‘Dynasty’ Turns Down the Heat a Bit With ‘Don’t Con a Con Artist’

It was always going to be hard to top the outstanding pool fight between Alexis (Nicollette Sheridan) and Fallon (Elizabeth Gillies) on last week’s Dynasty, but this week’s episode, “Don’t Con a Con Artist,” was particularly mediocre.

The main thrust of the action centers around Steven (James Mackay) and Sam (Rafael de la Fuente) throwing an engagement party, and Alexis trying to break them up by framing Sam for shoplifting (which backfires thanks to Fallon). For whatever reason, Alexis has it out for Sam — she claims it’s because she doesn’t want to lose “another son” since he and Steven have plans to travel and then maybe settle down in South America.

The “another son” comment is a total con to get Steven to give her his money. She tells him about baby Adam being kidnapped and says that’s where all her money went, to hire people to find him. Steven falls for it hook, line, and sinker because he’s such a kindhearted soul, and he immediately vows to give his mother all the money she needs to find Adam. Oh, brother.

Fallon, who never would have fallen for that, is busy trying to take her mother down. She thwarts Alexis’ shoplifting frame-up and then tries to get her to spill her secrets by giving her champagne laced with a Molly knockoff. Unfortunately, the drugged drink ends up in Sam’s hands instead, and he gives a rather epic impromptu song-and-dance performance on the dining room table during the engagement party. But it all works out, because when Fallon accuses Alexis of drugging Sam, she has to cop to the shoplifting frame-up in order to deny the drugging charge.

None of this is terribly interesting, especially because it’s punctuated by Blake (Grant Show) having tantrums over his staff helping Alexis, which culminates in Anders (Alan Dale) telling Blake to figure out how he feels about Alexis and stop being such a baby.

What is actually much more interesting in the episode is the fact that Michael’s father has a rare form of leukemia and their family home is out in Clarke County, a place where Carrington Atlantic covered up something that most likely caused Michael’s father’s cancer. Cristal (Nathalie Kelley) figures this out on her own and is going to tell the Culhanes the truth, but Blake gets to them first, and you know he’s going to do everything he can to keep a lid on this.

That should be fun to watch. It’s also a good way to keep Michael involved in the Carringtons’ affairs now that he has quit his job. And speaking of affairs, things got just the tiniest bit steamy between Liam (Adam Huber) and Fallon after he saw what lengths she would go to to protect her brother. She’s definitely intrigued by her fake husband, which means it will be all the juicier when the other shoe drops and it turns out he’s this mysterious “Chad” person.

(photos via The CW)

I don’t want to say that I didn’t appreciate The O.C. when it aired in real time in 2003, because I really did. I knew from the moment those haunting Phantom Planet lyrics started playing from my TV screen that I had something special. I knew from the moment that Ryan Atwood and Marissa Cooper locked eyes for the first time that I was about to witness a teen drama love story unlike any other one I’d seen. If I sound extra, it’s because I mean to be! As an awkward middle schooler, The O.C.‘s quippy dialogue and emotional scenes gave me an outlet for my adolescent emotions, and its top-notch soundtracks set the stage for teary nights in my room.

I recently embarked on my first binge-watch of the first season as an adult, and I was fascinated by the extent to which a little grown-up perspective changed my colorful Orange County world. Once totally enamored with Marissa and Summer’s wardrobes, I was now more concerned with the subtle relationship dynamics playing out on screen (okay, the fashion is still pretty incredible). Once too in love with Seth to see his flaws, I was now tuned into the way his social faux pas and self-absorption made him kind of a bad catch. The O.C. has plenty to teach tweens and adults, but here are just 10 of the life lessons I learned from my recent rewatch of the show's first season.

Life Lessons From "The O.C."

Image via Warner Bros./IMDb

1. A homemade breakfast can cure anything that ails you — and is pretty much guaranteed to make you more popular in any situation

A major tension in the first few episodes is the conflict between Sandy and Kirsten Cohen about whether or not Ryan should be allowed to stay in that beautiful pool house on a more permanent basis. True to form, Sandy the “Crusader for Justice” wants to give the kid from Chino a shot, while Kirsten thinks he’d be better off in foster care. While Ryan’s homemade breakfast doesn’t mark the final conclusion to this conflict, it definitely eases tensions between him and Kirsten. It just goes to show — there are few things that perfectly scrambled eggs can’t fix!

