Dallas TNT based on someone else's idea for a start

[stevew]

A casket is slowly lowered into the ground in the small family plot on South Fork, the gathering of family and friends crying, the monument reading, "Eleanor Southworth Ewing Farlow" next to a monument which reads "Steven Clayton Farlow II."


Opening . . .

(using the three panel screen)
Jordana Brewster as Amy Mavis nee Anderson Ewing
Julie Gonzalo as Pamela Rebecca Barnes
Josh Henderson as John Ross Ewing III
with a hunky looking 16/17 year old as John "Jay" Ewing the IV (open to suggestions)
Jesse Metcalfe as Christopher Robert Ewing
with
Patrick Duffy and Bobby Ewing
Linda Gray as Sue Ellen Ewing
and
Larry Hagman as JR Ewing




South Fork Living Room (redecorated but the same layout as the original):

Friends and family gather, talking about Miss Ellie and all the old times.



In the study a man in his mid fifties, thanks JR, Gary and Bobby for a minute of their time. "This won't be difficult. Miss Ellie took care of everything before she died. As you know, she gave the West Fork ranch to you Gary, and it's cattle business but the land to the Farlow Foundation. Just as she did with you Bobby, well sometime ago she gave you the house and the South Fork Cattle Company. But the land she put in the foundation as well. Just so we're all clear. She also set up trust funds with investments for each of her grandchildren, for your son's JR and Christopher and your children Gary. So everything is settled. JR, you're suppose to ask Lucy to go through her personal things and divide them up between her and her sister and donate anything they don't want." He then hands JR an envelope. "That's all outlined in her will," pointing to the envelope. "The only other prevision in the will states that everything she has does to her oldest son, John Ross Ewing the second." JR looks a bit puzzled. "We're probating the will this afternoon. She also left letters for everyone in her family, which I put in the mail this morning. She prepaid the funeral arrangements and the caterer. That's it really. Sorry to handle this now, but she wanted it done this way."
"No thank you, Matt. I appreciate it. Your grandfather couldn't have handled it any better. I've glad momma took care of things this way. We can all just mourn her now instead of having to deal with all the messy stuff. Thank you." Bobby walk with him out of the study.
Gary says to JR, "You know, momma's last words were to forgive JR."
"I heard her."
Gary hugs JR and JR hugs him back. It's a brief embrace, but it's there. Gary then walks out of the room, passing Sue Ellen.
Sue Ellen closes the door. "How are you doing?"
"I'm fine."
Sue Ellen hugs JR. He holds on tight and begins to ball in her arms.




Bobby and Gary approach Ray. Ray says, "How you two hold'n up?"
Bobby says, "We're managing. Jenna come with you."
"No."
Gary says, "Val didn't either. She came when Clayton died for momma but didn't see any need to this time."
Ray says, "Pam still in California?"
Bobby says, "Pam won't step food in Texas."
"Hard on you having to constantly go back and forth."
"It is. That's why I'm wrapping things up here to be with her."
"Wrapping things up here?"
"Yea. I've got some things to get in order. I'm hoping John Ross will come home, show an interest in the ranch. If she does, then I can stay with Pam."
"That'd be nice. Christopher not interested?"
"Not at all." Bobby then spots Cliff walking in the room and says, excuse me."


At the archway to the entry hall Cliff says to Bobby, "I won't stay long, but I had to pay my respects."
"Of course. JR's in the study. He won't be coming out."
"Do you remember my daughter, Pamela Rebecca?"
"Of course I do. But, it's been a while." Bobby hugs her and kisses her cheek.
Pamela then hugs her cousin as he approaches. "Christopher. How are you doing?"
"Oh I'm handing in there. Do you remember my wife, Amy. Uncle Cliff."
Cliff says, "Of course we remember Amy. You're Punk and Mavis's girl."
"Granddaughter," Amy says.
"Oh yes granddaughter. Pamela and I know each other from the DOA."
"Oh that's right. You're in the DOA together. With Sue Ellen."
Pamela excuses herself seeing John Ross.



Pamela walks up to John Ross. "John Ross."
"Oh Pamela. How are you?"
"I'm doing well. I'm very sorry about your grandmother."
"Thank you."
"Are you staying in Texas long?"
"I don't know. I've been working on oil rigs up in the Badlands."
"I heard. My father says you sound just like Digger, his father."
"It's hard work but honestly, I kind like it. Oh these are my boys, this is Jay and Steven. This is an old friend, Pamela Rebecca Barnes."
"Nice to meet you Miss Barnes," Jay says, a seductively handsome seventeen year old.
"Nice to meet you," Steven mumbles, a shy, rather adorable six year old.
"Nice to meet you both. Much warmer down here that the Dakotas at least."
Jay says, "We attend a boarding school out east."
"Oh. So Did I. Baldwin in Pennsylvania. I new your cousin Margret."
"Oh that's right. Margret went to Baldwin."
"And then we went to Bryn Mawr together. She went on to Georgetown law school, if I'm not mistaken."
"Well when you step father was a senator and your mother was a Secretary of Energy, I guess lobbying is a natural fit."
"I guess so. Well I hope you stay for a bit, and if you do, maybe we can get dinner sometime and catch up."
"That would be nice. I'd like that."
"Me too."




Bobby introduces to Cliff to Ray and Gary. "It's been a long time," he says.
Rays says, "Sure has."
"How's Jenna?"
"Doing well."
"Didn't you have a son?"
"I adopted Charlie and we have Lucas and Jackie."
"Oh nice. And living in Switzerland."
"Jenna and I are. The kids are all over."



Bobby sits with John Ross. "I saw you talking to Pamela."
"Yeah. We're gonna have dinner together."
"That's nice. She asks about you ever time I see her."
"Does she?"
"Anyway. I want to offer you something. I really should have done it some time ago. This house."
"What about this house?"
"I want to give it to you. I'll move out into the cabin out back and you can have the house."
"Why would you give me the house?"
"Because it really should have a family living in and you've got two boys. I know I should have done it a long time ago."
"What about Christopher?"
"He's OK with it. He's got a big house in Dallas. It'd be nice if he could keep his room here when he's out here."
"Well of course, but . . ."
"And if you get board, I can always use a hand on the ranch."
"Yeah of course."
"So you'll take it?"
"Yeah. Yeah I will. Thank you."




