DYNASTY

My Take: 8/10

Parental Rating: Young Adults

The original Dynasty is a towering monument to 1980s television culture, a series that redefined prime-time drama by transforming the standard corporate procedural into an unbridled celebration of high camp and corporate warfare. While its initial season functioned as a relatively grounded study of oil money and family friction, the series earned its legendary status in season two with the arrival of Joan Collins. The creative execution shifted gears entirely, leaning into a theatrical visual language of massive shoulder pads, lavish sets, and sharp-tongued confrontational dialogue that captured the zeitgeist of an era defined by excess.

The overarching narrative centers on Denver oil tycoon Blake Carrington and his family, but the true driving force of the series is Alexis Carrington Colby, played with unforgettable, venomous brilliance by Collins. Operating with a fierce personal code of corporate dominance and personal revenge against her ex-husband, Alexis steps into the Carrington world as a force of nature. As she navigates the mean reds of boardroom coups, secret alliances, and legendary rivalries, she establishes an active presence that refuses to accept the unwavering authority of the male-dominated oil industry. It is a spectacular narrative of personal agency, driven by a woman who uses her intellect, wit, and sheer ambition to build her own empire.

The Parental Lens

This classic soap opera serves as a highly engaging catalyst for parents to watch with mature older teens and young adults, offering a fascinating look at the historical transition of how women were portrayed on television. Joan Collins’s Alexis was revolutionary for her time, a powerful, unapologetic woman who possessed incredible high-stakes competence and challenged corporate frameworks on her own terms. You can talk to your teen about the concept of a professional code: where is the line between a character who shows admirable resilience and personal agency, and one whose ambition erodes their intellectual integrity?

The intense, sometimes absurd dynamics within the Carrington and Colby families also provide a unique framework for discussing accountability and family loyalty. While the visceral reality of the show’s melodrama is heightened for entertainment, the underlying conflicts regarding inheritance, parental expectations, and public perception are excellent discussion starters. As a parent and creative mentor, you can ask your teen: "How does the show’s portrayal of wealth and power reflect the values of the 1980s compared to what we see on social media today?" It’s a vital conversation about the difference between a curated, high-gloss image and true emotional truth.

My Final Take

The original Dynasty is a smart, soulful, and deeply entertaining journey into the heart of television history. It’s a reminder for our older teens that having a strong voice and the courage to challenge established authority are timeless traits, even when wrapped in the high fashion of a bygone decade. The creative execution, anchored by the undeniable magnetism of Joan Collins and a production design that set a new global benchmark for luxury, ensures the series remains a sleek and resonant classic. It is for the family that appreciates pop-culture history, sharp wit, and the sheer joy of a beautifully executed melodrama.

This is my personal view. Please always check local ratings. Poster used for review purposes only.