Dynasty Season 5 Episode 15 Review: Ben
Blake’s brother is persistent in clearing his name on Dynasty Season 5 Episode 15, “Ben.”
We’re introduced to Ben, Blake’s estranged brother, at the end of “Vicious Vendetta,” where things become explosive instantaneously. “Ben” explains the circumstances of why Blake’s exiled brother has come back after so long but doesn’t necessarily succeed in making it intriguing.
The family has exiled Ben since his and Blake’s mother died due to negligence on someone’s part. Blake claims that Ben was supposed to watch their mother the night she drowned in her bathtub. Ben, however, claims that it was Blake’s night to watch her.
The back and forth is, quite frankly, exhausting and only begs the question: who cares? Why do we care to visit another Carrington family member and give what little spotlight there is to someone else?
While the series has always technically been Elizabeth Gillies and Grant Show’s show, in reality, people are showing up for Fallon. The series has spent a drastic amount of time on Blake this season, and we don’t need another sob story plot for them to explore.
The series continues to produce storylines of minimal importance that disappear just as quickly as they are introduced, and it’s disappointing. There are other intriguing storylines with more volume staring the series right in its face, and it chooses to ignore them.
Why do we care about the introduction of another Carrington? Especially one that’s established as being meaningless drama from the beginning. Dynasty is a drama series and thus needs that to thrive off, but it’s chasing the wrong kind here.
Even without the creators not knowing it was their last season when going into production, it still doesn’t excuse the fact that we still haven’t seen a proper ending for Steven.
Giving him a fitting conclusion, instead of keeping him for name-dropping sakes, would provide all the drama the season needs and set a concrete storyline path.
Instead, we’re continuously subjected to lackluster and meaningless stories simply for the drama factor. We don’t need new characters for exciting new stories when there’s too much potential from the main cast not being utilized.
Having Amanda chase after Adam’s murders and acts of manipulation could even tie in with three other characters. Plenty of people on the series have motives to put him behind bars.
Besides the Carrington sibling drama, there are a few factors on “Ben” to be appreciated. The biggest, though, is the inclusion of a pride party celebration and a special guest cameo from the esteemed Drag Queen Angeria Paris VanMichaels.
Michaels’ presence is brief but holds weight and plays a role in Sam’s realization about why he’s been so moody. Plus, an exceptional drag performance for the fans of Dynasty!
Fallon and Adam also provide a sense of comical relief for the hour as the two follow Fallon’s newfound surrogate, Stacey, around a dig site she joins shortly after figuring out she’s pregnant.
Stacey seems like the perfect surrogate; she’s a paleontologist with a Ph.D. who doesn’t have a long list of demands and takes care of herself. But, considering she gets pregnant abnormally fast, there’s cause for weariness and caution in general.
As much as Dynasty loves to play switch-up, there would be no surprise if the baby Stacey’s carrying isn’t Fallon and Liam’s for added drama. But, all hopes are going towards a straightforward pregnancy, seeing as only seven episodes are left.
If Dynasty does not end its series with Fallon and Liam having a child together, it’ll be yet another great mistake.
Stray Thoughts:
- Eliza Bennett and Elizabeth Gillies’ pride outfits are to die for!
- Adam’s behavior is beyond creepy. I can’t help but think he has some ulterior motive beyond just wanting to be part of future Carrington generations.
- Where is Nina? Liam’s movie may be done shooting, but they teased Culhane/Nina too much for her not to stick around.
- Amanda withholding the information about Blake blocking Colby Co from Jeff is a letdown. Her loyalty to Blake is understandable, but Jeff is the one trying to help people in the long run.
What did you think of this episode of Dynasty? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
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Dynasty airs Fridays 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.