Beyond the Gates: Daily Episode Discussion

[JAYJAY1979]

When it came out about Bill's part in the Ted situation, I was looking forward to Naomi or Chelsea confronting him...and to focus on their feelings/perspective.

I don't care about Dani.  Her character is one note and she's played by a one note actress.

Dani isn't in love with Bill...she's a narcissist and his dumping her for Hayley was a huge blow to her overly privileged Dupree ego. 

The way she treats Andre only confirms she views all as beneath her...when in reality, she's the one beneath everyone else.

Also, June (homeless lady) is so related to Hayley!  Why cast this actress if the show isn't going there.  They sound alike, look like sisters, and their mannerisms are similar.  Ironic if Naomi is helping/advocating for June and she ends up being Hayley's sister lol

Also, Ashley talking to Naomi about the Eva scandal...yet no subtext nor mention that Ashley knows Leslie and Eva.  Writers...do better.

[ASpring1900]

On 5/7/2025 at 6:12 PM, One Tough Cookie said:

Am I the only one who thinks Smitty is a bore?

Yep. I thought he was great as Charlie on Days, but he just seems dweeby and boring on BTG. Maybe the actor just does villain better.

 

On 5/8/2025 at 8:12 PM, michelec said:

And I have to give props to the hair, makeup, and costume teams for the work they did on Ambyr Michelle. If it was another soap, Eva's makeup would still be flawless with slightly tousled hair. Ol' girl looked a hot mess, exactly like someone who was sobbing all night in her car when she wasn't tossing and turning.

Yes!! We've seen smeared mascara before, but she had smeared lipstick, and her face really looked greasy/oily like she slept in her makeup (in a car) and didn't wash her face. 

 

On 5/9/2025 at 3:54 PM, ShadowHunter said:

Naomi had great hair today though. 

She looked beautiful! I hope she keeps this look.

[Irlandesa]

On 5/7/2025 at 3:21 PM, DearEvette said:

We see Martin acting out so of course this may spur the next story -- the background of what Martin did and how that might come out.

And since we know that Bill was involved in both the Leslie storyline and whatever happened with Martin in the past, it opens up some storytelling possibilities for Bill away from Dani and Hayley.

Yes.  I think this is probaby the next story that will "break."  I don't think it's a total coincidence that Smitty, who has pretty much been relegated to scenes with Martin, their kids or being Martin's +1 in scenes with his family suddenly got a 1-on-1 with his sister and Bill.  I'm excited for him to hopefully get something more to do other than being patient hubby.

[ShadowHunter]

I have to agree with a few others about Smitty. He is a nice guy and it nice to see but I do hope we start to get a little more out of him. I don't need to him to go all psycho but he better get upset when the truth about Martin comes out. If he does his usual let's talk about this calmly I might scream lol. It's started to feel like that is all he does. Anger once in a blue moon would be okay. 

[Rodney]

Well, this might explain why Orphey Gene's has its name:

https://www.facebook.com/share/1ZQazizmbz/

According to this post from Michele Val Jean, the restaurant is named after her late mother, Orphey Gene Val Jean.  Nice bit of trivia for Mother's Day. 

Wishing a happy Mother's Day to all the mothers and grandmothers here on Primetimer and in the interwebs beyond!

Edited Monday at 09:17 PM by Rodney

[Matteo]

I feel like the next big story beat is going to start now with this Bill/Smitty scene.  He will somehow get Smitty to dig into whatever happened with Martin, and maybe this will all come to light with whatever secret the Duprees tried to cover up for Martin?  I think it was some rage-driving/reckless vehicular manslaughter coverup or something? Just my guess.

[AnimeMania]

S01.E50: Monday, May 12, 2025

Renewed for a 2nd Season.

Edited Monday at 06:00 PM by AnimeMania

[bayviewbubba]

As I'm retired, I feel free to announce my newest favorite hobby:  Every time Febreze gets let loose I'm going to have a celebratory drink.  Only once in an episode?  Ok.  More than that? Now we have a party!

[Rodney]

7 minutes ago, AnimeMania said:

Renewed for a 2nd Season.

Wish Found could've gotten the same news.

So for today:

Nice to see you again, Joey!  He and Vanessa were lovely once more.  It's amazing to see his softer side with her, even if he's also playing her, in a way.  It was nice to hear Vanessa turn down Joey's offer, though, as well as hear her admit to her hypocrisy where Ted was concerned.  Dani clearly had an uneasy feeling when she saw them together, though.

Meanwhile, Shanice is finally picking up that something is up with Doug.  She's a smart cookie.

Too bad Doug had to go back to the casino once more.  Randy loving customers who quit while they're ahead was interesting.  I thought that he'd be as greedy as Joey.

Leslie finally tells the truth.  The whole thing was about getting back at Ted.  But given that she admitted to Eva that she wanted all of the Duprees to suffer, I don't believe her when she said that she didn't mean to cause the pain that she did.

It was nice to see Martin and Kat have an extended brother/sister scene.  I'm glad to see that they're trying to process what happened together.  It's actually stunning to see Martin handling the Eva side of things more maturely than Kat is.

Nice moment of self-awareness from Dani in her scenes with Ted.  But she was right that Ted can't use his and Nicole's rough patch as an excuse.

When Anita showed up at Ted's hotel room, though, I actually said, "Ohhhhhhhh, dear."  Ted was going to get it then, and he certainly did.  And in a way, I liked the part where she addressed Dani over Ted.  It was symbolic, in a way, that she didn't find Ted worthy of being looked in the eye while she was speaking.

