User:Nk3play2/John Ross Ewing

John Ross Ewing III (often referred as J. R. Ewing III in some countries) is a fictional character from American prime time soap opera, Dallas and 2012 continuation series. The character was first written into the series in the episode named John Ewing III: Part 2 which first aired on April 6, 1979. Omri Katz prominently played the role in the series from 1983 until its conclusion in 1991 and the subsequent follow-up movie Dallas: J.R. Returns. In the continuation series, actor Josh Henderson stepped into the role. John Ross is the son and namesake of show's most iconic character, J.R. Ewing, and his longtime love, Sue Ellen Ewing.

The continuation series focuses on John Ross's feud with his cousin Christopher as they disagree over how to restore the Ewing name to its former glory. Tensions also arise between the cousins due to John Ross's romance with Christopher's ex-fiancée, Elena Ramos. At the same time, John Ross does his best to live up to his father's legend, using every dirty trick in the book to get what he wants. However, John Ross still has a few lessons to learn and J.R. returns to Southfork to teach him. John Ross uses his resent toward Sue Ellen to manipulate his her, but his father is a different story. When John Ross's schemes culminate in the end of his relationship with Elena, he teams up with Christopher's ex-wife, Pamela Barnes (aka Rebecca Sutter). Pamela is the daughter of J.R.'s arch nemesis, Cliff Barnes and their union is reminiscent of John Ross's uncle Bobby Ewing's marriage to Cliff's sister and Pamela's namesake. However, their relationship has the potential to be very dysfunctional, similar to the relationship between John Ross's own parents. With the passing of Larry Hagman and his character J.R. in 2012 and 2013 respectively, Henderson's John Ross is pushed to the forefront as the main protagonist of the series. TV Source viewed Henderson's John Ross as an "arrogant playboy that's been slightly humbled by his previous mistakes," which makes him smarter about his choices. TV Guide described John Ross as a "a chip off the old block," referencing his similarities to J.R.

Background
Over the years, John has very little contact with J.R. thanks to Sue Ellen's efforts. John Ross harbors some resentment toward both of his parents, for J.R. not being around much when he was young, and for Sue Ellen keeping him tucked away in boarding schools for most of his life. The producers were inspired by Henderson's own life as a singer and songwriter to come up with John Ross's back story for the last 20 years. Henderson told Access Hollywood that John Ross decided not to attend college. Instead, he traveled to Nashville to pursue a career in music. Though it has yet to be mentioned, or discussed onscreen, it appears that John Ross's music career was not a success. At the beginning of the continuation series, John Ross is in his prime and it is the perfect time for him to make a name for himself as a businessman; however, John Ross only knows how to do business his father's way, which he believes is the best way. Because he doesn't have strong relationships with his parents, John Ross is on his own. Though he would like to "confide in his mother," he is not comfortable with it. John Ross is all about leaving his mark on the world and the Ewing legacy as a whole. John Ross believes he should be the next Ewing to lead the family. "He knows how to do business one way and that's the J.R. way. You kind of can't blame him" Henderson said of John Ross. Within the series, Henderson's John Ross so naturally refers to Linda Gray's Sue Ellen as "Momma," because that is how Henderson actually refers to Gray. John Ross is defined by who J.R. is.

Casting
The character appears on-screen as an infant on September 21, 1979 in the episode, "Whatever Happened to Baby John?, Part 1" portrayed by Tyler Banks. From 1983, the role was played solely by young adult actor Omri Katz, who played the character until the series conclusion in 1991. Katz also appeared in the reunion film for the series Dallas: J.R. Returns, reuniting him with several former castmates from the original series. With the decision to continue Dallas on the TNT network, plans to recast were confirmed. In February 2011, the role was recast and actor Josh Henderson had signed on to appear in the role of John Ross for the continuation series. Henderson, who was born in the city of Dallas, but raised in Oklahoma expected the role to fit him perfectly. When it was announced the continuation was a go, Henderson urged his agents to get him an audition. Henderson went in for the first audition with his own idea about what the character would be like in the present day, he was quickly offered a screen test and immediately cast in the role.

