dynasty episode 118 - The Californians

We are finally introduced to the Colbys of California.  Well, not all of them, yet.  Still, who knew that Jeff had another aunt and uncle living in California.  And, boy, are they living.  They are wealthy as hell.  Even though Cecil was cut off from this wealth, Cecil managed to do a great job on his own and take in Phillip's son, Jeff.  Why was Cecil cut off?  Who knows.  At least we learn that Phillip died before any of the wealth was passed on.  He did die a hero, though.  What about Jeff's mother?  Ok, we all know that none of this is consistent, so I will stop being critical.

Jason Colby and his sister, Constance, share ownership of Colby Enterprises.  Things are not looking great for Jason, played by Charleton Heston, with his special brand of acting.  Jason learns that his medical prognosis is not good and that he will die soon.  Jason's reaction is classic Heston and reminds one of how he reacted when he learned that he landed on earth in Planet of the Apes.  Jason tells Constance (played by Barbara Stanwyck in her last acting performance, and one she thought was absolutely ridiculous) that he is going to die, but he swears her to secrecy.  She is to tell no one, not even Sable (who we do not meet, yet).

I guess Jason's dying project is to leave a challenge for his children, especially Miles.  That challenge is a pipeline.  Not just any pipeline, but the best pipeline ever that will carry the oil from the South China Sea.  Jason wants Blake in on this project, but Blake refuses to deal with Jason because he believes Jason was involved in a scheme that Blake's brother, Ben, engaged in when Ben swindled Blake out of some oil leases.  Blake is so stubborn about these things.  But, maybe there is a good reason because Blake's mother seems to be involved somehow.

Jason is one who refuses to take no for an answer.  He flies out to Denver and discusses the pipeline personally with Blake.  Jason also meets his nephew, Jeff.  The meeting between the two does not go well.  Regardless, Blake still refuses to deal.  Jason then let's Blake know that he may have no choice because Jason made a deal with the Chinese government that any oil extracted from the South China Sea needs to be transported on Colby Enterprises's tankers.  If Blake does not agree to the pipeline agreement, the pumped oil will not be shipped.  Take that Blake.

Jason is not the only one who wants to ship that South China Sea oil.  Dex was hoping that he could get in on the action.  Does Dex even have tankers?  Furthermore, what exactly does Dex do other than mercenary work?  Maybe Dex wants in on the building of the pipeline (more likely) and he asks Alexis for help on that front.  These two have an awesome relationship.  They pretty much want business arrangements with the other and use sex to get what they want.

Dex wants the pipeline action and Alexis wants Dex to lead a mercenary mission to rescue King Galen.  Dex, however, does not want to rescue the King, probably out of jealousy and the hopelessness of the mission.  Alexis is the only one who wants to rescue the King.  Michael is pointless and claims that he has matters under control.  Alexis feels he is just some lazy Euro trash.  As always, what else is a deposed monarch supposed to do.  Alexis has plans of her own, she is going to convince the French to place an embargo on the new regime in Moldavia.  Good for you Alexis.

There seems to be a lot of political intrigue in this episode.  Jonathan Lake, some undersecretary from the State Department pays Blake a visit to pump him up for information regarding the coup in Moldavia.  Blake has no information to share.  Besides, isn't the U.S. State Department pretty well funded?  Do they really need to harass a man who had only been to Moldavia for a wedding for information?  Oh, the real reason is to give Dominique a possible love interest.  Lake stops harassing Blake when he takes notice of Dominique.  Later, Lake offers Dominique a drink, but she is not game.  That is the second drink Dominique has turned down in the past three episodes.  You are not getting younger Dominique, though you do look fierce.

One quick side story.  Blake wants Adam to go to California to get information on Jason and why Jason is so determined to have this pipeline deal.  Before leaving, Adam wants an answer from Claudia about his wedding proposal.  Claudia does not believe getting married is a great idea, especially since Claudia is not as ambitious as Adam.  Adam still wants Claudia to come to Los Angeles with him but Claudia has business of her own in San Francisco.

Krystle is still very concerned about Sammy Jo.  Wow, she is taking Daniel's dying wish to look after Sammy Jo seriously.  Doesn't she remember what Sammy Jo did to her in the past.  And, if only Krystle knew what Sammy Jo is plotting now, she would not be so concerned.  Joel and Sammy Jo are desperately trying to get Rita to look like Krystle.  The problem, the nose.  The solution, a nose job.  Rita does not want a nose job but Joel convinces her to go along with it, since the reward for pulling off her greatest acting job ever will be great.  

Jeff is ready to go to Los Angeles to find Fallon.  Blake convinces him to remain in Denver for a bit, at least to spend time with that psychic Justin Dehmer who helped Blake when Blake was convinced Steven was alive.  Jeff is game.  The psychic, at first, gets no feel for Fallon, probably because Dehmer does not realize that Fallon is now British.  After touching Fallon's wedding dress, the psychic sees drowning.  Funny, so does Fallon.  While walking with Miles on the beach, Randall/Fallon has an image of the time L.B. almost fell into the pool.  Unfortunately, Randall/Fallon does not know what the vision is.  

No matter, Randall/Fallon is moving closer to Miles.  The timing could not be better because Constance has summoned Jeff to Los Angeles because she has just made a decision that could change Jeff's life.  Jeff appears apprehensive to go to Los Angeles to see his Aunt Connie even though he was all ready to go at the beginning of the episode.  You better hurry Jeff, because your cousin Miles is getting closer to the woman you love.

Memorable Dialogue

Blake [to Jason]:  If I weren't so fond of my secretary, I'd fire her for letting you in here.

Alexis:  A deal is a deal and money talks in any language.

Dominique:  Mr. Lake, there is something with which I have always take great pride in - the accuracy of my first impressions.  I'm afraid a martini is not going to correct an impression I formed this morning at about, um, 11:15.

Miles:  What's the matter?
Fallon:  I remember something, Miles.
Miles:  What?
Fallon:  I don't know.

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