Who Should Be Dallas Decoder’s Person of the Year?

Brenda Strong, Cynthia Cidre, Dallas, Jesse Metcalfe, Jordana Brewster, Josh Henderson, Julie Gonzalo, Linda Gray, Michael M. Robin, Patrick Duffy

Who’ll it be?

It’s almost time to announce Dallas Decoder’s Person of the Year, a designation I give to the individual — or individuals — I feel made the most important contribution to the “Dallas” franchise during the past 12 months.

In 2012, I chose Larry Hagman for the inaugural honor in recognition of his work during TNT’s first season of “Dallas.” This year’s award may go to another actor or someone from behind the scenes, or it could go to a group of people. (It’s a lot like Time magazine’s version, although mine is much more prestigious, don’t you think?)

Contenders include the “Dallas” VIPs pictured above: Executive Producer Michael M. Robin, Linda Gray, Jesse Metcalfe, Brenda Strong, Executive Producer Cynthia Cidre, Patrick Duffy, Josh Henderson, Jordana Brewster and Julie Gonzalo.

Before I reveal my selection, I want to hear your choices. Share them in the comments section below, post them on Dallas Decoder’s Facebook page or tweet them to @DallasDecoder.

I’ll reveal Dallas Decoder’s Person of the Year for 2013 during my next #DallasChat on Monday, December 16. I hope to see you there.

A Video Sneak Peek at ‘Dallas’s’ Third Season

TV Guide’s William Keck delivered another early Christmas present for “Dallas” fans today: a video that mixes snippets from the TNT show’s new season with clips from older episodes, all set to the tune of “We Wish You a Merry Christmas.”

The video begins on a warm-and-fuzzy note, with a voiceover from John Ross (Josh Henderson), who says, “Whatever battles we face from here on, we fight together.” We also hear Bobby (Patrick Duffy) declare, “The Barnes/Ewing feud is over,” and then Sue Ellen (Linda Gray) says, “We’ve all worked so well together since J.R. died. I’d like to see that truce continue.”

Of course, this is “Dallas,” so things quickly go downhill from there. The new scenes show Elena (Jordana Brewster) firing a gun at a shooting range and hitting a male-shaped target in, um, a very sensitive spot; an angry Christopher (Jesse Metcalfe) slamming his hand on a table; and Judith (Judith Light) hitting Harris (Mitch Pileggi) with a cane.

There are also new shots of John Ross and Christopher embracing in what appears to be the Southfork kitchen and workers erecting a “Ewing Global” sign in office space.

The older footage includes second-season shots of Pamela (Julie Gonzalo), Ann (Brenda Strong), Emma (Emma Bell), Drew (Kuno Becker) and Cliff (Ken Kercheval).

What do you think of “Dallas’s” holiday-themed Season 3 promo? Share your comments below and read more news from Dallas Decoder.

‘Dallas’ Season 3: Let’s Speculate!

Dallas, Emma Bell, Emma Ryland, TNT

Uncovered

TV Guide’s ace columnist, William Keck, delivered a must-read preview of “Dallas’s” third season earlier today. Now it’s time for fans to fill in the blanks with their own theories about what we might see when TNT begins televising the new episodes on Monday, February 24.

• One of Keck’s most intriguing tidbits: The new season will feature a pregnancy storyline. Almost any of the show’s leading ladies could become expectant mothers, but my money is on Emma (Emma Bell). Imagine the complications that would ensue if John Ross (Josh Henderson) impregnates his wild-child mistress! Pamela is also a possibility, although would the producers force Julie Gonzalo to wear a padded tummy for a second season in a row? One out-there contender: Suppose Ann (Brenda Strong) delivered a late-in-life bundle of joy to Bobby (Patrick Duffy)?

• The new season will also include a shooting, a death and a wedding, Keck reports. I have no idea which characters might get shot and/or die, but the nuptials seem easy to figure out: After John Ross and Pamela’s quickie wedding in Las Vegas at the end of Season 2, aren’t they due for a lavish Southfork ceremony?

