Jesse Metcalfe – Dallas Decoder

Dallas Burning Questions: Season 3, Week 13

September 15, 2014 by Chris Baker 9 Comments

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

Friends or enemies?

Here are the questions we’re pondering as we await tonight’s telecast of “Boxed In,” TNT’s latest “Dallas” episode:

What will happen to Ann and Emma? The previous episode, “Victims of Love,” ended with drug cartel honcho Luis (Antonio Jaramillo) visiting the Rylands, where he revealed: a) he killed Candace, b) he was holding Ann and Emma (Brenda Strong, Emma Bell) hostage, and c) he would kill Ann and Emma if Harris and Judith (Mitch Pileggi, Judith Light) don’t double their drug shipments. The previews for “Boxed In” show Bobby turning to Harris for help dealing with the cartel and being told Luis has Ann and Emma. Will the Ewings and the Rylands work together to save them?

Who’ll control Ewing Global? Why does Bobby need Harris’s help dealing with the cartel, you ask? Because in “Victims of Love,” Hunter McKay (Fran Kranz) took a majority stake in Ewing Global during its initial public offering. After Bobby learned Hunter is a puppet for Nicolas (Juan Pablo Di Pace) and the cartel, he turned to his old flame Tracey (Melinda Clarke) and asked her to try to persuade Hunter, her nephew, into snitching on the cartel. Unfortunately, when Bobby and Tracey arrived at Hunter’s apartment, they found his dead body hanging from the ceiling. Bobby and Christopher (Jesse Metcalfe) believe the cartel is behind Hunter’s “suicide.” If they’re right, can they prove it?

Where does Pamela go from here? Pamela blamed John Ross (Josh Henderson) for the Ewing Global IPO debacle, telling him he had ruined her father’s company. With encouragement from Sue Ellen (Linda Gray), Pamela also went to Mexico to visit Cliff (Ken Kercheval), where she let him know she wasn’t going to get him out of prison. Instead, Pamela gave Cliff the deed that Elena (Jordana Brewster) secured in her bargain with Bobby, then bid her father farewell. Will she see him again? Will we?

Who is photographing Nicolas and Elena? Nicolas whisked Elena away to a cabin in the woods, unaware that a mysterious figure was photographing their every move. Meanwhile, after the Ewings confirmed Nicolas’s true identity and his connection to the cartel, Christopher called Elena and left her a voice mail urging her to get away from her boyfriend, unaware that Nicolas intercepted the message. In the “Boxed In” trailer, Elena is seen confronting Nicolas, telling him she knows he “used” her to pay his debt to the cartel. Is it over for these two?

What “Dallas Burning Questions” are on your mind? Share your comments below and watch TNT’s “Dallas” tonight.

Filed Under: Dallas Burning Questions, Features Tagged With: Antonio Jaramillo, Boxed In, Brenda Strong, Emma Bell, Fran Kranz, Jesse Metcalfe, Jordana Brewster, Josh Henderson, Juan Pablo di Pace, Judith Light, Julie Gonzalo, Linda Gray, Mitch Pileggi, Patrick Duffy, TNT, Victims of Love

TNT’s Dallas Styles: ‘Victims of Love’

September 12, 2014 by Chris Baker 10 Comments

The Ewings took their company public in “Victims of Love,” and with the whole world watching — even Wolf Blitzer was tracking their every move — each member of the family suited up for success.

“Dallas’s” ace costume designer Rachel Sage Kunin dressed the Ewings in outfits that fit their characters perfectly: Bobby (Patrick Duffy), the silver-haired patriarch, donned a gray suit with a conservative-yet-stylish striped necktie; Sue Ellen (Linda Gray), who recently gave herself a fresh start by sobering up, looked stunning in all white; and Christopher (Jesse Metcalfe), “Dallas’s” most upstanding character these days, went with all solids — a blue suit and a gray shirt, accented by a tie that bore a subtle pattern of dots. Pamela (Julie Gonzalo) was relatively subdued in her dark pants and sweater, but she doesn’t have much to celebrate these days, does she?

Then there’s John Ross (Josh Henderson), for whom business suits have become a symbol of power and ambition, much like they were for his daddy on the original “Dallas.” The Ewing Global IPO was the biggest gamble yet for Henderson’s character, who has been trying to make his mark in the world since the new “Dallas” began. Appropriately, Kunin dressed John Ross in a blue pinstriped suit and navy tie — a bold look for a bold character. Also, notice how he’s the only Ewing man to wear a pocket square in this episode; it’s another small detail that signals his determination to stand out from the rest of his family.

