Dallas Scene of the Day: ‘I Was Just Living Mama’s Dreams’

Wake up, darlin’

In “Divorce, Ewing Style,” a third-season “Dallas” episode, Sue Ellen (Linda Gray) has lunch at a restaurant with Kristin (Mary Crosby), unaware Kristin is only pretending to be nice to her.

KRISTIN: Thank you for coming, Sue Ellen.

SUE ELLEN: I came because I was curious. I can’t imagine what you think we have to talk about.

KRISTIN: I don’t blame you for feeling the way you do.

SUE ELLEN: Really?

KRISTIN: I’ve been terrible. I’ve done everything I could to break you and J.R. up. I even let him … we became lovers. I’ve done nothing but cause you trouble, and I’m truly ashamed.

SUE ELLEN: Why this sudden confession?

KRISTIN: Because I couldn’t stand it anymore when I saw you and J.R. together at your anniversary party. It made me realize just how dreadful I’ve been.

SUE ELLEN: Now that we both know that, so what?

KRISTIN: So, I’m leaving Dallas, Sue Ellen. I’m going to school in California. But before I left, I had to see you, to try to make it up to you somehow.

SUE ELLEN: It doesn’t matter anymore, Kristin. I no longer care what J.R. does.

KRISTIN: I tried to figure out why I did it. It just comes down to one thing. It’s what Mama taught me to do. I was only doing what I’ve been brought up to do.

SUE ELLEN: You are so smart, Kristin. I was much older than you before I figured out I was just living Mama’s dreams.

KRISTIN: I’m trying to change, Sue Ellen, and I hope that we can at least be friends.

SUE ELLEN: Why not?

KRISTIN: To friendship? [Raises her glass]

Sue Ellen clinks glasses with Kristin, who spills her drink in Sue Ellen’s lap. When Sue Ellen leaves to dry herself off, Kristin offers a self-satisfied smirk.