Clayton Farlow Introduction

[Jon Ewing Jr.]

I have a question. I am currently watching season 5 and finished season 4 when Dusty comes back and Clayton Farlow is introduced. Around the same time Jock dies. At what time did the casting crew decide Clayton and Mrs. Ellie were going to hookup. And was he brought on the show for this sole purpose? Just curious...

 

[Billy Wall]

Jock and Clayton actually appeared in the same episode once. I believe the writers had it in their mind to hookup Miss Ellie and Clayton. Pretty much right after Jocks final episode we start seeing the Southern Cross Ranch and soon after Miss Ellie returns, we see Miss her and Clayton have scenes together to test the chemistry.

 

[the-lost-son]

It was a fine casting and a very good introduction of the character. The audience got to know this new guy who stood up to JR, showed moral integrity and a good heart.

I think it was this slow getting to know the character which made it easy for the audience to accept him at Miss Ellie's side.

The producers probably tested how the character was welcomed by the viewers. I assume the planned a mourning period for Miss Ellie for the whole season and didn't really "plan" pairing the two. It just played out well over the next two seasons.