Talk:Dallas (1978 TV series)

Bobby's name
Bobby's given name on the show WAS Robert James Ewing. In the episode where Bobby is kidnapped and held hostage (the kidnappers thought they were kidnapping JR) you briefly see a newspaper story with a photograph of Bobby. The caption under the photograph is 'Robert James Ewing'. Southfork 01:24, 20 January 2007 (UTC)


 * The Bobby James Ewing character was never listed as Robert James Ewing in the actual show or the books. See the cast page at http://www.ultimatedallas.com/backstage/behind11.htm

There are many other resources too on the "Bobby James Ewing" name. --speedoflight 09:50, 23 October 2005 (UTC)


 * I can confirm with what Southfork said...I saw that episode that Southfork described (it aired recently on SoapNet a few weeks ago), and Bobby's full name was indeed referred to as Robert James Ewing. Maybe based on continuity issues, whether it be from the producers/writers or from whomever else, it was never officially settled. ShawnHill 20:36, 11 October 2007 (UTC)
 * In the very first episode, as Bobby is driving Pam to Southfork, she calls him "Robert James Ewing." This may, in fact, be her very first line.   UncleSteve60UncleSteve60 (talk) 18:52, 26 January 2011 (UTC)

I believe Bobby's gravestone that Jenna used to visit (Pam's dream season) read "Bobby Robert Ewing". Urbanus Secundus (talk) 10:12, 27 March 2012 (UTC)

Characters
What logic is behind the sequence of the characters? I don't get it. And is it only me or is the emphasis on the least few seasons. I even cannot find Cliff Barnes. As soon as I know about the sequence I'll add some...


 * They are listed in alphabetical order by the last name of the actor/actress. This is the way they were listed in the show's credits.


 * Uhh...why was this moved? RadicalBender 02:56, 21 Mar 2004 (UTC)


 * Yeah, what's the point? JonathanDP81 00:06, 2004-03-22

Cast should be listed alphabetically
Should be listed alphabetically with a line or two, or a paragraph on each one. This format is hard to use if you're just looking to find the actor for a particular character. Koro Neil (talk) 06:16, 8 September 2016 (UTC)

Blast from the Past retcon
Is there a reason there is no link or even a mention of the wikipedia article Retcon with the Blast from the Past incident? --153.1.48.94 11:02, 11 Nov 2004 (UTC)

Notable fact
I think it was originally intended that Cliff Barnes shot JR. As a result of the publicity that the storyline was generating, it was changed. If someone can confirm this, it may be worth including in the article. Eiler7 23:32, 10 March 2006 (UTC)


 * I don't think they picked any "one" until the last minute. They filmed resolutions which had almost every character shooting J.R....I don't think they favored any one from the start. Mike H. That's hot 05:15, 11 March 2006 (UTC)


 * You are correct in what you say but I think that applied after they decided to draw out the storyline. Initially, the idea was to reveal that Cliff Barnes did it shortly afterwards. However, the massive reaction to the uncertainty caused them to change their plans and then they did the numerous resolutions which you mentioned. If I am correct, someone would need to verify the initial idea before adding it to the article. Eiler7 11:28, 11 March 2006 (UTC)


 * I never heard that Zomputer (talk) 05:36, 3 March 2008 (UTC)

Bizarre paragraph
"When the "Who Shot J.R.?" media began, Larry Hagman tried to renegotiate his contract. Producers David Jacobs and Leonard Katzman thought of firing him in replacing with Robert Culp, if he hadn't renewed his contract. But producers, came to a last minute decision, when Hagman tried to renegotiate his contract, and they even paid him a lot of money for the character he was playing. He didn't appear in the third season of the two-parter of Episode 1, his scenes were later shot at an earlier time. "

The last sentence of this paragraph makes NO sense whatsoever. "the third season of the two-parter of Episode 1"? "Later shot at an earlier time?"