Still, despite all this, it does sound like Anita and Dani do want Ted and Nicole to work it out, which surprises me.

Enjoyed Mona ripping into Eva (whom I didn't see as one to gamble).  She was right that the Duprees will likely not trust her judgment again.  And I loved that she while she acknowledged that Leslie was the architect of the whole scheme, Eva, as a grown woman, made her choice to go along with it.  And she gave her no quarter or sympathy when she said that she'd lost everything.

And her scenes with Leslie . . . damn!  Those were fiery!  And she still didn't tell the truth about where she got the money.  But oddly . . . I do think that she really saw Mona and Jan as her friends.  Mona, quite understandably, was hearing none of it, and I doubt that Jan will, either.

Damn.  Imagine how she'll react when she finds out what Leslie did to poor, innocent Laura.

And then, Leslie finds out, hopefully once and for all, that she didn't get Ted, after all, when he warns her away from the Duprees and his family.

Did not see it coming that Dani would ask Eva to join her and Anita for dinner.  I was surprised that Anita and Dani (yes, Dani, for a shocker!) were compassionate and understanding with her, knowing that she was indeed primed, conditioned, and used by Leslie, yet firm that they're still angry at her for how they hurt Nicole and don't consider her a Dupree (which, biologically, she's not, anyway).

The fallout continues to produce good scenes and even better story.

[Irlandesa]

40 minutes ago, Rodney said:

Wish Found could've gotten the same news.

Technically they did.  They just didn't get a third season.

41 minutes ago, Rodney said:

I was surprised that Anita and Dani (yes, Dani, for a shocker!) were compassionate and understanding with her, knowing that she was indeed primed, conditioned, and used by Leslie, yet firm that they're still angry at her for how they hurt Nicole and don't consider her a Dupree (which, biologically, she's not, anyway).

I'd bet money that she is.  They were laying it on thick today.  During the scenes with Nicole, they mentioned Kat and Eva's telepathy.  A reference to "twins" was brought up.  Anita and Dani telling Eva she'll never be a Dupree just feels, to me, like she will be.  What is yet to be determined is whether or not Eva and Kat were twins and Leslie stole one of them.  Did Leslie switch them at birth?  Or did she steal one of Nicole's embryos and use it to get pregnant. 

Mona was amazing today!  She's a terrific character and I love the actress.  I loved her line about Leslie deserving to go to hell for what she has done.  "Enjoy the burn" indeed. 

[drivethroo]

1 hour ago, Rodney said:

It's actually stunning to see Martin handling the Eva side of things more maturely than Kat is.

Martin is thinking about his public image.  It wouldn't be good if he shunned Eva and he's placing the blame squarely mostly on Ted and Leslie where it belongs.

Kat doesn't want to be associated with a ghetto hood booger like Eva.

 

1 hour ago, Rodney said:

And her scenes with Leslie . . . damn!  Those were fiery!  And she still didn't tell the truth about where she got the money. 

Unless Nicole noted money missing or the church building fund is suddenly depleted, it's none of Mona's business where Leslie got the money from.  If Leslie said "Yeah Ted gave me the money #shrug" what was Mona going to do? Run tell Nicole? Nicole already knows.

 

1 hour ago, Rodney said:

I was surprised that Anita and Dani (yes, Dani, for a shocker!) were compassionate and understanding with her, knowing that she was indeed primed, conditioned, and used by Leslie, yet firm that they're still angry at her for how they hurt Nicole and don't consider her a Dupree (which, biologically, she's not, anyway).

I didn't like that and Anita and Dani need to be brought down a peg or two over that. Eva was minding her business, trying to pick up dinner.  She was not trying to talk to them. She was not trying to engage with them. Then Dani had the little "ok you can go back to being a hairstylist" quip to Eva and Anita informs her she will NEVER be a Dupree? 

I want Eva to end up getting a job at Bill's firm.  That will piss Dani off (especially if she gets along with Hayley).

1 hour ago, Irlandesa said:

I'd bet money that she is.

After today, I hope that she is and she tells all the Dupree women (except Nicole) to kiss the deepest part of her ass.

Speaking of Nicole, I hollered when she sprayed that Febreze after Leslie left.

Leslie is coocoo bananas for thinking Ted still would want her after the stunt she pulled. 

If Nicole and Ted can't work it out, maybe this guy can come back into the picture. 

[Rodney]

3 minutes ago, drivethroo said:

I didn't like that and Anita and Dani need to be brought down a peg or two over that. Eva was minding her business, trying to pick up dinner.  She was not trying to talk to them. She was not trying to engage with them. Then Dani had the little "ok you can go back to being a hairstylist" quip to Eva and Anita informs her she will NEVER be a Dupree? 

They probably will be if it turns out that she is both Ted and Nicole's (but we still don't have any proof as to that happening).  I'm just saying that I liked that Anita and Dani addressed Eva as both sides of what she was.  They started out addressing her as the victim of Leslie's lies and manipulations (which she was), hence the initial compassion they showed her.  Then, they switched gears and addressed Eva the willing participant (hence Dani's quip).  They understood that she was a victim of Leslie, but still hold great disdain for her as a willing participant in her schemes.  I just appreciated the balance in the whole thing, is all.  They were tough, but fair with her.  At least that was how I interpreted the whole thing.  Others may have interpreted it differently.

