01x10 - A Well-Dressed Tarantula

[bunniefuu]

[Steven] Previously on Dynasty:

-Tell everyone. -I k*lled your father.

[Iris screams]

You were willing to put your past behind you. I don't know that I am.

-Get the help you need. -What, rehab?

Yes, I will go.

[Culhane groans]

-What are you doing? -Making my own choices.

Diego Calastana, sorry to keep you waiting.

Blake Carrington. Pleasure to meet you.

Been looking forward to this for some time.

[screaming and yelling]

No!

No!

Blake?

I'm afraid not. Pardon the intrusion.

Mr. Carrington needs his racing cufflinks.

And he sent you to get them?

Sleeping in separate wings isn't separate enough.

A man needs his space, especially after he discovers his wife's a congenital liar... and m*rder*r.

Do you want these curtains drawn or open?

You can leave them closed.

Where's Blake and Steven?

Daddy's avoiding you and Steven's avoiding Daddy, and life for that matter.

Don't touch that!

That's edible 24-karat leaf, so keep your gold-digging paws off of it.

It's a sample for my birthday party.

Theme is "The Midas Touch” since everything I touch turns to bank.

Do you even know who Midas was? He destroyed his family out of greed.

Oh, God, Cristal. That's a myth. Only one destroying our family is you.

But not even you can spoil my special day because not only am I turning 25, but I am getting control of my trust.

And thanks to your gripping confesh, the family knows the truth about you.

That you're a lying, cheating, stabber of men.

This is shaping up to be the best birthday yet.

Maybe when I blow out my candles, you'll be gone.

What's with Steven? I've barely seen him since New Year's.

-Are you talking to me? -I'd like to be.

Steven's due at rehab today. After he tried to run off with Ted, Blake said he wouldn't get a dime unless he goes.

Oh, my God, I had no idea.

Happens when you screw over your entire family.

-l wish you'd let me explain. -You did.

You k*lled my father and let me believe he abandoned me.

I was protecting your mom.

He wasn't a good man.

You lied to me for ten years. That's being good?

[phone buzzes]

I lost my appetite. Didn't think that was possible.

[Anders] Culhane will bring the car around.

This new rehab center is excellent. I vetted it myself.

-Beachfront property? -Of course.

-Michelin-rated cuisine? -Naturally.

-With second-tier celebrities? -Unquestionably.

-Great. Doesn't mean it's right for me. -You've been despondent for weeks.

Given your history, it would be naive to think you're not gonna revert to old habits.

I've done rehab. I'm all for it.

I don't think my problem is addiction.

It's my father, thinking he can control my life.

That's how he cares.

Now who's being naive?

You know as well as I do we can't force your hand on this.

You have to make the decision.

Where is Culhane? He's been late every morning this week.

I could've driven you myself by now.

Don't go. You know you'd rather give me a ride than Fallon.

Well, another ride.

Mmm... I'm driving Steven today and I'm already late for work.

Fine. But there will be more of this waiting for you when you get home.

I gotta go.

[sighs]

You should watch out.

You'd think you know the pattern by now.

You know mine. I see you watching me, tracking when I come and go.

Just watching the sprinklers scare the pests away.

Deer, raccoon, skanks on their walks of shame.

I'm sure it was shameful when you walked it.

-But I respect Michael. -Your mouth is saying "respect," but your dress says 5 a.m. stripper on a Wednesday.

[squeals]

You'll learn.

[screaming]

You're still angry, I get it.

I should've told you everything, but you can't ignore me forever.

You're right.

We need to move forward... for the good of the company especially with this Unido Caracas Oil deal on the table.

I read the proposal. Have you worked with them before?

My father has back in the day.

Wanna license our refinery technology, make U.S.-grade gasoline.

It could be a good partnership.

With everything in Venezuela, -are you sure this is a good idea? -That's what I need you for.

You speak the language. Know the political landscape better than anyone.

So, you do trust me.

-Your professional instincts, yes. -I'm on it.

Do you think now we could talk about us?

I'm on my way in.

No, I'm completely free. Who's on my call sheet?

Just got through the holidays. Planning vacation?

Don't wanna visit an island. Wanna buy one.

