Larry Hagman – Dallas Decoder

Dallas Scene of the Day: ‘To the Winner’

June 8, 2015 by Chris Baker 2 Comments

Dallas, Family, J.R. Ewing, Larry Hagman, Linda Gray, Sue Ellen Ewing

Game show

In “Family,” an eighth-season “Dallas” episode, Jamie (Jenilee Harrison) joins J.R. (Larry Hagman), Sue Ellen (Linda Gray), Bobby (Patrick Duffy) and Jenna (Priscilla Beaulieu Presley) for dinner at Southfork.

SUE ELLEN: Well, I think it’s time that we welcomed Jamie officially. So I’d like to propose a toast to the newest member of the Ewing family. Welcome. [Everyone raises a glass and drinks.]

JAMIE: Thank you.

JENNA: I thought that was going to be me.

JAMIE: When are you and Bobby getting married?

JAMIE: [Looks at Bobby, smiles] Uh, one of these days.

J.R.: Well, Jamie, now that you’re a member of the family, we have certain traditions we like to adhere to.

JAMIE: Oh?

J.R.: One of them is dressing for dinner. [Sue Ellen looks crossly at him.]

JAMIE: Well, I’d sure like to but this is as good as it gets.

J.R.: Oh, I take it you don’t own a dress?

JAMIE: Just the one I got to church in, and that’s not near fancy enough for this.

JENNA: [Winks at Sue Ellen] I think we can fix that. I happen to own a boutique. [Bobby clears his throat.] Well, sort of. [Laughs]

SUE ELLEN: That’s right, so we’ll go shopping tomorrow.

JAMIE: I can’t. I don’t have enough money, at least not for clothes.

SUE ELLEN: We’d appreciate the chance to buy them for you. [J.R. does a double take.]

JAMIE: I’m sorry, but you’ve done enough for me just by letting me stay here for a while.

SUE ELLEN: Jamie, it would really give me pleasure.

JENNA: And me.

BOBBY: Look, Jamie, I think I know how you feel, but you should pick up a few things. You might need them.

JAMIE: Lookit, I really appreciate the offer, but I’ve been fixing to get a job. Pay my own way.

BOBBY: What would you do?

JAMIE: I’m not sure. But this is Texas, and one thing I do know about is the oil business. [Smiles]

J.R.: Is that a fact?

JAMIE: [Seriously] Yeah.

J.R.: I suppose that’s from hanging around Jason.

JAMIE: From working with him.

J.R.: Oh, yeah? Where?

JAMIE: All over. Mostly Alaska, though, lately.

J.R.: Hmm. Where in Alaska?

JAMIE: Kenai Peninsula, Point Barrow, the Umiat anticline, Prudhoe Bay.

J.R.: Umiat, huh? Well, I guess you met the man who ran that operation up there?

JAMIE: Slim Whitaker? Nah, I never met him. Heard an awful lot about him, though.

J.R.: Yeah, old Slim. He was the first one to use the drag bit up there.

JAMIE: Not at the Umiat. Drag bit’s for soft formations. [Sue Ellen smiles, dabs a corner of her mouth with a napkin.]

J.R.: What would he have used?

JAMIE: Probably a diamond drill core bit. Maybe a rotary.

BOBBY: I heard he had some pretty hard formations up there.

J.R.: Bobby did a lot of drilling up in Canada. Real hard, frozen.

JAMIE: [Smiles] Oh, really? Did you use the Stratapax? It worked real good at Point Barrow.

BOBBY: No, I didn’t have any luck at all with them.

JAMIE: Oh, so what’d you use?

J.R.: Don’t you know?

JAMIE: No, I wasn’t there. Of course, there was an awful lot of talk about them using a Tundra something or other.

BOBBY: That’s right, the Tundra Torque. That’s it.

JAMIE: [Smiles] Yeah, I knew it was something like that.

J.R.: Uh, just one more thing. In Prudhoe, how deep did they have to drill their test well?

JAMIE: I don’t know. Why you asking me all these questions?

J.R.: Because anybody in the oil business ought to know the answers to them.

JAMIE: Oh, really? Well, how many producing wells are at the Kenai right now?

