Our Feb. 1 #DallasChat Puts You in the Driver’s Seat

Dallas, J.R. Ewing, Larry Hagman

Take the wheel, darlin’

Dallas Decoder’s next #DallasChat on Twitter will be Monday, February 1, from 8 to 9 p.m. Eastern time.

Our theme will be “Chatter’s Choice III.” Like the previous sessions, you’ll help decide the topics we discuss.

Leave your suggested questions in the comments section below, tweet them to me @DallasDecoder or leave them on my Facebook page. I’ll choose the best questions and tweet them during the chat so everyone has an opportunity to answer.

If you’re new to #DallasChat, here’s how it works: During each hour-long discussion, I tweet 10 questions from @DallasDecoder. Fans respond and comment on each other’s answers, making each chat a fun, freewheeling group conversation.

Here’s a sample exchange:

Q1. Do you love J.R. or love to hate him? #DallasChat

A1. No hate here. It’s all love! #DallasChat

Here are three more tips:

• Each #DallasChat question is numbered (Q1, Q2, etc.), so your responses should include the corresponding number (A1, A2, etc.).

• Include the hashtag #DallasChat in your tweets.

• During the discussion, enter #DallasChat in Twitter’s search field. This will help you watch the search results so you can follow the conversation. Click “All” to see all the related tweets.

I hope you can participate. See you there!

This is your chance to ask the questions on #DallasChat. Leave your suggestions in the comments below.

Brrr! Keep Warm With #DallasChat on Jan. 25

Dallas, J.R. Ewing, Larry Hagman

Chillin’ like a villain

Dallas Decoder’s next #DallasChat on Twitter will be Monday, January 25, from 8 to 9 p.m. Eastern time.

Since so much of the nation is buried under snow this week, our theme will be “That’s Cold!” We’ll look at how “Dallas” deals with chill-inducing behavior (and on occasion, chill-inducing weather).

Are you new to #DallasChat? Here’s how it works: During each hour-long discussion, I tweet 10 questions from my Twitter handle, @DallasDecoder. Fans respond to the questions and comment on each other’s answers, making each chat a fun, freewheeling group conversation.

Here’s a sample exchange:

Q1. Is J.R. truly cold-hearted? #DallasChat

A1. No, of course not. He’s just trying to please Daddy. What could be warmer than that? #DallasChat

Here are three more tips:

• Each #DallasChat question is numbered (Q1, Q2, etc.), so your responses should include the corresponding number (A1, A2, etc.).

• Include the hashtag #DallasChat in your tweets.

• During the discussion, enter #DallasChat in Twitter’s search field. This will help you watch the search results so you can follow the conversation. Click “All” to see all the related tweets.

I hope you can participate. See you there!

Got suggestions for #DallasChat questions? Leave them in the comments below.

Feel the Force, Darlins! How ‘Star Wars’ Mirrors ‘Dallas’

Dallas, Darth Vader, David Prowse, James Earl Jones, J.R. Ewing, Larry Hagman, Star Wars

You love “Star Wars.” You love “Dallas.” Have you ever noticed how much they have in common?

 

Bobby Ewing, Dallas, Luke Skywalker, Mark Hamill, Patrick Duffy, Star Wars

The first “Star Wars” trilogy and the original “Dallas” series are both sweeping sagas that feature dreamy heroes, scary villains, epic romances and lots of family drama.

 

Christopher Ewing, Daisy Ridley, Dallas, Elena Ramos, Jesse Metcalfe, Jordana Brewster, Oscar Isaac, Poe Dameron, Rey, Star Wars

The similarities continue in “The Force Awakens” and the canceled-too-soon “Dallas” sequel series.

 

Bobby Ewing, Dallas, Daisy Ridley, Han Solo, Harrison Ford, John Ross Ewing, Josh Henderson, Patrick Duffy, Rey, Star Wars

Both stories combine new characters and old favorites.

 

Adam Driver, Dallas, Kylo Ren, John Ross Ewing, Josh Henderson, Star Wars

Both also feature ambitious young men with daddy (or granddaddy) complexes …

 

Dallas, Daisy Ridley, Julie Gonzalo, Pamela Barnes Ewing, Rey, Star Wars

Kickass heroines …

 

Christopher Ewing, Dallas, Jesse Metcalfe, Oscar Isaac, Poe Dameron, Star Wars

Handsome heroes who like to go fast …

 

Bobby Ewing, Carrie Fisher, Charlene Tilton, Dallas, Han Solo, Harrison Ford, Leia Organa, Patrick Duffy, Star Wars,

And tender reunions between beloved characters.