I'm getting control of my trust, I can reinvest the hundred million and buy myself a little birthday gift.

Looks kind of remote.

I'm getting a yacht to get to the island and a helicopter to get to the yacht.

You got it all figured out.

Mm-hm.

-I know what you can do with your assets. -Sit them on your face?

-Invest in Morell Corp. -What?

Best way to raise more capital for our company is to invest our own money.

Projects confidence in our future.

I've put up all the funds because you are rich, just not venture-capitalist-baller rich.

But now that you're joining the club, maybe it's time we were equal partners.

Well, I'm not exactly a passive partner.

Besides, I can't invest that big of a chunk of my trust into one company even if it's ours. I need to stay diversified.

That is the safer Carrington way.

Mm-hm.

You started this company to blaze your own way and I didn't go from nothing to everything by playing it safe.

That's why you and I are the apex power couple.

In the boardroom...

[chuckles]

-or on the boardroom table? -Mm. Both.

I think it's time we take our company and us to the next level.

Maybe one day we'll have our own dynasty.

[Fallon gasps]

Mr. Calastana with Unido Caracas.

[in Spanish]

[gasps]

-[in Spanish] Hello, Celia. -Alejandro?

[in English] Or would you rather I talk like you?

Or do words not matter if spoken by a ghost?

When you left me for dead, I'm sure you thought that was the end of me.

-[in English] What are you doing here? -I've been looking for you a long time.

And then, a miracle.

I saw your face on the news. An ordinary Venezuelan girl, Cristal Flores, engaged to billionaire Blake Carrington.

I realized I was thinking too small, chasing after you and your sister for revenge.

No.

You coming back into my life... was an opportunity.

The people I work for in Venezuela have powerful ties in government, commerce, energy.

Like you, I've reinvented myself.

Your new suit doesn't fool me. You're just a well-dressed tarantula.

A criminal. Blake would never do business with you.

There, mi querida, is where you come in.

That's Davis, our senior counsel.

Living evidence of this company's sins. Your husband's father used him to pay bribes to government officials in Caracas.

And all this, thanks to your sister.

What? Iris is a part of this?

She found a contact for Davis when she stayed with you.

Get Blake to sign the deal and I'll let Davis go.

If you don't, your husband ends up in prison.

And you, what is the phrase?

[in Spanish]

[in English] Except I won't make the mistake you did.

I'll stay with you... until your very last breath.

Any Real Housewife can serve magnums of champagne.

I want the jeroboam or Salmanazar.

-Mm-hm. -And they'll be poured by--

Okay. Just make sure it's hypoallergenic.

Can't have him breaking out in a rash like the last one. So mortal.

[Fallon sighs]

What happened? Shia LaBeouf double-book your room at rehab?

I couldn't miss your lady Goldfinger party and the 24-karat boy toys.

Fitting way to celebrate coming into money.

Wanted my trust since I found out what private equity investments were.

-You were 7. -Exactly.

While other girls were crushing on Chad Michael Murray, I was fantasizing about rebalancing my portfolio. I had a solid plan until this morning.

What changed?

Jeff wants me to invest my trust in Morell Corp.

Your business instincts are usually right.

Unless we're not talking business.

With Jeff, there is no line between our company and us.

He wants to invest big in both.

If "us" doesn't work out? I'm not a relationship kind of gal.

True. You've also never tried.

We're children of divorce. Every relationship's garbage.

Dad and Cristal, Monica and Culhane, you and Cokehead-y Teddy.

I'm sorry. How is Ted doing?

Oh, since Dad had him arrested?

I bailed him out, but he's ignoring my calls. Can't blame him.

Glad you'll be here for my birthday. But are you sure you're okay?

I don't want you snorting icing off my cake.

I'm fine. What's wrong with me can't be cured by a 12-step program.

Moping around here isn't gonna fix it either.

Think of yourself as a corporation.

Without a mandate and clear goals, the entire company stagnates.

Find the root cause and implement a corrective strategy.

Right.

You're scary, but I love you.

[Fallon chuckles]

[in Spanish]

[in English] Oh, sorry.

[in Spanish]

[in Spanish]

[footsteps]

How could you show your face here?