Chris says to Pamela, "I know this isn't the place, but you're still on to meet tomorrow about our deal?"
"You really want to go through with it?"
"Yes I do."
"I haven't even run it by my father yet."
"Well my mother's on board and so's Aunt Katherine."
"You spoke to Aunt Katherine?"
"To get the ball rolling, yes."
"It's just my father isn't going to be very happy about selling to the Ewing's."
"You're staying on to run any of the assets you wish. Barnes Global Media, Wentworth Tool and Die. What ever you want. We're partners."
"I know. And I trust you. And, it's not like JR is involved in Ewing Oil at all, so why would my father object, but . . ."
"My father and Aunt Sue Ellen each keep forty-two percent and Uncle Cliff gets sixteen percent and Aunt Katherine and my mother get big checks. This is a win win for us all. And Ewing Industries is born, a diverse conglomerate."
"I know. And I'd like nothing better than to work with you. You're the only family I have."
"OK then. We meet tomorrow."
"I'll be there."



Lucy says to Amy, "How's Chris holding up?"
"He's fine."
"You know I don't think you've ever meet my cousin Lucas. Lucas this is Chris's wife Amy."
"Hi. How are you?" Lucas says.
"I'm good. Nice to meet you Lucas. You're Ray's son?"
"Yes."
Lucy says, "He's staying in Dallas for a bit. Interning at the Trident Corporation."
Amy raises an eye brow, "With JR?"
Lucy chuckles, "No not with JR. JR's semi retired, I think. He's just Chairman of the board or something like that. No he'll be interning with the West Star gas stations, a marketing job."
"Oh, you're in marketing. I majored in marketing at Texas in Austin."
Lucas says, "I went to Heidelberg and then got my masters in marketing at Michigan."
"And now you're in Texas."
"It's a great opportunity."
"Oh yes. Trident would be a great opportunity," Amy agrees.
Lucy says, "Amy works for Sue Ellen at the Farlow Foundation."
"Oh really. That must be rewarding."
"We do a lot of good. And working with Sue Ellen is great. Best job I've ever had.
"Big oil's not exactly rewarding in that way, but things are changing and I think it should be an exciting place, where the change is occurring. My father's not all that thrilled but they offered me the best opportunity and I'm not passing it up."
"Because of JR," Lucy says, "But he spends most of his time on his yacht. He's not involved in running Trident, from what I hard and it's a big corporation with a lot of people between you and the board. Now if you were interning for Branch Water, that would be a different story."
"What's Branch Water?"
Amy answers, "JR's private investment company which holds his shares in Trident."
"Oh. Yes, I see. I don't really even know JR."
"The benefit of living so far away," Lucy says.

 

[stevew]

as Jay Ewing

 

[stevew]

6 months later . . .

Bobby walks up from the barns, across the driveway to the pool, where Sue Ellen eats breakfast with Steven. “Well, it’s nice to see you hear so early, Sue Ellen.”

“John Ross asked me to move in, to help with the boys.”

“Really? That’s a great idea. I’m glad he’s keeping them with him. It’s what I was hoping with the house. You liking it at South Fork, Steven?”

“I love it.”

Jay walks up out of the pool in a Speedo.

Chris walks from the back of the house, out of the study with Pam and a few others. The others walk to their cars. Pam joins him for breakfast.

Bobby asks, “So are you done stirring up trouble?”

“What trouble? The Barnes Wentworth deal was a win win for everybody. And Pamela and I know get to work together.”

“Except I didn’t know Monday mornings begin at five.”

“That’s not what I mean.”

Sue Ellen says, “What are you going for Ewing Industries?”

“I’m actually starting up a new company Texas Alternative, we’re working on several alternative energy projects.”

Bobby says to Christopher, “I mean the pipeline deal you put together. Squeezing your partners out,”.

“They begged for me to buy them out. I can’t help it that Margret pushed through the legislation to get us the go ahead after they sold.”

“That’s not what I heard,” John Ross says.

Amy comes walking out of the house.




John Ross and Bobby go horseback riding across South Fork, checking out the cattle, talking about old times, when Bobby notices some activity, a bunch of trucks gathering. They take off the check it out.

Just as they arrive at the construction site for an oil derek, Christopher pulls up in his car. Bobby yells, “What hell’s going on?”

“This ain’t me. But I got a call from Uncle JR asking me to check it out.”

“JR! What hell’s he going?”

“He told me grandma left him the mineral rights to South Fork and he’s got a right to drill.”

“Hell if she did! She left the land to the foundation!”

“Well you’ll have to check with him. But he said her will left him everything she had left, and as she never gave away the mineral rights, well.”

“We’ll see about that.” Bobby gets back up on his horse and runs away.

John Ross says, “You must be getting something out of this if my father called on you to check on things?”

“Well if my father don’t blow it, he’s off to sell a lease to Ewing Oil and then we’d sell the crude to the Trident Corporation.”

“The two of you are thick as thieves.” John Ross jumps up on his horse and rides off.

 

[Karin Schill]

I think Miss Ellie's funeral could have made a good starting point for Dallas TNT. I like that Bobby's found Pam and that they are together again. I also like that Sue Ellen moved into Southfork to help John Ross with the grandkids. It also seems like Christopher is the bad guy and John Ross the good one, according with David Jacob's suggestion. I like that.

However I do feel like whenever I am reading any of your stories the characters are always rather similar with John Ross being a teenage father etc.
Is there a particular reason for always making him the young father?

Personally I think Josh Henderson looks so young that I find it hard to imagine him having a son as old as 17 in 2012.
Maybe 10 could work. Of course you can't do as much plotwise with a 10 year old as a 16 year old so in that sense I do understand why you want someone of that age group in your stories.

Also you obviously have a lot of ideas for what to do with the Ewings and you know I enjoy reading your stories. What I don't enjoy however is that almost none of them ever comes to an end. They are often left half-done and I think that's a bit of a shame.

 

[stevew]

I think Miss Ellie's funeral could have made a good starting point for Dallas TNT. I like that Bobby's found Pam and that they are together again. I also like that Sue Ellen moved into Southfork to help John Ross with the grandkids. It also seems like Christopher is the bad guy and John Ross the good one, according with David Jacob's suggestion. I like that. I

However I do feel like whenever I am reading any of your stories the characters are always rather similar with John Ross being a teenage father etc.
Is there a particular reason for always making him the young father?

