Recap of Season One
In the first season of the new TNT version of Dallas, we received all of the drama and double-dealings that we have come to expect from the Ewing clan. And, I couldn’t be happier about it.
I admit that I was both intrigued and concerned when I first heard about the new show. We can’t really call it a reboot, more of a pick-up a couple of decades down the line. I am pleased to say that my intrigue was warranted and my concern no longer exists. I now wish that a lot of my favorite shows of the past would do a similar reworking of the series to give us a glimpse of the future lives of our favorite characters and maybe not so favorite ones, as well.
Okay, enough of my thoughts for now, let’s move on to a recap of all the action packed into the ten little episodes of season one.
We started out in the pilot episode with a great introduction to our new cast of characters, as well as a fine reintroduction to those we loved and hated in the previous show, including the theme song. Personally, I love that we get to have the familiar theme music that makes my nostalgic heart happy. Some seem to think they should have gone with something totally different, but I couldn’t be more pleased with the choice.
The new show finds us twenty years removed from where we left off and what better way to start than with the Ewing wedding of Bobby’s adopted son, Christopher. A huge family event was the perfect way to bring together the old and new characters in a spirit of togetherness and hope for the future. But this is the Ewings and nothing is ever so rosy or sweet in their world. As per the usual, everyone has an agenda; and many have a secret or two. It wouldn’t be Southfork any other way.
Moving on through the season, we, of course, have major family squabbling over land and oil. Yes, we’ve been there before, but the younger generation adds a new spice to the age-old rivalries. John Ross, J.R. and Sue Ellen’s son, is secretly drilling for oil on Southfork, against the wishes of Bobby who refuses to dishonor Miss Ellie’s stand on the matter. J.R., once he revitalizes and removes himself from nursing home care, goes back to his old evil ways in his quest for his birthright; and he will do anything to gain the deed to Southfork for himself. No surprise there, right? Teaming up with the son he neglected growing up, J.R. and John Ross work to claim what they feel belongs to them, the family land and the right to drill for oil on it.
Additional complications arise when our dear old Ewing nemesis, Cliff Barnes, returns wanting Southfork for himself. Yep, no surprise there, either. So, Cliff offers to buy Southfork when Bobby puts it up for sale. When that doesn’t go his way, he tries to work the family through Christopher by offering to invest in his alternative energy project. Christopher declines his offer and we next find Cliff lunching with Sue Ellen and discussing her run for governor. He’s determined to find a way to get what he wants and we aren’t through with seeing his deceptive tricks just yet.
No soapy drama series would be complete without at least one love triangle and we get one in the form of Christopher, his new wife Rebecca, and his childhood love and former fiancé, Elena, who is the daughter of the long time family cook and grew up with the Ewing clan. Doubling the triangle, Elena is now involved with John Ross, but still clearly loves Christopher, and we find that untoward tactics were used to break up the wedding of Christopher and Elena several years prior.
Murder and general mayhem erupt as additional betrayals and secrets are revealed, but ultimately the family bands together for the ultimate good of protecting their family legacy of Southfork from the outside influences that have been allowed to work their way into ownership of the property.
All of this leads up to the fabulous season finale, Revelations, where we find the family continuing to rally around one another during Bobby’s health crisis. All is not so peachy, however, when additional lies and secrets are revealed, leading to another round of breakups between Christopher and Rebecca, and John Ross and Elena, bringing full circle the rekindling of the long time relationship between Christopher and Elena. I don’t really feel good about that. I actually prefer Elena with John Ross. The most compelling surprise is saved for the end, however, when we find out the true identity of Rebecca Sutter. I won’t spoil it for those who haven’t watched yet, but it surprised me and I’m not easily surprised by most television shows these days.
All in all, I want to sum up by simply saying well-played Dallas, well-played indeed. I look forward to seeing you for Season 2. Just please don’t make it all a bad dream.
So, what are your thoughts about the show? Let us know what you think about what has happened so far and where you think, or would like for, it to go in the future. Share your love for the fabulous cast, as well.
|
The Fabulous Cast of Dallas |
|
| Character | Actor |
| John Ross Ewing | Josh Henderson |
| Christopher Ewing | Jesse Metcalfe |
| Elena Ramos | Jordana Brewster |
| Rebecca Sutter-Ewing | Julie Gonzalo |
| Bobby Ewing | Patrick Duffy |
| Ann Ewing | Brenda Strong |
| Sue Ellen Ewing | Linda Gray |
| J.R. Ewing | Larry Hagman |
| Lucy Ewing | Charlene Tilton |
| Cliff Barnes | Ken Kercheval |
| Marta Del Sol | Leonor Varela |
| Tommy Sutter | Callard Harris |
| Carmen Ramos | Marlene Forte |
| Lou | Glenn Morshower |
| Harris Ryland | Mitch Pileggi |
| Vicente Cano | Carlos Bernard |
Marcilene's Fan Zone 