Don't worry, I didn't come to steal the crumbs from the Carrington table.

You knew Alejandro was alive? You're helping him.

How could you bring that monster back into our lives?

You're talking about my husband, Sammy Jo's father.

He hurt you, or did you forget?

That was a long time ago. He still loves me.

He wants us to be a family.

-Sam and I-- -Are you listening to yourself?

You can get out of this.

I need to get you and Sam safe before I call the police.

1 didn't come here for your help, okay?

I came to tell you to do what Alejandro says or you will lose this big, beautiful house and your rich, handsome husband... whose only flaw was marrying you.

You betrayed me for someone who almost k*lled you?

He made mistakes, so did I.

I never asked you to hurt him. To tear my family apart--

-I saved you. -No, you saved yourself.

And ever since then when I wanted to come here and have a taste of the life you had, you found some reason to keep me in Caracas, begging you for every dollar.

Well, I'm done asking.

[in Spanish] Little sister.

♪ Can you turn the lights off ♪

I got you a tie.

Like it?

I saw that move on Pretty Woman.

Looks a whole lot better on you.

♪ Lights off ♪

I ran into Fallon today.

Yeah?

Seeing me around here is making her crazy.

She acts like she is so into my brother, but I can tell she's jealous. Hypocrite.

♪ She got no respect She onto the next;

What?

Is that why you're here? Because you're pissed at Fallon?

Tell me I'm wrong.

The first night, that might have been true.

I was pissed at Fallon and I knew coming here would mess with her.

And you let me in because part of you knew that, too.

Since then, I've been having a good time, haven't you?

So, what, we just keep using each other to feel good?

To feel very good.

People like Jeff and Fallon don't care about the damage they do, to me, or you, or anyone else.

They just wanna take over the world. First, Atlanta, now they're going international with some Venezuelan deal.

I swear, they would--

I get it.

And let the world be all about them.

Just not in here.

You're right.

Mm-hm.

Hey, I got your messages, sorry I couldn't get back to you.

I think I know why.

He reached out, didn't he?

-Your father? -I can't talk about that.

Stay away from him and your mom. It's not safe for you.

Want me to turn my back on my parents?

-Your father is a dangerous man. -You tried to k*ll him.

What is he doing that is so bad?

I can't tell you, but you have to trust me.

Trust you?

I am tired of everyone in this family lying to me and keeping things from me.

If you love someone, tell them the truth.

-What are you doing? -Implementing a corrective strategy.

Since I blew off rehab, my father has frozen my accounts. I need cash.

-Should I be worried? -You know a pawn person? Or a fence?

-Okay. I'm definitely worried now. -I know what I'm doing.

My father thinks he can control me by taking away my money.

I'm sick of being controlled.

-So, what, you're in? -I'll drive.

[man] I'll give you 12,000.

Great.

Uh, I don't think so. These are premium brand time pieces.

The Jaeger-LeCoultre is all over Robert Downey Jr.'s Insta.

That's worth 80 percent of market value at least.

-I'll give you 20. -We'll take it.

Cash, por favor.

I can't believe the stuff people pawn. Engagement rings, vintage porn.

Hey, do you think that's a jade or serpentine?

That's made in China.

For a lot of people, pawn shops are a part of life.

It's how my mom put food on the table.

I can't imagine.

Oh, it's not all that bad.

Pawnshop is a doorway to opportunity, like when I pawned my neighbor's bike

-for Coachella tickets. -Here you go.

Don't spend it all in one place.

Actually, that's exactly the plan.

[Fallon] Okay.

Hey, watch it. Watch it.

You almost scratched my face.

A bit much, don't you think?

Well, I hope so. I mean, it's not all narcissistic vanity.

Top bankers and tycoons throw themselves ridiculous parties.

-Why? -One in five are psychopaths?

Or spending money distracts them from personal issues?

Wealth-shaming is for the working class and they're not on the guest list except you.

Okay. Little to the right. No, no, no, right, right, like the hand you grab your discount beers with.

Fallon, what is going on with you?

Monica told me you drenched her.

After you were done with her, she needed a shower.

I'm surprised you found time to be jealous considering how busy you've been with Jeff.

