Reply With QuoteI really don't think anything is working,I do not see Dallas after the death of Larry.He was Dallas, the show does not have the Family connection
that Dallas 1 had. I know times are different now ,but the show is know were the first Dallas was.
Soap Addict
With a third of the current season of Dallas broadcast, five of fifteen episodes, what do you feel is working, and what isn't resonating with you this year?
Newcomer
I really don't think anything is working,I do not see Dallas after the death of Larry.He was Dallas, the show does not have the Family connection
that Dallas 1 had. I know times are different now ,but the show is know were the first Dallas was.
Aspiring soap scribe
What I think is working:
The cast. Tptb have esembled a phenomenal cast imo!
The storylines(fountations for story I guess I should say)are brimming with possiblities!
What's not working for me:
The abbreviated theme music&lack of photos. I wish tptb would fix either one or the other(give us full theme music or cast shots.....I actually want both lol)
Off the mark casting. Judith Light is AWESOME&GOLD on Dallas but(as I've said before)I think she's been miscast as Harris Ryland's mama.
Southfork interior
This series seems to have a pacing problem imo. Original Dallas eventually went to an almost serialized format so it made it pretty easy to keep up with events. NuDallas has me scratching my head more often than not as to when things are occurring. Examples1)Last season ended with J.R.&Junior in empty office space. Season two opens and Ewing Energies is up&fully functional.(2)The gubernatorial election seemed to pass in the blink of an eye this season.(3)The 'One Month Later' subtitle threw me for a heck of a loop. I didn't enjoy that at all. These examples makes the show seem rushed/not fully thought out somehow. I don't know just how to articulate it right now(I've just come in from a cold winter's day&my brain hasn't fully thawed yet)but this show seems to have a problem getting it's timing right.
Also I'm seeing things used as character motivation in Dallas that were settled on original Dallas years ago. If CC&company want this viewer to believe why seemingly settled grudges have been nutured/revived then they should offer more in the way of explanations.
Finally,and it might be nitpicking,but as much as tptb say they are staying true to the spirit of orignal show they seem to flaunt tradition too much for my taste. Case in point CC said in an interview she had no idea which ball the Ewings attended yearly(Cattle Barron's or Oil Barron's) so she choose one. She then said Patrick told her "we always went to the Oil Barron's Ball" after they filmed the CBB&wished he'd mentioned it before hand. The interiew left me with the impression had she known before hand she'd have chosen the correct ball. Well evidently I took her meaning incorrectly because the Ewings are heading to another Cattle Barron's Ball this season lol. As I say I might be nitpicking but I'd be a bit more content with the show if tptb stayed as true to original Dallas as possible.
Also,and I can't believe I'm typing this,some of the love scenes are a bit too much for me as is the profanity. I don't know why but I can't help but find it out of place(inappropriate?) for Dallas.
That's all I can think of at the moment. I'm off to defrost myself now.
Board Regular
The pacing is better in Season Two. In Season One, it dragged after the first couple shows and lacked focus on the Ewings, then the last couple of episodes were slammed together and it ended with a terrible cliff-hanger. TNT Dallas suffered much as a result, in that viewers kept turning the show off and not so many returned to watch Season Two.
The addition of Judith Ryland and Emma is good. Judith Light is a marvel and the actress playing Emma is very good. But the actor playing Drew Ramos sucks. He is bad. Both Ramos characters - Drew and Elena - should be killed off. The Elena actress is not good. Added to which the writing for the character has been bad. They never did a convincing in job in showing why both John Ross and Christopher love her. She seems to have a flat expression on her face, all the time, in all instances. She's incredibly self-righteous.
As an old-time viewer of Dallas, I am disappointed that Bobby would marry such a lackluster woman like Ann.
The greatest problems remain. They took a classic series that was rich in characterization and stories and reduced it to a couple of plot elements. Yet there was much more to Dallas. Everything did not revolve on schemes and conspiracies. TNT Dallas then has to resort to a seemingly endless line of villains to pull the Ewings back together. Every story turn should not hinge on a villain.
Board Regular
I think they made it a "Cattle" Barron's Ball because the Ewings were no longer in the oil business. Decades ago, Bobby sold Ewing Oil. J.R. was in an old folks home, out of the business for years. Christopher wasn't in the oil business. Only John Ross was in the oil business and he was not an oil barron.
Scriptwriter
This is a great thread, GL - thanks for starting it!
First, I want to say that I am a lifelong "Dallas" fanatic. I was nuts about the original series and talked about it to anyone who would listen. I am thrilled the series is back, so everything I say is said with great affection and with a constructive purpose in mind, hoping that someone among TPTB reads this board and might take into consideration what we, the fans, think, when they write seasons 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, etc.
