Credit: CBS (5)
On this week’s Beyond the Gates, romantic relationships were making their way around the wheel of fortune. Some up. Some down. Let’s talk about it!
Topsy Turvy
I’m really loving the Doug/Vanessa/Joey triangle. It’s classically written and yet very modern. Vanessa isn’t some wilting flower, waiting for her husband to pay attention to her. She gets her own needs met. Doug is a good man with a serious gambling problem. Joey is a bad man with an emerging soft spot for Vanessa, the woman who surprises him.
I know I’m being technical and nerdy when I talk about the structure of the story, but it’s fire. Joey lured Doug in and took advantage of his gambling problem. Doug tried to stay away and couldn’t. The doctor tried to get out of it and failed. Finally, Vanessa had to come to the rescue and attempt to turn the tables. But she’s also vulnerable to an addiction — to danger. Each character has a clearcut goal and plan, and there are stakes. I can’t wait to see how it progresses. On the other hand…
Less Is More
I can wait to see Ashley and Derek. I will admit, however, that a strange thing has happened: I don’t mind Derek as much anymore. I kind of get him now. He’s not good at talking. He’s an action guy.
Ashley, meanwhile, exhausts me. And she’s on screen a lot. I can’t fathom why Derek proposed to her after their disastrous week of living together. I guess their breakup will mean they get to play to their strengths with other people.
Full Speed Ahead
Meanwhile, Chelsea and Madison are moving a little too fast. That said, Chelsea bringing Madison to meet the Duprees is funny and adorable. I love when the writers remind us of the big family dynamics at play.
Speaking of family dynamics, Dani and Nicole’s sister relationship is just fantastic. I love that Dani is a safe space for Nicole to express her anger, even if it’s misplaced. Then to see Nicole and Ted doing a painful dance of separating while trying to reconcile was heartbreaking and revealing. We’re getting to see many sides of Nicole.
I’d still like to see Nicole centered a bit more, but what we’ve seen this week has been beautiful and delicate work on the part of the actors and writers.
Random Thoughts
I cheered when I saw Vernon making power moves behind the scenes to address the Martin problem. That’s the force to be reckoned with I’ve been longing to see! • Smitty is finally showing us the reporter he is. And I’m glad. He needed to be shown as more than just Martin’s husband. Smitty putting the squeeze on Jacob made me laugh because he’s already got to handle Kat on his case. • It was delightful to see Kat and Chelsea talk about their business! Add them to the 30 under 30 list!
The rush to have Bill’s kids — Chelsea this week — forgive him and apologize to Hayley is annoying. Bill and Hayley need to earn forgiveness. They’re the ones who violated everyone’s trust. • The sound team has been doing some terrific work lately. The underscoring and soundscaping has been beautifully done. It enriches scenes subtly. Kudos!
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