Can someone who knows what they're talking about please edit this so it resembles English? Thanks. 202.173.128.90 02:43, 10 April 2006 (UTC)

Dynasty
I am surprised that Dynasty (1981 TV series) is not mentioned at all in the article. Both were very prominent primetime soap operas in the 1980s, and I thought there was a fierce competition between the two, for viewers and advertiser money. Somebody must have some figures comparing the two... --Austrian 21:06, 14 May 2006 (UTC)


 * See Talk:Dynasty (TV series) for my response. Mike H. That's hot 16:35, 16 May 2006 (UTC)

J.R. Ewing Whiskey Music Box Figure Statue 1980
My dad loved J.R. and he passed away 10 years ago. He had a statue of J.R. and I have it just sitting here..with the new show return I have given thought to selling it for about ten grand or so. The music is the original theme song from the show. The statue looks just like J.R. and the top of his hat comes off and you can put the whiskey in it..or whatever..J.R. is wearing a grey suit and hat and there is a stack of money by him and with the words Dallas and his name. The original label is still under it with the date and all on it. Should I sell it for more? Sandy_winnette@sbcglobal.net 70.251.250.53 17:26, 2 September 2006 (UTC)sandy..if anyone you know would like this just e-mail me with offer..we loved the show and both my parents watched it all the time. I know my dad would have loved to meet J.R. that is how much he talked about the show years back.

Co-ordinates
Why are they mapping co-ordinates at the top the article? Penrithguy 16:13, 1 May 2007 (UTC)

Dallas was once the number one show on TV
We should put that in the article if we can get a reference. Zomputer 15:15, 21 May 2007 (UTC)

Fair use rationale for Image:Dallas logo.jpg
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Fair use rationale for Image:Dallas Season7 DVD.jpg
Image:Dallas Season7 DVD.jpg is being used on this article. I notice the image page specifies that the image is being used under fair use but there is no explanation or rationale as to why its use in this Wikipedia article constitutes fair use. In addition to the boilerplate fair use template, you must also write out on the image description page a specific explanation or rationale for why using this image in each article is consistent with fair use.

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If there is other fair use media, consider checking that you have specified the fair use rationale on the other images used on this page. Note that any fair use images uploaded after 4 May, 2006, and lacking such an explanation will be deleted one week after they have been uploaded, as described on criteria for speedy deletion. If you have any questions please ask them at the Media copyright questions page. Thank you.

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Seasons Should Be Renumbered
These days, the mini-series is known as the first season on: 1. the official DVD's, 2. IMDB, and 3. TV.com. This makes a total of fourteen seasons. I think they should be renumbered on wiki to reflect this. Thank you... Smarkflea (talk) 18:10, 20 March 2008 (UTC)
 * This getting confusing Zomputer (talk) 18:30, 8 May 2008 (UTC)

DigitalVinyl (talk) 06:52, 25 December 2009 (UTC) CBS wasn't sure if Dallas would be successful so they tried to save face by billing the first season as a "Mini Series." Traditional mini-series would typically air over consecutive nights with multiple hours per night while Dallas was programmed to air weekly on Sunday night. Although the first six episodes was an incredibly short order compared to a typical full season episode order of 22, it aired nearly as many episodes as another serial sudser Twin Peaks would in its first season. The term "mini series" as applied to Dallas' first season was nothing more than a CBS marketing ploy but the first six episodes are, in fact, Dallas' first season as authenticated by the official DVD releases.

The "real" Ewing Oil?
There is an actual Ewing Oil Company in Maryland. They make lubricants among other things. The funniest part is the last paragraph on their "About" section which notes they are "planning to grow aggressively through acquisitions and intense marketing efforts." GBrady (talk) 02:30, 16 July 2008 (UTC)

Also, backstabbing, bribery, sex and overthrowing foreign governments... Smarkflea (talk) 03:44, 16 July 2008 (UTC)

I didn't know there was a real Ewing oil. I wonder if it's named after the company on the show. Zomputer (talk) 18:51, 5 October 2008 (UTC)

I noticed that too. It's not an oil company as such as though. Not in the true sense. And it's been going since the late 60s so it must predate the television series. It's a wonder there weren't any legal issues of them using the Ewing name in association with oil, but who knows, maybe it did the actual company some good! — Preceding unsigned comment added by 212.159.22.223 (talk) 16:31, 8 January 2012 (UTC)

Net worth of the Ewings
I seem to recall on one show, they said J.R. was worth $100 million. That was huge money in those days. Zomputer (talk) 19:02, 7 May 2009 (UTC)

