BTG: September 2025 Discussion Thread

[Broderick]

The dialogue today was clever.  In the segues between scenes, I noticed they would repeat lines from the previous scenes to tie it together.  (One scene would end with Leslie telling Eva, "This ain't some deep dark secret, baby" and the next scene would start with Big Bill telling Joey, "This sounds like some deep dark secret.")  And Vanessa's line about "cleaning up" in real estate was funny regarding the money laundering.  

I'm guessing the mysterious informant Randy referred to is Haley, who is probably his kid sister or something.  

I thought Theodore's scene was Miss Nicole was especially good.  I genuinely thought they were about to have a break-through, when she suddenly said, "I can use this against you in court", and marched her Attractive Ass right out the door.  

[MontyB]

Don't get me started on Keith Robinson's video Forever Bae. I think I watched it 1000 times. 

[wonderwoman1951]

i loved this scene, and wanted to see more of the same, as well. we need to see more of leslie’s vulnerability — without that, she’ll never be more than a cartoon.  

the guy’s a cardiac surgeon ffs. how could someone this stupid possibly get through medical school?  

hell, how could someone this stupid get INTO medical school?!

Edited September 20 by wonderwoman1951

[Broderick]

I've watched 1,001 times.  I'm ahead of you 

Please register in order to view this content

All I can say is (1) it's a good song and (2) he couldn't have picked a better co-star for the video.  

[MontyB]

[Maxim]

At last, I’m caught up!  This may be unpopular... but I've come to realize Jen Jacob isn’t half bad as an actress! With the right scripts... she could shine. The problem with Ashley starts at the beginning. It’s all in her character inception - she was merely a contrasting image to Dani's histrionics. Yet, six months in, the writers still haven’t shown us the real Ashley or anything that different. They must give her real problems... not this boring back-and-forth with Derek and Andre. Build her up. What are her flaws? Her secrets? Anything to make her intriguing. Jen deserves better scripts. Unlike Tomas, who could butcher anything you give him. 

Edited September 20 by Maxim

[Paul Raven]

I agree that Jen Jacobs isn't a terrible actress. But she's stuck with a poorly written role, and a triangle storyline that doesn't work.

[MontyB]

I 100% agree with you.

I really like Ashley, I think she needs a do over. It's been done before on other shows. 

[FlyRightOrchestraGuy]

Has Darnell Williams expressed any interest in appearing in even just one episode of Beyond the Gates?  How about Debbi Morgan?  How about Victoria Rowell?

Given that Beyond the Gates is set in the Washington, DC, area, wouldn't be something if a Captiol alum such as Catherine Hickland, Nicholas Walker, or Debrah Farentino were to make a guest appearance on BTG?

[DeeVee]

Jacobs could be a Shakespearian level actress, and we wouldn't know it for exactly the reasons you state.

I LOVE when actors who are underrrated are given some great material and surprise everyone. But she needs the great material and she ain't getting it. Which is kind of puzzling, because it's not like they can't write good stuff.

[MichaelGL]

Add me to the list of folks who don’t consider Jen Jacobs a bad actress, it’s just the writing. Hell Ashley as a character could be turned around and become a fan favorite, but currently it’s the writing that is letting her down.

[Chris B]

No idea about Darnell but Debbi was offered a role and has to turn it down because of her Beauty In Black series. Victoria Rowell was asked to submit a tape for Anita but never heard back from them after she submitted it.

I just finished binging the week and as usual, I enjoyed it. 

The weakest part of the week was Ashley/Derek as always. The two of them have no chemistry and he can't act so this is never going to be something that interests me. On paper maybe it could work with better actors but we're stuck with what we have unfortunately.

nuTed doesn't have chemistry with Nicole so I'm glad they tested him with Leslie. I was worried seeing these scenes because twitter was making it seem like she had raped him. I didn't get that impression at all. Yes, he had been drinking but I didn't feel like he was too drunk to consent. He knew who she was and what he was doing from my perspective.

I'm glad they're finally moving in a new direction with this story. Ending the week with the Anita/Leslie scenes about Barbara shows a glimpse into a future where Leslie could be softened up enough that maybe Ted will fall in love with her again. I hope they're working towards a place where Leslie can co-exist without being an out and out villain. Maybe a Dupree could be in danger and she saves them or something. Then you can bring in Dante Green and he can takeover as the lead villain while Dana tries to change. I just don't want her to be a one-note villain forever.

The other highlight for me was the movement with the Doug/Vanessa/Joey story. This has long been a favorite of mine and I've been preparing for Doug's funeral for months. Unfortunately, I think we might have arrived at the time. I'm working on my outfit and deciding what to bring to the repass. I hope if my prediction is true that they give Vanessa a strong showcase for her grief. Just like she's supported the Duprees, I want to see them come through for her. She's such a strong character and they need to go ahead and elevate her to the main group.

Another tease I liked was Randy's "source." I can't wait for them to drop that bomb. It's time!

 

[MontyB]

Okaaayyyy, yes! 

[DeeVee]

I've been thinking this is inevitable, too, and I wonder...will they use this as an excuse to introduce Doug and Vanessa's kids? They were mentioned again recently.

Has anyone heard of possible casting for these characters?

Although Doug is likely on the way out, seems to me a perfect opportunity to create a family unit unconnected to the Duprees. (DNA-wise, I mean).

[Chris B]

They have that set so locked down that I have no idea if the twins are coming or not. We do know MVJ has been teasing a casting announcement since the 100th episode so it's possible that is one of the twins. 

I just hope that like you said, they use this to create another family unit. It would help beef up the younger set and seeing Vanessa as a mother will add more dimensions to the character.