V.C. Andrews Gates of Paradise: Annie Stonewall’s life is as miserable as her mother’s was
By Mads Lennon
Gates of Paradise sees Lizzie Boys join the cast as Heaven’s daughter, Annie. Sadly, Annie’s life follows the same tragic trajectory as her mother did.
Like mother, like daughter, they say. That saying is particularly true for poor Annie Stonewall (Lizzie Boys) daughter of Heaven and Logan. Gates of Paradise begins with Annie’s story immediately taking a somber turn.
Despite us growing attached to Heaven over the last three films, our journey with her is cut short when she, Logan, and Annie are involved in a tragic car crash that leaves Annie an orphan. That’s right, Heaven is dead! I was shocked by the twist.
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Guess who happens to wander into Annie’s life just in time to offer her a new home? Troy Tatterton makes his grand return, looking older and just as creepy as the last time we saw him. He wastes no time in bringing Annie to good ol’ Farthy.
The car crash has left Annie temporarily paralyzed and bed-ridden. Just the way Troy likes it since he, as is his usual course of action, bans her from having phone access. Instead, she’s stuck with a mean old nurse who could give Nurse Ratched a run for her money.
Most of Annie’s story involves her battle of wits with Nurse Broadfield but it also deals with her emerging feelings for half-brother, Luke. Again with the incest V.C Andrews? Why?!
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Except, we know it’s not technically incest since Annie’s father is actually Troy, and seeing as Luke’s dad is Logan and mom is Heaven’s sister Fanny (yeah, super complicated), that means the two are not blood-related. But they were raised as siblings… so it’s still pretty gross.
Eventually, Annie does regain the use of her legs, and she also has to fend off a delusional Troy who mistakes her for Heaven (you know, his daughter) and tries to rape her. Why is this dude not in jail?
Annie learns Troy is her real father and he helps her to get out of the manor. She meets up with Luke and explains that they aren’t truly related. The two share a kiss at the end of the film that is meant to signify they’ll live happily ever after, maybe? I guess we’ll find out next week when this wild miniseries concludes!
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What did you think of Gates of Paradise? Which film in the Casteel saga has been your favorite thus far? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
The finale of the V.C. Andrews Casteel saga, Web of Dreams, premieres next Saturday at 8/9c on Lifetime.