Dynasty Review: Let’s Start Over Again and That Holiday Spirit (Season 5 Episode 1 and 2)
Christmas time calls for some merry memories on Dynasty Season 5 Episode 1, “Let’s Start Over Again,” and Episode 2, “That Holiday Spirit.”
In true Dynasty fashion, the series serves up holiday cheer while keeping the drama alive and well. Fallon deals with the lasting effects of being shot, Alexis and Amanda work together to uncover the truth, Dominque gets her life back, and Cristal gets a doppelganger.
Using Fallon’s gunshot wounds to tease a long-lasting coma seems like a trivial storyline considering the circumstances and who it’s centering, but it makes for a fun season opener.
Fallon resumes her natural state of affairs when she’s awake and able to move freely in the hospital, disregarding that she was just shot. You know, typical Fallon. Nothing seems to diminish her can-do attitude when it comes to business.
The holiday special centers around tying up storylines that bled over from the season four finale, while furthering others. The biggest issue looming in the air is the one between Fallon and her infidelity towards Liam. While I’m ecstatic it looks like the cheating scandal may be in the rearview mirror, I’m not sure the outcome is satisfying enough.
Before her sudden comatose state, Fallon is too worried about the state of her company rather than mending the relationship. In Liam’s eyes, you can see that he’s hurt; she’s continuing on her day-to-day as if everything is suddenly okay. And when he finally admits that he’s hurt and upset about the situation, that’s when Fallon falls ill.
While Eva may have been aiming at Liam and not Fallon, that doesn’t change the fact that she cheated on him, and he has a right to need time to get over that. Her acting as if Liam was the main reason for the infidelity is her being childish. She doesn’t admit to putting her work above him and catering to it more but instead tries to turn the blame around.
I love Fallon as a character, but in instances such as this and being in the fifth season, is there not room for growth? Why can she not simply admit that Liam does have a right to be angry and deserves time before being in the public spotlight?
Everyone loves Fallon for her independence and headstrong attitude, but Liam is someone that she can be vulnerable and honest around. I hope that Fallon has some notable character progression throughout season five.
And while we’re on the subject, I’d love to see Kirby’s character utilized for once. There is an abundance of characters trying to share the spotlight on screen, making for uneven screen time. I get that.
But why are there only two or three decent storylines given at a time? There’s room for multitudes of great storylines and the ability to make it work, but sometimes it feels like the “side” main characters get forgotten about in the writers’ room.
Kirby deserves a storyline with substance that doesn’t involve her being used in some way by the ones she loves. The same can be said for Sam and Culhane because their last few storylines have not been too exciting.
Dominique and Jeff getting rid of Brady for once and all is a definite highlight of the special. Dominique has shown proper growth over the past season, and the petty rivalry between her and Alexis no longer suits her. She’s moved on, and it’s time that Alexis does the same.
It’s beyond enjoyable to watch Dominique flaunt her freedom and triumph in front of Alexis. When Alexis had invoked her plan with Brady, Dominique had already moved on, and Alexis was continuing the feud for no reason. Now that the whole thing is over let’s hope it stays in the past.
I’m ready to see Jeff and Dominique be the new duo taking over.
Amanda continues to be the best thing about Dynasty in the past two seasons. Her inability to put up with Adam and his bullshit is enthralling. She’s the only one who can see through the Adam charm and is willing to do whatever it takes to take him down.
All my heart desires from Dynasty is for it to stop with the lackluster writing regarding the plot hole that is Steven Carrington. James Mackay has confirmed that he will not be returning, resulting in my tear-stained pillow. So, there’s no hope of seeing him make an appearance in season five.
With Mackay’s announcement, it’s also confirmed that Amanda won’t be the one to bring our beloved Steven back. So, I need her to take Adam down once and for all.
Season five needs to be the last season that Adam sees the sun without being surrounded by bars. And, it needs to be the last season that Steven’s storyline is ignored and left in the air. If he isn’t coming back, please kill him off for the love of God.
Fans don’t need these tiny moments where characters get brave enough to speak his name out loud to please the masses.
Overall, these back-to-back episodes are a beautiful introduction to the season and set a pretty clear tone for how it will go. There’s laughter, beautiful memories shared, and fantastic family moments.
Other Thoughts:
- Liam taking over and doing everything in his power to hide the fact that Fallon is in a coma is so delightful. He knows that the last thing in the world she would want is for the public to know about her health scares. To see him take charge so effortlessly proves how much he cares about her. And to set up time slots for everyone, so Fallon is never alone, my heart!
- The writers knew exactly what they were doing with the intro to season five. We all knew Fallon wasn’t dead, but I almost believed she was for a split second.
- Fallon dreaming about her and Liam spending children with their two children in the future is too much! It’s so delightful, heartwarming, and it makes me hope that we get to see that point at some time in the series.
- I’m not sure why giving Cristal a doppelganger seemed like a good idea. I’m neutral towards the whole idea until there’s some execution from Beto and the lookalike. If a doppelganger is being introduced for a significant storyline, it better be good.
Favorite Quotes:
- “That’s all I want for Christmas, Fallon, for you to be home.” – Liam.
- “I was almost conned by Alexis and Brady, I was in an FBI sting, and just got divorced. Is it weird that I think this is a fabulous Christmas?” – Dominique.
- “Would you settle for Shetland ponies with antlers on?” – Kirby.
What did you think of this episode of Dynasty? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
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Dynasty will return March 11th at 9/8c on The CW.
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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.