The New Season of "Dallas" Begins Tonight on TNT

Photo Credit: TNT

The second season of Dallas kicks off tonight at 9:00pm ET on TNT, with two hour long episodes. The series, which started off strong last summer, has really hit its stride. In fact, the two episodes airing tonight rival the original series in quality and suspense. I believe having the beloved veteran characters play a more prominent role has already bolstered the second season, as Sue Ellen's past comes back to haunt her, J.R. pays a visit to a member of the Barnes family, and Bobby helps Ann deal with long held secrets. The younger generation has much to do as well. John Ross is double dealing, just like dear old dad, while still hurting from losing Elena to Christopher. Meanwhile, Christopher appears to have toughened up, thanks to the break-up with Rebecca, who now goes by Pamela.

The debut episodes also feature many references to the rich history of Dallas, which will certainly be appreciated by long time viewers. Overall, the performances from the younger cast members have improved, which is a positive sign. In addition, Mitch Pileggi, who portrays Harris Ryland, Ann's ex-husband, has been elevated to series regular, which is also good news. Harris's mother, Judith, is introduced in the second episode and is portrayed by Judith Light, who soap fans will remember for her unforgettable work as Karen Wolek on One Life to Live.

I hope Dallas is able to sustain its momentum throughout season two and beyond, but it will have to fill the void left by Larry Hagman, who passed away in November. Hagman had already filmed several episodes, so J.R. will be on screen for about half the season. It will be difficult to say goodbye, but I understand a fitting tribute has been prepared and several former cast members will be on hand to pay their respects to the iconic character who was integral to the success of the series for so many years. 

Remembering Larry Hagman

Photo Credit: TNT

I was first introduced to Larry Hagman while watching reruns of the situation comedy I Dream of Jeannie in the mid 1970s. His character, Major Tony Nelson, was a down to earth guy who just happened to have a real live genie at his personal disposal. However, his life became more complicated, instead of easier, with the well-meaning Jeannie (Barbara Eden), and he was made to run constant interference between her and his superior, Dr. Bellows (Hayden Rorke). Almost a decade after I Dream of Jeannie came to an end, Hagman greatly expanded his acting range by tackling the character of J. R. Ewing, a ruthless, backstabbing, deceptive S.O.B. who would become the ultimate television villain on the long running CBS series Dallas.

While I was, in theory, too young to be watching Dallas, the most popular prime time soap opera of its era, I tuned in every Friday night anyway. As a youngster, I did not like J.R. and was upset when he would make life difficult for my favorite character, Pam (Victoria Principal). But over the years, Hagman won me over as J.R. and became, without a doubt, a much beloved and irreplaceable character. If there was no Hagman, there would be no Dallas.

Last summer, I was very pleased to see the Dallas reboot, on TNT, with Hagman, Patrick Duffy (Bobby) and Linda Gray (Sue Ellen) reprising their roles from the original series. However, the new younger cast members appeared to receive more airtime than the veterans, so it may be possible for the new series to fill the void left by Hagman, but the producers will need to mine the history of the series and come up with original and creative ideas to keep the show afloat. I hope it can survive, but I am skeptical.

In recent years, Larry Hagman made guest appearances on Nip/Tuck and Desperate Housewives and I was fortunate enough to see his performances since I watched both series. Hagman was always a treat to watch, but his work as J.R. Ewing was his crowning achievement. He could say so much with just a mischievous smile and that twinkle in his eye that alerted viewers that J.R. was up to no good. Hagman made it fun to root for the bad guy and created an unforgettable character in J.R. Ewing that will never be forgotten. Thanks for the memories Larry. You will be missed.

Larry Hagman died on November 23 due to complications from throat cancer. He was 81 years old.