CBS’ Black Soap Opera ‘Beyond the Gates’ Reminds Us That the Present Is the Past

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For almost a century, soap operas or dramas with large ensembles have been a significant part of popular culture. While long-running soaps like “The Bold and the Beautiful” and “General Hospital” have ruled daytime TV for decades, it’s been nearly 25 years since a new soap opera debuted on daytime television, with CBS’ “Beyond the Gates” being the first exception. Created by Michele Val Jean, this series is also unique as it features a primarily Black cast, making it the only soap since “Generations” in 1989 to do so. Soap operas are often not considered high-quality programming, but “Beyond the Gates” offers viewers something distinct from the usual excessive storylines and steamy romances. In an era where minority-led shows are disappearing from our screens and the current administration is aggressively challenging diversity, this series serves as a powerful reminder that we cannot be silenced or erased.

The story unfolds in the fictitious Maryland town of Fairmount Crest, home to the affluent Black American family, the Duprees. With ancestry tracing back to the establishment of this very community, they hold a prominent position. At the forefront are Anita Dupree (played by Tamara Tunie, known for “Law & Order: SVU”), a multi-award winner including EGOT, and her husband Vernon Dupree (Clifton Davis), a former congressman who has retired. Their daughters, Dr. Nicole Dupree Richardson (Daphnée Duplaix) and Dani Dupree (Karla Mosley), embody different personalities. Nicole, a respected philanthropist and psychiatrist, contrasts with Dani, a former model turned manager of her loved ones’ careers who took a step back from her successful career for love.

Sadly, Dani’s wager on love didn’t pay off. Her former spouse, Bill Hamilton (Timon Kyle Durrett), a well-known yet vindictive criminal lawyer, is planning to marry his paralegal, Hayley Lawson (Marquita Goings). Hayley used to be close friends with both Naomi Hamilton Hawthorne, Dani and Bill’s eldest daughter who’s also an attorney (Arielle Prepetit), and their daughter Chelsea (RhonniRose Mantilla). The affair and upcoming wedding have left Dani in a state of distress, prompting her parents and daughters to put in extra effort to manage her emotional upheavals.

Over the course of five episodes, only a small part of the happenings in Fairmount Crest is revealed to critics – roughly equivalent to a week’s worth of episodes. This central narrative is merely a glimpse into the various affairs, secrets, rumors of corruption, generational conflicts, and nefarious family members that populate this town. The show “Beyond the Gates” incorporates all typical soap opera elements such as exaggerated dialogue, dramatic cliffhangers, and protracted storylines. What sets this series apart from others is its unique aspects. It uses colloquial expressions common in the Black community, like when one character says to another, “You’re as green as collards.” Additionally, there is a strong historical context. The Fairmount Crest Country Club was founded in 1951, only 86 years after the end of the Civil War, highlighting the growth of Black wealth and community-building despite the oppressive Jim Crow laws and ongoing racial discrimination. The series also focuses on conversations between Vernon and his grandson Martin Richardson (Brandon Clayborn), a politician who advocates civil disobedience in contrast to his grandfather’s non-violent philosophy.

One key issue with the U.S.’s history is its inherent bias towards whiteness, as some are trying to distort or deny historical facts today. However, falsehoods can never replace truth. We’ve encountered similar situations before. For instance, in 1920, following the acclaim of D.W. Griffith’s controversial and racist film “The Birth of a Nation,” which was screened at the White House for President Woodrow Wilson, Oscar Micheaux, recognized as the first Black filmmaker, created “Within Our Gates.” This movie portrayed a Black woman living in the era of Jim Crow laws, the brutal lynching of African Americans, the rise of the Ku Klux Klan, and the Great Migration. Not only did it expose the harsh realities of white supremacy, but it also provided an authentic depiction of Black life. “Within Our Gates” is recognized as a crucial piece of American cinema, and it’s thought that the title “Beyond the Gates” was inspired by this film.

Despite Black Americans playing a crucial role in shaping American culture, racism and discrimination have caused an unpredictable ebb and flow in Black representation. In 1984, sixty-four years after Micheaux’s “Within Our Gates” was first released, “The Cosby Show” made its debut on NBC, providing a glimpse into the lives of affluent Black families that were not typically portrayed as struggling. Although Bill Cosby’s personal controversies have overshadowed the show’s impact, it marked the first time many white people and other ethnic groups had a chance to see the day-to-day life of a traditional, well-off Black family.

As a passionate film enthusiast, I’m always excited to witness collaborations that break barriers, such as the joint effort between CBS Studios, NAACP, and Procter & Gamble Studios on “Beyond the Gates.” This project underscores the immense significance of representation in our media. In a world that often lacks empathy for those outside the mainstream, it’s crucial to explore diverse narratives.

Shows like “The Jeffersons,” “A Different World,” “The Fresh Prince-of-Bel Air,” and more recently, “Insecure,” beautifully portray Black Americans who, despite facing challenging circumstances, have rich histories and legacies that significantly enrich America’s tapestry. Their resilience and contributions to our society are priceless and should never be underestimated.

In “Beyond the Gates,” I find a powerful message that resonates deeply with me: it underscores the inherent right of Black individuals to prosper and shine, unfettered by the oppressive specter of white supremacy that has long disrupted our peaceful existence. Life, as we all know, is complex enough without these unnecessary complications.

At this critical juncture in our society’s evolution, I am confident that Black Americans will not only persevere but will continue to bloom and excel in their personal and professional journeys. We, the admirers, will no longer seek permission to stand tall and claim our rightful place; history has already taught us this truth.

The television series titled “Beyond the Gates” will make its debut at 2 p.m. Eastern Time on February 24th, and fresh episodes will be released daily thereafter on CBS.

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2025-02-24 18:18