Personally I think Josh Henderson looks so young that I find it hard to imagine him having a son as old as 17 in 2012.
Maybe 10 could work. Of course you can't do as much plotwise with a 10 year old as a 16 year old so in that sense I do understand why you want someone of that age group in your stories.

Also you obviously have a lot of ideas for what to do with the Ewings and you know I enjoy reading your stories. What I don't enjoy however is that almost none of them ever comes to an end. They are often left half-done and I think that's a bit of a shame.

Yes, I make him a teenage father so that we get a late teen/early twenty guy to play the role of the young guy that we saw on Dallas TNT. I liked the idea of the young guys trying to figure out their lives, but it was pathetic to me when they used Chris and John Ross - they were just too old. But making John Ross a teen age father, then I can believe this kid is trying to figure out his life. And I like the idea of JR and Sue Ellen being grandparents and forth to the name John Ross.

I agree Josh Henderson looked young, but that's because that's what they were going for, I believe. They could have make him look more his age, or better yet, more the age that John Ross would have been.

I'm sorry for not ending my stories. It's just my mind goes on to another topic and I'm off and running. I also don't think of the stories, or the story of Dallas, as having an end. Fifty years from now someone else could be writing about how John Ross Ewing IV is raising his children at South Fork.

 

[stevew]

Up by the pool Sue Ellen hangs up the phone as Bobby comes marching up from the house. "Bobby, did you know JR is drilling on South Fork?"

"Yes, I just found out! Christopher's got some deal with Ewing Industries, I'm going to shut down."

"What do you mean shut down?"

"Ewing Industries belongs to me."

"And me," Sue Ellen reminds him.

"Yes, and we I want to remove Chris."

John Ross says, "What good is that going to do. JR isn't going to stop if you remove Chris."

"He's gonna stop Chris because the land belongs to the Farlow Foundation."

Sue Ellen says, "Yes it does. And his lawyers have already been in touch. He's offering the foundation a cut of the money. Which I've got to admit, I find difficult to turn down. But I just spoke to our lawyers. They don't believe we can stop him. The mineral rights were removed from the land a long time ago, and Miss Ellie left them to him."

"She didn't leave anything to him. Everything she had was divided up between her grandchildren or given away to Gary and I and Clayton's foundation before she died."

"And that's the point. The case can be made that this is exactly what she intended. She left him something, and this would be it."

"No it's not! She didn't think about it."

"We'll you'll have to convince a court of that. And, my lawyers don't think you'll be able to. They're recommending the foundation makes a deal with JR."

"No!"

Christopher, who's joined them says, "This fight has to stop. This is ridiculous. We can drill for oil and protect the land and leave room for you and your cattle. What kind of monster leaves billions of dollars in oil in the ground? Do you have any idea how much the foundation can help people with just a fraction of this money?"

"Listen to me boy! There is never gonna be drilling on South Fork!"

"Here's the problem. JR has to pay estate taxes on the mineral rights. It's that simple. They have to be paid and the only way to do it is to drill."

"You listen to me, I'll break you and JR before I let this go on. You hear me?" Bobby goes walks toward his truck.

Chris looks at John Ross. "I suppose you agree with him."

"Not really. I get your point. And I agree, we can drill without causing any harm. But I also understand that he feels this is a fight for Grandma. He's not gonna back down. So, just give me time. Let me figure it out."

"Figure what out? It's happening."

"I got that. Just give him a week. I'll talk to him."

Lucas, who's walked out of the house says, "It sounds like disrespect to me. You knew full well how Uncle Bobby would feel about what you're doing and still you did it anyway."

"Stay out of this, Lucas!" Christopher yells.

"It's none of my business. I'm not a Southworth. But then again, neither are you, are you?"

Christopher grabs Lucas up to fight him and John Ross has to separate them, shoving Lucas into a lounge chair and holding Christopher back. "Watch you temper!" John Ross says pushing Christopher back. He then turns to Lucas, "And you, watch you mouth."

Chris says, "To hell with him!"

"One week. Give me one week to fix this."

"One week," Christopher says.

John Ross then turns to Lucas. "We're blood. But you ever question Christopher being family and I'll kick your ass right across the county line. You understand me?"

"Yeah I got it."

Christopher walks into the house.

 

[Karin Schill]

I can definitely see Christopher's ruthlessness come out here. I also like how John Ross defended him to Lucas despite everything. I guess technically Christopher and John Ross are blood too, due to Kristin and Sue Ellen being sisters.

 

[stevew]

I can definitely see Christopher's ruthlessness come out here. I also like how John Ross defended him to Lucas despite everything. I guess technically Christopher and John Ross are blood too, due to Kristin and Sue Ellen being sisters.

And John Ross and Christopher are more like brothers, raised together. Lucas is the outsider raised in Europe, more Wade than even Krebs I’d guess.

The scene was based on:

 

[stevew]

John Ross walks into the study where Bobby is busy looking over maps. “I told Christopher to hold off a week. Give us time to figure this out.”

“Your momma’s been buying up plans around South Fork with Clayton’s foundation. She’s got Ray’s property and the old Wade place. Look at this.”

John Ross looks at the maps. “What are you saying, slant drill?”

“Exactly. Run the pipeline here and connect here. Christopher picked up this line from Jordan Lee and Marilee Stone. Won’t interpret us one bit. Won’t even interrupt our expansion.”

“Expansion?”

“With the extra land I’ve been expanding the , try and make it portable again.”

“Gottcha.”

Bobby slams down his hands on the papers. “I don’t know why I didn’t think of this before. He can have at all the oil he wants, from the Wade side of the property line.”

“I don’t get why my daddy would cut Ewing Oil in on a piece of the deal.”

“With his financial backers he controls the Trident Corporation. But, with Ewing Oil being private, all that money goes right into family hands. Your hands through your momma. In fact I’ve been waiting for the other shoe to drop with Cliff getting his hands on sixteen percent. It was a good deal on Chris’s part but I’m sure JR and Christopher are eyein’ those shares looking to pry them outta Cliff’s hands as we speak.”

“With Pamela caught in the middle.”

“Yes, but I have a feeling she can handle them both. She’s not like Cliff. Don’t underestimate that one John Ross. She’s not as demure as she comes off. Trust me on that one.”



