Chris B

The 1985 reboot wasn't bad. I did think it captured the look and feel of the original series. My biggest disappointment were the changes made to the continuity. The most glaring change was Connie and Elliot's son Matthew becoming a daughter. As a movie, I think they did the best that they could've done but I definitely would've preferred a tv series reboot. Out of all the primetime soap movies, this one is probably the strongest.

I agree 100%. I do like Joey but the facts are he is completely in the wrong when it comes to Doug. To have Deanna go crazy would be a slap in the face to Doug, Deanna and the viewers. I hope whether he's a ghost or alive that they use this as a tool for her to find out the truth. Plus the actress is too good to waste on a short term psycho storyline.

I haven't been able to post because I've been so busy with work but I had to jump in to give them props on a stellar week! I have complained about the pacing but they finally gave us some major story movement and they executed it very well. This felt elevated and like a soap that has been on the air for a long time. I hope they carry this momentum through the end of the year. I'll start with the cotillion. The set was lovely, the styling was great and it was packed full of extras! I love when soaps go all out and give us a big event. I feel like this is the first time BTG has fully pulled this off. It didn't feel rushed and we had lots of nice small moments between the big stuff. I particularly enjoyed Anita and June connecting. The kids can be annoying at times but they nailed it. I still feel like Deanna and Donnell are such good finds and I hope they continue to develop those two characters. I loved Tyrell sleeping with Jessica and the potential complications that come with that. Moving on to Derek...This is a man who 100% should've been replaced during his first 13 week contract. For whatever reason they kept him and to Ben Gavin's credit, he clearly took the feedback seriously and he completely turned Derek around. In season two I thought they finally cracked the code on Derek. His acting was more natural and the chemistry he had with Leslie and Eva was perfection. I think I've said it before but I could've seen Leslie and Derek being similar to Carjack on ATWT. It was sad to see him go but I do understand it. They needed to kill off someone we loved and it definitely landed. I've seen some talk about Ashley and although she is insufferable, I do think Jen Jacob did a decent job with the fallout. From a story perspective though, I am not a fan of Grayson. I hated that they just hand waved his actions and he won't have to pay for anything. I get that his mom is sick, but Lia had her reasons as well and she's being punished. I can't see how I can root for him with Ashley, knowing he caused Derek's death.

I'm five episodes into the second season of the reboot and it's worse than I remembered. I could've sworn it got better with time but these episodes are painful. Jesse Metcalfe simply cannot act, Julie Gonzalo is struggling with Pamela now becoming a villainess, Jordana Brewster doesn't register at all and Brenda Strong is absolutely horrendous. These are the people leading the season thus far and it's painful to watch. Larry Hagman has started popping up in very smell bits and pieces and he elevates every scene he's in. One thing I will give the show is that visually it does look nice. The office and condo sets with the floor to ceiling windows work really well and are a good use of green screen.

It's not well known but it's something that was talked about on the Ultimate Dallas message board which tends to be reliable. The person I saw speaking about it is very reliable so I do believe it's true. Apparently whatever happened is related to the 2004 Return to Southfork reunion. Prior to that Victoria Principal was fine with the cast and she agreed to do that reunion after Charlene Tilton convinced her to do it. Something happened during filming, allegedly between Linda Gray and VP and after that they wanted nothing to do with her. This is why they left her out of 30th anniversary celebrations and refused to work with her on the reboot. Tilton also did an interview calling her a "real bitch" post Return to Southfork. Here is a quote from there that sums it up: She wasn't asked back. Cynthia Cidre stated that. For two reasons. 1. She thought Pam was dead after reading the bio on the website. So didn't even contemplate asking her back at the start 2. She was told she could never ask her back. VP then weirdly stated she did get asked on the show. She 100% didn't get asked. It's all rather bizarre. It's quite ironic she played Pam the outsider, but in the real life version even Bobby pushed her out VP kind of became the Pam we all wanted to see on screen. Throwing a knife every so often at the Ewings. You can view the full discussion here: https://www.tellytalk.net/threads/ultimate-dallas-website.11058/page-4

They were lucky to have him and his star power but even he can't save this. The more I watch the more I'm amazed at how bad this writing is. Everything is too on the nose and plot driven. In one episode John Ross was arrested for murder, severely beaten, the family rallied around him at the hospital, Sue Ellen blackmailed someone to get him released and then ultimately he was released. Oh and before the episode ended, Sue Ellen's blackmail attempt was discovered and then she was blackmailed as well. As I watched it, I felt so bad for the actors because the scenes were so short they couldn't do anything with any of the material. I know scenes have gotten shorter in recent years but this is so extreme. I actually don't think any of the storylines in season one are particularly bad, they're just poorly executed and the characters have absolutely no depth. Nothing is given the time to develop so it's hard to get invested. Another thing that doesn't work are the random pop up appearances from Ray and Lucy. I hate the way they tend to stand them next to each other like they're a couple. Considering one of the major storylines is about Southfork and the land, that's where Ray should've come in, as JR and Bobby's brother. Lucy comes off as a drunk aunt who just pops up. We have no insight on what her life is like today and there is no continuity from the original series. Is she still with Mitch? Is she still an art dealer? Does she have any children? It's obvious she's just popping up so they can say they brought back an original cast member.