[Sake614]

2 hours ago, Rodney said:

Leslie finally tells the truth.  The whole thing was about getting back at Ted.  But given that she admitted to Eva that she wanted all of the Duprees to suffer, I don't believe her when she said that she didn't mean to cause the pain that she did.

that woman wouldn’t know the truth if it bit her in the face. And no, it was not all to get even with Ted. It was to stick it to Nicole because Ted didn’t leave her for Leslie. Hence all her fantasies about taking Nicole’s place by Ted’s side. She seems to be of the belief that she’d have everything Nicole has if only she was Mrs. ted Richardson, when in fact what she really wanted and still wants, is the DUPREE name and prestige. Sorry bitch but that name doesn’t come with Ted. 

Doug is an idiot. Yeah yeah he’s an addict. But he’s still an idiot. 

[smartyshorts]

Hear me out...Leslie/Dana took a page out of Y&R/Bold and Beautiful playbook with switching a baby in the hospital...with one who died...so Nicole actually HAD twins, knows she had twins but thinks one of them was stillborn.  Which is more reason to consider Kat her "Miracle Child".  And Leslie/Dana really did have her own pregnancy terminated, or was never really pregnant at all but saw a chance to take the money and run.

 

One thing (among several) that I really like about this Soap is that while the OTT characters are OTT much of the time, they also have moments of clarity and normalcy.

Like Dani accepting Chelsea's retirement from modelling, and not taking over her and Kat's fashion business when they presented that opportunity.  Or Chelsea and Naomi still being angry with but softening toward their Dad.  Even both Doug and Vanessa realizing their passion is gone, but not the love.

 

[Badsamaritan]

1 hour ago, Irlandesa said:

Technically they did.  They just didn't get a third season.

I'd bet money that she is.  They were laying it on thick today.  During the scenes with Nicole, they mentioned Kat and Eva's telepathy.  A reference to "twins" was brought up.  Anita and Dani telling Eva she'll never be a Dupree just feels, to me, like she will be.  What is yet to be determined is whether or not Eva and Kat were twins and Leslie stole one of them.  Did Leslie switch them at birth?  Or did she steal one of Nicole's embryos and use it to get pregnant. 

Mona was amazing today!  She's a terrific character and I love the actress.  I loved her line about Leslie deserving to go to hell for what she has done.  "Enjoy the burn" indeed. 

Mona was on FIRE and I loved ALL of it. Who knew kind, sweet Mona had that much lick-back in her? Everything she said to both Eva and Leslie was the truth. She had every right to tell them what's what, and even if Duprees do trust her word, she will doubt herself because both of these women used her to put everybody's business on Front street. I didn't care for Eva's attitude towards Mona either, like she's already tired of getting told off. It's been all of what? A day or two at the most? Eva. Gurl. I like you. But you conspired and planned this for months. It was your idea for them to have the party, to give you and your momma maximum impact. So just sit there in your wrongness and be wrong. Or go to church. Just like your worthless father, do something to show you're truly sorry and let people be mad you lied to their faces for months and shut the fuck up. 

Nicole should've gotten an old fashioned soap slap in on Leslie. This crazy heffa keeps walking up in folks houses, she'd be catching a stray if it was me. 🤷🏽‍♀️

Ms. Anita Williams Dupree literally held Eva's hands while she told her "We understand your crazy momma ain't raise you right, we sorry your daddy is worthless, but baby you are not a Dupree, you that man's problem, so don't act like you know us and don't call us for nothing cuz we ain't answering. We gon pray for you, though".

That's what I heard, at least. 🤷🏽‍♀️😂

I cannot watch Maurice give me almost nothing in facial expressions while swaying left to right while he clasps his fingers together much longer. It's making me dizzy. 

We got about 3 or 4 references to Kat and Eva possibly being twins. Should we start a drinking game? Start keeping count how many more times somebody says it? At least Kat finally questioned the DNA results, but it does show Ted as Eva's father according to Nicole. We can't be sure the other 50% came from Leslie. We haven't been told the exact circumstances around Kat's actual birth, just the conception. Could something have gone wrong where Nicole required emergency care after delivering Kat, who got whisked away, and while they were treating an out of it Nicole, she gave birth unexpectedly to Eva, and for some reason they thought she died? And since Nicole wasn't expecting a 2nd child, could Ted have chosen not to tell her? But then Leslie has heard about the labor because she's been stalking them of course and uses one her early wigs to get in there and takes Eva, who has started to breathe after all, and decides then not to tell anyone the 2nd baby survived and just takes her to raise. That could potentially work. 

[Elizabeth233]

Although I'm not really much of a hayley fan I wouldn't mind a hayley and Eva friendship.

[ShadowHunter]

Mona was savage today. She had some great lines. Even the way she told Eva good when she learned lost everything was smooth lol.

I am happy to see Nicole didn't lose the will to spray Febreze. 

So they dropped another twin mention and Anita tells Eva she will never be part of the family so Eva definitely a Dupree now. 

Always great to see Joey. Vanessa went home and course Doug will not show up since he is gambling. 

[Elizabeth233]

Although I'm not really much of a hayley fan I wouldn't mind a hayley and Eva friendship.

 

I'm getting a Jessica and Natalie vibe with Kat and Eva.

[One Tough Cookie]

I'd love to participate in this dialogue, but my house is in desperate need of Fa breeze treatment, then I have to se how white and bright my laundry is from Tide. 

[ShadowHunter]

7 hours ago, AnimeMania said:

S01.E50: Monday, May 12, 2025

Renewed for a 2nd Season.

Febreze for everyone!!!!!

[DearEvette]

Mona was the MVP today.  Close second was Anita.

When Eva wobbled her lips saying how she'd lost everything and Mona leaned toward her, compassionately touched her hand and said 'Good' I fell the hell out! 

