Beyond the Gates Full Episode Recap | Doug Digs Deeper, Tyrell Finally Wins & Samantha’s Ditching Class - Thursday, April 17, 2025 [SPOILERS]

On Thursday's episode of Beyond the Gates, Doug and Vanessa’s marriage cracks louder than a cheap wine glass, Tyrell stops being everyone's favorite punching bag, and Samantha tries to toss education in the trash for her five minutes of model fame. 

Doug & Vanessa | BTG, CBS

Dr. McBride’s Marathon: Somebody Call HR

If you're wondering why Dr. McBride’s name is echoing through the sterile halls of Garland Memorial, it’s not because he just invented a cure for everything. Nope, it’s because he’s somehow cramming an entire month's worth of surgeries into a weekend like it's a 90s cram session before finals. Shanice, ever the voice of reason in a sea of “let's pretend this is fine,” actually questions him about his breakneck pace.

Sweet little Ashley thinks McBride’s just doing it for the patients. Bless her. Shanice, seasoned and savage, isn't buying it and warns him his so-called "miracle hands" will be worth squat if he burns himself out. McBride? He laughs it off like he’s a stand-up comedian. Nothing says "I'm not in denial" like chuckling when someone points out you're one scalpel away from a meltdown.

Vanessa vs. Doug – The Disappointment Olympics

Vanessa struts into Garland Memorial for a dinner date with her husband, only to find out he’s still slicing and dicing in surgery. Classic Doug. Shanice, already in the mood to meddle, asks if Vanessa’s marriage is circling the drain. Very subtle.

Meanwhile, Doug is busy fielding shady offers from fellow doctors looking to drag him back into gambling. Because if there's anything Doug loves more than ignoring his wife, it’s bad life choices. He tries to act all mature and declines, but let’s be real — his willpower is made of tissue paper. His buddy, clearly a humanitarian, suggests he should maybe, possibly, spend time with his wife instead of losing their retirement fund.

Vanessa finally corners Doug after surgery and tries to talk about their dumpster-fire marriage. She blames herself for his workaholism, because of course she does. Doug nearly confesses his dirty little gambling secret but gets interrupted when Vanessa throws out the "Are you cheating?" card. Doug denies it like his life depends on it (because, honestly, it does) and feeds her the most hollow "I'm so happy" line ever. 

Kat Plays Fairy Godmother to Samantha’s Dropout Dreams

Over in the land of questionable decision-making, Kat and Chelsea are riding high from their fashion show win when Samantha drops a bombshell — she’s quitting school to model full-time. She’s barely skipped a single assembly and already thinks she’s Gigi Hadid. Precious.

Kat, being the semi-responsible one, decides to play it smart instead of letting Samantha torpedo her future in one dramatic move. She hatches a plan to keep Samantha in school while letting her dip a toe into modeling. They’ll feature her in their new purse campaign, which sounds like a win-win unless you’re Martin or Smitty — aka the Dads Most Likely to Ground You Until You're 30.

A little professional modeling with a side of education? Kat deserves a sainthood for this one.

Tyrell Finally Catches a Break

Tyrell, who’s been living his own personal soap opera of public shaming, stomps into the house furious at Martin for basically painting a target on his back. Martin’s little “Don’t be mean on the internet” PSA at the school assembly made Tyrell look like a snitch, and now he's enemy number one.

Martin tries the old “Back in my day” speech, comparing Tyrell’s cyberbullying ordeal to growing up gay in Atlanta. It’s a reach, and Tyrell is having exactly none of it. Martin does apologize, which is rarer than a solar eclipse, but Tyrell’s not throwing a forgiveness party just yet.

Lucky for Tyrell, the universe tosses him a bone. Jessica — yes, the Jessica whose garbage boyfriend started this mess — sees him at Orphey Gene’s and starts flirting like it’s a sport. And guess what? That toxic boyfriend is now an ex. Maybe Tyrell’s luck isn’t dead after all.

Naomi and Bill Call a Truce… Sorta

Meanwhile, over at Uptown, Naomi meets with her former clients who have decided to stop playing courtroom chicken and take a settlement from Bill. But because no good deal comes without a catch, they demand two things: real changes at the firm and Naomi back on the case. Naturally.

Naomi agrees — but don't get it twisted — she's not dragging Bill to court. She’s here to save the world, not burn it down. When she finally confronts her dad, Bill basically rolls over and agrees to everything without so much as a signature dramatic monologue.

"Well played, counselor," he smirks on his way out, treating their high-stakes professional battle like a casual game of chess. If smugness were a crime, Bill would be serving life without parole.

We bring you daily spoilers and recaps at Soap Opera Reviews so you never miss a thing. We live for the drama!

Previous BTG Full Episode Recap