Image via Warner Bros./IMDb

2. Hiding from a problem is typically not the best solution

As any group of high schoolers — or, at least, any group of high schoolers with easy access to empty mansions — would do, Seth and Marissa decide that the best way to avoid having Ryan sent to foster care is to hide him in one of Kirsten and Caleb’s model homes. Great idea, right? Wrong! I’ll spare you the dramatic details of the fight, the fire, and the awkward revelations about the history between Marissa’s dad and Kirsten, but suffice to say that hiding from potential consequences is rarely the answer...even if you are planning to do it in a mansion.

Image via Warner Bros./IMDb

3. Share your dreams with the people you love

While Seth is open with Ryan early in the season about his dream to sail alone to Tahiti, it’s unclear whether or not he’s been as clear with his parents about it. This comes back to bite him in the you-know-where later in the season (and into The O.C. season 2), when he decides to flee Newport in pursuit of his lone journey. Don’t you think it would’ve been handy for people to know his dreams so they could support him in a more meaningful way?

Image via Warner Bros./IMDb

4. Be open about your exes

Oh, where do I begin with this one? There are countless instances in this series where untold secrets about a previous relationship rear their ugly head at very inopportune times for the people involved, but let’s call Ryan, Marissa, and Theresa Exhibit A. If Ryan had been honest with new flame Marissa about his romantic past in Chino from the get-go, he would have avoided an extremely uncomfortable Thanksgiving encounter...and who knows what else? If you’ve had a tendency to be cagey about your exes with a current bae, watching Ryan’s example should make you want to be more honest.

Image via Warner Bros./IMDb

5. People are rarely as intimidating as you think they are

For years, Seth was so enamored with Summer that all he could do was pine for her and secretly bestow her name on his boat, but when they finally met and start flirting, he learns that he’s not the only student at The Harbor School who sleeps with a toy horse next to their bed. (Princess Sparkle and Captain Oats are still so meant to be.) Think of how much less time our boy Cohen would have spent feeling sorry for himself if he’d thought for even one second that Summer was potentially his own kind of dork.

Image via Warner Bros./IMDb

6. It’s important to know when to bring in an expert

Marissa got in way over her head in The O.C. when she tried to tackle Oliver’s health issues on her own, and while she probably needed a real grown up, even adults can learn from the cautionary tale that played out in the penthouse of that fancy hotel. It’s important to learn what you can handle and what’s above your pay grade. There’s no shame in admitting that you can’t get through something on your own. Rather, there’s only shame in knowing that a problem exists and that you didn’t seek the help that’s really needed.

Image via Warner Bros./IMDb

7. Making a choice is almost always necessary, even if it seems like you can have it all

Teenagers everywhere swooned at the thought of being in Seth’s shoes (Chuck Taylors, obviously) and having twoseemingly perfect suitors vying for their attention. Remember those awesome Chrismukkah gifts Seth got from both Summer and Anna? Well, it seemed too good to be true at the time…and it was, because in the end, Seth had to make a choice, and his inability to do so in the first place really damaged his credibility.

Image via Warner Bros./IMDb

8. When people show you who they are, believe them the first time

Sandy and Kirsten spend a lot of time in The O.C. season 1 trying to put their faith in Caleb, even though he continually proved he couldn't be trusted. While it’s nice to give people the benefit of the doubt, this dysfunctional family dynamic should serve as a reminder to all of us that people’s actions speak a whole lot louder than their words.

Image via Warner Bros./IMDb

9. It takes a lot longer to rebuild trust than it does to destroy it

Ryan is basically the poster child for trust issues, and every time he’s let down by one of his friends (ahem, Marissa), we get a front row seat to the inevitably long process of the aforementioned disappointing friend trying to win him back. Life would be much easier — and TV much less interesting, I guess — if we didn’t tamper with people’s trust in the first place.