And then she went and unloaded on Leslie.  I was waiting for her to connect the dots about Laura, but I guess they aren't ready to pull that trigger just yet.

I like how everyone understands Leslie used Eva like a weapon but still holds her responsible for her own actions.  And I don't blame Kat for still feeling some type of way.  It has only been a day and they all have to be pretty raw and working on emotion. Reason will come later.

So Leslie has something else up her sleeve.  Hmm....

[Giuseppe]

Mona continues to be the best. I've been saying from the jump that she was the most natural character and she just continues to kill it every time she's on-screen.

20 minutes ago, DearEvette said:

When Eva wobbled her lips saying how she'd lost everything and Mona leaned toward her, compassionately touched her hand and said 'Good' I fell the hell out! 

I DIED! 

[JAYJAY1979]

Mona went off on Leslie and Eva for good reason.  Will Jan also do so to Leslie soon?

Anita and Dani are mean girls.  Team Eva!

[Rodney]

16 minutes ago, JAYJAY1979 said:

Anita and Dani are mean girls.  Team Eva!

No, they were defending their daughter/sister, as they should.  Team Dupree!

[Elizabeth233]

1 hour ago, JAYJAY1979 said:

Mona went off on Leslie and Eva for good reason.  Will Jan also do so to Leslie soon?

Anita and Dani are mean girls.  Team Eva!

I feel bad for Eva people are talking about how she's being manipulated by Leslie but actually its worse she's actually been abused by Leslie nàrcastically its why Eva is so desperate for Leslie love because Leslie has convinced Eva that Eva needs her.It's also why its easy for Leslie to kick her out.Narcs love to play the victim and gaslight there children and disown them if they do something they don't approve of.

Also it annoys me how this show acts like nurses and firefighters make pennies in the real world they make the bucks and honestly you can do pretty good as a hairstylist too I know people who pay around 500-800 to get there hair done.

Edited Tuesday at 07:51 AM by Elizabeth233
Add more

[Badsamaritan]

4 hours ago, Rodney said:

No, they were defending their daughter/sister, as they should.  Team Dupree!

Agreed. Again, Eva could've stopped everything the morning of the party, before folks started showing up. I understand how she was raised but as Mona pointed out, she's a grown woman that made grown woman choices. The Duprees as a family didn't do a damn thing to her. In fact, they invited her to join them at the club and pissed off Kat in the process. All the while, Eva was gaslighting Kat and lying to their faces. That wasn't Leslie, it was Eva. 

I like Eva, but she got her consequences coming. She was complicit until she wasn't. I want to see her accept responsibility and do better. And stop having an attitude when folks she knowingly used and hurt, have words for her. Right now, she can't be trusted, for very good reason. She lied, repeatedly, to everyone. And until just a few days ago, when she started to feel twinges of guilt, was on board with the public humiliation of a woman and her family that had been nothing but kind to her. In fact, she's the one that planned and put the party together in the first place. 

Like I said, I do like Eva. But she got her consequences coming. How she moves forward will tell folks whether or not she learned her lesson. 

[drivethroo]

10 hours ago, Rodney said:

No, they were defending their daughter/sister, as they should.  Team Dupree!

They were trying to chase Eva off because if Eva builds a relationship with Ted, she is a present living reminder of how he cheated on Nicole and a constant reminder of how the mighty Duprees were publicly embarrassed.

They "say" they want Ted to "handle his business" but IMO what that really means is they really want Ted to write Eva a check and send her back to where she came from. 

Ted cannot reconcile with Nicole if Eva is still in the picture unless Nicole also accepts Eva. The quickest way to get Ted and Nicole back on track is getting rid of Eva.

I actually wouldn't be surprised if Anita approached Bill to help get rid of Eva again (and this time Bill refusing and helping Eva stick around to stick it to the Duprees).

10 hours ago, Elizabeth233 said:

Narcs love to play the victim and gaslight there children and disown them if they do something they don't approve of.

Right and once Nicole fully realizes this, she's going to start to open to Eva again.

10 hours ago, Elizabeth233 said:

honestly you can do pretty good as a hairstylist too I know people who pay around 500-800 to get there hair done.

This could actually be a good storyline.  Ted could help Eva set up with a salon, not at the country club but her own shop.  Her shop ends up doing very well, while Chelsea and Kat's business struggles. Kat (and the female Duprees minus Nicole and Naomi) are very upset Eva's business is doing well and it causes tensions with Ted, who is helping Eva out. Plus they could build a salon set because lots of people get the gossip at the salon.

6 hours ago, Badsamaritan said:

Like I said, I do like Eva. But she got her consequences coming. How she moves forward will tell folks whether or not she learned her lesson. 

Eva will have her consequences but I don't want to see her become a whipping girl for these people. The opinions of Mona and Jan are irrelevant at this point; she hasn't known them that long.  Who cares about their opinion? Next. What I see are the (female) Duprees (minus Nicole and Naomi) ganging up on Eva and trying to ice her out of town to make her pay for not only her crimes, but the crimes of Leslie as well. 

It's about to get real North Shore High School up in Fairmont Crest.

Edited Tuesday at 05:37 PM by drivethroo

[AnimeMania]

S01.E51: Tuesday, May 13, 2025

[TiffanyNichelle]

Real quick thoughts from yesterday. I loved how classy Nicole was when she told Leslie she was pathetic and that she was angry she (Leslie) wasn't Ted's priority. Then she whipped out that Febreze bottle to clear up her house, lol. Now that's good product placement!