 

Bobby Ewing, Dallas, Han Solo, Harrison Ford, Patrick Duffy, Star Wars

Also, the “Star Wars” and “Dallas” guys get hotter with age …

 

Carrie Fisher, Dallas, Linda Gray, Star Wars, Sue Ellen Ewing

And so do the gals.

 

Andy Serkis, Cliff Barnes, Dallas, Snoke, Star Wars

Other similarities include evil masterminds who toil in the shadows …

 

Christopher Ewing, Dallas, Finn, John Boyega, John Ross Ewing, Josh Henderson, Oscar Isaac, Poe Dameron, Star Wars,

Complicated bromances …

 

Ann Ewing, Brenda Strong, Dallas, Gwendoline Christie, Star Wars

Tall gals with guns …

 

Dallas, Darth Vader, David Prowse, James Earl Jones, J.R. Ewing, Larry Hagman, Star Wars

And iconic villains who cast long shadows.

 

Dallas, Star Wars

Only one question remains: Now that “Star Wars” has been reawakened …

 

Dallas, J.R. Ewing, Larry Hagman

Why can’t “Dallas” rise again?

 

What similarities do you see between “Star Wars” and “Dallas”? Share your comments below and read more features from Dallas Decoder.

Join Us Jan. 18 for ‘The Best of #DallasChat’

Dallas, J.R. Ewing, Larry Hagman

Best at everything

Dallas Decoder’s next #DallasChat on Twitter will be Monday, January 18, from 8 to 9 p.m. Eastern time.

Our theme will be “The Best of #DallasChat III.” Once again I’ll ask favorite questions from previous discussions.

Are you new to #DallasChat? Here’s how it works: During each hour-long discussion, I tweet 10 questions from my Twitter handle, @DallasDecoder. Fans respond to the questions and comment on each other’s answers, making each chat a fun, freewheeling group conversation.

Here’s a sample exchange:

Q1. Who is your favorite “Dallas” character? #DallasChat

A1. J.R. Ewing, of course! He’s the most fascinating character in TV history, and Larry Hagman portrayed him beautifully. #DallasChat

Here are three more tips:

• Each #DallasChat question is numbered (Q1, Q2, etc.), so your responses should include the corresponding number (A1, A2, etc.).

• Include the hashtag #DallasChat in your tweets.

• During the discussion, enter #DallasChat in Twitter’s search field. This will help you watch the search results so you can follow the conversation. Click “All” to see all the related tweets.

I hope you can participate. See you there!

Got suggestions for #DallasChat questions? Leave them in the comments below.

Should ‘Dallas’ Return? The Fans Say Yes!

Bobby Ewing, Dallas, Linda Gray, Patrick Duffy, Sue Ellen Ewing, TNT

Come back, darlins!

Do “Dallas” fans want the Ewings back? You bet we do.

For the past week, Dallas Decoder has polled readers to see if they’d like to see “Dallas” return. Participants were given two choices: “Yes, the Ewing saga must continue” and “No, all good things must come to an end — even ‘Dallas.’”

Almost 4,500 votes were received. Approximately 97 percent fell in the “yes” camp.

This isn’t a scientific survey, of course, but it shows a lot of people would welcome another “Dallas” revival. (Each vote was limited to one IP address, so some fans may have cast more than one vote using multiple devices.)

After TNT canceled “Dallas” in 2014, producers tried to find the series a new home. These efforts ended after six weeks, although some fans continue to lobby online for “Dallas” to return.

Between those efforts and the results of this poll, perhaps someone in the TV business will take notice and finally bring back the Ewings?

Will “Dallas” return? Share your comments below and read more news from Dallas Decoder.

How Would You Spin Off Bobby Ewing?

Bobby Ewing, Dallas, Patrick Duff, TNT

Spin, Bob, spin!

Would you watch a “Dallas” spinoff about Bobby Ewing?

It’s a question we’ve been pondering since last week, when fellow fan Jennifer Irons — a.k.a. Team Bobby Ewing — took to Twitter to suggest Patrick Duffy’s iconic character should get his own TV series.

Duffy’s response:

Who are we to leave our hero hanging? With tongue firmly planted in cheek, we offer three proposed spinoffs for our beloved Bobby:

MR. EWING GOES TO WASHINGTON

Logline: Bobby trades his big white house in Texas for the one at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue. With help from Vice President Sue Ellen Ewing and Agriculture Secretary Ray Krebbs, he works each week to outsmart the nefarious Senate majority leader, Cliff Barnes.

EWING, TEXAS RANGER

Logline: After single-handedly defeating a Mexican drug cartel, Bobby ditches Southfork and begins a new career in law enforcement. His adventures take him across the Lone Star State and eventually lead him to a new love with a familiar face: District Attorney Alex Cahill (Sheree J. Wilson).

