Catch 22

Sam officiates Michael and Nina's wedding.

**Catch 22** is the twenty-second episode of the fifth season, and the one hundredth and eighth episode overall of the drama television series, *Dynasty* on The CW. It aired on September 16, 2022. This is the series finale.

## Synopsis

TO THE FUTURE - A new majordomo begins working at the Manor and piques the interest of the Carringtons. Blake and Cristal disagree on how to handle recent events at PPA, causing more strain between the two. The unlikely duo of Blake and Alexis go on a search and rescue mission. Fallon and Liam run through a practice labor and delivery. Jeff is put in a precarious position, one that could potentially change his future radically. Fallon is challenged by the FSN board and Dominique offers to help. Sam does not accept Culhane's business choices and tries to sabotage Culhane's plan. Amanda is presented an amazing opportunity which leaves Kirby questioning the future. Adam can't seem to scheme his way out of his new mess.

## Plot Summary

As Stacey's delivery nears, the Carringtons and Colbys make difficult decisions about their futures. Fallon makes last ditch efforts to save her company. Liam grapples with his integrity as a writer. Florence offers Amanda a job in London, but Kirby is afraid to uproot her life. Jeff makes his servers public, fast-tracking ColbyCo's restoration. Sam struggles to come to terms with Culhane's move to Los Angeles. Blake and Alexis' rescue mission results in heartfelt reunions for Alexis with Dex and Blake with Cristal. A captive Adam learns that Graham is Steven, back for revenge, but Steven spares Adam's life and orders Adam to leave immediately. Then Steven reunites with Sam and Fallon before Stacey goes into labor. Fallon reveals her daughter Lauren Morell Carrington-Ridley to the family before Steven makes his re-entrance. Six months later, everyone gathers at the manor for Culhane's wedding. Fallon rebrands her company as "Carrington United" with Blake's approval. Liam is now a children's book author, has included a disclaimer by him in his mentor's book, and is taking care of Lauren. Kirby and Amanda agree to live in London together. Dominique and Alexis both open up stores on Bleecker Street. Jeff sets up ColbyCo's new headquarters in Nigeria as he advises Dominique and Alexis to combine their stores. Adam is working as a veterinarian in London under the alias of Dr. Kerwan. Steven and Sam are back together as Steven eyes taking over Fallon's foundation. Sam officiates Michael and Nina's ceremony and everyone gathers for a family photo.

## Cast

* Daniella Alonso as Cristal Carrington
* Elaine Hendrix as Alexis Dexter
* Rafael de La Fuente as Sam Jones
* Sam Underwood as Adam Carrington
* Michael Michele as Dominique Deveraux
* Robert Christopher Riley as Michael Culhane
* Sam Adegoke as Jeff Colby
* Maddison Brown as Kirby Anders
* Adam Huber as Liam Ridley
* Eliza Bennett as Amanda Carrington
* Grant Show as Blake Carrington
* Felisha Terrell as Nina Fournier
* Samantha Massell as Stacey Moore
* Kate Beahan as Florence Whitley
* Dan Amboyer as Graham
* Arnetia Walker as Luella Culhane
* James Mackay as Steven Carrington

Co-Starring* Grace Junot as Ellen
* Scott Daniel Johnson as Richard Payne
* JB Chen as Rick
* Anthony Jones as Peter
* J.R. Adduci as Manny
* Latricia Akhagbeme as Janice
* Liz McGeever as Nurse Pritchet

