Ever since Desperate Housewives ended its eight season run, I’ve been going through a bit of a withdrawal. That show offered up equal doses of backstabbing, scandal and betrayal — enough to keep me hooked and on the edge of my seat. What can I say? I like fictitious drama. Now it seems that my withdrawal has come to an end with the debut of Dallas. You have to give TNT credit for re-launching this iconic series.
From 1978 to 1991, the original Dallas captivated a legion of fans on CBS. Nearly 80 million viewers tuned in to see the legendary resolution to the infamous ‘Who Shot J.R.?’ phenomenon. While I’m sure that gargantuan number of viewers didn’t tune in to TNT’s premiere, I’m more than positive that the ones who did were left satisfied. I’m in that number.
TNT offered viewers two back-to-back episodes and each one was filled to the brim with mind-blowing drama. Quite frankly, I don’t even know where to start. The show seemed to be firing on all cylinders at once. Let’s begin with what I liked, shall we? I thought it was really nice seeing the new younger players — Josh Henderson, Jordana Brewster and Jesse Metcalfe — but in my humble opinion, the veterans stole the show … especially Larry Hagman as the conniving J.R. Ewing. He only had a couple of scenes, but each one was effective.
Hagman still has it and without a doubt, the man can definitely deliver a line. I enjoyed seeing him scheme to steal Southfork away from Patrick Duffy’s humble Bobby Ewing. It’s hard to believe that after all of these years J.R. is still as cruel as ever. I mean, seriously? Is oil still as prized as it was in the 80’s? I’m just sayin’. What’s more is that his son John Ross, played with such evil glee by Henderson, seems to be just as ruthless … if not more so. Already they’re both backstabbing and double-crossing each other. How long can that possibly last?
I found myself completely immersed in both hours. However, one must wonder how much backstabbing and betrayal is too much for one show. That was the one thought that ran through my head as I took notes to keep up with every twist and turn. It seemed that everyone had a damn secret. Bobby was keeping his cancer hidden from his wife, played by Desperate Housewives’ Brenda Strong, while fellow DH alum Metcalfe’s Christopher wasn’t particularly keen on sharing an incident that happened regarding his eco-friendly solution to generating power. I could go on about everyone else’s secrets, but it would take forever … and a day. Instead, I’ll let you all discuss your favorite moments.
Ladies and gentleman, we’ve been left with a ton of questions to ponder until next week’s installment. For starters, who is the shady chick that J.R. hired to derail Bobby’s sale of Southfork? Did Christopher’s wife marry him for love? Who sent Elena the mysterious email? What is Mitch hiding? And how will J.R. punish his son now that he knows John Ross is double crossing him? I’m dying to find out. Sound off in the comments below!
Clacked by Jaylen Christie 
on Jun 14, 2012 @ 01:40 EST5EDT
Loved it! They totally reeled me in by the end of the night. I think it’s pretty obvious now where the mysterious email to Elena came from, but I won’t spoil it here yet for those that haven’t watched. Brilliant move incorporating the key original cast members too. Of the newbies, Josh Hutcherson is the standout. I will definitely be tuning in again!
*POST AUTHOR*
Same here, Chuck! It was AWESOME! It started off just a bit slow, but after the first 15 minutes, I was hooked! Don’t spoil the mysterious email plot, Chuck! I still don’t know who sent it. I agree that Josh Henderson is the standout in regards to the younger cast. He was just so evil! LOL I was like, “What the hell is his problem?” My mom told me that J.R. was a piece of work in the original as well. I think TNT has a certified hit on their hands. :-)
Wait … you’ve never seen the original???
*POST AUTHOR*
Oh, I’ve seen a few episodes here and there, but Dallas was before my time. I was only two or three when it went off the air. My mom watched the show religiously. Out of sheer curiosity, I caught a few episodes on YouTube way before TNT even announced the continuation. I did like what I saw…but not enough for me to run out and purchase every season. Heck, that’s what? — fifteen seasons, right? Do you know how much money that would cost me?! LOL Still, I knew enough to get pulled into the TNT installments.
I know exactly how much it would cost! Dallas on Amazon.com :-)
I was lucky enough to pick up several seasons for $5.00 each at Big Lots a while back but I still have to fill in the holes. But I was there right from the beginning.
*POST AUTHOR*
Chuck, if I did find those seasons for five bucks then I’d certainly buy them. You were blessed, buddy. Did you watch Dynasty too or were you just a Dallas dude. My mom didn’t believe in discrimination…so she watched both! LOL And even though they went off the air YEARS ago, that woman can recall every vivid detail of both soap operas. LOL I prefer Dallas.
Oh, I lived through them all – Dallas, Dynasty, Knots Landing, Falcon Crest and the very under-rated Flamingo Road. Never missed an episode!
. . . . .
… wait … wait … wait … J.R. Ewing: “conniving” … ?!???!
Come on … !!!
I’ve never watched an episode of the original Dallas either…maybe a Virgin Diary topic for next summer? lol
*POST AUTHOR*
Apparently Dallas was the show to watch back in the day! LOL
LOL, apparently ;) I’ve always wanted to watch to see why who shot J.R. was such a big deal, but just haven’t got around to it yet…one of these days.
It wasn’t WHO that was the big deal, it was the fact that Dallas ended their season with a cliffhanger. It was something that hadn’t been done before, plus this was before the internet so there were no spoilers out there. (Well, not really before the internet, but before the internet was common.)
The best part of that is seeing the footage they shot of basically everyone and their brother pulling the trigger so as to keep the shooter’s identity a secret. Dallas was the originator of the season ending cliffhanger. We have them to thank/curse for that! LOL
I had so much fun watching this. I remember it from my earliest years (I was born the year after it came out), so watching this was like coming home. JR is such a magnificent bastard!
JR rocks!!! I enjoyed watching the episodes last night. They were both good!!! JR stole all of his scenes. He had me laughing. I particular loved this line “blood is thicker than water but oil is thicker than both”. Only JR can deliver a line like that. I became a fan of Dallas back in the 70s and if things continue to go the way that they are, I will continue to be a loyal fan. The show now has a different flavor with the younger cast; however, John Ross appears to have the same demeanor as JR and Christopher as Bobbie.
Thanks, Jay for reviewing this show. I look forward to next week!!!
I didn’t watch the original Dallas and wasn’t sure if I would watch or not. But, I decided to at least check it out.
Yeah … I was sucked in within the first few minutes. Josh Hutcherson is the reason why. I want to know what John Ross is up to and gonna do next.
The only complaint is that I’m disappointed that Christopher’s new wife and brother-in-law are playing him. That was just one scheme too many for me. Though, it definitely opens the door for Christopher and Elena to get together in a positive way.