Beyond the Gates

Admittedly, I was apprehensive about this new Daytime Drama but, as soon as I saw the name of Tamara Tunie (who portrays Anita Dupree, a character far removed from her previous daytime role of Jessica Griffith on As The World Turns), I knew this was going to be a very classy production! And, I was right! This is a well-cast, well-written show about an affluent Black American family dynasty (No pun intended) with some of the usual trials and tribulations associated with daytime TV, and Tunie, along with Clifton Davis (That's My Mama) as the matriarch and patriarch of the wealthy and politically powerful Dupree family, makes it all the more classier! A week and a half into this, and I'm already hooked! Definitely give the show a chance!

Congratulation to CBS, BTG cast and crew! From the opening moments of this visually delicious soap, I was hooked! Beautifully cast with some of the most gorgeous women and handsome men in the business. In such a short time, I was drawn in with interesting storylines that appear fresh, original, and mysterious. Cheers to the stunning interior design and look of the sets. Not only are they modern, well lit, warm and cozy, but add a dose of visual reality that other older soaps can't offer. Kudos to hair, make up, and costume design bringing each character their own individuality. A perfect guilty pleasure for these crazy times! Cheers and have fun watching BTG!!

From episode one, Beyond the Gates made it clear that this is a Soap Opera that didn't come to play around. We were given an introduction into not only the Dupree family and their lives, but also those around them who are not in the Fairmont Crest circle. The cast is amazing and incredibly diverse. Karla Mosley as Dani Dupree has been absolutely INCREDIBLE. And of course so has the beautiful Tamara Tunie who plays the Matriarch Anita Dupree. Everyone is fantastic! Plus there are no silos! Everyone interacts with EVERYONE on this show. And I can already feel how everyone is or will be connected to each other. Whether you love Soap Operas or not, you will enjoy this show!

I love all the story lines but I don't think the gay couple has any chemistry. Everyone else is extremely believable but these two just don't cut it. It's like they don't even like each other, no matter what the lines are. It really is uncomfortable watching them. Not sure if they are bad actors, or just bad together. Very clever show. It's nice to see a new soap opera and not a new reality show. It didn't take long at all to get to know the characters and there story lines. That shows great writing. I recognize a few from general hospital, past and present. It's nice to have something new to watch. I look forward to it every day.

I really wanted to like this, even though I don't like soap operas. It is so good see a minority-led series with Black people in positions of prominence and status. I was also excited to see Tamara Tunie in a leading role.

First, I don't know how anyone can watch these episodes in real time. There are so many ads. I record it and it is still irritating having to fast forward through ads every five minutes.

Secondly, I hate the way it jumps from scene to scene with each scene having no connection to the other.

Lastly, some of the acting is terrible. Some of the actors overact while others underact. There were some "gotcha" moments that could've wowed the audience if the actors had put some excitement into them. The acting seems forced and unrealistic. I don't know. The story is plausible, although not unique. We know this story, and we know how it will end.

At this writing I have watched the first nine episodes. I want to hang on to see all the secrets and scandals exposed.

Maybe I am not wowed because I don't like soap operas.