## Notes and Spoilers

* The episode's title, along with its synopsis, directors and writers were officially revealed on August 24, 2022 via a press release.
* On July 29, 2022, Michael Michele and Maddison Brown wrap filming their last scene on the show.
	+ Maddison Brown's last scene seemed to be a scene in Amanda's bedroom between her and Amanda.
* On July 31, 2022, Eliza Bennett was done filming her scene for the last episode.
* On August 1, 2022, Daniella Alonso revealed on her Instagram story it was her last day filming for the show.
	+ Rafael De la Fuente also posted this day an Instagram story revealing Robert Christopher Riley was filming his last scene on Dynasty.
		- His last seen takes place at the Oasis in La Mirage with Rafael de la Fuente.
* Rafael De la Fuente filmed is last scene as Sammy Jo on August 2, 2022.
* On August 2, 2022, a crew member leaked a video of Liz Gillies' wrap speech which had James Mackay in the background confirming him to be in the series finale at least.
* During an Instagram live, Rafael De la Fuente confirmed August 3, 2022 was the last day of principal photography, with only two actors having not wrap their last scenes yet.
* On September 2, 2022, Eliza Bennett interviewed for *Los Angeles Confidential*. When asked to describe the finale in three words, Bennett replied, "Heartfelt, overdue reunion."

## Trivia

* The title of this episode is a reference to the episode of the same name of the *original series*, the series finale.
* This episode remarks the return of James Mackay (Steven Carrington) after three seasons. He last played Steven in Season 2 finale, *Deception, Jealousy, and Lies*.
* This episode features a performance of the song, "The Twelfth of Never," by Fallon and Steven.
* Fallon and Liam's daughter being named Lauren is a reference to the *original dynasty* where Fallon's daughter's name was also Lauren.
* Showrunner Josh Reims revealed the following information in interviews with *TVLine* and *Deadline*:
	+ The writers were split on whether or not to have Steven kill Adam. Reims was in favor of Adam dying, but the writers agreed that it wouldn't be true to the nature of the show and the character of Steven.
	+ Two finales were planned, one as a season finale and one as a series finale.
	+ There would have been a different set of people in the plane if the show wasn't cancelled.
	+ Steven being back was only because the show was ending. The writers had discussions over the years about bringing him back, notably at the beginning of the fifth season and whether that would include James Mackay or another recast.
	+ Fallon and Liam's daughter being named Lauren was only meant to serve as a nod to Fallon's daughter in the original series, not to honor Liam's deceased mother, Laura Van Kirk.
	+ Michael probably would have moved to Los Angeles for the sixth season, but he would remain on the show, traveling back and forth as the writers wanted to continue his friendship with Sam.
	+ The writers discussed figuring out a way to somehow feature all three Cristals (Nathalie Kelley, Ana Brenda Contreras, and Daniella Alonso) together, but the opportunity never came up.
	+ Reims sat down a couple times with Esther Shapiro during the third season to discuss the show. Shapiro told Reims what she thought, but she encouraged Reims to do what he thinks is best for the show. Shapiro and Reims did not communicate much after COVID-19, and the writers decided to do their own thing with the show while looking for spots to honor the previous series.
	+ Reims is most proud of Cristal's doppelgänger storyline, which he initially hesitated doing, as well as the tribute episodes, and the opportunities for Liz Gillies to sing.
* Several references and parallels were made to previous seasons.
	+ Steven refers to Adam as "George", the alias that Adam used when initially manipulating Steven in "*Parisian Legend Has It...*".
	+ Though not an explicit reference, Dex's life in peril may allude to the psychic reading that Alexis received where a man she marries would "expire" in "*Queen of Cups*".
	+ Blake and Fallon's respective lines, "This is how dynasties are ruined," and "No, this is how new dynasties are born," parallels their exchange in "*Dead Scratch*".
	+ Steven and Sam's exchange before Michael and Nina's wedding parallels the exchange that they had before their own wedding in "*Dead Scratch*".
	+ When officiating Michael and Nina's wedding, Sam accidentally reads off the beginning of his ceremony speech for Fallon and Liam's wedding in "*Vows Are Still Sacred*".
* Kirby and Amanda acknowledge the fact that they share a brother, and Kirby states that they're not related. This could be a clarification to the audience following criticisms wrongfully accusing the couple of being incestuous.

