The plasma ring chaos claimed a life, leaving Ashley, Naomi, and Jacob to face heartbreak and an emotional aftermath.
Beyond the Gates lost another resident after the plasma ring investigation erupted in gunfire. And after the Wednesday, May 20 episode, Ashley, Naomi, and Jacob have to say goodbye to someone near and dear to them.
What Happened: Derek Goes Out Saving Lives
In Tuesday’s BTG, the action at the warehouse took a turn after Lia (Cecelia Specht) recognized “Rashad..” She knew he was really Jacob Hawthorne (Jibre Hordges). Ren (Donny Carrington) didn’t appreciate the cops infiltrating the plasma ring, and shots were fired.
Derek (Ben Gavin), who had followed Grayson (Jordi Vilasuso) to the warehouse in a bid to protect Ashley (Jen Jacob) from Grayson’s shady business, took it upon himself to try to shield Jacob and Grayson from danger. And he was the one who got shot in the abdomen. On Wednesday, the former firefighter was rushed to the hospital, where he later died from his injuries. But before he died, he got to tell Ashley that he loved her one more time.
Why It Matters: Derek Has Been on the Scene Since the Beginning
Derek has been a character on the show since BTG debuted last February. He was a firefighter who loved his job and loved Ashley even more. And he was Jacob’s best friend. But he couldn’t figure out how to keep his relationship with Ashley going. He was jealous of her budding relationship with Andre (Sean Freeman). When Ashley and Derek moved in together, they weren’t as compatible as they had thought. And, of course, he lied about his paralysis when he was well on his way to a complete recovery.
Ashley and Derek couldn’t make their relationship work, but Derek was always a one-track mind. He loved Ashley and could barely even consider being with someone else. Derek had to pivot after regaining the use of his legs and losing Ashley for good. And things were looking up. He couldn’t be a firefighter anymore, but he did become the general manager of the Phoenix Street free clinic. Unfortunately for him, his dislike for Grayson triggered his need to protect Ashley at all costs.
The Fallout: The Guilt May Eat at Existing Relationships
Derek was important to Ashley, Jacob, Naomi (Arielle Prepetit), and Ashley’s mom, Jan (Jerri Tubbs). His death may impact the relationships of his closest friends. Ashley knows that Derek followed Grayson because of her. He wanted to protect her. That was why he was at the warehouse in the first place. Now, Ashley and Grayson’s relationship is already in a bad place. But their guilt over what happened to Derek may ensure that they never reunite.
Jacob’s undercover op lasted for months. That fact alone may have already done some damage to his marriage with Naomi. But Jacob is the type of guy to let guilt wash all over him. He may not be straight for a while. Who knows, but Shanice (Ernestine Johnson) may let Ted (Keith D. Robinson) back into her life as a result. She was close with Derek. She may need Ted’s support. And we already know that Ashley and Naomi will be shell-shocked in the wake of Derek’s death.
His presence at the warehouse proved valuable when he saved Jacob’s life. But he was in the wrong place at the wrong time. His friends will reel over the tragedy of it all.
Plus, just because the cops caused some damage to the operation doesn’t mean the streets of the DMV have been cleaned up. We still don’t know who The Impaler is. And a bruised-up Jacob might want to pursue the leader of the plasma ring. And he might want to do it to get justice for his friend.
What did you think of Derek’s death?
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