Image via Warner Bros./IMDb

10. Appreciate family members and all of their quirks

No relationship better demonstrates this truth in The O.C. than that between the Cohen family and The Nana. By the time Sandy’s mother has arrived in Newport, we’ve already been treated to tons of family folklore about how intimidating and, well, mean she is. So when we find out later in the episode (spoiler alert!) that she actually has cancer, it’s like a punch to the gut for us too. This particular emotional roller coaster should serve as a lesson to us all that it’s important to appreciate the good, the bad, and the ugly in our family members because our time with them isn’t guaranteed.

What life lessons did you take from The O.C. and the other shows you loved most as a teenager? Follow us on Facebook and TikTok for more thoughtful takes on your favorite pop culture.

Lead photo via Warner Bros./IMDb

Nothing screams springquite like pastel hues, but right now, butter yellow is hot. This season’s crop of dresses is definitely embracing the shade in the best way possible! From breezy sundresses to flirty slips, these butter yellow beauties are simply perfect for donning spring’s “it” color. If you're looking to refresh your wardrobe with a color that feels effortlessly chic, these 12 picks are a must-see!

Scroll on for our 12 favorite stylish butter yellow dresses you can shop now!

J.Crew

J.Crew Cotton Poplin Zip-Up Shirtdress

This shirtdress has the perfect laid-back vibe for your spring weekend 'fits, though it's still polished enough that you could turn it more formal with heels and a sophisticated jewelry stack.

Target

Wild Fable Drop Waist Mini Sundress

This Target dress has our full attention! The drop waist is undeniably flattering on all body types, plus the butter yellow shade is right on point. All for $30?! We're here for it.

Abercrombie & Fitch

Abercrombie & Fitch Premium Linen Drop-Waist Belted Maxi Dress

This strapless maxi is ideal for this year's Easter plans, as a wedding guest dress, or as a getup for a garden party! The attached belt pulls the look together perfectly.

Urban Outfitters

Amy Lynn Puffball Midi Dress

Along with butter yellow being a huge trend in today's fashion, bubble hems are equally as cool. Combine the two with this adorable tie-strap dress that supplies a super femme feel.

Nordstrom

Petal & Pup Aliyah Cotton Eyelet Maxi Dress

The breezy cotton material this dress is made of makes it so comfy to wear all day long. What's more is it boasts an adorable eyelet pattern for added spring flair! The square neckline is also extremely flattering and will draw all eyes toward you.

Banana Republic

Banana Republic Knit Midi Dress

Inspired by ballet fashion, this "subtly stretchy" midi dress pulls you together without being overly restrictive. The sheer skirt is luckily lined with a mini-length slip that ensures coverage as you move!

Anthropologie

Anthropologie The Tilda Slip Dress

For a fuss-free slip dress, this silky pick from Anthro is the way to go. It's super sleek and chic, so you can dress it up or down with ease. From comfy sneakers to elevated heels, you'll be lookin' oh-so fab!

Free People

Free-est Taking Sides Maxi

The tiered design on this maxi moment is downright whimsical. We'd wear it to a springtime picnic or happy hour to feel like instant royalty! Plus, it's made of cotton, so you won't have to worry about losing that easy, breezy fit you love.

Urban Outfitters

AFRM Vienna Asymmetric Ruffle Maxi Dress

Hello, ruffles! This butter yellow dress is practically covered in 'em, perfect for formal occasions and dinner dates.

Target

Wild Fable Flutter Short Sleeve Maxi A-Line Dress

How dreamy! This maxi that's fitted with flutter sleeves has such a playful and femme effect, which is heightened by the cutie bows atop the shoulders. This pick is another excellent choice for an Easter dress, but it's easily timeless enough to don all spring and summer long!

Nordstrom

WAYF Cara Floral Cap Sleeve Linen Blend Midi Dress

If solids aren't quite your style, this midi is covered in floral motifs to help you embrace the blooms of spring even further. The lace linings around the hem and neckline are irresistibly cute, too!

Free People

Free-est Onda Drop-Waist Long-Sleeve Mini

The combo of the drop waist and three-quarter-length sleeves on this marvelous mini dress lend it such a romantic feel, which is ideal for date nights and cocktails with the gals. We'd let the squared neckline shine by wearing this with our hair up and some kitten heels for added cuteness!

Subscribe to our newsletter to shop more seasonal styles!

Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

It seems like a lifetime ago that we were watching season 23 Bachelor star Colton Underwood roam the Portugal countryside after being rejected by the one woman he apparently loves. But according to the laws of time and Chris Harrison, it was yesterday. Still, we’ve all seen and been through a lot since then, so let’s start from the beginning — or, as it were, the beginning of the end.

(Warning: This post contains spoilers from the Tuesday, March 12, episode of The Bachelor. If you have not seen the season 23 finale and don’t want to know what happens, stop reading here.)

Unlike with past seasons, the question tonight wasn’t who Colton would pick or even whether he was engaged, since that seemed like a long-shot. Instead, it was whether the woman he had already chosen would choose him back.

Going into Tuesday’s finale, Colton was completely single, having broken up with both Tayshia Adams and Hannah Godwin in order to pursue Cassie Randolph, who left the show after telling him she wasn’t in love with him. In the final moments of Monday’s episode, we saw him approach her door — right before the cameras cut away to host Chris Harrison.

Fortunately, the show jumped immediately back into the action on Tuesday. Cassie answered the door, visibly shocked to see Colton, and agreed to talk outside, where he revealed that he had broken up with Tayshia and Hannah on the off-chance that she would give their relationship another chance. “I’m not telling you that I love you. I want to show you,” he declared.

And just like that, they were seemingly back on track. Cassie said she still had some reservations and didn’t know what she was ready for, which is why she had broken up with him in the first place, but she was clearly moved by his gesture and agreed to travel to Spain to meet his family.

Understandably, though, there was some apprehension on both sides — Cassie’s and his family’s — about the unexpected change in plans. Cassie worried what his family would think of the situation, since she had (very recently) dumped Colton, and his family worried that he was setting himself up to be hurt by her again. (Honestly, same.) They had a lot of questions for her, particularly about what his mom called her “decision to bail,” but to her credit, she answered them honestly, admitting she didn’t know what the future held for them and wasn’t totally on the same page with Colton yet.

Colton, for his part, tried to reassure his parents that she was worth it and he had every hope that she would eventually fall in love with him. But it seemed like he was trying to convince himself and Cassie, too.

Fortunately, he had one more date to get her fully on board. After driving around Mallorca, Spain, for a bit, they arrived at the shore, where they rappelled down an oceanside cliff to get to a picnic, as Colton mused, in voiceover, about taking risks for love, even when there’s no safety net. (A little on the nose, ABC.)

Once they were back on solid ground again, Cassie confessed some of her fears about relationships. (Apparently, she had a college boyfriend who became controlling.) She said she worried she wouldn’t have the freedom to be herself anymore, but Colton said he loved her because she was herself. “More than ever, I feel how much Colton loves me,” she said in a confessional after the fact. “And I think I’m starting to kind of accept it.” Not the most romantic response, but okay.

Later that night, at dinner, Colton pulled out the invitation to the Fantasy Suite. To no one’s surprise, she said yes, and after a few minutes of on-camera kissing, Colton broke the fourth wall, told the crew members he loved them, and then promptly kicked them out — only to emerge a few minutes later to ask them to de-mic him. As the sound engineers walked away, one of them wished Colton good luck, and then he and Cassie disappeared behind closed doors.

At this point in the episode, the show took a break and invited Ben Higgins, Jason Tartick, Chris Randone, and season 23 contestants Onyeka, Demi, and Sydney to discuss what Colton and Cassie may or may not have done in the Fantasy Suite. (Note to Bachelor producers: Please don’t do this in the future.) Thankfully, most of them seemed to agree that the question of Colton’s virginity was not nearly as important as the question of Cassie’s commitment.

Which brings us to the next morning. Colton kept the details of their night together private, saying only that they did what was best for their relationship. And in case you were worried — we were! — that relationship is still going strong.

Colton and Cassie made their first appearance as a couple during the live portion of the finale, and a giggly, giddy Cassie told everyone they’re “super in love.” They’ve even talked about getting engaged. Cassie said nothing’s holding her back now, but Colton said they’re just enjoying dating, so there’s no ring yet, but it sounds like there might be one in the not-too-distant future.

For now, he’s living near her in LA and they’re making plans to travel over the next year. “I feel like the luckiest girl in the world,” she gushed to Chris.