## Soundtrack

* Ramones - "I Wanna Be Sedated"
	+ Scene: Steven breaks free from his binds and fights Adam before ultimately sparing his life.
* Ludwig van Beethoven - "Moonlight Sonata (First Movement from Piano Sonata No. 14, Op. 27 No. 2)"
	+ Scene: Fallon finds Graham playing Steven's favorite piece.
* Elizabeth Gillies and James Mackay - "The Twelfth of Never"
* Felix Mendelssohn - "A Midsummer Night's Dream, Op. 61: Wedding March"
	+ Scene: Lead-up to the wedding at Carrington Manor.
* Richard Wagner - "Bridal Chorus"
	+ Scene: Nina walks down the aisle; Sam marries Nina and Michael.
* 10,000 Maniacs - "These Are Days"
	+ Scene: The Carringtons gather for a family photograph.

## Quotes

**Adam**: Graham? What-what are you doing here? What's going on?

**Graham**: You haven't figured it out yet?

**Adam**: What is it you want? If you need money, I can get you...

**Graham**: I don't want your money, Adam.

**Adam**: Then what?

**Steven**: I want revenge.

**Adam**: Steven? Th-This is crazy.

**Steven**: It's a lot to process, isn't it? It was for me, too, once I started to remember everything. You know, how you convinced me and the family that I'd lost my mind and had me institutionalized. And then you paid off a nurse to feed me a steady drip of drug, while you basically took my place.

**Adam**: Look, I have no idea what you're talking about.

**Steven**: Oh.

*(Adam grunts)*

**Steven**: Maybe you stop talking and just listen. Lucky for me, the sanitarium burned down. Not so lucky for the nurse on your payroll, who died. I made it out with just a few burns.

**Adam**: Oh, that is kind of lucky for you.

**Steven**: Shut up. Once the drug wore off, it was like the clouds parted. I went to the dead nurse's house, and I found all the letters sent to me from Fallon, from Blake, from Sam that she'd intercepted, along with the checks that you'd been sending her. Yeah. You're not gonna talk your way out of this one, George.

**Adam**: Uh, what... what are you gonna do?

**Steven**: What I've been dreaming about doing since I realized what you'd done to me.

**Fallon**: Does this mean you're too busy to help me save my company? Because I'm about to lose Fallon Unlimited for good, unless I can get the board to back me.

**Jeff**: Look, I wish I could help, but your board won't listen to me, and I have my own company to save at the moment. I'm sure you'll figure it out, right?

**Fallon**: *(scoffs)* Well, I'm glad you're sure.

**Dominique**: Maybe I can help.

**Fallon**: Really?

**Dominique**: That's what family is for, right?

**Fallon**: Occasionally, but I am desperate enough right now to be interested.

**Dominique**: Great. Then I quit my FSN show, effective immediately.

**Rick**: I'm afraid we're out of time, ma'am. The storm's nearly here. We have to head back. We can resume the search once the storm passes.

**Alexis**: No, absolutely not. We can't just leave him out there. He could die.

**Blake**: Alexis, he's right, we have to go back.

**Alexis**: No. You go back. I'm going to find Dex. It's the only reason I'm out here, and I'm not giving up.

**Blake**: Alexis!

**Kirby**: Well, how was it? Did she get you flowers? Did she seduce you with all her fancy judge words?

**Amanda**: Okay, first of all, no one is seduced at 11:00 in the morning, and that's not why she's here.

**Steven**: Now, where were we? Any last words?

**Adam**: Yeah, you're not gonna get away with this. Um, they're-they're gonna be looking for me.

**Steven**: Please. I think we both know that's not true.

**Adam**: Why did you even come back? *(stammers)* You know they've forgotten all about you. They've moved on. You-You're not even a real Carrington.

**Steven**: Enough.

**Steven**: I have waited for this for so long.

**Adam**: Me, too. *(panting)*

**Steven**: *(screams)* It's what you deserve, but you're not gonna make me a murderer. Now, get out of here. I don't ever want to see your face again.