They are really hinting at Eva being Nicole's. Kat having that connection to her as the reason why she was able to suss her out when no one else did, Nicole's twins joke, Anita telling Eva that she will never be a Dupree? Oh we are going there. Also Nicole saying she looked at the DNA test and she was able to understand the genetic markers that connected Eva to Ted? I think she's going to look at it again and see something that connects Eva to if not herself then to other Duprees.

Also speaking of Eva and Kat's "twin" connection, is anyone old enough to remember Another World when they were teasing the twins, Marley and Vicky? Marley kept having dreams of Vicky and that's how we discovered she had a twin? That's all I can think about.

I loved Anita telling off "Theodore" and telling him to get his shit in order and he finally went to Leslie and told her to stay away from Nicole and the Duprees. She won't of course but at least he tried something with her.

Mona however was the star of the episode. I'm glad she had her moment to track down Leslie's lies about the casino and to confront both Eva and Leslie for how they hurt her.

I wonder if Eva will end up working at the casino. They might start opening up that back room to more than just Doug now.

20 hours ago, Badsamaritan said:

I cannot watch Maurice give me almost nothing in facial expressions while swaying left to right while he clasps his fingers together much longer. It's making me dizzy. 

Sometimes I feel so bad because ever since they announced the recast all I could see is those ticks. Maybe I wouldn't have noticed them if he was never fired or maybe he could have unlearned them but now, it's just too late.

[TiffanyNichelle]

7 hours ago, Badsamaritan said:

Like I said, I do like Eva. But she got her consequences coming. How she moves forward will tell folks whether or not she learned her lesson. 

Exactly. I also like Eva and what she does next will show what kind of soap character do they want her to be. Is she a "bad" girl who occasionally does not so nice things but she has a good heart and is willing to do whatever for the people she loves? Where she has as many fans as she does haters where you can see why both sides either love or hate her? Where you root for her to win at times? 

Or is she just a villain like her mother where you could love to hate her but never actually root for her? Where she has to always lose in the end and never win?

Because one is complicated and the other is just bad. I'm hoping for the former. I'm hoping for a Erica Kane, Kendall, Carly, Sami type of character. Those are my faves. Flat out good girls are boring to me. Give me the flawed girls.

[ShadowHunter]

18 minutes ago, TiffanyNichelle said:

Mona however was the star of the episode. I'm glad she had her moment to track down Leslie's lies about the casino and to confront both Eva and Leslie for how they hurt her.

“Hell was made for people like you Leslie…Enjoy the burn.” Great line. If given the chance I will use it on someone lol. I agree I am glad they let her give her thoughts and feelings on the situation. 

[DearEvette]

6 hours ago, Badsamaritan said:

She lied, repeatedly, to everyone. And until just a few days ago, when she started to feel twinges of guilt, was on board with the public humiliation of a woman and her family that had been nothing but kind to her. In fact, she's the one that planned and put the party together in the first place. 

This part.  Feel how you want about Ted, but Nicole is the victim here.  In these situations, it is the wife who becomes the object of pity, not the husband. Ultimately she was the one who bore  the heavier humiliation.  Ted was simply exposed.  In the end they hurt Nicole way more than they hurt Ted.

 

44 minutes ago, drivethroo said:

They were trying to chase Eva off because if Eva builds a relationship with Ted, she is a present living reminder of how he cheated on Nicole and a constant reminder of how the mighty Duprees were publicly embarrassed.

Well, of course she is a reminder of all that. Their reaction isn't because they are Duprees.  Their reaction is a human one that anyone would have when confronted with what Ted did in the way that was set up Leslie and Eva. 

Even the jankiest of person living in a trailer park is gonna circle the wagons against a cheating husband's illegitimate child and his side piece. People are just not that evolved.

And frankly, Leslie and Eva brought this on themselves.  Like Nicole said, Leslie could have come to her any time with the proof. Instead she chose to play head games and she involved the Duprees.  She went to the Duprees family home first (even before going to Ted)  and kept talking about how Eva was part of their family.  If this weren't a soap opera where it is a pretty good bet that Eva will be a Dupree, I think the Duprees were actually way more restrained than regular people would be.

I do like Eva, but she does not get to be absolved. She helped to engineer the whole.  Publicly humiliating a woman and family who did nothing to you except give you the fricking keys to her house, was gonna pay for you to go to school, and who even took your part over her own daughter is not it.

The old saying 'Don't start none, won't be none' exists for a reason.  Anita has every right to come out swinging for her child.

Now, whatever it is  they did re: Martin.... that is another story.

[Rodney]

Okay.  I wanted to see the Jan fallout with Leslie, and they didn't disappoint.  On one hand, Leslie was right that she never really hurt Jan.  But Jan is right, too.  She did lie about a lot of things and made her and Mona feel like their friendship wasn't real.  That said, I did appreciate her hearing out Leslie's side of the story.  She understood part of it, but as she said at the end, Leslie acted out of too much hate for Jan's blood.

Not as impactful as what happened with Mona, but still good for the brief scene that we got.

But who was that white guy listening in on Leslie and Jan's talk?  After Leslie left, he kept watching Jan out of the corner of his eye.  And he seemed to be watching Vernon and Martin, too.

The mentions of Jan raising Ashley as a single mom make me think that her father is on the way.

Ashley and Derek are still awkward about their living situation.  First-time couples living with each other can have these difficulties adjusting, so that's realistic.  But they worked through the initial awkwardness, it seems.  They even got a sex scene out of the whole deal.

