As life slowly fades from Emily's body, she whispers a last request to Blake to use the letter she left for him. The letter reveals the truth behind Alexis and Ben's lies and will clear his name. Alexis discovers Michael Culhane secretly acquired thirty percent of The Crater project behind Blake's back. She plots to possess the shares for her own sinister deeds. Upon learning of his mother's tragic death, Clay and Sammy Jo return from their Las Vegas wedding, only to suffer the hateful wrath of Buck's drunkenness and consuming guilt. Sammy Jo renews her threat to take Danny away from Steven. Nick Kimball sweeps an unsuspecting Dominique into his arms, as the two share a moment of passion. Michael Culhane confesses his quest for revenge to Blake in hopes of winning his trust and proving his love for Amanda. An outraged Blake discounts his confession as more treachery and vows to use Emily's letter to bring Alexis and Ben to justice.

The Letter

John Forsythe

Linda Evans

Joan Collins

Gordon Thomson

Michael Nader

Heather Locklear

Jack Coleman

Wayne Northrop

Diahann Carroll

Kate O'Mara

Ted McGinley

Leann Hunley

Christopher Cazenove

Terri Garber

Karen Cellini

Georg Stanford Brown

The Ball

The Secret

Moments from death under Blake's powerful grip, Alexis' life is spared as Krystle is able to restrain Blake's lethal temper, but not before he vows to regain the Carrington mansion. As searing flames ravage La Mirage, Amanda is rescued from the suffocating smoke by Michael Culhane, a nemesis from the Carrington's past. Phil Thorpe accuses Blake of being responsible for the death of his wife, a victim of the fire. A news crew is quick to tape the bereaved man's inflammatory remarks. The La Mirage blaze claims the life of Claudia. Ben receives a mysterious call from a female acquaintance. Unwilling to share in her mother's ""triumph"", Amanda flees to live with Blake. Upon seeing news clips of the La Mirage fire, Alexis begins to form an unscrupulous scheme, and Blake is the unwitting prey. Her plot unfolds as the Denver Mirror acquires a new publisher and a new headline for the morning edition--BLAKE CARRINGTON ACCUSED OF ARSON-MURDER!

The Victory

An incensed Blake discovers the morning headlines, which accuse him of murder and arson. He rushes to the Denver Mirror only to find Alexis as the new publisher. She presents him with an ultimatum: leave Denver or face relentless persecution from her paper. Michael Culhane, the Carrington's blackmailing chauffeur from the past, persuades a reluctant Blake to reacquire his services. Steven offers Adam his hand in friendship to work together for their father, but Adam's true loyalties lie with Alexis and Colbyco. An unsuspecting Blake is stalked by Phil Thorpe. Sammy Jo and Clay Fallmont's romance strengthens. Alexis buys up enough stock to control Denver-Carrington, forcing Blake to relinquish his office, but not his determination to regain his company. Phil Thorpe exacts his revenge by forcing Blake's limousine off the road. From the mangled wreckage, Blake is able to drag himself free and unharmed, only to find Krystle, bloodied and unconscious.

Sideswiped

Krystle lays unconscious in her hospital room, a victim of Phil Thorpe's crusade for revenge. Blake attributes the attempted murder to Alexis and vows to kill her if Krystle fails to pull through. Despite their lustful romance, Clay informs Sammy Jo he is not ready for a commitment. As Krystle makes a speedy recovery, Dominique, in a selfless display of trust, offers Blake a 50 million dollar loan to free him from Alexis' crushing debt. Alexis threatens the Assistant D.A. with her power of the press if he doesn't prosecute Blake. Phill Thorpe gains access to Krystle's suite and threatens her with murder in retribution against Blake, but her composure and compassion persuades him to give up his maniacal scheme. Threatened by Alexis' power, the D.A. determines the La Mirage fire as arson and Blake as the prime suspect.

Focus

Blake discovers La Mirage manager Jay Bradley purposely failed to tell him he hired the man believed responsible for the fire. Alexis continues her ruthless campaign against Blake, offering a $100,000 dollar reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the arsonist. Michael Culhane, bent to avenge the humiliation caused him by Blake in the past, intensifies his efforts to charm Amanda. Blake and Dex agree to work together on an ambitious new drilling venture; a gamble that could win him back his empire or lose everything he ever had. Desperate to know more about their secret deal, Alexis acquires the talents of Gordon Wales, an investigative reporter with a dislike for Blake. Ben and Adam continue to distrust each other, as they are asked to prove their loyalty to Alexis. Ben bribes Jay Bradley, bitter after losing his job, to conspire against Blake. A moment of joy shared with Krystle is crushed by a warrant for Blake's arrest for murder and arson.

