In November 2018, a scant four episodes into Season 2 of the beloved CW drama Dynasty, viewers got a rude shock. The much-loved character Steven Carrington, portrayed by James Mackay, was suddenly and unceremoniously removed from the show.
Actors getting written off soaps is not an uncommon occurrence, but what made it particularly jarring in this case was that the character wasn’t given any closure. Even years later, fans haven’t forgotten about him — is there a chance Steven will return to Dynasty?
Steven Carrington makes a surprise appearance in Dynasty’s series finale (S5 Ep 22). It is revealed that Graham is actually Steven under a mask and that he kidnapped Adam as revenge for putting Steven away in a mental institution.
I’m sure that none of the fan theories could’ve predicted Steven’s comeback in this way. Let’s get into all the nitty-gritty details so you can understand his return better!
1. Steven Finally Gets His Revenge on Adam
One of the reasons fans are eager for Steven to make a return is to reveal the dark secret of why he ended up being institutionalized in a psychiatric facility at the end of Season 1.
As you may remember, Adam was focused on becoming Blake’s favourite child and so, he tried to get rid of Steven by making him look insane.
Adam used the alias George Emerson (a character from Steven’s favorite book), got close to Steven, gained his trust, and got him to divulge the family’s history and secrets. Then, as himself, he convinced Fallon and Sam that George was just an imaginary character in Steven’s mind, making him look insane.
Adam’s plan worked perfectly: Blake took him in and he became the favored child, while Steven ended up locked up in a psychiatric facility. After this, James Mackay’s character Steven completely vanished from the show.
Although Adam may have grown on some viewers, season 5 finally gives him the comeuppance he deserves!
In the season 5 finale, we see that Adam has been kidnapped by majordomo Graham. In a truly dramatic twist, that involves peeling off a face “mask,” it is revealed that Graham is in fact Steven! You bet I jumped in joy at this one!
Adam is banished from Atlanta and Steven can finally reunite with his family by revealing the truth. He first gets back to Sam and the two have an emotional reunion, showing us that their love is stronger than ever.
Then he meets with Fallion right after she’s given birth. Although the entire family’s reaction to Steven returning is noteworthy, nothing is as rewarding as seeing the two siblings!
2. Why did actor James Mackay leave Dynasty?
A few hours before Season 2 episode 5 aired, James Mackay, who plays Steven, posted a picture on Instagram, which depicted him posing with co-star Elizabeth Gillies. Although he did not reveal details clearly, the post’s caption made it evident that he had not left the show willingly.
“All new #Dynasty tonight, but, yep, sorry to say without yours truly. While Steven had a choice to leave, unfortunately I didn’t. There’s a lot of decisions involved in making television, and sometimes they just don’t go your way and you have to live with it. So for now, all love and on we go. Hope you all enjoy the show. J xx”
James Mackay
To this day, fans remain in the dark about why exactly James Mackay was removed from the show, or/and why his character was given such an abrupt story. While we’re still don’t know much about this situation, we can revel in the fact that we finally have Steven back in Dynasty!
3. What Happens if Steven Carrington Comes Back?
Thanks to Steven not returning, Adam’s true, devious nature and his hand in Steven’s fate have thus far remained hidden from the rest of the family. If Steven comes back, he could expose Adam for what he truly is, and the evil things he has done.
Based on what former head writer Paula Sabbaga said in the past, we might also get to see Steven explore a career in politics.
4. About Dynasty
Dynasty is a prime-time television soap opera based on the 1980s series of the same name. It follows the lives of the Colbys and the Carringtons, two of the richest families in America. Their children fight for control over the company’s fortune, and the show reveals the dark underbelly of backroom deals that shape corporations.
The story unfolds primarily through two women at war, Fallon and Cristal, who are the daughter and fiancée respectively of Blake Carrington, owner of the Carrington Atlantic.
Dynasty was developed for The CW by Josh Schwartz, Stephanie Savage, and Sallie Patrick.
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