It depends (as everything) at the time refered to. When Ewing Oil was closed by the department of justice, Ewing Oil was worth about $2.2 billion. As J.R. hold 30 %, he was worth more than $700 million plus his private money. FreudGermany (talk) 18:48, 26 November 2010 (UTC)
 * what season was it closed by the department of justice? Zomputer (talk) 12:26, 12 March 2011 (UTC)

Ewing Oil wasn't really closed by the department justice, they just took away the right to use the Ewing Oil name and and $600 million of assets which were sold to Weststar Oil. The brothers were free to continue trading but could not use the Ewing name. All this happened in Season 11 as punishment for JR's plot to blow up Middle East oil fields. By the end of the same season, JR had regained all the $600 million Ewing Oil assets back from Weststar, and Bobby had gained the right to use the Ewing Oil name again from the Justice Department.

I have speculated over this very question as to how much wealth the Ewings have. Remember in the 9th season (Pamela's dream) where JR obtained a billion dollar revolving credit line secured on the assets of Ewing Oil. The bank had no problem extending the credit. But if you watch the 11th season there's several episodes that give some clear indication to the value of the Ewing Oil and the wealth of JR Ewing. The Ewing bothers carried out an audit of the company worth and all its assets, which was around $2 billion dollars. The Justice department agreed with that assessment, taking and selling assets worth $600 billion to Weststar Oil as punishment for JR's escapades in the Middle East. JR then managed to acquire a 34% stake in Weststar Oil by buying up stock and said he had "everything tied up" in Weststar. We don't know the true value of Weststar but it was frequently hinted it was a much a larger company than Ewing Oil, so we can assume it was worth at least $3 billion. JR's stake must have been then at least around $600-$800 dollars or more to gain 34%. He had Cliff and April Stephens buy stock with their own money as part of the 34% to make up the difference. — Preceding unsigned comment added by 212.159.22.223 (talk) 16:49, 8 January 2012 (UTC)

Both Pamela Ewing and Sue-Ellen Ewing had divorced and received substantial settlements making them both independently wealthy women. Remember Pamela was for a long time propping up Cliff Barnes and Wentworth Barnes with sizable loans and investments. I would estimate the women to be worth in excess of $100 million. And the Ewing brothers to be worth several hundred million dollars.

Brad Pitt
As a teenager, Brad Pitt had a few appearances in the show. He played the boyfriend of Ray Krebbs' stepdaughter, whom Ray once beats up when he finds Brad and the girl getting a little "giddy" in the horse stable. I think these episodes date back to 1986. —Preceding unsigned comment added by 84.72.92.4 (talk) 04:41, 14 March 2009 (UTC)
 * He played the character Randy in 1987-88 see imdb credits http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000093/ —Preceding unsigned comment added by 70.253.129.171 (talk) 20:09, 22 July 2009 (UTC)
 * Wikipedia does not consider imdb to be a reliable source, because its content is user-generated, much like a wiki, and it lacks sufficient editorial oversight. Doing a search for it at the Reliable Sources Noticeboard will show several discussions on this.Nightscream (talk) 01:08, 23 July 2009 (UTC)
 * Typically self-serving editor talk. Actually IMDB is a far more reliable site than WP or many of the sites counted as generically reliable here (newspapers, for instance). Although some of the input at IMDB comes from users (most comes from material released by production companies and distributors) all the user content is screened in detail by the site's staff against other sources, often the films and tv episodes themselves - unlike WP, where you simply get it in at once and where checking against actual non-library sources gets classed as "original research". There are occasional minor slips at IMDB, but overall the site has very high reliability. I'm getting more and more tired of smug and dumb WP editor talk for every week.Strausszek (talk) 03:51, 24 July 2011 (UTC)


 * I don't recall Brad Pitt being on Dallas. I'll have to research that. Zomputer (talk) 19:59, 1 October 2009 (UTC)

Brad Pitt is in the eleventh season (in the counting with 14 seasons) the boyfriend "Randy" of Jenna's daughter Charlie. He appears in three episodes, I guess. Not easy to recognize him. FreudGermany (talk) 18:47, 26 November 2010 (UTC)

There is a video with Brad Pitt as "Randy" on youtube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9zbPbR1B2M8 — Preceding unsigned comment added by Donutz420 (talk • contribs) 22:14, 19 July 2011 (UTC)

