Dynasty (1981 TV series) season 2

(Redirected from Enter Alexis (Dynasty 1981))

The second season of Dynasty originally aired in the United States on ABC from November 11, 1981, through May 5, 1982. The series, created by Richard and Esther Shapiro and produced by Aaron Spelling, revolves around the Carringtons, a wealthy family residing in Denver, Colorado.

Dynasty
Season 2
No. of episodes22
Release
Original networkABC
Original releaseNovember 11, 1981 (1981-11-11) –
May 5, 1982 (1982-05-05)
Season chronology
← Previous
Season 1
Next →
Season 3
List of episodes

Season two stars John Forsythe as millionaire oil magnate Blake Carrington; Linda Evans as his wife Krystle; Pamela Sue Martin as Blake and Alexis' headstrong daughter Fallon; Al Corley as Blake and Alexis' earnest son Steven; John James as Fallon's ex-husband Jeff Colby; Lloyd Bochner as Jeff's uncle, Cecil Colby; Pamela Bellwood as Claudia Blaisdel, the widow of Krystle's former lover; Heather Locklear as Krystle's troublemaking niece Sammy Jo; Lee Bergere as Carrington majordomo Joseph Anders; and James Farentino as psychologist Dr. Nicholas Toscanni. The season also introduced Joan Collins as Alexis Carrington, Blake's ex-wife and the mother of Fallon and Steven.

Development

edit

In the first episode of the second season, titled "Enter Alexis", the mysterious witness from the season one finale removes her sunglasses to reveal British actress Joan Collins as a new arrival to the series.[1] Series creators Richard and Esther Shapiro conceived the character as Blake's ex-wife Madeline, who they intended to be played by Sophia Loren for four to six episodes.[2][3] Writers Eileen and Robert Mason Pollock, brought in for season two, renamed her Alexis, told Aaron Spelling that Loren was not right for the part, and warned him that "If you get rid of this character in four episodes, you are throwing away hundreds of millions of dollars."[2] Collins said in 2018 that in addition to Loren, producers pursued Elizabeth Taylor and Jessica Walter.[4] According to Collins, "They were waiting for Jessica until the very last minute, so they didn't cast me until two weeks before we started shooting."[4]

Collins' Alexis Carrington blazed a trail across the show and its story lines.[1] The additions of Collins and the Pollocks are generally credited with Dynasty's subsequent rise in the Nielsen ratings.[1] Esther Shapiro said in the season one DVD commentary, "When Alexis came into it, it changed the tenor...And that's the way they are now on television: you have your traditional villain, and I think that plays to a different denominator."[5] The Pollocks "soft-pedaled the business angle" of the show and "bombarded viewers with every soap opera staple in the book, presented at such a fast clip that a new tragedy seemed to befall the Carrington family every five minutes."[1] The second season was ranked #19 in the United States.[6][7]

Corley left Dynasty at the end of the second season in 1982,[1][8] after complaining publicly in Interview that "Steven doesn't have any fun... He doesn't laugh; he has no humor".[9] Corley also lamented Steven's "ever-shifting sexual preferences",[10] and stated that he wanted "to do other things".[8]

Plot

edit

The surprise witness at Blake's murder trial is his ex-wife Alexis, Fallon and Steven's mother. Her testimony about his character is damaging, and while Fallon is icy to the mother she feels abandoned her, Steven is drawn to Alexis. The former Mrs. Carrington's testimony notwithstanding, Krystle is immediately put off by Alexis' condescending attitude and manipulations. Later, Krystle's discovery that Alexis had caused her miscarriage by intentionally startling her horse with a gunshot settles Alexis as Krystle's implacable nemesis. Other new characters of the season are the psychiatrist Nick Toscanni, who tries to seduce Krystle while bedding Fallon and plotting against Blake; and Krystle's greedy niece Sammy Jo Dean (Heather Locklear), who marries Steven for his money. The season finale sees Blake left for dead on a mountain after a fight with Nick.

