The costume department really knocked themselves out for the debutante ball. I thought all the Dupree Girls looked really good, especially our featured deb (Samantha), her great-granny (Anita), and her grandma (Miss Beautiful). And the men's tuxes looked good. NOBODY looked bad.

It's amazing how a show can find extra budget funds when it needs to, lol.

And while some programs seem to believe they can only feature 8 or 10 characters in an episode for budget reasons, BTG trots out practically the entire cast. As Jacob might say, "Fo-sho."

I agree. Everyone looked good except I wasn't a fan of Chelsea's look.

I think Chelsea could have ditched the gloves and headband. I didn't hate the look, but it could have done with less. Now, Dani's I did not love. She looks like an old Hollywood star in her robe getting ready in her dressing room.

I did love seeing all the women together, even Eva. It felt special. Same for the men. I think the show is missing more of these large gatherings, which I know aren't always possible.

Edited May 19May 19 by GLATWT88

2 hours ago, Broderick said:

It's amazing how a show can find extra budget funds when it needs to, lol.

nothing amazing about it. soaps have always had to plan carefully to set aside the budget for big events like the cotillion.

I hope that I'm not going to make anyone angry with the gusting that I'll be doing this week...cuz not even finished with yesterday's episode and I already know that I'm going to be rewatching it later in the week.

FAVE LOOKS (so far): ANITA (And you betta make an entrance, gal!!!!!! I was like Dauuuuyumm!) and KAT. But I believe everyone around these parts know how I feel about ponytails...especially if there is a diva toss (the look Kat gave when Samantha said they should getting dressed there should be enough. For now. hehe).

But I loved all of them!!!!

But what I'm really loving...is the cotillion FRONT AND CENTER like the main story it should be while the plasma ring storyline so far this episode is solid B plot and it works in that place. And I love Jordi really selling that love for Ashley. And she had a nice diva/heroine turn in that scene that I loved.

THINGS THAT INTRIGUED...

Interesting they are playing that beat that when Hayley appeared that she said she was an orphan. Back then, I had hoped that given her monologue about not having kids, that Mona might be her mama. Now, I do wonder if Hayley really is an orphan or is that trump card to play to get her out of her con trouble.

Is there something brewing between Dani and Chels? Cuz they really have had a few times when they have talked about mom/daughter boundaries now. It was definitely interesting during the first year. And I just don't feel it's coming back up now without reason. Foreshadowing?

I am hollering at the fact that NewTed is wearing OldTed's tux. But I loved all of them (hey, Brandon, hey!!!!).

And if a certain himbo is not long for this story world much longer per speculation at least the cameraman is getting all the good angles before that occurs.

A good Kat vs Eva scene, too? YES, PLEASE.

Jacob’s “street talk” will always be funny. What I don’t understand is Jacob is married to the daughter of a former supermodel. He’s a part of the biggest, most influential family in the DMV. He’s gonna be at the warehouse when the Impaler walks in and if the Impaler is ANY of the characters we already know (Joey, Lia, Carlton, Kial), they’re going to step in the door and instantly realize Jacob is a cop. Everyone in town knows him. I hope his police backup is ready to storm the warehouse immediately because there is NO WAY Jacob will not be recognized UNLESS the Impaler is a new character.

With the warehouse meeting seemingly being where the police are going to bust the operation it is safet to say that Jacob being recognized won't matter at this point.

19 hours ago, MontyB said:

Jacob cracks me up trying to sound hard. And he's doing an ATL accent, not DMV.

I think he's doing generic random man #3 hood accent

I am soooooooo excited that something is actually happening!!!!!

Writers:
Michael Montgomery
Judy Tate

Director:
Steven Williford

11 minutes ago, Gatecrashers said:

I am soooooooo excited that something is actually happening!!!!!

Me too!

Look, we have lots of extras, this is great!

I loved the dramatic music in that first scene with Samantha, and then the direction in the warehouse scenes is great - the camerawork makes it seem scary, like it should.

Ok this is really good! I love the juxtaposition of the bright and beautiful cotillion ball and the dark and dangerous plasma storyline (which is finally interesting). This was a smart move.

