As soon as I heard that TNT was going to do an updated version of one of my favorite TV series, "Dallas," I was a bit skeptical. As a rule, I'm dead set against remaking anything that shined so brightly the first time around. Just what is the point than to simply make some quick dollars using as little creativity as possible?
Several years back, there was some serious talk about turning "Dallas" into a theatrical movie and even casting the bloated John Travolta as the legendary villain J.R. Ewing as if a gay and overweight Scientologist could give justice to the role. Luckily, that consideration morphed into the TV reboot that premiered last week.
You know I had to tune in.
And, after the first few episodes, I can make an announcement.
I'm in. Big time. And it had me as soon as the opening theme music came booming out of the back speakers in my living room.
Show runner Cynthia Cidre has done a marvelous job mixing the old with the new and suddenly, it's simultaneously both 1982 and 2012. The young generation Ewings of thirty years ago are now the old codgers shuffling around the Southfork Ranch. The updating is incredibly organic. And, so far, the historical references to the first version are spot on accurate. Somebody has been doing their homework in the writers' room. I certainly would have. It's heartening to know they did as well.
Now the big battle is between John Ross Ewing and his cousin Christopher. The son of J.R. versus the adopted son of Bobby and I'm also glad they didn't forget whose Christopher's original parents were. Embedded in their conflict is an argument right off the front pages of your morning paper. John Ross wants to drill for oil. Christopher is all about green energy. Even Mitt Romney and Barry Obama have somebody to root for on this show.
Both young men have girlfriends and/or new wives and there are already indications that this foursome may have been connected in past decades and an e-mail or two may have been secretly used to break up one or more previous couples. It wouldn't be "Dallas" without that.
Meanwhile, the AARP edition of the Ewing clan is well represented. Of course, Jock and Miss Ellie are dead and they have gone to where all dead Ewings go. They are in a portrait together on the living room wall. Longtime good guy Bobby is now nothing but a rancher and owns Southfork. Since Victoria Principal was apparently too busy getting Botox injections, his wife is now named Ann and played by Brenda Strong, who spent the last eight years as the dead body/narrator on "Desperate Housewives." It's great to see her get a gig where we can actually see her for more two minutes in an entire television season.
Right from the get go, Bobby is secretly gripping his stomach in pain as he has cancer that will conveniently go into remission until the time where Patrick Duffy chooses to leave the series. Because of his impending doom, he wants to sell Southfork to country club developers while his nephew wants to drill for oil in the backyard. Doesn't everybody?
J.R. Ewing is clinically depressed and living in a catatonic state somewhere in an assisted living home. But is he? That's the first of about two dozen twists in the first few episodes so far. Given the size of the eyebrows on Larry Hagman, I would really challenge the nursing staff of this facility. Are they even taking the time to groom and clean their patients? Apparently not.
The beleaguered Sue Ellen? Linda Gray is still slinking around with the most moisturized lips in town. She might run for the Governorship of the State of Texas. I'm thinking of the number of car crashes she had while in a drunken stupor during the first series. Surely, that would negate a political career, but I suppose that, if Obama could become President, anything is now possible in politics.
The plot, of course, is silly and there's some nonsense about Christopher's methane concoction provoking a Japanese earthquake. It's probably all implausible, but I'm guessing that the science espoused in "Dallas" is more accurate than the dribble that was featured in Al Snore's "An Inconvenient Truth" documentary.
It's heartening to hear both generations still talking about the back story from thirty years ago. Even the younger Ewings are still referring to their family's former nemesis as "that idiot Cliff Barnes," who actually shows up in Episode 3. Meanwhile, we've heard seen the likes of dumb ranch hand Ray Krebbs and slutty niece Lucy, played by a Charlene Tilton who has obviously been spending a lot of time at an all-you-can-eat buffet in Chatsworth.
The new "Dallas" is just like the old "Dallas." It's dumb as hell, but more fun than anything else on television right now. Duffy, Hagman, and Gray are pros who know they're not doing Shakespeare and are totally contented with their lots in their acting lives. As a result, they're having fun on the screen because they know you're having fun at home.
The youngsters are not as polished as actors. Indeed, both of the male leads are alumni of "Desperate Housewives," but clearly the Triple A minor league division of that team. But they all look good and do trim their eyebrows. That's how you can tell them apart from their parents on the show.
But, who watches a show like this for the acting? You tune in for the trash, the glitz, and the fun. The new "Dallas" delivers on all three. And I'm already guessing that the public agrees. The premiere episodes grabbed big ratings and I suspect TNT's already figuring how to expand beyond its initial ten-episode order.
I was even more delighted in the first episodes to see how well they used the Texas locations. This time around, the show is completed filmed in the Lone Star State. Even better, they've shot in places I've actually visited myself. Of course, regular readers know that I've been to Southfork myself. But there was more. A crucial scene unfolded in Cowboys Stadium at the exact spot where I once stood myself. And John Ross met with an informer in some condola flying over the Texas State Fair. A ride I myself took two years ago.
Given the almost certain long term success of the new "Dallas," I am now hoping that somebody looks to revive my even more beloved "Knots Landing." If they can't get original creator David Jacobs to sign on, please call me. I have lots of ideas. And, if you drag your feet, I'll just pitch them to Michele Lee when I inevitably see her this summer out at the Hollywood Bowl.
In the meanwhile, welcome back "Dallas." You're right back where we want you.
Dinner last night: Beef sausage and baked beans.
1 comment:
I'm pretty sure the only episode of "Dallas" I've seen was "Who Shot J.R.?" which we watched with Dolores and Djinn from the Bronx. That was also the only time I met your Dad.
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