Dallas

So what have we got here? The new series is a seamless continuation of the 14th season of the original series. The films made in the interim ignore this, and we find ourselves squarely in the middle of a new generation of the Ewing war. Bobby and J.R. have become old men, but they still have plenty of energy to protect their sons, their interests, and their family storyline - Christopher and John Ross III. Of the youngsters, I definitely prefer the good guy Jesse Metcalfe, and he's also sexier and I've seen him in Desperate Housewives and The Other End of the Line. Jordana Brewster hasn't really come into her own in photos yet, but in the action, she's becoming a real babe and a complex character with a past tied to both of Southfork's offspring. Sue Ellen is a joy to look at, because she looks at least a generation younger than her age and has slipped into her role again with complete grace. As far as the new story is concerned, the current spread of only 10 episodes certainly suits the new Dallas. The ending is absolutely epic and the quality is perfectly comparable to the original five-part mini from 1978, which nothing has been able to eclipse in the subsequent decades. Cliff Barnes, you got them all again! (09/01/2019)

Season 2 raises the bar even higher, and the new Pamela and Ann with their stiff elbows become the queens of intrigue. And of course, R.I.P. for J.R.... The return of Valene and Afton brings back so many memories. Harris is almost as good a new villain as the brutally honest classic Barnes. The ending is again brilliant because it has excellent timing, the scenes have excellent dynamics, and the soundtrack is of course amazing. The plot twists once again surpass anything television has produced to date. Just when it seemed that the ancient feud between Barnes and Ewing would be resolved by Pamela's death and the re-establishment of the legendary Who shot JR? question, we find that we're still only at the beginning of a new viewing delight. (09/01/2019)

Season 3 is once again great, full of a million twists and turns, with the old feud getting more complicated and thicker with each step in the present. These family clans are an endless supply of fun because it's the way they're not just connected by money, but more importantly by blood and land, that no one is ever going to give up on anything, and that's why it's such good material for a series. I'm also very pleased that there are so many strong female characters played by incredible actresses, led by Linda Gray, who not only has a very wide acting range but looks gorgeous for the age of 73 (!). The younger generation satisfies all basic types - from the tender blonde to the spicy brown beauty to the classic brunette. And they all fuck as well as they plot. Oh, and did I mention that the goddess AnnaLynne McCord is a new addition to the franchise? Perfection. And that epic midseason cliffhanger? I'm speechless. Excellent. While Pam is arranging a threesome with J.R. Jr. and Emma, all of SouthFork is on fire... Elena for president! The ending was overwhelmed by the Ryland family's intrigue with the Mexican cartel, but the finale was absolute. It’s great, fun, funny, full of intrigue, twists and turns, and black humor. Judith for president! It's an eternal shame we're done with it for now. (09/01/2019)