That little b!tch Francesca - I can't believe she stepped on Samatha's dress like that, but Donnell showing up to pick her up was beautiful. I loved that moment and I'm really shipping them as a couple now haha. Also, Francesca - you need to get that 3.2 GPA up if you're trying to compete with Samantha! 👀

I haven't been this engaged/excited since Chelsea was chained to a bed! 😅

original release date: Tuesday, May 19, 2026 | writers: Michael Montgomery, Judy Tate | director: Steven Williford

Thoughts:

• Donnell not being there is suspect. I hope he does make it to the event.

• I do wish Jessica would lessen the snark just a bit... at least her parents showed up for the cotillion.

• Famous last words, Anita! You might have just jinxed the cotillion.

• That is right, Anita! You have got a plan set. And I cannot wait to see it.

• Of course Francesca would allow her snot-nose to turn right up. Good on Jessica for planting the seed of doubt into her head where Nathan is concerned.

• Chelsea and Katherine were the right pinch-hitters to introduce the cotillion and act as a lead-in for the debutants.

• No f**king way did Francesca just do that... again, like I said before, I hope you get your period during your presentation and it ruins your white gown. And your grandmother's snot-nosed look? I hope she gets slapped.

• Donnell! Perfect timing, you beautiful human being! So gracious and amazing.

• Aw, I love that June got mentioned during Samantha's presentation. That was so special of her to do.

• Dani pettily sipping on her champagne is everything to me. That was just brilliant.

• Francesca is doing the absolute most... although, kind of disappointed that neither Chelsea nor Katherine flubbed her presentation. That would have been aces.

• JESSICA! That was HILARIOUS to me! She said, "I will make this moment right for me!"

• Good job by one of the police for taking Randy into custody. Perfect. I know Joey will not be happy about this, though.

• Derek, you are a grade A moron! Like, why in the hell would you show up at the warehouse? This is not going to end well. At all.

• Good cover, Rashad. Now stick to the plan you just told Ren. But damn, this is a packed house at the warehouse. Of course Lia would show up.

• I see you, Andre... I see exactly what you are doing by putting Nicole and Ted side by side.

• Uh-oh. Looks like you have been had, Lia. Your game is over! Your VIPs will not be pleased. Not her trying to backtrack on things... acting as if she were not involved.

• Not "bitch". Oh Nathan, you deserve to have your ass beat. Good on Ted for getting in the middle. Good job, granddad!

• I do not know whoever that deb was, but good on her for denying that she nor her escort took Anastasia's and Francesca's photo.

• Of course June would catch Nathan drinking backstage. That absolute fool (Nathan, not June) is a toolbag.

• I love how Anita and Vernon kept eyeing things happening throughout the ballroom. Very attentive of them.

• OH SNAP! I suspected Jacob would be shot... but what happened with Derek? Was he a casualty, too?

Notes:

• Montgomery was the perfect choice for this episode. As was Tate. They both worked exceptionally well. I do not know much about cotillions, but the way in which everyone was presented felt like such a rich history of both cotillion culture and each character. A fantastic script day. Pure ease.

• The camera work by Williford in today's episode was purely cinematic. Felt like I was watching a primetime series. So much in-place moving camera work, and I do love it. Reminds me of the premiere episode when Anita was entering into the country club. And then the fantastic camerawork during the dance scene? Breahtakingly beautiful!

• Jeresa Featherstone and her team continue to shine with the cotillion fashions.

• The new ballroom is absolutely stunning! It is gorgeous, spacious, and divine! I could see this being used for a lot of different events, both holiday-specific and event-specific. Bruton Jones did outstandingly on the design, like they have done with every single set on this soap.

• So many extras! I love it. And there are so many potentials for additional characters within the age range of Samantha and Tyrell, which is very exciting, along with their families, for some more principal guests to pop in and out from time to time.

• Whoever did the choreography for today's episode deserves a pay raise above the fee they likely received, because that was absolutely OUTSTANDING! Wow. I am amazed. And Kurt Farquhar did exceptionally well with the music compositions for today's episode. Wowza. This was pure class and excellence.

• Whoever edited the episode needed to be a bit more careful. Andre is actively taking photographs with the debutantes and their families, yet when Jessica's parents were speaking to Anita and Vernon, he was in the background with Dani, speaking with others.

Yassssssss to yesterday's ending!!! That felt completely well earned. And worth the wait. Samantha looked lovely.

19 minutes ago, alwaysAMC said:

I haven't been this engaged/excited since Chelsea was chained to a bed! 😅

Not chained to a bed. LMAO!

But it sounds like today is going to be another good episode, too. Can't wait to watch later.