There’s symbolism in the outfits worn by the other characters involved in the IPO too. Nicolas (Juan Pablo Di Pace), the corporate raider with blood on his hands, wore a crimson tie with his perfectly tailored suit. Meanwhile, Hunter (Fran Kranz), the videogame entrepreneur who shocked everyone when he seized control of Ewing Global, subverted traditional business styles the way so many techies do in real life: He wore a collared dress shirt under a T-shirt bearing his company’s logo (“Git It”), a tweedy jacket and bright blue pants. Later, when the Ewing cousins confronted Hunter about his takeover of their company, Hunter wore a gray sweatshirt — a sly nod, perhaps, to one of the world’s most famous corporate wunderkinds: Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg.

“Victims of Love” also gave us two memorable coats: Ann’s twirly number (it’s the second cool outer garment worn by Brenda Strong’s character in recent weeks), and Judith’s gold coat. Like the red power suit Judith Light wore in publicity stills for this episode (that scene was apparently left on the cutting room floor), the gold was a fitting symbol for Madam Ryland, a character whose brazenness knows no bounds.

It’s also another example of how Judith has become one of “Dallas’s” most fashionable characters. I suspect a lot of fans aren’t just tuning in each week to see what she’ll say and do next; they also want to see what she’s wearing.

What were your favorite looks in “Victims of Love”? Share your thoughts in the comments section below and read more “Dallas Styles.”

Filed Under: Dallas Styles, Dallas Styles (TNT), Features Tagged With: Brenda Strong, Fran Kranz, Jesse Metcalfe, Josh Henderson, Juan Pablo di Pace, Judith Light, Julie Gonzalo, Linda Gray, Patrick Duffy, Rachel Sage Kunin, TNT, Victims of Love

Dallas Burning Questions: Season 3, Week 12

September 8, 2014 by Chris Baker 9 Comments

Dallas, Harris Ryland, Judith Light, Judith Ryland, Mitch Pileggi, TNT, Victims of Love

Mama’s here

Here are the questions we’re pondering as we await tonight’s telecast of “Victims of Love,” TNT’s latest “Dallas” episode:

Will Pamela pardon Cliff? In the previous episode, “Hurt,” Elena (Jordana Brewster) told the Ewings about Bobby’s scheme to frame Cliff (Ken Kercheval) for J.R.’s “murder,” as well as J.R.’s swindle against her father years earlier. In exchange for keeping quiet about the frame-up, Elena asked Bobby for financial restitution and a piece of Southfork land; she also requested he pull strings in Mexico to get Cliff pardoned from prison. Bobby reluctantly gave Elena everything she wanted, but she turned over the land to Pamela (Julie Gonzalo), as well as the clemency paperwork, telling Pamela she should be the one to decide if her father goes free. What will Pamela do?

Will the Ewing women forgive Bobby? Sue Ellen (Linda Gray) was furious at Bobby (Patrick Duffy) for not telling her the truth about J.R.’s death and and told him Miss Ellie would be “ashamed” of him. She also confronted Bum (Kevin Page), who told Sue Ellen that her ex-husband met death with courage. Pamela was also angry at Bobby and so was Ann (Brenda Strong), who accused him of being a hypocrite for lashing out at her so often over her secrets. Will Sue Ellen, Ann and Pamela forgive Bobby? And will Sue Ellen forgive J.R. for not telling her that he was dying of cancer?

Who will control Ewing Global? John Ross (Josh Henderson) retaliated against Elena by telling Nicolas (Juan Pablo Di Pace) that she slept with him to get her hands on J.R.’s letter. Nicolas forgave Elena and agreed to take her away, but not before he spoke to the mysterious Victor Des Lauriers (Max Ryan), who assured him that everything is set for Ewing Global’s initial public offering, when much of the company’s stock will be up for grabs. Meanwhile, Christopher (Jesse Metcalfe) wondered if Nicolas is actually Elena’s childhood friend Joaquin and began seeking proof to confirm his suspicions. Will Christopher piece together the puzzle and stop the IPO before the Ewings lose control of their company?

What will Judith do? Emma (Emma Bell) once again met with Luis (Antonio Jaramillo), who agreed to put Harris behind bars again — but only if Emma agreed to use Ryland Transport to move more drugs for the cartel. When Harris (Mitch Pileggi) learned his daughter was talking to Luis, he told her the truth about his involvement with the CIA, and then she told him about the deal she struck. Since Judith (Judith Light) is slated to appear in tonight’s episode, what will she say when she finds out what her son and granddaughter have been up to?