That would have been a good place to end the show, but Chris couldn’t let them go without asking point-blank whether Colton had lost his virginity. He declined to share — honestly, good for him — so Chris ended the interview by introducing a performance from Air Supply, which… made about as much sense as anything else this season. See you next time, friends!

RELATED: Which ‘Bachelor’ and ‘Bachelorette’ Couples Are Still Together?

(Photos via ABC/Josh Vertucci + ABC/John Fleenor)

Festival fashion has always been about making a statement, but some trends are best left in the past. Remember the good old days of flower crowns and dip-dyed denim? We hate to break it to you, but certain Coachella staples are starting to feel more costume-y than a cool-girl outfit. If you want to keep your festival looks fresh as ever, it’s time to retire these “outdated” trends and make room for something new.

Scroll on to discover 7 Coachella and festival trends that were once everything to the fashion community, but have since fallen out of style.

1. Studded Denim Shorts

Etsy

One Of A Kind High Waisted Studded Shorts

Studded denim shorts were everywhere in the early 2010s, thanks to festival fashion legends like Kylie Jenner and Vanessa Hudgens. They were truly so edgy, but the excessive embellishments have since fallen out of style.

Levi's

Levi's Baggy Dad Jorts

If you want to go the denim route for a festival ‘fit, you’re better off rocking high-waisted designs or baggy jorts for a more current feel.

Urban Outfitters

Silence + Noise Mona Studded Shoulder Bag

To channel the good old days of festival fashion, you could totally bulk up your Coachella ‘fits with cute studded accessories like hats or purses!

2. Combat Boots

Amazon

Amazon Essentials Lace-Up Combat Boots

Combat boots – you know the ones! They were once the go-to footwear for grungy festival looks, but along with not being super practical for all-day wear, they just add an unnecessarily bulky vibe.

Tecovas

Tecovas The Beth Boots

Instead, cowgirl boots are the “it” shoe to wear to festivals like Coachella. They’re way more comfortable and go with everything from denim shorts to flowy mini dresses!

3. Fringe Tank Tops

Etsy

Fringe Beaded Tie Dye Top

Remember when everyone and their mothers were chopping up their tank tops with fringe hems? We definitely participated in this festival-inspired trend, even tying little plastic beads onto the strands. Oh, take us back!

Urban Outfitters

Urban Outfitters Zolli Embroidered Open-Back Fringe Halter Top

Fringe tank tops were most certainly a symbol of the boho aesthetic that was so big in the 2010s, but they’ve now been eclipsed by sleeker styles.

Free People

We The Free Fringe Out Vegan Suede Jacket

If you still want to embrace the Coachella nostalgia at your next festival, try out a fringy poncho or jacket or a purse for something a little more low-key.

4. Flower Crowns

Etsy

Sun Flower Headband

Nothing screams ‘early Coachella’ more than flower crowns, but this trend came and went so quick. Flower crowns became so overused that they became cliché – LOL.

Free People

Free People So Silk Bandana

Luckily, you can still achieve the carefree vibe without having to put one on! Opt for chicer hair accessories like hair clips, bandanas, or bows. Plus, braided hairstyles can totally replace the need for anything excessive.

5. Gladiator Sandals

DSW

Vintage Foundry Pruitt Sandals

Oh gosh, we totally regret that these were even a fashion trend. Gladiator sandals – especially the knee-high, lace-up versions – were huge at one point, but they’ve since lost their appeal due to their impracticality. Not only are they hard to walk in, they take literal years to put on and take off, and can cause weird tan lines if you’re standing out in the sun for a festival.

Teva

Teva Flatform Mevia Sandals

These days, chunky platform sandals or cowboy boots are more the norm when it comes to festival fashion.

6. Crochet Dresses

ASOS

ASOS Monki Crochet Knitted Mini Dress

While crochet absolutely still has a place in festival fashion, the fully-crocheted maxi and mini dresses that were once all the rage now feel a wee bit overdone – and too closely tied to the ever-popular boho aesthetic of the past decade.

Urban Outfitters

Motel Fulvia Ruffle Trim Slip Mini Dress

Instead, rock some sheer mesh dresses, flowy slip dresses, or lace-trimmed pieces that offer a more modern take on lightweight festival dressing.

