About Serena

[CeeCee72]

We saw her infrequently, but we saw over the course of the entire show.

For all of JR's affairs, she was the only woman (other than Sue Ellen of course) that JR ever went "back for seconds" with. Even with Mandy, once he was finally done with her, he was just done. You could grant an exception to that rule to Vanessa, but he never bothered to find her or reach out to her. She just showed up in his life by happenstance.

So why Serena?

Is it because she was able to provide him with a sexual outlet with no emotional baggage? Or was it because he had some kind soft spot for her?

After the Peter Richards affair, we saw him move heaven and earth to get Sue Ellen back. We saw him do everything he could to keep her happy (including hiring Jamie at Ewing Oil against his will), yet he still risked his relationship with his wife for an afternoon tryst with Serena. Was it because he was just bored playing the part of the faithful husband? Or was there more to it than that?

And why didn't the writers explore that relationship more after he and Sue Ellen split for good?

I am a diehard JR/SE shipper, but there is something about Serena that always made me want to know more.

 

[Monzo]

Is it because she was able to provide him with a sexual outlet with no emotional baggage?

I think that's the reason. He even seemed happy for her when she married, but resumed her services after she got divorced. I've always admired Serena for being a pro. She knew her limits and did not cross them.

It's sad that Stephanie Blackmore never got beyond a few guest starring roles in the '80s. She would have been a good fit for the main cast of a new show.

 

[CeeCee72]

I think that's the reason. He even seemed happy for her when she married, but resumed her services after she got divorced.

It's sad that Stephanie Blackmore never got beyond a few guest starring roles in the '80s. She would have been a good fit for the main cast of a new show.

I would have liked to have seen here on the mail cast of Dallas for the last two seasons.

She seemed to know JR very well. When he called Sue Ellen to tell her to keep John Ross in London (to give him time to get rid of Cally) she was SHOCKED that he didn't want his son back ASAP.

 

[Mustard]

We saw her infrequently, but we saw over the course of the entire show.

For all of JR's affairs, she was the only woman (other than Sue Ellen of course) that JR ever went "back for seconds" with.

And Julie Grey, and Mandy Winger.

Even with Mandy, once he was finally done with her, he was just done.

Was he? I thought she was done with him several times?

You could grant an exception to that rule to Vanessa, but he never bothered to find her or reach out to her. She just showed up in his life by happenstance.

So why Serena?

Because Serena is a prostitute that he's formed an emotional bond with, and who cares about him on a human level. Most prostitutes just want paying for the service and are not really bothered beyond that.

Is it because she was able to provide him with a sexual outlet with no emotional baggage? Or was it because he had some kind soft spot for her?

The former. And because of the former came the latter.

After the Peter Richards affair, we saw him move heaven and earth to get Sue Ellen back. We saw him do everything he could to keep her happy (including hiring Jamie at Ewing Oil against his will), yet he still risked his relationship with his wife for an afternoon tryst with Serena. Was it because he was just bored playing the part of the faithful husband? Or was there more to it than that?

Because sex with Serena is uncomplicated, and he can pour out his emotions to her as well if he wishes.

And why didn't the writers explore that relationship more after he and Sue Ellen split for good?

Probably because it was never going to go further than what it was.

 

[CeeCee72]

Good answers.

I guess I don't county Julie as "going back for seconds" because neither of them really ever ended it.

As far as Mandy goes, yes she swore JR off a couple times, but remember, the dream season doesn't really count. JR chased her until he didn't and then he just walked away - even when she gave him an invitation for another chance.

 

[DallasFanForever]

I always found it difficult to not like Serena. She was pretty and intelligent and she was always lending J.R. a good ear to listen to. I guess she lent him a lot of things now that I’m thinking about it. But there seemed to be more than just sex to their relationship. I think they had a mutual respect for one another.

 

[Seaviewer]

And why didn't the writers explore that relationship more after he and Sue Ellen split for good?

I've never thought of that. But it would have made more sense than inventing a "first love" so late in the run.

Probably because it was never going to go further than what it was.

Perhaps not. But it could have been interesting spending a season or two finding out.

 

[Richard Channing]

Stunningly beautiful and totally drama-free was a very rare combination in Dallas. Almost unheard of. Why wouldn't JR keep going back for more?

 

[Jimmy Todd]

Correct me if I'm wrong, but didn't JR screw over her fiance in some way? If I recall correctly, she asked JR to see if he could help the man she was to marry in some financial way. I thought he pretended to try and help, but I remember JR saying to someone he "didn't even know the loser," and took advantage of the situation for his own gain. Serena waa left thinking JR tried his best.
If anyone remembers what actually happened, please let me know