J.R.: [Pauses] Twenty-four.

JAMIE: A hundred and three. [Bobby stifles a laugh, clears his throat]

SUE ELLEN: Well, if your little game is over, J.R., I’d like to finish dinner.

BOBBY: Yeah, so would I. That’s if you’re through, J.R.

J.R.: I’m through. [Sticks a forkful of food into his mouth] For now. [Smiles]

BOBBY: [Looks at Jamie, raises a glass] To the winner.

SUE ELLEN: [Raises a glass] To the winner.

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

Filed Under: Dallas Scenes of the Day, Dallas Scenes of the Day (Classic), Features Tagged With: Family, Jenilee Harrison, Larry Hagman, Linda Gray, Patrick Duffy, Priscilla Beaulieu Presley

Critique: ‘Dallas’ Episode 166 — ‘Family’

June 8, 2015 by Chris Baker 5 Comments

Bobby Ewing, Dallas, Family, Jenna Wade, J.R. Ewing, Larry Hagman, Patrick Duffy, Priscilla Beaulieu Presley, Ray Krebbs, Steve Kanaly

Welcome to the family

I want to like Jamie Ewing. Really, I do. She arrives at Southfork at the end of the eighth-season episode “Jamie,” but we don’t get to know her until the following installment, “Family.” The character has a lot of potential: She’s a fresh face when the show badly needs one, and the fact that she’s a long-lost Ewing cousin from the wrong side of the tracks makes her a natural adversary for J.R., something this show can never have enough of. Nevertheless, Jamie’s debut falls flat. It’s another example of how middling “Dallas’s” middle years can be.

With Jamie, the producers seem to be trying to recapture the J.R.-vs.-Pam dynamic from the show’s earliest seasons. “Family” even includes a scene where J.R. offers Jamie a bribe to leave Southfork, just like he did with Pam in “Digger’s Daughter.” But unlike Pam, who felt like a real threat to J.R., Jamie comes off more like a nuisance. Much of this has to do with Jenilee Harrison, who is a fine actress but who lacks Victoria Principal’s spark. Consider the “Family” dinner scene where J.R. tests Jamie’s self-proclaimed knowledge of the oil industry. Sure, she aces his quiz, but there’s no joy in Harrison’s performance. Imagine how much fun this scene would have been if it had been about Pam outsmarting J.R.

I’m also no fan of how “Dallas” brings Jamie into the fold by making her the daughter of Jock’s dead brother Jason. So Jock Ewing has an estranged sibling, huh? You’d think this fact might have come up when Jock was alive and trying to get his sons to get along. On the other hand, I like how Sue Ellen immediately embraces Jamie — not to annoy J.R., but because the newcomer fills a void in Sue Ellen’s life. The instant friendship between the two women demonstrates how much Linda Gray’s character has grown since “Dallas’s” early days, when Sue Ellen went out of her way to make Pam feel unwelcomed. By the end of “Family,” Sue Ellen has even taken Jamie out and bought her a new wardrobe. I only wish the shopping spree occurred on camera.

This episode is a mixed bag for the other “Dallas” characters too. I continue to be charmed by Mandy Winger, who seems much savvier when paired with Cliff than she does later with J.R. In this episode’s best twist, Jeremy Wendell — making a welcome return to “Dallas” after three-season absence — runs into Mandy, who gets him to open up about what he really thinks of Cliff. Uh-oh, is Mandy pumping Jeremy for information so she can betray Cliff? Nah. After Jeremy leaves, Cliff steps out of the shadows to congratulate Mandy on playing Jeremy like a fiddle. It’s another example of how much smarter Cliff has become, although if you prefer the self-absorbed, self-destructive Cliff, don’t worry, he’s still around. Witness the “Family” scene where he meets Sly outside the Ewing Oil building and asks her to spy on J.R. again. Cliff never really learns his lesson, does he? (By the way: I love how director Leonard Katzman shoots Debbie Rennard on a dramatic angle as she exits the building for this scene.)