I'm now almost done with the first season of the reboot in my re-watch. This is my first time watching the reboot since it originally aired. Before I jump into that, I must give them props on the final season of the OG series. It wasn't perfect but I thought JR had a very strong arc throughout the season and I loved that they acknowledged all of the loss and the impact that had on him. April's death was also interesting with Susan Lucci having the time of her life as a femme fatale. The only thing I didn't love is that Michelle and James didn't end up together. I don't think he needed an insta-family so late into the game. Now onto the new series...I'm glad we got it and I was lucky enough to appear as an extra in two episodes but it makes me sad that it wasn't a better show. The first thing I notice is just how weak the cast is. I really am not sure what they were thinking but they could've easily recast all of the new characters. The first really strong casting choice is when Mitch Pileggi showed up. Another thing I recently learned is that Victoria Principal was open to returning but the cast nixed the idea. One simple thing that could've improved the show is if they had gotten her back so Pam and Bobby could be the heads of the family. What really let them down the most is the writing. Cynthia Cidre was open about not watching much of the series and it was obvious watching the show. I do recall the show getting better with time but I felt like that was more desperation to keep the show on the air. In this first season the scenes are ridiculously short and it feels like they're constantly jumping to the next plot twist. There is no substance or depth to anything they do. The biggest positives are obviously the OGs. Sue Ellen in particular works really well after not feeling necessary in the later seasons and two tv movies. Seeing Cliff again was another delight and I do love that they didn't forget his connection to Christopher. I wish I could say the same about Christopher's connection to John Ross and Sue Ellen. Feels so odd when John Ross says he isn't family when we know that is Sue Ellen's nephew by blood. Despite the issues, this reboot is still watchable. With Taylor Sheridan filling their niche we probably will never see Dallas revived. I guess it could've been worse.

This week has been very tense and fun. It finally feels like things are starting to move. I'm also happy that we're at the end of Anita's cancer story. It dominated so much of the show and was so dark that I appreciate the break we're getting now.

Jamey mentioned on the Daytime Confidential podcast that when BTG had taken a break they let him go back and write for Days. Maybe that's one of the episodes he did?

A few months ago The Drew Barrymore Show did a series of behind the scenes features on Beyond the Gates. Just another way of cross-promoting the show. I agree. Especially with it being a short week, I wondered if this was an insert episode. There were good moments but I can't say it worked overall. I do love bottle episodes but I feel like the Andre/Dani stuff didn't work paired with the plasma story. Something like that could've been good for an entire episode with different couples having fantasies. Can't say I loved it being set at Orphey Gene's either.

Knots Landing and Dallas both could've easily rebooted themselves to last longer if they wanted to. Knots had a chance when they built up the Sumner Group which could've been a spin-off itself. For Dallas, there was endless potential but they only viewed JR and Bobby as important and I couldn't ever see them pivoting from that. I loved that pilot! Especially now looking at the success of The Pitt and the desire for lower cost programming, I wonder if something like that could work. Even if it only aired once a week but with a longer run, that could be a game changer.

This was a nice treat!

When it comes to Generations, I feel like the only thing I'd want is for it to be streamed. I know Sally Sussman has mentioned writing a reboot but like you said, it would be odd to reboot a show that wasn't very successful. Now another thing I could potentially get behind would be a complete remake in a primetime format. If you could get Vivica and Debbi to headline it I could see it doing well as a streaming show.

I know that reboot wasn't successful but I really enjoyed the show around that time, even the affair Austin had with Abby. I was sad when the writers were replaced and they scrapped everything. I thought he still looked good and made a great Austin. So sad to now hear about his passing especially considering how happy he was. His career was going really well and he had so much to look forward to. I wonder how Denise Richards is doing. He appeared with her on RHOBH and they were close. Her daughter Lola posted about his death and it sounds like it's going to be really difficult on them. Wishing all his family and friends peace.

On the Instagram Agnes Nixon's family run they did mention they're working to get AMC available in the states and also Loving. I hope that comes true before the year is out!

This is true of many shows. It gives people options. If you want to watch it commercial free, then the app is a good choice. If you don't want to pay, you can still watch it free. It's something for everyone.

See I feel like Malcolm would've been easy to recast, the failure for that goes entirely on the Casting Director at a time. Why would you cast a sitcom actor who looks nothing like Shemar Moore and can't embody his leading man vibes? I actually don't think Darius was a bad dramatic actor but that was just shocking. I also think better options were available. Now in 2026, after a failed recast, I'd just keep using Shemar in guest spots when available. When it comes to Olivia, I do think she makes sense to recast and would be easy to recast (Vanessa Williams or Amelia Marshall come to mind) but I can't see them doing anything with the character which is most likely why they haven't bothered.