I think the cast, for the most part, is very good, especially Josh Henderson as John Ross, and of course the "golden oldies" are wonderful, as always. I love the theme music and wish it were longer. I love the fact that Sue Ellen is strong, independent and successful, and that she did not take that drink. I love that JR and Sue Ellen seem to have a nice relationship now, and he seems to appreciate her finally, after all these decades. I love that Bobby went to JR for help with Ryland, and JR did not give his "sanctimonious little brother" a hard time. JR appears to have learned how to forgive, while Cliff has not. I do not understand Cliff's character at this point - I think the writers need to fill us in on what he's been doing these past twenty years. In fact, I think they should provide background on all the main characters to fill in the 20-year gap, especially since they are ignoring the movies (which I missed, anyway).
In the original series, I think some of the features that kept so many of us glued to our TV sets were the family relationships, the intriguing characters whose evolution was consistent and understandable, and the basic premise of good vs. evil, plus the Romeo and Juliet aspect and, of course, the charm and talent of Larry Hagman, who made us root for the evil JR Ewing in spite of ourselves. It's no coincidence that so many viewers have commented that we miss the Ewing family dinners and cocktail hours, as well as the barbecues. That's when so many great family conversations/arguments took place, and we got to see what made the main characters tick. The plots were well-written and the pacing was fast enough to maintain interest but not so fast that we had to watch each episode twice (unless we wanted to - lol) just to keep up. Every action, every event happened for a reason and had consequences that affected many characters for a long time. Nothing was random and nothing was dropped.
In the new series, I feel that character development and family relationships are being sacrificed for quick action and shock value. Don't get me wrong - I love the show - but it doesn't have the same vibe, the same feel as the original. It's funny that they spent most of the first season fighting over control of Southfork, but very little actually takes place there - everyone is scattered and we don't see family dinners or cocktail hours, and so we lose the opportunity to hear the banter and bickering that was so great in the original. The wheeling and dealing, backstabbing and betrayals are so numerous and constant that I feel I need a score card to follow who's screwing whom on a given day and why. I get that times are different and the writers are aiming for a younger audience, who is used to quick action, but this is a little extreme and exaggerated, IMHO. Also, orange must be the color of choice this year, since so many characters have landed in jail for various crimes. Three people have died, with Harris almost a fourth, in six or seven episodes (including Tommy at the end of last season). At times I feel as though I'm watching "Law & Order: Dallas".
With all that said, I really, really hope the show stays on the air for many years to come. I'll take it any way I can get it; if TPTB want to ignore our thoughts, so be it - just as long as they keep the show going, with the fantastic theme music, of course!!!
Last edited by July Baby; 02-20-2013 at 06:45 PM.
Aspiring soap scribe
Originally Posted by AgnesL
Wellon me I guess. I've known(saw it in original run) for the longest time Bobby sold EO LeAnn who sold/gave it to Shelly who lost it to husband Cliff but somehow didn't let that stop me from gripping about not seeing Oil Barron's Ball on NuDallas lol.
Perhaps if tptb initated a dress code for future CBB events I'd be inclined to shut up. Oil Barron's......Cattle Barron's.....it doesn't matter to me lol. I just want to see the Ewing men in tuxedos&the Ewing women dripping in diamonds and decked out in fancy gowns.
Thanks Agnes.
Aspiring soap scribe
P.S.There's a lack of glamour/prestige missing from the show imo where the Ewings are concerned& It's not working for me.
Scriptwriter
I agree with you 100%, AgnesL!
i want the classy southfork back,you always wanted to be there it was so nice,and homey.a few problems i had was southfork,what ever happen to ewing oil cliff was running it it should have shown chris and junior getting it back from cliff.the theme song needs to have the cast pictures in it.the new dallas theme song reminds me of the new 90210 theme song and i dont like that on either.what i do like is the acting great action and about elena i love the actress i just dont like her on here,that tells me its the writing,about drew not sure ,im not sure he'll be with it much longer
Contract Poster
The budget may not be there to glam the show up, plus they are working with a shorter season than the original.
Whats working for me is JR, Bobby, Anne, SueEllen, JohnRoss, Pamela, Harris, Harris wacky Mom and Cliff. Emma is still up in the air for me. The JohnRoss/Pamela pairing works for me.
Whats not working for me Christopher, Elena
Recurring Poster
I love everything about Dallas 2.0 I especially love the fact that I think it's so good that it's over and I realize that I have a half hour left (SCORE!!)
The only thing that I don't like is the HUGE presence that the "hired help" has on the show. Who is the maid to be so rude to John Ross? Why do her kids walk right in the door and act like they own the place? I get that both Christopher and John Ross loved Elena (the only character I can't stand, btw) but she has *wayyy* too much power within this family! Can you imagine Jock's thoughts?
She is no Miss Ellie..no matter HOW sweet they try to write her! I will miss dear old Larry. It sure will not feel the same without him. Perhaps bring Ray back full time to give Bobby a brother and John Ross is doing a good job at playing JR's son.
