I used yesterday’s (online episode) to setup today’s second feature article. So, now it’s time to consider TNT’s smart revival of the classic CBS’ nighttime soap opera “Dallas”.
Let’s explore what may happen to Larry Hagman’s iconic character J.R. Ewing before the second season begins in late January.
The newest incarnation
Like many fans, I was thrilled to learn that TNT was going to revive the show last year. I found the Dallas’ Facebook page, it’s Twitter feed (@Dallas_TNT), the online game (“Rise to Power) that its cable network promotes, were all effective and savvy marketing techniques.
The first season (which was aired earlier this year) allowed everyone to catch up with old friends like Hagman, Patrick Duffy, Linda Gray and others and also to be introduced to a well-cast group of next generation Ewings and Ewing-connected characters. The After Show (on TNT.com) allowed viewers to engage with the show’s main stars on a weekly basis.
Considering high expectations, I thought that this extension of the original series was a home run.
J.R. in Hell
Hardcore fans knew that Hagman wasn’t in good health this year, but it still came as a surprise when the seemingly unstoppable “J.R.” left this world on November 23. Hagman is surely in a better place after ending his battle with throat cancer. As for J.R., we’ll learn his fate sometime during the second season that is set to begin on January 28, 2013.
In traditional “Dallas” form, the setup tease for the new season has now been presented.
Anyone who thinks that they know how the “Dallas” family will say goodbye to the character who they knew, loved and loathed is mistaken. Hagman may have passed his own ideas about what should happen to his character in the event that he no longer could fill that role. Talk of a funeral at the Southfork Ranch likely has truth connected to it. But, we should never believe that matters involving this most dastardly man will be resolved in a final form.
Arguably the greatest soap opera of all-time will give arguably the greatest villain that ever fictionally lived a send-off that must be seen. And who knows, maybe the head of the Ewing clan will find a way to bribe the Grim Reaper and return from hell after his funeral has been held. Everyone, including this author, would like to think that death won’t stop the immortal J.R. Ewing’s cold, beating heart.
Larry in Heaven
Rest in peace Larry. We will all see you again someday in heaven.
Sean O’Brien has written for the Yahoo Contributor Network since February 2011. You can follow him on Twitter @SeanyOB and also read his daily Sports Blog: Insight.
More from this author and the Yahoo Contributor Network:
Television Haiku Poem
Mom Didn’t Let One Pitch Shatter The Summer
My First Car and My Dad
Height of One World Trade Center Allows a View Past 9/11
When Baseball Cards Were King
