Will the real Vernon Dupree please stand up on Beyond the Gates

On Beyond the Gates, Vernon is curious about Madison — but what comes across as a kindly grandfather just showing interest and welcoming people into the family may have a different purpose.

The real Vernon Dupree on Beyond the Gates

Vernon Dupree (Clifton Davis), the patriarch of the Dupree family, always comes across as a kind, grandfatherly person. He often plays peacemaker with his warm smile, but is there more to his meeting with Madison (Kenjah McNeil) and Chelsea (RhonniRose Mantilla)?

Vernon stated that the Dupree family is close, tight, and always circles the wagons at the first sign of trouble. This is true, and it’s not just about showing that they are a close-knit family. This is also born out of necessity as they have more than a few skeletons in their closet — skeletons that they would prefer the world not see. In the past, they had Bill Hamilton (Timon Kyle Durett) to smooth things over and make things go away when needed, but now that ship may have sailed. So keeping a weather eye out for storms is now on Vernon.

Awkward but served it's purpose

The family meeting that seemed as awkward as it looked served several purposes. Vernon got to see Chelsea and meet the girl who has her heart, but more than that, he got a chance to see what sort of person she was, and make an evaluation as to whether she could be a future problem: Can Madison keep a secret? And if this thing with Martin got worse, could she be counted on to “choose silence?”

These sorts of things are as crucial to Vernon as protecting his family. The adage of loose lips sink ships is true, and the last thing Vernon needs right now is someone who doesn't understand that “what happens in the house stays in the house.”

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It doesn't look like Vernon has made a decision regarding Madison, but if he doesn't like what he sees, I’m certain there will be a reason for Chelsea to stop seeing her, and that will be the end of that. Will Chelsea choose love over family? This is doubtful as the peer pressure the Duprees push on their own can be quite the force, so this will be interesting to see play out, but if you haven't already figured it out, Vernon Dupree is a dark horse. You don't rise in the Senate without knowing how to play the game and win. I’m not saying Vernon is some Sith Lord, but behind those soft eyes and sweaters is a strong, determined man who puts family first, last, and always.

You can watch Beyond the Gates weekdays on CBS or stream live or on-demand on Paramount Plus.

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