Many of you didn't watch Dallas during it's original run in the late 70's and 80's. I remember my parents watching the show and I even got hooked eventually on the intrigue, money and total abuse of power. It's the grand daddy of primetime soap operas and "Who Shot JR" started the cliffhanger trend that so many shows, including my favorite sci-fi shows, use decades later.
If you haven't heard, because you are living under a rock, Dallas is returning to television in a few short days on TNT. They've been pushing the show hard since last summer and have definitely got anticipation running high. The reviews are starting to come in, and they are very good. With the return we get three of the original actors who played J.R., Bobby and Sue Ellen; along with a new young cast for the 21st century. So there will be plenty of money, sex and dirty dealing.
I can't help but be somewhat interested. I live not but a few minutes from Southfork Ranch. I drive by there several times a month. I call Dallas my home. If the show is a hit, that's just great PR for Dallas and a pretty good conversation piece for all that live here.
Below is a promotional video for Dallas that tells the basic history of the Ewing clan and the primary players. It includes scenes from the original series as well as scenes from the latest incarnation. For those that watched the original during it's original run or in re-runs around the world, it's a blast from the past. For those new to the Ewings, it's a great primer for what is to come.
Personally I think it's great they didn't "re-boot" Dallas and instead opted to just continue the existing story line. Either can work, but with such iconic characters like JR and Bobby; having the originals come back and keep the history in tact is wonderful. Don't get me wrong reboots can work, Battlestar Galactica is a great example. An equally great example of just continuing the existing storyline and characters is Dr. Who. When you have a wealth of great material, why not try and stay in the original universe.
Enjoy and keep an eye on TNT this weekend for what may be the beginning of a new age of DALLAS!