Dallas Scene of the Day: ‘You’re Just a Bad Memory’

Home and away

In “Rock Bottom,” a ninth-season “Dallas” episode, J.R. (Larry Hagman) is sitting alone on the Southfork patio when Sue Ellen (Linda Gray) approaches.

SUE ELLEN: I shouldn’t have left after the funeral. It was wrong.

J.R.: You should have thought about that before you deserted the family.

SUE ELLEN: It was a mistake.

J.R.: A little late to apologize, isn’t it?

SUE ELLEN: J.R., you’re not the only one who’s hurting. Bobby was very special to me too.

J.R.: He wasn’t your brother.

SUE ELLEN: I loved him.

J.R.: Is that supposed to make me feel better?

SUE ELLEN: Don’t you think I share your pain?

J.R.: Well, I won’t let you. We haven’t shared anything in a long, long time, Sue Ellen. Not my love, my bed or the responsibility for John Ross. [Snickers] What’s left?

SUE ELLEN: We could help each other.

J.R.: Go back to your bottle. That’s the only help you need.

SUE ELLEN: [Tearing up] I haven’t been drinking.

J.R.: The day’s young yet. [She turns and begins walking away.] Where are you going?

SUE ELLEN: I have to see Miss Ellie.

J.R.: Don’t even think about it.

SUE ELLEN: [Crying] J.R., please, I’m sorry.

J.R.: You’re a terrible embarrassment, Sue Ellen. Nobody around here wants to see you. You’re sinking, honey, and you’re dragging me down with you. I can’t allow that to go on, not for my sake or my son’s.

SUE ELLEN: He’s my son too.

J.R.: He doesn’t have a mother. I don’t have a wife. You don’t exist. You’re just a bad memory that doesn’t know when to go away.

Watch this scene in “Rock Bottom,” available on DVD and at Amazon and iTunes, and share your comments below.