Elsewhere, Lucy waits on a rowdy table at the diner — and of course handsome construction worker Eddie Cronin comes to her rescue. Wouldn’t it have been nice to see her resolve this problem on her own? Likewise, I’m tempted to deride Jeremy’s sexism when he orders for Pam at lunch, except the point of the scene is to show how Jeremy must control every situation in which he finds himself. If he were dining with Cliff instead of Pam, he probably would have ordered for him too. This scene also allows Principal to show off her on-camera eating skills. Notice how effortlessly she slides that forkful of Crab Louie into her mouth, in contrast to William Smithers, who seems to struggle with his bite before the camera cuts away.

The other reason I’m relieved to see Jeremy show up is because it means he’ll soon be at war with J.R., who hasn’t had enough to do in recent episodes. Think about it: Here we are in the eighth season’s fifth hour, and the biggest deal we’ve seen is Donna’s purchase of a small oil company. I have to wonder: Where’s the wheeling? Where’s the dealing? This is “Dallas,” right?

Grade: B

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Street smarts

‘FAMILY’

Season 8, Episode 5

Airdate: October 26, 1984

Audience: 20.9 million homes, ranking 2nd in the weekly ratings

Writer and Director: Leonard Katzman

Synopsis: Sue Ellen insists Jamie stay at Southfork and buys her a new wardrobe, but J.R. refuses to make her feel welcomed. Cliff is suspicious when Jeremy offers to buy Barnes-Wentworth and offers him a seat on Westar’s board of directors. Cliff asks Sly if J.R. and Wendell are working together. Lucy’s co-worker Betty warns her to stay away from her boyfriend, construction worker Eddie Cronin. Pam is rattled when she spots someone driving Mark’s car.

Cast: Roseanna Christiansen (Teresa), Patrick Duffy (Bobby Ewing), Shanette Eckols (Lydia), Eric Farlow (Christopher Ewing), Linda Gray (Sue Ellen Ewing), Larry Hagman (J.R. Ewing), Jenilee Harrison (Jamie Ewing), Susan Howard (Donna Krebbs), Steve Kanaly (Ray Krebbs), Omri Katz (John Ross Ewing), Howard Keel (Clayton Farlow), Ken Kercheval (Cliff Barnes), Fredric Lehne (Eddie Cronin), Shalane McCall (Charlie Wade), George O. Petrie (Harv Smithfield), Priscilla Beaulieu Presley (Jenna Wade), Victoria Principal (Pam Ewing), Debbie Rennard (Sly), Sherril Lynn Rettino (Jackie Dugan), Deborah Shelton (Mandy Winger), William Smithers (Jeremy Wendell), Christopher Stone (Dave Stratton), Charlene Tilton (Lucy Ewing), Kathleen York (Betty)

“Family” is available on DVD and at Amazon and iTunes. Watch the episode and share your comments below.

Filed Under: Critiques, Critiques (Classic), Opinion Tagged With: Debbie Rennard, Digger’s Daughter, Family, Jamie, Jenilee Harrison, Larry Hagman, Leonard Katzman, Victoria Principal, William Smithers

Dallas Scene of the Day: ‘If I Can’t Have Him, Nobody Can’

June 3, 2015 by Chris Baker 2 Comments

Dallas, Jamie, Katherine Wentworth, Morgan Brittany,

Hot sister

In “Jamie,” an eighth-season “Dallas” episode, J.R. (Larry Hagman) confronts Katherine (Morgan Brittany) in a hospital corridor, where two security guards restrain her after her latest attempt on Bobby’s life.

J.R.: Katherine, what the hell were you doing in Bobby’s room? And what was in that needle? [She’s silent.] Come on, what was going on in there? All right, call the Dallas police. Tell them to get up here right away.

SECURITY GUARD: They’ve already been called, Mr. Ewing.

J.R.: Good, because I think she just tried to kill my brother. And I also think she’s the one that took those shots at me.

KATHERINE: You? Don’t make me laugh! I never tried to shoot you.

J.R.: The hell you didn’t! And I’ve got three bullet holes in my chair to prove it.

KATHERINE: They weren’t meant for you. It was Bobby I wanted dead.

J.R.: You shot him in my office. I was sure you got him by mistake.