Lucas talks to Sue Ellen at the table by the pool. Sue Ellen says, “Yes, I don’t see why not. The house is in bad shape but we can sell it to you and the land around it.”

“T hank you Sue Ellen. It’ll be nice to have the house back in the Wade family.”

“Certainly. Are you looking to move to Dallas?”

“Well my family’s in Switzerland, and Margret’s in Washington, and I’ve got an apartment in New York, I always thought I’d end up there, but yes I think so. I’ll keep the apartment though.”

“Good for you. Keep my apartment in London too. You never know when you need a break.”

“You were married to Don Lockwood, weren’t you?”

“Yes. Technically I still am.”

“Oh I see.”

“You know Don?”

“Well oh him. Lord Maitland. His business is very diverse. He’s a very wealthy man. But then again, you’ve done very well by yourself. Self made.”

“Thank you. I was born well off, but my father, well, let’s just say he didn’t make life easy for my family growing up. He didn’t leave much either. But once I got sober, I started to pay attention. It’s important to know what’s going on.”

“I agree. Very important.”

“Basal Investment Partners.”

“My father’s company.”

“Your father’s an investor. You’re not some wet behind the ears player yourself. Your first masters is in finance in London. In fact after LeRosey you got through Heidelberg rather quickly.”

“I’m flattered you’ve paid so much attention to me.”

John Ross pats Lucas on the back. “I hope we’re good. See Chris is like a brother to me.”

“I understand.”

“And when we were younger, well I said some things I should have. My daddy could be an influence on me about certain things.”

“Oh I get it. But I get Uncle Bobby too. It’s important to take care of the land.”

Sue Ellen says, “Lucas is buying the old Wade place and is gonna fix it up. We’ll be neighbors.”

“That’s terrific. Place needs a lot of work. Say, why don’t you stay here while you’re working on it? You’ll be awfully busy in the city with your internship and keeping’ an eye on the house. Be nice and peaceful for ya here.”

“Thank you. That’s very nice of you. Are you sure.”

“Sure I’m sure. You’re family.”

Sue Ellen watches as she’s studying the conversation.



Later that afternoon Jay walks in from the back in his polo uniform, filthy tight britches and shirt. Sue Ellen calls out from the Living Room and he goes into see her reading. “I take it practice was rough.”

“Got that way. Got in a fight with Mark Leland or some girl.”

“What’d you do?”

“I didn’t do anything. She’s just not into him.”

“Let’s not try and make enemies. Listen Lucas is moving in for a bit while he fixes up his house. He’s buying the Wade place. I want you to get to know him.”

“Why?”

“He’s up to something.”

“OK. I will I guess. A bunch of us going clubbing this weekend. I’ll invite him.”

“Good idea. Now go get cleaned up. Dinner’s in a bit.”




Lucas sits at a board table listening to a discussion about JR Ewing and Trident cutting the Farlow Foundation in on South Fork’s oil. Amy says, “So let’s cut to the chase. JR wants positive press out this. I get it. I’ve known JR my whole life, or of him any. Not a very positive reputation up until now.”

“And Mr. Ewing believes he can change that. He has a stipulation.”

“We got that. The Ewing Foundation.”

“The board has the power to make the name change. And, considering the size of Mr. Ewing’s contribution.”

“We’re aware of the size of the offer.”

“And the relationship he’s offering with Trident.”

Amy says, “But it’s not that easy. Clayton Farlow set up this foundation. Sue Ellen isn’t on board with the change. She’s proposed the Ewing Farlow Foundation.”

“I could take it back to Mr. Ewing. See what he says.” The name stands and they shake hands. As he leaves the room Lucas asks for a minute.

Once alone Lucas says, “Trident’s reputation isn’t stellar either. They’ve got stockholders breathing down there back’s to put the Ecuador spill n the books for one thing.”

“Why don’t they just clean it up and make restitution?”

That could bankrupt them.”

“That bad?”

“Could be. I’ll be honest, I question why don’t they set up their own foundation, making use of the Trident name. Of course I don’t understand why they keep the West Star name for half its gas stations.”

“Tridents grant-making supports the communities in which it operates. It prioritizes funding for large programs and partners with organizations for the long term, so it’s a great funder for those looking for more than just monetary funds. But it’s concern is paying off the communities in which it negatively impacting the environment. It also does not accept unsolicited proposals, making it less accessible and cutting off potential sources of good ideas. So unless you can change that culture too, I agree they’ll do more good working through us.”

“Well you certainly have your opinion on the matter.”

“I do.”

“I’d like to hear more about it. Maybe over dinner, at South Fork. This evening.”

“That would be business and there’s no talk of business at dinner.”

“What’s that a household rule?”

“Certainly is.”

“I see. Well maybe after dinner
You know JR better than I do. And it seems to me that Trident and JR are one in the same.”

“That’s the impression he gives.”

“I’d also like to know more about Christopher and Ewing Oil. For some reason they’re involved in this South Fork deal. If I’m going to make any impression, I’ve got to be able to read the room.”

“I suppose I could help you.”

“John Ross offered to let me stay on South Fork while I’m working on restoring my mother’s family’s house next door. He’s put me up in a cottage on the property. Maybe we could meet there after dinner.”

“I don’t know. We’ll see.”

 

[stevew]

In the living room the family gathers, first Sue Ellen and Bobby, abruptly ending a hushed conversation. Next John Ross walks in all cleaned up for dinner followed by Christopher and Amy and then Lucas.

Sue Ellen steps into the entry to see Steven bounding down the stairs, followed by Jay. Steven chatters on about school to his grandma.

In the living room Jay says to Lucas, “You up to go out tonight? I can show you Dallas’s scene.”

“Go out line where?”

“The clubs.”

“Oh I don’t know about that. I’ve actually got some work tonight. Trying to wrap my head around what Trident is.”

“Alright, Saturday?”

“Well, I guess so.”

“Great. You can be my wing man,” Jay pats Lucas on the shoulder.

“Just make sure you behave,” John Ross says.

Jay says, “Considering you was already a daddy at my age, that leaves a lot of wiggle room.”

“That don’t leave you any wiggle room. You don’t need to do what I did.”

Sue Ellen says, “That wasn’t your fault. That was mine, letting your father influence your behavior.”