What brings Tracey McKay back to “Dallas”? “Victims of Love” will feature the return of Tracey McKay (Melinda Clarke), whom Bobby dated after his divorce from Pam in the late 1980s. What brings her back into the Ewings’ lives, and how is she related to Hunter (Fran Kranz), the McKay heir who is secretly plotting with Nicolas to help the drug cartel take over Ewing Global?

What “Dallas Burning Questions” are on your mind? Share your comments below and watch TNT’s “Dallas” tonight.

Filed Under: Dallas Burning Questions, Features Tagged With: Antonio Jaramillo, Brenda Strong, Emma Bell, Fran Kranz, Hurt, Jesse Metcalfe, Jordana Brewster, Josh Henderson, Juan Pablo di Pace, Judith Light, Julie Gonzalo, Ken Kercheval, Kevin Page, Linda Gray, Max Ryan, Melinda Clarke, Mitch Pileggi, Patrick Duffy, TNT, Victims of Love

Dallas Burning Questions: Season 3, Week 11

September 1, 2014 by Chris Baker 4 Comments

Bobby Ewing, Dallas, Elena Ramos, Jordana Brewster, Juan Pablo Di Pace, Nicolas Trevino, Patrick Duffy, TNT

What now?

Here are the questions we’re pondering as we await tonight’s telecast of “Hurt,” TNT’s latest “Dallas” episode:

What will Elena do? In “Dead Reckoning,” the previous episode, Nicolas (Juan Pablo Di Pace) made Drew’s death look like a suicide, then stood by and watched as Carmen and Elena (Marlene Forte, Jordana Brewster) received the news that Drew killed himself. Later, when an arson investigation revealed Drew set the Southfork fire, Elena told Carmen about J.R.’s swindle, as well as her scheme with Nicolas to get justice for their family. After Carmen told Elena that John Ross (Josh Henderson) is carrying around a mysterious letter from J.R., Elena seduced John Ross, snuck into his wallet and found the note that outlines the Ewings’ plan to frame Cliff (Ken Kercheval). Now that Elena has the evidence she needs to nail the Ewings, what will she do with it?

How will the Ewing women react? If the truth about J.R.’s masterpiece finally comes out, what will the women of Southfork say? How will the newly sober Sue Ellen (Linda Gray) respond to the news that J.R. was dying of cancer and staged his own death? Will Ann (Brenda Strong) be angry at Bobby (Patrick Duffy) for keeping secrets from her? Perhaps most importantly: What will Pamela (Julie Gonzalo) do when she learns her estranged husband John Ross, her ex-husband Christopher (Jesse Metcalfe) and Bobby conspired to frame Cliff for J.R.’s “murder”?

What will happen to the Ewing men? The Ewing men are having a pretty rough go of it lately. Bobby and Ann are separated, Pamela told John Ross their marriage is over and selfless Christopher said a bittersweet goodbye to Heather (AnnaLynne McCord), who plans to take Michael (Dallas Clark) and leave Dallas to join Bo (Donny Boaz) in Israel, where he’ll have surgery to repair his spinal cord — paid for by Christopher. If Elena spills the beans on J.R.’s masterpiece, will things go from bad to worse for Bobby, John Ross and Christopher?

Who’ll wind up with control of Ewing Global? Pamela told Sue Ellen she won’t divorce John Ross because she doesn’t want him to wind up with her shares of Ewing Global. Meanwhile, Nicolas continued to plot with Luis (Antonio Jaramillo) to take over the company, and Emma (Emma Bell) did some scheming of her own. She blamed Harris (Mitch Pileggi) for getting Drew mixed up with the rig explosion, then met with Luis and told him to get her father tossed back in jail. Should Harris be worried?

What “Dallas Burning Questions” are on your mind? Share your comments below and watch TNT’s “Dallas” tonight.

Filed Under: Dallas Burning Questions, Features Tagged With: AnnaLynne McCord, Antonio Jaramillo, Brenda Strong, Dallas Clark, Dead Reckoning, Denial Anger Acceptance, Donny Boaz, Emma Bell, Hurt, Jesse Metcalfe, Jordana Brewster, Josh Henderson, Juan Pablo di Pace, Julie Gonzalo, Linda Gray, Mitch Pileggi, Patrick Duffy, TNT

We Want You to Watch ‘Dallas’!

August 25, 2014 by Chris Baker 15 Comments

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

Uncle Bobby wants you!

You love TNT’s “Dallas” and want the show to be a big hit, right? So do we! Here’s an updated look at three things fans can do to help “Dallas” grow its audience.