I also agree with the above posters ^^^^ get rid of the bar in the kitchen and put a table in! Also miss Miss Ellie's reflective evenings having a cocktail on the front porch
Aspiring soap scribe
I'm sorry but I just can't make myself believe in the entire budget there's not an extra dollar or two to have a few Ewing women in Diamoniques or Bella Luce pieces&off the rack discount evening gowns.The budget may not be there to glam the show up, plus they are working with a shorter season than the original.
Whats working for me is JR, Bobby, Anne, SueEllen, JohnRoss, Pamela, Harris, Harris wacky Mom and Cliff. Emma is still up in the air for me. The JohnRoss/Pamela pairing works for me.
Whats not working for me Christopher
Contract Poster
Dallas was glamorous in its day, but I always felt they stepped up their game when ABC brought Dynasty to tv.
Board Regular
What made old Dallas glamorous was the tradition of the family dinner. They dressed up, they had cocktails, then they went into dinner together.
Now it's dress down in jeans and cowboy boots and munch on coffee and muffins around the hearth.
Aspiring soap scribe
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ICAM with you Agnes.
Day Player
But Dr Kipling, wouldn't you agree that this is a reflection of our times, 20 years ago, people would actually have dinner as a family. Now we run 100 rpms, and don't take the time to do this. It would be nice to see some semblance of family dinners (look to Blue Bloods for a good example). It would be nice if the TPTB could find a way to incorporate some of teh family's traditions into the current storylines.
i love that about blue bloods mealtime,and dallas 's mealtime.thats why i still love watching the waltons,i was born at the wrong time i tell you.....
I Let My Evil Twin Post For Me
Wow-I agree with so many posts here I can't pick just one to quote!! lol ....I so wish the cast was in the opening credits!! For me that really sets the mood for each episode, and to be honest I was quite suprised that for season two they had not editied people into the credits! I think I recall reading that last year-for season one, they wanted to 'suprise' viewers by not putting actors in the credits, but now we know "who's who" on NuDallas so I was more than dissapointed that the did not 'update' the credits for season two.... Family mealtimes, lack of glamour in general, for the Ewing's, (both in dress & lifestyle) is also a bit of an issue for me. ....I'm just glad it's on though, and I too hope we get more seasons Dallas!! (dissapointed there are less episodes than there were for the opening seasons, too.)
Aspiring soap scribe
No YRrocks I don't think it's a reflection of our times,at least not an accurate reflection of all our times. There are still many many families that manage to make time to sit down to share a meal, regardless how fast they run &/or how busy their lives/schedules are. I might be inclined to believe the Ewings are too busy to do this were they a family who worked&lived average lives working average jobs but that's not the case.
Last edited by dr.ivankipling; 02-21-2013 at 05:39 PM.
Scriptwriter
I love the family dinners on Blue Bloods (love the whole show) and don't see why they can't do it again on "Dallas". It was such a huge part of the original series and it always reminded us (and them) that no matter what else was going on in their lives, the Ewings were a family and could sit down together and break bread together. Of course, there would be the usual bickering and snide remarks, which was all part of the fun. I honestly don't know why they have abandoned that part of the formula.
Scriptwriter
Yes, sunshinegirlie, I agree with you. BBG was such a wonderful actress. She was able to convey so much w/o saying anything - her facial expressions said it all. I would love for any of the Ewings to have reflective evenings on the front porch or inside the house. We don't see much reflection in the new series, and that, I think, is a negative that the writers can and should fix.I miss Miss Ellie's reflective evenings having a cocktail on the front porch
Scriptwriter
One thing that isn't working for me this season is Cliff's behavior. He is so overboard in his merciless quest to destroy the Ewings that he's even willing to let his own children and grandchildren be killed. That is not who Cliff was in the original series. The writers need to fill us in on what happened to him during the 20 years off-screen. Otherwise, he comes off as totally unbelievable and OOC. JMO.
[QUOTE=July Baby;17939019]One thing that isn't working for me this season is Cliff's behavior. He is so overboard in his merciless quest to destroy the Ewings that he's even willing to let his own children and grandchildren be killed. That is not who Cliff was in the original series. The writers need to fill us in on what happened to him during the 20 years off-screen. Otherwise, he comes off as totally unbelievable and OOC. JMO.
yeah cliff aint working for me either ,first im suppose to believe hes suddenly good at business,second he doesnt care about harming and killing his family,third let me speak for jr for a moment ,that loser barnes lost his own mothers company,and bankrupted his momma before she died,
also the speed of the show im disappionted in bobby for not keeping the cocktail hour and dinner and no business talking during dinner,what is working is john ross and chris those two can act....im starting to like drew,ive dropped elena like a bad habit and im loving john ross and pamela
Contract Poster
I think the actor who plays John Ross is excellent. I very much enjoy him. I also like Cliff's daughter. Overall the casting is very good. I like Judith Light and the actor who plays Rylander is really great. I do have to ask, however, what is the point of that family?