“I take responsibility for myself. I’m the one who had a kid at sixteen and dropped out of college at nineteen and fell down drunk through most of my early twenties.”

Amy says, “Schools not for everyone. You’re dyslexic. It’s not being lazy you dropped out. You struggled with reading.”

“Thank you Amy, I appreciate it, but a lot of dyslexic’s graduate college. It just wasn’t for me. Like I don’t think working oil rigs is for you,” John Ross says pointing at Jay. “I’m just sayin’ watch yourself. I’m not sold on this gap year yet either.”

Sue Ellen says, “I wasn’t either, but I can make sure it’s productive.”

Bobby says, “We could always use some help on the ranch. That goes for you too, Christopher, Lucas.”

Amy says, “I can find time. Other than dealing with this head ache JR’s causing, I’ve got time. Well after the DAR meeting tomorrow.”

“You sure?” Bobby asks.

“Oh I’m sure.”

“OK. We’d love to have ya.”

“Me too,” Steven says.

“No you got school,” Sue Ellen says. “But after school.”

“Yeah!”

Christoper pats Steven’s shoulder. “Believe me, that’ll wear off soon enough.”

Sue Ellen’s says, well let’s head into dinner.


In the dinning room Bobby holds out Jock’s chair and says to John Ross, “Bought time you sat here.” Looking stunned John Ross sits down. Bobby goes and sits left of Sue Ellen in Miss Ellie’s chair, with Steven on her right. Christopher sits on John Ross’s right with Amy between him and his father. Jay sits on John Ross’s left with Lucas between him and Steven.

 

[stevew]

Jay opens the cabin door in just pajama pants, his hard, sculpted chest heaving, a towel in hand, he wipes the sweet from his face. “Oh I gave up on you.

“Sorry it took so long.”

“No. No. Come in. I was just working out.” I’m a hurry he grabs his phone and sends a quick text. “Glad you came. I kept thinking maybe I was just being too nosy asking you to fill me in.”

“It’s alright. I get it. I interned at Trident myself.”

“You did?”

“Why do I think you already knew that?”

“Lucy told me.”

“Figures. My grandmother introduced me to Sue Ellen. She offered me a job with the Farlow Foundation.”

“I know your grandparents. They visited us several times in Europe. What about your parents?”

“My father, Marvin Anderson, is a financial consultant. My mother is Soumaya Haddad. She was a model and fashion designer.”

“Was.”

“She died when I was young.”

“Oh I’m sorry.”

“Thank you. I use to spend summers in Mexico with her family.”

“The Haddad’s of Mexico?”

“Yes. That’s them.”

“Wow, you’re pretty well off even by Ewing standards.”

Amy laughs, “I guess you could say that. But Chris is ambitious. Ewing Industries will be one day make him as wealthy as my grandfather.”

“He and JR are pretty good friends.”

“Yes they are. And my Uncle is on the board of Trident for my grandfather with him.”

“Well the Ewing’s are wealthy and maybe one day they’ll be that wealthy, but they’ve got a long ways to go.”

“I don’t know. JR is pretty impressive.”

“This is true. And I heard something about shares in CyberByte.”

“Yes JR is a large shareholder in CyberByte. Actually John Ross. JR had to be eighty or dead before John Ross got those shares. It was weird. Like no one knew anything about them. Lucy had the same set up from Jock. They were his only two grandchildren at the time of his death I guess. Then there was Christopher who was adopted by Bobby and my parents had twins late in life.”

“I hear JR has his fare share of bastards as well.”

Amy laughs. “Well.”

“James Beaumont. Bo Harper. And others.”

“Others?”

“Just what be heard.”

“Your family, there’s there’s of you, and Ray was Jock’s son.”

“Yes. Charlie my dad adopted after jock died. And then there’s Margret from my dad’s first wife.”

“Your parents still married?”

“Oh yes.”

Amy says, “Yeah Gary’s still married to Val and Bobby’s married to Pam. I heard he almost married your mom.”

“I heard the same thing. Pam and Val won’t come to Dallas.”

“That’s what I heard. Cause of JR. Your mom too.”

“Not because of JR. She seems to like him. Not my father. He can’t stand him.”

“A lot of people can’t stand JR Ewing. Chris likes him. Chris and John Ross have had their moments, but they get along fine I guess. Well Chris and him are more like brothers. They tell hunting and fishing stories.”

“Really. My dad and I never went hunting or finishing. Tell me about Jay and Steve’s mother.”

“Well, age was in college and John Ross was in high school and I guess he was in love. I wasn’t around then but later when they tried to get back together and Steven was born. He wrote her the most beautiful poetry. He really loved her.”

“But she didn’t love him.”

“Oh I think she did. But . . .”

“But what?”

“She left. Jay was devastated. Steven was too little to remember much. She just left.”

“You don’t know why?”

“Oh I’d guess it had something to do with JR. Before all that, JR tried to set me and John Ross up.”

“Really?”

“JR didn’t like her at all.”

“They were never married?”

“No. I don’t think so. John Ross has spent his whole life fighting to be his own man. And I’ll tell you he is. Christopher on the other hand has spent his whole life trying to out JR, JR.”

“What do you mean?”

“Chris took Ewing Oil and built Ewing industries and he didn’t care what he had to do to make that happen. This whole deal with his cousin Pamela, since he voted Bobby’s shares with Pamela he now controls the company.”

“Really?”

“He oversees Bobby’s Trust and his Uncle Cliff’s.”

“So he just quietly took control of the company.”

“Plus all that money in trust with his mom and Aunt Katherine; he’s their trustee too.”

“You’re kidding.”

“He found some blue prints at South Fork, had been JR’s. Sue Ellen let him buy a small piece of South Fork from the foundation to built an even bigger house.”

“Wow. Now he wants a son he plans on naming after his dad. Says one day he’ll have a grandson named after him.”

“Does sound like JR. Especially the ruthless bit.”

“You OK with it?”

“I don’t know. I mean he’s good to me, if you ignore all the bad stuff.”

 

[stevew]

Christopher gets out of bed and pulls up his underwear. He walks into the bathroom of a hotel room. A young woman rolls over in bed to watch him a sheet to her naked body. “You want done company?” She calls out.

He yells back, over the running water, “You know I don’t like no one the shower with me.”

A knock comes from the door. She says, “Come in.” A man comes in pushing a try. She gets out of bed, wrapping the sheet around her and looks over the food.

