Season 6 was probably the first season of the show which wasn’t as good as the previous season (don’t assume what this means for the ranking of the other seasons). Season 6 really had a slow start - namely because of poor, drawn out story lines. Yeah, it is tough to have a cliffhanger with everyone potentially dead and then kill off no one of importance. It’s further tough because the beginning of the season is also being used to promote the spin-off, The Colbys.
Still, that does not excuse two of the weakest storylines in the show’s history: Rita-Krystle, and Alexis’s continued obsession with being “Queen” of Moldavia. I have noted before that the Rita-Krystle storyline could have worked for a few weeks, but the first half of the season was too much. I mean, Blake couldn’t tell that it wasn’t his wife.
At the same time, the storyline with Prince Michael and King Galen was even worse. The two of them should have been killed off, and the show move on from the royal fantasy. It was cute for a while, but that was it. I mean, what is the point of having some displaced royals running around Denver.
Oddly, the best parts of the first half of the season involved the introduction of the Colbys.
No No No
At least the writers turned it around in the second half, and the show became very much enjoyable again. The introduction of Blake’s brother, Ben, and Alexis’s sister, Caress, was a success and made the show great fun. Further adding to the fun was pinning Sammy Jo against Amanda. Ahhh, if only the season had started as so.
Finally, you get to the great cliffhanger where Alexis finally achieves her goal and kicks Blake and Krystle from the mansion. This was too much for Blake who finally did what he probably had wanted to do for years - kill Alexis.
Maybe, Maybe, Maybe
Highlights
Ben and Caress - Ben had been mentioned in Season 5 (on Tom’s deathbed) so it was only a matter of time that Alexis would find him in her attempts to destroy Blake. Alexis probably did not expect her sister to arrive from that Venezuelan prison but her arrival added another bitch/diva to the mix. The two new characters put the focus of the show back where it belonged - the struggle between Blake and Alexis.
Sammy Jo and Amanda - Now that Sammy Jo has money, she matured and became a more interesting character. Meanwhile, Catherine Oxenberg finally seemed to be more comfortable in the role of Amanda. It was only a matter of time before the writers pinned the two against each other - even if it was for the affection of Clay. (I am neutral on the Fallmonts except for Emily who was super annoying.)
Blake Takes the Fight to Alexis - It was good to see Blake finally take the fight to Alexis, especially after Alexis and Ben lied about the death of Blake’s mother. Krystle tried to warn Blake about obsessing over Alexis and that should have foreshadowed what was going to happen. Unlike Alexis, Blake refused to fight dirty and it cost him everything in the end.
Yes, Yes, Yes
Lowlights
The royals come to Denver - Why oh why did the writers just not leave Galen and Michael in Moldova. At least they kept King Galen there for a while, but Alexis then had to ruin it by dressing as a nun to rescue the man. There really was no need to add them into the mix. Amanda clearly did not love Michael and she couldn’t even be a princess. And Alexis was suckered by King Galen for sometime. Gladly, both women came to their senses and the two were shipped off (to where? Who cares!)
Rita and Krystle - I have written numerous times about this storyline, but let’s just harp again on a few things. How could Rita pull off being Krystle for so long. I mean, Sammy Jo barely knew Krystle so what could she have told her. Further, is Blake that stupid? I mean, L.B. of all people knew something was off. And let’s not forget when Joel and Krystle run into Alexis and Dex at some dive bar - and no one figured it out then. At least the catfight between Linda Evans was fun.
Claudia’s Greed - I have also written about this storyline. I did not like making Claudia obsess about some stupid oil well. I guess all that time with the Carringtons (especially Adam) finally corrupted Claudia. I would have preferred the writers work Pamela Bellwood’s pregnancy into the show - but no such luck. Her candle vigil at the end was a nice touch though.