Characterization
The character of John Ross is very layered. "He's a very, very passionate guy," Henderson said of the character. John Ross has a certain kind of intensity about him. John Ross treats life as a game of chess and does his best to stay a step ahead of everyone. "[John Ross] also wants to one-up J.R." and at the same time, make him proud. "I'm actually nothing like John Ross in that kind of conniving attitude…" Henderson said as he explained the differences between himself and his character. "I don't see John Ross as a bad guy," Henderson said. According to Henderson, the character is very "determined" and understands what he wants. Henderson also described the character as a schemer who is willing to stoop to any low to get what he wants. Whenever John Ross feels trapped, he uses "charm and manipulation" to get what he wants. Taking advice from Hagman himself, Henderson's John Ross relishes in being bad and savors every moment of it. "Whether John Ross is headed into a corner or he's trying to get under someone's skin," John Ross views everything as a "challenge." Even when John Ross is hurting, he puts on a "front" as if he's got everything under control.

Feud and triangle
The central plot for the continuation focuses on the feud between J.R. and Bobby's sons, John Ross and Christopher (Jesse Metcalfe). With John Ross "stuck in his father's old-school ways," and Christopher's new innovative approach, their being on opposing sides provides "great intensity." From the first episode in the continuation, John Ross and Christopher are at one another's throats as they nearly come to blows at Christopher's wedding. "[The cousins] are just two bulldogs going at each other" Henderson said of his character's feud with Christopher. John Ross disagrees with Christopher who wants the family to invest in alternative energy sources; John Ross is a staunch supporter of oil. John Ross sincerely believes that oil is the only way which immediately pits him at odds with Christopehr. "… John Ross thinks that is ridiculous." In addition to feuding over business, the two are embroiled in a love triangle with Jordana Brewster's Elena Ramos. John Ross "totally loves Elena" Henderson said. While he manipulates everyone else in his life, John Ross hopes Elena can serve as his way to escape from the scheming and manipulation. However, Elena has trouble with John Ross's business tactics. Despite his love for Elena, John Ross is also having an affair with Veronica Martinez (Leonor Varela). John Ross sees her as someone who can do his bidding for him, but he truly loves Elena. In season 1 John Ross focuses on trying to impress his father while maintaining his relationship with Elena and achieving his goal of taking over the family empire. "He goes through a lot, and stuff gets really intense" Henderson said when asked to give a preview of the season. However, by the end of season 1, the relationship is over and Elena chooses Christopher, leaving John Ross enraged and wanting revenge. In season 2, John Ross is bound to make mistakes because he is still "licking his wounds" following his split with Elena. A broken hearted John Ross is using the debt Elena owes to his mother to manipulate her and those around him. Henderson said that John Ross is still about gaining control of the newly formed Ewing Energies, but he has to fly under the radar. However, he is definitely planning something big. John Ross must contain his emotions to get what he wants. According to Henderson, John Ross's main focus at the beginning of the season is exacting revenge on Christopher and Elena. However, his main goal is gaining control of the company. Henderson admits that John Ross is a bit jealous of Christopher's relationship with Bobby because his relationship with his father is a "contentious" one. Without Elena, John Ross has no one to keep him grounded.

Relationship with J.R.
From a very young age, John Ross has always wanted to be like his father. But he wants most in life is to "make his father proud." In the series premiere of the continuation, John Ross gets the upper hand on J.R. which allows for viewers to understand that John Ross is just as tricky as his father. John Ross's dynamic with his father is more of a chest game as opposed to his feud with Christopher. John Ross and J.R. spend most of the season trying to stay a step ahead of one another. John Ross knows that if can "get one over" on his father, J.R. would be proud. It's an ongoing battle. During this game of one upmanship John Ross and J.R. begin to build the relationship that they never had when he was a child. So when John Ross suddenly doesn't have his father anymore, John Ross goes on a "dark mission." Though his time with J.R. is cut short, John Ross takes what J.R. does teach him and decides to build on it. John Ross puts on a "front" as if he tries to convince himself that he is "just as conniving and slick" as his father; however, once he goes down this path, he realizes he needs J.R. more then he thought. John Ross is left asking the question, 'Why did you leave me?" Without his father, John Ross is filled with "passion and resentment" from the pain he feels for not having his father when he was young, and still needing his father. John Ross gets to a point where he is no longer concerned for his own well being. Henderson revealed to Soaps In Depth, "He's on a mission, and he's not going to let anybody get in his way." However, John Ross's biggest obstacle is living up to the legend of J.R. Ewing. But, he is not confident in his ability to accomplish that task. Speaking in character, Henderson said "I don't have my Pops anymore. He's not here to tell me when I'm about to make a mistake." According to Henderson, John Ross will come to understand that his father is still with him. "With everything John Ross does in the future he'll hear his father's voice."