Film?
Anyone know why there is no mention of the proposed film that John Travolta, Jennifer Lopez and Shirley McLaine were due to star in? 206.165.150.70 (talk) 15:19, 19 November 2009 (UTC)
 * Is there a verifiable, reliable source for that which satisfies WP:NOR and WP:V? Nightscream (talk) 15:26, 19 November 2009 (UTC)
 * I was wondering that too. Zomputer (talk) 18:55, 24 November 2009 (UTC)

Number of times J.R. Ewing & Sue Ellen have been divorced
Should be mentioned in the article. Zomputer (talk) 07:14, 28 December 2009 (UTC)

New TNT revival series
Depending on what happens, it is most likely content for the new TNT revival series will be split into its own separate article, much like the revival series for Mission: Impossible was moved to Mission: Impossible (1988 TV series), and the revival series for Get Smart was moved to Get Smart (1995 TV series). Thanks. Zzyzx11 (talk) 06:14, 4 February 2011 (UTC)

I removed the term "reboot" from the description of the new series, since reboot "in media dealing with serial fiction, means to discard much or even all previous continuity in the series and start anew with fresh ideas." http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reboot_(fiction) This series appears to be continuation, not a reboot. I would leave the term out until is more is known. 74.89.76.20 (talk) 02:22, 9 February 2011 (UTC)
 * I agree. The term reboot should not be used.Zomputer (talk) 12:19, 12 March 2011 (UTC)
 * as you say, the term reboot is associated with fictionZomputer (talk) 12:21, 12 March 2011 (UTC)

I hear Larryhman is to appear in the revival series playing Grandpa JR. I wonder if he will complete a season though as I heard he was diagnosed with prostate cancer while filming.

Ingmar Bergman connections
Ingmar Bergman was a big fan of the series and eagerly watched it, even before it started airing in Sweden (at the time, around 1980, he was in exile in West Germany, although he spent some time each year at his house on the island of Fårö). There are several very good sources for it, clearly he adored both the intrigues, the acting and the over-the-top quality of the storylines. Conversely, Bergman's own, earlier tv series Scenes From a Marriage has been credited as an inspiring factor for the early development stage of Dallas. Strausszek (talk) 21:41, 19 July 2011 (UTC)

Why JR Ewing character was so popular
Whether you loved or hated him, most people were captivated by JR. Larry Hagman was brilliant in that role and his presence magnetic on screen. I think for many the idea of this all-powerful ruthless individual with enormous wealth and influence was very appealing. Even though JR was thoroughly devious and without any morals, many viewers just couldn't help taking his side and hoping he prevailed in his struggles and schemes. One man against the world! Watching Dallas again now 20 odd years later, it seems that JR might have actually been what we term today a sociopath. He seemed to lack of any ability to see he was hurting people or feel any remorse, and even took delight in seeing people suffer from his actions. For many Americans, perhaps JR represented the perfect successful American.

In real life, I guess the days of one man being in control of a large corporation, unaccountable to anyone is rare these days and it would be strange. The closest person I've ever seen to a real life JR Ewing is Tiny Rowland the British tycoon who ran Lonrho and controlled large parts of Africa. You can see him here in a rare video. He comes pretty close to JR and used all the resources of Lonrho to wage personal wars on people and even influence governments. — Preceding unsigned comment added by 212.159.22.223 (talk) 17:14, 8 January 2012 (UTC)

2012 series
Should we delete or redirect everything about the 2012 series to the currect page because this page is only on the 1978 show. Entertainer91 (talk) 19:40, 19 February 2012 (UTC)
 * Most detailed content regarding the 2012 revival series should be moved to that page, much like the content for the revival series for Mission: Impossible was moved to Mission: Impossible (1988 TV series), and the revival series for Get Smart was moved to Get Smart (1995 TV series). Zzyzx11 (talk) 04:23, 23 March 2012 (UTC)

Split: Separate article for characters
The article on Dallas is very long, and the paragraph listing the characters is long. I think it would be better to make a separate article for cast of characters. Urbanus Secundus (talk) 10:32, 27 March 2012 (UTC)


 * Support a Franchise characters list with check boxes for what franchise properties the characters show up in would be good. It's taking up alot of space here, and clearly should be split off, even if it doesn't become a franchise list. 70.24.251.208 (talk) 09:11, 20 May 2012 (UTC)


