Dynasty Top Scenes - Alexis Sends For Dominique

I am not sure why I waited so long to finally highlight one of the most classic scenes of Dynasty. It is definitely in my Top 5 scenes of all time. Dominique Deveraux arrives in Denver for reasons only she knows (at this point). After asking around about Alexis, Alexis sends for Dominique to learn more about this woman.

The conversation between the two is nothing more than a catty tit-for-tat that ends with Dominique insulting Alexis’s champagne and caviar. Really, does it get any better than that. You can watch this scene over and over and again and be amused on so many levels.

Dynasty Top Scenes - Alexis and Dominique Fight

We had to wait until Season 7 for Alexis and Dominique to have it out - but it was worth it. Now that Alexis owns a newspaper, she has nothing better to do than to have her critic write a scathing review of Dominique’s act. Dominique does not take it well and she storms into Alexis’s bedroom demanding a retraction. Like that it is going to happen.

This leads to a quick fight in Alexis’s bedroom with the poor dog watching from the bed until it gets accidentally hit by one of the stunt men fighting. Lin and Adam come in to break up the fight (Amazingly, Dominique managed to re-tuck in her shirt) and Dominique is carried out screaming, “I’ll slap her.” I mean, how great is that.

Dynasty Top Scenes - Krystle and Rita Fight

I have said quite a few times that I was not the biggest fan of the Krystle-Rita storyline. My biggest complaint is that it dragged on too long. I mean, c’mon, only L.B. was even remotely suspicious. Still, the storyline did give some great moments - including the denouement - where Krystle and Rita (or two men in drag) have an epic catfight in the attic of Delta Rho.

Look, is anyone ever going to beat Krystle in a fight? Rita may have been the first, but Sammy Jo arrives in time to make sure she gives the final knock blow to Rita. Well, she better hope it was Rita. (It was!)

Dynasty Top Scenes - Krystle and Alexis's Final Scene Together

Thanks to Sable, Krystle learns that the body that turned up at the lake was none other than Roger Grimes - the man Blake had a run in with many years ago. No wonder Alexis is resuming her attacks on Blake. Krystle will not allow Alexis to get away with it. But, really what can Krystle do - she has a brain condition that can kill her.

That does not stop Krystle from making one final threat to Alexis. After breaking a fancy vase, Krystle holds a book to Alexis’s throat and warns her that she could kill her and no jury will ever convict her. How many times has poor Alexis had someone literally at her throat?

Ultimately, Krystle’s threat is hollow and Alexis knows it. Krystle will not be around long enough to stop Alexis. Good thing Sable had promised to do that for her.

Two parts of this scene are hilarious. When Krystle asks Alexis what she is doing, and Alexis responds with a reference to drinking champagne. And then there is when Alexis offers to take care of Krystle if worse came to worse. When Krystle tells Alexis that she is the last person to take care of Krystina, Alexis makes one of her many snarky remarks that she perfected in Season 9.

Dynasty Top Scenes - Tracy Quits

One of the new characters introduced in Season 4 of Dynasty was Tracy Kendall. Tracy worked at Denver Carrington and hope to get the position as head of Public Relations until Blake decided to give it to his questionably qualified wife, Krystle. Tracy, always ambitious (in a good way), tried to sabotage Krystle to get the position she believed she was entitled to. It is so hard to be mean to Krystle. Besides, Tracy found another route for her ambition just as Krystle went on maternity leave (okay, Krystle never came back to Denver Carrington in that position.)

Further, Tracy decided to make a play for Blake while the two were in Hong Kong, but Blake was too smart for her and fired her on the spot. Meanwhile in Hong Kong, Dex and Alexis brawled (literally). Tracy and Dex found one another and Dex convinced Tracy to join Colby Co to spy on Alexis for him. Alexis had other plans for Tracy - she wanted her to sleep with a banker to get information on Blake’s loan.

That seemed a step too far for Tracy who had no problem sleeping with other men to get what she wanted and she lets Alexis have it before quitting.