Oh, no.  Doug stayed at the casino all night?!  Seriously?!  And now he's in even more trouble with Joey.  Damn it, dude.  You should've gone home to Vanessa!  And now he knows Joey's plan for Vanessa and will have to give in to Joey to clear his debt.  And he clearly does not want to do that.

We're getting more of a hint of what Martin's secret is, and it's not good.  But at least it's getting him to officially not run for President.  That, and the fallout of Ted and Nicole's marriage falling apart.  Whatever Martin's secret is, it sounds like he even knows what it is.

Ted is feeling the heat from the Fairmont Crest citizens now that he's embracing Eva being his daughter.  Good for Eva, but for Nicole.  It was nice of Ted to get Eva a job at a salon so quickly.  But Eva wanting to be a personal assistant again was just not going to happen.  Especially due to what happened with the Richardsons (as Ted told her).  She must also be kidding herself in thinking that some of the women at the country club could be her clients.  After hurting Nicole, who's very much beloved in Fairmont Crest?  Forget it, girl!

Dani was a good sister today, getting Nicole to stop wallowing in sorrow and getting out into the world again.  But I knew that they'd happen upon Ted with Eva, and they did.  It wasn't good.  Nicole avoided a blow-up with Ted, thanks to Vanessa's intervention, but Dani took another chance to go off on Ted.  And, of course, lob another grenade at Eva.  Ted's words to Nicole clearly didn't affect Dani or Vanessa, but I wonder if they had an effect on Nicole?

That Anastasia woman looks like a piece of work.  She sends backhanded condolences to Nicole and Dani, and then slams Eva?  Yeah, she's probably going to be a nuisance whenever she shows up.

So Leslie does miss Eva.  But she can't admit that she used her.  Nor can she stop playing the victim.  Nor can she let Eva come home and work things out with her.  Instead, she lambasts and excoriates her publicly in Orphey Gene's.  Even Jan saw the whole thing and tries to tell Leslie off accordingly, only to get unjustifiably yelled at by her.

But something good came out of it for Eva.  Martin actually saw the whole thing and extended a kind word.  And Vernon also saw it and gave Leslie the (very polite) slamming of her life.  He was right that Leslie shouldn't push Eva away if she truly loves her.

Another fine episode.

Edited Tuesday at 07:07 PM by Rodney

[drivethroo]

49 minutes ago, DearEvette said:

Their reaction isn't because they are Duprees.  Their reaction is a human one that anyone would have when confronted with what Ted did in the way that was set up Leslie and Eva. 

Yes and no, because they started their spiel about Eva was disadvantaged and how their charity helps girls like her.  Then they let her know she would NEVER be a "Dupree" as if that's the only reason she came around Ted.  It's the only reason Leslie is still stuck on Ted but Eva's never expressed any interest in the Duprees or being a Dupree.

If it was solely about Nicole, they would've been like "you hurt Nicole and you need to stay away because you hurt her so badly."  Instead they let Eva know they think she's a ghetto hoodbooger and she won't be getting any of their money.

Exhibit A was how angry they got when Ted brought Eva to the country club and Dani told Eva to remember what she and Anita told her the day before...i.e. you don't belong in our world and you need to go away.  I'm glad Eva told Ted what Anita and Dani said to her.

49 minutes ago, DearEvette said:

Anita has every right to come out swinging for her child.

And Ted has every right to come out swinging for HIS child and I don't think he's going to appreciate Anita or Dani trying to run Eva off.

29 minutes ago, Rodney said:

That said, I did appreciate her hearing out Leslie's side of the story. 

I think Jan would've softened to Leslie had she not seen Leslie rip Eva a new asshole in the middle of Orphey Gene's.

Loved the way Martin came running over to Eva after that happened.

29 minutes ago, Rodney said:

Oh, no.  Doug stayed at the casino all night?!  Seriously?!  And now he's in even more trouble with Joey.  Damn it, dude. 

I want Doug to stick around, but he's stupid.  Randy warned him but he stayed anyway.

29 minutes ago, Rodney said:

But Eva wanting to be a personal assistant again was just not going to happen.

The only way that's going to happen is if she get a job at Bill's law firm.

29 minutes ago, Rodney said:

But something good came out of it for Eva.  Martin actually saw the whole thing and extended a kind word.  And Vernon also saw it and gave Leslie the (very polite) slamming of her life.  He was right that Leslie shouldn't push Eva away if she truly loves her.

Vernon will tell Anita and Anita will be like So? 

Which is understandable but I don't know if Anita will tell Vernon she and Dani tried to run Eva away.

The Fairmont Crest community is clear: If Ted wants to be respected around there again, Eva has got to go. Ted intentionally holding Eva's hand in front of Dani, Vanessa and Nicole indicates he has no intentions of giving Eva up.

I can see Dani or Anita trying to pay Eva to leave town or going to Bill to "fix it."  

Edited Tuesday at 07:29 PM by drivethroo

[Rodney]

1 hour ago, drivethroo said:

Vernon will tell Anita and Anita will be like So? 

Which is understandable but I don't know if Anita will tell Vernon she and Dani tried to run Eva away.

I can certainly see Ted telling him if Anita doesn't tell him first.

[Rodney]

3 hours ago, TiffanyNichelle said:

Exactly. I also like Eva and what she does next will show what kind of soap character do they want her to be. Is she a "bad" girl who occasionally does not so nice things but she has a good heart and is willing to do whatever for the people she loves? Where she has as many fans as she does haters where you can see why both sides either love or hate her? Where you root for her to win at times? 

Or is she just a villain like her mother where you could love to hate her but never actually root for her? Where she has to always lose in the end and never win?

