Dallas Scenes of the Day – Dallas Decoder

Dallas Scene of the Day: ‘I Never Meant to Be a Burden’

June 25, 2012 by Chris Baker 3 Comments

Amanda Ewing, Dallas, Lesley Woods, Wheeler Dealer

Lost in time

In “The Wheeler Dealer,” a third-season “Dallas” episode, Jock (Jim Davis), accompanied by Miss Ellie (Barbara Bel Geddes) and Bobby and Pam (Patrick Duffy, Victoria Principal), visits a Colorado mental hospital to see his first wife Amanda (Lesley Woods), who doesn’t recognize him. When Amanda spots Bobby, she runs toward him with outstretched arms.

AMANDA: There you are! You said you’d come and I didn’t believe you. [She embraces him.] How long was it this time, six months? Do you like my dress? [She twirls.] I bought it special, just for you.

BOBBY: It’s lovely.

AMANDA: I know it’s your favorite color. I wanted to look so nice for you.

BOBBY: You do. You look real pretty.

AMANDA: Are you going away again?

BOBBY: Yes, I have to go away.

AMANDA: [Points to Jock] You’re going with him, aren’t you? He’s a wildcatter. Please don’t go. I wish you wouldn’t. I worry so much about you. Please.

BOBBY: I’ll be all right. You just take care of yourself, OK?

AMANDA: I’m nothing but a burden to you, Jock. And I don’t mean to be. I love you so much. [A nurse approaches and comforts her.] I never meant to be a burden. Never. Really, I didn’t. Never.

As the nurse leads her away, Jock touches her shoulder.

Filed Under: Dallas Scenes of the Day, Dallas Scenes of the Day (Classic), Features Tagged With: Barbara Bel Geddes, Jim Davis, Lesley Woods, Patrick Duffy, Victoria Principal, Wheeler Dealer

TNT’s Dallas Scene of the Day: ‘I Feared My Daddy’

June 21, 2012 by Chris Baker 7 Comments

Dallas, John Ross Ewing, Josh Henderson, J.R. Ewing, Larry Hagman, Price You Pay, TNT

It’s a cutthroat business, son

In “The Price You Pay,” a first-season “Dallas” episode, J.R. and John Ross (Larry Hagman, Josh Henderson) are each seated in barber chairs getting shaved. A towel covers John Ross’s eyes.

J.R.: Feels good, doesn’t it?

JOHN ROSS: Almost sinful.

J.R.: [Chuckles] Your granddaddy Jock took me here the day I closed my first big deal. That man taught me everything I know about business. [Rises from the chair, tips the barber, tells him to “get going,” walks toward John Ross] When I was 8 years old, I asked my daddy for a horse, and he says when I came up for the money, he’d sell me one. [Snaps at John Ross’s barber, who gives him his razor, takes J.R.’s money and leaves] So, all that summer, I worked in the oil fields, digging trenches and such, 12 hours a day. [Begins shaving John Ross] And true to his word, daddy sold me a horse. Now, I learned quick enough, that horse was blind. Now, I loved my daddy, and I respected my daddy, but most importantly, I feared my daddy. [J.R. pulls away the towel covering John Ross’s eyes; John Ross sees J.R. is now holding the straight blade to his neck] I went down to Mexico and talked to Mr. del Sol about the Southfork deal. I know Marta is not Marta. Were you going to cut your daddy out of 2 billion barrels worth of oil? Hmm?

Filed Under: Dallas Scenes of the Day, Dallas Scenes of the Day (TNT), Features Tagged With: Josh Henderson, Larry Hagman, Price You Pay, TNT

Dallas Scene of the Day: ‘You Were Jock’s Girl All Along’

June 20, 2012 by Chris Baker 3 Comments

Barbara Bel Geddes, Dallas, Miss Ellie Ewing, Jock's Trial Part 2

She had to be taken care of

In “Jock’s Trial, Part 2,” a third-season “Dallas” episode, Miss Ellie and Bobby (Barbara Bel Geddes, Patrick Duffy) join Pam (Victoria Principal), Cliff (Ken Kercheval) and Maggie (Sarah Cunningham) at the hospital bedside of Digger (Keenan Wynn), who is dying.

