
Cash and carry
In “Where There’s a Will,” a sixth-season “Dallas” episode, John (Robin Strand) is dressing in the Ewing condo while Serena (Stephanie Blackmore) lounges in bed.
SERENA: You’re not leaving already?
JOHN: Gotta get home.
SERENA: Don’t be silly. It’s still early.
JOHN: It’s nearly 10.
SERENA: Aren’t you enjoying yourself?
JOHN: [Sits on bed] Are you kidding? Your husband must have been a fool to divorce you.
SERENA: He’s a lot older. We just weren’t compatible. Not like us. [Kisses him]
J.R. (Larry Hagman) enters.
J.R.: Oh, excuse me. [Noticing John] John Baxter?
JOHN: Mr. Ewing, what are you doing here?
J.R.: Well, this is a Ewing condo. Serena was just staying here.
SERENA: I’m sorry, J.R. I thought I’d be gone by now.
J.R.: Good Lord, what is Harv Smithfield going to say when he hears his brand-new son-in-law is in bed with another woman.
JOHN: Mr. Ewing, you wouldn’t say anything to him, would you?
J.R.: Well, I don’t know what I’m going to do. I’m a firm believer in the sanctity of marriage — and I’m damned disappointed in you, John.
JOHN: Yes, sir. I can imagine that you are. But you wouldn’t say anything to Mr. Smithfield, would you?
J.R.: Well, I’m going to give it some thought. I’ll call you tomorrow. I’m sure we can work something out. In the meantime, you might get out of here and go back to your little bride.
JOHN: Yes, sir. [Scoops up his clothes, rushes away]
SERENA: [Smiling] I hope that was what you wanted, J.R.
J.R. [Sits on the bed, reaches into his pocket, pulls out an envelope and hands it to her] That’s exactly what I wanted, my dear. And like my daddy used to say, “Where there’s a way, there’s a will.’”
[…] them in bed together. Leonard Katzman, who wrote and directed “Where There’s a Will,” gives this scene enough humor to amuse the audience without letting things devolve into slapstick. “I’m a firm […]