**Sam**: Well, we can be open for our new majordomo. What can I get you?

**Graham**: Uh, if it's not a problem, I'll have a Mai Tai with lime.

**Sam**: That's funny, that's what my ex-husband used to get.

**Graham**: Hmm. Always cheers me up. I think it's the little umbrella.

**Sam**: *(laughs)* Well, maybe I should try that because vodka isn't doing the job.

**Graham**: You know, when alcohol fails, sometimes talking helps. Or even better, a combo of the two. And I'm a great listener. Tiny umbrella for your thoughts?

**Sam**: My friend is moving away, and I've been acting like an idiot trying to keep him here. I guess I feel like everyone I care about eventually abandons me, including my ex. And now I'm turning into a crazy person who is all alone.

**Graham**: You're not crazy. And you're not alone.

**Steven**: Hi, Sam.

**Sam**: Steven? Is it really you, or have I completely lost my mind?

**Steven**: If you have, then I have, too, because it's me, and I'm here.

**Sam**: Oh, my God. Oh, my God, I can't believe this.

**Sam**: So... you never saw any of these letters from us?

**Steven**: No. The nurse took them before they got to me.

**Sam**: And you didn't send any of those other letters telling us to leave you alone and never contact you again?

**Steven**: No. That was all Adam.

**Sam**: I am not normally a vengeful person, but if Adam was here right now, I would kill him.

**Steven**: I get it, I do. *(sighs)* But he's gone. Forever.

**Sam**: This is...

**Steven**: Surreal?

**Sam**: It's... Yes.

**Steven**: I know. Part of me wonders if I'm still in that hospital bed, and I've finally gone insane.

**Sam**: No. It's real. And I've missed you so much. So, um... what now?

**Steven**: I just need a little time to figure it out.

**Sam**: Of course. You have no idea how happy I am to see you.

**Steven**: I'm pretty sure I do.

**Jeff**: It was actually Richard Payne who gave me the idea. I asked myself, what's the worst thing that could happen if the tech gets released? It dawned on me. Open source lets others use my work, fix it, and improve it.

**Dominique**: And you can hire some of these bright, young minds to build ColbyCo. back up even faster.

**Jeff**: Exactly.

**Dominique**: So, finally, you're listening to me and not getting caught up in petty rivalries. You're welcome.

**Jeff**: Okay, okay, is that how you're gonna spin this?

**Dominique**: I'm good, right?

**Jeff**: *(chuckles)* The best. Hey. To family.

**Dominique**: To family.

**Blake**: There's no one here. We need to turn back.

**Alexis**: So go. No one is keeping you here.

**Blake**: Alexis, be reasonable. I know you love Dex, but we can't find him if we're dead.

**Alexis**: You don't care about Dex. All you care about is your stupid airline and your reputation.

**Blake**: Listen to me. Despite how much pain we've caused each other, whether you like it or not, we're family, and I don't want to see you die up here.

**Alexis**: I'm not leaving, Blake. I can't live without him.

**Kirby**: You had your chance, and you hurt her. And I won't let you just come back here, manipulate her, and break her heart again. I can't lose her.

**Florence**: You're right about one thing. I had my chance, but I promise you I am not trying to interfere with your relationship. It really is about this job offer.

**Kirby**: Right. You just had to fly all the way here and tell her about it?

**Florence**: This job is everything Amanda has ever wanted. She could become a partner in just a few years, which would be a stepping stone to becoming a deputy district judge, which is what she's dreamed of since I've known her. But, hey, what do I know? Maybe she's changed since she met you.

**Dex**: I thought there was no way anyone was still looking for us.

**Alexis**: I would never stop searching. You are everything to me.

**Steven**: Don't freak out. It's really me, Fallon.

**Fallon**: I can see that. But I don't believe it. I mean, I feel like I'm looking at a ghost.

**Steven**: Well, I'm alive. And I'm fine, I promise.

**Fallon**: But how...

**Steven**: I had a mask made. I've been pretending to be Graham while I sorted a few things out. And, you know, made sure the family hadn't forgotten about me completely.