Behind her the man holds a cloth over her face, holding her still as she struggles, until she passes out. He then picks her up and carries her out. Two other men come in and begin to quickly clean the room.



Christopher walks out of the bathroom wrapped in just a towel to a clean room, made bed and fresh breakfast. He picks up a note and reads it, puzzled.





John Ross has lunch in a bright and airy restaurant with Pamela. She says, “I’m so glad we did this. It’s been too long. I can’t believe you were working on oil rigs like that. You are unique.”

“Oh I don’t know about that. Plenty of guys working in constructing oil rigs.”

“Yea but non of them went to boarding schools out East, I bet.”

“That’s true. You got me there.”

“Modeled in New York City. Singing in honky-tonks in Tennessee. Dated a princess in Germany.”

“We didn’t date. She just joined me backpacking.”

“So how many of those riggers back packed across Europe. And Australia?”

“I had to get away. Think. I was a dad. I wasn’t old enough to drink and I’ve got a kid. A kid I didn’t have anyway to take care off.”

“And she just left him with Sue Ellen.”

“My father ruined her family. Some investment scheme. Tore them apart. Set her father up with prostitutes. I mean he didn’t know they were prostitutes and sure he’s to blame for some really bad decisions and her mom too but my father was behind it all.”

“Are you sure?”

“Ask your father if you don’t think my father would do such a thing. She couldn’t get a job to take care of him. What else was she supposed to do. And I was no help. The best thing she could do was to give him to my momma.”

“Then what?”

“My daddy set her up with a job and money and promised to leave her alone.”

“That poor girl.” Pamela covers her mouth. “I’m so sorry John Ross.” Tears swell in her eyes.

“I bet he was happy though when Bobby gave me the house. He sent me Grandpa’s painting. Told me to put it up in my office someday.”

“What office?”

“I don’t know. I gave it to Christopher.”

“Oh yes. I saw it in the board room, Jock, Digger, JR, Bobby and my father.”

“Oh I’d love to see my daddy’s face seeing Digger and Cliff Barnes up on the wall at Ewing Oil.”

“Industries.”

“Oh yeah. Ewing Industries. Why isn’t my mother up on the wall?”

“I don’t know. He called them the show runners. Was Sue Ellen not involved in the running of the company?”

“No probably not. Well maybe an interim role at some point. Digger Barnes. Bet your daddy loved that.”

“Oh he did. He certainly did. Said it was Digger’s nose that built Ewing Oil.”

“Well all’s well that ends well. And you like your new job?”

“I do. I feel far more productive overseeing one business than trying to keep up with all the pieces. My grandmother took what Herbert Wentworth created and assembled an assortment of investments. I told Chris he should put her up on the wall.”

“Really? And?”

“He said the wall’s for the history of Ewing Oil not all the pieces of Ewing Industries. I told him that was bunk. So he’s commissioned her portrait to go on another wall.”

“Well that’s good. He told me he and Amy are gonna start a family. He’s gonna move out an build a big new house on South Fork.”

“Oh a baby. That would be so nice. I can’t wait.” Her face lights up and John Ross smiles just looking at her.

 

[stevew]

Sue Ellen meets with Cliff in a park in Dallas. She introduces the man with her. “Cliff, this is Richard Channing.”

“The Seer of ‘Cisco,” Cliff says. “Nice to meet you. Sue Ellen says you have a proposition for me.”

“Well it’s her idea, so I’ll let her tell it.”

“So you’re aware of Richard’s reputation for managing money.”

“Of course.”

“We’ve got a situation brewing. Christopher and John Ross sharing Ewing Industries.”

“I wasn’t aware John Ross has any interest in business.”

“Neither did you or Bobby at one time. But, you know Chris’s reputation.”

“That I do.”

“Your shares put Pamela right in the middle.”

“Oh I see what you’re saying.”

“Well and I’m hoping, John Ross really like Pamela and Pamela seems to like him.”

Cliff chuckles. “Oh it’s more than like.”

“So you see the problem.”

“I guess I do.”

“Richard and I meet some years ago. He was looking for a ready-made foundation. He’s leaving the majority of his wealth to the foundation.”

“I’ve heard. The pledge. I’ve signed it as well.”

“Well, my thought was to sell him your shares and let him sit in the middle. No one is more capable of advise either of them.”

Cliff says“Chris manages Pamela’s trust, but I do have control. I can’t imagine this will set well with him, but it would be best for Pamela. It would keep her money safe and removed from any kind of fight. Plus it would be good for the company.”

Richard says, “At least look at my proposal. I’m looking to transfer investment to you instead of cash. You can of course sell them, but I think if you look them over you’ll see your family’s money will be invested very well. Significant income, more than you’re seeing from Ewing Industries right now. Christopher isn’t paying out much as you know, but he’s in he’s in growth mode, which makes sense but maybe not for you right now.”

“What do you think Cliff?”

“Aren’t you married to woman who was married to Bobby’s brother?”

“Abby. Yes.”

“Let me think about it. I like being a part of it. But, you’ve got a point about Pamela. I’ll have to talk to her too.”

“Let me know,” Richard holds out his hand and he and Cliff shake.

 

[stevew]

A mega yacht floats in the warm Caribbean Sea. A helicopter lands on the top platform.


Inside JR sits drinking a cup of coffee at a large table for eight. He looks up and Lucas stands in front of him. "Well how are things going?"

"Interesting. I would agree you with you, Amy has feelings for John Ross. Her marriage to Chris is perfunctory at best. Oh you'll be interested to know, Bobby finally gave up his seat at the table to John Ross."

"My father's seat."

"Yes. And, you were right, a little word in Sue Ellen's ear and she's off. She' talking to Cliff about brining in Richard Channing."

"Really? I'm impressed. I'll look into it. I want to make sure if he buys Cliff out that he'll sell to her. We don't need someone from outside the family."

"John Ross knows him. He was a professor of his for that short time he was in college."

"I know. I got him in the class as a freshman. Probably wasn't a good idea. He was way over his head but it did introduce him to one of the most respected financial minds in world."

"Bobby quickly solved the problem with drilling on South Fork."