Relationship with Pamela
In addition to teaching him about his ruthless business tactics, John Ross learned a lot about the opposite sex from watching J.R. Growing up, John Ross is very aware of how unhealthy his parents' relationship is, so he never takes much from it. In late January 2013, Julie Gonzalo revealed that John Ross and Pamela would develop a sexual relationship in season 2. Being his father's son, it doesn't take him long before he nurses his broken heart after his split from Elena by jumping into bed with Pamela, "figuratively and literally." John Ross and Pamela are "cut from the same cloth" and had similar experiences with their fathers. Gonzalo described the pairing as a "dynamic duo." Executive producer Cynthia Cidre said that the romance emerges out of "convenience" and common enemies. However, as a couple, they have "ups and downs" because neither one is willing to allows themselves to get hurt. Despite both still having obvious feelings for their respective exes, "People heal," Cidre stated. "They don't carry the torch forever" Cidre continued. John Ross knows that their partnership is the furthest thing from people's minds and he believes Pamela is just vulnerable enough for him to take advantage of. John Ross is not surprised when his alliance with Pamela becomes sexual because they understand one another; "they're both kind of the same person" when they want to prove themselves to their fathers. What made the pairing of John Ross and Pamela so interesting is the reveal about Pamela being Cliff's daughter. It raises the stakes because of their fathers' history, and they know they are not supposed to be together. Despite the bad blood between their fathers, John Ross and Pamela want something, and are willing to assist one another in getting it. According to Henderson, the relationship is an element of their rebellion against their fathers, and others who believe it too far fetched for them to team up. Henderson compared the pairing to Romeo and Juliette as they know if the truth about their romance ever comes out, it would cause trouble. In the episode, A Call to Arms, Pamela finally allows herself to trust John Ross after she discovers her father was behind the explosion that killed her unborn twins; a fact that John Ross warned her about, but she initially refused to believe. The following episode, "Love & Family" saw the couple's spontaneous Las Vegas wedding giving John Ross ownership of Pamela's shares of Barnes Global. Gonzalo initially thought it was too soon, but realized the "brilliance" of the dynamic it would create between the newly weds and their respective exes.

Original series
John Ross Ewing III is written into the original series at the end of the second season. During her pregnancy, Sue Ellen (Linda Gray) is a heavy drinker forcing J.R. (Larry Hagman) to have her committed. However, she escapes only to get into a drunken car accident with John Ross being born prematurely. John Ross is officially named by his grandfather Jock (Jim Davis). The infant is then kidnapped by the grieving mother Priscilla Duncan but eventually returned. By the time John Ross comes home, Sue Ellen is suffering from postpartum depression which allows for his aunt Pam (Victoria Principal) to become a surrogate mother to him. J.R. also shows very little interest in the child believing John Ross is actually Cliff Barnes (Ken Kercheval)'s son, due to his and Sue Ellen's affair. Cliff attempts to sue for paternal rights, but DNA test later proves John Ross's paternity. J.R. then enthusiastically connects with his son. When Sue Ellen rekindles her romance with J.R.'s stepbrother, Dusty Farlow (Jared Martin), John Ross goes to live with them at the Southern Cross Ranch in San Angelo, much to J.R.'s dismay. But when J.R. starts causing trouble for the Farlows, Sue Ellen ends the relationship, divorces J.R. and retains custody with J.R. seeing John Ross every other weekend. John Ross moves back to Southfork when J.R. and Sue Ellen remarry in late 1981. After narrowly escaping a fire, John Ross becomes withdrawn, and Sue Ellen takes him to child psychologist Dr. Suzanne Lacey (Diana Douglas) against J.R.'s wishes. Dr. Lacey recommends that John Ross attend a day camp with counselors. John Ross bonds with one of the counselors, Peter Richards (Christopher Atkins) who also has an affair with Sue Ellen. John Ross is devastated when J.R. blackmails him into leaving town. When his parents split again, J.R. sends him off the boarding school to spite Sue Ellen. J.R. agrees to give Sue Ellen custody only if John Ross can choose where he lives; and he chooses to live at Southfork. When John Ross returns from England with Sue Ellen, he is jealous of his newly discovered older half-brother, James Beaumont (Sasha Mitchell). John Ross begins taking his anger out on his cousin Christopher (Joshua Harris) and his new stepmother, Cally (Cathy Podewell). However, John and Cally eventually bond. In 1991, John Ross moves to London with his Sue Ellen and his new stepfather, Don Lockwood (Ian McShane).

