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!

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.

The first episode was a bit slow in the beginning, but since the last scene of the first episode the show has been on 10 for me. The second and third episode have, for me, provided more insight into all of characters and the role that they play. I am interested in was secret Vanessa is hiding. Overall, I am pleased with the show. I can't wait to see what else exists within and Beyond The Gates.

Just a side note, I feel like Leslie may have a split personality or some type of mental illness. Also, I really wonder what Martin may have done and did that impact Leslie and Eva's lives. I can't wait to what happens.

This is fresh and new. The writing is excellent and it gives a feel of 90's soap. The cast is great and the first week bright so many questions that I need answered. This is how I know I'm hooked. Others want to bad mouth Beyond The Gates, but they are simply scared of the competition. For years African Americans have watched soaps and see very little representation. Now we have a choice and we don't have to watch a soap that doesn't respect the viewers. I want to watch a show where I can see myself and not once a week. Bravo CBS, bravo Michele Val Jean, bravo NAACP. I am do excited to see the future of this soap!!!!

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.