Like others, I believe the family dynamic is missing. It is all these quick hit plot points. How many murders have there been this season? We need to see more of the relationships. I too miss the dinner table and the family gatherings in the living room. It may have been a small part of Dallas, but it was where so much of the story took place. The new Dallas is at a disadvantage because there is no Jock or Ellie. I think we could see that family dynamic in the family trying to live up to the Ewing name. I also think the show may be going overboard with the near sanctification of Christopher. Also, they have made Cliff too evil.
Soap Addict
To be fair, they only have 15 episodes to tell their story for the season.....and even less in season one.....
In the original run of Dallas, the amount of episodes per season was much higher. Aside from the original five episode mini-series that made up 'season one' ....they lowest amount of episodes in any season was 23 in season 4....the highest being 31 in season 9 (the dream season).....
The writers have a lot less time now to flesh out the lives of 10 main cast characters and the supporting players as well. ;0)
I Let My Evil Twin Post For Me
I'm going to join the party now...
What's working for me?
Josh Henderson as John Ross is freakishly outstanding. Love Josh and John Ross. JH is doing such a great job.
That said, the rest of the cast is pretty awesome too. I'm not a big fan of the Ramos' though. Especially the fact that Drew called Elena "Ellie". That was a stab in the heart of this Dallas-ite. Jesse Metcalf as Christopher is great, Julie Gonzalo is amazing as Pamela Rebecca and then of course the ever beautiful Linda Gray as Sue Ellen and Patrick Duffy as Bobby. All 3 of the Rylands are wonderful actors. Judith Light has been a pleasure to watch, Mitch Pileggi is a great bad boy as Harris and Emma is interesting (much more so than Elena, thus far - for me anyway). Then we have Brenda Strong who is doing a great job as Annie. I did like Ann more in season 1 though...
What isn't working for me?
The shortened theme music and no cast pictures. I, along with some, thought for sure they'd add the cast photo's for season 2, but they didn't.
The quick pacing is kinda hard to follow at times and hard to remember what happened. Like I had totally forgot (or missed) that John Ross and Emma had sex two weeks ago. Must've been a quick scene.
The Southfork interior is all wrong.
The profanity is awful. Some of things that John Ross says.... I can't believe they can say that on TV.
The Ramos family isn't working for me.
This is from Mrs. midwestdj (my wifey): Josh Henderson needs to be shirtless more often. He's not showing enough skin for her. LOL
hey midwest my mom says the same thing about josh,it must be a girl thing,i dont understand some of the profanity thats used its not needed,in last season chris was using some of it in the first show,maybe they'll calm it down some.and i also agree that they nned to slow it down alittle,ive noticed some of the stuff they edit out is the calmer stuff i say show it,since cliff likes blowing stuff up maybe he could blow up south fork and bobby could makeit go back to the way it was ,
I Let My Evil Twin Post For Me
LOL, it must be a girl thing... Shelly fancies Josh as well (his tip and his tail, lol). I'll admit it... The dude is very handsome and I wish I were built like him.... EEkkk, is this the start of a bro-mance?
I like the idea of blowing up Southfork in order for the layout to be correct again!
yeah thats what ive been thinking ,to make things rifgt again and it could be cliffs altimate revenge,and your wifes name is funny thats my moms too ,and they both think hes hot.
I Let My Evil Twin Post For Me
My wife isn't Shelly, I was talking about our moderator here at SOC. My wifey is Courtney.
oh my goof .....................lol
Board Regular
Cliff is an original character on DALLAS and to have him give permission to a henchman to blow up his daughter was ridiculous. Ann use to be strong in the first season of the show and this season she's whiney and playing the victim. She shot her ex-husband in cold blood and got off on probation. Really? I get that viewers are suppose to root for the Ewings but Ann geting a free pass and Cliff written to be a murderer is insane.
Soap Addict
They don't need to blow it up for this to happen...LOL, it must be a girl thing... Shelly fancies Josh as well (his tip and his tail, lol). I'll admit it... The dude is very handsome and I wish I were built like him.... EEkkk, is this the start of a bro-mance?
I like the idea of blowing up Southfork in order for the layout to be correct again!
Elena is slant-drilling under SouthFork from the adjoining property.....John Ross has just inherited half of Southfork via J.R.'s death and Miss Ellie's bequest to John Ross......he will most likely use that entitlement to drill for oil himself......one of these two operations could cause either a sinkhole or some either 'shift' in the property that causes that part of the ranch house to collapse.....and require rebuilding....that could allow the show designers/creative team to restore SouthFork's interior back to the classic version...just a thought.....
thats a good idea ,also whats not working for me is cliff blowing up his family
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