Was Jim Davis's Jock Ewing the original break out key character on Dallas?

[Luke_Krebbs_Ewing]

We can all appreciate that the original intention of Dallas was to be about the Barnes and the Ewing family through the marriage of Bobby and Pam from the very first episode.

We soon discovered that there was a history between Jock Ewing and the character of Digger Barnes during the run of the original five part mini series.

Would you say that before the tragic death of Jim Davis as Jock that he was one of the original key characters of the show?

Jock for me, was one of the key characters of the original mini series and continued to be so up until his tragic death in 1981.

 

[lbf522]

I would have loved to have explored more of Jock like his family and how he created Ewing Oil. I believe that he cheated Digger of his share however. Jim Davis played the character well.

 

[CeeCee72]

Well, I don't think there is any question that JR was the original breakout character. He was intended to be a supporting player, but took over the show.

As for Jock, what I would have liked to have known more about was his early relationship with Ellie (right after they were married). By the time we meet them, they have a strong marriage, but there was always something just below the surface I would have liked to have seen explored.

 

[CeeCee72]

I would have loved to have explored more of Jock like his family and how he created Ewing Oil. I believe that he cheated Digger of his share however. Jim Davis played the character well.

Would have also liked for him to have been alive when it came to light he locked a guy in a sanitarium and caused his suicide - all over some land.

 

[Snowcat]

Jock was a key character even after his death. I would have liked to understand more about Jock and how he was raised. Some of this was addressed in the Early Years. He was not a simple soul

 

[Seaviewer]

Obviously one of the key characters but I don't think he ever broke out beyond what was intended.