This is probably Deborah Adair’s best scene on the show, and her last. Sadly, the writers really did not know what to do with Tracy. They probably should have tied her to Dex and Alexis from the beginning than to have her interfere with Blake and Krystle. It also did not help that John Forsythe would not allow his character to cheat on Krystle. The writers did waste Adair’s talent. At least we got one of the best lines ever on the show, “I didn’t sign on this ship of vipers to become the company whore.” Oh, and mocking Joan Collins’ accent.

Dynasty Top Scenes - Claudia's Vigil For The Liars

Recently, we were lighting candles for a Colombia Christmas tradition and for some reason I could only think of Claudia lighting candles for all the liars in her life. So, of course I had to post the video - Pamela Bellwood’s final scene.

Claudia had been doing so much better after getting out of the sanitarium and even helped Steven win custody of his son. But, her sanity did not last long as Steven returned to his true self and Claudia got caught up with Adam. To be fair, getting involved with Adam would make anyone crazy.

Claudia finally thought she had her ticket out of the Carrington hell with an oil well she obsessed about. Claudia finally got her oil well but it amazingly dried up. Claudia would not be economically independent. What other option did Claudia have than to light candles for all those who treated her poorly. How would Claudia know that a non-existent gust of wind would knock over a candle and set the curtains on fire in record time? Were the curtains were treated with gasoline?

Clutching a photo (probably of nothing), Claudia screams while the fire spreads out of control instead of just leaving. I guess Claudia would rather take her chances with the fire than to see the liars at Dominque’s engagement party.

Dynasty Top Scenes - Claudia and Sammy Jo Slap It Out

Blake decides to take custody of Danny from Steven because he does not approve of Steven’s lifestyle - and maybe for Krystle, but Krystle wants no part of it. Despite evereyone’s better judgment, Andrew Laird calls Sammy Jo to the stand and she pretty much lies about Steven, by painting his as a deviant (in other words - gay). Everyone knows she is lying (other than the judge).

Claudia decides to take it upon herself to put Sammy Jo in her place and confronts her at La Mirage. I mean, that seems the normal thing someone would do. Claudia demands that Sammy Jo go back and tell the truth that Steven is a real man (seemingly because he has heterosexual sex). As if Sammy Jo will do that.

Claudia has the only appropriate response, she slaps Sammy Jo. Not to be outdone, Sammy Jo slaps Claudia back. Oh, it’s on! But, not for long, Claudia winds up and really slaps the hell out of Sammy Jo. Claudia is victorious against Sammy Jo (for now). Proud of her victory, Claudia leaves Sammy Jo’s room and fixes her jaw. That’s right Claudia, never let them see that it hurts!

To be fair, Claudia does come up with a more practical way to help Steven. She convinces Steven to marry him and that is enough for Steven to keep custody of his child.

From Episode 64 - The Hearing Part 2

Dynasty Top Scenes - Alexis Causes Krystle's Miscarriage

In the eight seasons that Alexis was on Dynasty, she has done some pretty horrible stuff, but nothing is worse than Alexis’s “original sin” - causing Krystle to miscarry her first child. When Alexis returned in Season 2, her real goal was to regain her position as Mrs. Carrington. (Still never sure whether she loved Blake or the mansion more.) Alexis did have one advantage over the new Mrs. Carrington - she had given Blake 2 children (we later learn that it turns out to have been 4 children). Now, Krystle is pregnant, and if she gives birth to Blake’s child (one that Blake may favor over Steven), Krystle will have cemented her position as Mrs. Carrington and Alexis will have nothing.

Alexis will not allow that - but to cause Krystle’s accident in the hopes that Krystle would lose the baby - can any other woman do that? Alexis did. There really is no other reason why she shot that gun to spook Krystle’s horse. After the fact, Alexis realized what she really did and tried to cover her tracks, but she is eventually found out, and when Blake learns - any hopes of reconciliation with Blake are dashed forever.

