Beyond The Gates Weekly Recap: Winterfest Drama, Martin’s Campaign Trouble & Elevator Confessions (12/1–12/5/25)

This week on Beyond The Gates, Martin’s campaign hits turbulence, Carlton bails on Winterfest, Ted and Shanice get stuck in an elevator, Derek tries to move forward, and Winterfest finally arrives. Let’s get into it.

Vanessa, Joey & Campaign Trouble

Vanessa continues recruiting women for her escort service out of the country club, ignoring Dani’s concern. Joey donates to Martin’s campaign, prompting Smitty to storm off and confront him at the casino. Martin arrives in time and rejects the donation. Later, Vanessa tries to go public with Joey, and when he refuses, she spirals into another tantrum. Her character arc remains baffling.

Vernon, Bill & The Duprees

Bill visits Vernon, and the two reflect on past hurts—especially how Bill treated Dani. Solid scenes all around.

At the club, Dani gushes over Andre while the girls tease her about the spark she still has around Bill. Flashbacks fill in their messy history, though the younger Bill casting… questionable.

Andre arrives later and stakes his claim, which annoys Bill and fuels Hayley’s jealousy. Dani reassures Andre after a misunderstanding, but Bill’s lingering interest threatens trouble.

Ashley, Derek & the Mess

Derek confronts Ashley after learning she asked Andre if they still had a chance. For once, Derek comes off well. His firefighter buddies return (more of them, please).Ashley sulks and rewrites history while Jan tries to pull her out of it. Meanwhile, Derek tells Jacob about his moment with Sheryl but insists he’s not ready to move on.

The Richardsons & Hamiltons

Andre confides in Ted about his feelings for Dani, but Hayley works overtime to shake his confidence. She and Randy continue plotting in broad daylight, waiting for her poison to kick in finally.Eva and Izaiah flirt, though the relationship is moving fast. The show needs to give Izaiah more depth.

Ted and Shanice bond in a stuck elevator—great chemistry, but Ted’s baggage is heavy.

Samantha learns about June’s medical issues and starts a free clinic, pulling Eva in to help.

Winterfest

Winterfest arrives… and underwhelms. Kat refuses to attend because of Eva, runs into Tomas, and he suggests moving in together (another deep sigh).

Eva shows up with Ted in a questionable outfit courtesy of her mother.

Shanice sets Nicole up on a date—he arrives right at the cliffhanger.Meanwhile, Sharon and Vernon sneak off, unaware Tracey has eyes everywhere.

Weekly Wrap-Up

A mixed but solid week. Winterfest was surprisingly lackluster, and a Bill–Dani reunion is still the last thing we want. Rating: 6/10.