Monica told me. How's that going?

It started as late-night work place grab a*s, which is my comfort zone.

-I'm familiar. -l agreed to the next level

-and now it's starting to feel like-- -Commitment?

The real C-word.

[chortles]

Look, it's none of my business, but maybe he could be good for you.

Yeah, maybe what you need is someone who's at your level.

Not a lot of guys like that. You've done good with your company.

Couple months ago you were struggling to stay afloat, now you're taking things international, Venezuela.

You two make a good team.

What deals with Venezuela?

The terms are good. I don't understand why Caracas has to pay through subsidiaries.

It makes it harder to account where the money's coming from.

Our corporation has a complex family structure but I assure you these are companies in good standing.

Well, I need more than your assurances.

I reached out to my contacts and vetted every subsidiary on the list with the FDC. They check out.

We should do this.

We'll need an answer soon. If not, there are other bids we can consider.

No. If Cristal's done due diligence, I don't see any reason we shouldn't move forward.

I'll have the contracts drawn up in the morning.

-Perfect. -Oh, no.

I have a meeting in the mayor's office.

Come by tomorrow night.

-Tomorrow night's Fallon's birthday. -This won't take long.

We'll sign and then raise a glass... to welcome Unido into the Carrington Atlantic family.

I feel like family already.

I got your message. What's so important we had to meet?

Why didn't you tell me about Unido Caracas?

Why am I hearing it from Culhane, who heard it from your sister?

-That's why you're worked up? -What are you not telling me?

After our talk about us and me sinking my trust into our company?

You done?

I look for business opportunities all the time.

I tell you ones with potential.

When I heard Unido Caracas was in town, I thought we could meet, explore Morell Corp bringing green energy to Venezuela, but after looking into it, I realized it was a nonstarter.

Unido was founded by bolichicos, Mafia men, basically.

They have this sketchy contract with the Venezuelan government.

Whole thing couldn't be more corrupt.

They're closing with Carrington Atlantic.

What?

Bad news for Blake. Unless he knows.

I'm sorry, Jeff. I shouldn't have assumed.

-That I'd let you down somehow? -And now I've let you down.

I think you're so afraid of being in a relationship, you'll look for any excuse to blow it up when you should be investing in it, like this company.

[men chattering]

Okay, this is crazy.

I admit, I was worried you were going on another bender.

I won't let you blow your money on coke or meth or moon rocks.

Which sounds fun, but it's just molly.

That's her.

-That's your drug dealer? -She's not a dealer.

That's Dominic Ortega's wife.

She's the beard of one of your hookups?

Dominic was a Carrington Atlantic employee who died in a pipeline accident.

Because I signed off on a faulty inspection.

Oh, my God.

Since I found out, the guilt's been...

I've felt paralyzed. I couldn't do anything.

[children calling]

But I can.

If I hadn't already slept with you, 1 would right now.

My way of saying this is a good thing you're doing.

[Blake] Shouldn't you be ready?

Shouldn't you have fired your wife? Or divorced your COO?

-This is not the time. -Two weeks since Cristal confessed her entire identity is a lie and she knifed a dude to death.

She confessed because her sister would've ratted her out.

-Who knows what else? -Why is this coming out?

You are closing a deal with Unido Caracas run by a Venezuelan mafia.

Business with them could sink Carrington Atlantic and you.

It took Jeff one day to find this out.

Cristal's your COO, the question is, why didn't she?

Oh!

What? I couldn't help myself. He looked all ripped and shiny.

I get it. I think I saw my reflection in his abs.

Thanks for last night. It meant a lot.

Not missing that 20 grand, just a bit? lam.

In the pawnshop, I was thinking how easy it would be to blow that money on a lost weekend, flights to New York, a few eight-ba*ls.

I'm glad you didn't.

Thanks to you.

About the sacrifices your mother made to put food on the table, I was thinking she was a widow just like Ortega's wife.

-Imagine those kids had your appetite. -You may have to pawn more watches.

What's screwed up is I used to blame my mom for my dad leaving us.

Learning your aunt k*lled him isn't much of an improvement.

Yeah, right.