Alexis’s actions will continue to have negative effects for Krystle as she starts having headaches a few years later. The headaches are a result of a dangerous brain condition that was caused by the “accident” in Season 2. In effect, one can argue that Alexis was responsible for putting poor Krystle in that coma. I mean, an aggressive prosecutor would charge that. But, now I am digressing. Alexis did the unforgivable here, and she never really suffered any consequences for it. I mean, other than being forced to turn to Cecil and becoming a wealthy woman when he died right after their marriage. I would like to suffer consequences like that.

One side note - I love Alexis’s outfit in this scene. Still doesn’t excuse her though.

From Episode 19 “Viva Las Vegas”

Dynasty Top Scenes - Dinner Is Served

At the end of Season 8, Krystle starts suffering from migraines - just like Fallon at the end of Season 4. Unlike with Fallon, we actually learn why Krystle is suffering from these headaches. (The Colbys explained why Fallon had amnesia, but never really explained why she was suffering from headaches and how they miraculously disappeared.) Krystle has some sort of brain condition (Artery to Vein Malformation to be exact) caused by the riding accident that Alexis is responsible for. So, not only did Alexis kill Krystle’s unborn child, she pretty much sentenced Krystle to an earlier death.

So, the best part of Krystle's headaches is that it causes her to do weird things like running off to Dayton for no reason. Is there ever a reason to go to Dayton? Further, she was suspected of murder for some time. But, lovely Krystle can never be a murderer. She can toss a mean plate though. Blake holds a dinner for some of his major donors following his failed gubernatorial bid and Krystle switches into strange mode.

For some reason, Krystle takes all the dinner plates, and stands in the hallway as she tosses them down the hall - maybe trying to hit the Grecian statue at the end of the hall. Regardless, the scene is some campy fun - totally over the top. And kudos to the look on Linda Evans’ face while doing it. Was she try to play the part or was she thinking, “I can’t believe the writers are making me do this?” We will never know.

Dynasty Top Scenes - Take This Junk and Your Blonde Tramp

I really do not know why I waited so long to post this scene, because this is probably my favorite from the series. I can watch it over and over again (and I do). After a weak start to Season 6, the writers decided to go all in for the second half of the season and it worked. It culminates in the one thing that Alexis has wanted from Blake - and it is not the love of their children - it was the mansion.

Yes, how Alexis got the mansion is not realistic at all, and you just can’t kick someone out of their home without notice. But, who cares? It makes for great television. The luggage sitting there at the foot of the stairs (I am surprised Alexis didn’t have Krystina there), and Alexis at the top of the stairs with the furs. Blake’s reaction is understandable. I mean who hasn’t wanted to strangle Alexis (and he wasn’t the first to try).

My only issue is that the writers really botched the fallout in Season 7. Ahhh. no matter for now. At this point, let’s just enjoy Alexis’s glistening lips as Blake strangles her.

Dynasty Top Scenes - It's a Doll

This is probably my second favorite scene in the series (after Alexis throwing Blake and Krystle out of the mansion) because it is incredibly campy and really is an emotional roller coaster. Poor Little Blake had been kidnapped at the end of Season 2, and all of a sudden, eyes turn on Claudia being the likely kidnapper. It did not help that she was running around Denver with a wrapped bundle which Claudia believed to be her dead teenage daughter Lindsey.

A tip comes in and Claudia, to escape the police, goes to the roof of the hotel she and her bundle of joy are staying. Yeah, I get going to the roof is not a great escape plan, but let’s not forget that Claudia is crazy. In any event, Fallon tries to talk to Claudia to return her baby but that gets nowhere. So, of course, Blake needs to speak to Claudia and actually is about to get through to Claudia until the police make a move that spooks Claudia.

Claudia trips and the baby goes tumbling off the roof. The family is devastated. Of course, it looks like a doll falling off the roof and the proof that it is a doll is when it smashes on the roof of the police car. Now, why would Claudia dress and wrap her doll Lindsey in boy colors. That’s right, she is crazy. When the family finally learns that it was not Little Blake, but a doll, they are relieved. Now, there is just one more issue, who has Little Blake? [Good thing, we find out the next episode.]