Cast

edit
Cast notes
  1. ^ Bochner is added to the opening credits from "Fallon's Father" (ep. 2.4).
  2. ^ Locklear is added to the opening credits from "Reconciliation" (ep. 2.5). She departs in "The Gun" (ep. 2.18), although she remains credited in "The Fragment" (ep. 2.19).
  3. ^ Farentino is added to the opening credits from "Alexis' Secret" (ep. 2.3).

Episodes

edit
No.
overall
No. in
season
TitleDirected byWritten byOriginal air dateProd.
code
Rating/share
(households)
161"Enter Alexis"Gabrielle BeaumontStory by : Eileen Mason and Robert Pollock
Teleplay by : Edward De Blasio
November 11, 1981 (1981-11-11)[12]S-01418.8/32[13]

Dynasty moved from Monday nights to Wednesdays for season two. Dynasty was preempted by the two-hour series premiere of The Fall Guy on November 4, 1981.[11]
172"The Verdict"Gabrielle BeaumontStory by : Eileen Mason and Robert Pollock
Teleplay by : Edward De Blasio
November 18, 1981 (1981-11-18)[14]S-01522.7/39[15]
183"Alexis' Secret"Richard KinonStory by : Eileen Mason and Robert Pollock
Teleplay by : Edward De Blasio
November 25, 1981 (1981-11-25)[16]S-01617.7/31[17][18]
194"Fallon's Father"Bob SweeneyStory by : Eileen Mason and Robert Pollock
Teleplay by : Mann Rubin
December 2, 1981 (1981-12-02)[19]S-01720.9/35[20]
205"Reconciliation"Jerome CourtlandStory by : Eileen Mason and Robert Pollock
Teleplay by : Edward De Blasio
December 9, 1981 (1981-12-09)[21]S-01818.5/31[22][23]
216"Viva Las Vegas"Alf KjellinStory by : Eileen Mason and Robert Pollock
Teleplay by : Edward De Blasio
December 16, 1981 (1981-12-16)[24]S-01918.5/30[25][23]
227"The Miscarriage"Irving J. MooreStory by : Eileen Mason and Robert Pollock
Teleplay by : Edward De Blasio
December 23, 1981 (1981-12-23)[26]S-02017.3/32[27][28]
238"The Mid-East Meeting"Gabrielle BeaumontStory by : Eileen Mason and Robert Pollock
Teleplay by : Elisabeth & Richard Wilson
January 6, 1982 (1982-01-06)[30]S-02118.5/29[31][32]
Dynasty was preempted by the ABC Wednesday Night Movie Summer Solstice on December 30, 1981.[29]
249"The Psychiatrist"Irving J. MooreStory by : Eileen Mason and Robert Pollock
Teleplay by : Shimon Wincelberg
January 13, 1982 (1982-01-13)[33]S-02220.7/32[34][35]
2510"Sammy Jo and Steven Marry"Jerome CourtlandStory by : Eileen Mason and Robert Pollock
Teleplay by : Edward De Blasio
