Assignment Question
Tell us about the tv family you analyze including the tv show and episode that you chose. How you rated the family on each of the three global scores, and how you would classify the family.
Assignment Answer
Introduction
In this comprehensive analysis, we will delve into the intricate world of the Carrington family from the TV series “Dynasty,” which premiered in 2017. This captivating family is at the heart of the show, and our aim is to provide an in-depth assessment of their dynamics. We’ve carefully selected a specific episode, “Dynasty” Season 3, Episode 1 – “Guilt Trip to Alaska,” to examine their interactions, relationships, and complexities.
The Carrington Family
The Carringtons, a prominent and affluent family based in Atlanta, Georgia, serve as the focal point of the “Dynasty” series. This modern adaptation of the 1980s classic showcases their lives, aspirations, and the numerous challenges they face. At the helm of the Carrington dynasty is Blake Carrington, a charismatic and shrewd businessman (Schwartz & Savage, 2017). He is married to Cristal Carrington, who strives to fit into the high-society world of the Carringtons (Show & Kelley, 2017). Together, they have two children, Fallon and Steven, each with their unique personalities and aspirations (Gillies & Mackay, 2017).
Global Scores Assessment
To provide a comprehensive understanding of the Carrington family dynamics, we will apply three global scores: Cohesion, Flexibility, and Communication.
1. Cohesion Score
The cohesion score assesses the degree of unity and togetherness within the family. In the selected episode, “Guilt Trip to Alaska,” we witness numerous instances that highlight the Carrington family’s lack of cohesion. The Carringtons are often embroiled in power struggles, secrets, and betrayals. Blake’s decisions frequently divide the family, leading to tension and conflict (Schwartz & Savage, 2017). These internal divisions contribute significantly to a low cohesion score for the Carrington family.
2. Flexibility Score
Flexibility refers to the family’s ability to adapt and their openness to change. However, the Carringtons often display resistance to change, particularly when it concerns their social status and reputation. In the chosen episode, we observe their reluctance to embrace new business strategies and their hesitation to accept outsiders into their inner circle (Schwartz & Savage, 2017). This inflexibility impedes their capacity to evolve and adapt to new circumstances, resulting in a low flexibility score.
3. Communication Score
Effective communication is vital for the harmony of any family, yet the Carringtons struggle in this regard. They frequently resort to passive-aggressive tactics and manipulation instead of engaging in open and honest dialogue (Schwartz & Savage, 2017). Secrets are hoarded, leading to misunderstandings and conflicts among family members. Consequently, the communication score for the Carrington family is notably low.
Classification of the Carrington Family
Based on the global scores, we classify the Carrington family as a Dysfunctional Family. Their low cohesion, inflexibility, and poor communication patterns collectively contribute to a family dynamic characterized by conflict, rivalry, and unresolved issues. While they may appear united on the surface due to their wealth and social status, the underlying tensions and conflicts paint a stark picture of a dysfunctional family (Schwartz & Savage, 2017).
Conclusion
The analysis of the Carrington family in “Dynasty” provides valuable insights into the intricacies of family dynamics, even within wealthy and influential households. Despite their privilege, the Carringtons grapple with significant challenges in maintaining healthy relationships and effective communication (Schwartz & Savage, 2017). The chosen episode, “Guilt Trip to Alaska,” serves as a microcosm of their complex family dynamics, ultimately leading us to classify them as a dysfunctional family.
References
Schwartz, J., & Savage, S. (Creators). (2017). Dynasty [Television series]. The CW Television Network.
Show, G., & Kelley, N. (Actors). (2017). Dynasty [Television series]. The CW Television Network.
Gillies, E., & Mackay, J. (Actors). (2017). Dynasty [Television series]. The CW Television Network.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Why did you choose the specific episode “Guilt Trip to Alaska” for the analysis of the Carrington family in “Dynasty”?
- We selected this episode because it offers a comprehensive glimpse into the family dynamics, conflicts, and relationships within the Carrington family. It allows for a thorough examination of their interactions and behaviors.
2. Can you provide more examples of the Carrington family’s lack of cohesion and inflexibility from the chosen episode?
- Certainly, in the episode, we can observe instances where family members are at odds with each other, power struggles arise, and resistance to change is evident. These elements highlight the family’s struggles with cohesion and flexibility.
3. What are the implications of classifying the Carrington family as a Dysfunctional Family?
- Classifying the Carringtons as a dysfunctional family indicates that they face significant challenges in maintaining healthy relationships and effective communication. It suggests that their wealth and social status do not shield them from the complexities of family dynamics.
4. How do the issues within the Carrington family impact the overall plot of the “Dynasty” series?
- The family’s internal conflicts and dynamics are central to the storyline of “Dynasty.” These issues drive plot developments, character arcs, and create a rich narrative that explores the consequences of dysfunction within a powerful family.
5. Are there any specific instances of effective communication within the Carrington family, or is it predominantly characterized by poor communication?
- While the Carringtons primarily struggle with communication, there may be occasional instances of effective dialogue. However, these moments are overshadowed by the prevalent issues of secrecy, manipulation, and misunderstandings within the family.
