Dallas (Original) -

Synopsis:

“Dallas” is an iconic primetime soap opera that primarily revolves around the Ewings, a wealthy Texan family engaged in the oil and cattle ranching industries. Set on the expansive Southfork Ranch, the series showcases the power struggles, romances, betrayals, and intricacies of the Ewing family’s relationships, all against the backdrop of big oil, big money, and the broader Texan culture.

Main Characters:

J.R. Ewing (played by Larry Hagman): The scheming and manipulative eldest son of the Ewing clan, he constantly seeks to expand Ewing Oil’s empire, often at the expense of those around him.
Bobby Ewing (played by Patrick Duffy): J.R.’s younger brother, who is more ethical and often at odds with J.R.’s business tactics and personal choices.
Sue Ellen Shepard (played by Linda Gray): J.R.’s long-suffering wife, whose relationship with J.R. is marked by infidelity and betrayal.
Miss Ellie Ewing (played by Barbara Bel Geddes): The Ewing family matriarch, deeply attached to Southfork Ranch and tries to keep the family together amidst its many squabbles.
Cliff Barnes (played by Ken Kercheval): J.R.’s business rival and the primary antagonist to the Ewings, representing the Barnes family which has a long-standing feud with the Ewings.

Themes:

“Dallas” explores the cutthroat world of business and the complexities of family ties. Themes of greed, loyalty, revenge, love, and the age-old battle between good and evil are predominant. It paints a vivid portrait of the opulence and excesses of the wealthy while delving into personal relationships and the inherent conflicts of interest and passion.

Rating:

4.2/5 – The show was lauded for its compelling storylines, unforgettable characters, especially the role of J.R. Ewing, which became a cultural phenomenon. Some critics, however, felt that as the series progressed, some plot arcs became repetitive or overly melodramatic.