January 20, 1982 (1982-01-20)[36]S-02319.4/32[37][35]
2611"The Car Explosion"Irving J. MooreStory by : Eileen Mason and Robert Pollock
Teleplay by : Edward De Blasio
January 27, 1982 (1982-01-27)[38]S-02420.3/34[39]
2712"Blake's Blindness"Jeff BlecknerStory by : Eileen Mason and Robert Pollock
Teleplay by : Lorraine Despres
February 3, 1982 (1982-02-03)[40]S-02519.6/32[41][42]
2813"The Hearing"Bob SweeneyStory by : Eileen Mason and Robert Pollock
Teleplay by : Shimon Wincelberg
February 10, 1982 (1982-02-10)[43]S-02619.7/32[44]
2914"The Iago Syndrome"Jerome Courtland & Alf KjellinStory by : Eileen Mason and Robert Pollock
Teleplay by : Shimon Wincelberg
February 17, 1982 (1982-02-17)[45]S-02721.3/35[46]
3015"The Party"Gwen ArnerStory by : Eileen Mason and Robert Pollock
Teleplay by : Edward De Blasio
February 24, 1982 (1982-02-24)[47]S-02821.0/34[48]
3116"The Baby"Jerome CourtlandStory by : Eileen Mason and Robert Pollock
Teleplay by : Edward De Blasio
March 3, 1982 (1982-03-03)[49]S-02921.8/35[50]
3217"Mother and Son"Lawrence DobkinStory by : Eileen Mason and Robert Pollock
Teleplay by : Edward De Blasio
March 17, 1982 (1982-03-17)[52]S-03023.0/41[53]
Dynasty was preempted by a repeat of the two-hour series premiere of The Fall Guy on March 10, 1982.[51]
3318"The Gun"Philip LeacockStory by : Eileen Mason and Robert Pollock
Teleplay by : Edward De Blasio
March 24, 1982 (1982-03-24)[54]S-03123.7/42[55]
3419"The Fragment"Irving J. Moore & Edward LeddingStory by : Eileen Mason and Robert Pollock
Teleplay by : Edward De Blasio
April 7, 1982 (1982-04-07)[57]S-03221.0/35[58]
Dynasty was preempted by a Cheryl Ladd special called Scenes from a Special on March 31, 1982.[56]
3520"The Shakedown"Philip LeacockStory by : Eileen Mason and Robert Pollock
Teleplay by : Daniel King Benton
April 14, 1982 (1982-04-14)[59]S-03320.8/36[60]
3621"The Two Princes"Irving J. MooreStory by : Eileen Mason and Robert Pollock
Teleplay by : Edward De Blasio
April 28, 1982 (1982-04-28)[62]S-03421.4/35[63]
Dynasty was preempted by an ABC News Special on Fortress Israel on April 21, 1982.[61] This episode features the final appearance of Al Corley as Steven in the regular series.
3722"The Cliff"Jerome CourtlandStory by : Eileen Mason and Robert Pollock
Teleplay by : Edward De Blasio
May 5, 1982 (1982-05-05)[64]S-03522.7/38[65]

