Flying high
DVR users have been boosting “Dallas’s” ratings all year – and they didn’t disappoint last week.
“Guilt by Association” and “Legacies,” the last two episodes of “Dallas’s” second season, averaged 2.9 million viewers when TNT telecast them back-to-back on April 15. During the next three days, DVR users boosted the combined average for the two episodes to 3.8 million viewers, a 26 percent increase from the previous week.
“Legacies,” which resolved the “Who Killed J.R.?” mystery, performed especially well. When DVR users are included, the episode hit season highs in two important categories: It drew 1.9 million viewers between the ages of 25 and 54, an audience that TNT targets, and 1.5 million adults between 18 and 49, another crucial demographic.
TNT hasn’t announced if it will renew “Dallas” for a third season. Perhaps the cable channel will announce the show’s renewal at its May 15 “upfront,” when executives from TNT and sister station TBS will pitch their programming to advertisers?
Say Uncle
Who is Joaquin, the Mexican mystery man that Elena (Jordana Brewster) visited at the end of “Legacies”? Elena’s Twitter feed offers a clue. Here’s what she tweeted yesterday: “Can’t wait to introduce you all to my uncle Joaquin. He’s quite a character. And a potentially powerful ally.”
Meanwhile, is Ann (Brenda Strong) ready to get out of the Southfork kitchen? Here’s one of her character’s tweets: “I’ve been thinking about venturing away from the ranch, maybe get involved in some Dallas charities or politics. Sue Ellen inspired me.”
Let’s Play ‘Dallas’
When I was a kid, I used to play “Dallas” with my “Star Wars” action figures. Han Solo made a pretty good J.R., while the Bespin-gowned version of Princess Leia was glamorous enough to be Sue Ellen. Now it seems “Dallas” fans like me will be able to collect the real thing: Figures Toy Company has announced plans for a line of classic “Dallas” action figures, beginning with two versions of J.R. – “oil tycoon” and “Who Shot J.R.?”
No word on when the figures will become available. The company encourages fans to “like” its Facebook page for updates. Hopefully we’ll eventually get a Sue Ellen figure – complete with a flask and pearl-handed pistol.
And while we’re on the subject of “Dallas” merchandise: J.R.-branded bourbon will go on sale this fall. Plan accordingly.
“Drill Bits,” a roundup of news about TNT’s “Dallas,” is published regularly. Share your comments below.
Dallas Decoder 
I think it will be renewed, as it was their highest rated show during the winter. Dallas action figures!!! Wow, love it. I always thought it would be cool to create trading cards, hell they might all ready have them
Brandon, there were “Dallas” cards in the early ’80s. I think I probably have most of them. They’re fun.
Did you ever find out if people like me count in this? I’m talking about people who don’t watch it on any television channel, I buy it straight from iTunes.
As I understand it, iTunes downloads aren’t included in Nielsen ratings. The Nielsen ratings are designed to let advertisers know how many people see their commercials, and since there are no commercials with iTunes downloads, Nielsen doesn’t care how many people are buying shows through iTunes. Of course, I’m no expert on this, so if any Dallas Decoder readers know more, please chime in.
Here’s an interesting article about the “new rules” of TV: http://www.wired.com/underwire/2013/03/nielsen-family-is-dead/
It is going to get renewed. I hope more than anything that Dallas receives at least half many awards that they earned and deserve for season 2 and season 1. They were both within the past year. I really don’t know how that works. Did Dallas on TNT win any awards already? Is Dallas on TNT even considered a “soap opera?” I don’t know. I consider it a soap opera. The thing is, I really don’t have a clue, I just think Dallas is a soap because the original series was classified as such.
Dallas figures? OK. I would buy them just to collect. Chris B., the fact that you played “Dallas” with your Star Wars figures even cements further in my mind that you are the right person to be doing what you are doing with this site. It even further convinces me that I am on the best Dallas website possible! I only played Star Wars with mine. Yes, I did like Dallas as a child, nowhere near as much as I liked Star Wars. I am not trying to be over complimentary. I am just saying, as I did before, your passion and sincerity in the work and effort that you do on Dallas Decoder really shows.
Another issue is number of episodes. I’d love for it to be renewed for 20 episodes (or more, but I doubt that’s happening). I understand why they did 10 for Season 1. Increased it for Season 2. All good.
What I want is a 20 episode order for Season 3. *OR*… A two season renewal for Season 3 & 4 at the same time for 15 episodes. I’d like 20 each, but my gut says that wouldn’t happen, so I’ll settle for two years of 15 each. 🙂
Bite your tongue, Joe. Twenty episodes? Writing critiques for 15 was hard enough!
But seriously: If we could get 20 solid episodes, that would be great. I wouldn’t want to see the writers spread themselves too thin, though.
I can conclusively say I don’t care how hard it is on you and writeups. I want it back to the way it was in the old show – 26 a season!
You’re all heart Joe.
Hahahaha. 🙂
Jumpsteady, I appreciate your nice compliments. They really mean a lot. Thanks.
I thinks it’s a good sign for season 3 if tnt keeps investing in social media campaigns and merchandise (J.R. Bourbon) – if they were planning to cancel why would they be wasting this time continuing with PR?
That is my feeling as well. I am quite anxious to get confirmation…. I went thru withdrawal this past Monday. Can’t imagine finding out that we will never get more.
Hel, I talked tonight to my dad, who told me he slid into his easy chair this past Monday night, eager to watch “Dallas,” only to remember at the last minute that the show’s season has concluded. He was crestfallen. Poor guy.
Hey, I have I had 4 conversations with friends this week very similar to yours with your Dad. Everyone of them has been about how disappointed they were when they turned on the TV to realize no Dallas this past Monday!
Hel, we need to find out a way to fill our Mondays!
Good points, Paul. I hope you’re right!
Btw love your blog!
Thanks Paul!
A JR action Figure! How cool is that? I am already stoked over the JR Bourbon. A few weeks ago When I first read about the bourbon came about, I was totally stoked. I don’t even like bourbon…..but would absolutely love one of those bottles. The fact that the idea came from some huge Dallas fans…makes it cooler. I can’t wait to see the other side of that bottle, BTW.
Hel, I thought the same thing. I want to see the other side of that bottle!
BTW…did you see People magazine put Linda in their most beautiful mag….as the female with the Most Beautiful Legs?
I’ve heard about that article, Hel. I’ll check it out in the supermarket line this weekend.
If they do renew for a third season, want less of this Joaquin/Elena crap. Cliff Barnes, Ray, Lucy, Afton etc need to be re- occuring. Katherine Wentworth needs to put in an appearance. Also keep the memory of JR alive constantly.
Jamie, I’m curious to find out who Joaquin is, although I’m not sure the show can fit any more characters. The cast is getting pretty full as it is. Regardless, I agree with you: More favorites like Lucy and Afton please. And I’d love to see Katherine again too!
That was a superb pairing of final episodes C.B.
Glad you enjoyed it, R.J. Those two-hour episodes are fun to watch but it’s a lot of work to critique them. I’m glad the show is steering clear of two-hour episodes in Season 3 (so far).