KATHERINE: Mistake? There was no mistake! I love him! Don’t you understand that? I love him! But he doesn’t want me. Oh, no, he wants Jenna Wade. And before that he wanted Pam. Sweet, darling Pam, who everybody just adores! Well they’re not going to have him — neither one of them! Don’t you see? They poisoned his mind against me to keep me away. But they’re going to have him. I’ll see to it, because if I can’t have him, nobody can.

J.R.: You’re not going to see to anything — not after the law gets finished with you. But how did you get into my office? And how did you know that Bobby was up alone up there that night?

KATHERINE: I didn’t care if he was alone or not. I just wanted to get to him. My life was over. Why shouldn’t his be? [In a flashback, Katherine explains how she saw J.R. leave the Ewing Oil building, then went to the executive offices, heard Bobby in J.R.’s office and fired three shots into the back of the chair.] I caught a plane to Houston that night. And I didn’t know until the next day that he was still alive.

J.R.: Hold this woman until the police get here. I’m going to see my brother.

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

Filed Under: Dallas Scenes of the Day, Dallas Scenes of the Day (Classic), Features Tagged With: Jamie, Larry Hagman, Morgan Brittany

Dallas Scene of the Day: ‘… Until Our Scores Are Settled!’

June 1, 2015 by Chris Baker 12 Comments

Dallas, If at First You Don't Succeed, Pam Ewing, Victoria Principal

That’s Miss Barnes to you!

In “If at First You Don’t Succeed,” an eighth-season “Dallas” episode, J.R. (Larry Hagman) arrives at the Ewing Oil building, where Pam (Victoria Principal) is waiting for him.

J.R.: Well, you got a lot of nerve coming around here after what your brother did to mine.

PAM: What were you doing there yesterday when my brother was arrested?

J.R.: You consider that your business, do you?

PAM: Yes, I do, because I think you had something to do with it.

J.R.: Well, what on earth could I have to do with it?

PAM: How did you know he’d be arrested at that precise moment?

J.R.: Well, I have friends at the department. I went down there to see the expression on that worm’s face when the police arrested him for shooting my brother.

PAM: Let me tell you something, J.R. If he did shoot Bobby, it was because he thought it was you — and he had every reason to shoot you.

J.R.: You know, I’m getting kind of tired of that old song. Mean, nasty J.R. beating up on poor, innocent Cliff Barnes. You’re sounding more and more like him, you know that?

PAM: Well, that’s fine with me because I’m beginning to sound more and more like a Barnes, thanks to you. I’ve never believed in the Barnes-Ewing feud, J.R., but now I’m going to join it. I’m going to do everything I can to help Cliff. And I’m not going to rest until all our family scores are settled!

Watch this scene in “If at First You Don’t Succeed,” available on DVD and at Amazon and iTunes, and share your comments below.

Filed Under: Dallas Scenes of the Day, Dallas Scenes of the Day (Classic), Features Tagged With: If at First You Don’t Succeed, Larry Hagman, Victoria Principal

Dallas Scene of the Day: ‘With Family, You Play Fair’

May 27, 2015 by Chris Baker 2 Comments

Battle Lines, Dallas, J.R. Ewing, Larry Hagman

Daddy knows best

In “Battle Lines,” an eighth-season “Dallas” episode, J.R. (Larry Hagman) stands over John Ross (Omri Katz), who is cleaning his bike on the Southfork patio.

JOHN ROSS: Are you going to see Uncle Bobby at the hospital?

J.R.: Well, I might drop in on him this afternoon. [Looks at his watch] I’ve got an awful lot of work to do at the office.

Sue Ellen (Linda Gray) exits the house and stands on the patio, listening.

JOHN ROSS: Maybe I can go to the office and help you.

J.R.: [Chuckles] Well, that’s a good idea. Maybe we ought to wait until you’re a little older, though, huh?

JOHN ROSS: Daddy are you going to be running Ewing Oil all by yourself?

J.R.: Well, I’m just going to run it until Bobby gets back. Why do you ask that?

JOHN ROSS: Well, you said you were going to run the company all by yourself some day and then give it to me.

