How much is too much? That’s the question that continued to float through my head as I viewed Dallas’ “The Price You Pay”. Oh, it was certainly exciting. There wasn’t a single lackluster moment. However, with so much going on, it does beg the question of whether or not an hour-long drama can become, well, oversaturated. All the same, I did get a kick out of seeing Larry Hagman on my television screen once again.
As fan favorite J.R. Ewing, Hagman was once again supplied with some of the show’s best dialogue … and scenes too for that matter. I liked knowing that J.R. was able to outsmart his equally conniving son John Ross. That made me smile. I honestly was a little creeped out by the opening scene of him shaving his son and holding the sharp blade to his throat. I think we all know that J.R. is definitely not a man to be a tussled with. Still, how funny was it seeing him put aside his anger to team up with his son in order to win Southfork? Like father, like son, eh? I got a real kick out of seeing one of J.R.’s buddies from the retirement home lend him a helping hand by pretending to be his doctor in order to get Bobby to let J.R. move in. Now that’s a damn shame.
Speaking of Bobby, I have to say, after fourteen seasons of dealing with J.R. (or thirteen seasons if you count Pam’s year long dream), I’m rather surprised that Bobby isn’t able to spot his brother’s bull crap when it’s presented to him. Maybe he was too worried about his cancer. Either way, Bobby has one less thing to be worried about — Southfork. He sold it. Isn’t that sad?
In other news, I did like seeing Cliff Barnes again. What’s he up to? I haven’t a clue … and while I’m at it … what’s Rebecca’s deal? Her brother wanted her to plant that gizmo into Christopher’s computer, but it seems she had a change of heart. What’s her scheme? I wish I knew. Do you?
Ladies and gentlemen, we’ve got questions to ponder. Now that it’s been revealed that Rebecca sent Elena the letter, what is John Ross going to do with that information? Are Mitch’s days numbered? Is Christopher really sorry about kissing Elena? Is J.R. going to get his hands on Southfork? I’m going to have to get a new notebook to keep track of all of this stuff. Sound off in the comments below!
“Well you’re lookin’ pretty spry for all that you’ve been through, old fella. Cliff Barnes, remember me?” — Cliff Barnes
“Time has not been kind to that face, but I do recall the smell of brimstone and crazy.” — JR
“Bullets don’t seem to have much of an effect on me, darlin’.” — JR to Ann, who thought he was an intruder.
Clacked by Jaylen Christie 
on Jun 20, 2012 @ 23:42 EST5EDT
The show is a total guilty pleasure, but thanks to Hagman, Duffy, and to some extent, Brenda Strong, it works. Hagman’s the star, and still has whatever magic spark he had all those years ago. Duffy is still immensely likeable and relatable. And Strong, as his wife Ann, is doing a nice job in a few quiet scenes in providing the “home” and “family” environment that Miss Ellie provided so long ago, and keeps the show grounded.
I’m not as impressed with the young cast, though. I don’t care how many computers and high-school chemistry kits they put in front of him, I’ll never believe that the guy playing Christopher has any idea what he’s talking about. As far as John Ross Jr. goes, I like him better working with his father than working against him, but he seems like a lightweight snotty brat. The actress playing Christopher’s wife is believable as being conflicted between the con job that got her involved with him and actually falling for him and being welcomed so warmly into the family. The other girl feels more like a plot complication, even if she supposedly is the one Christopher loved, and who loves him.
The writing seems right out of the 1980s, no matter how many cell phones and flash drives they throw around. Double-crosses and triple-crosses, and people hiding secrets from each other…But as a guilty pleasure, I’m pretty happy with it.
Now just add the big faces of the actors back into the opening credits, which are otherwise perfect, and they’ll have the second-best nostalgic current TV opening credits that’s better than the show that follows. #1? Hawaii Five-O, of course!
Another good episode!!! Larry Hagman just kills me. I love that man!!! He has not changed. I don’t think JR is going to get Southfolk but I am going to thoroughly enjoy watching all of his schemes.
Look forward for next weeks’ review. Keep on clacking!!