DIGGER: Ellie.

ELLIE: Hello, Digger.

DIGGER: I wanna talk to you. Cliff?

CLIFF: I’m right here, Daddy.

DIGGER: Cliff, I wanna know if everything I say now is legal.

CLIFF: [Perplexed] I don’t know what you’re trying to say.

DIGGER: Ellie, I wasn’t gonna say anything. I was gonna let Cliff get his final revenge against Jock for me. He’ll probably ask, do I still love you? [Smile and nods his head, weakly] I do. [She smiles.] Even though I do, and you were Jock’s girl all along.

ELLIE: Digger.

DIGGER: I can’t let Cliff do this to you.

ELLIE: What do you mean?

Digger recalls how he discovered his wife Becky had been impregnated by her lover Hutch McKinney, who pulled a gun on him. After a struggle, Digger shot and killed Hutch and buried him on Southfork. The Barneses moved to Corpus Christi, where Becky died.

ELLIE: Digger.

DIGGER: I couldn’t let Jock for what happened to Hutch. Ellie [struggles to breath] … you had to be taken care of.

PAM: Daddy, what about the baby?

DIGGER: Baby?

BOBBY: The baby McKinney fathered.

DIGGER: I always loved you, Pam.

PAM: [Crying] Me?

DIGGER: Just like you were my own.

He takes his last breath and the hospital monitor flatlines. Cliff closes his eyes, Ellie turns away, Maggie ushers in a nurse and Bobby holds Pam.

Filed Under: Dallas Scenes of the Day, Dallas Scenes of the Day (Classic), Features Tagged With: Barbara Bel Geddes, Jock’s Trial Part 2, Keenan Wynn, Ken Kercheval, Patrick Duffy, Sarah Cunningham, Victoria Principal

Dallas Scene of the Day: ‘Don’t Try and Play His Game’

June 19, 2012 by Chris Baker 1 Comment

Bobby Ewing, Dallas, Jock's Trial Part 1, Patrick Duffy

He should know

In “Jock’s Trial, Part 1,” a third-season “Dallas” episode, Bobby and Sue Ellen (Patrick Duffy, Linda Gray) chat on the Southfork patio while little John plays in his crib.

BOBBY: Sue Ellen, you’ve been spending an awful lot of time by yourself lately. Is there anything I can do?

SUE ELLEN: Oh, I don’t think so. [She looks at little John, then at Bobby.] Bobby, you don’t really believe that I’ve started drinking again, do you?

BOBBY: I don’t wanna believe it.

SUE ELLEN: I need someone on my side.

BOBBY: [Leans toward her] I am on your side. Sue Ellen, I’ve always been on your side.

SUE ELLEN: J.R. has done everything he can to put me back in that sanitarium.

BOBBY: Why? Everything’s been going so well between you two.

SUE ELLEN: No, it hasn’t. I just made it seem that way. I wanted to be the perfect wife so everyone would forget my past.

BOBBY: I don’t understand. Why all this game playing then?

SUE ELLEN: To try to get custody of little John. [She looks at the baby.]

BOBBY: What?

SUE ELLEN: Bobby, I can’t live with J.R. anymore. I want a divorce.

BOBBY: You’re telling me you’re not drinking and J.R.’s trying to make you look like a drunk?

SUE ELLEN: [Nodding, tearing up] Yes.

BOBBY: Sue Ellen, if you feel you have to leave J.R., then do it. But do it in the open. Don’t try and play his game. Honey, he’s too good at it. And don’t rush into anything.

SUE ELLEN: But what about little John?

BOBBY: Well, that’s a … that’s a choice you may have to make. You’re gonna have to take your chances.

Filed Under: Dallas Scenes of the Day, Dallas Scenes of the Day (Classic), Features Tagged With: Jock’s Trial Part 1, Linda Gray, Patrick Duffy

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

June 18, 2012 by Chris Baker 3 Comments

Dallas, Divorce Ewing Style, Linda Gray, Sue Ellen Ewing

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.