From Episode 37 “The Roof”

Dynasty Top Scenes - Kicked Out or Thrown Out

After Alexis stupidly gave control of Colby Co to Sean Rowan who ran the company into financial peril, Alexis was forced to get control of her finances. One of the first orders of business was to sell the hotel in which she lived, The Carlton. Dex was put in charge of the negotiations and made a great deal for Alexis. There was just one snag - Sable happened to be the buyer, but no one knew that until Sable begins redecorating her apartment.

For some odd reason, Alexis does not live on the top floor and sees what all the racket going on was. That’s when Alexis learns that her cousin has purchased the hotel and her first order of business is to upgrade the property - which means the eviction of Alexis. The two verbally spar (always awesome), and Sable gets the better of Alexis this time.

From Episode 202 “Every Picture Tells a Story”

Happy Mother's Day

Dynasty Top Scenes - You Stupid Bitch

After the fight in the lily pond, Krystle would probably never fight Alexis again (considering Blake’s reaction). But, there is only so much Krystle can take. Following her quickie divorce to Dex, Alexis fantasizes about Blake and somehow believes that she can get him back. When Blake rejects her (again!), Alexis vows revenge.

Meanwhile, Krystle is not happy to learn that Alexis made another play for Blake. Further, Alexis is starting to spread rumors about Krystle and Blake’s marriage. Krystle tries to confront Alexis at a dedication of some forest land, but Alexis blows Krystle off. For some reason, the two find themselves in the woods. Wasn’t the car right near the woods? When Krystle tries to stop Alexis to confront her, the two go tumbling down and land in a pit of mud. Let this be a lesson about wearing heels in the woods.

Alexis is not happy that Krystle ruined her dress and expresses her displeasure - by throwing her purse in the mud. In fact, Alexis was so upset she storms off without her purse. I suspect there is something in there that she needs. At least Krystle is kind enough to throw it at her, while Alexis heads to God knows where - probably Australia to go fetch Ben.

Dynasty Top Scenes - We Never See Leslie Again

Some of the best moments on Dynasty is when a character is pretty much written off without even acknowledging a goodbye. The classic is Amanda. Amanda runs off to London and Blake and Alexis never speak of her again. Leslie Carrington, Ben’s daughter, is another one who just went away.

Dynasty always needed a young female actress. When Pamela Sue Martin left Dynasty, the writers brought in Catherine Oxenberg as Amanada. When Oxenberg’s replacement, Karen Cellini, did not work out, the writers brought in Terri Garber to play Ben Carrington’s daughter, Leslie. Garber was a popular actress at the time, especially after her work on North and South, but once Fallon returned to Dynasty (this time Emma Samms), there really was not much room for Leslie. Still, I actually liked Leslie - too bad they ruined the character in Season 8.

Leslie got herself tied up with Sean Rowan (always toxic), even being forced to help him kidnap Adam’s child. Leslie, however, contacted the police when she had a free moment, only to be caught by Sean. Sean beat Leslie and ran off with Adam’s baby. Steven and Adam find Leslie who tells them Sean left in her car. She also tells Steven to go after Sean and that she will be okay. Steven promises to bring her help. And, with that, we never see or hear of Leslie again. Maybe she went back to Australia? Maybe she is hanging out in London with Amanda.

Dynasty Top Scenes - Krystle Takes Alexis' Scenes

After Season 5 of Dynasty, Joan Collins wanted a pay increase and refused to film the first episode of Season 6. Instead of just saving Alexis’ scenes for the second episode, the writers gave the scenes to Linda Evans with a little bit of altering. That is why the Interior Minister wants to meet with Krystle to get her to sign a letter for Blake to give into the demands of the new Moldavian government. It is pretty funny as Krystle seems confused as to why she is there. First, why would she care about the deal between Colby Co and Moldavia since that is Alexis’ company? Further, why would she care about getting Denver Carrington to take the deal - that is Blake’s company? [Note - why not give that scene to Dominique since she is a 40% owner of Denver Carrington? Oh yeah, that is because the Interior Minister wants to keep Dominique as a concubine.]