**Fallon**: Are you kidding? I think about you every day. I tried to make you proud every single day. We all did. But your letters, Steven...

**Steven**: I know. It's a long story. But that problem has been taken care of. Your real brother is back.

**Fallon**: Wait a minute. This was Adam?

**Steven**: Yeah. You and I have years to make up for. Let's not waste time talking about him.

**Fallon**: I still can't believe it's real.

**Sam**: I don't care that I'm losing my business partner. Okay. I'm upset that I'm losing my life partner... so to speak.

**Michael**: But you're not really losing me.

**Sam**: It won't be the same, Michael. I mean, you've been my wall to bounce things off of, my advice giver, and my emotional support throughout everything.

**Michael**: You mean your friend.

**Sam**: Well, anyone can have a friend. Not everyone can have a Culhane.

**Cristal**: Alexis, I'm almost glad you didn't die alone in a remote forrest.

**Fallon**: Who's ready to meet the newest member of the family? Everyone, say hello to Lauren Morell Carrington.

**Liam**: Ridley.

**Fallon**: Oh, yes, Ridley.

**Amanda**: Wait, that's Steven? That's really my brother?

**Kirby**: Yeah. Mine, too. But you and I are not related, as far as I know.

**Fallon**: Once the sale goes through, Fallon Unlimited will go back to being a private, family-owned business. Oh, and you're fired, obviously.

**Ellen**: No, you can't do this.

**Blake**: Well, she just did. You mess with one Carrington, you mess with them all.

*(Baby fussing)*

**Fallon**: *(gasps)* You see, Lauren? That is the face you want your enemies to make after you've destroyed them.

**Blake**: I don't think I've ever been prouder. And I'm so happy my granddaughter got to see the creation of her family legacy.

**Fallon:** To the future.

**Blake:** And whatever it holds.

**Fallon**: So, I have decided I'm renaming the company, and I want you to be the first to know.

**Blake**: I thought we discussed this. Fallon Unlimited already has brand recognition. This is how dynasties are ruined.

**Fallon**: No, this is how new dynasties are born. It's our family legacy, and it should be reflected in the name.

**Steven**: Are you nervous?

**Sam**: No. I've done this before, remember?

**Steven**: But this is different.

**Sam**: Well, I'm totally prepared.

**Dominique**: Do you really have to leave tomorrow? I'm meeting Kevin in New York and I wanted all of us to have dinner.

**Jeff**: I have to leave first thing in the morning. And I don't want to intrude on you and your little bodyguard anyway.

**Dominique**: You know he hasn't been my bodyguard for six months. He's too busy doing other things with my body.

**Jeff**: Okay, yeah, gross. Now I'm gonna throw up.

**Alexis**: Did somebody say Bleecker Street?

**Dominique**: Yes. Stop eavesdropping. And why?

**Alexis**: Dex and I bought a building on Bleecker Street. It's going to be Alexam's first store. What are the odds?

**Jeff**: Yeah. Somehow doesn't seem like a coincidence.

**Alexis**: 'Cause it's not.

**Dominique**: Don't you have a husband around here to bother instead of me?

**Alexis**: He's out of the country on a very important business trip.

**Dominique**: Shame you couldn't join him. I see you've squeezed into another frock meant for someone half your age.

**Jeff**: Okay...

**Alexis**: And I see you're wearing your finest cubic zirconia for the occasion.

**Jeff**: Never ends.

**Kirby**: Okay, this is stupid. We're talking about work? I know we said it would be easier if we made a clean break, but... I have thought about you every day for the last six months, and I'm not gonna pretend that I haven't. Well, you have to say something.

