*NOTE: CBS Home Entertainment brings all 29 episodes of season five in two sets, but this time both sets were made available on the same date as standalones or a two-pack.
Dynasty was at the peak of success during the fifth season, finishing first in the Neilsen ratings, despite a few notable changes: Fallon (Pamela Sue Martin) had become a runaway bride and disappeared, only to reemerge in the person of General Hospital alum, Emma Samms. Diahann Carroll, who joined the cast the cast for the final two episodes of season four as the mysterious Dominique Deveraux, is aboard for the entire season, and legendary movie star Rock Hudson appeared in several episodes as Daniel Reece, the love interest of Krystle Carrington, and biological father of Sammy Jo Carrington (Heather Locklear).
Aside from the question of where’s Fallon, the other cliffhanger from season four is what will happen to Alexis (Joan Collins) after she was arrested for the murder of Mark Jennings. Unfortunately for Alexis, several members of her family would like to see her on death row. If there’s a genuine surprise, it’s the arrival of Amanda Carrington (Catherine Oxenberg), Alexis and Blake’s long lost daughter. Blake (John Forsythe) gets another shocker when Dominique explains they’re brother and sister! Lady Ashley Mitchell (Ali MacGraw) arrives on the scene with her eyes firmly trained on Blake. Don’t ya’ just love Dynasty?
The fifth season features undoubtedly the most famous Dynasty cliffhanger, the so-called “Moldavian massacre.” Amanda and Prince Michael’s (Michael Praed) royal wedding is interrupted by terrorists in a military coup of Moldavia, riddling the chapel with bullets and leaving all of the major characters lying lifeless. I remember being absolutely shocked when the season finale aired back in May 1985. Much like the Who shot J.R. question of five years earlier, people were wondering about the outcome of it all that entire summer. I can remember having a debate with a group of friends about who might not return for season six.
It’s easy to see why season five was the most popular for Dynasty. It has plenty of twists, turns, plots, schemes, dead bodies, new bodies, family secrets, and star power to keep things interesting.
The video is 1.33:1 full frame. The transfers bring out the posh glitz of 1984. The audio is Dolby Digital mono. Dialogue comes through nicely. The episodes are subtitled.
We get a brief special feature: Entertainment Tonight Interview 1985 (2:06) gives Leeza Gibbons a chance to chat with Rock Hudson. Leeza’s ‘80s hair and fashions should never be duplicated at home. This is on Volume Two.