Dallas, John Ross Ewing, Josh Henderson, TNT

He loves it this much

1. Watch “Dallas.” This one is easy. TNT shows a new “Dallas” episode every Monday night at 9, Eastern, Mountain and Pacific times; and 8, Central time. Watch the show each week and enjoy it — and then encourage everyone you know to watch too.

How will this help “Dallas,” you ask?

First, know this: Nielsen, the company that measures TV ratings, doesn’t monitor the viewing habits of every individual who watches television.

Instead, Nielsen chooses a sample of viewers who represent the tastes and preferences of the audience as a whole. So, if more people watch “Dallas,” the show is more likely to gain traction with the all-important Nielsen viewers, which will raise the ratings.

This matters because TNT hasn’t announced if “Dallas” will return next year. The conventional wisdom is the network will wait to see how the show performs during its summer run before deciding whether to renew it.

“Dallas” is averaging about 1.9 million viewers on Monday this year, down from approximately 2.7 million viewers during its second season and more than 4 million viewers during Season 1. In other words: Rebuilding the “Dallas” audience during the next few weeks can only improve the show’s chances of being renewed.

What if you can’t watch “Dallas” on Mondays?

Simply set your DVR to record the show and watch it later. DVR playback is important in the TV biz too, although live viewing trumps all. Remember: The point of Nielsen ratings isn’t to measure a show’s popularity — it’s to let advertisers know how many people see their commercials.

You can also download “Dallas” episodes from iTunes and Amazon, usually on Tuesday mornings after the previous Monday evening’s telecast. Also, if you’re a cable subscriber, you can stream the episodes at DallasTNT.com after TNT has shown them on TV.

Dallas, Julie Gonzalo, Pamela Rebecca Barnes Ewing, TNT

She tweets. Do you?

2. Talk about “Dallas” on social media. If you watch the show on Mondays, hop onto Twitter and tweet about it with your fellow fans. Be sure to use the hashtag #DallasTNT, which makes it easier for everyone to find and follow the conversations.

Not only is tweeting a lot of fun, it also helps “Dallas” generate buzz — and in today’s media-saturated world, that’s more important than ever.

The good news: “Dallas” has a solid foundation to build upon. The show boasts almost 1.6 million fans on Facebook — more than any other TNT series — and 91,000 followers on Twitter, second only to TNT’s “Rizzoli & Isles,” which has 97,500 followers.

How could these numbers help “Dallas”?

Consider this: If each one of the show’s Twitter followers had sent just two tweets last week, “Dallas” could have toppled ABC Family’s “Pretty Little Liars” from its perch as the most-tweeted-about show on TV. (“Pretty Little Liars” generated 178,000 tweets that were seen by more than 2 million people last week, according to Nielsen.)

Not sure what to say in your tweets and Facebook posts? To help you chat up “Dallas” on social media, check out my latest list of 15 reasons to watch “Dallas.” Now start talking up the show!

Dallas, Linda Gray, Sue Ellen Ewing, TNT

Do you watch, doc?

3. Talk about “Dallas” in real life. Even in the age of Facebook and Twitter, nothing beats good, old-fashioned word of mouth. If you love “Dallas,” tell your friends, your co-workers, your barber, the person behind you in line at the supermarket … anyone and everyone who’ll listen.

Here’s an example of how you can slip “Dallas” into everyday conversation:

PERSON ON THE STREET: My goodness, it sure is hot today.

YOU: I’ll say it is! You know who else is hot: Josh Henderson, who plays John Ross on “Dallas,” which airs Monday nights on TNT. You should watch!

You get the picture.

Now get busy, “Dallas” fans. Let’s all pull together and and make our favorite show more popular than ever. The Ewings deserve nothing less, right?

How are you supporting “Dallas” this season? Share your comments below and read more features from Dallas Decoder.

Filed Under: Features, Features Tagged With: Jesse Metcalfe, Josh Henderson, Julie Gonzalo, Linda Gray, Patrick Duffy, TNT

Dallas Burning Questions: Season 3, Week 10

August 25, 2014 by Chris Baker 3 Comments

Ann Ewing, Bobby Ewing, Brenda Strong, Carmen Ramos, Dallas, Marlene Forte, Patrick Duffy, TNT

Driveway to hell?