Because one is complicated and the other is just bad. I'm hoping for the former.

And what's wrong with the latter?  Soaps need characters of that type, too.

[KittyQ]

I haven't been watching consistently, so this is something that's gone past me: Do Dani and Nicole know that Vanessa's been "sleeping with" virtually every available man at the country club? (She's drawn the line with Joey, for some reason, although I was expecting an "Indecent Proposal" twist). 

If they know about Vanessa's habits, why are they ok with her, considering that their husbands have been unfaithful (not with V. as far as I can tell)?

The couple that just moved in together (cannot recall their names) - how have they had a relationship before now and not figured out how to deal with any of the very common domestic differences? Before we moved in together, my husband and I had spent long weekends, holidays, and trips together which gave us the chance to see our different ways of dealing with things. I think this is very weak storyline. 

[ShadowHunter]

Jan had been involved with a man who wasn't good. I wonder if Joey is Ashley's Father. Even though Joey doesn't deserve to be saddled with that boring drip of a daughter but it could fit. I am glad Jan told Leslie off as well.

I am stunned because Martin of all people telling Eva she didn't deserve to be treated that way by Leslie was true. Leslie only sees herself as the victim and the one who was hurt. Vernon also spoke the truth to her as well.

I assume that guy in the Diner they kept focusing on is tied to the Martin secret. Poor Nicole she has another bombshell coming. 

[Rodney]

5 minutes ago, ShadowHunter said:

I assume that guy in the Diner they kept focusing on is tied to the Martin secret.

It's more than likely, given how he followed Vernon and Martin at the end.

However, he was also watching Jan at various points, so I wonder if he's also tied to her and Ashley in some way?

[JAYJAY1979]

The Jan/Leslie conversation went differently because Jan was Leslie's first friend in town.and both were single moms with daughters.  I always thought the two had a closer bond with one another than either did with Mona.

Jan/Ashley phone conversation shed light on their backstory.  Of course Ashley will have a difficult time with any man living in her space.  She was an only child, she didn't see male/female dynamics, nor did she ever live with a father or brother.

Joey being her dad would make sense.

[Sake614]

1 hour ago, KittyQ said:

Do Dani and Nicole know that Vanessa's been "sleeping with" virtually every available man at the country club?

Nicole definitely does. Not sure Dani knows but certainly suspects.

[drivethroo]

4 hours ago, KittyQ said:

Before we moved in together, my husband and I had spent long weekends, holidays, and trips together which gave us the chance to see our different ways of dealing with things. I think this is very weak storyline. 

Going on long trips and holidays together is quite different from actually living together 24-7, 52 weeks a year.  You're not leaving 1 square of toilet paper on the roll or drinking all the milk except 2 tablespoons in the carton on long holidays and trips.  Derek and Ashley will get into a rhythm and figure it out although IMO the only reason Derek wanted to move in was because he's insecure and his lease was up.

3 hours ago, ShadowHunter said:

I am stunned because Martin of all people telling Eva she didn't deserve to be treated that way by Leslie was true.

I'm not surprised Martin came to Eva's defense because on yesterday's episode Martin was a lot softer towards Eva and the idea of her being their sister than Kat was. I think Martin will seek out his own relationship with Eva and that will rub all of the Dupree women the wrong way.

4 hours ago, KittyQ said:

If they know about Vanessa's habits, why are they ok with her, considering that their husbands have been unfaithful (not with V. as far as I can tell)?

Because it has nothing to do with them.  And at the same time Vanessa blasts Ted but her conversation with Doug reminded her she was doing the same thing she was blasting Ted for.

4 hours ago, Rodney said:

And what's wrong with the latter?  Soaps need characters of that type, too

Well, just as people are tired of seeing the Duprees winning all the time, it's also tiring to see a character losing all the time. 

[Rodney]

2 minutes ago, drivethroo said:

Well, just as people are tired of seeing the Duprees winning all the time, it's also tiring to see a character losing all the time. 

I partially agree.  If the character is a nice, pleasant character who doesn't deserve the frequent losses (and loses largely due to bad luck or circumstances), then sure.  But if the character is a miserable, pathetic creature so abhorred by the other characters and the fans, then that character would be fitting as a character who can perennially never win at anything.

[TiffanyNichelle]

6 hours ago, Rodney said:

And what's wrong with the latter?  Soaps need characters of that type, too.

That's why they have Leslie. I don't want Eva to be the evil character that exists to only lose or do bad things. I like rooting for her as complicated or misunderstood.

I think the guy at the diner might be Ashley's father (if he's old enough). He was shown close up during Jan's conversation with Leslie and again when Jan talked about being a single mother to Ashley. He also only left after Jan let. She was the last person to leave but they did make a point of showing him leaving after her.

I liked Martin going to comfort Eva after Leslie blasted her but with Leslie I wonder if she was so loud about because she wanted the Duprees to feel some sympathy for Eva. Knowing her she's probably working on some plan to use Eva again, this time with Eva even knowing.

Ted deciding to stand by Eva and welcome her into his life is actually unexpected. I really thought after getting her a place to stay he would wipe his hands of her and reject her.

Edited Wednesday at 04:11 AM by TiffanyNichelle

[Rodney]

27 minutes ago, TiffanyNichelle said:

I think the guy at the diner might be Ashley's father (if he's old enough). He was shown close up during Jan's conversation with Leslie and again when Jan talked about being a single mother to Ashley. He also only left after Jan let. She was the last person to leave but they did make a point of showing him leaving after her.

