Dynasty Storyline Hit: Blake Has a Sister

Most fans of Dynasty know how Diahann Carroll joined the cast of Dynasty. She wanted, and the fans deserved, a black bitch. Someone to battle Alexis. But, how do you fit Carroll into the show? The writers created an air of mystery with Carroll’s arrival as Dominique Deveraux. Who exactly was she? Dominique was more than just a woman who needed a separate room for her clothes and who enjoyed insulting Alexis’ champagne and caviar. (Granted, that was amazing.)

Dominique sure knew how to make an entrance

At the end of Season 4, the viewers learn who Dominque is. And, just to prevent the secret from getting out too soon, a few scenes were shot (including one where Dominique reveals that she is Kirby’s mother - thank goodness that did not happen). In the end, we all learn that Dominique is a Carrington. More specifically, we discover at the beginning of Season 5, that she is Blake’s sister.

Of course, Blake was just not going to accept Dominique as his sister although he would accept her millions of dollars to help him get out of his bankruptcy. No, Dominique had to fight her way to her position as a Carrington and was finally accepted when Tom admitted on his death bed that Dominique was his daughter.

Good thing for Blake that he found his sister when he did - he needed someone to help him battle Alexis now the Ktystle was content just raising their child. Dominique did battle somewhat with Alexis and they had some great scenes together.

At the same time, one can argue that Dominique was underused on the show, and that is true. Making her a Carrington limited her love interests. Also, she only had so many resources to counter Alexis. Still, Carroll does an amazing job as Dominique and has her own style of delivering her lines that just works. That smirk get me every time.

One last thought - and this is definitely positive. No one ever said, “But she’s black.” Carroll and Spelling got their black bitch but her race was never addressed. The closest Dominque’s race was referenced was when she learned that Garrett lied about being married when they first met all those years ago. We never learn why Garrett lied to Dominique, but we cannot say that Dominique’s race did not play a role in that decision.

Dynasty Storyline Hit: Cecil's Heart Attack

When Alexis returns to Denver, the rivalry between Cecil and Blake becomes more personal. Cecil, the bastion of old money, is now determined to destroy Blake, the nouveau riche. Blake had taken Alexis from Cecil before but he won’t this time. Unfortunately for Cecil, Alexis still loves Blake and wants Blake back. Cecil is no fool and realizes it, but that does not stop him from pursuing Alexis.

Near the end of Season 2, Blake learns the truth about Krystle’s riding accident and miscarriage and commands Alexis off the property. Alexis, realizing she is screwed, agrees to marry Cecil right away. Together, the two will destroy Blake. Cecil also realizes that he does not have much time and his heir apparent, Jeff, hates him.

Not a great way to start an engagement.

To celebrate the upcoming nuptials, the two make love. During sex, Cecil, suffers a heart attack. Will Cecil survive? He does not look good in the hospital. But, if Cecil does not recover, what about the plans to destroy Blake. Fortunately for Alexis, Cecil recovers enough to speak to his lawyer and to have a wedding in his hospital bed - against medical advice.

Not looking good for Cecil

Cecil is able to go through the ceremony. But there will be no honeymoon, Cecil starts talking about Blake. He knows Alexis still loves him and the anger triggers another heart attack. A heart attack that Cecil does not survive. There is still the drama of the reading of the will. Since Alexis did not provide Cecil an heir, Alexis receives half of Colby Co and Jeff the other half.

At least Cecil made it for the wedding.

Alexis is on her own to destroy Blake. But, this is probably what Cecil wanted. He knew he was not going to be able to live long. It is now up to Alexis to figure out how to finish Blake off. Cecil had provided her the tools and Alexis has the final piece - a hatred of Blake that Cecil cannot duplicate. And even if Alexis cannot do it, at least the two will destroy each other - which is probably what Cecil wanted all along. Little does Cecil know, Alexis will not initially use Colby Co to destroy Blake, but to force Blake to merge with her - both in business and in personal life. Still, Cecil is probably proud of his handiwork even if Colby Co will eventually be in the hands of a Carrington (or a Carrington and Colby).

There will be no honeymoon

Dynasty Storyline Hit: Alexis vs. Sable

Or should it be Sable vs. Alexis. With little doubt, Sable Colby was the most popular character on The Colbys (those who don’t believe that are delusional), so it was only a matter of time before Sable appeared on Dynasty. Fans would have to wait a year as Sable blew her way into Denver in Season 9, but it was worth it.