There are later scenes in the episode that were also meant for Alexis - including when Krystle sees King Galen still alive after the authorities have informed everyone that King Galen was dead. That should have been Alexis. It also should have been Alexis that was thrown into holding. At least in the next episode, Alexis is found and is tossed into the cell with Krystle who tells her about Galen, which unfortunately leads to Alexis’ obsession to rescue King Galen.

Granted, all of this could have been avoided had they just paid Joan Collins.

Dynasty Top Scenes - Blake's AIDS PSA

Season 7 of Dynasty was not only a mess but just odd at times. One of the oddest scenes, is this exchange between Blake and Steven in the season finale. Steven tells Blake that he is leaving Denver (again), and Blake does not want Steven to go because there is AIDS out there. What? Is there no AIDS in Denver? Maybe there is none in the Carrington Mansion. I am not sure about Delta Rho.

And, Steven’s response, that he may choose to be celibate if he has to, is just strange. Granted, I may be looking at this from my current eyes, and not thinking of how HIV/AIDS was viewed or portrayed in 1987. Props to Blake for noting that it was not just a gay disease. Further, Dynasty should have addressed the issue after the hysteria following the death of Rock Hudson, and his kissing scene with Krystle. But, the scene is just odd.

In the end, Steven (Jack Coleman) waits a year before leaving Denver - giving him the opportunity to kill Matthew, run Denver Carrington and a football team, and have some strange living arrangement with Sammy Jo. Maybe Steven should have taken his chances out there earlier.

Dynasty Top Scenes - Fallon and Adam Kiss

Incest was a common theme in Dynasty. Fallon had married her second cousin Jeff (which really is not incest). In Season 2, Fallon learns that Cecil may be her father which is a little creepy since Fallon had pursued Cecil in Season 1 and it would make her and Jeff first cousins (which I consider incest). But. things got more intense for Fallon in Season 3.

Idyllic

Fallon’s older brother who was kidnapped as a child, Adam, returns to Denver to claim his birthright. Going by Michael Torrence, Adam checks into Fallon’s new hotel. He meets his sister and there is instant chemistry between the two. The only problem is that Fallon is unwilling to tell him her name. If she did, this storyline would have ended right away. Despite not knowing Fallon’s name, Adam is more than willing to woo Fallon and try to bed her. And Fallon is enjoying the flirtation. But, for some reason, Fallon holds off (that’s a new one for her).

In this scene, Adam and Fallon actually kiss while enjoying a romantic boat ride. The scenery is beautiful (and Fallon is appropriately dressed for the setting) but the viewer knows what the two characters do not and there is always the thought of how far these two will go. It is a good thing that Adam and Fallon hold off because they learn they are siblings just before having a romantic dinner that would inevitably lead to the bedroom.

The Fallon/Adam incest story makes a return on Season 1 of the Colbys when Fallon’s amnesia is explained by Fallon being triggered by Adam and her fear of almost sleeping with him. It really was a weak reason, but at least it was a reason. Fallon would not be the only one in the series to have incest issues. Leslie and Clay found out that they could have been half siblings after they had sex (both the child of Ben Carrington). And, Monica and Jeff are accused of incest before Monica learns that she is not Jason Colby’s daughter (they still would be first cousins though).

The truth comes out!

Dynasty Top Scenes - Nobody Owns Alexis

Alexis will pretty much do anything to integrate herself into Blake’s life (starting with his business). She feels slighted that Blake has been able to move forward with getting oil leases in the South China Sea since some of the work had begun at Colby Co. Maybe Alexis should not have fired Steven. In order to be at the center of the action, Alexis heads off to Singapore where Blake is meeting with Chinese ministers.

Before leaving, Alexis promises to be faithful to Alexis and Dex does the same. Alexis, however, needs to be part of this deal and if that means bedding Rashid Ahmed, so be it. When Dex finds out, he is livid because fidelity is so important to him. Fidelity is less important to Dex in the future as he beds Alexis’ daughter, Amanda, and her enemy, Sable. (Not to mention a few other dalliances.)

