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24 out of 25 people found the following review useful: "Keep your friends close, but keep your enemies closer!" (J.R Ewing), 4 May 2006 Author: Graham Watson from Gibraltar
Dallas has to be one of the greatest ever TV shows, because it had all of the attributes for entertainment. It had great characters, good writers and story lines that ranged from the ridiculous to the sublime. Oh how easy it was to run an an oil company! Watching Dallas was pure fantasy, it's simply what makes TV fun and relaxing, take out an hour from the real world and enjoy, for people who saw the show they know what I mean!So there we were introduced to the Ewing's who were in a bitter feud with the Barnes. However it was the biggest mismatch since George Foreman pounded Joe Frazier into the canvas 6 times in two rounds in the 1973 heavyweight title fight. The Ewing's led by JR body-slammed Cliff Barnes around for the first two seasons. In reality it was not a fair contest, a multimillion dollar family with connections up against a small town lawyer were always going to come out on top! However, that was to change as the series progressed. Of course the show quickly centered on JR (played by Larry Hagman) and the writers created a character that people would really hate; he had no problem playing fast and lose with other peoples lives.So what did JR do that upset so many people! Swindled and cheated the cartel on more than one occasion, blackmailed politician's and government officials into helping him with his crooked deals, had the police set people up on phony charges as he had much of Braddock and Dallas police dept in his payroll. However JR wasn't satisfied with just tormenting the powerful, his family were not spared either, he was instrumental in trying to break up both Bobby, Garry and his mothers marriage's on numerous occasions. Cheated on his wife so many times that he turned her into an alcoholic and had her committed to a sanitarium. Government regulations were also no obstacle to his ambitions. He defied a State department embargo and illegally sold oil to Cuba, instigated a military coup in some oil rich country in Asia and risked a middle east war by hiring mercenaries to blow up Saudi Arabian oil fields to jack up the price of oil, and finally had a run in with the CIA and the Justice Department.It was not just Cliff Barnes he wreaked havoc on, other people were fair game too. He betrayed, conned and left many of his subordinates, business associates and former lovers twisting in the wind, either in jail, broke or on the run from the police. As a consequence of his meddling, reputations were ruined family relationships were left in tatters and ambitions shattered as he turned his back or double crossed some of his closest confidants. It doesn't get any better than this! Not surprisingly the phrase "I'll get you JR if it's the last thing I'll do" or "you'll pay for this JR" both became fairly regular clichés as they all vowed revenge! As I write this I can count at least 5 attempts on JR's life as they tried to get even. Many would say that the golden years of Dallas were the 1978-82 seasons. That's probably true, all the characters were developed through those seasons and I think Dallas had it's highest ratings. However my personal favorites were the 1987-1990 (the last series was poor)! In 1986 with the series tottering on the edge, the writers took a chance and despite ridicule brought back the character Bobby by making the previous season all a dream. It was a risk but they resuscitated a series by binning the most boring and tired looking season in 1985/86 (and that's according to Larry Hagman too) as never happening and therefore having a fresh start to the series. To start with not everything went JRs way he lost Ewing oil, Sue Ellen started to get her act together and fight back on equal terms, Pam left the series and Bobby became a more aggressive character without her. It was a brave attempt by the creators to revive the series and they certainly pulled it off, Dallas never would have lasted as long if they had not done it! They filmed in locations such as Austria, France , Russia and gave a higher profile to the skin crawling Jeremy Wendell head of Weststar and after his exit he was followed by the lager than life Carter Mackay, who kept up the pressure on JR and the Ewing's far more than the cartel.Some of the story lines introduced scenarios from movies such as COOL HAND Luke when JR was sentenced to hard time on a chain gang , or ONE FLEW OVER THE CUCKOOS NEST when JR in bizarre scheme bribed a judge to commit him into a puzzle house to find out information from Clayton's mentally ill sister. Even Bobby was not spared, on his trip to Paris his wife April was kidnapped very much a story similar to the 1987 movie FRANTIC. With the proliferation of satellite and cable TV the major networks sensitive to their advertising revenue delved into trash TV and the half hour sitcoms which are cheap to make. Just over the horizon audience participation shows i.e. Opra, Rikki Lake and Springer and dopey half hour sit-come's were awaiting and if you were to fast forward looming ahead were the so called reality TV shows of the late 1990's.Dallas was the first of the glam soaps and the second last to be canceled (1991). Was it all more entertaining than what's on today, well you be the judge!