If I had a stable family, I wouldn't feel the need to lick gold paint off pecs.

Thank you for reminding me it's not too late to change.

♪ It's like a sauna up in here ♪

♪ Ooh, baby, baby, that's right ♪

♪ Ooh, ooh, ooh, baby, baby Ooh, ooh, ooh, baby, baby I

♪ Sexy I gives it like ooh, baby, baby ♪

♪ This new outfit 1 know it really drives you crazy ♪

♪ Just like a lighter, I'm on fire And I'm here to take the roof off I

♪ It's giving we the business Ooh, baby, knock your shoes off ♪ Good to see you. Thank you so much for coming. You look amazing.

[in Spanish]

♪ Don't you ever try to hide it I'll let Blake know you're here.

♪ I can bring it back here real sly I

♪ Tell him that we want it And we're here to get up ♪

-What are you doing here? -I've come for Sammy Jo.

Soon as Alejandro closes this deal, we're taking our son home.

There's still time to walk away. You can't trust Alejandro.

Stop trying to tear my husband down because you can't hold yours.

You're not taking Sammy Jo. I'll have security remove you.

-I'd like to see them try. -You are making a scene.

Oh, it's you. The Ghost of Christmas Drama.

Iris was just leaving.

I'm glad you're here. Been meaning to thank you.

We wouldn't have discovered Cristal's colorful past.

Please, stay. Have all the champagne you can drink if you'll tell me more stories about Step-mommy Dearest.

Thank you.

I think I will stay.

♪ Wegetup

[Cristal] Been looking for you. Mr. Calastana is here.

I have the contracts. Copies were sent to your lawyers. Everything in order?

-Not a damn thing is in order. -What are you doing?

Interesting details about Unido Caracas have come to my attention.

-Ties to organized crime, corruption? -That's completely crazy.

So, I did some digging into Diego Calastana.

-I know who he is. -I can explain.

You're Alejandro Raya and my wife claimed that she k*lled you but here you are, alive and well. Trying to extort me.

What is this, a Machado conspiracy to take me down?

-I didn't tell to protect you. -How much a fool do you think I am?

People warned me you were after my money. I ignored them.

You made me believe that you loved me.

-You were just whoring yourself out. -You don't mean that.

You're right. At least a wh*re gives you your money's worth.

Mr. Carrington, I understand your anger, but think about saving yourself.

-What you talking about? -We have your senior counsel, Davis.

He is to testify that Carrington Atlantic paid bribes to a foreign government.

-It's true. -Sign the deal and I'll let Davis go.

Don't, and I will sink you and everything you built.

You come to my house and you use my own wife against me, -and then you threaten me? -Blake, don't!

[Cristal screams]

-[Blake] Out of my way! -I won't let you hurt my father.

Of course, you're in on this.

Don't bother, Daddy. I already called security.

I've let Cristal and her family of snakes get away with too much for too long.

-Blake, I'm warning you. -l am warning you.

You call your associates and tell them to come at me with Davis.

Take your best shot, I'm gonna rain hellfire down on you.

And you.

I want you and Sammy Jo out of the house tonight. I'm done.

[in Spanish]

[in Spanish]

[people chattering and laughing]

[techno dance music playing]

Just to say it, I'm not thrilled about my sister spending time in your barn.

[chuckles] Oh, it's a loft.

And she seems to like it just fine.

Watch yourself with her.

Monica's not as tough as she looks.

Fallon mentioned.

You and her?

-You got something to say about that? -Nope. Fallon can take care of herself.

[in Spanish]

[in Spanish]

[Iris in Spanish]

[all speak Spanish]

Alejandro! Please, join us.

[in English] I don't know what's going on.

My associates are taking Davis to the authorities now.

One last chance to sign this deal.

I don't think so. That deal was never gonna happen.

You tried to play us against each other.

That was a mistake.

I told Blake about you before he pretended to agree to your deal.

Mr. Calastana and his team are here.

[Cristal] It was part of our plan.

Blake told Fallon.

Took Jeff one day to find this out.

Cristal's your COO, the question is, why didn't she?

Actually, she did. And we're gonna need your help.

I generously provided the location.

As well as the champagne, you're welcome.