Filed Under: Dallas Scenes of the Day, Dallas Scenes of the Day (Classic), Features Tagged With: Divorce Ewing Style, Linda Gray, Mary Crosby

TNT’s Dallas Scene of the Day: ‘The Prettiest Girl at the Ball’

June 15, 2012 by Chris Baker 7 Comments

Dallas, Hedging Your Bets, Linda Gray, Sue Ellen Ewing, TNT

He’s right

In “Hedging Your Bets,” a first-season “Dallas” episode, J.R. (Larry Hagman) approaches Sue Ellen (Linda Gray) at the Cattle Baron’s Ball.

SUE ELLEN: J.R., what are you doing here? I thought you weren’t well enough to even leave your room.

J.R.: I just came by to congratulate you. And you deserve it, honey. Look at you. And look at me. You won, honey. And I couldn’t be happier. [Turns to walk away]

SUE ELLEN: Wait.

J.R.: If you ask me, you’d make a hell of a governor. And if I do say so, you are still the prettiest girl at the ball.

Filed Under: Dallas Scenes of the Day, Dallas Scenes of the Day (TNT), Features Tagged With: Hedging Your Bets, Larry Hagman, Linda Gray, TNT

TNT’s Dallas Scene of the Day: ‘… To Be Like Us’

June 14, 2012 by Chris Baker 2 Comments

Bobby Ewing, Changing of the Guard, Dallas, Patrick Duffy, TNT

Brother, where art thou?

In “Changing of the Guard,” “Dallas’s” first episode, Bobby (Patrick Duffy) visits the nursing home, where he sits at the side of the motionless J.R. (Larry Hagman).

BOBBY: All those fights, J.R., over Ewing Oil and Southfork. Those fights changed me. Changed me in a way I don’t like. I worry about Christopher and John Ross. I want them to have a chance to be a family. Without all the bitterness and bad blood you and I had. I don’t want them to be like us. But, all that being said, I do miss you. [Winces, grabs his stomach] Well, I hope you know. I always loved you. [He rises, kisses J.R. on the head and leaves.]

Filed Under: Dallas Scenes of the Day, Dallas Scenes of the Day (TNT), Features Tagged With: Changing of the Guard (2012), Larry Hagman, Patrick Duffy, TNT

Dallas Scene of the Day: ‘I’ve Got to Feel Useful Again’

June 13, 2012 by Chris Baker Leave a Comment

Dallas, Digger Barnes, Keenan Wynn, Second Thoughts

Dead weight

In “Second Thoughts,” a third-season “Dallas” episode, Pam (Victoria Principal) walks into Cliff’s bedroom and finds Digger (Keenan Wynn) packing.

PAM: Daddy, you’re really going?

DIGGER: Yeah.

PAM: Why?

DIGGER: I’m not needed here. Nothing to keep me.

PAM: Well, there’s me. And Cliff. We’re family. We need each other.

DIGGER: Oh, now come on, Pam. You’re a big girl now. You’ve got your own life to live. I’m just a dead weight. God knows, Cliff would be better off without me hanging around.

PAM: Please don’t go, Daddy. You’re not well.

DIGGER: I’m better off away from here, where I can work. Keep myself occupied.

PAM: If you want something to do, maybe I can help.

DIGGER: The subject is closed. Don’t you see, Pam? I’ve got to go. I can’t keep hanging around, and feeling used up and worn out. I mean, if I can’t work the field anymore, well, I’ve gotta find something else. Work in an office. Drive a truck, anything. But I’ve got to feel useful again.

PAM: Well, would you like a ride to the airport – or were you going to walk your way to Galveston?

DIGGER: Well, now, if you’re offering me a lift, I guess I could hardly refuse. You could give me a lift to the bus station. I don’t fly unless I really have to.

They exit.

Filed Under: Dallas Scenes of the Day, Dallas Scenes of the Day (Classic), Features Tagged With: Keenan Wynn, Second Thoughts, Victoria Principal

Dallas Scene of the Day: ‘Jock, We Love Each Other’

June 12, 2012 by Chris Baker 1 Comment

Dallas, Donna Culver, Sue Ellen's Choice, Susan Howard

A desperate plea

In “Sue Ellen’s Choice,” a third-season “Dallas” episode, Jock (Jim Davis) fixes a drink in J.R.’s office while Donna Culver (Susan Howard) sits on the sofa.

