Dallas Reunion: Return to Southfork (2004)

Dallas Reunion: Return to Southfork Poster

The original cast of Dallas reunites at Southfork Ranch to remember the popular 1980's drama nighttime serial that became notorious for its 1980 cliffhanger "Who Shot J.R.?"

Introduction
"Dallas Reunion: Return to Southfork" is a 2004 television special that reunites the cast members from the hit series "Dallas", which originally aired from 1978 to 1991. The program was a prime-time soap opera that focused on the wealthy Ewing family, who made their fortune in the oil market and lived on the stretching Southfork Ranch. The original series followed the complex and linked relationships in between the family members, including the notorious fight in between brothers J.R. Ewing (Larry Hagman) and Bobby Ewing (Patrick Duffy).

In this unique, the enduring cast members come together to recollect and share stories from their time on the popular show. The unique features interviews with Larry Hagman, Patrick Duffy, Linda Gray (Sue Ellen Ewing), Steve Kanaly (Ray Krebbs), Ken Kercheval (Cliff Barnes), Charlene Tilton (Lucy Ewing), and others as they review the program's long lasting cultural impact.

Main Cast Reflections
Larry Hagman, who played the iconic role of J.R. Ewing, speaks candidly about his long profession in television and the challenges of playing such an infamous character. Hagman shares how he needed to balance the dark and light elements of his character to make him a believable bad guy, and how J.R.'s complex relationship with his brother Bobby was important to the show's success. He also assesses the worldwide fame he experienced as a result of playing the cunning J.R., and how this affected his life during and after the program's run.

Patrick Duffy, who played the kind-hearted Bobby Ewing, fondly recalls his time dealing with "Dallas" and the close friendships he formed within the cast. Duffy shares how he at first didn't believe the series would be a success due to its intricate plotlines and melodramatic tone but was happily amazed by its long-lasting appeal.

Linda Gray, who represented J.R.'s long-suffering other half Sue Ellen, thinks back about her character's battles and individual growth throughout the series. She also speaks about her on-screen chemistry with Hagman, associating it to a deep trust and regard in between the two stars both on and off-screen.

Remarkable Moments and Show's Impact
The cast members recount some of the program's most extraordinary minutes, consisting of the famous "Who Shot J.R.?" cliffhanger, which left audiences in thriller throughout the summertime of 1980. This storyline became a cultural phenomenon, with individuals worldwide talking about and speculating on the identity of J.R.'s shooter. The eventual expose of the shooter's identity remains one of the highest-rated episodes in television history.

Another highlight of the special is the cast members' reflections on the effect that "Dallas" had on tv, pop culture, and the city of Dallas itself. The program was among the very first prime-time daytime drama, leading the way for future hits like "Dynasty" and "Falcon Crest". The series also contributed to tourist in Dallas, with fans visiting the real Southfork Ranch and other filming places to experience the world of the Ewings firsthand.

Behind-the-Scenes Stories
During the unique, the "Dallas" cast members share amusing behind-the-scenes stories from their time on the program, providing audiences with a peek into the friendship and naughty shenanigans that happened off-screen. For example, Steve Kanaly shares how the cast members would frequently play pranks on each other during recording, keeping the mood light and enjoyable regardless of the program's intense stories.

Conclusion
"Dallas Reunion: Return to Southfork" uses fans of the initial "Dallas" series a classic and heartwarming journey down memory lane, as the cast members reunite to share their memories and experiences from the show. The special highlights the cultural impact and lasting legacy of "Dallas", among the most prominent and effective tv series in history, and acts as a fitting homage to the skilled cast and team who brought the Ewing household saga to life.

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