 * I moved the caracter list to List of Dallas characters and replaced it with a summary in this article. Hope it's OK. --Kefas.se (talk) 15:28, 15 June 2012 (UTC)


 * No, it's not — please see WP:Copying within Wikipedia for the reasons why it's a problem, and WP:Splitting for how to do it correctly. Dori ☾Talk ⁘ Contribs☽ 06:39, 18 June 2012 (UTC)


 * Dori, I looked at the guidelines and I don't understand how the split and summary is against the guidelines, and I also don't understand why it should be against the guidelines. Urbanus Secundus (talk) 21:19, 2 July 2012 (UTC)

Franchise article
Dallas (TV franchise)

Shouldn't a franchise article be written? It can cover Dallas, Dallas TV movies, new Dallas, and Knots Landing. That would reduce the size of this article by some, since some of it should be in a franchise article. 70.24.251.208 (talk) 09:09, 20 May 2012 (UTC)

Family tree
The family tree lists Bobby as the son of Margaret Hunter Krebbs instead of Miss Ellie. I'm sure that's incorrect.--DVD-junkie | talk | 22:10, 3 July 2012 (UTC)--

Might have been Ray Krebbs that was Margaret Hunter Krebbs's son - it was originally believed that her husband was Ray's father - somehow, it turned out to be Jock Ewing.

Arthurvasey (talk) 16:10, 9 August 2013 (UTC)

I think the family tree is wrong on the new series. Wasn't Christopher Ewing the child of JR and Sue Ellen's sister Kristin? Kasanders (talk) 09:22, 12 July 2012 (UTC)


 * Sources about the true father of Christopher are unclear. When Bobby brings him at Southfork, we are invited to guess he's JR'son, some time after we learn he's Faraday's son, and far away in the series we learn that Jordan Lee was asked by Kristin to pay an alimony for christopher (telling him he's his son) Nico92400 (talk) 08:14, 12 August 2013 (UTC)

Requested move

 * The following discussion is an archived discussion of a requested move. Please do not modify it. Subsequent comments should be made in a new section on the talk page. Editors desiring to contest the closing decision should consider a move review. No further edits should be made to this section. 

The result of the move request was: withdrawn. --George Ho (talk) 04:19, 23 August 2012 (UTC) George Ho (talk) 04:19, 23 August 2012 (UTC)

Dallas (1978 TV series) → Dallas (TV series) – Per Shameless (TV series) and Psycho (film), this proposed title must omit the year or the nation, just in case. 2012 version is too recent, and more disambiguation is less than necessary. Also, the CBS lasted longer than the TNT one, but I don't know how many years about the TNT one. Nevertheless, the "(TV series)" has been primarily associated with the old version for many years and will be in the future. --George Ho (talk) 17:45, 20 August 2012 (UTC) Oppose There is Dallas (2012 TV series), so disambiguation by year is required. The same approach was employed to disambiguate between Battlestar Galactica (2004 TV series) and Battlestar Galactica (1978 TV series). There is also no data to show that the old series is still the disproportionately most searched/visited of the two.--Labattblueboy (talk) 13:13, 21 August 2012 (UTC)


 * Oppose – it's no advantage to anyone to add ambiguity this way.  Dicklyon (talk) 14:35, 21 August 2012 (UTC)


 * Strongly oppose - The 2012 series certainly isn't "too recent" for people to be looking for it, especially since it did well enough that TNT has ordered a second season. The year is clearly necessary, and it's too soon to create a franchise article and/or redirect the year-less "(TV series)" link to a hard disambig page (both done with BSG).  Though it's normal for Wikipedia to favor an original over an adaptation that hasn't fully overshadowed it, even when it comes close--the line seems to fall between Gone with the Wind (book, not film) & From Here to Eternity (film, not book)--the proposal could make readers think this article is about the 2012 series, despite the hatnote.  The status quo, with redirect to this article with "1978" in the title, avoids that while keeping the original series as primary.  --RBBrittain (talk) 19:06, 21 August 2012 (UTC)