JOCK: It isn’t often anymore that a pretty girl like you calls and asks for an appointment. What can I do for you? [Rests on the desk’s edge]

DONNA: [Rises] It’s about Ray, Jock.

JOCK: Ray?

DONNA: Ray Krebbs. We’ve been seeing each other since Sam died.

JOCK: [Nods] Yes, I heard.

DONNA: I’m sorry. This is embarrassing. [Smiles]

JOCK: Well, now don’t be embarrassed. Something upset you enough to bring you here. What is it?

DONNA: Ray and I were planning on getting married as soon as it seemed respectable. And now, all of a sudden, he’s changed his mind. I want you to talk to him.

JOCK: Well, Donna, there just isn’t a whole lot that I can do about that.

DONNA: You don’t understand. He’s got some crazy idea that he’s not good enough for me. You know him, Jock. You know him better than anybody. You’ve been like a father to him. He respects you. He thinks the whole world of you. And I just want you to tell him that he’s good enough for anybody, anybody at all. Because I know he’d listen to you.

JOCK: Ray’s a pretty smart boy, Donna.

DONNA: Does that mean you won’t talk to him? [Smiles]

JOCK: I never even told my own boys how to live their lives, Donna. I can’t start with Ray.

DONNA: Jock, we love each other.

JOCK: Yes, yes, I believe you do. But Donna, a good marriage is based on a much more solid foundation than that.

DONNA: [Smiles] Well, I’m sorry if I bothered you.

JOCK: You didn’t bother me, Donna. Just wish I could’ve helped you, that’s all.

DONNA: I know. [Puts on her coat, grabs her purse, opens the door, faces Jock]

JOCK: Bye.

DONNA: Goodbye.

Filed Under: Dallas Scenes of the Day, Dallas Scenes of the Day (Classic), Features Tagged With: Jim Davis, Sue Ellen’s Choice, Susan Howard

Knots Landing Scene of the Day: ‘Stay, Lucy. Stay the Week.’

June 11, 2012 by Chris Baker 3 Comments

Charlene Tilton, Dallas, Gary Ewing, Home is For Healing, Joan Van Ark, Knots Landing, Lucy Ewing, Ted Shackelford, Valene Ewing

Surfside summit

In “Home is For Healing,” a first-season “Knots Landing” episode, Lucy and Valene (Charlene Tilton, Joan Van Ark) are having a heart-to-heart while strolling along the beach when they spot Gary (Ted Shackelford) running toward them.

GARY: Lucy! Lucy!

LUCY: Daddy.

GARY: I don’t want you to go. No, no. Just let me say this. I know I ran away from you and Mama a lot. I was weak. I let my brother and my father drive me away, and I ran. I was a drunk and a gambler and a loser. Well, I may not be all that terrific now, but I’m not a loser anymore. I’m working. And I’m not drinking and I’m not gambling. And instead of running away from the important things, I try to run toward them. Now, I may blow them every now and then, but at least I face them and look them in the eye. [He pauses.] Now, what happened the last couple of days is that we all had plans. You and Mama were gonna be little girl and tending mother. And I was gonna be a father, capital “F.” Well, I guess we just forgot to get to know each other.

LUCY: Daddy –

GARY: I said, “no credit cards” because using your grandfather’s credit cards would screw up your values and our future as a family. What I should have said was, “Please don’t use the credit cards because it makes me feel bad.”

LUCY: Daddy, I get it.

GARY: What?

LUCY: You were right. We forgot to get to know each other.

GARY: Stay, Lucy. Stay the week.

VAL: Hey, you know what I wanna do now?

GARY: What?

VAL: I’ve dreamed of doing this since we moved in here.

LUCY: What, Mama?

VAL: Go running in the ocean with you.

LUCY: We’ve been walking in it.

VAL: No, I mean really in it. Up to your knees and running.

LUCY: It’s too cold.