Dynasty Review: Filled with Manipulations and Deceptions (Season 4 Episode 22)
Fallon and Eva go head-to-head on Dynasty Season 4 Episode 22, “Filled with Manipulations and Deceptions.”
During the action-packed hour-long season finale of Dynasty, there is a lot of drama that unfolds. Dr. Larson meets the actual Adam, Eva’s past is in the spotlight, and Jeff’s neurotoxicity hits a breaking point. Heck, Alexis even goes to jail!
There is a constant question throughout the finale: Who will be shot? There’s Beto gunning for Blake, Jeff gunning for Brady/Culhane, and then Eva with Fallon. Ultimately it’s Fallon that bears the unfortunate shooting, with Eva walking away in handcuffs.
While Fallon’s shooting is an appropriate caution for fans going into Season 5, it’s known that she isn’t going to die. Elizabeth Gillies’ portrayal of Fallon Carrington is Dynasty. There is no show without her, so her death is off the table. However, that doesn’t mean she is coming out unscathed.
On the original Dynasty, Fallon deals with being paralyzed for a bit. So, if the show will follow in the original’s footsteps, it makes sense to foresee Fallon disabled in some fashion. Let’s hope that with whatever storyline they decide to go with is portrayed with respect.
The lead-up to Eva and Fallon’s final blowout is what makes “Filled with Manipulations and Deceptions” one of the best of the season. Eva has been shady towards Fallon for way too long, making their stand-off even sweeter.
It’s a nice feeling to see that the writers aren’t afraid to make Fallon get a little dirty. Throughout Season 4, Fallon has been pretty tame, compared to her actions on past seasons.
Because of Fallon’s growth, it’s unclear at first if Eva will get the beat down she so rightfully deserves. However, there are screams everywhere as Fallon takes matters into her own hands and shows Eva who the real boss is. It’s about time someone put hands on Eva.
Elizabeth Gillies is such a treat, spoiling fans week after week with her portrayal of Fallon. The fighting aside, Gillies has elevated the character of Fallon so much from the beginning of the series, and it’s visible.
Gillies continues to shine week after week even when Fallon’s actions aren’t the most admirable or entertaining. Elizabeth Gillies makes or breaks the show, and I can’t wait to see what she brings to the screen next season.
All of that said, the finale isn’t without its complications. Adam having Alexis arrested for the murder of Dr. Larson is a significant plot hole. Alexis lives in a secure building that includes staff and security, including cameras. That would be the first thing the police look for when diving for suspects; there wouldn’t be an immediate arrest.
There is security camera footage to be looked over before booking Alexis for murder. So, unless Adam can magically change into a red dress with the snap of his finger, there’s proof she isn’t the killer. Besides all of that, Alexis is at Blake’s campaign party; she has a clear alibi.
As much as I dislike Adam, it only makes me like Sam Underwood even more. No matter what Adam does he’s always going to be evil, but Underwood leaves the viewers thinking he can change with his pretty boy act. He plays the character exceptionally well and I can’t wait to see Adam resort to his killer ways again only for Underwood’s portrayal.
Other than Adam resorting back to his old ways, the finale does a fantastic job of ending the season, even with no cliffhanger. Liam returns to Fallon’s side, Eva is no longer an issue, and Sam is content with where he’s at in life. Even throughout the drama and tension, there are small things to be grateful for.
Now, let’s see the return of Steven Carrington on Season 5.
Other Thoughts:
- Sam’s journey of reflection through Anders’ death is beautiful. Anders will forever be a special part of the show and sorely missed. Now, Sam can move on with his life and figure out what he wants his legacy to be because he knows he can do it himself.
- There’s no mention of Kirby’s intentions for the Carringtons, but that burn book better come into play on Season 5. It’s time that she shakes things up.
- With Alexis’ imprisonment, there’s no way that Amanda doesn’t begin her own investigation. It won’t take long before she realizes just how fake Adam truly is. After that, I hope she does a deep dive into the real person that is Adam Carrington.
- It’s upsetting to see Jeff lose his mind, quite literally. Brady is a shady individual that needs to be dealt with, but not for the reasons he suspects. His turning on Culhane is an upsetting moment in his arc, and I hope he gets the help he needs. With that being said, Sam Adegoke should be praised for his acting skills throughout this season. He meticulously delivered a different side to Jeff throughout the season and showcased his range.
- I’m not thrilled for Beto to be a significant part of Season 5. The family drama between Cristal and Beto isn’t that thrilling.
- Kara Royster needs praising for her acting skills as well. Her ability to turn the crazy on so easily is almost scary, but is fantastic to watch. I look forward to seeing her in other projects in the future and seeing her grow.
What did you think of this episode of Dynasty? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
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Dynasty will return with Season 5 sometime in 2022.
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Cade Taylor
Cade Taylor is a television and film critic living in St. Louis, Missouri. He is a Senior Writer for Tell-Tale TV. His love for television developed at a young age, with a concentration on queer stories, sitcoms, teen dramas, and science fiction thrillers. In addition, he works full-time as a news producer, telling the stories of Missourians and helming "Produced in the Bi-State," a segment spotlighting actors, musicians, and entertainers from the St. Louis area. He can be reached by email at cade@telltaletv.com.