10 out of 13 people found the following review useful: There will be only one Dallas!, 1 November 2006 Author: Sylvia Marciniak (sylviastel@aol.com) from United States
I can't believe that Dallas is being made into a film starring John Travolta as J.R. Ewing. There will only be one J.R. Ewing and that's Larry Hagman. I don't care if he is too ill to play him but I can't imagine another J.R. Ewing. I remember watching Dallas on Friday nights after another southern show, Dukes of Hazzard. I always thought Dallas was great show always entertaining with a stellar cast besides Larry Hagman, Linda Gray, Victoria Principal, Barbara Bel Geddes, George Kennedy, Ken Kercheval, Patrick Duffy, Priscilla Presley, Charlene Tilton, etc. This was one show that was quite entertaining to watch on Friday nights. Sure, it was silly sometimes but you can't beat Dallas not with the original cast. It was quite a show of the 1980s.
16 out of 25 people found the following review useful: The Greatest TV series of all time, 3 October 2001 Author: Joe-290
Dallas is the greatest TV series of all time. The close second is "The Simpsons" but as a mature adult soap, "Dallas" tops them all. Not only was it the most talked about series in its time but it has everything you want from a fiction programme. Sex, Oil, violence, revenge, business, family. It was one of the most glamorous shows ever and was about power and wealth. Extremely enjoyable. People explain how bad the ending years were but how can any series last that long and all be good!. It did its best to keep you glued to the TV. However in 1996, the first of 2 reunion films of the 90s, "JR Returns2 was a fantastic comeback and well made!What is most amazing about "Dallas" is the fantastic, well written characters. Espeically JR Ewing, the evil devilish money lover who would walk over anyone to get ahead but who is also devoted to family business! It is a tough series with great acting from Linda Gray, Larry Hagman and Patrick Duffy. The series only kept going as long a spossible to keep the devoted viewes happy because when this ended something ended in all of its viewers. It was like loosing something you had lived with for 13 years! Its is the bets and nothing will beat the original and best - 10 out of 10.
6 out of 7 people found the following review useful: Good story, 10 January 2007 Author: nablaquadro from Ravenna, Italy
When Dallas was aired for the first times in the 80s I was a child and I couldn't appreciate it yet. Since last September, when a satellite channel proposed again this Soap Opera, I had a small crush of it. I became fond of J.R.'s intrigues, his rivalry with Bobby and Cliff Barnes, the beautiful Pamela and nice Miss Ellie.Dallas' strength is the plot. Not completely concerned about love and betrayals (typical but annoying), the Ewing Oil battles can move even the male audience transforming the Soap in a TV-series. Jim Davis' death (the mythical Jock, R.I.P.) put a lot of fuel in the "engines" with the legacy questions and relations getting worse. J.R.'s Machiavellian plans filled the script of amusing and caustic irony, always enjoyable.The recitative level wasn't so great; all the actors, actually, had their height in this series, but the general quality is decent. Except for Ken Kercheval and Steve Kanaly, which proved to be good actors giving a great shape to their characters, challenging J.R. at any cost. Special mention to Charlene Tilton, which is really beautiful and should have had greater relief in the story. Ending too late, in 1991 (2-3 years too many), the story was slowly plagued by script tricks and poorly credible deaths or departures, compromising its heritage made of several Emmys and 1 Golden Globe won.6,5 / 10
12 out of 19 people found the following review useful: A groundbreaker, in so many ways, 11 June 2005 Author: Billie Rae Bates (BRBTVcom) from United States
"Dallas" created some HUGE TV moments ... J.R. Ewing's shooting, the "Dream Season" and Bobby returning in the shower ...Beyond that, though, I especially loved the writing of "Dallas," particularly in the working of J.R.'s various schemes, both at the Ewing Oil offices and offsite. He was just-plain the master manipulator, and while I don't encourage anyone to aspire to this kind of mastery(!), it sure was FUN to watch him in action! Yikes! The way he executed those deals seemed to set the show apart from rivals like "Dynasty."I enjoyed the way the show evolved in the later seasons. In the last two seasons, in particular, there seemed to be this sophisticated edge that avoided insulting the viewer (as sometimes the campiness of "Dynasty" could). While "Dynasty" was busy being flashy (and hey, I liked that, too -- I was a teen when it originally aired, after all), "Dallas" was playing the game just a bit cooler, calmer, a touch more complicated. Plus, Jeannie aside, Larry Hagman was BORN to do that role. Meow!