Reward

Alexis learns of Ben's ploy to frame Blake with a bogus witness. Blake is denied bail and forced to await his trial behind bars. Krystle consults a doctor regarding her dizzy spells and ignores his advice to slow down and rest. Adam overhears Ben nervously reject a call from Australia, arousing his suspicions behind Ben's evasiveness. Jackie is able to tell Krystle and Dominique that the La Mirage blaze started in Claudia's room, proving Blake did not hire an arsonist. The information forces the Assistant D.A. to drop all charges against Blake. Fearing Buck's strong contempt for the Carringtons, Clay unsuccessfully tries to persuade Sammy Jo against accepting his mother's invitation to dinner. Blake receives a letter from Caress in a Caracas prison pleading for his help. He decides to attempt her freedom in exchange for her testimony against Ben. As a raging storm strands Alexis alone with Dex in his construction trailer, the two rekindle their romance by making passionate love.

The Arraignment

Blake and Krystle fly to Caracas in an attempt to free Caress. Their efforts are wasted as a prison official, bribed by Ben, denies that she's there. Alexis' refound romance with Dex drives Ben mad with envy. Dex shocks Alexis with a proposal of marriage, only to have her reject his amorous bid. Blake catches Michael Culhane and Amanda in a passionate embrace. In a fit of rage, he fires his playboy chauffeur, further distancing Amanda from her over-protective father. Dominique's singing talents are pursued by Gary Tilden, a dubious character who works for a recording studio. Having had enough of Ben's conniving, Alexis kicks him out of the mansion and out of Colbyco, but not before he promises revenge. Ben threatens to expose his and Alexis' conspiracy against Blake if he isn't put back in her good favor. Nick Kimball romantically pursues Dominique, who shows little outward affection in return. Fallon returns to Denver to warn Amanda of Michael Culhane's deceptiveness. Dex jumps after

Romance

Blake and Dex go over plans to break Caress out of prison and return her to Denver. This would present Blake with a weapon to use against his brother's treachery. Despite Ben's pleas to regain her trust, Alexis is keen to his selfish motives and plays Ben's deceptions to her own advantage. Sammy Jo is pregnant with Clay's baby and hopes to start a family. She warns Steven that if she bought a farm on which to raise a family, and with Clay as a husband, no court would deny her custody of Danny. Dana confesses her love to Adam. He feigns affection in return and acquire her promise to help him obtain information from Blake's secret files. Alexis learns of Blake's bold venture and immediately sets out to discredit his efforts. She publishes a headline proclaiming ""The Crater"" project as a risky speculation, causing Blake to lose vital investors. Dex and Clay Fallmont blast Caress out of her prison cell and return her to Denver. The D.A. refuses to prosecute Ben without proof he kidnapped C

The Mission

Caress vows to avenge her years of imprisonment by threatening to reveal Alexis and Ben's conspiracy behind Blake's trial. Dana bitterly attacks Adam for using her to discover Blake's secret venture, ""The Crater"" project. An apparent reconciliation between Alexis and Caress results in a job at the Denver Mirror for Caress, and the beginning of her schemes for retribution. Michael Culhane uses Zach Powers, surreptitiously in his behalf, to offer Blake the $50 million dollar loan he desperately needs. The transaction nets Culhane thirty percent of ""The Crater"" project and the perfect opportunity to crush Blake. Clay is less than ecstatic to learn Sammy Jo is pregnant. Caress promises to illuminate Emily Fallmont's past with Ben unless she's paid $100,000. A devastated Emily turns to Ben for advice. As Caress enters her car, shots ring out, shattering her window, narrowly missing her and thwarting her attempted murder. Michael seduces Amanda. Against Blake's adamant objections, Amanda mov