• According to Keck, Christopher (Jesse Metcalfe), who sports a beard in the Season 3 cast portrait that accompanies the TV Guide article, will meet his new love interest Heather (AnnaLynne McCord) when he stumbles upon her fighting with her ranch hand ex-husband. Again, this is pure speculation, but a recent tweet from the set suggests Donny Boaz, who appeared last season as Bo, the ranch hand who supplied Emma will pain pills, will be back next season. Could he be Heather’s ex?

• Keck tells us we’ll finally meet Joaquin, the mystery man Elena (Jordana Brewster) met in Mexico during the second-season finale. The article doesn’t mention who has been cast in this role, but I wonder: Will Nicolas Trevino, the new character played by Juan Pablo Di Pace, turn out to be Joaquin?

Consider this: On April 23, about a week after TNT showed the finale, the Elena character tweeted, “Can’t wait to introduce you all to my uncle Joaquin. He’s quite a character. And a potentially powerful ally.” This tweet is no longer in the character’s feed. Could this mean the producers’ vision of Joaquin has evolved from someone avuncular to someone younger like Di Pace?

• Sue Ellen (Linda Gray) will continue drinking in Season 3 after discovering John Ross is cheating on Pamela. According to Keck, “Sue Ellen’s struggle will climax in a midseason cliffhanger similar to one of the original series’ memorable season enders.” What could this mean? Is Sue Ellen going to wreck her car? Shoot someone? Make another movie?

• Keck reports Bobby might cheat on Ann, either with a “familiar face from the past (Priscilla Presley’s Jenna Wade?) or a lovely newcomer.” Nothing to add here, except this: !

• It looks like “Dallas” won’t forget Larry Hagman anytime soon. Showrunner Cynthia Cidre tells Keck, “We open with Bobby at the Ewing cemetery looking at the graves of J.R., Miss Ellie and Jock, saying, ‘I guess I’m the only one left now.’” The only question raised by this revelation: How many tissues will we need to get through that scene?

What do you think of the storylines previewed by TV Guide’s William Keck? Share your comments below and read more news from Dallas Decoder.

‘Dallas’: Season 3 Begins February 24 on TNT

Christopher Ewing, Dallas, Jesse Metcalfe, Josh Henderson, Legacies

The boys are back

“Dallas” will begin its third season on Monday, February 24, at 9 p.m., TV Guide reported today. The series will telecast eight episodes and then take a midseason break before resuming in the summer. Altogether, the season will consist of 15 hours.

“Dallas,” which will start its third season more than 10 months after its second-season finale, will be part of TNT’s aggressive push to capture more viewers during the winter months. The cable channel will pair “Dallas” with the new reality show “The Private Lives of Nashville Wives,” which will be shown Monday nights at 10, beginning February 24. TNT is also bringing back two of its top-rated summertime crime dramas, “Rizzoli & Isles” and “Perception,” for a four-week run on Tuesday nights, beginning February 25.

Wisely, TNT is saving this programming slate until after the Winter Olympics. NBC will broadcast the games from Sochi, Russia, beginning Friday, February 7. The closing ceremonies are slated for Sunday, February 23.

Of course, even though “Dallas” will get a pass from the Olympics, the show will still have its work cut out for it. Its Monday competition will include NBC’s “The Voice,” ABC’s “Dancing with the Stars,” Fox’s “The Following” and two CBS sitcoms, “Mike & Molly” and “Mom.”

“Dallas” averaged 2.7 million viewers on Monday nights during Season 2, although the audience climbed to 3.8 million when DVR users who record the show and watch it within seven days were counted. The audience included 1.6 million adults between ages 25 and 54, a demographic that TNT targets, and 1.4 million adults between 18 and 49, another group advertisers pay a premium to reach.