Reception

edit

In season two, Dynasty made it to the Top 20, and was ranked #19 in the United States with a 20.2 Nielsen rating.[6][7]

References

edit
  1. ^ a b c d e Schemering, Christopher (September 1985). The Soap Opera Encyclopedia. pp. 80–84. ISBN 0-345-32459-5.
  2. ^ a b Klein, Joe (September 2, 1985). "The Real Star of Dynasty". New York. pp. 32–39. Archived from the original on April 15, 2023. Retrieved June 1, 2017 – via Google Books.
  3. ^ Hack, Richard. "Portraying of Characters: Casting (Excerpt of Aaron Spelling/Douglas S. Cramer interview)". The Hollywood Reporter. Archived from the original on March 28, 2010. Retrieved February 25, 2009 – via UltimateDynasty.net.
  4. ^ a b Bagley, Christopher (December 11, 2018). "Joan Collins Dishes on Dynasty, Her Diet, and the Monstrous Men in Her Past". W. Archived from the original on January 23, 2019. Retrieved January 18, 2019.
  5. ^ Mar, Alex (May 25, 2011). "The Dynasty That Could Have Been". Slate. Archived from the original on August 9, 2012. Retrieved May 29, 2017.
  6. ^ a b Brooks, Tim; Marsh, Earle (October 2007). "Top-Rated Programs by Season". The Complete Directory to Prime Time Network and Cable TV Shows 1946–Present (9th ed.). pp. 1689–1692. ISBN 978-0-345-49773-4.
  7. ^ a b "TV Ratings: 1981–82". ClassicTVHits.com. Archived from the original on November 2, 2012. Retrieved February 27, 2015.
  8. ^ a b Miller, Samantha; Griffiths, John (June 22, 1998). "Rising Son". People. Vol. 49, No. 24. pp. 193–194. Archived from the original on June 2, 2009. Retrieved February 21, 2009.
  9. ^ Lardine, Bob; Wallace, David; Mackay, Kathy (May 10, 1982). "Dynasty Cleans House". People. Archived from the original on July 1, 2017. Retrieved May 28, 2017.
  10. ^ Gliatto, Tom; Sheff, Vicki (August 5, 1991). "Alexis Strikes Again!". People. Vol. 36, no. 4. pp. 66–68. Archived from the original on March 18, 2009. Retrieved February 21, 2009.
  11. ^ "Wednesday TV". NY Daily News. New York City, New York. November 4, 1981.
  12. ^ "Wednesday TV". NY Daily News. New York City, New York. November 11, 1981.
  13. ^ "CBS back on top after week five". Broadcasting. Vol. 101, no. 21. November 23, 1981. p. 57. ProQuest 962772415.
  14. ^ "Wednesday TV". NY Daily News. New York City, New York. November 18, 1981.
  15. ^ "ABC win gives it season-to-date tie with CBS". Broadcasting. Vol. 101, no. 22. November 30, 1981. p. 74. ProQuest 962751284.
  16. ^ "Wednesday TV". NY Daily News. New York City, New York. November 25, 1981.
  17. ^ "Television Ratings (Nov. 23–29)". The Los Angeles Times. December 2, 1981. Archived from the original on November 20, 2023. Retrieved October 23, 2023 – via Newspapers.com. 
  18. ^ Nielsen National TV Audience Estimates (November 23–December 6, 1981) (Report). Nielsen Media Research.
  19. ^ "Wednesday TV". NY Daily News. New York City, New York. December 2, 1981.
  20. ^ Gansberg, Alan L. (December 9, 1981). "CBS wins ratings; 'Maverick' shoots bulls-eye for NBC". The Hollywood Reporter. Vol. 269, no. 35. p. 17. ProQuest 2587910727.
  21. ^ "Wednesday TV". NY Daily News. New York City, New York. December 9, 1981.
  22. ^ "Television Ratings (Dec. 7–13)". The Los Angeles Times. December 17, 1981. Archived from the original on November 20, 2023. Retrieved October 23, 2023 – via Newspapers.com. 
  23. ^ a b Nielsen National TV Audience Estimates (December 7–20, 1981) (Report). Nielsen Media Research.
  24. ^ "Wednesday TV". NY Daily News. New York City, New York. December 16, 1981.
  25. ^ "Television Ratings (Dec. 14–20)". The Los Angeles Times. December 24, 1981. Archived from the original on November 20, 2023. Retrieved October 23, 2023 – via Newspapers.com. 
  26. ^ "Wednesday TV". NY Daily News. New York City, New York. December 23, 1981.
  27. ^ Bruce B. Morris, Prime Time Network Serials: Episode Guides, Casts and Credits for 37 Continuing Television Dramas, 1964-1993, McFarland and Company, 1997.
  28. ^ Fast Weekly Program Audience Estimates (December 21-27, 1981) (Report). Nielsen Media Research.
  29. ^ "TV Listings". The Blade. Toledo, Ohio. December 30, 1982.
