Beyond the Gates Weekly Recap 3-31

Beyond The Gates Weekly Recap - 03/31/25-04/04/25

Monday/Tuesday

Earlier in the week, Chelsea walks out on Dani when she feels Dani is trying to take over the fashion line she and Kat have created. Chelsea wants independence and misinterprets Dani's intentions, storming out abruptly.

As Dani assures Jonathan she'll find a way to replace Chelsea, she wrestles privately with the strong temptation to drink. Chelsea later returns to apologize, feeling guilty about abandoning her. She makes it clear she isn't icing Dani out; she simply wants to forge her own path. Dani acknowledges she mistakenly believed Chelsea was abandoning her, much like Bill did. Chelsea quickly reassures her mom, and Dani lovingly tells her daughter to never apologize for spreading her wings, effectively setting them both free.

Later, Chelsea chats with Kat, mentioning her “step monster” Hayley just as Hayley herself walks into Orphey Jean's. Hayley immediately begins to whine about her plight, audaciously claiming nobody acknowledges the pain Dani caused her. Chelsea dismissively tells her to move on, but Hayley persists, listing Dani’s supposed transgressions.

Meanwhile, Derek and Jacob meet at the Uptown and joke about Andre's latest photos in the paper. Andre's photography favors Ashley, making Derek look like a “troll” by comparison.  Jacob considers knocking Andre down a peg, but Derek thinks he might leave town soon anyway.

 Meanwhile at the hospital, Andre and Ashley talk about the documentary as fabulous Shanice eavesdrops nearby, catching every juicy detail. Ashley, feeling Andre is ghosting her, complains openly. Yet, if she's truly uninterested, why does she care? 

Hayley complains yet again, calling Bill at the office but is interrupted by Naomi. Naomi firmly tells Bill her clients will not drop their lawsuit. However, in praising Dani’s respected community standing, she may have  unintentionally redirected Bill’s attention toward Dani. After Naomi leaves, Bill calls Dani, reigniting her hopes. 

Later, Bill visits Dani. Things quickly turn awkward when he offers Dani a drink, but she sticks firmly to sparkling water. Bill reveals he's sold one of their houses, prompting Dani to pull out a photo album, lost in nostalgia.

Wednesday/Thursday

Dani and Bill Bill predictably rejects Dani’s kiss, cruelly blaming her impulsiveness and stating there's no future for them. When Dani insists she's still in his blood, Bill coldly replies that he’s had a transfusion. Dani realizes he wants something and she is correct; he wants respect for Hayley at the country club. Dani mockingly refers to Hayley as Bill’s "mid-life crisis wife," highlighting their incompatibility. Bill insists he's happier now, claiming they're equals, but Dani challenges whether that's true intellectually and physically. Despite Dani’s passionate plea about their undeniable chemistry, Bill declares their toxic cycle over and bluntly tells her to find a hobby. After everything she’s sacrificed, Dani feels defeated.

Can we please get Dani a wealthy, respectful man who appreciates her? Her continued obsession with Bill, despite his disrespect, isn’t a good look. Yes, their chemistry sizzles, but Bill should be the one pursuing and groveling Dani deserves better. She battles temptation to drink but instead calls Andre. When he arrives, Dani’s insecurity surfaces, yet Andre reassures her that he’ll always come when she calls. Again, it is always odd seeing him go from Dani to Ashley. A. They have the better storyline and B. he just has more chemistry with Dani.

Jacob and Naomi Jacob confides his concerns about Marcel to Naomi after spotting Marcel meeting with Joey. They talk about their jobs before he is off to meet his father. 

Naomi flashes back to pleasant dinners with Bill, leaving us baffled as to why Bill risked everything for the shallow Hayley. Anita and Vernon join Naomi, gently cautioning her about moving forward with the lawsuit. They remind her how ugly things get when Bill feels threatened.

Criminal Activities

Jacob questions his father, Elon, about Joey, but Elon deceitfully claims Joey is an informant. Behind Jacob’s back, Elon conspires with Marcel, leaving Jacob suspicious and unsettled after catching them whispering.

Doug cautiously discusses a new medical device with Randy, who warns him about Joey’s ruthlessness. Vanessa spots Randy at the club, leading Doug to dismiss her concerns. Later, Vanessa meets Joey, only to have Nicole interrupt, not realizing Joey was joining them.

The Borings Ashley panics over Derek inviting Andre to dinner, worried about the frozen food she has on hand. Andre arrives charmingly bearing wine, beer, and flowers, immediately impressing Ashley. Derek reluctantly agrees to participate in Andre’s documentary but is saved from further awkwardness when Dani summons Andre away. Ashley assumes Andre left for a romantic encounter and plots matchmaking.

