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Message: <blockquote data-quote="Rove" data-source="post: 197056" data-attributes="member: 100">With a series like Dallas and its enormous popularity around the world it's now clear their were some inflated ego's behind the scenes. As it's been said in other threads. Those creative types allowed their one-upmanship to spill over to what we witnessed on-screen.This is the real shame with a series like Dallas. Initially the critiques were dismissive of Dallas as being too lowbrow for their tastes but after a number of seasons it had transformed into something else. It not only became compulsive viewing but Dallas showcased to the world hushed whispers of topics we dare not speak; Breast Cancer, Mental Health after the tragic loss of a miscarriage, alcoholism, homosexuality, the right to die with dignity (Mickey), the discovery you're pregnant with a Down Syndrome baby.But the rot began to creep in. The idea of recasting such a prominent role like Miss Ellie proved to be disastrous, both onscreen and off, when the simple answer was to listen to Barbara Bel Geddes requests and find a working solution, not the knee-jerk reaction we were all witness to.Then there was the big one. Bobby. His death could - and should - have been the catalyst for something new and exciting. His death was the seismic shift Dallas needed to project it forward, to tell new stories and display those remaining in a new light. But someone was missing him (Larry) and no matter the consequences to the integrity to Dallas and it's proven track record of thoughtful and intelligent stories everything was tossed out the window, first the baby, then the bath water.His return (in hindsight) proves no vision was in action and when he did spin in the shower and announce, "Good morning," well, all bets were off. Meaningful character stories were gone. A rush of attractive younglings who wouldn't even pass a daytime soap audition were thrust into the Ewing world.Those who dare challenge the hierarchy were shipped off to Washington. For others it was a case of "We can no longer afford you." Ray, a cowboy, in Europe? What genius thought that was a good idea?Sadly the series which had amassed a global following was languishing. Today Dallas is remembered for 2 things: "Who Shot JR?," an event which thrust the series into the stratosphere and the Dream Season resolution which sent the series spiraling into the graveyard that is television.Late edit.One could argue "Who shot JR?," and the Dream Season resolution bookended what was good and bad with Dallas.</blockquote>

Verification: Who played JR Ewing?