Here are the questions we’re pondering as we await tonight’s telecast of “Dead Reckoning,” TNT’s latest “Dallas” episode:

Is John Ross and Pamela’s marriage over? In “Denial, Anger, Acceptance,” the previous episode, Pamela (Julia Gonzalo) was rushed to the hospital, where she recovered from her drug overdose. John Ross (Josh Henderson) apologized to his wife for hurting her, but Pamela explained she wasn’t trying to commit suicide when she downed the pills and joined him and Emma (Emma Bell) in bed. “If I had wanted to kill myself, I would not have driven over to your hotel room to do it. I did what I did so that every time you think about screwing that piece of trash, all you’ll be able to see is me on the floor with my eyes rolled back in my head,” Pamela said. Is this the end of John Ross and Pamela’s marriage? If so, what will be the repercussions at Ewing Global, where Pamela’s shares helped her in-laws gain control of the company?

What about Bobby and Ann’s marriage? After Bobby and Christopher (Patrick Duffy, Jesse Metcalfe) rescued Sue Ellen and Bo (Linda Gray, Donny Boaz) from the Southfork fire, the Ewings gathered at the hospital to keep vigil for Pamela and the victims of the inferno. Bobby ran into Judith (Judith Light), who couldn’t wait to tell him about the kiss she witnessed earlier in the evening between Harris and Ann (Mitch Pileggi, Brenda Strong). Bobby erupted at his wife once again, and later he announced he’ll stay at Southfork to oversee the reconstruction. “Are you kicking me out?” Ann asked. Bobby’s response: “I’m saying I need some time to figure things out.” Where will Ann spend her exile from Southfork?

What’s next for Sue Ellen? After the fire, Sue Ellen’s doctor encouraged her to seek treatment for her alcoholism, but Sue Ellen insisted she didn’t have a problem. Later, Sue Ellen remembered taking a lighter to John Ross and Pamela’s wedding invitation and concluded she must have caused the Southfork fire. Sue Ellen confessed to Bobby, Ann and Christopher, and also admitted she was still drinking. “I’m an alcoholic — and I will be, until I die,” Sue Ellen said. Now that the truth is out, will she finally get help?

What’s next for Christopher and Heather? Heather (AnnaLynne McCord) rushed to the hospital to see Bo, who was injured while trying to rescue Sue Ellen from the fire. After surgery on his spinal column, Bo shared a tender reunion with his ex-wife and their son, Michael (Dallas Clark), which left Christopher feeling like an odd man out. Can he still have a future with Heather?

Will Nicolas get away with murder? Although John Ross believed Harris sent Pamela the video that ruined his marriage, Elena (Jordana Brewster) realized the real culprit was Nicolas (Juan Pablo Di Pace) and left him an angry voice mail. Little did she know her lover was across town, holding Drew (Kuno Becker) captive. During a tense conversation, Drew confirmed that he set Southfork on fire to get revenge against the Ewings, while Nicolas revealed he’s helping the drug cartel take over Ewing Global to pay back a debt to the drug lords who run the operation. After Drew suggested Elena should know the truth about Nicolas’s scheme, Nicolas stood by and watched as one of the cartel’s henchmen shot Drew. Now that Drew’s out of the way, will Nicolas succeed in his scheme to take control of Ewing Global?

What “Dallas Burning Questions” are on your mind? Share your comments below and watch TNT’s “Dallas” tonight.

Filed Under: Dallas Burning Questions, Features Tagged With: AnnaLynne McCord, Brenda Strong, Dallas Clark, Dead Reckoning, Denial Anger Acceptance, Donny Boaz, Emma Bell, Jesse Metcalfe, Jordana Brewster, Josh Henderson, Juan Pablo di Pace, Julie Gonzalo, Kuno Becker, Linda Gray, Mitch Pileggi, Patrick Duffy, TNT

TNT’s Dallas Scene of the Day: ‘I’m an Alcoholic’

August 19, 2014 by Chris Baker 8 Comments

Dallas, Denial Anger Acceptance, Linda Gray, Sue Ellen Ewing, TNT

These are her confessions

In “Denial, Anger, Acceptance,” a third-season “Dallas” episode, Sue Ellen (Linda Gray), clad in a robe, enters the hospital waiting room. Bobby (Patrick Duffy), Ann (Brenda Strong) and Christopher (Jesse Metcalfe) see her and stand.

SUE ELLEN: I started the fire. [Bobby’s face drops]

ANN: [Stunned] What?

SUE ELLEN: I was drunk, and I came down to get more to drink. And then I remembered that John Ross had a bottle in his room. And I saw their wedding invitation, and I lit it on fire. And then I passed out. [Crying] I am so sorry I lied to all of you. [Looks at each of them] I’m an alcoholic — and I will be, until I die. [Sobs as Ann embraces her]

Filed Under: Dallas Scenes of the Day, Dallas Scenes of the Day (TNT), Features Tagged With: Brenda Strong, Denial Anger Acceptance, Jesse Metcalfe, Linda Gray, Patrick Duffy, TNT

‘Dallas’ Returns, and So Do Most of This Season’s Viewers

August 19, 2014 by Chris Baker 28 Comments

Denial. Anger. Acceptance?

