dynasty Episode 104 - The Ball

Everyone is having a good time in Acapulco, except for Krystle because she is not there.  Krystle does not like that she was shut out because she was told it was a business meeting - but then why is Amanda there and why is Alexis answering Blake's phone?  Krystle should know by now that Alexis is always where Blake is and somehow finds a way to answer Blake's phone at the most inopportune moments.  At least Krystle has her horses, and Daniel to keep her company back in Denver. 

Nicole got the bright idea to ask for Fallon's chest (who knew Fallon went to Vassar, or maybe she just got a sticker) so she could try on Fallon's clothing and jewelry.  Of course, Nicole puts on that red sequin dress that was so prominent in the opening and, of course, Jeff catches her.  He is very upset, and rightfully so.  Nicole curses the painting of Fallon and claims it won another round.  It is creepy that Nicole considers a painting her competition. 

Jeff later apologizes to Nicole for losing it, but Nicole understands.  Jeff loves Fallon and not her, but Nicole is determined to get Jeff to love her.  That's not going to work, especially with L.B. refusing to love Nicole like his mommy.  Heck, L.B. even calls out Jeff by saying that his father said that he loves Fallon and not Nicole.  The scene is cute because L.B. is smiling as he tells Nicole that he pretty much hates her.  Nicole, you might as well get out when you can. 

Even though Steven broke it off with Luke, Claudia takes it upon herself to speak to her competition for Steven's affection.  Claudia claims that Steven wants a wife and a family (then why would he sleep with Luke) and that Luke should give Steven some space so her can discover that on his own.  Luke agrees not to see Steven.  Why?  

Oh, and to make it better, Claudia tells Steven that she has decided that she is going to divorce him.  Then why speak to Luke in the first place?  That is crazy, Claudia.  Afterwards, Claudia and Adam share their respective miseries at La Mirage.  Adam feels that Blake does not trust him after the incidents with Rashid Ahmed and the Chinese delegation.  That is why Blake is letting Jeff know about Dominique's loan and not he.  A little sensitive, aren't you Adam? 

Alexis is determined to get into bed with Blake - business-wise that is.  Alexis wants in on the South China Sea action and she will harass Blake until he relents.  Blake still stubbornly refuses to deal with Alexis.  Alexis convinces Mr. Han, the head of the Chinese delegation who has great sway in determining Blake's partner, that she and Blake are one big family and a perfect fit.  Mr. Han buys into and does encourage Blake to consider Colby Co.

Mr. Han's opinion, however, is swayed by Lady Ashley who dishes the real truth to Mr. Han.  Besides, should Blake not decide who he wants as his partner.  This is your own fault Alexis for inviting Lady Ashley to Acapulco, not that Lady Ashley would not go on her own because she has her eyes set on Blake.  Hell, Lady Ashley even tells Alexis she will not help her. 

You know who needs help, Ali MacGraw.  Her performance as Lady Ashley is horrible.  She keeps doing this horrible thing with her neck that makes her expressions unnatural and as if she is suffering from some sort of palsy.  Hell, she cannot even walk across the set without looking crooked and wooden.  And the delivery of lines, they are atrocious.  Yes, a lot of the writing may be contrived, but she makes it even more contrived.  As we see throughout this series and the Colbys, some actors get it and some don't.  Ali MacGraw, unfortunately, falls into the latter category.

At least Amanda is having a good time in Acapulco.  She manages to insult the Crowned Prince of Moldavia by confusing him for a waiter.  I love how the show sometimes uses fictional geography like Natumbe, but then uses a real place in Moldavia.  The best part is, at the time, Moldavia was a part of the Soviet Union, so it was not a kingdom.  Now, there is a Republic of Moldova with other parts of old-Moldavia being part of Ukraine and Romania.  That is the geography lesson for the day.

Prince Michael is smitten with Amanda and the two spend a great deal of time together.  Amanda, of course, is a tease.  Dex does not like Amanda being with Michael because Michael is a notorious playboy.  Alexis approves because her daughter may become a princess.  Amanda, knowing Dex's feelings, loves to antagonize Dex so she is more than willing to be seen publicly with Michael.  Dex claims he is not jealous but he totally is.  In the end, Amanda gets an invite to Moldavia.  Granted, there could be nicer places to go.

Daniel continues his mentoring of Krystle, which is also a way for he to get closer to Krystle.  (Someone did manage send Blake a few of this incriminating photos of Danny and Krystle while he was in Acapulco.)  At the same time, Daniel is planning another military mission/rescue in Bolivia.  This old man is going to rescue somebody?  I don't think he could do it with Dex's help, but Dex is not part of this mission.  As he is planning the mission, Krystle shows up, so Daniel takes Krystle riding.  Krystle loses control of her horse (or more likely the stuntman in drag does) and goes tumbling down a hill.  Daniel attends to her and the two kiss.  That infamous kiss that caused such hysteria because of ignorance.  

Memorable Dialogue 

Alexis:  You know the story of Sleeping Beauty, don't you, Blake?
Blake:  Yes I do and I don't want to hear it again. 

Alexis:  In that case, I'd like to talk to you about Lady Ashley.  You and she seem to be getting along famously.
Blake:  What do you mean?
Alexis:  Well, she's beautiful, she's clever and she's very smart.  There's got to be something wrong with her.
Blake:  Well, you'll find out what it is, I'm sure or else you'll invent it. 

Alexis:  One Christmas, when she [Amanda] was a little girl, she asked Santa Claus for a country.  I wonder if he's about to deliver.

Dex:  Do you have any idea what time it is?
Amanda:  Um, past my bedtime?
Dex:  Well, from the looks of it, you've already been to bed.
Amanda:  Jealous? 

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