Even though Dynasty was in a ratings decline from which it would never record, Sable’s appearance made Season 9 one of Dynasty’s better ones after 2 lackluster seasons. (Personally, Season 9 is my favorite). For 8 seasons, no one really challenged Alexis - other than trying to kill her. Yes, there was that one time Dominique started buying up Colby Co stock to thwart Alexis from buying stock in her company (query - where did Dominique get so much cash?) and Blake’s ill-fated attempt to take over Colby Co, (costing him everything - temporarily).

Can’t a woman burn her things in peace

Finally, Alexis had met her equal in the realm of business and in catty remarks. Sable was able to buy the Carlton, get Colby Co’s tankers at a bargain price and was prepared to bring down Colby Co but backed down to protect the reputation of the Carringtons and the Colbys (or maybe just Blake). Alexis was able to blow up Sable’s tankers (I’m sure they were insured), but Alexis could not stop Sable. And, Sable got the biggest prize of all - Dex.

And then there were the interactions between the two. Alexis could barely hide her disdain whenever her path crossed Sable’s. (Feeling Frankie’s pain). Krystle and Dominique were able to verbally (and physically) spar with Alexis but Sable was far more superior. And Sable never lost her composure until Alexis publicly announced that Monica is not Jason Colby’s daughter. The ensuing cat-fight wasn’t that intense but with Adam and Jeff fighting at the same time made it all the more enjoyable to watch. (Poor Monica)

Or read a newspaper

Alas, all good things must come to an end. Even though the two only sparred for a season, it was great television (even if many people had not seen it). It also provided some memorable scenes (and my voice box message in college) - ample material for this blog in the future.

Dynasty Storyline Hit: Who Kidnapped L.B.?

The cliffhangers in the early seasons of Dynasty were very interesting and engaging - better than the later years when Alexis’s life was always put in peril. After a complicated pregnancy (including an almost abortion), Fallon finally brings her son, L.B., home. With Stephen running off, L.B. will become the new heir to the dynasty. But, it will not be easy for the new child as he is kidnapped from his crib and the frantic search for the child begins.

Would Claudia have worn gloves??

All fingers point to Dr. Nick Toscani who happens to have a connection with L.B.’s nurse, Susan. And, coincidentally, Susan happened to be in town to buy some salve for L.B. Susan is cleared (after drinking plenty of wine from the Carrington wine cellar) and eyes turn to Faruk Ahmed after a somewhat lucid Claudia recalls a car with some sort of flag with some Arabic writing. Blake confront Ahmed but that goes no where.

Now, it gets good as Claudia becomes the suspect. Claudia had been regressing after she learned that Lindsey was dead (and Cecil hid it from her) and has been acting weird (even weird for Claudia). Further, Claudia has ran off so as not to be put into the sanitarium. Wouldn’t you know it, Claudia is running around with a bundle wrapped in L.B.’s blanket. When the police flash her picture on the TV screen, the nosy woman running the hotel Claudia is staying at calls it, and everyone races to the hotel to get Claudia who runs onto the roof with “Lindsey.”

This results in one of the best scene’s in the show. Blake tries to reason with Claudia to return the baby to Fallon. Meanwhile, the police get in place to apprehend Claudia. Tipped off, Claudia makes a move, trips and the baby goes tumbling off the building. The family is horrified (Pamela Sue Martin was great here). But, horror turns to a sense of relief. Claudia didn’t have L.B., she had a doll that she thought was Lindsey. How awesome is that!

That’s a whole lot of blanket!

Now, there is the problem of who actually kidnapped L.B. Jeff, who should have figured this out earlier, remembers an Alfred Grimes, the caretaker at the cemetery where Phillip Colby is interred (supposedly), taking an interest in the child. Grimes also mentioned Dr. Nick Toscani (why would those two be connected). Blake instantly recognizes the name Grimes, Alfred is Roger’s father, the man Blake crippled (or did something to, Blake downplayed it) when he caught him with Alexis. Grimes is found with the child and L.B. is returned.

What makes the storyline great is the whole thing with Claudia. It also acts as a perfect lead in for another kidnapping, of Alexis and Blake’s first son, Adam (who was hinted at in Season 2). And with perfect timing, Adam returns to claim his stake in the Carrington family. These two things makes up for the obvious questions as to why Dr. Toscani wanted to kidnap L.B. and what his plan was? Since James Farentino did not come back for Season 3, those questions remained unanswered.