The new daily drama from CBS is the first daytime soap to center on Black characters since 1989.
Quantrell Colbert/CBS
“Welcome to Fairmont Crest.”
Let’s back up to see how we get there.
Marquita Goings and Karen Huger on ‘Beyond the Gates’.Credit:Quantrell Colbert/CBS
The premiere episode opens with a sequence set to The Emotions' “Best of My Love.”
A luxury sedan hugs the curves of a leaf-lined suburban road before pulling into a spotlessly manicured gated community.
This is Fairmont Crest, a refuge for the elite Black families of the wealthy Maryland suburb of Fairmont.
Karla Mosley, Tamara Tunie, and Clifton Davis on ‘Beyond the Gates’.Quantrell Colbert/CBS
“Have you spoken to Dani?”
Anita asks Nicole in the series' first exchange.
Nicole replies that she hasn’t with a snarky exhale that indicates,What would you expect?
The cast of ‘Beyond the Gates’.Quantrell Colbert/CBS
If so, God help us all," Anita rejoins.
It is time for violence.
Dani throws two mugs at the wall and starts screaming and crying.
“Well, so much for ‘Stop by for a cup of coffee!'”
“It’s bad enough Bill’s marrying that traitor, but do it here?
I will be the laughing stock of Fairmont!”
Vanessa reminds her that “your family rules this community.
Your grandfather built it!”
but Dani remains dejected and furious.
But the impending wedding between Bill and Hayley assumes center stage.
Multiple characters drop hints throughout the premiere that things are not going to end well for Hayley.
Anita delivers a heartfelt address to the assembled Dupree clan that becomes extremely funny, given what follows.
“And this is today’s moment for me.”
Enter Vanessa with a vibe killer: “The house for sale on Marigold Road.
Hayley picked up the keys this morning.”
Dani immediately starts fuming “So now the plan is to flaunt this woman in my face forever?
I am done being disrespected,” she says, then catches Hayley stroll in.
Dani strides over to Hayley with a look of pure, righteous hate in her eyes.
“Dani, you’re upset, but let’s not do this here,” she pleads.
But Dani is not persuaded.
“Maybe it was your idea” to move behind the gates, Dani speculates.
Resolve fortifies in her eyes as Huger’s side eye grows absolutely lethal.
The whole Dupree clan mean mugs the battered bride-to-be as they walk out one by one.
Then the camera cuts to Huger, who delivers the final blow with words.
Welcome to Fairmont Crest indeed.