This will be the first time “Dallas” will start a new season without Larry Hagman, who died last year during production of Season 2 and whose famous character J.R. Ewing was laid to rest in the instant-classic “J.R.’s Masterpiece” episode. The show plans to keep J.R.’s memory alive while also continuing to focus on the Ewings’ next generation, led by cousins John Ross and Christopher (Josh Henderson, Jesse Metcalfe).

Producers are otherwise keeping a tight lid on the new season’s storylines, although a handful of clues and revealing tweets have surfaced since production began last month. TNT has also announced two new characters for Season 3: Nicolas, a billionaire played by new regular Juan Pablo Di Pace, and Southfork ranch hand Heather, who’ll be played by guest star AnnaLynne McCord in a multi-episode arc.

Other Season 3 guest stars are slated to include Cliff Barnes (Ken Kercheval) and Judith Ryland (Judith Light), as well as three fan favorites who’ll appear in a special wedding-themed episode: Ray Krebbs (Steve Kanaly), Lucy Ewing (Charlene Tilton) and Afton Cooper (Audrey Landers).

Are you excited about “Dallas’s” return on February 24? Share your comments below and read more news from Dallas Decoder.

AnnaLynne McCord to Join ‘Dallas’ Next Season

AnnaLynne McCord, Dallas, Heather, TNT

Will she enjoy the Southfork pool too?

AnnaLynne McCord will guest star on several episodes of “Dallas” next season as Heather, Jesse Metcalfe’s new on-screen love interest. Here’s how TNT, which announced the news today, describes the character:

[A] 20-something ranch hand with a troubled ex-husband and a 5-year-old son. Having grown up in a house with four brothers, Heather is quite capable of handling herself around the Southfork ranch hands, but when her ex-husband returns, bringing turmoil back into her life, Christopher steps in, helping Heather resolve the conflict, and the two become involved in a romantic relationship.

AnnaLynne McCord, Dallas, Josh Henderson, 90210, TNT

Together again?

In a recent tweet, “Dallas” writer Aaron Allen said the character is “tough and plucky and wouldn’t put up with a man who cheats on his wife.” I guess that rules out any involvement with John Ross, huh?

McCord starred as Naomi on the CW’s “90210” revival. Her character shared a few scenes with Josh Henderson when he guest starred on that show in 2008 and 2009.

TNT hasn’t announced other casting decisions, including who will play Nicholas, another new character coming to the show in Season 3.

What do you think of McCord’s addition to “Dallas”? Share your comments below and read more news from Dallas Decoder.

Drill Bits: Want the Scoop on ‘Dallas’? Follow Those Tweets

Dallas, John Ross Ewing, Josh Henderson, Julie Gonzalo, Pamela Rebecca Barnes

Tweethearts

If you’re not following the stars of TNT’s “Dallas” on Twitter and Instagram, you’re missing some of the best sources of news about the show’s third season.

Since production began last week, cast members have been tweeting up a storm, even using their own Season 3 hashtag: #DallasS3. On the first day of filming, Patrick Duffy shared a picture of himself and Josh Henderson standing on a soundstage, which Duffy captioned, “First scene of the first episode of season #3!!” Last night, the social media feeds lit up with a shot of Henderson and Julie Gonzalo embracing in a barn. Besides highlighting the couple’s overall adorableness, the image also shows Henderson sporting what appears to be Larry Hagman’s famous J.R. wristwatch.

Indeed, the tweets offer a glimpse of the new looks that costume designer Rachel Sage Kunin has created for the third-season episodes, which are slated to debut in early 2014. On “Dallas’s” new Instagram feed, followers were treated to a shot of Jordana Brewster donning a fitted red dress, while Linda Gray tweeted a picture of herself looking runway-ready while standing on what looks like the show’s conference room set. (Study the image and you’ll also see a monitor displaying a “Ewing Global” logo. Will this be the name of the family’s company in Season 3?)

