“Dynasty,” a Hidden Gem You Might Have Missed

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“Dynasty” on Netflix stars (from left to right) Elizabeth Gillies, Nicollette Sheridan, Grant Show, and Ana Brenda Contreras.

Olivia Aragon, Staff Reporter

Drama filled shows are nothing new, but “Dynasty” is one that may have escaped your radar.

On Oct. 11, 2017, a remake of the 1981 show “Dynasty” hit Netflix. “Dynasty” is filled with never ending drama, scandals, corruption, and secrets that kept me on the edge of my seat. I feel like this show doesn’t get nearly enough praise. To be honest, I didn’t know this show even existed until last summer; however, even from the first episode, I was entranced with finding out what happened next.

“Dynasty” is about the Carringtons, a famous family with billions of dollars. The characters in this show are extremely complex. They are never all good or all bad, which makes it much more interesting to watch. When there is conflict between two characters, you can’t tell which character is good and which is bad, because they are both at fault in some capacity and right in another.

The only thing I don’t like about the show is that they’ve already let go of one actor, while another actress has left, and they’re only on the second season.  The actors who left didn’t play minor characters, either; they were key characters for the plot. This is annoying, because then the show has to come up with some reason for why the character left. As a watcher of the show it is a little bit aggravating, especially since the show is relatively new.

Mr. Carrington, played by Grant Show, is the father of Fallon and Steven. Mr. Carrington runs a power company called Carrington Atlantic that has been in his family for generations. He is super conservative and only wants the best for his family and company. In Mr. Carrington’s mind, these two things go hand in hand. His past is filled with corruption and backdoor deals, and you will see that he has many skeletons in his closet. As you watch, you begin to wonder just how far Mr. Carrington is willing to go to protect his company.

Mr. Carrington is one of my least favorite characters in the show. He is very manipulative, and seems unable to acknowledge his own faults. However, the actor plays this character well; Grant Show does an excellent job of showcasing Mr. Carrington’s personality, especially in the moments when he gets a short period of redemption.

Steven Carrington, played by James Mackay, is the firstborn. He is always butting heads with his father, since their views on politics don’t exactly coincide. Unlike his father, Steven is a sweet, caring, and easily trusting character. He’s hard not to love, even though he has had his share of secrets and screw-ups. From his shady ex-boyfriends to his past addictions, he is stuck trying to overcome it all. As the show progresses, his views and ideals seem to show that he is the black sheep of this family.

Steven is just plain amazing. He’s a character who brings light to a place full of shadows. In my opinion, he is one of the only truly good characters in the show. Steven and Fallon have a fantastic sibling relationship. They love and support each other and always have each other’s back. Their relationship is so pure and caring that it makes the show that much better to watch. Overall, James Mackay plays Steven very well. He does an amazing job of displaying Steven’s everlasting struggle with his demons.

Fallon Carrington is played by Elizabeth Gillies, who also played Jade in the hit Nickelodeon show “Victorious.” Fallon is a business savvy woman who wants nothing more than to be the Chief Operations Officer of her father’s company, but her father always seems to overlook her. She feels that she is always fighting for a seat at the family’s table. Despite her insecurities, however, she is not afraid to step on anyone’s shoes to get what she wants, and she is one person you don’t want as an enemy.

Although Fallon can be selfish and rude at times, she is a character that you hate to love and just can’t get enough of. She has had her share of struggles, including her father not acknowledging her abilities, people underestimating what she can do, and her mother leaving her when she was in high school. You will find yourself feeling sorry for her, though you may feel that she doesn’t deserve it.

Fallon is one of my favorite characters and is absolutely amazing in my eyes. She is one to always speak the truth and has amazing one-liners. Some people may think that Fallon is like her father, and is a horrible person, but I would disagree. Fallon’s struggle is what makes her amazing. Sure, she will do whatever it takes to get what she wants, but it is only because she is emotionally stunted. Personally, I see a character who feels that no one loves her and that she cannot trust anyone. This feeling causes her to look selfish, because she believes that she is the only one looking out for herself.

Elizabeth Gillies plays Fallon brilliantly. She does an amazing job at playing such a complex character, able to portray Fallon’s struggle while still showing just how powerful of a person she is. 

There are so many other characters who all have their share of secrets, but they are left for you to discover. This show has so many layers of lies, love, corruption, and scandals that it feels as if anything is possible, and the show never has a dull moment. I’ve watched the first season and I’ve been eagerly waiting for season two to come onto Netflix. So, if you’re looking for a new show to watch, “Dynasty” is one you won’t want to miss.