 * Comment; it was my understanding that this is the same series as before, but with resumed production, much like the modern Doctor Who. I fear it is confusing to our readers to treat them separately.  Powers T 00:38, 22 August 2012 (UTC)
 * That's certainly an interesting way of looking at it. I'd support an article merge, under Dallas (TV series) if the article editors were on board.--Labattblueboy (talk) 02:14, 22 August 2012 (UTC)
 * No, it new series, not reboot from original show.--Alrofficial (talk) 05:35, 22 August 2012 (UTC)
 * We need to be very precise with the language here. I agree it is not a "reboot", but the usual meaning of that term is a new series with a separate continuity from the original.  This "new" series is part of the same continuity, just like Doctor Who.  It has the same title (unlike, say Star Trek: The Next Generation) and features many of the same cast members playing the same roles.  That makes it a continuation, and I don't see any reason to treat it differently from Doctor Who.  Powers T 18:42, 22 August 2012 (UTC)


 * 100% Oppose – Seriously? The 2012 series could become as popular, plus it was renewed for a second season, so I would not move this page.  68.44.51.49 (talk) 01:21, 23 August 2012 (UTC)
 * The above discussion is preserved as an archive of a requested move. Please do not modify it. Subsequent comments should be made in a new section on this talk page or in a move review. No further edits should be made to this section.

Cold War
The part, added by me, about underground Dallas watchers in ESSR during the Cold War, based on documentary was apparently removed (the Romanian case was left untouched, which could relate to apparent unwillingness of some users to see implied criticism of the former USSR). To me, it is a strange feeling, being of former USSR where things were different, and still understand what Dallas is about, but I can't be sure the others would care. It is about feelings, though there some facts behind it as well. Please, some of Dallas experts, consider if it of value of understanding the legacy of the show. If it is add it back to appropriate section. Bete (talk) 15:49, 13 August 2013 (UTC)

Who did J.R. shoot?
I'd like to share here an insight that would have to be called WP:OR, exactly because I've never seen it mentioned in spite of (what I consider) its obviousness and relevance.

I never watched much of the series, but probably like many other people in the same situation I tuned in for the grand finale, Conundrum - partly because I was a big fan of Joel Grey. Here's the description of his role in that episode, from Devil in popular culture:
 * Joel Grey played the otherworldly being "Adam" in the series finale of Dallas on May 3, 1991, who shows J.R. Ewing (Larry Hagman) what the world would be like if he (J.R.) had never been born, revealing only in the show's final moments that he is a demon sent by Satan to make J.R. destroy himself through his own self-loathing.

Details, from the article on Conundrum:
 * J.R. is walking around the Southfork pool in a drunken stupor with a bottle of bourbon in one hand and a loaded gun in the other. While J.R. is in this state a spirit named Adam (portrayed by Joel Grey), whose "boss" has been watching J.R. and likes him, enters the pool area to J.R.'s disbelief. In a parallel with the storyline of the movie It's a Wonderful Life, Adam proceeds to take him on a journey to show him what life would have been like for other people if he had not been born. ...
 * After being taken through this journey, J.R. is encouraged by Adam to pull the trigger and kill himself. J.R. scoffs at the idea, saying that Adam's boss would not be happy&mdash; implying that Adam is an angel. However, Adam reveals himself to be actually a demon sent by Satan himself. ...
 * By this time J.R. has either fallen asleep or passed out, and he wakes up with a start in his bedroom with the gun and bourbon still in his hands. He appears relieved that it was a dream, only to find Adam staring at him from his bedroom mirror dressed in red. In the midst of this, Bobby returns to the ranch to check on his brother. Adam continues to egg J.R. on as Bobby enters the house, and J.R. raises the gun to his head. Finally, Adam's eyes roll into the back of his head and glow bright red and he screams "DO IT!" to J.R., who fires a shot (although the audience cannot see where he shot). Bobby hears the gunshot and runs up to J.R.'s room. Looking at the scene, he gasps and says "Oh, my God" when he sees what has happened. The episode and series end on that note, with J.R.'s fate left unknown.