7 out of 10 people found the following review useful: The show that re-defined prime time soaps, 17 November 2004 Author: k_dizzle_scarface_nizzle from Ozark, Alabama
This show literally changed prime-time television for the better. The show centers around the lives, loves and scandals of the Ewings, a family of oil-rich barons who reside in-where else?-Dallas. When theshow started on CBS in the spring of 1978, the show centered around the "Romeo & Juliet" love story of Bobby Ewing (Patrick Duffy) and Pamela Barnes Ewing (Victoria Principal), the daughter of the Ewings' arch enemy Digger Barnes. Story lines, and ratings. changed for the better when DALLAS refocused on the devilish dealings of Bobby's oldest brother John Ross "JR" Ewing, Jr. (Larry Hagman. DALLAS reached the peak of its' popularity when JR was shot in the spring of 1980. For years, the show would remain at the top of the ratings until it started getting competition first from ABC's "Dynasty" and then NBC's "The Cosby Show". DALLAS' ratings was never the same after 1986 when Pam dreamed the entire 1985-1986 season. The show ran until 1991, when low ratings virtually killed it. It also spun off the longest-running prime-time soap ever, KNOTS LANDING.
3 out of 3 people found the following review useful: Dallas Is Still One Of The Most Entertaining TV Shows Ever Produced In USA, 22 May 2008 Author: Hal-900 from WA, USA
I remember the days when people used to get excited about TV programs. In a time when Cable TV didn't exist and VCRs were still a few years ahead of us, certain TV shows became an essential part of the family routine. No, I'm not that old, but I do remember when people literally left work or school and ran home in order to see a specific TV show. No one was allowed to call us at home during specific hours of the evening, and dinnertime was arranged around what was on TV every night. If you are 21 years old or older, it is most likely that you know what I'm talking about. During those days, we didn't have a VCR to record specific programs and we simply didn't have the luxury of waiting for late night re-runs – you had one chance, and one chance only to watch the latest episode of your favorite TV show. You knew the rules and what was at stake, and you always made sure to be in front of the TV at the same time, at the same channel, every day of the week. Of all those TV shows that somehow managed to control our lives and dictate when we could go out of the house, no other program was more addictive that "Dallas," a TV series that captured Americans' attention like no other series before or after. This exciting program about the ups and downs of "The Ewings," a powerful Texan family, was so well done and entertaining (with marvelous cliffhangers at the end of each episode) that it was almost impossible to resist. In retrospective, I think the program was amazingly popular because it dealt with the pleasures and sins of capitalism, something viewers in America were familiar with. I also believe "Dallas" was such a huge success with all sorts of audiences mainly because it exploited our natural interest in the world of the rich and famous. The series presented an array of interesting characters that more or less wanted to succeed at any cost in a very competitive society. Having beautiful actors, great locales, and strong melodramatic scenes did not hurt the show, either, and "Dallas" quickly became the most watched and talked about TV show for over a decade. "Dallas," even if we compare it to other modern, more sophisticated dramas like "The West Wing" or "The Sopranos," is still a very effective and entertaining TV drama. The series did lose some of its magic after six or seven seasons, but at this early stage, the show demonstrates genuine signs of hard work and a great desire to please the audience. However, like most popular series, most people (including myself), didn't catch the fever right away, and some of us never saw those initial episodes from the first couple of seasons. Warner helps us correct that mistake. For an old TV program, the series look good on DVD. The new DVD sets make watching the show fun all over again. The transfers are not perfect, but this is expected from such an old TV program. The main thing here is the show itself, which is presented unedited and commercial free, with some nice extras as the frosting on the cake. The retail price is affordable, and the package is nicely done. The "Dallas" DVD sets are a fine product that I highly recommend if you are a fan of the series, or if you are just simply curious about one of the definitive TV series from the 1980s.
2 out of 2 people found the following review useful: Great TV Show, 24 February 2007 Author: Gary Dibert (garyldibert@msn.com) from Pittsburgh Pa.
