
Mama knows best
In “Dallas’s” fifth-season episode “Vengeance,” Miss Ellie (Barbara Bel Geddes) sits in the living room of Sue Ellen (Linda Gray), who stands nearby.
ELLIE: I want to talk about you. And J.R. And Cliff Barnes.
SUE ELLEN: Miss Ellie, this is quite unlike you to question me about my personal life.
ELLIE: Normally I wouldn’t, but there’s a lot more at stake here than just your personal interest. Two whole families are involved.
SUE ELLEN: I really don’t understand. [Sits across from Ellie]
ELLIE: Well, I’m sure that you know what your seeing Cliff Barnes is doing to J.R.
SUE ELLEN: But that’s J.R.’s problem, not mine. We’re divorced now.
ELLIE: Yes, I know that. But J.R. and Cliff are already at each other’s throats. And it’s beginning to have its effect on too many people.
SUE ELLEN: Are you asking me to stop seeing Cliff?
ELLIE: [Smiles] No. No, I don’t have any right to do that – if you’re serious about him. Are you, Sue Ellen? Or are you using him to get back at J.R.?
SUE ELLEN: Miss Ellie, I really don’t think it’s any of your business.
ELLIE: This thing almost destroyed the three of you once before. Do you think you’re strong enough to handle it again?
SUE ELLEN: I don’t know, Miss Ellie. I really don’t know.