The Choice

Caress continues her relentless extortion of Emily Fallmont, who turns to Blake, her only hope. Sammy Jo is hurt by Clay's suggestion of an abortion. Danny's nursery school teacher, Claire Prentice, shows Steven some of Danny's drawings--drawings that reveal a deeply troubled little boy. Clay shows up at Sammy Jo's door and proposes a Las Vegas wedding. Alexis uses the information she requested on Michael Culhane to expose his charade to Amanda. He pleads with Amanda to believe his love for her is real, confessing he loaned the money to her father and promising to never use it against him--as long as she keeps the information secret. Suffering from the pressure of Caress' blackmailing schemes, Emily goes to Buck with the truth that she was with Ben the night of Blake's mother's death. Fleeing from Buck's drunken, verbal abuse, Emily runs blindly in front of a speeding taxi, throwing her apparently lifeless body to the pavement.

Armed with Emily Fallmont's incriminating letter, Blake and Steven search for the witnesses who testified against him at his murder trial. Blake anticipates crashing Alexis' opulent bash and finally revealing the truth of Alexis and Ben's perjury against him. Sammy Jo's doctor informs her she is not pregnant. Disputing the diagnosis and fearing the outcome, she keeps the news secret from Clay. Unable to buy back The Crater stocks from Michael Culhane, Blake shuts down operation on the project, fearing Alexis' determination to possess the stocks for her own vindictive schemes. At Denver's grand ball, Blake presents Alexis and Ben with signed affidavits from Dan Franklin and Cora Van Husen, key witnesses in his murder trial. Savoring his moment of triumph, Blake challenges them to relinquish his holdings or face legal humiliation when he makes the facts public.

Alexis signs a legal document relinquishing all control of Denver-Carrington and the mansion back to Blake, as his promise to use Emily's incriminating letter has its desired effect. Battling Alexis for equal control of Colbyco, Ben threatens to reveal the truth behind their deceitful crusade against Blake. Blake approaches his maligned brother with an offer of reconciliation, only to have Ben vow to continue his vendetta against him. Steven, recovering from a hangover induced by an old acquaintance's proposition, is forced to confide his gay past to Claire. A mutual alliance between Michael Culhane and Alexis to seek vengeance against Blake is sealed with a champagne toast. Upon reading a slanderous column in Alexis' newspaper, Dominique confronts the deflated empress and a good old cat-fight ensues. Remembering the affects of the mysterious phone calls from Australia on Ben, Alexis sends Adam to Sydney to learn more of Ben's sordid past.

Fear

Sammy Jo continues to keep her false pregnancy a secret from Clay, fearing his adverse reaction upon learning the truth. Blake prepares to fly to Hong Kong with Ben and Alexis to finalize the return of his South China Sea oil leases. Krystle, concerned for her husband's safety, threatens to have Ben sent to prison if anything should happen to Blake. While in Sydney, searching for information to use against Ben, Adam happens across Ben's long lost daughter, Leslie. He discovers what he has been searching for, the mysterious woman plaguing Ben with phone calls, Vera Nesbitt. A bribe soon has her working for Adam. The name Vera Nesbitt sobers Ben into a nervous panic. Upon returning from Australia, Adam goes to Dana and confesses his love to her. Michael admits to a disheartened Amanda his plans to file a lawsuit against her father over the Crater project. While inspecting his oil rig in the South China Sea, an explosion traps Blake under a steel beam. Despite his cries for help, Ben leav

The Rig

A sudden change of heart compels Ben to return to the aid of his brother, as the two narrowly escape the destruction of the ensuing explosion. Alexis waits pensively for news of Blake's condition as he is examined at a Singapore hospital. The doctor caring for him mistakes Alexis for Blake's wife and informs her of his memory loss up until 1964. Alexis immediately seizes the notion of using Blake's condition to get half of the South China Sea leases transferred back to her name. Word of Blake's accident reaches Denver. Krystle and Dex, concerned for Blake's and Alexis' safety, fly to Hong Kong. Sammy Jo suffers a serious blow from a horse and is rushed to the hospital. A concerned Clay soon learns Sammy Jo was never pregnant and suspects her of tricking him into marrying her. Alexis' charade leads Blake to believe he has been happily married to her for the past twenty-three years, as she successfully persuades him to sign over half the lease to her name.

