Dallas Scene of the Day: ‘Hello, Edgar’

Flower power

In “Twleve Mile Limit,” a seventh-season “Dallas” episode, J.R. (Larry Hagman) enters Edgar’s hospital room and places a bouquet of flowers at the foot of the bed, just as Edgar (Martin E. Brooks) awakens.

J.R.: Hello, Edgar. [Removes his hat] Thought I’d bring a little something to brighten up your room.

EDGAR: What are you doing here?

J.R.: So you decided to take the easy way out, did you? I’m disappointed in you. I thought you were more intelligent than that.

EDGAR: Actually, I would rather die than give you what you want.

J.R.: Well, that’s easy enough for you to say, but what about your wife and your children?

EDGAR: At least if I died, they wouldn’t know about my past.

J.R.: Oh, sure they would. I’d break your story to the newspapers before you turned cold in the ground.

EDGAR: Even then you’d do that?

J.R.: Well, naturally. So if you’re thinking of repeating that booze and pills act, forget it. It’s not going to do you any good.

EDGAR: But why? What purpose would it serve?

J.R.: It would testify to the fact that J.R. Ewing always keeps his promises.

EDGAR: [Shouting] You’re not a human being, you’re scum!

J.R.: Edgar, I know how you feel. But it’s not going to change the way things are. Now don’t make it hard on yourself. [Smiles] I’m really a nice fellow when I get what I want. [Turns to leave, stops and looks back at Edgar] Oh, and by the way: Don’t you ever mention my name to Donna Krebbs again — or you’ll really regret that you didn’t die today.