J.R.: Well, I couldn’t take it away from Bobby while he’s in the hospital.

JOHN ROSS: But Mama said Bobby can’t see right now.

J.R.: [Sits in a patio chair] John Ross, there’s something I want to explain to you, son. One of these days I expect to control all of Ewing Oil, and Bobby won’t work there. He’ll be doing something else. But I want you to remember that he’s my brother — and I love him very much. And it just wouldn’t be fair to take advantage of him while he’s sick. That’s just something you don’t do to people you love. But when he’s well — and able to defend his shares in Ewing Oil — well, I’m going to fight for it. And of course I’ll win. Then I’m going to give you the whole company — and you’ll never have to share it with anybody. Now you understand that?

JOHN ROSS: I think so.

J.R.: Good. And you’ve got to remember: With family, you play fair. Because there are rules to follow. And if you do, you’ll be able to live with yourself.

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

Filed Under: Dallas Scenes of the Day, Dallas Scenes of the Day (Classic), Features Tagged With: Battle Lines (1984), Larry Hagman, Omri Katz

Critique: ‘Dallas’ Episode 163 — ‘Battle Lines’

May 27, 2015 by Chris Baker 8 Comments

Ewing blues

Bobby has lost his eyesight in “Battle Lines,” but J.R. has lost his mojo. The eldest Ewing brother is unusually angsty in this episode: He’s guilty because he believes the bullets that blinded Bobby were meant for him, he’s nervous because his would-be assassin is still on the loose, he’s depressed because his scheme to ruin Cliff Barnes has backfired spectacularly, turning Dallas’s biggest born loser into an overnight success in the oil business. It’s never fun to see J.R. down and out, but these moments tend to give us insight into his character. This one is no exception.

In one revealing scene, J.R. is leaving for work when John Ross asks him if he’s planning to take over Ewing Oil now that Uncle Bobby is in the hospital. J.R. leans down, looks the boy in the eye and tells him he plans to win control of the company some day, but not while Bobby is sick. “With family, you play fair,” J.R. says. “There are rules to follow, and if you do, you’ll be able to live with yourself.” Larry Hagman’s delivery is so sincere, you get the feeling J.R. believes what he’s saying. Who knew the master of deception was so good at deceiving himself? Later, we see J.R. lose his cool — twice. First, he argues with Donna after she arrives at Ewing Oil to look after the ailing Bobby’s interests, and then J.R. clashes with Cliff, dousing him with champagne during a dust-up at the Oil Baron’s Club.

Toward the end of “Battle Lines,” J.R. finally opens up to Sue Ellen about everything that’s bothering him. This might be the episode’s most revealing moment of all. “Dallas” rarely lets us know what J.R. is really thinking; when it happens, it usually comes in the form of a monologue delivered to Jock’s painting. Here, J.R. sits on the Southfork patio and confesses all to Sue Ellen, who is so moved by her husband’s display of vulnerability, she takes his hand and assures him everything will be okay. It’s a rare example of these two behaving like spouses who share their problems instead of using them to undermine each other. It’s also the first time in more than a year that Sue Ellen has shown J.R. real affection, and it turns out to be just what the doctor ordered: In the episode’s final scene, J.R. lurks nearby as his goons from the police squad arrest Cliff for Bobby’s shooting. Does J.R. genuinely believe Cliff is guilty, or is he merely taking advantage of an opportunity to pin a major crime on his rival? The answer isn’t clear, but one thing is indisputable: It’s good to see him get his groove back.

J.R. and Cliff’s shifting fortunes lend “Battle Lines” a neat bit of symmetry: J.R. is in the doldrums until the final scene, while Cliff rides high throughout this episode, only to crash at the end. It’s nice to see Cliff succeed for a change, and I always think it’s interesting how he emulates J.R. Cliff uses Marilee for sex in “Killer at Large,” the previous episode, and in “Battle Lines” he sacks Vaughn with J.R.-like efficiency. I also like Cliff’s scenes with Pam in this episode — including their stroll from her swimming pool to her house, which director Nick Havinga films in an unbroken tracking shot — as well as the arrest scene, which ends with Pam looking infuriated when she realizes J.R. orchestrated her brother’s arrest. (One oddity: Why does one detective announce the charge against Cliff while another cop simultaneously reads him his rights?)

