As of Aug. 11, Beyond the Gates and The Young and the Restless officially exist in the same universe.
Monday’s episode of Beyond the Gates welcomed Bryton James as his Y&R character Devon Winters, and he had serious business to discuss with the first family of Fairmont Crest.
Devon entered the country club dining room towards the end of the hour, where he received a warm welcome from Anita and Vernon, who were apparently close friends with his father (played by the late Kristoff St. John). “How we miss Neil,” Anita said. “His smile, his big heart, his love of music.”
Devon admitted to being nervous the first time his father introduced him to Anita at Indigo (aka the old jazz club on Y&R), but he seems much more at ease now — which is good, because he had a “mind-blowing proposition” for the lead singer of the Articulettes.
After being “blown away” watching a livestream of the reunion concert, Devon knew he had his “next platinum project” for his jazz label Winter’s Mood, offering Anita a recording contract for a new album on which she would have “complete creative control.” It was a tempting opportunity, but Anita replied, “I simply don’t have the bandwidth to record, let alone produce, an album at the moment.”
Vernon suggested that Anita take a few days to reconsider, but she insisted that she needs to stay close to her family. Devon even offered to book a studio in D.C. to keep her nearby, but her mind had already been made up. She did, however, offer an enticing alternative: what if he signs Tracy and Sharon, with Anita appearing as a featured artist on several tracks? Even better, they can rerelease “Let’s Get Closer,” this time with Barbara’s vocals included.
It wasn’t the deal he came for, but Devon seemed pretty pleased with the outcome of his brief meeting with Anita, telling her and Vernon to check out the new Winters Lounge at the Genoa City Athletic Club the next time they’re in town. He also bumped into Dani on his way out of the country club. It was a blink-and-you-missed-it encounter, but Dani definitely liked what she saw.
James, who was first introduced to TV viewers as Family Matters tyke Richie Crawford, has forged an impressive career in daytime. His work as Devon on The Young and the Restless, a role he has played since 2004, has earned him two Daytime Emmy Awards.
Did you enjoy Beyond the Gates’ first major crossover? Are you hoping that Anita will return the favor with a trip to Y&R? And which other residents of Genoa City would you like to see in Fairmont Crest? Drop a comment with your thoughts below.
