TNT’s reboot of “Dallas” is back, and that either means nothing to you, or means a lot to you (especially if you’re a fan of both the original and the reboot). The original Dallas was before my time, but I thought the first season was surprisingly decent, I wouldn’t say I really loved it, but I would have given it no worse than a “B” grade and thought every episode got a little better than the one before it.
Well, that holds true for the two-hour season premiere, which already feels stronger than last season. There’s more going on this year, but (unlike other prime-time soaps like Revenge or True Blood) none of it feels ridiculous or just plain stupid. There were some third-act twists——-a big one involving the introduction of Judith Light’s character——-that were wholly satisfying, and it’s good to see the show grow a deeper bench of supporting schemers. Even better, the show isn’t as frustrating as it once was. Sure, Christopher Ewing (adopted son of “nice guy” and fellow fool Bobby) is still a dip-shit, but the show has wisely shifted focus to J.R.’s son John Ross, who may be an even bigger bastard than his father.
Speaking of J.R., Larry Hagman died during the middle of production on this season, and apparently his legendary character will as well after his final five episodes (counting the two that aired tonight). It makes these episodes bittersweet, because Hagman so fully owns every scene he’s in. I’ll miss him…but, and I can’t believe I’m saying this, there just might be life for Dallas even after he’s gone. Grade for the Premiere: B+
Go JR