A Love Remembered (1)

Suffering from Clay's suspicions that she tricked him into marrying her, Sammy Jo finds solace and a renewed friendship in Steven. Krystle and Dex begin their search for Blake and Alexis. Alexis' charade to take advantage of an amnesiac Blake fades into a sincere rekindling of their past marriage. Dominique is confronted by Gary Tilden. Despite her adamant rejection of his business proposition, Tilden vows she hasn't heard or seen the last of him. Claiming to have given their present situation much thought, Sammy Jo shocks Clay with a request for an annulment to their marriage. Alone in her studio, Dominique is roughed-up and threatened by two hoods, until Nick Kimball surprises the thugs and comes to her rescue. Reacting to a tip, Krystle finds Alexis and demands to see Blake, only to have him fail to recognize her. The incident proves painful for Blake and he pleads with Alexis to explain what is happening to him. A tearful Alexis confides in Blake her charade and her love for him. A

A Love Remembered (2)

Krystle fears Blake's recent days with Alexis may have renewed his feelings towards her. The arrival of the portrait of Blake, done by Alexis while in Singapore, only heightens her suspicions. Following Ben's courageous act of rescuing Blake from the devastating explosion, Blake extends a sincere offer of friendship. Amanda disappears to London, leaving only a note which claims she had been unable to decide between Blake and Michael Culhane. A concerned Blake agrees not to search for his daughter. Alexis is loath to think Steven and Sammy Jo may be drawing closer together. Leslie Carrington arrives in Denver, searching for Ben. Their reunion is less than joyful, as Leslie blasts Ben for making her mother leave him. Before Ben has a chance to explain the truth, Leslie flees in tears. Clay confronts Steven concerning his motives towards Sammy Jo. A fight ensues between Clay and Steven. Sammy Jo is able to restrain the two, but Clay vows to never give her up.

The Portrait

Although reluctant to end their brief marriage, Clay gives in to Sammy Jo's demands and signs their annulment papers. Sympathizing over Ben's heartfelt loss following Leslie Carrington's bitter assault on him, Blake meets with Leslie to persuade her to give Ben a second chance. Dana accepts Adam's marriage proposal. Upon learning the good news, Alexis is quick to begin planning the entire affair. Included in her plans is the possibility of causing a rift between Blake and Krystle by having the wedding in the Carrington mansion. Having had enough of her manipulation and lies, Dex informs a stunned Alexis that he is leaving her for good. Dominique and Nick fail to realize their need for each other. Dominique and Dex are drawn together for friendship and support. As Krystina's third birthday bash draws near, she suffers a serious loss of breath and is rushed to the hospital. Krystle and Blake wait helplessly as their little girl fights for her life.

The Birthday

Alexis is reluctant to pursue a billion dollar venture put forth by a confident Michael Culhane. Suffering from congestive heart failure, Krystina lapses into unconsciousness, until doctors are able to regain her vital signs. Krystle and Blake helplessly stand by. Dana fears something may come between her and Adam, preventing their plans of marriage. Upon hearing the news of Krystina, Alexis rushes to the hospital to see Blake. Krystle reacts bitterly to her presence, requesting Alexis to leave and stay away from her family. Despite a brave front, Alexis is badly hurt. For Danny's sake, Steven and Sammy Jo agree to assume the appearance of a normal marriage, sharing the same roof, but not the same bed. Following the incident with Krystle, Alexis flies to Los Angeles to be with Jeff and Fallon, and their new baby. Coming as a complete surprise to Alexis, Michael Culhane follows her, professing concern for her. The result of Krystina's heart biopsy reveals a serious heart ailment. Krystl

The Test

Krystina is flown to California to await a suitable donor for her heart transplant. Leslie arrives at the Carrington mansion, suitcases in hand, after accepting Krystle's invitation to move in. Ben takes advantage of his daughter's arrival to hopefully win back her affections. Dex and Dominique pay his father, Sam Dexter, a visit on his Wyoming ranch. As time runs out for Krystina, Blake and Krystle begin a frantic search for a heart donor by initiating a media blitz. Included, is a front-page headline in Alexis' newspaper. Dex is grieved by the news of his best friend's death, and the imminent death of his young daughter. When realizing this tragic news may offer hope for Krystina, he quickly contacts Blake. Blake flies to Wyoming to meet with Sarah Curtis, the mother of the now brain-dead little girl. In a difficult moment for both, he persuades her to allow the heart transplant that may save Krystina's life, as the good news unites the entire Carrington family. A nemesis from the Ca

