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 - 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 - 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 - 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 Episode Analysis - "The Hearing, Part 2"

There is so much going on in this episode as we transition to many storylines that will dominate Season 4. The shifting alliances of the Carrington sons, Alexis still being targeted even after Joseph’s death, Fallon and Jeff drawing closer together while Kirby is further isolated. With all that, the focus of this episode is the continuing custody battle between Blake and Steven over Steven’s son, Danny.

Even though Blake did not buy Danny from Sammy Jo, he did believe Danny would help fill the void in Krystle after she miscarried (thanks to Alexis). However, Steven had not died in the oil rig explosion and returned home for the son he did not know he had. Krystle graciously gave Danny to Steven (in an amazing scene on the stairs). When Blake challenged Steven’s right to raise his own child, Steven decided to take Danny and leave the mansion. The more Blake tried to keep Danny for Krystle, the more he lost Danny and Krystle.

Blake, why did you bring her back

When Blake learned that Steven was living with his lawyer, Chris Deegan, as friends, he was determined to get Danny out of that environment, even if it would tear the family apart. Nothing was going to stop Blake. The hearing did not go well for him. Alexis lied about Blake buying Danny. Krystle sang Steven’s praises as a father.

Blake had no choice but to have Andrew Laird, his attorney, call Sammy Jo to the stand to dispute that Blake bought Danny. But, Sammy Jo did more than just dispute the accusation against Blake. She lied about Steven as she painted him as a man always on the prowl to have sex with other men. Blake did convince Krystle that he never intended for Sammy Jo to say such things. But, Blake unleashed all of this.

Krystle was not thrilled

Finally, Steven takes the stand and decides that his principles are more important than winning custody of Danny. Steven refuses to answer Andrew’s question whether Chris is his lover. Supposedly, they are just friends but Steven refuses to say that because it should not matter. Yes, he is correct and yes, the only reason they are in court is because Blake did not believe that he and Chris were just friends - but, come on, put your principles aside. Steven is so much like his father.

Steven’s testimony greatly damages his chance to win custody which is really odd because Chris could have just testified that they were only friends. But, why allow for that, when you can have Claudia save the day. Yes, crazy Claudia. Claudia confronts Sammy Jo to tell her that Steven is a real man - and a slap fest ensues. Finally, Claudia has a solution to Steven’s plight - and tells him to pack (they go to marry).

The episode has an interesting and conflicting view of homosexuality and the rights of gay parenting (which was much more contentious at the time). Steven was 100% correct when he was on the stand that his sexuality should not matter as to whether he should have custody of his child. But, at the same time, he is pursuing Claudia and marries Claudia so as to keep his child. Further, Claudia had to make a point that Steven is a “real man”.

And neither was Claudia

It is disturbing that the custody of Danny only turns on the issue as to whether Steven and Chris are living together as lovers. Blake, in effect, is blackmailing Steven into being straight. And that is pretty much what happens for the rest of the season. Since Steven does marry Claudia he is allowed to keep his child. Later, when Steven is divorced from Claudia and single, Sammy Jo threatens to take custody of Danny by claiming that Steven is unfit because he is gay. Steven resolves that matter without going to court (giving Sammy Jo custody). Steven wants to live his true self with his son but others won’t allow it.

Other highlights from the episode:

• Someone trashes Alexis’s apartment which eventually forces her to have Mark move in as her personal protection.

• With Jeff and Fallon about to learn the truth about Jeff’s poisoning, Adam prepares to set Alexis up for the poisoning. Further, it brings Jeff and Fallon closer together.

• There is a thawing in the relationship between Krystle (who is living at La Mirage) and Blake.

Dynasty Storyline Miss: Krystle/Rita

Since I feel the need to post, I have been trying to come up with some ideas of what to talk about. With that in mind, I have decided to write about those Storylines that were great and those that were just horrible.

One of the most unpopular storylines, and rightly so, is the whole Krystle/Rita fiasco. Not only was the idea crazy, the storyline dragged on way longer than it should have. In fact, it was the length of the storyline that made it crazier. Had Sammy Jo just come up with the idea (it sounds like a scheme Sammy Jo would concoct, similar to making Claudia believe that Matthew was still alive) and it collapsed quickly - fine - no harm, no foul.

Why did Rita go to where Krystle was being held captive?