"I figured he would. But don't worry, bit by bit, Christopher is going to push my brother until he wants out. And when that happens you just ready to pounce. He owes you your share. Sue Ellen will buy Chris's share and you'll claim yours and that will be that. You and John Ross will be partners. My son will have what I always promised him. Ewing Oil and South Fork."

"I heard you're trying to get the name Ewing added to the foundation."

"That way when John Ross takes it over from his mother he can just drop the Farlow name and I'll finally have got rid of him once and for all."

"I doubt think he'd drop the Farlow name. He speaks highly of Clayton Farlow."

"I've got it in hand. I'm getting rid of Clayton. I don't want to get rid of Bobby like Gary and Ray; I'll settle for twenty-one percent of the company going to Bob's real son and you on the Wade Ranch next door. That was always the plan. And, I never give up on a good plan." A beautiful young woman walks into the room from a corridor to the side, JR stands turns to face her. "Christopher, I'd like you to meet Nour Haddad, a cousin of Amy's. Her father's here on a little business and I invited her to join him, specifically to meet you."

 

[stevew]

Guess Starring Alex Pettyfer as Lucas Wade Ewing

 

[stevew]

Lucas comes marching into the barn. John Ross looks up to great him and he says, "Where the hell is Bobby?"

"What?"

Bobby walks up. "I'm right here. What's wrong?"

Lucas shoves him and says, "You piece of shit! I'll kick your ass!"

John Ross comes between then, shoving Lucas off Bobby. "What the hell's got into you?"

"That son of bitch took advantage of my mom and then just left her. Like that piece of shit dad of yours did to my dad. What the hell's wrong with you?"

"Come on Lucas. I think you got ahold of some band information."

"No I got a letter telling me that Bobby was my father. So I did some checking. I felt like crap sneaking around behind my mom and dad's back, checking up on them and yep. My dad's not my biological father. So it's you isn't it!"

John Ross says, "Of course not. Come on Lucas. Bobby wouldn't do something like that. I think you got him confused with my father. Come on now."

Bobby says, "No he's right."

John Ross says, "What?"

Lucas pushes against John Ross. "I'm gonna beat the living hell of you!"

"No! Now stop it!"

"No John Ross let him go. I guess I got it coming. Just hear me out first."

"Hear you out! How you gonna explain it. Wasn't convenient to have a child with my momma while you're with Aunt Pam! Aunt Pam know what you did?"

"That wasn't it. I loved you mother, but not like that. I wanted to. Believe me I did. And when Ray fell for her, I was so happy. He's a good man and was a good father to you. I thought that's what you deserved, two parents to take care of you. What could I offer you? Then I didn't know what happened to Pam. I didn't abandon you. I was always there for you."

"As my Uncle."

"I just thought, Ray adopted Charlie and they had your sister together. You had the perfect family. That's something I couldn't give you myself. I couldn't love Jenna the way Ray did."

"Or me?"

"That's not true. I've always loved you like a son. And, I can't tell you how happy it made me to see your grandparent's old house next door. I'm sorry if I hurt you. I really am. I just thought I was doing the best by you."

Lucas says, "Just stay away from me," and walks away.

John Ross says, "What the hell. Are you OK?"

"I guess. I was hoping to get out of here soon. I've really taken over here, but . . . "

"Yeah I think you gotta stay and take care of this."

"And how do I do that?"

"I don't have a clue. I spent my whole life fighting to keep my boys with me. I couldn't imagine giving 'em away. I mean. I do understand, you'd do anything to give 'em the best life you can, and I guess that means even if you have to let 'em go."

"Yeah."

"Imagine how Chris is gonna take it?"

"Yeah I didn't think about that. Hell I don't even know what I'm gonna do about him. He's out of control and then to deal with this?"

"What do you mean? The business?"

"You know as well as I do. He's made a hell of a lot of enemies."

"Well yeah. I guess sometimes that happens. He's not in business to make friends."

"No but there are rules. He doesn't seem to play by them. Reminds me too much of your father and it sickens me."

"I don't know about that. I mean he was more than willing to help with the plan to slant drill on South Fork. That's not cheap."

"How do I walk away and just leave him the company."

"Come on Uncle Bobby, to be honest, he's built Ewing Industries. Everything that company is you and my momma owe to him."

"Yeah well I don't like that kind a debt."

"So what? You just gonna give it to Lucas? I can't see how that's gonna go over well. I mean I've heard stories about Aunt Pam's sister. Kinda the same thing. One day she's an only child, the next thing she's got a brother and sister and having to share. Except you're not talking about sharing. You're just donna leave Chris nothing. I'm not saying he's a saint, but he's your son."

"So's Lucas." Bobby walks away.

 

[stevew]

Sue Ellen gets up from a group of women gathering in the living room for the Daughters of the Alamo, Amy leading a discussion about the pending Oil Barron's Ball fundraiser. She walks across the entry hall into the dinning. "Already . . . How could he know? . . . You just closed on the deal . . . Well at least I don't have to worry about JR getting his hands on your shares of Ewing Industries . . . No I haven't heard from Chris about it yet. Pamela's here. She didn't mention it, but then she wouldn't, I don't think . . . Thanks for keeping me posted." Sue Ellen hangs up.

Walking back into the entry hall she runs into John Ross coming in from the back of the house. "Hey momma."

"Hi John Ross. You alright?"

"Yeah fine. Why?"

"It's the middle of the day. You're usually out working."

"Oh. I just thought I'd come in for lunch. You're having a meeting?"

"The DOA. Amy's President this year."

"Is Pamela hear?"

"Pamela? Oh yes. She's absent a lot, works during the day too, but yeah. Yeah she's here."

"Well just tell her I said hi."

"OK. Say do you remember Richard Channing?"

"Professor Channing, of course. Probably the only class I got anything out of for the short while I was in college. Why?"

"Well, just to give you a heads up, he bought Cliff's shares in Ewing Industries."

"He did? Wow. What brought that on?"

"I suggested it. I didn't think it was a good idea that Cliff and then Pamela, was in the middle between you and Christopher."

"Why? I don't have any problem with Chris."

"Well no, but still. One day the two of you will share the company and I just thought it was a bad idea. And Richard's about the best advisor you have."

"Well, thank you momma, but I don't really see me having much to do with the company. Taking care of Ewing Oil for Uncle Bobby is one thing, but I'd rather just keep people like Chris, who know what they're doing."

"According to Richard you know more than you let on."