Speaking of Pam: I like the scene where she tells Bobby that Katherine forged the letter that broke up their marriage. The couple sits on a bench on the hospital grounds, mimicking their breakup scene in Thanksgiving Square one year earlier. And even though Bobby’s blindness offers an unmistakable metaphor for his inability to see through Katherine’s scheme, I’m no fan of this storyline. Unlike J.R.’s post-shooting paralysis, which humbled his character and made for interesting storytelling, sticking Patrick Duffy behind those oversized dark glasses does his character no favors. Bobby looks weak and ineffectual, and that’s not what the audience needs from him. If the show wanted to use his near-death experience to explore different facets of his character, I would have gone in the other direction and made him royally angry that he took a couple of slugs that were intended for his brother.

Finally, I like how “Battle Lines” brings together characters who don’t usually interact: Ray and Donna investigate the bugged telephones at Ewing Oil with help from Phyllis, while Lucy and Katherine sit together while visiting Bobby at Dallas Memorial. In the latter scene, though, I can’t help but note how overdressed the women appear. Lucy wears an off-the-shoulder dress that looks more appropriate for a night on the town, while Katherine sports a runway-ready turban. Then again, what do I know? If Sue Ellen can wear a turban to the movies, who says Katherine can’t wear one to the hospital?

Grade: A

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

All wet

‘BATTLE LINES’

Season 8, Episode 2

Airdate: October 5, 1984

Audience: 24.7 million homes, ranking 1st in the weekly ratings

Writer: Arthur Bernard Lewis

Director: Nick Havinga

Synopsis: Sly tells Cliff that J.R. doesn’t know she’s working with him. Sue Ellen feels drawn to a newly vulnerable J.R., who orchestrates Cliff’s arrest for Bobby’s shooting. After Pam tells Bobby that Katherine forged the letter that broke them up, Jenna tells Pam to stay away from him. Bobby asks Donna to fill in for him at Ewing Oil.

Cast: Morgan Brittany (Katherine Wentworth), Pat Colbért (Dora Mae), Patrick Duffy (Bobby Ewing), Eric Farlow (Christopher Ewing), Jenny Gago (Nurse), Gerald Gordon (Dr. Carter), Linda Gray (Sue Ellen Ewing), Larry Hagman (J.R. Ewing), Susan Howard (Donna Krebbs), Steve Kanaly (Ray Krebbs), Howard Keel (Clayton Farlow), Omri Katz (John Ross Ewing), Ken Kercheval (Cliff Barnes), Shalane McCall (Charlie Wade), Dennis Patrick (Vaughn Leland), Priscilla Beaulieu Presley (Jenna Wade), Victoria Principal (Pam Ewing), Debbie Rennard (Sly), Marina Rice (Angela), Mitchell Ryan (Captain Merwin Fogerty), Danone Simpson (Kendall), Paul Sorensen (Andy Bradley), Don Starr (Jordan Lee), Deborah Tranelli (Phyllis), Charlene Tilton (Lucy Ewing)

“Battle Lines” is available on DVD and at Amazon and iTunes. Watch the episode and share your comments below.

Filed Under: Critiques, Critiques (Classic), Opinion Tagged With: Battle Lines (1984), Killer at Large, Larry Hagman, Nick Havinga, Patrick Duffy

Back to the ’80s! Dallas Decoder’s Classic Critiques Return

May 25, 2015 by Chris Baker 18 Comments

Dallas, J.R. Ewing, Larry Hagman, Linda Gray, Sue Ellen Ewing

Back for more

Starting today, Dallas Decoder begins critiquing the classic show’s eighth-season episodes. It’s the era that brought us Mandy Winger, cousins Jamie and Jack Ewing and, of course, Donna Reed as Miss Ellie Ewing (er, Farlow).

I plan to post a new critique every Monday and Wednesday, at least for the next few weeks. I hope you’ll come along and share your thoughts about these episodes, which aired from 1984 until 1985.

