. The only people I can truly see being in danger of the 13-week chop are Derek and Ashley at this point.

[Cheap21]

Hardly. Cady had what, 1-2 episodes and hasnt been seen since. Even in those episodes she was just there and didnt add much. I think a better example is Jon Lindstrom as Joey

[janea4old]

Cady said she'll be on again. 

(*purely speculation*) that she was added to the show later and spliced into the wedding scenes, but that's just a guess. 

[P.J.]

I understand wanting fresh faces, but it seems like most of the cast has their first acting gig. Yes, other soaps started with inexperienced actors (looking back at B&B is painful, and Ronn Moss never improved) but they also balanced it with vets or established character actors in key roles.

Anyone else wishing Anita had a bestie to talk to? Her family is exhausting.

[MontyB]

Per her Instagram she will be back on, on the 17th.

[Cheap21]

BTG should pull a OLTL and recast Ashley with Carmela Zumbado

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Just say her dad is cuban and voila! The character doesnt have to be white. She can be biracial

 

 

I know people arent going to lie this but Id go with Scott Clifton as Derek. I hear B&B aint using him and I do think he is a good actor despite playing an at times irritating character. Definitely would give Derek more personality and screen presence

 

[MontyB]

I can see this. 

[Vee]

He's a good choice but I think you'd need another star opposite him if you got Clifton, and then it becomes an issue because suddenly you have two major white soap stars supporting in a Black-centric soap opera. It's not the same thing as the older Jon Lindstrom and Cady (who have played smaller B/C roles before) as support cast. I think it'd become awkward. I just wouldn't bring on more major white soap stars until the central cast is more settled.

[ReddFoxx]

Ashley and Derek are far underdeveloped so regardless of casting the characters would still have issues. The White characters were not as well crafted save for Vanessa. With soaps being very White as it is it is understandable if MVJ was more centered on Black character development first. I don't think it is intended but Ashley and Derek are very much token White characters at this stage.

[Paul Raven]

I want to know what drove Bill to make the break from Dani after all those years?

What was so different about Hayley? Was it they were working together whereas his other flings had been more casual?

Hayley is a blank slate ATM and I want to learn more of her motivations. 

I think we all have our interpretations but the show needs to dig deeper. Yes it's only 3 weeks so we'll see.

They have a done a poor job re Ashley/Derek.

It feels like MVJ had the bible developed for the Duprees and then had to belatedly insert the white characters.