No, we actually have Rita taking the place of Krystle and no one seems to notice the change other than L.B. Blake has been married (twice) to this woman for more than 5 years and could not tell that Rita was not his wife. I mean, how much information did Sammy Jo actually know about Krystle or the mansion? Rita miraculously can run the mansion and remember everyone’s name (despite having Sammy Jo all of a sudden tied to her hip).

Then there is the intimacy part. Yes, Rita went out of her way to prevent having sex with Blake (including poisoning him), but how long should it take for Blake to realize, “Wait, this woman does not feel or act like my wife?” And then Rita decides to fool around with Joel in the mansion. Hello?

Meanwhile, Krystle is being held hostage in Delta Rho and constantly watched by Joel. And, the only reason Krystle was help captive at Delta Rho is that is where Krystle discovered Rita and decided to call Blake (for some reason). I wonder how they dragged Krystle into the attic since Joel is probably not that strong and dead weight Krystle (especially with the shoulder pads) has to be a lot. Okay, maybe that can happen and it is a good thing that Krystle had access to a bathroom. But then Joel takes her to some western bar where they happen to run into Alexis and Dex and Krystle says nothing because Joel threatened Krystina. Oh come on.

The stunt doubles had a tough job here.

Sammy Jo should have just tried her scheme and have it fail quickly. At least there was one good moment, the fight between Krystle and Rita - a fight where neither woman takes off her heels. Still, not worth the weeks of this stupid storyline.

Why Use Rape Without Consequences?

A common plot in soap operas is the rape of a character, and usually by a character who faces no consequences for his actions. This was more common back in the 1980s (and before) than today because of how we view and treat rape/sexual assault today. Even though we would be horrified by such treatment of rape today on television, it was horrible back then.

There were three rapes on Dynasty/The Colbys and none of the perpetrators faced any consequences for his action. Further, the rape itself did not drive any sort of plotline. It seems that it happened just to have something happen.

In Episode 7 of Dynasty “Krystle’s Lie” - Blake becomes angry with Krystle because he wanted to have a baby and he learns that Krystle has been hiding the fact that she has been taking birth control. The angry Blake rapes Krystle as a result of her deception. (Note, how the episode is entitled Krystle’s Lie and not Blake’s Assault) The following day, Blake feels guilty for what he has done and apologizes to Krystle. It is referenced here and there (particularly after Adam rapes Kirby). Regardless, the question remains, why have Blake rape Krystle?

Blake tries to apologize to Krystle after raping her

In reality, the rape could have explored the larger issue of marital rape which at the time was not illegal in many states - including Colorado (if the husband and wife were not separated). Before the mid 1970s, a husband could not be criminally liable for sexually assaulting his spouse. (assuming they were together in some states, other states had no exceptions). Throughout the late 1970s and 1980s, the laws were changed to recognize marital rape as a crime but there were still loopholes in the statutes that were eventually cleaned up. However, that discussion did not happen. Basically, Blake raped Krystle (even if not a crime at the time), she eventually forgave him and that was it.

Similar to Blake, Miles raped Fallon while they were married. At that time, the act was likely a crime in California since Fallon resisted (a requirement for California).. Still, the only consequence Miles faced was physical violence from Jeff which became more intense when there was the prospect that Fallon could have become pregnant as a result of the rape. At least this time, all the characters involved referred to it what it was - rape. Still, Sable did not seem to care that Miles raped Fallon when she learned that it could have resulted in Fallon’s pregnancy. Miles being the father of Fallon’s baby was more important the act of conception.

Finally, we have Adam and Kirby. Adam’s rape of Kirby was the most violent (not that violence matters) and everyone in the family seemed to not care - other than Jeff who of course got into a fight with Adam. Kirby never went the police and no one forced her to do so (there are probably class issues involved here). In fact, when Kirby discovered that the rape resulted in her pregnancy, Adam wanted to do the the right thing by marrying Kirby - which is what Adam wanted all along. Basically, by raping Kirby, Adam almost got what he had wanted.

In the end, these rapes seemed gratuitous and are actually harmful. Yes, it was a different time, but to allow three main characters rape three other main characters and have nothing happen (other than the occasional chastisement or feelings of guilt) really does a disservice to any discussion of sexual assault. Obviously, you cannot ship Blake, Miles or Adam off to jail. Then, don’t have them be rapists.