BOBBY’S LANDING

Logline: Bobby retires to Knots Landing, which he renames for himself. (He did build the place, after all.) His new Seaview Circle neighbors — including boozy brother Gary and nutty sister-in-law Val — make him feel right at home. But what happens when Abby, after realizing Bobby is the only Ewing brother she hasn’t slept with, decides to make him her latest conquest?

Now it’s your turn: What kind of spinoff would you create for Bobby Ewing? Share your ideas below and read more features from Dallas Decoder.

Our Jan. 11 #DallasChat Asks, ‘What If?’

Bobby Ewing, Dallas, Linda Gray, Patrick Duffy, Sue Ellen Ewing, TNT

Ponder the possibilities

Dallas Decoder’s next #DallasChat on Twitter will be Monday, January 11, from 8 to 9 p.m. Eastern time.

Our theme will be “What If? IV.” Like the previous “What If?” chats, this discussion will imagine alternate outcomes and twists to “Dallas” storylines and developments.

Are you new to #DallasChat? Here’s how it works: During each hour-long discussion, I tweet 10 questions from my Twitter handle, @DallasDecoder. Fans respond to the questions and comment on each other’s answers, making each chat a fun, freewheeling group conversation.

Here’s a sample exchange:

Q1. What if Bobby and Sue Ellen had gotten together after J.R.’s death? #DallasChat

A1. A Bobby/Sue Ellen coupling would’ve rocked the Ewings. Can you imagine John Ross and Christopher might as stepbrothers? #DallasChat

Here are three more tips:

• Each #DallasChat question is numbered (Q1, Q2, etc.), so your responses should include the corresponding number (A1, A2, etc.).

• Include the hashtag #DallasChat in your tweets.

• During the discussion, enter #DallasChat in Twitter’s search field. This will help you watch the search results so you can follow the conversation. Click “All” to see all the related tweets.

I hope you can participate. See you there!

Got suggestions for #DallasChat questions? Leave them in the comments below.

‘Real Power is Something You Take’ Turns 35

Bobby Ewing, Dallas, Executive Wife, Jim Davis, Jock Ewing, Patrick Duffy

Power and glory

It’s another red-letter day in “Dallas” history.

Thirty-five years ago today, CBS aired “Executive Wife,” the episode in which Jock famously schools Bobby on the Ewing creed: “Real power is something you take!”

I ranked the scene fifth on my list of “Dallas’s” greatest moments a few years ago and also wrote about it when TNT’s sequel series paid homage to the exchange.

Earlier today, I paid tribute again by recreating the scene on Twitter (similar to what I did when another famous scene — the “Who Shot J.R.?” revelation — turned 35 in November).

Click on Bobby’s tweet below to read the full transcript. I hope it will spark a fresh conversation about “Dallas,” the Ewings and the use of “real power.”

What are your perspectives on Jock and Bobby’s famous “real power” scene? Share your comments below and read more features from Dallas Decoder.

Poll: Should ‘Dallas’ Return?

Dallas, Linda Gray, Patrick Duffy, TNT

Would you like to see “Dallas” return with new episodes? Cast your ballot below. One vote per device. Voting will end in one week. Results will be announced Monday, January 11.

Share your comments below and vote in Dallas Decoder’s other polls.

Love ‘Dallas’? Let’s Discuss It Jan. 4 During #DallasChat

Another look

Look back

Dallas Decoder’s next #DallasChat on Twitter will be Monday, January 4, from 8 to 9 p.m. Eastern time.

Our theme will be “Resolutions II.” We’ll discuss new year’s resolutions for the “Dallas” characters, as well as your suggestions to conclude the cliffhangers left unresolved by the TNT sequel show’s cancellation.

Are you new to #DallasChat? Here’s how it works: During each hour-long discussion, I tweet 10 questions from my Twitter handle, @DallasDecoder. Fans respond to the questions and comment on each other’s answers, making each chat a fun, freewheeling group conversation.

Here’s a sample exchange:

Q1. “Dallas” ended with Bobby and Sue Ellen taking over Ewing Global. Would they have been successful running the company? #DallasChat

A1. Probably, although I bet John Ross would have weaseled his way back into the family business! #DallasChat

Here are three more tips:

• Each #DallasChat question is numbered (Q1, Q2, etc.), so your responses should include the corresponding number (A1, A2, etc.).

• Include the hashtag #DallasChat in your tweets.

• During the discussion, enter #DallasChat in Twitter’s search field. This will help you watch the search results so you can follow the conversation. Click “All” to see all the related tweets.

I hope you can participate. See you there!

Got suggestions for #DallasChat questions? Leave them in the comments below.