Alexis responds to Dex calling her a dog in perpetual heat by slapping him. (Why not say bitch!) And how does Dex respond, he slaps her back. We are naturally repulsed whenever a man hits a woman (even if it is a slap). but there is an argument that his response is not that horrible. Regardless, Dex continues to repulse Alexis’ attacks (no more slapping) until the two kiss. Alexis is ready to make love, but Dex decides to dump her instead. A furious Alexis claims that nobody owns her.

The scene is great because of the chemistry and passion between Dex and Alexis. Yes, the emphasis on fidelity is kind of ridiculous but you can see how much the two love and want one another. Further, Joan Collins pulls from her B movie days to make these erotic faces as Dex pushes her onto the couch. You really want them to make love, but Dex ruins that (and then goes sleep with Tracey). Alexis can swear that no man owns her, but we all know that men do (Dex and Blake to name a few) even if she does not want to admit it.

Dynasty Top Scenes - Blake Wants to Straighten Steven Out

First season Blake was pretty bad ass, or maybe just an asshole. Anyway, in the first episode of Dynasty., Oil, Blake is determined to get his family in order before marrying Krystle. And, that includes straightening out his son Steven who has spent the last two years in NYC, following graduation, finding himself. Blake believes Steven has had sufficient time.

Steven has returned for the wedding and Blake waits to call for Steven to speak to him about his future. Blake wants Steven to work at Denver Carrington and finally give back to what he has taken for so long. (Fallon will give back by marrying Jeff.) Blake actually has a point here and Steven’s counter that the oil business is corrupt and harmful to the United States really is not much of an argument. It does provide a debate about capitalism (which we only see in Season 1, after Season 1- capitalism is great!).

Blake let’s his real motive out when he tells Steven how can he respect the opinion of a man who would touch another man. Wow! That is pretty harsh. Blake swears he did not want to tell Steven what he learned in such a manner, but he clearly did. Or, maybe Blake thought that he could force Steven to return to Denver to work and his homosexuality would just magically go away. Yes, Blake has a lot of power, but he is not that powerful.

Blake is ready to help Steven go straight, but Steven does not know whether he wants such help or that he wants to change. That, of course, sets off Blake who notes that it is a shame that the American Psychiatric Association no longer considers homosexuality a disease since he could have endowed an Institute for the study of “Faggotry” (that’s a new word). I don’t know why Blake still could not create such an Institute - it would be interesting. For the record, Magnus Hirschfeld had founded such an institute in Germany in 1897, the Scientific-Humanitarian Committee (which was destroyed by the Nazis). Blake was only 80 years late.

The scene works because this is when the audience learns that Steven is gay and really sets up the tension between Blake and Steven for the next 5 seasons (until poor Luke is shot and killed at Amanda’s wedding). The treatment of Steven’s sexuality is very Freudian and clinical. Blake has this weird mix of understanding of Steven’s sexuality and determination to make Steven straight.

The scene is also interesting because of this conflict between Blake the capitalist and Steven the anti-capitalist, living off Blake’s labor. Blake, rightly, calls Steven out for his hypocrisy. Further, Steven’s critique of Denver Carrington is not its harm to the environment, but the selling out of the United States by getting in bed with Middle Eastern despots and manipulating oil prices. Of course this is a product of the times - OPEC boycotts, price increases and the Iranian Revolution.

Things never go well between Blake and Steven in the library

Audiences today would definitely be harsh on Blake for trying to change his son (and saying he cannot respect his son because he is gay) but homosexuality was not an issue that most people spoke of in 1981 - which makes the storyline itself revolutionizing. There is a mixed record as to how Dynasty treated Steven’s sexuality but it also mirrors America’s changing attitudes at the time. Because of disco and the growing gay rights movement, discussions of sexuality were more common in 1981, but the growing evangelical movement and the AIDS crisis distorted the national conversation and Dynasty tried to steer a path.