7. Tie-Dye Everything

Los Angeles Apparel

Los Angeles Apparel Tie Dye Baby Rib Halter Top

Tie-dye was another huge festival trend. From shirts to shorts, everything was seemingly covered in the pattern around the 2010s. The visually heavy prints now feel pretty costume-like, compared to today’s more-refined festival fashion. Earthy tones and minimalist patterns feel more appropriate for today’s trends.

Subscribe to our newsletter to discover more trends of the past!

Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

We already know that Netflix's Sirens is all about "socialites, scandal, and power struggles" (Gossip Girl, anyone?), but the streamer finally just announced when we can watch the new show, and it's even sooner than we hoped. In addition to confirming its early summer release date, we also have a first look at stars Meghann Fahy, Julianne Moore, and Kevin Bacon — and it makes me want to watch the show even more than I already did. (And considering the show is produced by Margot Robbie, I already really wanted to watch it). Here's your first look at Netflix's new dark comedy.

Keep reading for the first look at Sirens, coming to Netflix May 22, 2025.

'Sirens' is an "explosive" look at power.

Netflix

In Sirens, Devon (Meghann Fahy) is worried about her sister Simone (Milly Alcock). Or, more specifically, Simone's way-too-close relationship with her boss, socialite Michaela Kell (Julianne Moore). When Devon decides enough is enough, she shows up to set Simone straight, unaware the "explosive" Labor Day weekend at Michaela's "lavish beach estate" will change everything.

"Sirens is an incisive, sexy, and darkly funny exploration of women, power, and class," the show's official logline says. And you know what? That makes for some great TV. The show is executive produced by LuckyChap's Dani Gorin, Tom Ackerley, and Margot Robbie, as well as Colin McKenna.

And the 'Sirens' cast makes it a standout series.

Netflix

In the Sirens first look, we see Meghann Fahy as Devon, armed with what looks like a fruit basket and a scowl. Here's the full Sirens cast list:

  • Meghann Fahy as Devon DeWitt: Simone's concerned and persistent older sister.
  • Julianne Moore as Michaela Kell: a mysterious philanthropist & animal activist and Simone's boss.
  • Milly Alcock as Simone DeWitt: Devon's witty younger sister who works as Michaela's personal assistant.
  • Kevin Bacon as Peter Kell: Michaela's billionaire husband.
  • Glenn Howerton as Ethan Corbin III: the Kells' wealthy, if indulgent, bachelor neighbor
  • Bill Camp as Bruce DeWitt: Devon and Simone's dad who's dealing with a devastating diagnosis.
  • Felix Solis as Jose: the manager, gardener, and head of security of Cliff House.
  • Josh Segarra as Raymond: Devon's on-again-off-again boyfriend.
  • Trevor Salter as Jordan: the very handsome captain of Ethan's yacht.
  • Britne Oldford as Missy: the Kells' seasonal housekeeper.
  • Lauren Weedman as Patrice: the Kells' strictly-business personal chef.
  • Jenn Lyon as Cloe: the meanest member of "The Fates."
  • Erin Neufer as Lisa: a passionate, zealous part of "The Fates" trio.
  • Emily Borromeo as Astrid: the ditzy third member of "The Fates."

Netflix

And Julianne Moore's Michaela is all grace and poise, especially at home in her lavish estate. “This story has a lot of teeth,” series creator Molly Smith Metzler says in an interview with Tudum. “There are real moments of drama, and it’s going to make people uncomfortable. Operatic is a word I like to use to describe it. It’s a true dark comedy — and it’s got a Greek mythology vibe.”

“Julianne’s just the dream for this role because she does feel ethereal,” she continues. “She’s from another kingdom. She is not a normie.”

Here's when you can watch 'Sirens.'

Netflix

Sirens will stream on Netflix starting May 22, 2025.

How many episodes does Sirens on Netflix have?

Netflix

Sirens has five episodes total, all of which will be an hour long.

Where was Sirens filmed?

Netflix

Sirens was announced in February 2024 and began filming in the North Fork of Long Island, New York over the summer of 2024.

Are you excited to watch Sirens this summer? Stay tuned for the latest news and read up on why Apple TV's New Thriller Show Cape Fear Will Hold You Over Until Big Little Lies Season 3.