5 minutes ago, soapfan770 said:

@kalbir Thanks! That’s why I came looking to this thread after seeing it on FB in multiple Dallas groups.

You're welcome.

So much hype with those finale promos but it was a disappointment.

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.

TNT Dallas was pretty much done when Larry Hagman passed away.

2 hours ago, kalbir said:

TNT Dallas was pretty much done when Larry Hagman passed away.

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.

Edited 2 hours ago2 hr by Chris B

4 hours ago, kalbir said:

TNT Dallas was pretty much done when Larry Hagman passed away.

Yep. The newer/younger characters were poorly developed and played by very bland actors. Subsequently, they had to rely too much on the returning cast, including Hagman.

4 hours ago, Chris B said:

Cynthia Cidre was open about not watching much of the series and it was obvious watching the show.

Cidre REFUSED to lean into its' inherent epic, soapy qualities. So, instead, we get something that Jerry Bruckheimer would've produced between lines of coke. It was dull and a disgrace to the original series.

1 hour ago, Chris B said:

They were lucky to have him and his star power but even he can't save this.

44 minutes ago, Khan said:

Yep. The newer/younger characters were poorly developed and played by very bland actors. Subsequently, they had to rely too much on the returning cast, including Hagman.

Do you think that Yellowstone is what TNT Dallas should have been?