Ok Vernon and Anita dancing is the highlight of my day! Loved that.

original release date: Friday, January 30, 2026 | writers: Sara A. Bibel, Cheryl L. Davis | director: Steven Williford

Thoughts:

• That is right, Evan. Assert yourself with your man. And show that bitch you are not one to be messed with.

• Madison is taking a leave of absence? For the remainder of 2026? That is interesting timing if I do say so myself.

• First Orphey Gene's and now the country club. Damn. Must be nice to have the fund and the power to pull these kind of moves off. I would be forgiving Vernon immediately if I were Anita, and judging by the look of lust in her eyes, I think she has.

• Hayley does brag a lot, and yet, her actions suggest she is not as smart as she believes herself to be.

• Nicole is feeling herself and I love this for her. How excellent and sexy.

• We love an attentive husband who listens to their spouse and buys them the jewelry they wanted. We love to see it.

• Well, it looks like Hayley's plan to superdrug Bill is about to meet its backfire, and I cannot wait.

• Oh no... not Anita's hair falling out. I know that is such a shock. Aw.

Notes:

• Love that we started January off with Davis and Williford, and they are two of the ones to end the month. Coincidental, I am sure.

• Clifton Davis (Vernon) and Tamara Tunie (Anita) seem to be having a genuine blast filming their scenes at the country club. And I love these kinds of free-spirited, natural moments, and that they are not reserved for what viewers would see as the "younger" cast.

• The use of music in today's episode is outstanding. And it's nice that it is not generic sex music. It is upbeat and funky fun!

• I have said it before and I will continue to say it: the sex scenes on Beyond the Gates are absolutely outstanding! From the lighting to the choreography, it all works so well!

• Daphnée Duplaix (Nicole) and Robert Christopher Riley (Carlton) have such strong chemistry together.

Kat is so messy and a hypocrite. She was describing herself to Izaiah. 😂

I also think that modeling is an organic way to create conflict between Izaiah and Eva, but so many beats have been missed. And he's way too laid back in all his scenes. I don't buy him as a bad boy. He and Eva just don't do it for me.

I could sympathize with Eva if she didn't act like Kat had no reason to hate her. Tit for tat.

Just now, CrazySexyQ said:

I also think that modeling is an organic way to create conflict between Izaiah and Eva, but so many beats have been missed. And he's way too laid back in all his scenes. I don't buy him as a bad boy. He and Eva just don't do it for me.

I could sympathize with Eva if she didn't act like Kat had no reason to hate her. Tit for tat.

They do play it too safe with him, and I agree about the double standard re: Eva. He needs to develop more of a visible edge as opposed to them just talking about it. He and Eva could have more heat, but they have kept the kid gloves on with both of them.