Beyond The Gates Weekly Recap 10/20-10/24/25

This week on Beyond the Gates, we say goodbye to a talented actor, Dani and Joey face off, Ted and Nicole’s fate is sealed, and we meet Izaiah. Let’s get into it.

Vanessa the Mob Wife

I’m not sure why Vanessa is using Donnell’s twin to send Donnell out of town, but whatever her goal, it seems manipulative. Vanessa wants to become Joey’s trusted partner, and when he tries to warn her about the dangers, she insists that she understands and accepts them. She’s alienated everyone else in her life because of her fixation on Joey. It leaves me wondering if she ever truly loved Doug, or if she was just attracted to excitement from the start.

The better story? Have Vanessa plot to take Joey down. That would make her interesting again. For now, she’s firmly on my “do not like” list, and I can’t wait for her rude awakening.

Martin and Smitty: The Honeymoon Phase

Basking in re-wedded bliss, Martin and Smitty seem happier than ever, both more open and playful after the ceremony. Honestly, I love that for them.

Broken Penis and a Chemistry Test

Yes, you read that correctly — broken penis. Apparently, while trying to recreate the romantic dinner Tomas once set up for her (insert yawn), Kat somehow manages to “break” Tomas’s penis. They end up in the ER, Shanice gets involved, and I don’t know if this was meant as comic relief or some kind of humiliation ritual. Either way, I wasn’t laughing.

The one bright spot? Kat’s conversation with Martin afterward, asking if he ever broke Smitty’s penis. That was genuinely funny, and I’d love to see more of their sibling dynamic.

Meanwhile, Eva’s over at the Uptown dictating some sort of medical note out loud in a public bar. Ma’am, you work for doctors. Why are you dictating patient notes next to someone’s happy hour? Cue facepalm.

She meets Izaiah, who’s struggling with a pen. She offers hers, they chat, and yes, the chemistry is there — but Eva tends to ooze. Similar to how Catwoman circles her prey. It works for Catwoman; it does not work for Eva. It is more like an over-poured cocktail. She’s a vixen, but vixens don’t ooze. Dial that back a notch.

Dani and Another Career Letdown

For some reason, Ridge Forrester insists on having Dani’s husband involved in the photoshoot. Excuse me while I roll my eyes.

Look, I get that Andre has some secret reason for avoiding cameras, but we’ve already seen him in photos — from the Vegas wedding to that video dedication celebrating Nicole. Soap pivots are fine, but make them make sense.

Also, Dani already gave up her career for Bill, and now we’re seeing another man dimming her light? She’s Dani freaking Dupree! You’re telling me her comeback wouldn’t be profitable? Please. Sometimes I sit watching this show, asking, “Who dis fo?” because it often doesn’t feel like it’s for women.

Later, Dani tells Andre she turned Forrester down, and he’s perfectly fine with that. Another man content to let her play small. I bet if Ashley asked, he’d say yes. Heavy eyeroll.

Joey the Villain

Let me say this plainly: I hate Joey. I love the actor—but I loathe the character. Villains don’t belong in the winner’s circle, nor are they so integrated into the story. Fortunately, most characters see him for who he is. I hope that never changes.

Still, when Dani confronts him and he has the gall to throw her marriage in her face like he’s not a murdering thug? The nerve. The bet between them was foolish anyway, and you can already see the anvil — Dandre’s marriage won’t last a year.

Jacomi and Izaiah

Jacob and Naomi are on repeat — same argument, different day. Naomi’s not pregnant, but because she doesn’t tell Jacob immediately, they end up fighting. Mind you, she had just seen the results. Add her snappy attitude toward Jacob in front of friends, and it’s giving off an “immature” vibe. They both have issues: Jacob doesn’t keep his agreement not to have children and tries to pressure Naomi into something she doesn’t want. Meanwhile, Naomi is projecting her fears of losing him because of it onto him in a way that isn’t fair to him.

Enter Izaiah. He’s watching from the bar, silent and observant. When Naomi nearly stumbles, he’s there to catch her — that deep voice saying, “I got you.” When Jacob joins them, there’s no outright tension, but when Jacob makes a comment about his reflexes, Izaiah drops the line, “Well, somebody’s gotta catch what you can’t hold down.”

Wait a minute. Are we getting a Jacob-Naomi-Izaiah triangle? Because the chemistry is there, and the writing’s already on the wall for Jacomi. I’m absolutely here for it.

Hayley the Black Widow

Hayley has officially put her plan into full gear — she’s going to Kill Bill (and yes, that still makes me chuckle). The problem? She’s kind of obvious about it. Maybe Bill’s just too blinded by her ever-elevated cleavage to notice, but subtlety is not her strong suit.

Here’s the issue: I’m not buying Hayley as a villain. She tries to pull off femme fatale, but that airhead persona always creeps back. I keep waiting for that elusive duality—a hint of danger under the ditzy exterior—but the actress just doesn’t deliver it. Occasionally, it almost shows, but never enough to convince me.

Final Thoughts

This week was solid, a little less dramatic, but still entertaining. Minus Derek and Ashley and the whole “Broken Penis” fiasco. Also, free Colby. Please.

Alex Cheeks was an unexpected find, and there’s real story potential with Donnell, so why was he only temporary? You all know how I feel about wasting good talent...lesigh.

Thumbs Up 👍🏾

• Izaiah’s introduction — I think I like this one. The acting seems solid, and he could be a win.

• Andre’s past — just please don’t take ten years to reveal it.

• The spark between Izaiah and Naomi — yes, I’m rooting for it.

Thumbs Down 👎🏾

• Dani not being able to carry the Forrester deal on her own — unbelievable.

• Donnell agreeing to leave — wasted potential.

• Hayley and Randy — a moronic duo who couldn’t commit a crime if it came with instructions.