This Series aired on CBS in 1978. My Mom, God rest her soul watched this every Friday night. I got hooked on this because of the very young but gorgeous Victoria Principal. Larry Hagman who played on I Dream of Jeannie plays the role of J.R. Ewing, Patrick Duffy plays the role of Bobby Ewing and Victoria Principal plays the role of Pamela Ewing. The show also introduces Jim Davies as Jock Ewing, Barbara Bel Geddes as Miss Ellie, and Linda Gray as Sue Ellen Ewing. The first show as Bobby taking Pam to Southfork ranch outside of Texas where the family lives. What Jock and JR don't like, Pam is the daughter of Digger Barnes, an old business rival of Jock's and one-time suitor of the Ewing matriarch, Miss Ellie. Pam's also the sister of a state senator, Cliff Barnes whose vendetta against the Ewings is played out in the legislature, imposing costly regulations on their business and holding committee investigations into questionable practices of company president J.R. Ewing. Pam's status as the newest Ewing causes an uproar in the family because she also dated the Ewings' genial but lonely foreman, Ray Krebbs, and prompts J.R., to make many evil like attempts, over the first two seasons, to drive her from Bobby's arms. Pam has a different set of problems with the other, jealous Ewing women, including J.R.'s possibly barren and alcoholic wife, Sue Ellen and teenage Lucy, daughter of exiled Ewing son Gary. With new and old resentments flying and everyone deeply suspicious of everyone else's motives even the ailing Jock doesn't trust J.R., there's plenty of drama to chew on. Still, story lines are often larger than the sum of these parts, with lots of kidnappings, marital affairs, plane crashes, and shootings ratcheting up suspense. Dallas is pure pleasure, a little guilty, perhaps, but not a sin. I watch this because of Pam but also the ruthlessness of JR and his daddy Jock. I give this 10 weasel stars for Pam alone.
5 out of 8 people found the following review useful: Once In A Lifetime, 14 August 2005 Author: jrewingfan from United States
Dallas is a once in a lifetime show and experience. From 1978 to 1991 the series ran on CBS. Larry Hagman was by far the standout actor. His portrayal of J.R. Ewing is without comparison. Hagman takes the role and chews it up. This series was so much better than any other prime time soap. Dynasty jumped the shark with its alien arc, Dallas never went that route. All of its plot lines were very feasible and probable. The death of Jim Davis (Jock Ewing) drove storyline for many, many more years. I am saddened at the recent death of Barbara Bel Geddes, (Miss Ellie). For anyone looking for a good, drama driven, emotion filled TV series this is the show for you. I am ANXIOUSLY awaiting the DVD release of the remaining seasons. I have worn out Seasons 1 and 2, and just received Season 3. Once In A Lifetime and Classic. Enjoy!!
1 out of 1 people found the following review useful: The granddaddy of 'em all!, 11 July 2008 Author: hnt_dnl from United States
*** This review may contain spoilers ***
When you think influential television shows, DALLAS should be near or at the top of your list. It is on mine! DALLAS was the first really great nighttime soap opera. In reality, it started the genre. There were later shows that followed and were even at times more popular (the spin off KNOTS LANDING, the stylish and classy DYNASTY, the forgotten stepchild FALCON CREST), but DALLAS was the first.DALLAS is the tale of the rich, powerful oil family the Ewings, who reside in Braddock County, Texas, right outside of Big D. The patriarch is John Ross "Jock" Ewing, an old school oil baron who did it the hard way, wildcatting and working in the oil fields. The matriarch is Eleanor Southworth, "Miss Ellie" Ewing, the heart and soul of the family. The land that contains the Ewing's ranch and home is from her side of the family, but she and Jock own it jointly b/c Jock saved the family land when they were about to lose it back in the day. So at first, it was a marriage of convenience, but they quickly fell in love and had 3 sons: Gary, Bobby, and the eldest John Ross Ewing Jr., or as we all know him: JR! For me, JR Ewing is one of the top 2 or 3 characters in all of TV history. Played by the great Larry Hagman, there has never been or ever will be another character like JR. Hagman imbibed JR with a no-nonsense, larger-than-life, unapologetic style that can never be copied. The best TV villain ever! Hagman had a great supporting cast that complimented him: Patrick Duffy (the saintly younger brother Bobby), Linda Gray (JR's alcoholic, self-destructive, but SEXY wife Sue Ellen), Victoria Principal (Bobby's wife Pamela Barnes Ewing, the daughter of Jock's old rival Digger Barnes), Ken Kercheval (Pam's brother and JR's biggest rival Cliff Barnes), Steve Kanaly (Jock's illegitimate son and ranch foreman Ray Krebbs), Susan Howard (Ray's wife and political activist Donna Culver Krebbs), Lucy Ewing (prodigal son Gary's daughter and a spitfire of a young lady) and the aforementioned legends Barbara Bel Geddes (Miss Ellie) and Jim Davis (Jock).The style and set design, in addition to the great characters, of DALLAS is what really draws you in: the beautiful Dallas spots, the expansive Texas scenery, the restaurants, offices, etc. Also, the fashion is great: chic, classy for the females and cowboy boots and suits for the males! And of course, DALLAS had the ultimate cliffhanger: Who shot JR! Perhaps the most memorable cliffhanger (and maybe the real first one) in all of TV history. I remember it as a kid and it still resonates with me today. But let's face it: the greatness of DALLAS can be summed up with two letters: J and R!
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