Continuation
In season 1, John Ross has become a carbon copy of his father driven by greed. John Ross is romancing his business partner, Elena Ramos, Christopher's ex fiancée. John Ross immediately clashes with his uncle Bobby (Patrick Duffy) when he drills on Southfork, going against the wishes of his late grandmother, Miss Ellie (Barbara Bel Geddes), and attempts to nullify Ellie's will on the basis of diminished mental capacity after Jock's death. Not even J.R. is immune to his son's scheming. John Ross and Christopher's rivalry ensues as John Ross taunts Christopher about not being a blood Ewing. John Ross blackmails Christopher's wife Rebecca into doing his dirty work after discovering her "brother" sent the email which led to Christopher and Elena's initial breakup. Due to his manipulations, Elena dumps John Ross and reunites with with Christopher. A distraught John Ross swears revenge despite their new partnership in Ewing Energies; he promises to steal the company out from under them and bring J.R. on as a partner. In season 2, outnumbered on the Ewing Energies board, John Ross gets Elena's brother and business partner Drew (Kuno Becker) arrested for unknowingly smuggling stolen goods, allowing giving Sue Ellen claim to her shares. John Ross and Pamela's brief partnership and romance ends due to their fathers' disapproval and Pamela's decision to keep the shares of Ewing Energies she received upon her annulment, instead of turning them over to him. Meanwhile, John Ross's scheme to dispprove Christopher's methane patent backfires. John Ross is devastated by his father's sudden death and vows revenge against the person responsible. He resorts to drugs alcohol, and sex with Bobby's stepdaughter, Emma (Emma Bell) to cope. Following J.R.'s will reading, a letter is read from Miss Ellie revealing that she left John Ross half of Southfork. John Ross comforts Pamela when she miscarries her twins and is reluctant to tell her that Cliff is behind the explosion that killed them. The family then learn that Cliff and Harris Ryland (Mitch Pileggi) are working to destroy the company along with the governor. After some scheming of their own, Harris is sent to jail, Cliff is falsely convicted of J.R.'s murder and the Ewings claim Barnes Global after John Ross and Pamela elope to Las Vegas. John Ross and Christopher then learn from a letter that J.R. was dying from cancer, and J.R. orchestrated his own murder to put an end to the feud with Cliff. John Ross continues his affair with Emma despite his marriage.

Reception
TV Source Magazine's Omar Nobles approved of the Henderson's casting and referred to Henderson as a "fine young actor." Jamey Giddens called Henderson the "breakout star" of the series. Dani Lyman said Henderson fills the role "brilliantly." Lisa Steinberg referred to Henderson's portrayal of John Ross as "smoldering." Michael Fairman described John Ross as being "deliciously sinister" and said, "He seems to be the catalyst that makes the new Dallas go!" TV Source listed John Ross as the hottest character in the season 2 premiere and referred to him as a "sexy beast." "John Ross is the sexy bad guy you can't get enough of and you secretly root for" said Dani Lyman. Omar Nobles praised Henderson's performance in the season 2 premiere and said that Henderson had settled into the character really well, and appeared very confident. The Huffington Post listed Henderson on their list of the Hottest Actors for the summer 2012 television season. The actor was praised for his emotional performance in the season 2 finale in which John Ross learned the truth about his father's death. Henderson's onscreen pairing with Julie Gonzalo's was immediately praised. Omar Nobles listed John Ross and Pamela Rebecca's alliance during the season 2 premiere as one of the best moments of the episode. "John Ross and Pamela are sex on a stick" said Nobles of the potential pairing during the season 2 premiere. "[They] certainly disprove the theory that opposites attract" said Christine Orlando of TV Fanatic. Orlando commented that while the characters are kindred spirits, and make a "hot couple," the fact that they had actually grown to care about one another just made the pairing stronger. Cindy Elavsky of Tulsa World referred to the couple as a "force to be reckoned with." Entertainment Weekly said the couple's wedding was a "shock," even for Dallas fans who'd become accustomed to the show's surprising plot twist in each episode. Jackie K. Cooper of The Huffington Post described John Ross and Christopher's dynamic as a "hate fest that brings back memories of the J.R. and Bobby feuds."