Dynasty Season 1 [DVD] [1980]

Good Memories of watching it years ago

For someone who has very much been well acquainted with 'Dynasty's later seasons, but who is less familiar with the show's beginnings, i find this DVD most fascinating. Perhaps it is the fact that the series really hadn't established itself at all at this point, and the viewer reaction had yet be tested, but this pilot and first series, really does show the show in a different light, especially to what would come later, when 'Dynasty' would establish itself within its own exclusive genre.Perhaps the biggest difference is the fact that this series is far less sensationalised, and pretty much everything that happens within its stories isn't beyond the realms of reality. The characters seem more real. There are shades of grey within their characters, and they are not so much the more stereotypical caricatures they would turn into as the series progressed. The biggest difference is perhaps with Blake, who here is conveyed as really rather a ruthless, and even at times, wildly aggressive person, who manages to drive a wedge between himself and the rest of his family. He's certainly not the cosy Blake that viewers would warm to as the series progressed. Pamela Sue Martin and Al Corley, especially, are remarkably effective as spoilt Fallon and homosexual Steven, and it is unfortunate that they should both decide to leave their roles as the series progessed, because they really were the definitive Fallon and Steven. Al Corley, especially, played Steven with incredble sensitivity.Much of the story tends to switch between the Carrington mansion, and the oil rigs, set up by their rival business associates, the Blaisdel's. This contrast in the lives of the wealthy, and those working class men working on the rigs, tends to ground 'Dynasty' in something which perhaps relates much more to reality, than the suave suited businessmen which would dominate the series to come. Bo Hopkins, especially, as Matthew Blaisdel, with his mentally ill wife, Claudia, gives a grittily effective and down to earth performance.The different aspects relating the threads running through the storyline, are really incredibly meticulously written, where all the different strands somehow towards the season's climax, add to a wonderfully exciting finale.Of course, this first season is fully of deceit, intrigue, and greed. At times many of the characters seem to be merely pawns being manupulated by Blake and his main rival, Cecil Colby, in an attempt for them to destroy each other, or at the very least, to score some very expensive points from each other, in terms of their business ventures. There seems so very little honesty and sincerity.All this, and even before Alexis (Joan Collins), should make her debut in season two. In a sense, Alexis, would prove the ratings winner for 'Dynasty' in the coming seasons. The stories would become ever more dramatic with her in that role, and extremely effective. However, the series was never to retain the down to earth tone of the first season, which for me, really does have a charm which is exclusively its own. Alexis, and the characters brought into the series later were great at times, as were some of the plots, but after a while the show began to lose its sense of reality. That is something this first season has in abundance.

I agree with most of the reviews here that there is much to enjoy in this very first season of Dynasty which eventually ran for nine seasons during the 1980s. I recall watching these episodes during the first transmission on BBC from 1981 onwards. They had more than enough good storylines to keep fans happy until the final season when it eventually died a slow death as many of the original cast drifted out of the series, including Linda Evans and Joan Collins who by that time was only making occasional appearances.Of course, this first season was about setting the tone of what was to come. One of the key storylines concerned Blake Carrington struggling to come to terms with his son's Steven homosexuality. Another was his daughter, Fallon, whose strange marriage to Jeff Colby highlighted his rivalry in business with Cecil Colby. On top of all that, there was the relationship between Matthew Blaisdale and his mentally unstable wife, Claudia and their daughter. Guest starring was Dale Robertson so well known from his Wells Fargo days made during the 1950s, a veteran actor who sadly only stayed for one season.Including the first episode "Oil" which was a 135 minute episode with the pilot and first two episodes crammed together, there are 15 episodes all told. A short season then until later seasons which were made up of about 26 episodes on average. The opening theme music is brilliant, and it was changed slightly for later seasons.Picture quality is rather good on my copy with a decent soundtrack. A good first season for Dynasty. Roll on Season Two when Joan Collins playing Alexis makes her presence known.

I love this series from the 80's its full of beautiful people, beautiful clothes and the storyline is really good especially in the first 3 seasons. Some of the later seasons aren't so good and it becomes too far fetched.There are some great actors in this series along with the iconic beauties like Linda Evans and Joan Collins.The original Fallon played by Pamela Sue Martin was brilliant and it wasn't the same when she and the original Steven were replaced. Its addictive viewing and it takes you back to the days of glamour and sophistication with some down right dirty catfights later on between our Joanie and Linda.Addictive viewing and you will have your favourites as well.

If you remember glitz and glamour, shoulder pads and sequins, "big hair", and vats of lip gloss, then Dynasty was your weekly show. Back in the day, we used to pour into the sitting-room in my shared house when I was a student on "Dynasty Night" each week. We might have had assignments or exams to prepare, but Dynasty Night was as sacred as going to Church. On came the television and out came the cups of tea and coffee, slices of cake, crisps and other snacks. Happy memories of happy days.

It took a long time to release this DVD. Fans of "Dallas" can already enjoy the first ten seasons on DVD.Nevertheless, it was worth waiting.Joan Collins is really missing in the first season. Therefore the first episodes are not as convincing as the episodes of the following season. The characters still had to develop.If you compare "Dynasty" to "Brothers & Sisters", it is very interesting how things have changed in the last nearly 30 years.Steven's sexuality was a revolution in the 80s. Nowadays even the Americans have a different attitude to this topic.The bonus material is very rare. But they do not have the possibility to present "deleted scenes" or "bloopers".If you want to be reminded of the thrilling TV shows of the 80s or if you want to study the American upper class of the 80s, watch "Dynasty".If you are not nostalgic at all, stick to modern productions.