“Dallas” fans are nothing if not loyal.

The TNT drama’s midseason premiere drew 1.97 million viewers on August 18, essentially matching its audience from the winter and spring, when the series averaged 1.99 million viewers on Mondays nights. The episode, “Denial, Anger, Acceptance,” was seen by approximately 567,000 viewers between ages 18 and 49, a group advertisers pay top dollar to reach.

TNT hasn’t announced if “Dallas” will return next year or a timetable for making a decision. The conventional wisdom is the network will wait to see how the show performs during its late summer run before deciding whether to renew it. Expected to factor into TNT’s decision: “Dallas’s” performance among DVR users, who boosted the show’s average to about 2.8 million viewers during the winter and spring.

“Dallas’s” August 18 numbers are smaller than most of the other series in TNT’s summer lineup. Last week, cop show “Major Crimes” concluded a 10-week Monday run with an average of about 5 million viewers, while its companion series, freshman legal drama “Murder in the First,” averaged a little less than 3 million viewers.

At the other end of TNT’s spectrum: another legal series, “Franklin & Bash,” which opened its fourth season last week with 1.25 million viewers.

“Dallas’s” August 18 competition included ESPN’s preseason football game between Washington’s team and the Cleveland Browns, which drew almost 6.9 million viewers. Next week, “Dallas” will face off against the Primetime Emmys broadcast on NBC.

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

Filed Under: News, News Tagged With: Denial Anger Acceptance, Jesse Metcalfe, Josh Henderson, Patrick Duffy, TNT

The Dal-List: Another 15 Reasons to Watch TNT’s ‘Dallas’

August 18, 2014 by Chris Baker 5 Comments

Dallas, Elena Ramos, John Ross Ewing, Jordana Brewster, Josh Henderson, TNT

Never take your eye off a Ewing

“Dallas” is back to finish its third season on TNT, beginning Monday, August 18. If Dallas Decoder’s earlier list didn’t persuade you to start watching this show, hopefully this one will.

Reading is fundamental

15. “Dallas” is “Beach Read TV.” The world becomes a different place this time of year, don’t you think? Even when you’re not on vacation, you’ve mentally checked out, at least a little. That’s what makes “Dallas” the ideal summertime show. It’s pure entertainment, although it can also be surprisingly smart without getting too heavy. In other words: “Dallas” is the television equivalent of a great beach read. Dive in and let yourself get lost in it.

Cool down

14. “Dallas” will help you stay cool. Here’s another reason “Dallas” makes great summertime viewing. You know how eating spicy food in hot weather makes you sweat, which in turn helps you cool off? Well, “Dallas” essentially does the same thing. Don’t believe me? Then check out the picture at right and the one above. These are the kinds of scenes you get in every “Dallas” episode. If that doesn’t raise your perspiration levels, I don’t know what will.

Ann Ewing, Bobby Ewing, Brenda Strong, Dallas, Patrick Duffy, TNT

Dynamic duo

13. Patrick Duffy and Brenda Strong are kicking ass. Of course, “Dallas” isn’t just sex and skin. This show also boasts one of prime time’s strongest ensembles, beginning with Duffy and Strong. The increasingly rocky marriage of their characters, Bobby and Ann Ewing, has become the stuff of great domestic drama, especially whenever he accuses her of lying. Don’t you want to be there when Ann finds out all the stuff Bobby’s been keeping from her?

Dallas, Juan Pablo Di Pace, Nicolas Trevino, TNT

The dark side

12. Juan Pablo Di Pace is on fire. When Di Pace showed up on “Dallas” earlier this year, his character, Nicolas Treviño, was a charming rapscallion. What a difference a half-season makes! Nicolas has gotten darker and more twisted — as Elena’s poor, punctured diaphragm would tell you. (If diaphragms could, you know, talk). It’s impressive to see how effectively Di Pace has altered his performance, turning that suave smile into something so sinister.

Dallas, Elena Ramos, Jordana Brewster, TNT

Read ’em all

11. “Dallas” has the world’s most passionate fans. I hope you enjoy reading Dallas Decoder, but this site isn’t the only game in town. You’ll find fun interviews at Dallas Fanzine, nifty graphics and insightful commentary at Dallas Divas Derby, and all-around excellent coverage at Ultimate Dallas, the granddaddy of “Dallas” fan sites. And that’s just to name a few! Only a great show like “Dallas” could inspire this kind of hardcore obsessiveness.

