“Dallas” is one of the most iconic American television shows, having aired from 1978 to 1991 on CBS. Created by David Jacobs, the show is a classic prime-time soap opera that captivated audiences with its tale of family intrigue, corporate power plays, and scandalous personal drama. Set in the heart of Texas, “Dallas” revolves around the powerful Ewing family and their oil empire, capturing the essence of American wealth, greed, and ambition during the late 20th century.
The show became a cultural phenomenon, not only for its memorable characters and dramatic storylines but also for its role in reshaping television. With 14 seasons and 357 episodes, “Dallas” left a lasting impact on television, becoming a blueprint for other successful dramas. The show was notorious for its cliffhangers, most notably the “Who Shot J.R.?” storyline, which became one of the most-watched television events in history.
Plot Overview
The central plot of “Dallas” focuses on the Ewings, a wealthy Texas family that controls Ewing Oil, a powerful oil company. The family lives on Southfork Ranch, a sprawling estate near Dallas. The patriarch, Jock Ewing (Jim Davis), and his wife, Miss Ellie (Barbara Bel Geddes), lead the family, but much of the drama centers on their sons: the ruthless and scheming J.R. Ewing (Larry Hagman) and the more principled Bobby Ewing (Patrick Duffy).
The tension between J.R. and Bobby serves as the foundation for much of the conflict throughout the series. J.R., the eldest son, is unscrupulous in business and personal life, using manipulation, deceit, and even blackmail to maintain control over Ewing Oil. In contrast, Bobby represents the moral center of the family, often clashing with J.R. over the direction of the family business and the Ewing legacy.
The family’s internal strife is exacerbated by external forces, including feuds with rival families like the Barnes family, led by Cliff Barnes (Ken Kercheval), whose longstanding rivalry with the Ewings is rooted in a dispute between Jock Ewing and Cliff’s father, Digger Barnes. This rivalry evolves throughout the series, as Cliff and J.R. constantly battle for power, both in business and in their personal lives.
The show also delves into the personal lives of the Ewings, covering their romantic entanglements, betrayals, and marriages. Bobby’s relationship with Pamela Barnes Ewing (Victoria Principal), Cliff’s sister, adds further tension, as their marriage bridges the gap between the two warring families. Their relationship is fraught with complications, as both families oppose their union.
- The landmark television series depicting the ongoing saga of the oil-rich Ewing clan instantly grabbed viewers and stayed at or near the top of the ratings during its entire 14-year run
- Enter a world of big bucks, big hats and big schemes in this collection of all three reunion movies: Dallas: The Early Years, Dallas: JR Returns, Dallas: The War of the Ewings, Dallas Reunion: Return to Southfork, plus all 357 series episodes on 55 DVDs
Key Characters
- J.R. Ewing (Larry Hagman): The character of J.R. Ewing became one of the most famous villains in television history. J.R. is the heart and soul of “Dallas,” a shrewd, manipulative, and often immoral businessman whose main goal is to preserve and expand the Ewing family’s power. His willingness to use any means necessary—blackmail, bribery, or betrayal—makes him a compelling antagonist. Despite his villainous tendencies, J.R.’s charisma and complex personality made him a fan favorite, and he remains one of television’s most iconic characters.
- Bobby Ewing (Patrick Duffy): Bobby is J.R.’s younger brother and the moral compass of the Ewing family. He is compassionate, honest, and often serves as a foil to J.R.’s conniving nature. Bobby’s love for his family and his desire to run Ewing Oil with integrity creates a tension between him and J.R., as Bobby struggles to balance his personal values with the cutthroat world of oil business. His relationship with Pamela adds an additional layer of complexity to his character, as he is caught between his love for her and his loyalty to his family.
- Sue Ellen Ewing (Linda Gray): Sue Ellen is J.R.’s long-suffering wife. Her relationship with J.R. is marked by infidelity, manipulation, and emotional abuse, leading her to struggle with alcoholism. Sue Ellen’s character evolves significantly throughout the series, as she begins as a fragile and dependent woman but gradually gains strength, independence, and power. Her journey from victim to empowered woman made her one of the show’s most compelling characters.