**Amanda**: I'm scared to say something, Kirby, because nothing's changed.

**Kirby**: That's where you're wrong. I thought I couldn't imagine leaving Atlanta and my whole life behind, but I realized my life isn't whole without you in it. So I need to change that.

**Amanda**: *(stammers)* Do you really mean that?

**Kirby**: How would you feel if I came to visit you in London for a little while? You could show me around and we can have dinner and I...

*(Amanda kisses Kirby.)*

**Kirby**: Is that a yes?

**Amanda**: That's a yes.

**Sam**: "I knew the first time I saw Liam and Fallon, they were meant to be." Oh. Wait a second. Wrong wedding speech. Sorry about that. *(clears his throat)* Friends, family, plus-ones, we're gathered here today to celebrate the union of Michael Culhane and Nina Fournier. This evening not only marks the beginning of your commitment to one another, but serves as a celebration and declaration of the love you share. Today you embark on a new life together, built on the foundations of trust, compassion, and a love for good cinema. Michael, do you take Nina to be your life, for better or worse, till death do you part?

**Michael**: I do.

**Sam**: Nina, do you take Michael to be your husband for better or worse, till death do you part?

**Nina**: I do.

**Sam**: Then by the power vested in me, and before I start crying, you may kiss the bride. And you may kiss the groom.

**Luella**: Amen!

**Nurse Pritchet**: Dr. Kerlan, I didn't know you were here already.

**Adam** *(British accent)*: Oh, I'm sorry. Some days I like to start early.

**Nurse Pritchet**: No, no, it's quite all right. I'll get to know you better soon enough.

**Adam**: Indeed you will. You know, I'm really starting to like London. After my last job, I thought about a career change, but, you know, old habits.

**Nurse Pritchet**: Well, your first patient is here early if you want to see her. Mrs. Thatcher.

**Adam**: Ah, yes. Send her in.

*(Cat meows.)*

**Adam**: Ah. Hello, Mrs. Thatcher. How are you doing, luv? Now, what's wrong with you today? Swallowed another toy mouse, have you?

**Fallon**: Time for the family photo.

**Blake**: Do you think now that it's called Carrington United, you and I could make a play for co-CEOs? I mean, Fallon's clearly got other things on her mind.

**Cristal**: Can we at least wait a few days before we stage another coup?

**Dominique**: Maybe I'll start a skin-care line and put it in my new store.

**Alexis**: I heard that. Good luck.

**Jeff**: You know, if you two buy all the real estate in between, you can open up one giant megastore with a designer boxing ring in the middle.

**Michael**: I'd pay to see that.

**Kirby**: Hey, if I come to visit you in London, are you gonna teach me all the weird English words that you say?

**Amanda**: Oh, yeah. I'll even buy you your own English dictionary.

**Kirby**: Aw...

**Steven**: Do you think Fallon would be open to me taking over her foundation?

**Sam**: Absolutely. Just as long as you realize she'll still be in charge of everything.

**Fallon**: Okay, okay, everybody be quiet so we can take this photo.

**Steven** *(to Sam)*: It is so nice to be home.

**Fallon**: Now, smile and pretend you love each other.

*(Laughter.)*
**Fallon and Blake**: Say "Carrington".

**All**: Carrington!

## Multimedia

### Images

* Promotional
* Behind the Scenes

### Videos

Dynasty 5x22 Promo "Catch 22" (HD) Series Finale
## References

1. ↑  http://www.thefutoncritic.com/listings/20220824cw15/
2. ↑ This page uses Creative Commons Licensed content from Wikipedia (view authors).
3. ↑ https://laconfidentialmag.com/eliza-bennett-dynasty-do-revenge-music-interview
4. ↑ https://tvline.com/lists/dynasty-series-finale-ending-explained-steven-returns-james-mackay-interview/alexis-dex-plane-crash/
5. ↑ https://deadline.com/2022/09/dynasty-series-finale-showrunner-discusses-season-1235121228/amp/