In another shot, Brenda Strong wears a turquoise necklace while joining Gray and Emma Bell on the Southfork patio. Meanwhile, it appears Christopher Ewing will have a beard next season, based on the images that Jesse Metcalfe has been sharing with his Twitter and Instagram followers. Could the facial hair signal a darker turn for Christopher? Perhaps more tweets will tell.

Give Us the Juice

Not all of the Season 3 teases are coming via social media. Last weekend, the Dallas Morning News caught up with Henderson at the real-life Cattle Baron’s Ball, where the actor declared, “Season 3 has the juice. It’s going to be the absolute juiciest.”

“Drill Bits,” a roundup of news about TNT’s “Dallas,” is published regularly. Share your comments below.

Drill Bits: ‘Dallas’ Season 3 — Spoilers, Speculation and More

Ann Ewing, Bobby Ewing, Brenda Strong, Christopher Ewing, Dallas, Elena Ramos, Ewings Unite, Jesse Metcalfe, John Ross Ewing, Jordana Brewster, Josh Henderson, Julie Gonzalo, Pamela Rebecca Barnes, Patrick Duffy, TNT

Back to work, people

Production on “Dallas’s” third season begins today. There isn’t a lot of news to report, although insiders have dropped a few tidbits about what fans can expect when TNT begins televising the episodes next year. If you want to be surprised, stop reading here.

Jenna Wade may return. The show’s writers are toying with bringing back Bobby’s first love, TV Guide reported last month. Said Executive Producer Cynthia Cidre: “It’s on our [planning] wall, and we’re thinking about it seriously.” Priscilla Presley, who played Jenna for five seasons on the original “Dallas,” stoked the speculation a few days later when she tweeted, “What do you think would happen if Jenna Wade returned to Dallas?”

Cliff Barnes and Judith Ryland will return. Dallas Decoder has confirmed Ken Kercheval will be back as Cliff Barnes, but there’s no word on whether Audrey Landers will return as Afton Cooper. Meanwhile, during a recent Twitter exchange with “Dallas” writer Aaron Allen, fans expressed hope Judith Light’s character, Judith Ryland, will return in Season 3. Allen’s response: “Judith is back!”

Good news for Linda Gray and Jordana Brewster. During another Twitter exchange with fans, Allen offered this nugget: “If you’re hoping for more Elena and Sue Ellen driven stories, you’ll LOVE season 3.” He also tweeted: “Bobby and Ann have kind of a slow burning story this year. It gets bigger in the second half.” (Sounds like a good time for Jenna to show up, no?)

More new characters are on their way. Get ready to meet Nicholas, whom Showbiz411 describes as “a powerful billionaire businessman. Self-made. Rough childhood. Raised himself up by his bootstrap. He’s charming, sophisticated, smart, cunning.” Elsewhere, TV Guide’s William Keck tweeted about another newbie: Heather, whom he described as “a pretty tomboy ranch hand … who is attracted to bad boys.”

New loves, old traditions. Christopher will get a new love interest, Jesse Metcalfe told “Access Hollywood” last week. (You don’t suppose it’s Heather, do you?) Meanwhile, Brenda Strong and Julie Gonzalo tweeted pictures of themselves and Emma Bell on horseback this week, leading fans to wonder if they’re preparing for an episode set at the Ewing Rodeo. Giddy up!

So when will fans get to see the Ewings back in action? TNT, which ordered 15 episodes, hasn’t announced a premiere date. One possibility: the show will begin in the winter and continue into the spring, then take a break and resume in the summer.

Let J.R. Speak

During the first two seasons of TNT’s “Dallas,” the show’s regular cast members took turns delivering the “Previously on ‘Dallas’” voiceover that starts each episode. Longtime fan Joe Siegler has an idea: Why not use Larry Hagman’s voiceover exclusively, beginning with the third-season episodes?

As Siegler sees it, this would honor Hagman and ensure his presence remains in each episode. It would almost be like ol’ J.R. is watching over his family and bringing the audience up to speed on their doings each week.