Dallas, Judith Light, Judith Ryland, TNT

Boo!

10. If you like (blank), you’ll love “Dallas.” Our show has a lot in common with many of TV’s best dramas. Examples: Do you get a kick out of the twisty “Scandal”? You’ll go crazy for “Dallas,” which offers a steady stream of OMG! moments. Are you addicted to “Downton Abbey”? “Dallas” is pretty much the same show, but without the funny accents. Do you go gaga over the evil witches of “American Horror Story”? Good news! We’ve got one of those too.

AnnaLynne McCord, Christopher Ewing, Dallas, Heather McCabe, Jesse Metcalfe, TNT

True romance

9. Jesse Metcalfe and AnnaLynne McCord are charming. “Dallas’s” most pleasant surprise this year? The pairing of Metcalfe and McCord’s characters, Christopher and Heather, whose down-to-earth romance has proven a nice antidote to the show’s wackier plotlines. Of course, this is “Dallas,” where couples rarely live happily ever after, so we probably shouldn’t get too attached to Christopher and Heather. Kinda like Metcalfe’s beard, which we still miss.

So good, so bad

8. Emma is excellent! Do you love to hate a wicked witch? Oh, have we got one for you! Meet Emma Ryland, the home-wrecking hussy played to perfection by Emma Bell. It’s fun to hiss at the vixenish Emma whenever she slinks onto the screen, but don’t be surprised if you find yourself feeling sorry for her. That’s because Bell never lets the audience forget that Emma is more damaged than evil. I mean, cut the gal some slack. She was raised by Judith, after all.

Bobby Ewing, Dallas, John Ross Ewing, Josh Henderson, TNT

It’s a party, Uncle Bobby

7. Every “Dallas” episode is a party. The only thing better than watching “Dallas” is watching it with your fellow fans. With Twitter, you can view the show live on Mondays while simultaneously tweeting about it with other “Dallas” diehards. Everyone comes together to OMG when John Ross outmaneuvers his rivals and LOL when Harris cracks wise about Judith. Each episode is a celebration, and who couldn’t use one of those on Monday nights?

Dallas, Harris Ryland, Mitch Pileggi, TNT

The chameleon

6. Mitch Pileggi is one of television’s most watchable actors. Pileggi has been entertaining us for years, and never more so than in his role as Harris Ryland, “Dallas’s” resident chameleon. Is Harris really carrying a torch for ex-wife Ann, or is he just trying to spite his controlling mama Judith? Is he really trying to help the CIA bring down the drug cartel, or does he have a trick up his sleeve? No one keeps us guessing like the awesome Pileggi.

What’s next, darlin’?

5. Just say Julie! You know who else keeps “Dallas” fans on their toes? Julie Gonzalo, who plays irrepressible Pamela Rebecca Barnes Ewing. In three seasons, Pamela has been a desperate con artist, a bitch-on-wheels corporate tigress, a would-be mother devastated over the loss of her unborn children, and a hopeful wife who has no idea her husband is a cheat. What will be Pamela’s next role? I have no idea, but I know Gonzalo will nail it.

Christopher Ewing, Dallas, Elena Ramos, Jesse Metcalfe, John Ross Ewing, Jordana Brewster, Josh Henderson, TNT

Those jackets! Those boots!

4. Watch and be inspired. Not only will “Dallas” help you cool off, the show can also help you look cool. Part of the fun of watching “Dallas” is to see what the characters are wearing — and then recreating those looks in your own wardrobe. That’s easy to do, thanks to mega-talented costume designer Rachel Sage Kunin, who dresses the cast in clothing that’s aspirational yet accessible. Let “Dallas” show you how to dress like a million bucks without spending it.

Shades of Gray

3. Linda Gray is amazing. As I’ve written before, Gray is great because she makes you feel everything her character, Sue Ellen, does. This season, we’ve experienced Sue Ellen’s joy when she outmaneuvered the governor, as well as her shame over her never-ending battle with the bottle. Will our heroine rise from the ashes of the Southfork fire? Maybe, maybe not. The only sure bet is that Gray will continue to dominate this series like no one else.

The future has arrived

2. Josh Henderson is outstanding. The most thrilling part of “Dallas” this season? Watching Henderson become one of the most captivating actors on TV. His character, John Ross Ewing, is still struggling to escape the shadow of his legendary father J.R., and Henderson is rising to the occasion, delivering complex, absorbing performances. I have no doubt he has Emmys and Oscars in his future — and maybe a Grammy or two. (Dude can sing!)