  30. ^ "Wednesday TV". NY Daily News. New York City, New York. January 6, 1982.
  31. ^ "Television Ratings (Jan. 4–10)". The Los Angeles Times. January 13, 1982. Archived from the original on November 20, 2023. Retrieved October 23, 2023 – via Newspapers.com. 
  32. ^ Nielsen National TV Audience Estimates (December 28, 1981–January 10, 1982) (Report). Nielsen Media Research.
  33. ^ "Wednesday TV". NY Daily News. New York City, New York. January 13, 1982.
  34. ^ "Television Ratings (Jan. 11–17)". The Los Angeles Times. January 20, 1982. Archived from the original on November 20, 2023. Retrieved October 23, 2023 – via Newspapers.com. 
  35. ^ a b Nielsen National TV Audience Estimates (January 11–24, 1982) (Report). Nielsen Media Research.
  36. ^ "Wednesday TV". NY Daily News. New York City, New York. January 20, 1982.
  37. ^ "Television Ratings (Jan. 18–24)". The Los Angeles Times. January 27, 1982. Archived from the original on November 20, 2023. Retrieved October 23, 2023 – via Newspapers.com. 
  38. ^ "Wednesday TV". NY Daily News. New York City, New York. January 27, 1982.
  39. ^ "Ratings Roundup". Broadcasting. Vol. 102, no. 6. February 8, 1982. p. 98. ProQuest 1014712637.
  40. ^ "Wednesday TV". NY Daily News. New York City, New York. February 3, 1982.
  41. ^ "Television Ratings (Feb. 1–7)". The Los Angeles Times. February 10, 1982. Archived from the original on November 20, 2023. Retrieved October 23, 2023 – via Newspapers.com. 
  42. ^ Nielsen National TV Audience Estimates (January 25–February 7, 1982) (Report). Nielsen Media Research.
  43. ^ "Wednesday TV". NY Daily News. New York City, New York. February 10, 1982.
  44. ^ Gansberg, Alan L. (February 17, 1982). "CBS, ABC tie in weekly rate race". The Hollywood Reporter. Vol. 270, no. 32. p. 4. ProQuest 2594729051.
  45. ^ "Wednesday TV". NY Daily News. New York City, New York. February 17, 1982.
  46. ^ Gansberg, Alan L. (February 24, 1982). "'Falcon' soars to its ratings summit with Lana Turner". The Hollywood Reporter. Vol. 270, no. 37. p. 4. ProQuest 2587911918.
  47. ^ "Wednesday TV". NY Daily News. New York City, New York. February 24, 1982.
  48. ^ Gansberg, Alan L. (March 3, 1982). "February sweeps victory seen as certainty for CBS". The Hollywood Reporter. Vol. 270, no. 42. p. 4. ProQuest 2594738244.
  49. ^ "Wednesday TV". NY Daily News. New York City, New York. March 3, 1982.
  50. ^ Gansberg, Alan L. (March 10, 1982). "Movies give ABC Weekly ratings win; 'Alligator' snags 5th". The Hollywood Reporter. Vol. 270, no. 47. p. 24. ProQuest 2594734928.
  51. ^ "Wednesday TV". NY Daily News. New York City, New York. March 10, 1982.
  52. ^ "Wednesday TV". NY Daily News. New York City, New York. March 17, 1982.
  53. ^ "Third Season Opens But Little's New". Variety. Vol. 306, no. 8. March 24, 1982. p. 259. ProQuest 1438340318.
  54. ^ "Wednesday TV". NY Daily News. New York City, New York. March 24, 1982.
  55. ^ Gansberg, Alan L. (March 31, 1982). "'Joanie,' '9 to 5' net ABC Weekly win; CBS tops season". The Hollywood Reporter. Vol. 271, no. 12. p. 4. ProQuest 2587820890.
  56. ^ "TV Listings". The Blade. Toledo, Ohio. March 31, 1982.
  57. ^ "Wednesday TV". NY Daily News. New York City, New York. April 7, 1982.
  58. ^ Gansberg, Alan L. (April 14, 1982). "CBS wins Ratings, but Net Averages Continue to Decline". The Hollywood Reporter. Vol. 271, no. 22. p. 6. ProQuest 2587820931.
  59. ^ "Wednesday TV". NY Daily News. New York City, New York. April 14, 1982.
  60. ^ "Ratings Roundup". Broadcasting. Vol. 102, no. 17. April 26, 1982. p. 83. ProQuest 1014698394.
  61. ^ "TV Listings". The Blade. Toledo, Ohio. April 21, 1982.
  62. ^ "Wednesday TV". NY Daily News. New York City, New York. April 28, 1982.
  63. ^ "'Mae West' takes ABC upstairs for ratines week win". The Hollywood Reporter. Vol. 271, no. 37. May 5, 1982. p. 5. ProQuest 2587817005.
  64. ^ "Wednesday TV". NY Daily News. New York City, New York. May 5, 1982.
  65. ^ "Ratings Roundup". Broadcasting. Vol. 102, no. 20. May 17, 1982. p. 42. ProQuest 962738839.
edit