- Pamela Barnes Ewing (Victoria Principal): Pamela is the daughter of Digger Barnes and the sister of Cliff, making her marriage to Bobby a key part of the Ewing-Barnes rivalry. Throughout the series, Pam navigates the tension between her love for Bobby and her loyalty to her family. As a character, Pamela is strong, intelligent, and compassionate, but her life is filled with tragedy, particularly concerning her inability to have children and her complicated family relationships.
- Cliff Barnes (Ken Kercheval): Cliff Barnes is the Ewing family’s primary antagonist outside the family. As the son of Digger Barnes, who blames Jock Ewing for stealing his share of Ewing Oil, Cliff is motivated by a desire for revenge. He constantly seeks to take down J.R. and gain control of Ewing Oil, though he is often outmatched by J.R.’s cunning. Cliff’s rivalry with J.R. is one of the longest-running and most intense storylines in the series.
- Miss Ellie Ewing (Barbara Bel Geddes): Miss Ellie is the matriarch of the Ewing family, a strong and caring woman who tries to keep her family together despite the constant infighting. She is a beloved figure in the series, representing tradition and family loyalty. Her marriage to Jock serves as the foundation of the Ewing legacy, and her quiet strength makes her a key figure in the family’s dynamics.
- Featuring a logo from the Ewing Oil Company as seen in the popular eighties prime time soap opera Dallas.
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- Dallas is the long-running evening soap opera which ran from 1978 to 1991. The show followed the feuding oil-rich Ewing family. Larry Hagman starred as J.R. Ewing ("Who Shot J.R.?). The show made a brief comeback from 2012 to 2014.
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Themes and Storytelling
“Dallas” became famous for its intense family drama, betrayals, and its depiction of wealth and power. One of the central themes of the show is the corrupting influence of greed. J.R.’s endless ambition for power and control over Ewing Oil drives much of the plot, often at the expense of his personal relationships and moral integrity. His cutthroat approach to business and family reflects the broader themes of corporate ruthlessness and the sacrifices made in the pursuit of wealth.
The show also explores the dynamics of family loyalty and conflict. The Ewings are bound together by blood and business, but their internal conflicts and power struggles often threaten to tear them apart. J.R. and Bobby’s constant clashes reflect the tension between personal values and corporate ambition, while characters like Sue Ellen and Pamela grapple with the consequences of being part of the Ewing family.
Another key theme in “Dallas” is the struggle for identity and independence. Sue Ellen’s journey from being J.R.’s trophy wife to a strong, independent woman is a significant storyline, as she fights to break free from J.R.’s control and find her own path. Similarly, Bobby and Pamela’s relationship reflects the challenge of navigating family loyalty while forging their own identities apart from their families’ legacies.
The show’s storytelling style became famous for its cliffhangers, the most notable being the “Who Shot J.R.?” storyline, which left audiences in suspense for months and became one of the most-watched television events of all time. The use of shocking twists, betrayals, and dramatic revelations kept viewers engaged and set a new standard for serialized drama on television.
Cultural Impact and Legacy
“Dallas” not only became a pop culture sensation but also redefined the prime-time soap opera format. Its success paved the way for other dramas like “Dynasty” and “Falcon Crest,” solidifying the popularity of the genre throughout the 1980s. The show’s depiction of wealth, power, and family intrigue resonated with audiences worldwide, and its influence can still be seen in modern television dramas that focus on complex family dynamics and corporate power struggles.
The character of J.R. Ewing became a television icon, and Larry Hagman’s portrayal left an indelible mark on popular culture. The show’s mix of personal drama, corporate intrigue, and over-the-top plotlines made it one of the most memorable series of its era, and its legacy continues to endure through reboots, references, and its lasting influence on the television landscape.
