Revelations

Expertly Blending Old With New: A Modern "Dallas" Succeeds As A Sequel, Not A Reboot
When I initially heard that the TNT network was planning to revisit Southfork ranch, I was more worried than I care to admit. How many shows have we seen lately that tried to reboot a previous success to somewhat disastrous results? A lot! And "Dallas" is such an iconic show that all but defined prime time soaps in the eighties (even if it began in the seventies and ended in the nineties). At its height, "Dallas" was a true cultural phenomenon and J.R. Ewing was TV's grandest villain. In the 2012 interpretation of "Dallas," the makers opted for something completely inspired. Instead of another insipid reboot, they conceived an actual sequel--a continuation of ongoing storylines as envisioned twenty years later. And the results may just surprise you. While not perfect, this new "Dallas" is deliciously entertaining and one of the year's great guilty pleasures. Bringing back Larry Hagman (J.R.), Linda Gray (Sue Ellen), and Patrick Duffy (Bobby) for leading roles really works, Ken...

Dallas is back! And *not* in some cheesy reboot!
It's almost impossible to believe that 20 years after it left, Dallas has come back for a "Season 15".

And that's EXACTLY how it's treated. No silly reboot, no bring back one or two old characters to start it off and draw in fans, only to then forget about them (I'm talking to you, new 90210 and Melrose Place). The original characters are an integral part of the show, and ironically it's incredibly refreshing that they are not trying to reinvent Dallas, but continue it in a new era with an ever-so-slightly updated sensibility.

From the opening credits (the same style and song, thankfully - though not the rotating cast pictures, but I can see where that might have been TOO retro), it's clear that it's still Dallas - flashy cars, fancy clothes, some backstabbing, secrets, and assorted high-drama mayhem. Now there is a bit more of a contemporary take on the oil business - but again, it's wonderfully subtle. It's not hard to imagine that they have all been living...

Back and good Texas style
I did not know what to expect with this new edition of Dallas but I'm sure glad I watched. The whole season was excellent and the writers did a good job of delivering the excitement and suspense known to follow the Ewings. I definitely recommend the show's whole seasons to new and existing Dallas fans.

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