Actually, Jan left before Vernon and Martin, and then the guy left after all three.  I couldn't tell, based on the silhouettes, whether he was following the Dupree men or Jan, though.

But he looked a bit young to be Ashley's father.  Maybe a brother of hers that Jan had to leave behind when she left Ashley's father?

[YaddaYadda]

8 hours ago, TiffanyNichelle said:

I think the guy at the diner might be Ashley's father (if he's old enough). He was shown close up during Jan's conversation with Leslie and again when Jan talked about being a single mother to Ashley. He also only left after Jan let. She was the last person to leave but they did make a point of showing him leaving after her.

I don't think that's it. I think that she would have noticed if the man was her daughter's father, sitting right there.

I think he's either a PI or someone who is paid to follow her around. I don't think the Joey is the father is far fetched. Except that his ass would have lied about his past relationship, which is not shocking in the least given the character.

Leslie is really delusional. On the one hand, she really did seem to like being friends with Mona and Jan. On the other hand, girl, they were never going to be your friend after the stunt you pulled. 

Martin going to Eva was really sweet. I also see that the writers are choosing their sentences carefully when describing Eva and her mother's relationship. Martin didn't say the mother who raised you, but the woman who raised you instead. Vernon didn't call Eva Leslie's daughter when he read Leslie for filth.

Eva's pink outfit was pretty ugly. I swear there was a Barbie who had the same outfit as her.

 

[Skarzero]

I like Ted stepping up, but him and Eva are gonna need thicker skin. Especially if they're gonna be on Dupree stomping grounds. Not saying it's fair but it is what it is. If Ted consistently cared about what's fair, none of them would be in this predicament in the first place. 

That aside, I definitely figured Martin would be the first sibling to make kind gesture to Eva. Kat is gonna take her time, assuming she ever chooses to defrost towards Eva. 

I get Eva is a victim here too, and she's been very conflicted almost from the jump but I really wouldn't demonize the Dupree's(normal & initial) reaction to her just yet. I don't want her to get dumped on by them indefinitely either, but her transgression against them is still very fresh. She's got Ted, Andre, & probably Martin. That's a good start for now given what's happened. But I felt awful watching Eva go back to abusive, crazy ass Leslie for familiar comfort. Good on Martin for telling her she deserved better. She definitely did 🥺

Ashley & Derek were actually good yesterday. Maybe the actors are getting more comfortable in the roles now. 

Anastasia sucks. That is all. 🙂

[AnimeMania]

S01.E52: Wednesday, May 14, 2025

[Crashcourse]

I have to laugh at Anita always being in full blown makeup and jewelry and flowing hair while lounging around the house.  Now, I don't expect to see her in a ratty housecoat and slippers with her hair in curlers, but she just looks so...fake.  I'd like to see her in something more casual for a change.

[Rodney]

With no Ted at all today, I guess that yesterday was Maurice's last day.  Keith starts tomorrow.

Well, hello, Samantha and Tyrell.  Nice to see you after two weeks away.  (The soccer preemptions certainly didn't help and are the most to blame.)  It was sweet of Samantha to invite Jessica over for Tyrell.  And a nice update that people are leaving Tyrell alone now.

Bill, see a doctor.  That twitching is not going to go away.  Iin fact, it might be a precursor to a heart attack.  And I feel like they're trying to make him and Hayley sexier than they really are.  They're not.

Kat, you're wrong.  You've got issues, and they're with Eva.  Admit it.  But at least Eva's making an effort with her.

Nice of Martin wanting to invite Eva over for dinner with him, Smitty, Samantha, Tyrell . . . and Kat.  He should've really anticipated Kat's reaction to that, though.  He just needs to give her time.  Meanwhile, it was good of Eva to accept the invitation.

If Samantha's reaction to Eva was of any indication (not that I blame her for said reaction), it looks like all of the women of the family are going to be dismissive of her for a while.  Smitty and Tyrell's reactions indicate that the men are going to be the ones giving her a chance.  At least Samantha warmed up to Eva in the end.  She gave her some pretty good looks.

Martin finally told the twins that he was considering running for President, but Samantha looked disappointed that he wasn't actually going to do it.

I never imagined Anita to be afraid of anything.  She was young when she went solo.  Sharon and Tracy may indeed hold a grudge.  But it's been so long that they shouldn't.  Like Vernon said, she'll never know unless she makes the move.  But he finally talked her into having her reunion, at least.  Speaking of Vernon . . . damn.  He's right that he really can't sing.  I hope that that's not true of Clifton, too.

Speaking of whom, Clifton is the only one of the Big Four of this show of whom I've never heard a single thing before this show.  What has he done?  Has he done soaps before this one?

I agreed with Dani.  Why did Nicole flip on a dime at Andre's knowledge of the affair?  But good on Dani for easing things between the two of them.  I wonder if that would've changed if Nicole and Dani knew that Andre directly urged Ted not to tell Nicole?

Nicole came so close to figuring out what's up between Dani and Andre.  But Dani was able to talk her down from it.  And they had yet another romp.  Unlike Bill and Hayley, these two are sexy together.

June is starting to get sick and won't admit it.  Honestly, Jacob and Naomi should just let her go.  She's being too difficult.  I don't get why she'd want to be homeless over having a home.

Truly, I'd rather have Naomi and possibly Jacob dealing with the fallout of the affair than dealing with June.

Nicole and Kat's brief scene was nice, but I hope that Nicole doesn't talk Kat down from getting to know her sister.

That ending was sad.  So it looks like the former Articulettes do still hold a grudge.

Edited Thursday at 05:23 AM by Rodney