The Mothers

Krystle and Blake are stunned to learn the heart donor's mother, Sarah Curtis, has had second thoughts on allowing the surgery. Neil McVane carries out his promise of blackmail, as Adam receives a baby booty with his name sewn on it. This is evidence which McVane claims will prove Adam is not the Carrington baby that was kidnapped many years before. Dex, sympathizing with Sarah's plight, is able to use their friendship to persuade Sarah to give her permission for the surgery. Following the operation, a tense Krystle and Blake receive cautious optimism from the operating surgeon. Only time will tell if Krystina's body will accept the new heart. En route to ask Dex for a job, Leslie is involved in a minor traffic dispute with Clay. After being offered an apprentice job by Dex, Leslie is disheartened to learn she will be working directly with Clay. An apprehensive Adam desperately searches for clues to his childhood that will prove him to be a Carrington. Dana and Alexis begin to suspect

The Surgery

The Carrington family gathers to offer Krystina a joyous welcoming on her arrival home. Dirk Maurier, an arrogant California real estate baron, sets his sights on one of Denver's most prestigious assets, Alexis Colby. As Sarah Curtis' grief deepens, Blake and Krystle are unsuccessful in contacting her to express their concern. Convinced that he is truly not a Carrington, Adam is forced to choke back the irony, as Blake forgives him for all his malicious past deeds and welcomes him back as his son and heir. Krystle flies to Wyoming and discovers Sarah, unconscious in a garage full of exhaust, apparently having attempted suicide. To make amends for their rocky start, Leslie and Clay have a night on the town. Neil McVane demands an invite to Alexis' party and makes an unwelcome impression.. Upon Krystle's insistence, Sarah moves in to the Carrington mansion. Her presence near Krystina affects Blake with a looming uneasiness.

The Garage

Adam and Dana's relationship continues to deteriorate as a result of Adam's self-abuse over the doubts of his Carrington heritage. Alexis asks Steven to try and find what is causing Adam's destructive behavior. Dana unsuccessfully questions Dr. Edwards on Adam's mysterious past. Furious at Alexis' dismissal of their personal and professional relationship, Michael joins forces with Neal McVane to exact revenge. Ben is leery of Leslie's growing fondness for Clay, fearing he may be his illegitimate son with Emily. Returning from an encounter with Neal, Adam is arrested for drunk driving and incarcerated. Blake and Dex notice the unnatural attachment Sarah is forming with Krystina. When Krystle is forced to fire the nurse looking over Krystina, Sarah is quick to volunteer her services. Following a surprise wedding shower for Dana, Adam cruelly decides to call off the wedding.

The Shower

Krystle and Blake fear the worst upon discovering Krystina missing from her room. Their worries are quickly relieved when they find her sleeping downstairs, cradled in Sarah's arms. Blake is suspicious of Adam's motives for canceling his and Dana's wedding. Blake hires a private investigator to find the cause of Adam's irrational behavior. Adam's despair grows as he reluctantly agrees to involve Neal McVane in an illegal insider-trading scheme with one of Alexis' companies. Greatly disturbed by the loss of her own little girl, Sarah makes Krystina a dress that is an exact copy of one worn by her daughter. Sammy Jo and Steven share a night by an intimate fire and their passionate feelings drawing them together. Leslie and Clay encounter Buck Fallmont and after discovering Leslie to be a Carrington, his drunken rage heightens. Leslie is mystified by his father's offensive outbursts. Ben confronts Buck, but is bitterly rebuffed by his unrelenting hatred.

The Dress

Steven questions his love for Sammy Jo and his homosexuality. Alexis disregards Dex's warning of Dirk Maurier's unscrupulous business practices, agreeing to a partnership in his plans for a subversive takeover of Trouville Industries. Leslie and Clay's bond turns to passionate love. Dominique discovers Sarah's photo album, revealing the bereaved mother's attempts to make Krystina resemble her own deceased little girl. Convinced Adam is in serious trouble, Blake promises to find what is causing his son's suddenly volatile behavior. Venting his frustration by riding Danny's horse at a dangerously fast pace, Steven is thrown, resulting in serious injuries to the horse. Reeling from his inner conflict, Steven moves out of the ranch, claiming to be leaving those he is hurting the most. Krystle, aware of Sarah's psychologically unbalanced attachment to Krystina, asks her to leave the mansion. Unable to part from the little girl, Sarah kidnaps Krystina, disappearing without a trace.

