First of all, it was great to see both Laura and Mona in Monday scenes. It feels like we haven’t seen the duo working with Nicole in a minute. The October 20 episode of Beyond the Gates also featured some important themes of acceptance, forgiveness, and most importantly for Nicole and Ted’s damaged relationship, closure.

Key Takeaways:

• Nicole and Ted finally face the truth about their relationship and find the closure they both need.
• Dani and Andre defend their unconventional marriage — and gain unexpected support from Anita and Vernon.
• Leslie’s possessiveness could spell more trouble for Ted as she slips further into delusional territory.

Nicole and Ted: Forgiveness and Closure

So Ted (Keith D. Robinson) and Nicole’s moment in his hotel room was just that. A moment. Leslie (Trisha Mann-Grant) thwarted things by pulling the fire alarm. But that moment was enough to give Ted a serious dose of hope. On the flip side, it gave Nicole (Daphnée Duplaix) some time to think about things and realize that it was a good thing the two of them didn’t have sex.

Image Credit: CBS/Paramount

However, she was able to forgive Ted for his affair, for his lies, for his ruining their ideal life together. At the same time, she admitted she wouldn’t be able to forget what he did anytime soon. She said that maybe, down the line, they could be friends. This means, the two will be entering new phases of their lives. And it won’t be with each other.

For Nicole, Carlton (Robert Christopher Riley) is on the immediate horizon. And, who knows, maybe a certain daytime alum who has joined BTG but hasn’t started airing yet. For Ted, he is going to have to figure out how to avoid getting back into the thick of things with Leslie, because she is bad news. And right now she is feeling territorial and possessive. And whatever she says, she’s leaning more towards the delusional end of the swimming pool rather than her self-proclaimed determined status.