This week, Siegler took to Twitter and ran his suggestion past a few cast members. Brenda Strong retweeted his message and added, “Great idea!” We agree. Make it happen, TNT.

Et Cetera

• Don’t miss Dallas Divas Derby’s interview with Kenneth Larsen, a talented artist and “Dallas” enthusiast who recently tweeted terrific drawings of Hagman and Gray.

• This week, I’m asking fellow fans to choose their all-time favorite “Dallas” cliffhanger. Head over to Dallas Decoder’s Facebook page to weigh in.

• Like to discuss “Dallas”? If so, consider dropping by one of my weekly #DallasChats, held Monday nights at 9 Eastern on Twitter. You’ll have fun, I promise!

“Drill Bits,” a roundup of news about TNT’s “Dallas,” is published regularly. Share your comments below.

Discuss ‘Dallas’s’ Dads Tonight on Twitter

Bobby Ewing, Christopher Ewing, Dallas, Jesse Metcalfe, Patrick Duffy, TNT

Rising son

I’ll host Dallas Decoder’s next #DallasChat on Twitter on Monday, June 10, from 9 to 10 p.m. Eastern time. Since Father’s Day is next week, our theme will be “Daddies Dearest.”

I’ll tweet a question every few minutes. Each question will be numbered and include the hashtag #DallasChat, so your responses should do the same. A sample exchange:

Q1. On #Dallas, who is a better father: J.R. or Bobby? #DallasChat

A1. Bobby! He allowed Christopher to grow up and become his own man. #DallasChat

Feel free to respond to what other people are saying and to engage in “side conversations” of your own.

Two tips:

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

• Don’t forget to include the hashtag #DallasChat in each tweet you send so others can see your contributions to the conversation.

See you tonight on Twitter!

The Dal-List: 10 Reasons TNT Should Renew ‘Dallas’

Fired up! Ready to go!

Tanned. Rested. Ready.

“Dallas” fans know who killed J.R. and what happened to Pam, but one question remains unanswered: Will TNT renew the show for a third season? To help the good people at TNT make up their minds, here are 10 good reasons to give “Dallas” another year.

Ewing watch

Ewing watch

10. “Dallas” is TNT’s most-watched show (right now). TNT showed four original series this winter and spring: “Dallas,” the medical melodrama “Monday Mornings” and the cop shows “Southland” and “Boston’s Finest.” The “Dallas” telecasts averaged 2.7 million viewers, more than twice as many as any of the other shows. When you count DVR users who record “Dallas” and watch each episode within three days, the Ewings’ weekly audience rose to 3.5 million viewers. Now chew on this: the CW’s “Hart of Dixie” and “Beauty and the Beast” each average 1.5 million viewers per episode – and both shows just got renewed. What are you waiting for, TNT?

Roll on

Roll on, dude

9. Creatively, “Dallas” is on a roll. This show hit its stride in Season 2. The stories honored the classic “Dallas” themes, but with fun, fresh twists. “The Furious and the Fast” was like one of the old show’s Ewing Rodeo episodes, but with racecars instead of bucking broncos. “Who Killed J.R.?” echoed the most famous “Dallas” storyline of all time, but it was an even richer, more complex mystery. The new series has also expanded the “Dallas” universe by adding two more feuding families: the poor, proud Ramoses and the weird, wacky Rylands. The names may be new, but the conflicts – ambition, greed, lust – are “Dallas” all the way.

Love them Ewings

Love them Ewings

8. Critics love it. “Dallas” isn’t just adored by its fans; critics go gaga for the Ewings too. Season 2 scored an impressive “82” on Metacritic, which makes “Dallas” one of TV’s 10 best shows, according to the website. Variety’s hard-to-please critic Brian Lowry wrote the second-season opener “[clicks] on all cylinders, with plenty of bed-hopping, two-timing and Texas-sized dealmaking to go around.” In Entertainment Weekly, Henry Goldblatt praised the storytelling (“the plots are twistier than a fishtail braid”), while Jessica Shaw predicted viewers who watched “J.R.’s Masterpiece” would “shed enough tears to fill the TV legend’s ten-gallon hat.” She wasn’t kidding.

