Like “Gossip Girl,” the “Dynasty” reboot is the brainchild of Stephanie Savage and Josh Schwartz. And the similarities don’t stop there.
The new “Dynasty” — following the wealthy Carringtons and the Colbys as they feud for control over their fortunes, just like its ’80s era predecessor — has way less blatant opulence and, thankfully, does away with the egregious homophobia of its predecessor. But it manages to heighten in some of the right places.
Sure, it’s still about a bunch of rich white people, but the cast is more diverse, the characters more inclusive. The Colbys? They’re now a black family. Sammy Jo — originally played by Heather Locklear — is a hot, gay, Hispanic dude. And Steve Carrington is out and proud. The pilot promises the future is female, and they’re right: I mean, it’s women catfighting, but over power more than anything else so it’s chill.
Still, it’s hard to watch “Dynasty” without thinking of the rich young folk who came before it. Here are all the ways that the new series will remind you of “Gossip Girl.”
1. Fallon Carrington is a poor man’s Blair Waldorf.
Leighton Meester’s Blair Waldorf was probably the best thing to happen to the CW. And Fallon Carrington (Elizabeth Gillies) definitely has some Blair vibes — she knows what she wants, and how to get it, and won’t let anyone stand in her way. She’s manipulative and pretty and petty and her hair always looks good. But it’s not as good. Gillies’ Fallon makes you miss the good ol’ “Gossip Girl” days, and Blair Waldorf’s epic, well, Blair Waldorf-ness.
2. The parents are way too young.
Much like Rufus — the hottest father in the “Gossip Girl” world — before him, it’s certainly possible that OG Blake Carrington is the father of two adult children who are clearly lying about their respective ages. But it’s not exactly convincing. And those gray highlights the CW added to his hair? They aren’t either.
3. Made up rich people shit.
Maybe this writer has just grown up in poverty — but kissing bells are totally made up, right? Like, as made up as Chuck Bass’ insane burlesque club for teenagers. Right?
4. So many over the top secrets.
Secrets — the identity of Gossip Girl, affairs, thinking you might have killed someone that one time, secret babies — were the foundation of “Gossip Girl.” And it looks like they’re going to be the foundation of “Dynasty” too. Crystal is a black sheep and has a sordid past, or something! Sammy Jo is shady for some reason! That guy from “Revenge” — another hot mess primetime soap opera — maybe is dead! Gotta say though: this one works, so it’s all good.
Follow Rachael Vaughan Clemmons on Twitter — @rachaelclemz