The Darlings Anita and Vernon remain couple goals, showcasing enduring love and admiration. While Anita’s chemistry with Elon intrigues, Vernon and Anita’s consistent flashbacks to their first meeting have become repetitive. Still, Vernon’s devotion remains charming.

Hulu and The Jackass Hayley storms into Bill’s office demanding Caroline reveal his whereabouts. Learning Bill visited Dani, Hayley confronts him angrily upon his return, leading to yet another tantrum. Bill manages to soothe Hayley’s insecurities, but it underscores her constant need for reassurance.

Nicole and Ted Nicole and Ted plan their anniversary, reminiscing fondly. Nicole meets Joey, skeptical of his intentions due to his shady reputation, while Vanessa openly gushes about him. Nicole later learns from Ted that Joey’s mother died last year, raising suspicions about Joey’s motives.

Bill’s Office Naomi confronts Bill, but he outmaneuvers her by generously offering the plaintiffs a million dollars each and reinstating their jobs. Despite Naomi’s pleas, the plaintiffs consider immediate gain. Caroline mistakenly believes Bill’s generosity is for Naomi’s benefit, but he reveals it's to protect his legacy. Naomi later helps the plaintiffs realize their return to work won’t be easy, as they'll face hostility from Mike and others. They come to their senses which, agreeing to the settlement in the first place was ridiculous. 

Friday

Nicole and Ted Nicole struggles to believe that Joey’s mother has died, thinking Ted must be mistaken. Ted explains a doctor he knows fled town after Joey’s mother passed away during surgery. Worried, Nicole feels she needs to warn Vanessa. Ted is more concerned with flashbacks of Leslie/Dana and the secret he desperately wants to keep hidden. Later, Ted spends quality time with Kat when she comes home, asking her to help him with something work-related on his iPad.

Momager Dani Dani plans a charity fashion show, battling temptation from a nearby bottle, but Chelsea and Kat’s arrival stops her from giving in. Chelsea reveals a purse she designed, impressing Dani. Chelsea agrees to walk in the show, using the opportunity as her farewell to modeling. Chelsea mentions Hayley accusing Dani of breaking into her home, but Dani brushes off the negativity, encouraging Chelsea to ignore Hayley’s nonsense.

Naomi visits Dani, who praises her efforts in the lawsuit against Bill. Seeing Naomi's emotional struggle, Dani gently suggests she step aside and let another lawyer handle the case, fearing Naomi will lose Bill’s love. Naomi firmly rejects this, determined to seek justice both for the victims and Dani herself. After Naomi leaves, Dani calls Bill and pleads with him not to hurt their daughter.

Country Club Happenings Vanessa firmly shuts down Diego’s possessive behavior. Clearly captivated by Joey, Vanessa starts distancing herself from Diego. Nicole informs Vanessa of Joey’s mother’s death, making Vanessa suspicious enough to confront Joey directly. Joey smoothly spins the truth, admitting the house is for himself and his age-related needs, and charmingly claiming vanity as his reason for hiding it. Vanessa forgives him, calling him a "zaddy," and insists he never lie again unaware Diego sees them holding hands.

Orphey Jean’s Hayley tries buttering up Derek, playing the victim about Naomi’s dislike and once again mentioning Dani. Derek remains kind. Later, Hayley meets with her former colleague who is a plaintiff in the lawsuit against the firm. It seems Hayley was duplicitous and betrayed her friend. When she was fired, Hayley paid her dust. The client expresses this to Hayley who apologizes to her former colleague for not supporting her, but urges her to accept Bill’s settlement. Naomi catches Hayley trying to sway her client and sends her away. She confronts Hayley, putting her on notice. She is not doing the suit any favors.

The Law Offices of Bill Hamilton

Chelsea arrives to confront Bill about Hayley’s manipulative tactics and his poor treatment of Dani. She warns him that he’s lost her trust and storms out.

Garland Memorial Andre films his documentary at Garland Memorial, asking staff members about their “superpowers.” Shanice, surprisingly camera-shy, cleverly steers the conversation toward Ashley, causing Andre to visibly brighten. Derek arrives late, interrupting the exchange. Once again, Andre and Ashley's forced connection leaves viewers hoping the writers might free Andre and Shanice from this awkward dynamic.

Highlights

• I thought that Bill would fake a heart attack when he had hand numbness but he didn’t which has me wondering if there is something really going on

• Bill and Dani’s chemistry and the trip down memory lane. It perplexes me what happened between them. I feel there is more to the story and perhaps it is why Dani cannot let go

• Chelsea agreeing to one final walk on the runway

• Joey’s mother is no longer alive