Agree

Consensus: “Dallas” is awesome

7. “Dallas” has something for everyone. Every Monday, I watch “Dallas” with the Twitterverse, where the kids swoon over hunks like Josh Henderson and Kuno Becker. And every Tuesday, I get a call from my mom, who wants to dish about the previous night’s episode, which she watches with her retirement community neighbors (“That Patrick Duffy is still so handsome!”). But “Dallas” doesn’t just bridge the generation gap. I talk to a lot of “Dallas” fans, and I know: This show appeals as much to blue-staters as it does to red-staters. Heck, if we want to break the gridlock in Washington, maybe we ought to make the politicians sit down and watch “Dallas” together.

Stay dry

Let the money pour in

6. The merchandising potential is enormous. The people who make the new “Dallas” have figured out something the producers of the old show never fully grasped: Fans don’t just want to watch “Dallas;” they want to experience it. HSN sells “Dallas” clothing and J.R.-branded bourbon is on the way, but that’s just scratching the surface. How about a “Dallas” soundtrack with all the cool music featured on the show? What about a line of John Ross Ewing prophylactics? Or maybe some Ann Ewing tissues, for those times when you need a good cry? Take it from me, TNT: There’s a lot more money to be made off this show. It is the Ewing way, after all.

All hail the queen

All hail the queen

5. Two words: “Linda Gray.” No one shined brighter during “Dallas’s” second season than Linda Gray, who delivered one amazing performance after another. Sue Ellen lost the election, maneuvered her way into Ewing Energies, fell off the wagon, flirted with Gary and Ken and blackmailed the governor into doing her bidding. Whew! Make no mistake: Gray has become “Dallas’s” star attraction. In the Washington Post, Hank Stuever praised Gray for discovering “new depth as an older and much wiser Sue Ellen. She is this show’s version of a dowager countess, and any scene she’s in is immediately improved.” We agree. Her performance alone merits a third season.

Mr. Cool

Mr. Cool

4. Two more words: “Patrick Duffy.” Patrick Duffy arrived on our television screens in “The Man From Atlantis” in 1977 and he’s pretty much been entertaining us nonstop ever since. “Dallas.” “Step by Step.” “The Bold and the Beautiful.” “Dallas” again. Does TNT want to be the channel to break this 36-year streak? I’m betting it doesn’t. Like Gray, Duffy just gets better with age. On the new “Dallas,” Bobby is still the good guy we know and love, but he’s also kind of a badass. Did you see that slow-mo walk he took after he set up Cliff Barnes in “Love and Family”? Bobby deserves another season to show us how friggin’ cool he is.

"Oh, my!"

“Now pick up my show.”

3. The rest of the cast rocks too. Besides Gray and Duffy, the new “Dallas” has the best cast on television. Jordana Brewster consistently delivers smart, convincing performances as Elena, Julie Gonzalo and Henderson are slyly charming as Pamela and John Ross, and as Christopher and Ann, Jesse Metcalfe and Brenda Strong are the best criers in prime time. “Dallas” is also the destination for television’s best guest stars. In Season 2, we got Judith Light as loony Judith Ryland, Lee Majors as dashing Ken Richards and Steven Weber as smirktastic Governor Sam McConaughey. Aren’t you eager to see who’ll show up next year?

TNT tradition

Traditions matter

2. “Dallas” is part of TNT’s history. In 1991, when TNT was three years old, the cable channel added “Dallas” reruns to its lineup and held a contest inviting fans to submit lyrics to the famous theme music. The winner: Brian McCullough, who I interviewed last year. His lyrics“Oh we own this / And we own that / As far as the eye can see! / From Texas soil / We pump Ewing Oil / Daddy Jock, brother Bobby / And me! / Yes, I’m J.R. / I’m known near and far / A rat in a town / That’s cat-free! / I make big deals / And I’ve got one that’s real / Merging “Dallas” with TNT!” See, TNT? “Dallas” is your heritage. And if the Ewings have taught us anything, it’s the importance of being true to your roots.