Long live the king!

1. J.R. Ewing lives! We all miss Larry Hagman and “Dallas” will never be the same without him, but the new show is doing a splendid job preserving his memory. The spirit of J.R. lives through props like his wristwatch and painting, as well as those J.R. Ewing Bourbon bottles that keep popping up. Mostly, J.R.’s presence is felt through costars like Gray and Henderson, whose performances honor Hagman and the remarkable legacy he left behind.

Why do you watch TNT’s “Dallas”? Share your comments below and read more “Dal-Lists.”

Filed Under: Dal-Lists, Opinion Tagged With: Brenda Strong, Emma Bell, Jesse Metcalfe, Jordana Brewster, Josh Henderson, Juan Pablo di Pace, Judith Light, Julie Gonzalo, Larry Hagman, Linda Gray, Mitch Pileggi, Patrick Duffy, TNT

Dallas Burning Questions: Season 3, Week 9

August 18, 2014 by Chris Baker 2 Comments

Burn, darlin’, burn?

Here are the questions we’re pondering as we await tonight’s telecast of “Denial, Anger, Acceptance,” the midseason premiere of TNT’s “Dallas”:

Who survived the Southfork fire — and who started it? In the previous episode, “Where There’s Smoke,” Pamela (Julie Gonzalo) received a video of John Ross and Emma (Josh Henderson, Emma Bell) having sex and lashed out at Sue Ellen (Linda Gray), who spent a lonely night at Southfork getting drunk. While Sue Ellen was passed out in John Ross and Pamela’s bedroom, an angry Bo (Donny Boaz) could be seen lurking inside the house, watching as fire swept through a room. Moments later, Bobby and Christopher (Patrick Duffy, Jesse Metcalfe) arrived home and raced inside, calling out for Ann and Sue Ellen — only to have part of the ceiling collapse on them. What happens next?

What will happen to John Ross, Pamela and Emma? After she attacked Sue Ellen, Pamela tracked down John Ross at a hotel, where she walked in on him cavorting with Emma, who was clad in her green corset. “Love what you’re wearing,” Pamela said before removing her raincoat and revealing that she was wearing her green corset too. Pamela then said, “May I join you?” The three of them began making out — and then Pamela started convulsing. As Emma dialed 911, John Ross discovered an empty pill bottle in his wife’s coat pocket and tried furiously to revive her. “Wake up, baby, wake up!” he pleaded. Why did Pamela initiate the threesome, and where does this troubled trio go from her?

What will happen between Ann and Harris? Before the fire, Bobby went ballistic when he discovered Ann (Brenda Strong) had withheld the truth about John Ross and Emma’s fling. Bobby told Ann that Emma is no longer welcome at Southfork, prompting her to turn to Harris (Mitch Pileggi) for help. After reminiscing about their marriage, Harris kissed Ann, but she turned and walked away — as a seething Judith (Judith Light) watched them from a window. What will Judith do next?

Where do Christopher and Heather go from here? The previous episode began with Heather (AnnaLynne McCord) discovering Bo kidnapped their son, Michael (Dallas Clark). With help from Sheriff Derrick (Akai Draco), Bobby, Christopher and Heather found Michael with Bo’s brother. Once mother and child were reunited, Christopher told Heather he’d like to get serious with her. Will she allow that to happen?

What’s Nicolas up to? Pamela didn’t know the video of John Ross and Emma was sent by Nicolas (Juan Pablo Di Pace), who is secretly helping the Mexican drug cartel plot a takeover of Ewing Global. Elena (Jordana Brewster) also doesn’t know Nicolas’s true intentions and tried to back out of their plan to get revenge against the Ewings for cheating her father out of his land. Nicolas assured Elena that she isn’t wrong to seek revenge — and when she wasn’t looking, he punctured holes in her diaphragm before they had sex. Uh, what’s that about?

Where’s Drew? When Nicolas wasn’t sabotaging Elena’s birth control, he was receiving a surprise visit from the fugitive Drew (Kuno Becker), who asked for his help in striking back against the Ewings. Nicolas told Drew to be patient and allow his scheme with Elena to play out, but Drew didn’t want to hear it and ran away. Nicolas then called the drug lord Luis (Antonio Jaramillo) and told him to find Drew before he ruined their plans. What will happen if the cartel gets Drew before he gets to wherever he’s headed?

What “Dallas Burning Questions” are on your mind? Share your comments below and watch TNT’s “Dallas” tonight.