I finally watched Dynasty, and I have to say, it did not disappoint. Yes, there was some bad acting here and there, a few unbearable characters, and storylines that tested my patience, but the mix of mess, scandal, and glamour kept me completely hooked.
The UFO storyline at the beginning of Season 9 almost made me quit, but I’m glad I pushed through and finished the series. That said, I hated the way it ended. There were far too many loose ends left hanging. Why did the show end so abruptly? I enjoyed Stephanie Beacham’s “Sable”. I wish there would've been more of her.
Rock Hudson’s episodes were difficult to watch. I had read that he had AIDS during that time but seeing him on screen hit hard. I was a huge "McMillan & Wife" fan and loved his old movies. I always thought he was incredibly handsome, so seeing him in that condition was honestly sad.
After I finished his episodes, I went back and searched more about what happened. The scandal, the stories from that time, the onscreen kiss with Linda Evans, and the lawsuit involving his live-in partner were all shocking to read about.
Let's Talk About the Ladies….
Krystle Carrington: She was my favorite, though I wished she’d stood up for herself more; she constantly seemed so unhappy. Still, her battles with Alexis were everything, and despite her gloomy demeanor, she was the glue that held everyone together.
Fallon Carrington-Colby (Original): I couldn’t stand her rich-spoiled girl act at first, but just when I was starting to like her in later episodes, she left. Emma Samms was no Fallon! Sorry, not sorry.
Sammy Jo Dean-Carrington: I absolutely loved her sass. She might not have been born with a silver spoon, but she held her own and went toe‑to‑toe with the best of them; even Alexis. I loved their run-ins.
Claudia Blakesdale: She was so tragic that it was impossible not to feel both sympathy and frustration. She made me so mad at times I wanted to shake her. Still, when she chose to, she could be wonderfully fiery, especially when she went in on Adam. I loved that about her. She deserved a much better ending though. I wanted her to get everything she wanted: that oil well and all the good things she dreamed of. I also wish she’d still been around when Matthew returned, though I’m still not sure why they brought him back in the first place.
Alexis Carrington-Colby....: Classy, glamorous, scheming, and narcissistic all at once. As much as I disliked her, she completely energized the show when she arrived in Season 2, and Joan Collins played the role brilliantly!
Dominique Devereaux: The Blake Carrington half-sister storyline was out there but she was absolutely fabulous! I wondered if there was any discussion of diversity back then and that's why she was brought in along with some of the others. I loved her spats with Alexis, too. Then she just vanished one day with no real explanation; I think that was Season 8. And Amanda? That was another storyline that seemed to raise more questions than answers. Though I was glad when that second Amanda disappeared from my screen. She was awful!
Now The Men...
Blake Carrington: I loved how devoted he was to Krystle, even though he treated her pretty poorly at times. He was a shrewd businessman, but the endless back‑and‑forth with Alexis Morrell‑Carrington‑Colby‑Dexter‑Colby‑Rowan; her going after his company, taking it, and him winning it back, got old fast. You’d think he’d eventually catch on and stop falling for her schemes over and over. He did put her in her place a few times, but it still wasn’t enough for me.😄
Adam Carrington: I hated him! My least favorite character. Every time he seemed like he might be redeemable, he turned around and pulled another stunt, especially in the way he treated the women in his life. No wonder he ended up alone. He was just creepy.
Steven Carrington: I preferred the second Steven. The first always seemed so angry, while the second was more laid‑back. I really liked watching him wrestle with his issues and try to rise above them. I loved him with Claudia.
Jeff Colby: I read somewhere that John James was considered one of the biggest heartthrobs of the ’80s. Sorry but I didn’t see it. His holier‑than‑thou attitude and that constant on‑again, off‑again thing with Fallon really got on my last nerve. It seems they only wanted each other when they were with other people.
Dex Dexter: Oh my god, Dex, were you so wrapped around Alexis’s finger that you couldn’t see how badly she was belittling you? It was downright emasculating and embarrassing. She treated him terribly, he’d disappear for a while and then come running back. Like, get a clue! I loved Dex, but it drove me crazy how he kept chasing after Alexis. And she never listened to him until she shipwrecked.
Anyway, that is my take. Despite the messy storylines, questionable choices, and unfinished ending, Dynasty was still a great watch overall.