"Maybe I do. But I don't intend to take up a day to day role like Chris."

"Oh I understand that. Believe me a I do."

Pamela standing behind Sue Ellen says, "Hi John Ross. I thought I heard your voice."

"Oh hi Pamela. Yea. I came in for lunch."

Sue Ellen says, "Excuse me, I better get back in there," and walks into the living room.

Pamela says, "Yeah, we're having lunch outside in a bit."

"Oh I'm sure you'll love it. Teresa's the best good I've ever come across."

"I was wondering, the Oil Barron's Ball. Um. I usually go with my dad, but he's on some business trip this year and I don't know. I thought . . ."

"I thought your dad retired."

"He did, but he sold his shares in Ewing Industries, so he's off looking into some investments. Sold to Richard Channing. He said you know him."

"He was a professor of mine. Well more of observing the class than actually taking it, but we talked a lot."

"Wow, it's like you know everybody."

"Well, I don't know about everybody. But, um, the Oil Barron's Ball, I don't usually go, but with Amy over seeing it, I guess I have to go and I was thinking, since you won't be going with your dad, maybe you'd like to go with me. We could stir up a lot of wagging tongues."

"That we could. And, yes, I'd love to go with you."

"Great. There'll be a cocktail party here prior. I'll send our car to pick you up."

"OK. I look forward to it."

"Say, I know these meetings are boring. You want to join me for lunch in the kitchen?"

"Oh yea. Sure. I mean they don't really need me."

"Great. This way."

Pamela follows John Ross into the dinning room.

 

[stevew]

Chris walks into his office to find Lucy sitting behind his desk. "I was wondering how long it would take until you showed up," he says.

"I told you that JR would betray you."

"I'm not worried. He's not getting his hands on Richard Channing's shares."

"And Lucas?"

"What about Lucas?"

"You know what about Lucas."

"My father being his biological father, of course. But what's that got to do with JR?"

"Who do you think he's working with?"

"You think JR's behind it?"

"Of course he is. His plan is to walk away with everything and hand it over to John Ross. Has always been that way."

"I can agree with that, but I can handle him."

"Who can you handle, JR or John Ross?"

"Both."

Lucy stands up. "You're not handling John Ross. We made a deal to get along, you, me, John Ross, my brother and sister. Nothing, not your father, not mine, certainly not JR, pulls us apart. Right?"

"Right."

"Good."

"And Lucas?"

"Lucas is Ray Kreb's son, just like you're Bobby's. I don't care about who screwed who. You were raised a Ewing; you're a Ewing. End of story."

"John Ross going to agree with that?"

"We already have. Don't start questioning him because JR's stirring the pot."

"I'm not going to let Lucas walk away with any piece of the company I built."

"Neither and I. Neither is John Ross."

"And Richard Channing's share?"

Lucy smiles. "Already handled."

 

[stevew]

Bobby sit's with Christopher at the table in South Fork, just the two of them across the table from each other. Bobby says, "So you're OK with Lucas."

"Dad you did what you thought was right. And maybe it was. Up until this big reveal, Lucas had a great life with Ray as his dad. No I don't have a problem with what you did. But you're not telling me you're gonna try and reverse that are you?"

"No. No. There's no going back now. And, you're saying Sue Ellen and I need to include Lucy and her brother and sister? I don't understand."

"You each put fourteen percent of your Ewing Industries shares in trust for them as Gary's children."

"You're willing to do that? What does John Ross say?"

"Lucy's been a big help. A really big help in everything I've done. She knows everybody and anybody. It seems the thing the three of us should do."

"I've gotta say, I'm surprised and proud."

"I do what I have to do. I don't pretend otherwise. But family is family. It's what makes us different. Different than most families."

"Christopher, I can't tell you how much that means to me. You're still planning on moving out of South Fork?"

"I am. Amy and I need our own space. We plan on having a couple kids of our own. And Lucy's wanting her old room back."

Bobby chuckles. "Lucy's giving up New York City for Texas?"

"Well when she's here she wants her old room. And she wants rooms for her brother and sister."

"Your grandparents would be so happy to see all of you getting along. Let me talk to Sue Ellen about your idea. And thank you."

"For what?"

"Understanding about Lucas."

"He's got a lot to come to terms with, and you can be there to help him, but you don't have to be there for him to abuse. Ray's a good father and he should be proud of being a Krebs."

"Your Uncle Ray is a Ewing."

"If Uncle Ray wasn't proud of being a Krebs, he should have changed his name to Ewing when he found out he was grandpa's son. But what you did was a hard call. A lot of people can't make that call, even if they're in no place to raise a child. Lucas should be thanking you. My question for you is who sent him the letter?"

"I never thought about that. I wonder who."

"Oh come on. You don't think this reeks of Uncle JR?"

"I don't want to think it does."

Christopher stands, "You're a good brother. Maybe not a realist, but a good brother."

 

[stevew]

John Ross hops down off his horse and Lucy says, "Chris is talking to Uncle Bobby right now."

"You think he'll go for it?" she asks.

"Sure he will. It's a good plan."

"You going to be OK dealing with Chris?"

"I was going to anyway. My mother's finalizing her trust as we speak."

"It'll be good to get it over with. Have you talked to Chris about Amy yet?"

"No. Not sure how to breach the subject. What do I say, you're a cheating bastard? Cut it out."

"Probably what he needs to hear."

"What about the girl he was seeing?"

"I had her hauled out of the hotel room and had a little talk with her."

"I take it she didn't say anything to Chris."

"I told her it would be best if she didn't."

"I know it's none of our business, and if he wants to divorce her, that's one thing, but . . ."

"I told him," John Ross says, "I told him, I'll support him running Ewing Industries. I'll even turn a blind eye when he does what he feels he has to do. But I won't tolerate for one second him doing a replay of my father. I'll be honest. I never thought he'd go for the plan, sharing the company with you."

"Well you agreed to cut out Lucas. Maybe he looks at it like cutting his looses."

"I think he's looking at the money he's making. You arranging to buy fourteen percent of Ewing Industries from each of us, then locking it up in a trust, gives him security with the company and a hell of a lot of cash to diversify."

"I suppose. What are we going to do about Lucas?"

"Lucas is being stirred up by my father. So, the question might be, what are we going to do about JR Ewing?"

"I worry we're setting up a new feud."