I watched the first four episodes of Dynasty's second season DVD set and while the addition of Joan Collins was a major plus (the series would have never survived without her) I did notice that a number of interesting characters from the first season had departed. Bo Hopkins left the series due to creative differences and his presence was sorely missed. He was (in a loose way) the Dynasty version of Cliff Barnes but far from the sad sack the Cliff Barnes character had become. Plus, Dale Robertson also departed and I am not sure why he opted out of the series. His character of the aged everyman wildecatter is surely missed.

While the first season of Dynasty aired in 1981 it was filmed back in 1980. I believe that issues with the then writer's strike delayed production and this may have led to certain actors moving on to new jobs. Dynasty was far from a hit when it debuted and it would get much better (and much worse) in later years.

But, the added drama brought by Joan Collins really does liven up the proceedings because she shares the same qualities as JR Ewing. We know she's conniving but she is never predictable. She plays hardball but there are lines she won't cross. We would want her on our side but we would never trust her. And, while most won't admit it, we wish we could be like her.
 

What a shame there was never a Frankenstein Meets the Wolfman style face off between Alexis and JR. Ok, now I am getting carried away.