Dal-List - 10 Reasons TNT Should Renew Dallas 1

Make him proud

1. He’s watching. You know he is. Don’t disappoint him. Renew this show, TNT.             Why do you think “Dallas” should be renewed? Share your comments below and read more “Dal-Lists.”

TNT’s Dallas Scene of the Day: ‘I Shot Your Father, John Ross’

Bum, Dallas, Legacies, Kevin Page, Steve Jones, TNT

It was you, Bum

In “Legacies,” “Dallas’s” second-season finale, Bobby and Bum (Patrick Duffy, Kevin Page) visit J.R.’s gravesite.

BOBBY: Thank you, J.R., for taking care of all of us. Even from the great beyond.

A Southfork pickup truck arrives. John Ross and Christopher (Josh Henderson, Jesse Metcalfe) exit.

JOHN ROSS: Don’t you think it’s about time you told us what really happened to J.R.?

BOBBY: What do you mean?

CHRISTOPHER: You’ve been pulling our strings since the funeral, Dad. It’s time you trusted us.

BOBBY: You know basically what I know. Cliff Barnes is responsible for J.R.’s death.

JOHN ROSS: I’m not buying it, Uncle Bobby.

BOBBY: The Barnes/Ewing feud is over. You two can reset your futures. Never worry about Cliff Barnes again. What else do you need to know?

CHRISTOPHER: J.R.’s whole master scheme was in that letter. And you haven’t even come close to telling us what it really said. We’re out here now, all alone. It’s time.

BOBBY: [Looks at Bum, removes the letter from his coat pocket, begins to read as John Ross and Christopher walk closer] “Bobby, Doctors say I’ve only got a few days left. Damn cancer. I should have told you earlier, but you know how I detest pity.

JOHN ROSS: [To Christopher] My father was dying?

BOBBY: “The feud Digger Barnes started with our family caused more heartbreak than either of us has time to recount. Well, I guess you do have the time. Use it. Put an end to this feud, once and for all. I had Bum steal Cliff’s gun. That malignant little troll Barnes comes to Mexico every year for a Marlin fishing competition. I’m going to damn well stay alive long enough to be here when he arrives. Carlos del Sol will smooth out the rough edges in Mexico for you. And talk to Bum. He’s the final and most important piece of the puzzle. And the best friend I didn’t deserve to have. So remember the time that you got grounded for “borrowing” Daddy’s favorite shotgun? You swore up and down it wasn’t you but Daddy said there was no point in lying because he found those extra shells in your room. Well, we both know it was me who planted those shells. Now it’s time to play that card again. I can – ” It just goes on.

He turns away. Christopher embraces his father, takes the letter and resumes reading it.

CHRISTOPHER: “I can never make up for all the terrible, hurtful things I did to you, Bobby. And I have no excuses either one of us will believe. But I hope in the quiet place in your heart, where the truth lives, that my jealousy, as powerful as it was, was nothing compared to my love for you. Goodbye, baby brother. I guess I’ll be duck hunting with Daddy. I’ll tell him I was the one who borrowed his gun.”

JOHN ROSS: I’m sorry. I’m confused. Who shot my father, Uncle Bobby?

BUM: I shot your father, John Ross. He only had a few days left and he asked me to do it. He said that’s the way it had to be. It was the hardest thing I’ve ever had to do. Please believe that J.R.’s last act was an act of love. For his family. And for you.

John Ross walks toward Bum.

JOHN ROSS: The only person who could take down J.R. … was J.R.

John Ross shakes Bum’s hand. Bum wipes away a tear and leaves. Bobby hands John Ross the letter and walks away, leaving John Ross to kneel by the headstone.

JOHN ROSS: Thank you, Daddy, for watching over us. I love you.