dynasty episode 11 - The Separation

As we will learn, every time Jeff feels that he is being slighted, he acts very immature (wait until Season 5).  Jeff can be a lounge lizard like the rest of the family.  Why go to work?  Who cares if he offended Blake and Cecil.  As for Fallon, that's even better - he tosses her into the pool. 

Now, let's focus on characters that actually had plot development.  Steven, for some crazy ass reason, decides to tell Claudia that he was with Ted.  Dude, just keep that secret.  Send Ted away.  Why tell her?  Steven is too honest.  Claudia does not take the news very well, and in a very selfish fashion, she goes out to see Matthew and now seems ready to make her marriage work.  That must be nice, you get jilted by a gay man, so you decide to go back to your heterosexual husband.  Claudia not only wants to get back but she wants to go far away.  Probably, to get away from your lies.  Matthew, who is now finally starting to make it big, is not ready to run off.   

It is tough to know who is worse for Steven - Claudia or Ted.  At least Claudia is not a stalker.  Ted is ready to pick up where things left off.  Too bad he meets Blake.  Blake stops by to drop a gift for Steven and Ted is coming out of the shower, so he has his jeans on but not a shirt.  Do people really dress like that?  Maybe they did in the 1980s.  Ted pretends to be a friend of Steven's from Princeton - but Blake knows better.  Still, Blake does not give away his hand. 

That seems to be a trait of Blake's.  He holds his cards to play at the maximum effectiveness.  That may work in business but it really is not a formula for success with familial relations.  Blake forces Krystle to go through the charade of trying to hock the necklace that Krystle knows to be a fake.  When the appraiser is willing to offer $70,000 for the necklace, Krystle is surprised.  Blake lets the appraiser know that they will not be selling the necklace.  Back at the mansion, Krystle confronts Blake about his little stunt.  Blake says they will discuss it later. 

Joseph is happy that Krystle got the slap down.  Heck, he uses it as an opportunity to insult her.  What is she going to do?  Tell Blake.  Like he will listen.  Joseph's loyalty to Blake is strange, bordering on some sort of Freudian homo-eroticism.  Even when Jeannette and Mrs. Gunderson are gossiping, he defends Blake and chastises the women for not saying the utmost nicest things about Blake. 

Joseph's happiness increases when Krystle leaves Blake.  Krystle is prepared to go back to Ohio, or somewhere.  But, before she goes, she decides to call Matthew to tell him that she is leaving.  He wants to meet her but she thinks that is a bad idea.  No, what is a bad idea, is calling Matthew before you reach your destination.  You know what this means, it means the two meet and Matthew wants Krystle.  Krystle reminds him that he has a wife and daughter and leaves. 

Too bad Matthew, your wife is competing with a man for the affection of Steven.  Ted confronts Claudia at the bookstore she works.  How does everyone know where she works?  Was there an ad in the Denver Mirror , announcing Claudia's employment?  Anyway, Ted assures Claudia he is willing to fight her for Steven.  Too bad for Ted, Steven has already written him a Dear John letter.  Ted is none to please and goes to Steven at the Carrington mansion.  Not a good idea, Ted.  When Blake arrives home and learns Ted is in his house, he is enraged.  Even better, he catches Ted and Steven in a goodbye embrace.  Blake pushes Ted around and Ted trips, bashing his head on the fireplace - which kills him.  It really has not been a few good days for Blake.  But, I guess it could be worse, you could be Ted.

Memorable Dialogue 

Krystle:  Until I agree to be locked away in the castle - like Rapunzel.  Talk to no one, see no one and only come out when you choose to display me on bank holidays and St. Valentine's Day. 

Joseph [to Krystle]:  I belong here - you don't. 

Blake [to Ted]:  Get your hands off my son. 

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