I wasn't counting on you showing up, though.

You threatened to pull Sammy Jo out, I couldn't have that.

Thank God Fallon was there.

[Fallon] Please, stay.

Thank you.

I think I will stay.

[Cristal] The show we put on for Alejandro had to go off without a hitch.

A wh*re gives you your money's worth.

[Cristal] That's right, that whole fight was just for you.

We needed you to believe the deal had fallen through so you would call your associates.

Sam, you were in on this, too?

Sam played the most important part, you.

See, Sam took your phone and called them back.

Not hard, considering he sounds so much like his father.

[in Spanish]

[Cristal] He got the location of where your accomplices are hiding Davis.

Our armed security team arrived five minutes ago?

That's Davis, safely in their custody.

Your accomplices are getting a ride to the airport.

My men will escort you off my property and you'll catch the next flight out.

I think we're done here.

[in Spanish]

No. You made a mistake by messing with me and my family.

I gave you your last chance.

[in Spanish]

Nice get together. Understated.

Can you believe she's 25?

-Survive Fallon, we can do anything. -I can't believe you're talking to me.

I just wanted to say I'm done blaming you for everything.

-Sounds like you checked into rehab. -Well, not rehab.

But I did reach out to Dominic Ortega's widow.

I'm sorry if it comes back to bite you or the company.

But I feel like a huge weight has been lifted.

I'm proud of you for taking responsibility for yourself, Steven.

Thanks. The first step is getting out of here.

-Now I wanna make my own way. -The real world can be unforgiving.

You don't realize how hard it will be.

I'm amazed your insane plan actually worked.

For the record, this doesn't change anything.

Cher's drag queen impersonator called, wants her dress back.

I'm happy you made it. I wasn't sure you would.

It's your birthday, I wouldn't have missed it.

Thank you for the information on Unido Caracas and my dad.

Could've tried to use it against him but didn't.

I know how important your dad is to you and our relationship is more important to me than any Colby-Carrington feud.

Oh, relationships? I should warn you, I'm terrible at those.

[scoffs] I get that.

And I'm sorry if I pushed too hard.

I just get excited about the possibilities.

Well, that's why I'm going to invest a major part of my trust into Morell Corp.

I wanna give our company and our relationship my best shot.

-Well, what changed your mind? -Just you, being here.

Even when I don't make it easy. But could we take it slow?

I wanna do this right and my dad would have a heart attack.

We can do it any way you want.

[dance music playing]

Your birthday present, parked out front so you can drive your a*s to my place anytime you want without your driver.

Starting tonight?

I do love an after party.

[instrumental pop music playing]

[cheers and applause]

[door buzzes]

[Jeff over phone] it's under control.

You said you had information on Blake that'd bring him down. What happened?

Fallon was on to me, so I had to pivot. But I've been short-sighted.

Instead of taking down Carrington Atlantic, better to keep it intact... for when we take it over.

Sure you know what you're doing? Don't underestimate Blake.

He's the one underestimating me.

-I'm making moves on his kingdom. -Still sounds like you're reaching.

It's not reaching if I have Fallon Carrington in my pocket.

Everything she owns, assets, stake in Carrington Atlantic, could all be mine.

When I marry her.

At least a wh*re gives you your money's worth?

I got caught up in the moment. I had to sell the fight.

Thank you. You put yourself on the line by being honest.

And saved the company from Alejandro.

You saved me.

I'm the reason Alejandro showed up, so it's the least I could do.

It doesn't come close to fixing things between us, but I hope it's a start.

It's a start.

Jeff bought you a car?

Well, I'd say I'm worth it, but technically, I'm now worth a thousand of those.

You sure I can't give you a ride?

My first steps to self-sufficiency shouldn't be in a six-figure car.

Plus I need to pack. I'll go in the morning.

-Where to? -I don't know yet.

You can always visit.

Oh, I almost forgot.

Your birthday present.

-A lighter? -I found it at a pawnshop.

It reminded me of the one that Mom used to have.

[Cristal] Oh, my God.

You're right. When I was upset, she'd always let me light her cigarettes.

And drink her martinis.

I love it.

Happy birthday, baby sister.

Here, let me help you.