TNT’s new Dallas is a show that I feel I’ve been waiting for ever since seeing the “J.R. Returns” TV movie somewhere around 16 years ago. The notion of the next generation of Ewings – with John Ross and Christopher against each other – seemed like a bit of a no-brainer as far as a series would go. Sadly, the next time we’d see the Ewings after that point, in “War Of The Ewings,” the younger generation seemed forgotten and even Cliff Barnes was absent.
There was talk over the years of a Dallas big-screen movie, with each film pitch sounding worse than the one before it. It sounded like after the death of Leonard Katzman and underperformance of “War Of The Ewings,” that Larry Hagman, Linda Gray, and Patrick Duffy didn’t seem interested in a new Dallas TV-movie. Thankfully, I had every season of the original series on DVD, but I’ve always wanted something more.
Apparently, someone at TNT wanted something more as well, because we’re getting it on Wednesday night, June 13. Thankfully, unlike other TV series revivals like 90210 and Melrose Place, the original series characters and atmosphere are present in the next generation. In truth, it might be the most well-done series update that I’ve seen.
One of the greatest and most underrated characters in all of Dallas is the Southfork Ranch, and that location is used very well here. I can’t imagine the series using another ranch. The color palette of the new Dallas might be a little different from what came before, but it really looks beautiful. I really hope I can make it out to see the actual Southfork someday. But you’re probably wanting to know about the human characters, right? Well, then on with it. I’ve seen the first seven episodes of new Dallas, and of course the big thing for me is how the original cast is treated. Hagman’s J.R., especially is just as much of a wily individual as he was decades ago, and he gets more and more to do as the season goes on. The storyline for Patrick Duffy’s Bobby pays tribute to the history and backstory of Dallas, as he honors the wishes of Miss Ellie and Aaron Southworth before her in not drilling on the land. There are some tributes to Miss Ellie and Jock within, which also shows the history is respected. I was worried that writer Cynthia Cidre might not have done her homework… but seeing the finished product, she most certainly did.
If any original character isn’t given as much as I’d like for them, it’s Linda Gray’s Sue Ellen. She seems to be almost too accepting of J.R.’s behavior, considering all that’s gone on before. But, I will tease there’s a moment between J.R. and Sue Ellen in the second episode that shows how wonderful those two are together. You don’t really want them to get back together, considering how J.R. treated her; but at the same time, there’s a part of you that does wonder “what if.” That’s the paradox of J.R., in a way: He’s an evil bastard, for lack of a better word; but you can’t help but root for him to win at all times.
And then there are the new characters. Josh Henderson plays John Ross, who is desperate to live up to the Ewing name and the expectations and high bar set by his father, J.R.. Henderson is a great choice for the role and I think as this series goes on – and it better! – we’re going to learn and see more and more about John Ross. John Ross’ cousin Christopher (Jesse Metcalfe) wants to do what’s right, just like his father Bobby did, even if “what’s right” brings him conflicting feelings. Julie Gonzalo’s Rebecca, the new bride of Chris Ewing, has some growing pains with the family that may in some ways echo the feelings Pamela Barnes Ewing had for when she entered the Ewing household way back in 1978. And then there is Jordana Brewster’s Elena, another character who seems torn between “what is right” and what she wants. I’m really interested in seeing what is planned for her.
My favorite of the new characters is one of the most understated, at least in the early episodes. Brenda Strong plays Ann Ryland Ewing, Bobby’s supportive new wife. She has some skeletons in her closet as well, but what I love seeing about her is how seamlessly she fits in, even despite those skeletons. She reminds me a lot of Miss Ellie, despite being significantly younger. If Ellie was the heart of Southfork in the earlier decades, that spot is held by Ann now. She has some great moments early on with Gonzalo’s character and some meaty dramatic material as time goes on. I enjoy Ann so much that, as much as I’d love to see what would happen if Victoria Principal showed up as a very much alive Pam, I’d be worried that would ruin things for the Bobby and Ann relationship, so I’m torn.
TNT’s Dallas also succeeds in that I think it could be interesting and compelling to someone who has never seen Dallas as well as people who know the original series inside and out. This sounds like quite a challenge but Cidre and the cast pull it off.
I glow a lot about Dallas but I do have two complaints, because hey, what’s a review without some honest criticism. One of those issues involves the opening titles. TNT has created a fantastic opening credits sequence featuring the classic music and images of the Dallas skyline, ending with Southfork as the original series did. Unfortunately… those fantastic opening credits don’t include the famous “triple-split-screen” of the original show, containing shots of the characters. That’s a bit of a bummer, because I always loved seeing what shots were chosen, and it’s something so iconic for the series. Maybe the version I saw was just a temp version and they’ll treat me to better credits when it actually airs.
The other complaint I had? Press was sent the first seven episodes — and episode 7 had such a cliffhanger on a near “who shot J.R.” level that I am anxiously anticipating what happens next! Now I, with the rest of the audience, have to wait for August… but you know what? It’ll be worth it. The new Dallas is a fantastic show, and it gets better and better with each week. Can’t wait to see more. Be sure to watch Wednesday night at 9PM. Here’s the trailer courtesy of TNT, and if you’d like, read some of KSiteTV’s Dallas cast interviews!