Valez

Blake and Krystle wait helplessly as an all-points-bulletin is put out for Sarah and Krystina. Adam betrays Alexis' trust by tipping Neal McVane off to her and Dirk Maurier's stock buyout of Trouvitle Industries. Hiding out in a leased apartment, Sarah convinces herself Krystina is her little girl. Krystina, missing her family and home, refuses to take her heart medicine, resulting in a dangerous risk of rejecting her new heart. Having reaped the benefits of three very successful oil wells, Nick Kimball jets Dominique off to San Francisco for dinner, and caps the evening off with a proposal of marriage. In a drunken haze, Adam wanders the streets looking for the abuse he feels he deserves. Krystle finds an address circled in the newspaper. At the apartment, Krystle persuades Sarah to open the door, reuniting mother and daughter.

The Sublet

Following the stock plunge of Trouville Industries and his large financial loss as a result, Dirk Maurier confronts Alexis. He accuses Adam of being responsible for the insider-trading scheme. Krystle and Blake drop all charges against Sarah and place her under private psychiatric care. Adam, unable to tolerate Neal McVane's blackmail any longer, confesses his true identity to Blake and Alexis, leaving them stunned. Wanting to free them of his deceptive lies, Adam runs from Blake's office, vowing to never return. Waiting to give Nick Kimball an answer to his marriage proposal, Dominique is surprised by Jackie's return to Denver, and her news that Garrett is still very much in love with her. Adam returns to Denver following a visit to his mother's grave in Montana. Putting aside the past, Dana passionately welcomes Adam back into her life. As Dana and Adam prepare to leave Denver, Blake persuades Adam to believe he will always be his son and a Carrington. Gavin Maurier, nephew of Dirk,

The Confession

Blake is stunned by Buck Fallmont's claim that Clay may be Ben's son. Concerned for Clay and Leslie's well being, Blake tells Clay the shocking news. Hoping to reunite her mother and father, Jackie asks Nick to stay away from Dominique. When her efforts fail, Jackie makes plans to return to her father. Krystle attempts to bring Sarah to face the reality of her baby's death by bringing her to the gravesite. The realization proves painful for both Sarah and Krystle, as Sarah is finally able to accept the tragic loss of her baby. Fearing that Ben may be his father, Clay confides in Leslie the possibility that they may be brother and sister. Leslie responds with rage towards Ben for not telling her sooner. Gavin Maurier treats Alexis to an unusual date on the back of a motorcycle, which leaves Alexis intrigued by the mysterious and younger Maurier. Krystle is angered to find a workman lingering after the completion of alterations for Adam and Dana's wedding. As surprisingly as the man appe

The Affair

Krystle is haunted by an eerie sense of foreboding following the appearance of mysterious shadows beneath her window. A blood test to determine the identity of Clay's real father proves inconclusive, causing Clay and Ben's decision to leave Denver. Steven's decision to leave Denver results in further pain and confusion for those that love him the most. Adam is awed and overjoyed by Blake and Alexis' demonstration of love by officially adopting him. Swept away by the romance and splendor of Adam and Dana's wedding, Dominique accepts Nick's proposal of marriage. Struggling with her loneliness following the wedding, Alexis flees in a state of emotional duress. Her car plunges off a bridge and falls into the river. The joyous atmosphere of the wedding is shattered as mysterious men besiege the mansion and round up the Carrington family. Krystle's ominous suspicions are confirmed when she recognizes one of the men as Matthew Blaisdel, who has returned for her

Shadow Play

The saga of a wealthy Denver family in the oil business: Blake Carrington, the patriarch; Krystle, his former secretary and wife; his children: Adam, lost in childhood after a kidnapping; Fallon, pampered and spoiled; Steven, openly gay; and Amanda, hidden from him by his ex-wife, the conniving Alexis. Most of the show features the conflict between 2 large corporations, Blake's Denver Carrington and Alexis' ColbyCo.

The Letter

Seasons9

Season 7 Episodes28

Cast15

Crew1

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Episode Summary