Gee, what could have happened in Season 2 that forever changed Dynasty? That’s right, Joan Collins joined the cast as Blake’s ex-wife, Alexis. The arrival of Alexis forever changed the dynamic of the show as Alexis tried to challenge Krystle to become Mrs. Carrington again. When that failed, Alexis teamed up with Blake’s rival, Cecil Colby, to destroy Blake.
Blake not only had to deal with Alexis and Cecil, but struggled (literally at the end) with Dr. Nick Toscani, a psychiatrist who somehow managed to integrate himself into the Carrington household in his plan to get revenge against Blake because he blamed Blake for the suicide of his brother.
Season 2 is when the classic type of soap opera storylines are introduced and emphasized. There is Blake’s temporary blindness, accusations of infidelity, revenge (so much revenge), blackmail, and of course that catfight in Alexis’s studio. Season 2 was really a fun season and it was the beginning of what made Dynasty the great show that it was. (Oh and it got rid of Lindsey.)
Things never will be the same in Denver
Highlights
Enter Alexis - Of course. The arrival of Blake’s ex-wife caused even greater chaos in Blake’s already tumultuous life. Alexis’s initial plan was clearly to get rid of Krystle and have Blake take her back. I totally love that Alexis was able to live on the grounds which made the tension even greater. The lengths Alexis was willing to go to leads to her greatest sin, shooting off the gun which caused Krystle’s miscarriage.
Sammy Jo - Sammy Jo, as Krystle’s scheming niece, was also a great addition to the show. My only issue with the introduction of Sammy Jo was pairing her with Steven, which never seemed natural to me. I mean if Steven was to go back to women, why not just rekindle things with Claudia (which he lamely attempts) instead of pursuing Sammy Jo.
Combative Cecil - I like how Cecil because a true rival to Blake in Season 2, even if Blake was slow to realize who Logan was. Also, you have to appreciate how Cecil manipulated Claudia to get to Blake. Finally, how can you hate Cecil having a heart attack while having sex with Alexis, soon after their engagement.
Fallon - Pamela Sue Martin’s portrayal of Fallon was excellent even though I do not mention it enough. It was pleasurable to see Fallon, married to Jeff, pursue Dr. Nick Toscani (probably because he showed interest in Krystle). Further, Fallon’s last minute decision not to abort Jeff’s baby added greater humanity and complexity to the character.
Keeping Claudia - Even though Claudia was held up in the mansion for most of the season, it was a great move by the writers to keep Claudia on the show, while getting rid of Matthew and Lindsey.
Lowlights
Ruining Steven - The writers pretty much ruined Steven for most of the season. While Steven’s attempt to still fit in made for some great programming, the pairing with Sammy Jo and the flirting with being a race car driver (that lasted all of a hot second) just didn’t work. Al Corley agreed which is why he left the show. At least Corley’s final scene (“Steven is gay”) made for some great programming.
Dr. Nick Toscani - This is a tough one because I am more neutral on Dr. Toscani. He was just too many things to too many people. The revenge on Blake seemed pretty contrived, he gave it up quickly, and then rekindled it with gusto. And even though Dr. Toscani was everywhere, his role was always minor to the main storylines.