I jerked forward in my chair and exclaimed, "So this episode is Who did J.R. shoot?!". --Thnidu (talk) 23:17, 14 June 2015 (UTC)

as a dedicated fan of the show (per the line in "the day before you came", by abba, "there's not, I think, an episode of 'dallas' that I didn't see..."), I chose to disregard this daft supernatural wrap-up episode. I think it's possibly the worst thing they could've done, while the episode immediately before it (the penultimate) is one of the very best. just my opinion.... but to your point- plainly, in light of the subsequent movies & the show's 2013 revival- the producers decided that JR was very much still alive... possibly they too wrote off this last episode & picked up from the previous one.

duncanrmi (talk) 09:52, 1 March 2016 (UTC)


 * I believe in the first of the post-1991 TV movies, they casually dismissed that final scene with Bobby's offhand reveal that when he arrived on the scene, J.R. had shot the mirror, not himself. - Beeeej (talk) 22:59, 7 November 2016 (UTC)

Dallas - Only Ran In 1978?
It seems odd to list Dallas as a "1978 TV series". That was the year of the original mini-series, true, but the show ran from 1978-1991. It's odd and misleading. What next? "Coronation Street" (1960 TV series)? EastEnders (1985 TV series)? "Roseanne" (1988 TV series). Just a thought...

(81.131.159.138 (talk) 23:28, 30 October 2015 (UTC))

The original Dallas_(1978_TV_series) rerun episodes on Netflix
I wonder in a month or two, the original episodes of the original version of "Dallas," which was aired on CBS from 1978 to 1991, would be available streaming on Netflix.

If you can put up all of these episodes, including the "Who Shot J.R.?" episode in 1980.

1978-1991
I have altered the title of the article from simply "1978" to "1978-1991" - which spans the series. I found the first version confusing - suggesting that Dallas was simply a series which was broadcast in 1978 - and then cancelled/ended.

(Etheldavis (talk) 23:03, 6 April 2016 (UTC))
 * Understood, but having the first year is just how Wikipedia does things. Having the first year just indicates when it started, it has no bearing on if it went longer than that. -- Anythingspossibleforapossible (talk) 00:39, 7 April 2016 (UTC)

Oh, well, thanks for that. I suppose it differentiates the first run from the 2012 revamp, but I do find it confusing, particularly as it's so easy to solve.

(Etheldavis (talk) 01:16, 7 April 2016 (UTC))

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Why Dallas?
I was hoping this article would tell me why the series is set in Dallas. I had read in some newspaper review of the series that Dallas was (supposedly) not the center of the Texas oil business (which was Houston, if I remember right). I was also wondering whether it might be at least partly because the city somehow still benefited from a kind of macabre 'name recognition' and 'frisson' due to JFK's assassination there 15 years before the series was first broadcast, a bit like Sarajevo was for decades shorthand for the assassination that triggered Word War I (and perhaps to some extent it still is, altho it's probably now more associated with the more recent Bosnian civil war). Does anybody have any Reliable Sources that might support any ofths and that might usefully be added to the article? Tlhslobus (talk) 15:28, 31 March 2021 (UTC)

miniseries?
Article says: “Dallas debuted on April 2, 1978, as a five-part miniseries on CBS. Although the miniseries was created as the series' pilot, by the time it was aired, neither the producers nor the network were hopeful that it would continue beyond these five episodes and initially had no plans for expansion. It was shown in a late Sunday night time-slot, known for low ratings. However, the miniseries proved popular enough to be turned into a regular series and broadcast for 13 full seasons from September 23, 1978, to May 3, 1991. The five pilot episodes, originally considered a miniseries, are now referred to as season 1, making fourteen seasons in total.”

I dunno. The ad in TV Guide for the first episode said “New Series Premiere.” In the March 6 issue of Broadcasting magazine, there was an article on new series CBS was planning for the fall. Dallas was listed in the section “Entries to debut before CBS sets its fall season schedule in late April/early May,” although it was referred to as a “show to go on this spring at [an] as yet undetermined time period.” Notice it was not referred to as a miniseries, which by its very nature is not intended to continue beyond its planned ending. It was considered a full-fledged prospective series, and even if CBS didn’t have high hopes of it continuing, it was not treating it as a burn-off by any means.

Dallas was indeed included in that schedule published May 8, Saturdays at 10pm, not marked as a new series but rather one on at a new time period, as the first five episodes had run on Sunday nights. In its 1978 Fall Preview issue, TV Guide did not consider Dallas a new series, as it would have if it were indeed a series based on a successful miniseries. And for what it’s worth, I was in radio at the time, and avidly followed all aspects of broadcasting. Nothing was hotter than the miniseries, and I kept extensive notes and lists, but did not include Dallas, understanding it to be a short-run preview of an intended series. 71.184.87.187 (talk) 15:40, 13 August 2022 (UTC)