Tensions have simmered for weeks in Fairmont Crest—but now, the pot has boiled over. A three-episode rollercoaster has left CBS’s Beyond the Gates forever changed, with relationships shattered and alliances twisted beyond repair. Behind the scenes, the cast and creator of daytime’s newest soap shared what it took to bring this explosive arc to life. After this, nothing in this gated community will ever be the same again.
How the Arc Unfolded — and Left Everyone Reeling
Beyond the Gates wrapped up a three-part stunner that took its core family, the Duprees, to their knees. The repercussions have rocked every aspect of the community. The jaw-dropping twist? Leslie revealed a secret affair that had been kept hidden for years. That too, in the middle of his anniversary celebration.
Trisha Mann-Grant, who acted as Leslie, referred to it as the “first huge climax” of the series. She explained that this plot sent the characters in completely new directions.
Ambyr Michelle, who acted as Eva, concurred, stating that this plot would make the whole series better. She felt it “pivoted everyone’s world” and that nothing was the same anymore.
Showrunner Michele Val Jean confessed she wasn’t even sure how she came up with such a bold reveal. She joked that if someone wants to ruin a life in soapland, the only right way is to do it “in front of the entire town.”
Beyond the Gates: Tears, Anger, and Raw Emotion
Ambyr Michelle said she cried the first time she read the Eva, Leslie, and Nicole scenes. She referred to Eva as being caught between two worlds. Between a manipulative mother and a boss whom she greatly admired. For Eva, love and betrayal came together in the most terrible way.
Daphnée Duplaix, who plays Nicole, said she was delighted to finally get to work on such heavy stuff. She explained reading the script for the scene with Ted and thinking, “Now we get to play.” It was Nicole’s time to break down, but also when Nicole started to emerge. Val Jean mentioned that seeing Duplaix give her performance in silent anguish brought her to tears on set.
Trisha Mann-Grant, who played the story’s villain, said that she identified greatly with Leslie’s suffering. Behind her character’s anger, she said, there was profound wounds. Mann-Grant talked of her own background as a hard-up single mum. She used to purchase Christmas presents from the 99 Cents Store and struggling to keep her children safe.
When the dust settles, the story is far from over. Mann-Grant teased that the long-promised showdown between Nicole and Leslie is yet to come. And when it arrives, it will rock viewers. The three-part arc has officially reset the landscape in Beyond the Gates.
And if this was only the first big climax of season one, fans better buckle up. Stay tuned to Soap Opera Daily for all the latest Beyond the Gates spoilers, exclusive cast insight, and behind-the-scenes drama. This ride is only getting wilder.