I do wonder if Vivica would be up to more regular appearances so this could have more of a long term impact. I'll admit, I tuned in for their return and although predictable, it was good. Vivica in particular reminded me of the way she is in her "Wrong" movie series which translates well to a soap. Her delivery was very dramatic when teasing Holden about her announcement. I also thought she had great chemistry with Audra.

Yep! It feels like the beginning of the end in many ways. I've reached Donna and Pam's exit and it's a sad way for two long term, strong female characters to go. Donna just completely faded out and I can't understand such a bizarre exit for Pam. They should've just killed her outright or done a recast. The whole burn thing would've lent itself well to a recast. I can't believe they left that up in the air which even affected the reboot. Such a bad exit. With Pam and Donna gone I feel like I'm officially in the final act of Dallas. Sue Ellen still hangs on for a while but I don't recall her doing anything too exciting and thus far I haven't enjoyed her post-dream season.

I don't recall the date but RetroTV did air them broken up in half hours.

GH has perfected it by shooting out of sequence based on what sets are available at any given time. That's how they are able to showcase so many sets without it being costly.

I feel like those two would be super easy and non-complicated sets to make which is why it's so shocking they don't exist.

The set issue is valid and I don't think it's a budget thing as much as it is having a Set Designer who doesn't know how soaps work. Why Julie Curruthers isn't doing more to fix this just shows what a mediocre EP she is (which her resume backs up). There is no way they have two sound stages and have the issues they do. Another big mistake was trying to have multiple mansion sets which they clearly don't have the budget to sustain. If the Dupree's are your main family, they should've had one big mansion and give it more than just the living room. We should have a study, a dining room and a bedroom that can be re-dressed for the various characters. I also don't think an outdoor set would be unreasonable. That would make it feel luxe. Instead you have four "mansion" living rooms for Bill, Nicole, Dani and Vernita that feel incomplete. I would've put Bill and Hayley in a convo at Fairmont Crest. I also don't feel like Nicole has enough activity to have her own set. At the very least they could've had Kat and Martin living there to give the house more life. As it stands, it's pointless to have that big house for just her. When you consider her closeness to her parents, it only would make sense to have Dani living with Vernita. Not having these four mansion sets would allow for Vanessa a place to live and more public places. I'm not saying they have to go on location but if you can't, you have to have some sort of outdoor set so the characters aren't constantly indoors. With a country club being a main setting, it would be easy to create something and every other soap with a similar set up has had an outdoor/pool set. Then with this impaler story, the biggest fault is that Jacob is standing up against that damn wall. Instead they should've build a dive bar where people could meet him in.

I've written and deleted so many posts about my thoughts on season 10 but now that I'm almost done with the season, I am ready to speak on it. The last re-watch I did I skipped the dream season, this time I didn't and as a result I really have struggled with this season. They had to reset everything to the end of season 7 and I don't think there is one example of a story that benefitted from it. It's really highlighted to me just how insulting this was to viewers in a way I didn't notice before. While the dream season suffered in terms of going too Dynasty on style and the main plotline with Angelica Nero, they did a great job with developing the characters. We lost so much growth from Sue Ellen and Cliff in particular. Personally I liked Sue Ellen getting sober and getting back with JR. That felt more realistic than her becoming a businesswoman in season 10 which ultimately led to her exit. The character was too closely tied to JR and didn't work separated from him. With Cliff, after failed romances with Sue Ellen, Afton and Mandy, it was nice to see him finally find someone who was a match and see him learn how to care for a woman. The switch in season 10 was almost like a parody and ultimately it feels pointless since he never had a strong love interest again. Keeping him with Jamie would've also given him a strong tie to the Ewing's after Pam left. Instead we just get slapstick Cliff until the series ends. The biggest losers this season must be Ray and Donna. After a couple seasons of issues, they go the opposite route here and break them up. Donna has been out of town most of the season so we don't get any interesting business scenes with JR, very little of her relationship with Miss Ellie and nothing worth watching with Ray. Then he ended up stuck with Jenna who I don't think ever had a strong season. Now something they did get right was by bringing the show back to it's Texan roots. I was so happy not to hear any European accents. April was also a strong new character. Still, even with the changes and missed opportunities, I do find the show to still be watchable. I didn't make it to the end last time so I'm curious how I will feel about those final seasons. I do look forward to seeing Michelle and Cally again.

I do agree with you. Regardless of the reason, they have to start loosening up the stories so they can peak at different times. I also think it's unfortunate because they're waiting for a season 3 pickup and there really isn't anything to build real excitement or bring in new viewers. The cancer story will potentially get them accolades but the eligible Emmys would be October 2027. They need something they can promote that is explosive and get people tuning in. I do hope the Y&R crossover helps but again, that's in the summer and after any renewal announcement.