I also invite you to share your ideas and suggestions for this site. Which posts do you enjoy reading most? Do you prefer episode critiques to Dal-Lists, or are you most interested in news articles and interviews with the “Dallas” cast and crew? If it’s the latter, who would you like to see interviewed?

Dallas Decoder is my hobby and I enjoy it, but I want it to be fun for you too. Your feedback matters a lot to me, so please share your views in the comments below or send me an email at dallasdecoder-at-gmail.com.

Additionally, I hope you’ll connect with Dallas Decoder on social media — including Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, Tumblr and Twitter — where I’ll share classic eighth-season photos, publicity stills and more throughout the summer.

As always, thanks for reading and sharing your love for “Dallas.”

Filed Under: Announcements, News Tagged With: Larry Hagman, Linda Gray

The Dal-List: 18 Reasons to Love ‘Dallas’s’ Eighth Season

May 20, 2015 by Chris Baker 25 Comments

Middlin’ along

Dallas Decoder will soon begin critiquing the original show’s eighth season, which aired from 1984 to 1985. Here are 18 reasons to love it.

Side eye

18. Whenever Pam throws shade. She does it a lot this season.

Metaphor much?

17. When Bobby stops wearing shades. Those things are as big as Southfork!

In good hands with him

16. Dr. President David Palmer. Babe’s farmer shows up too.

Bitches be crazy

15. This nut finally gets caught. Even better: She gets away.

Genus: Hipsterous precursorous

14. Eddie’s wall of hats. Keep on trucking, dude.

Me, me, me

13. Mandy’s wall of Mandy. Keep it classy, honey.

Be nice, J.R.

12. Jamie’s makeover. “What’s next? Are we going to cap her teeth?”

Don’t poke out his eye

11. These lapels. All hail Sue Ellen, intergalactic space empress!

Never change, Ray

10. Ray’s workout gear. It’s also the outfit he wears to weddings, funerals, birthdays and bar mitzvahs.

Blonde ambition

9. This. I bet Jordan helped do her hair.

Groin show

8. Sue Ellen’s parting shot. Who kneed J.R.?

Far out

7. Road trip! Best part of this storyline: Philip Chan guest stars as Edward Chan.

Stay. Please.

6. Jenna goes to jail. She also gets out. (Can’t have everything.)

Eat your heart out, Harv

5. Scotty Demarest. “It is a sy-lun-suh.”

Swoon!

4. Cousin Jack. Best mole since Julie Grey’s.

Beats the sanitarium

3. “The Institute for Advanced Awareness.” Because if anyone needs their awareness advanced, it’s her.

Again with the metaphors

2. We don’t like tomato juice either. But we never turn down eggs and toast.

Death is but a dream

1. “Swan Song.” Who cares if the last few scenes are a dream? This is “Dallas’s” finest hour. (Or its finest hour-and-a-half, if you want to get technical about it.)

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

Filed Under: Dal-Lists, Opinion Tagged With: Charlene Tilton, Dack Rambo, Deborah Shelton, Dennis Haysbert, Fern Fitzgerald, Jenilee Harrison, Larry Hagman, Linda Gray, Morgan Brittany, Patrick Duffy, Priscilla Beaulieu Presley, Stephen Elliott, Steve Kanaly, Susan Howard, Swan Song

Join the Next #DallasChat on Wednesday, May 20, at 8 p.m.

May 18, 2015 by Chris Baker 2 Comments

Humpty dance

Dallas Decoder’s next #DallasChat on Twitter will be Wednesday, May 20, from 8 to 9 p.m. Eastern time.

Since this will be our first midweek chat — and since Dallas Decoder will soon begin reviewing the original show’s midpoint eighth season — our theme will be: “Do the Hump.”

Are you new to #DallasChat? Here’s how it works: During the 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 posed the greatest threat to J.R. and Sue Ellen’s marriage? #DallasChat

A1. It was that Winger tramp, Mandy. She almost stole J.R. forever! #DallasChat

Here are three 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 can’t think of a better way to celebrate Hump Day, can you? See you Wednesday!

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

Filed Under: #DallasChat, #DallasChat announcements, Opinion Tagged With: Larry Hagman, Linda Gray